PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2025
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) has submitted a formal letter to U.S. Representatives Brett Guthrie and Richard Hudson opposing provisions in H.R. 1519 that would expand the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s authority over the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). PSBTA advises that the proposed changes would add an unnecessary federal management layer, slow critical decision-making, and weaken public safety’s voice in guiding the future of the FirstNet network.
“Oversight of this life-saving network should remain in the hands of public safety experts on the front lines,” said John Paul “J.P.” Jones, Executive Director of PSBTA.
In the letter, PSBTA emphasizes that Congress intentionally established an independent FirstNet Authority Board with strong public safety representation, supported by existing Department of Commerce audit requirements. The association urges the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to remove all references to the FirstNet Authority from H.R. 1519, or at minimum strike language assigning NTIA “management” or “oversight” of the FirstNet Authority, in order to preserve Congress’s original intent and ensure public safety remains in charge of its network.
PSBTA highlights FirstNet as one of Congress’s most successful public-private partnerships, noting that it operates without additional taxpayer funding while providing mission-critical communications for first responders nationwide. “It is paramount that any changes to FirstNet’s governance should only occur through a process that keeps first responders at the center of every decision regarding their very own Public Safety Broadband Network,” added Jones. The association calls for any future changes to FirstNet governance to occur only through a formal reauthorization process that includes extensive consultation with the public safety community.
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About PSBTA
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) is an organization focused exclusively on ensuring the success of the entire FirstNet ecosystem including the legal entity created by Congress (FirstNet Authority), the network infrastructure, hardware and software, and the single most important component: public safety and the care for our communities.
Media Contact
John Paul Jones
Executive Director
jpjones@jpjpublicsafety.com
816-590-3984