NEWS & PRESS RELEASES
Ensuring Connectivity in Remote Areas: Bridging the Gap for Public Safety with FirstNet
When members of the Public Safety community gather to discuss the state of Public Safety communications, the ability to provide consistent and reliable communications for their first responders is a top priority. When those agencies cover rural areas or areas with difficult terrain, connectivity challenges become even more significant. This is particularly relevant in regions with challenging terrain, such as mountainous areas or canyons, where expensive infrastructure like fiber is not feasible. So, how can these agencies get and maintain connectivity in areas without traditional infrastructure? As first responders increasingly rely on technology, they must have the necessary tools that simply work, regardless of location. These topics, and more, were part of the dialogue at the 2024 Vision Summit for FirstNet Users held last September in Las Vegas. Thought leaders from fire, law enforcement, EMS, and industry gathered to discuss their current and future connectivity needs.
Public-Safety and Government Groups Express Support for Congress to Reauthorize the FirstNet
Working toward reauthorization, the FirstNet Authority received a strong response from public safety and government groups supporting its reauthorization. Established by Congress in 2021, the FirstNet Authority is up for reauthorization in 2027. In a proactive response, nineteen key public-safety and government-oriented groups expressed support through letters calling for Congress to reauthorize the FirstNet Authority before it sunsets in two years.
FirstNet Reauthorization Petition – Sign Today!
Read the letters of support and use your voice today! Sign the petition to support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority
Technology Sessions – 4.9 GHz and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) and Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, Intl. (APCO) held a joint communications event March 18-19, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The Technology Sessions – 4.9 GHz and Artificial Intelligence (AI) featured several panel discussions highlighting the innovations and evolutions 4.9 GHz and AI have introduced into public safety communications.
Support FirstNet Reauthorization!
Read the letters of support and use your voice today! Sign the petition to support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority
Doing Right by Our Nation’s First Responders
For the past four years, there has been an issue of critical importance for our nation’s First Responders in front of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). At stake is the fate of a critical public safety resource, 4.9 GHz radio spectrum, the airwaves needed to...
Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network
In 2009, the leadership of the major public safety organizations came together for the first time ever to ask Congress for dedicated spectrum and funds to build out and maintain the first-ever dedicated Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). In 2012, the U.S. Congress allocated 20 MHz of spectrum (D Block), $7 billion to public safety, and created FirstNet and the governance framework, the FirstNet Authority.
What does FirstNet Authority Reauthorization mean?
During the recent webinar Optimizing AI & FirstNet for public safety, Michael Barnbeck, Deputy Executive Director of the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA), provided insight and context as to what is FirstNet Authority Reauthorization and why...
FirstNet Reauthorization A Must for Public Safety Communications
By James Careless Since its inception in 2012, the FirstNet Authority has done great things for public safety communications in the United States. The most significant of these is the establishment of the FirstNet broadband wireless network which ensures secure...
EVENTS
Vision 2026: FirstNet Users Summit
PODCASTS
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PSBTA Connect: FirstNet Forums, Podcasts & Webinars
Podcasts & Webinars for First Responders
Technical Solution Podcasts & Webinar Series brings the most current network and technology information to you, our Nation’s first responder as part of our ongoing effort to ensure you are included in the development and evolution of FirstNet – the first and only nationwide public safety communications ecosystem with a dedicated, physically separate network, whose core purpose is to support the first responders. The PSBTA is working in collaboration with FirstNet Built with AT&T to bring the public safety community the latest information on public safety communications and FirstNet in order to provide the opportunity for professionals to collaborate and exchange ideas. Topics discussed at the forums include:
- Cutting edge technology designed to make your job easier and safer;
- Firsthand insights on FirstNet at work in the both emergency and non- emergency settings, and;
- Facilitated Podcasts & Webinar sessions designed to foster a robust discussion on the end-user’s needs and vision for FirstNet.
Please join us and be a part of the growth and evolution of public safety communications through FirstNet, your public safety network.
Sponsored By;
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FirstNet Community Collaboration Forums
The PSBTA FirstNet™ Community Collaboration Forums are a series of regionalized presentations with panelists from the FirstNet Authority, both national and local team members with FirstNet built with AT&T, ecosystem developers, a federal grants specialist, and a townhall with our board members.
The forums are custom-built to connect you with the leaders in the FirstNet ecosystem. Find the community collaboration forum serving your area and register today to reserve your spot!
Sponsored By;
Why Join the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association?
By participating in the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA), you will have the opportunity to learn, contribute, engage and shape the future of public safety technology. FirstNet is changing the world and changing it in ways never imagined. FirstNet will save lives, protect first responders, create efficiencies within public safety, and save local governments precious tax dollars. PSBTA membership is one way to be part of the evolution and revolutionary changes now and as we innovate our way forward into the future.
Learn, Contribute, Engage, & Shape the Future of Public Safety Technology
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Learn, Contribute, Engage, & Shape the Future of Public Safety Technology
BECOME A MEMBER
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Company
PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION
Operated by
Public Safety 360, LLC
Address
3540 W Sahara Ave. #316
Las Vegas, NV 89102