First Responder Network Authority’s Autonomy:

The True Success of FirstNet

Whitepaper

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) was created by Congress in 2012 as an independent authority to build, operate, and sustain the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). An autonomous Board—accountable to Congress and the public safety community—was central to FirstNet’s early success, including the nationwide deployment of Band 14 spectrum and delivery of the network on time and on budget. Reauthorization presents a critical opportunity for Congress to enhance clarity, accountability, and momentum.

FirstNet - Network Built For First Responders When It Matters Most

When the world holds its breath, first responders run in. FirstNet is the public safety broadband network built for firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, healthcare, and emergency management, delivering public safety communications when every second counts. For those who run in, for those who stand watch, it’s on. FirstNet.

Congress Should Reauthorize the FirstNet Authority Now.

Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network

FirstNet Reauthorization

Bill Advancement – March 25, 2026

“It was incredibly rewarding to see the House Energy & Commerce Committee unite in bipartisan support for the amended version of the Bill today. Their dedication to public safety was evident throughout the process, and I am pleased that the measure is moving forward responsibly before the sunset date. PSBTA stands strong, along with its members, to continue working for reauthorization.”

Richard Carrizzo, President,
Public Safety Broadband Technology Association

Catching Wildfire

Podcast Series

Emerging Technologies and Innovations in Wildfire

Join podcast hosts Chief Jeff Johnson (Ret.) and Chief Kim Zagaris as they are joined by experts in the field of preventing and fighting wildfires.

Become a Member

Public Safety Broadband Technology Association provides educational events, committees, research, advocacy and other activities in support of FirstNet users.

NEWS & PRESS RELEASES

Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA): Advancing Public Safety Communications for a Safer Future

Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA): Advancing Public Safety Communications for a Safer Future

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) leads the charge in advancing public safety communication networks, equipping first responders with the tools they need to operate with greater speed, efficiency, and precision. Dedicated to the continued enhancement and evolution of FirstNet—the nationwide wireless network built for first responders—the PSBTA ensures that the nation’s safety professionals have access to the most advanced technologies when every second counts.

Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network

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.

Podcast: FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz Spectrum.

Podcast: FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz Spectrum.

This episode dives into the critical evolution of public safety communications, focusing on the recent FCC decision to establish a nationwide Band Manager framework for the 4.9 GHz spectrum, and discuss the evolution and deployment of the FirstNet System. Host Chris Tubbs interviews Chief Jeff Johnson, a leader in public safety technology and the development of FirstNet. Together, they explore the history, governance, and transformative potential of FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz spectrum in enhancing public safety operations with emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and augmented reality. The discussion emphasizes the importance of protecting and optimizing public safety spectrum, the lessons learned from past advocacy efforts, and a call to action for public safety leaders to remain engaged in ensuring the spectrum’s effective use and governance.

Public Safety Thanks the FCC for Protecting 4.9 GHz

Public Safety Thanks the FCC for Protecting 4.9 GHz

FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel and her fellow commissioners led a bipartisan ruling that protects public safety spectrum. “The PSSA and the thousands of first responders who have supported the process are grateful to the commissioners for listening to our collective voice allowing the band to be used by FirstNet,” said Sue Swenson, a PSSA member and former FirstNet Authority Chairwoman. “Today’s decision ensures that public safety will be able to meet its future spectrum needs,” added John Paul Jones, Executive Director of the PSBTA.public safety’s use of the historically underutilized 4.9 GHz spectrum band. The new rules safeguard
incumbent operations, establish a process to select a band manager, and make the spectrum available to
the FirstNet Authority for 5G deployment on the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet).

Podcast: The Future is Now!

Podcast: The Future is Now!

This episode dives into the critical evolution of public safety communications, focusing on the recent FCC decision to establish a nationwide Band Manager framework for the 4.9 GHz spectrum, and discuss the evolution and deployment of the FirstNet System. Host Chris Tubbs interviews Chief Jeff Johnson, a leader in public safety technology and the development of FirstNet. Together, they explore the history, governance, and transformative potential of FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz spectrum in enhancing public safety operations with emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and augmented reality. The discussion emphasizes the importance of protecting and optimizing public safety spectrum, the lessons learned from past advocacy efforts, and a call to action for public safety leaders to remain engaged in ensuring the spectrum’s effective use and governance.

Public safety is calling the FCC’s 4.9 decision a major win

Public safety is calling the FCC’s 4.9 decision a major win

In a unanimous, bipartisan, 4-0 decision, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is bolstering
public safety’s use of the historically underutilized 4.9 GHz spectrum band. The new rules safeguard
incumbent operations, establish a process to select a band manager, and make the spectrum available to
the FirstNet Authority for 5G deployment on the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet).

EVENTS

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;

*Interested in becoming a sponsor? Click Here

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

BECOME A MEMBER

SUBSCRIBE

Learn, Contribute, Engage, & Shape the Future of Public Safety Technology

BECOME A MEMBER

SUBSCRIBE

Company

PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION

Operated by
Public Safety 360, LLC

Address

3540 W Sahara Ave. #316
Las Vegas, NV 89102

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