House passes First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026

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How the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026 protects emergency communications

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7386 on 20 April 2026 to extend the legal authority of the nationwide public safety broadband network through 30 September 2037.

The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026 amends the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.

This legislation replaces the previous 15-year statutory sunset with a fixed end date to prevent the termination of the federal First Responder Network (FirstNet) Authority in February 2027.

The bill removes the independent status of the Authority and places it under closer oversight by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

NTIA approval is now required for most actions taken by the Authority – including management and investment decisions.

Defined operational activities such as emergency deployment and budgeting may proceed without prior NTIA approval.

The Act establishes an NTIA Associate Administrator role to oversee the Authority and manage day-to-day operations.

This new position acts as a liaison with the NTIA and is subject to annual performance reviews in consultation with the Board.

Annual reports to Congress must now include data on cyberattacks, cyber defence activity and unscheduled service outages.

Adoption rates by profession and geographic area are also included in the expanded reporting requirements.

Enhanced operational oversight and first responder representation

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) noted that the legislation reinforces the ability to deploy emergency response capabilities and resources to disasters.

Board composition requirements are updated to ensure five members represent state, local or Tribal public safety professionals within three years of enactment.

These representatives will include active personnel from fire, emergency medical, emergency management, law enforcement and 9-1-1 services.

The IAFC said: “The FirstNet Authority ensures that first responders stay connected during the most chaotic times.

“First responders need to be able to have confidence in their communications, because at the end of the day, lives are on the line.

“FirstNet provides a nationwide broadband network that allows fire, EMS, and law enforcement to stay connected within and across jurisdictions.”

The FirstNet contractor must submit a business continuity and disaster recovery plan to the NTIA for approval within 180 days.

This recovery plan must be resubmitted every five years thereafter to maintain operational resilience.

New requirements mandate that the contractor inform the Authority of any confirmed service outage within 30 minutes of discovery.

A network status tool with up-to-date information must be maintained for subscriber agencies to track outages.

The bill moved to the U.S. Senate for consideration following the voice vote in the House.

FirstNet and AT&T outline Super Bowl support for first responders

by CommunicationsFeatured NewsSafety

First responders support plan for the Big Game

FirstNet, Built with AT&T has outlined a connectivity plan to support first responders and public safety officials during the Super Bowl in the Bay Area.

In a statement, Scott Agnew, President – FirstNet, AT&T said the planning has involved more than a year of coordination with the City of San Jose, the San Jose Police Department and the San Jose Fire Department, alongside other federal, state and local agencies.

The company said the Bay Area already has Band 14 coverage intended to provide dedicated public safety connectivity when needed.

It said its FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG) will be on scene at the stadium and positioned inside Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in the Santa Clara and San Francisco areas.

Deployable assets and emergency operations support

FirstNet said the FirstNet ROG and the AT&T Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) team have multiple portable cell sites powered on and ready from a dedicated FirstNet fleet, including SatCOLTs, Response Communications Vehicles (RCVs), Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs) and other deployable solutions.

It said it has also drawn on the AT&T commercial fleet, including LEO Cell Trailers (LCTs), described as designed to deliver temporary cell service in harsh environments, positioned to support public safety on FirstNet in the Bay Area if needed.

A LEO Cell Trailer (LCT) was shown deployed to support public safety on FirstNet near the stadium.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said: “San Jose was the first city in the country to fully adopt FirstNet because we believe in equipping our first responders with the best technology to keep our community safe.

“Reliable communication from AT&T is helping thousands of fans have a safe experience at the Big Game in the Capital of Silicon Valley.”

FirstNet said it has a fleet of more than 190 deployable assets dedicated for public safety, in addition to more than 750 AT&T commercial assets nationwide.

AT&T strengthens preparedness with weather-led winter network planning

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AT&T outlines winter storm preparedness

AT&T has detailed how its network, weather and disaster recovery teams prepare for winter storms, highlighting investment in forecasting, response equipment and FirstNet support as hurricane season ends and colder weather brings a different pattern of hazards.

The company said these preparations are aimed at keeping its network operating for customers during winter events while protecting staff and infrastructure.

The approach combines day-to-day monitoring with specific actions before, during and after major winter weather.

Weather operations centre informs daily planning

According to AT&T, the AT&T Weather Operations Center (AWOC) of meteorologists is central to its seasonal planning.

AWOC uses advanced weather modelling tools to provide targeted forecasts and impact assessments for internal teams across the business.

This information is used to plan how and where the network might be affected by snow, ice or other winter conditions.

The company said the forecasts help mitigate risk to network infrastructure, field assets and employees in routine operations and in major storms.

Operational teams use AWOC guidance in a similar way to consumer weather checks, but with a focus on deployment, access and safety decisions.

Network disaster recovery assets adapted for winter

AT&T stated that its Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) programme is designed to support restoration when winter weather disrupts service.

The company has invested more than $1 billion in this programme since 1992, describing it as the industry’s largest disaster recovery capability.

The NDR fleet includes more than 750 pieces of specialised response equipment that can be deployed where needed after storms.

For winter, AT&T adds equipment such as bulldozers and snowcats to help access affected sites in snow and ice.

It also moves dedicated winter utility terrain vehicles with tracks into regions where they may be needed.

Snow chains are placed on disaster recovery vehicles so they can travel in poor road conditions.

Satellite dishes and panels are fitted with heating elements so that snow and ice do not build up on critical surfaces.

The company said it prepares generators for freezing conditions by using anti-gel additives in fuel and allowing engines to warm up before connection.

Preparedness actions ahead of winter storms

When forecasts indicate a winter storm is approaching, AT&T undertakes a series of operational checks and deployments.

The company said it boosts network capacity to handle increased call volumes during periods of disruption.

Backup batteries at cell sites are tested so that mobile coverage can continue if mains power is interrupted.

Portable generators are staged in advance and existing fixed generators are maintained to support extended use.

Emergency response and network recovery equipment is positioned at strategic locations so it can be moved quickly once conditions allow.

FirstNet group supports public safety response

America’s Public Safety Network, FirstNet, built with AT&T, is described by the company as a dedicated programme for first responders and essential services rather than a standard commercial service.

Within this programme, the FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG) is led by former first responders who coordinate backup connectivity support.

AT&T reported that the group has more than 190 deployable assets that can provide additional connectivity when emergency services need it.

These assets can be requested to support incident response where existing infrastructure is damaged or overloaded by demand.

The company said this capability is available alongside wider NDR resources during severe winter weather events.

Continuous monitoring to maintain connectivity in storms

AT&T stated that its teams monitor conditions year-round, carry out preventive maintenance and deploy resources rapidly when hazards develop.

The company aims to keep the network robust and reliable regardless of weather conditions through this combined approach.

It said that the overall goal is to keep customers connected when winter storms and other severe events occur.

Dependence on resilient communications during winter incidents

Fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers using FirstNet can plan winter operations on the basis that AT&T maintains a dedicated disaster recovery and backup connectivity capability for first responders.

Emergency and disaster response managers can factor the availability of more than 190 FirstNet ROG assets and over 750 wider NDR units into incident communications planning for winter storms.

Facility managers across industrial, commercial and public sectors that rely on AT&T services may view the winterisation of generators, satellite links and access vehicles as part of their wider business continuity assumptions.

Risk assessors and resilience planners can align their scenarios with the company’s description of year-round monitoring, pre-staging of generators and increases in network capacity ahead of storms.

Where emergency plans reference mobile networks or specific carriers, understanding these measures can help ensure that assumptions about redundancy, coverage and recovery timeframes match the provider’s stated capabilities.

The focus on keeping customers connected during winter events is directly relevant to organisations that depend on uninterrupted communications for safety-critical operations.

The new platform changing first responders communications

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsCommunications

AT&T launches Fusion platform for unified first responder communications

AT&T has announced Fusion, a new mission-critical communications platform designed to connect first responders across virtually any radio system or US wireless carrier.

According to the company, Fusion is built for all first responders, whether they subscribe to FirstNet individually, through their agency, or use another network provider.

The platform will integrate features such as push-to-talk, Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1) dispatch and connected devices in a single interface.

AT&T said the goal is to reduce the time and complexity of communication during emergency response, improving coordination between agencies and cutting seconds from response times.

Scott Agnew, President of FirstNet at AT&T, said: “FirstNet is in a league of its own – and Fusion further reinforces our unwavering commitment to providing all first responders with the tools they need to protect communities and save lives.”

“It also allows us to set a new standard for how America responds to emergencies and coordinates operations.”

The company added that unlike competitors that declined to partner with public safety when invited, FirstNet remains the only dedicated nationwide broadband network designed for emergency responders.

Fusion Link to connect with any public safety radio system

AT&T said Fusion will include Fusion Link, a universal gateway allowing the system to integrate with nearly any traditional land-mobile radio (LMR) used by public safety.

The company explained that while existing bridge solutions often require proprietary hardware or software, Fusion Link adheres to 3GPP and APCO P25 open standards to support wider interoperability.

This approach, AT&T stated, will allow agencies to extend their communication infrastructure more affordably while improving coordination during multi-agency operations or large-scale incidents.

Fusion will also enable first responders to create custom talkgroups and channels in seconds rather than the hours or days needed on conventional systems.

Integration with other public safety technologies

AT&T said Fusion will serve as an open platform capable of integrating with wider emergency response ecosystems, including situational awareness and call-handling systems.

The company is working with Axon and Carbyne to link Fusion with Axon’s Fusus situational awareness platform and Carbyne’s APEX 9-1-1 call-handling system.

According to AT&T, this integration will allow dispatchers to transmit caller information, such as location and video, directly to incident commanders without needing to relay messages by radio.

The Axon integration will also enable responders to access live body-worn camera feeds and view Fusion-enabled device locations, improving operational visibility and safety.

AT&T said further partnerships with public safety technology providers are in development.

Availability and pricing details

AT&T confirmed that Fusion will be introduced to selected agencies in November as part of a controlled rollout before wider availability early next year.

The company said the platform will be the most affordable mission-critical push-to-talk solution currently available once fully launched.

Agencies and responders can learn more at the FirstNet booth during the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) event in Denver or by contacting FirstNet consultants.

AT&T added that individual first responders can subscribe to FirstNet through AT&T retail outlets, with family members eligible for discounts on commercial plans.

Implications for emergency communication and coordination

Fusion’s introduction has direct implications for emergency communication leaders, command officers and technical coordinators responsible for public safety networks.

By enabling seamless communication across carriers, devices and jurisdictions, Fusion could reduce dependence on single-network radio systems and simplify multi-agency collaboration during large-scale incidents.

Integration with NG 9-1-1 and situational awareness systems may also enhance coordination between dispatchers, incident commanders and field responders, reducing communication gaps during critical moments.

The platform’s adherence to open standards will be relevant for public safety technology planners, procurement officers and network engineers assessing interoperability between existing land-mobile systems and broadband platforms.

If widely adopted, Fusion could become a foundation for future emergency communication networks linking voice, data and real-time visual information.

What FirstNet Fusion tells us about the future of first responder networks

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FirstNet Fusion: Next-generation communications platform unveiled

FirstNet, built with AT&T, has announced FirstNet Fusion, a new mission-critical communications platform designed to improve information sharing and interoperability among first responders across the United States.

According to the company, Fusion combines push-to-talk, Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) dispatch and connected devices into a single secure system.

The platform aims to remove barriers between radio, cellular and data systems, providing a faster and more coordinated response capability for emergency teams.

Scott Agnew, President of FirstNet at AT&T, said: “FirstNet is in a league of its own – and Fusion further reinforces our unwavering commitment to providing all first responders with the tools they need to protect communities and save lives.

“It also allows us to set a new standard for how America responds to emergencies and coordinates operations.”

Features designed for interoperability and access

FirstNet explained that Fusion will be available to all first responders, regardless of whether they subscribe to the FirstNet network individually, through an agency or use another wireless carrier.

The company said that Fusion users will be able to create talkgroups and channels within seconds, a process that previously could take hours or days on traditional systems.

The service will include end-to-end encryption across voice and data, device compatibility with preferred field equipment and high network priority for those operating on FirstNet.

First responders using other carriers will also have full access to Fusion application features, enabling wider coordination during emergency incidents.

Fusion Link enables integration with existing radio systems

A new feature known as Fusion Link will connect the platform with virtually any traditional land-mobile radio (LMR) network.

The company said this gateway will provide affordable interoperability by following 3GPP and APCO P25 open standards, rather than relying on vendor-locked hardware.

This approach is intended to help public safety agencies expand their communication capabilities without replacing existing infrastructure.

Integration with other public safety technologies

FirstNet confirmed that Fusion will integrate with other systems widely used by public safety agencies, including Axon’s Fusus situational awareness platform and Carbyne’s APEX NG9-1-1 call-handling platform.

According to the company, the Carbyne integration will allow 9-1-1 telecommunicators to send caller information such as location data and video directly to incident commanders.

This direct connection is expected to save time by reducing the need for manual radio transmissions between call centres and field units.

The integration with Axon devices will allow commanders to access real-time video and location feeds from body-worn cameras and other connected tools, improving situational awareness.

Rollout schedule and availability

FirstNet stated that Fusion will be introduced to select public safety agencies in November under a controlled release, with a wider launch scheduled for early 2026.

The company said it will be offered as the most affordable mission-critical push-to-talk solution currently available.

Agencies can learn more about Fusion at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in Denver or through their FirstNet solutions consultants.

Individual first responders can subscribe to FirstNet services at AT&T stores, where family members are eligible for discounted rates on the commercial network.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

For incident commanders, fire and rescue officers and emergency communication coordinators, FirstNet Fusion represents a major step towards integrated, cross-carrier communications.

By combining push-to-talk, NG9-1-1 and LMR networks into a single platform, Fusion may simplify coordination between fire departments, medical services and law enforcement during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional incidents.

Its compatibility with existing radio systems through Fusion Link could reduce infrastructure costs and allow agencies to expand coverage without new proprietary hardware.

Integration with platforms such as Axon Fusus and Carbyne APEX may also enhance operational visibility by linking live video, location tracking and caller information to responders in the field.

FirstNet Vision Summit 2025 set for Indianapolis

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PSBTA announces FirstNet Vision Summit 2025

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) has confirmed that the 2025 Vision Summit will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from 8 to 11 September.

According to the PSBTA, the annual event is the primary FirstNet users summit, continuing from last year’s Vision 2024 in Las Vegas.

The association said the summit will bring together first responders, policymakers, and technology experts to address the future of public safety communications.

It added that the programme will include keynote presentations, panel discussions, and opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration.

The PSBTA explained that the event also offers demonstrations of communication technologies designed to support emergency response.

FirstNet developments and policy issues

The PSBTA reported that this year’s agenda will cover FirstNet reinvestment strategies, expansion of 5G coverage, and improvements to interoperability.

The association stated that discussions will also focus on the reauthorisation of FirstNet, due in 2027, and spectrum management policies including the 4.9 GHz band.

It added that these topics are central to ensuring continued access for public safety agencies across the United States.

According to the PSBTA, participants will hear from national officials involved in FirstNet governance and operations.

The organisation explained that these include representatives from FirstNet Authority and AT&T, alongside senior emergency communications personnel.

Technology sessions and future trends

The PSBTA said that the Vision Summit will feature sessions on emerging technologies relevant to public safety.

It reported that these include Internet of Things applications, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, drone deployment, and NG9-1-1.

The association explained that the sessions are intended to provide end users with practical information about integrating new technologies.

It added that the aim is to ensure first responders can adopt these tools in ways that enhance safety and coordination.

According to the PSBTA, presentations will also highlight the role of technology in health and wellness initiatives for responders.

Keynote speakers confirmed

The PSBTA confirmed that keynote speakers include Sheriff Mark Lamb of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona.

It reported that Dr John Delony, host of The Dr John Delony Show and co-host of The Ramsey Show, will also address delegates.

The association stated that Thomas Chenworth, Deputy Chief, and John Donnelly, Chief of the Washington, D.C. Fire & EMS Department, will present on the D.C. plane crash.

It added that public safety leaders from Southern California will give a keynote presentation on wildfires in Los Angeles.

According to the PSBTA, additional speakers from across the public safety community will be announced.

Networking and collaboration opportunities

The PSBTA said that Vision Summit attendees will have opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration throughout the event.

It reported that informal discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions will provide a forum for sharing operational experience.

The association explained that the event is designed to help agencies learn from each other’s use of FirstNet and related technologies.

It added that networking opportunities also include access to policymakers and technology vendors supporting public safety communications.

According to the PSBTA, the summit’s format aims to support both structured learning and informal professional exchange.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The PSBTA explained that FirstNet is the dedicated nationwide broadband network designed for first responders in the United States.

It stated that developments discussed at the Vision Summit could affect how fire services access and share mission critical information.

The association noted that sessions on 5G expansion, spectrum management, and interoperability are directly relevant to fire and rescue operations.

It added that technology demonstrations and case studies will provide practical insights for agencies looking to enhance emergency communication capabilities.

FirstNet Vision Summit 2025 set for Indianapolis: Summary

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) has announced the 2025 Vision Summit.

The event will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana, from 8 to 11 September 2025.

The summit is described as the main FirstNet users event in the United States.

The programme includes panels, keynotes, technology demonstrations, and peer collaboration sessions.

Topics will cover FirstNet reinvestment, 5G expansion, interoperability improvements, and spectrum management.

The reauthorisation of FirstNet by 2027 will also be discussed.

Emerging technologies featured include IoT, AR, AI, drones, and NG9-1-1.

Keynote speakers include Sheriff Mark Lamb, Dr John Delony, and Washington, D.C. Fire & EMS officials.

Public safety leaders from Southern California will present on wildfires in Los Angeles.

The summit will also provide networking and collaboration opportunities for attendees.

Fire and safety professionals may gain insights on communications systems relevant to emergency response.

The PSBTA stated that these developments are directly relevant to fire and rescue services in the United States.

FirstNet Users Summit 2025 in Indianapolis to examine public safety network challenges

by CommunicationsEventsFeatured News

US public safety organisations invited to attend FirstNet Users Summit

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) has announced the 2025 Vision FirstNet Users Summit will take place in Indianapolis from 8 to 11 September.

The event will bring together emergency services, government agencies, and technology partners to discuss developments on the FirstNet network in the United States.

According to PSBTA, the event is open to FirstNet primary and extended primary users including police, fire services, hospitals, and emergency management teams.

The summit will be held at The Westin Indianapolis Downtown Hotel & Conference Center.

Workshops, product demonstrations, and keynote sessions will explore how the FirstNet broadband platform is being used in operational environments across the country.

Sessions to cover wellness, connectivity and AI response

The conference programme includes sessions dedicated to responder wellness, real-time AI integration, and interoperable communications.

Dr John Delony from Ramsey Solutions will present on mental and emotional health in emergency services on 8 September.

Sheriff Mark Lamb of Pinal County, Arizona, will deliver a keynote speech on 10 September highlighting how FirstNet supports field operations through network reliability.

Attendees will hear case studies from local and federal agencies on how FirstNet-enabled systems are being applied in rural and urban settings.

Topics include AI-assisted emergency response, inter-agency collaboration, and the use of satellite technology to improve connectivity in remote areas.

FirstNet representatives to provide updates on network coverage and reinvestment

Representatives from FirstNet and AT&T will deliver an update on the state of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN).

Scott Agnew, President at FirstNet, Built with AT&T, is scheduled to discuss infrastructure improvements, reinvestment status, and planned enhancements to coverage.

Jeffrey Carl, Director of Application Ecosystem at FirstNet, will present on coverage tiers, deployable assets, and always-on priority access for emergency users.

Organisers said the sessions will provide operational clarity for those managing public safety communications during large-scale incidents or in high-risk locations.

Delegates will be able to explore FirstNet’s hardware and software capabilities through hands-on exhibitions and breakout sessions.

Breakout tracks and grant support to address agency needs

The summit will include four modular session tracks aimed at different stakeholder groups.

Tracks are tailored for administrative leadership, unified emergency support functions, technical support teams, and operational end users.

A dedicated grants session is included to help agencies understand federal, state, and local funding opportunities.

Kamala Kuhn, Director of Grants Assistance with PS Grants, will outline approaches to public safety grant applications and share case studies from the St. Louis region.

One-on-one support will be offered to help attendees address specific funding and procurement questions.

Organisers said the programme was designed to reflect the communication priorities of diverse agencies.

Technology providers to demonstrate FirstNet-compatible solutions

A series of Tech Talks will present FirstNet-compatible innovations from private sector partners.

Samsung will discuss how Galaxy AI supports frontline response with field translation and secure deployment.

NextNav will demonstrate an active DAS system with AI gunshot detection for schools.

Ericsson, Siyata, and Emergent are among the technology providers presenting on the role of 5G and connected infrastructure in emergency communications.

Each technology session will include examples of deployments in public safety environments.

The exhibit hall will feature interactive demonstrations and daily networking sessions.

FirstNet Users Summit 2025 in Indianapolis to examine public safety network challenges: Summary

The 2025 Vision FirstNet Users Summit will be held from 8 to 11 September in Indianapolis.

The announcement was made by the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association.

The event is aimed at FirstNet primary and extended primary users across emergency services and government.

Sessions will cover responder wellness, broadband coverage, grant funding, and AI applications in public safety.

Speakers include Sheriff Mark Lamb, Scott Agnew, Dr John Delony, and Jeffrey Carl.

Key topics include rural coverage, real-time situational awareness, and inter-agency coordination.

Tracks are targeted at leadership, technical teams, and operational users.

The programme includes product demonstrations and networking sessions.

Technology partners presenting include Samsung, Siyata, NextNav, and Ericsson.

The summit will be hosted at The Westin Indianapolis Downtown Hotel & Conference Center.

US public safety groups call for FirstNet reauthorisation before 2027 deadline

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Reauthorisation of FirstNet network urged by PSBTA

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) has warned that FirstNet, the national public safety communications network in the United States, must be reauthorised before its statutory sunset in February 2027.

FirstNet was established following the communications failures experienced during the 9/11 attacks to provide a dedicated network for emergency responders.

According to PSBTA, the network currently supports more than 7 million connections and 30,000 public safety agencies.

FirstNet provides priority communications access during emergencies, large-scale events, and natural disasters.

PSBTA stated that legislative approval is needed to ensure FirstNet can continue operations and evolve with new technologies.

Petition calls for FCC to retain 4.9 GHz spectrum for public safety

The PSBTA is supporting a national petition urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to preserve the 4.9 GHz spectrum exclusively for public safety use.

The petition follows proposals within the FCC’s Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would allow commercial use of the band.

The petition states that allowing access by critical infrastructure companies and local agencies could lead to fragmented systems.

According to the PSBTA, this could compromise interoperability and reverse the progress made since 9/11 in creating a unified public safety network.

The petition calls for the 4.9 GHz band to be allocated and licensed directly to the FirstNet Authority.

It argues that FirstNet has a proven record of managing public safety broadband systems.

Economic impact of FirstNet highlighted in 2023 data

PSBTA reported that FirstNet contributed an estimated $8 billion in net economic output across all industries in 2023.

It also supported $5.6 billion in wages and salaries for households and workers.

Over the same period, the network was linked to the creation of an average of 13,877 jobs per year.

The association stated that the figures demonstrate FirstNet’s broader impact beyond public safety coordination.

It added that maintaining the network’s stability is necessary for continued economic contribution.

Public safety organisations seek continued federal support

Chief Jeff Johnson, spokesperson for the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance, a programme of PSBTA, said continued Congressional backing is essential.

Johnson said: “Reauthorisation of the FirstNet Authority will support the continued success of FirstNet and will ensure public safety continues to have a voice in guiding the network’s future evolution.”

He added: “Legislative action will be necessary to continue to evolve this network that is essential to public safety and in turn, the safety of our country.”

Johnson continued: “We encourage people to share the petition far and wide to ensure the continuation of this mission critical service. It is our hope that Congress continues to support FirstNet to ensure stability for the evolution of the most reliable communications system.”

Demand for reliable emergency data services continues to grow

PSBTA stated that mobile broadband demand among first responders has increased over the past six years.

It attributed the increase to growing use of mobile applications and connected systems for emergency operations.

The organisation said the original FCC vision to reserve the 4.9 GHz band for public safety remains relevant.

It warned that any reversal could limit FirstNet’s ability to expand or meet future needs.

The association is calling for the FCC to formally allocate the 4.9 GHz band to FirstNet to secure long-term continuity.

US public safety groups call for FirstNet reauthorisation before 2027 deadline: Summary

The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association said FirstNet must be reauthorised before February 2027.

The association stated that FirstNet currently serves over 7 million connections and 30,000 agencies.

The PSBTA supported a petition to the FCC to preserve the 4.9 GHz spectrum for public safety use.

It warned that commercial use could lead to fragmented emergency communications systems.

The association called for the spectrum to be allocated to the FirstNet Authority.

In 2023, FirstNet contributed $8 billion in economic output and supported over 13,000 jobs per year.

Chief Jeff Johnson of the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance urged Congress to act.

The petition aims to raise awareness of the network’s role and the consequences of non-renewal.

PSBTA reported increasing data demand within the emergency services sector.

The organisation said FirstNet remains essential to maintaining operational reliability for responders.