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First responder network

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was created to implement the 9/11 Commission recommendation to give public safety providers 21st-century communication tools to help save lives, solve crimes, and keep our communities and emergency responders safe.

We will build a public safety broadband network designed to be reliable, functional, and secure. More than 60,000 public safety agencies will be able to take advantage of expanded coverage and capacity. For the first time, public safety communications will be based on commercial standards. This will bring the benefits of lower costs, consumer-driven economies of scale, and rapid evolution of advanced communication capabilities.

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FirstNet Authority Releases Public Safety-Driven Roadmap for Future of Network

Blog
Graphic of FirstNet Authority Roadmap for Transforming Public Safety Communications
The following is a cross-post from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) marked a significant milestone today with release of a new Roadmap for the future of FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network. Unveiled at the APCO International Conference and...
First responder network
Broadband

Departments of Commerce and Transportation Announce $109 Million in Grants to Modernize 911 Services for States and Tribal Nations

Blog
911 Call Center in Fairfax County, VA
The following is a cross-post from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced more than $109 million in grants to 34 states and two tribal nations as part of the 911 Grant Program, which will help 911 call centers upgrade to Next Generation 911 (NG911) capabilities. The funding will power...
First responder network
Broadband
Department of Transportation [DOT]

Remarks by Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross at the FirstNet/University of Mississippi Medical Center MOU Signing

Speeches
Thank you, Governor Bryant, for your kind words and your leadership on the important issue of reviving rural America through the widespread adoption of broadband technologies. Thank you to everyone at the University of Mississippi Medical Center for being part of this exciting collaboration. Dr. Woodward and Dr. Darsey, we greatly appreciate your cooperation and dedication to this crucial endeavor...
First responder network
Broadband

Priority Makes the Difference – FirstNet in Action

Blog
FirstNet’s advanced speeds enable the Richmond (Va.) Police Department to receive and monitor live camera and weather feeds, pull up suspect information quickly, and tie computer-aided dispatch interfaces to 911 call centers.
The following is a cross-post from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) By Tracey Murdock, FirstNet Senior Public Safety Advisor Imagine a mountain town of 7,000 residents welcoming 500,000 guests. That is the scenario that Sturgis, South Dakota, faces every summer in August. For 78 years, this Black Hills community has hosted the country’s largest motorcycle rally, and every year is a...
First responder network
Broadband

FirstNet Moves Forward with New Board Members, Vision for Maximizing Network Impact for Public Safety

Blog
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The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) capped off a year of significant progress for public safety by welcoming new members to the Board and outlining an enhanced strategic direction for the organization. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross swore in the new members at the U.S. Department of Commerce on December 12 and thanked the members for their service to our country and...
First responder network
Spectrum management

Celebrating the Nation’s Public Safety Telecommunicators

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April 8-14 marks this year’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, when we take time to appreciate and thank the dedicated professionals who staff the thousands of 911 centers throughout the nation. These devoted public servants work quietly on the front lines of emergencies, serving as “the first of our first responders.”
First responder network

Strengthen U.S. Economic and National Security

Economic security is national security. America is safer when important technology and essential products are produced domestically. Today, our nation’s economic prosperity and security are challenged by competitors and adversaries that engage in illegal trade practices, steal intellectual property (IP), and engage in cybercrime. Extreme weather, such as the six Category 4 or higher hurricanes...
First responder network
Cybersecurity
Trade enforcement

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross Appoints Public Safety, Business Leaders to the First Responder Network Authority Board

Press releases
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the appointment of four members to serve on the Board of the FirstNet Responder Network Authority. The appointees are leading experts in the fields of public safety, wireless broadband technology, and network engineering. The Board will oversee the activities of FirstNet to ensure that AT&T develops, builds, and operates a nationwide...
First responder network
Broadband

Building a National Network for First Responder Communication

Blog
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The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is working to modernize the communications infrastructure used by first responders across the nation. With all 50 states and Washington, D.C., joining FirstNet, they are moving forward to deploy a modern, mobile-broadband LTE network for public safety with their private-sector partner, AT&T. In this blog, we explore how FirstNet can benefit one...
First responder network
Broadband

All 50 States Choose FirstNet Public-Private Partnership for Public Safety Broadband Network

Press releases
Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) announced that all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have accepted FirstNet and AT&T’s proposals to design and build a broadband network for the public safety community. Guam, the Pacific Territories of American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands have until March 12...
First responder network
Broadband