Breadcrumb

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.

Related Content

U.S Department of Commerce Seeks Comment on Proposed Rules for 911 Grant Program

Press releases
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the issuing of a notice of proposed rulemaking that outlines implementing regulations for the 911 Grant Program. This program, which is jointly administered by the Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will...

FirstNet: Putting Lifesaving Technologies into the Hands of Heroes

Blog
In connection with American Heroes Week (July 24 – 28, 2017), the U.S. Department of Commerce is proud to highlight its own American heroes and the important role Commerce agencies play in serving and protecting American communities. Right now, an area the size of New York City is ablaze in western Montana. The Lodgepole Complex fire has grown to encompass more than 250,000 acres. Although it is...

NIST Awards $38.5 Million to Accelerate Public Safety Communications Technologies

Blog
The following is a cross-post from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $38.5 million to 33 research and development (R&D) projects aimed at advancing broadband communications technologies for first responders. “Through programs like FirstNet, President Trump and this...

FirstNet Honors Law Enforcement During Police Week

Blog
The following is a cross-post from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) blog By Mike Bostic, FirstNet Senior Law Enforcement Advisor May 12th is the kickoff of a special week for law enforcement officers and their families. National Police Week is the time we set aside every year to honor those who put their lives on the line each day to keep us safe. We give special recognition during...

Recognizing the Hard Work and Life-Saving Sacrifices of Our Nation's Firefighters and First Responders

Blog
The following is a cross-post from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) blog May is an ideal time to thank our nation’s first responders. There are several events this month dedicated to recognizing the hard work and life-saving sacrifices our fire service personnel, law enforcement and emergency medical technicians do every day. May 4th marks the annual International Firefighters Day...

FirstNet Shares Best Practices on Public Safety with Global Peers

Blog
The following is a cross-post from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) blog By TJ Kennedy, FirstNet President Americans are now learning about the public-private partnership between FirstNet and AT&T that is working to bring a dedicated, wireless broadband network to public safety nationwide (“FirstNet”). What they may not know is that other countries are pursuing similar nationwide...

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross Announces FirstNet Public-Private Partnership

Speeches
Today, the Department of Commerce and First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) announced the selection of AT&T to build the first nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to America’s first responders. This record-breaking public-private partnership to build a $46.5 billion wireless broadband network for America’s first responders will modernize emergency communications infrastructure...

FirstNet Partners with AT&T to Build $46.5 Billion Wireless Broadband Network for America’s First Responders

Press releases
Today the Department of Commerce and First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) announced the selection of AT&T to build the first nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to America’s first responders. This record-breaking public-private partnership is a significant investment in the communications infrastructure that public safety desperately needs for day-to-day operations, disaster...