In a significant advancement for public safety communications, AT&T, in collaboration with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), has announced the launch of 1,000 new cell sites across 46 states and the District of Columbia. This expansion, completed nine months ahead of schedule, underscores a commitment to enhancing the FirstNet network, the nation’s only broadband network built specifically for first responders.
Understanding FirstNet
FirstNet, short for the First Responder Network, is a nationwide wireless broadband communications platform dedicated exclusively to America’s first responders and public safety community. Its inception stems from the communication breakdowns experienced during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. During that crisis, first responders from different agencies and jurisdictions struggled to coordinate effectively due to incompatible systems and overwhelmed commercial networks. Recognizing this life-threatening issue, Congress established the First Responder Network Authority in 2012 as part of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act.
This independent authority, housed within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), was tasked with creating a resilient, interoperable, and nationwide public safety broadband network. In 2017, the FirstNet Authority entered into a 25-year public-private partnership with AT&T to deploy, operate, and continually evolve the FirstNet network using a dedicated slice of wireless spectrum known as Band 14 (700 MHz). This band offers superior signal penetration and range, making it ideal for rural coverage, in-building connectivity, and rapid deployable use cases.
What truly differentiates FirstNet from commercial wireless networks is its priority and preemption capabilities. First responders are given first-in-line access to bandwidth during congested scenarios—like natural disasters, large public gatherings, or mass casualty events. In critical moments where every second counts, FirstNet users don’t compete with the public for bandwidth—they’re guaranteed access. Additionally, if a first responder’s device is on FirstNet, it can preempt other lower-priority traffic to ensure mission-critical communication always goes through.
Another standout feature of FirstNet is its dedicated, physically separate network core. This core is built from the ground up specifically for public safety, offering end-to-end encryption, always-on monitoring, and enhanced cybersecurity protections tailored to the sensitive nature of public safety communications. The FirstNet core also supports mission-critical services like push-to-talk (MCPTT), real-time location tracking, and network slicing for specialized applications and equipment.
Since its launch, FirstNet has rapidly expanded to include tens of thousands of public safety agencies across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The network supports not just police, fire, and EMS personnel, but also emergency management agencies, hospital emergency departments, school security teams, and utility companies involved in disaster response and recovery. By fostering interoperability across different sectors and organizations, FirstNet ensures smoother coordination and situational awareness during high-stakes operations.
Moreover, FirstNet includes an innovative deployable network program—featuring assets such as Satellite Cells on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs) and Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs)—that can be dispatched to support connectivity in remote areas, during network outages, or at large-scale events. These mobile assets bring temporary network coverage wherever it’s needed, often within hours.
In summary, FirstNet isn’t just a network—it’s a comprehensive communications ecosystem designed to evolve with the needs of public safety. With unmatched coverage, reliability, and security, it is redefining how first responders communicate, collaborate, and save lives—especially in moments where traditional networks may falter
The Expansion: 1,000 New Cell Sites
The recent addition of 1,000 cell sites significantly bolsters the FirstNet network’s reach and reliability. Notably, over two-thirds of these new sites are located in rural and tribal areas, addressing longstanding coverage gaps in underserved regions. This expansion enhances connectivity for critical public safety locations, including fire stations, police departments, courthouses, and hospitals.
With this growth, nearly 30,000 agencies and organizations now utilize FirstNet, benefiting from always-on priority and preemption across both 5G and 4G technologies. The network’s MegaRange™ solutions further amplify signal strength, providing up to six times the coverage compared to standard commercial networks.
Commitment to Rural and Remote Areas
The focus on rural and tribal regions reflects FirstNet’s mission to serve all facets of the public safety community. By collaborating with local network providers and engaging directly with first responders, the FirstNet Authority ensures that the network evolves based on real-world needs. In 2024 alone, over 1,400 engagements with public safety officials helped identify areas requiring enhanced coverage, guiding the deployment of purpose-built sites tailored to specific community requirements.
Real-World Impact
FirstNet’s expansion has tangible benefits for first responders on the ground. For instance, the Memphis Police Department has integrated FirstNet into its operations, utilizing the network for interoperable communications across various devices and vehicles. This integration ensures that officers maintain connectivity during large events, emergencies, and daily operations, enhancing both officer safety and community protection.
Similarly, during major events like the Big Game at the Superdome, FirstNet provided reliable connectivity for first responders, ensuring seamless communication amidst high data traffic. Deployable assets such as Satellite Cells on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs) and Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs) were utilized to maintain network integrity, highlighting FirstNet’s adaptability in dynamic environments.
Looking Ahead
The expansion of FirstNet is part of a broader 10-year, $8 billion investment initiative aimed at evolving America’s public safety network. Future plans include the development of a standalone 5G core tailored to public safety needs, further enhancements to mission-critical services, and the integration of advanced technologies to support first responders.
As the network continues to grow, the focus remains on ensuring that first responders, regardless of their location, have access to reliable, secure, and dedicated communication tools essential for their life-saving work.
