First Responder Network – Big Government at Its Best

FirstNet had more than 95% nationwide coverage in just 4 years.

Today, February 22, marks the 10th anniversary of milestone legislation that launched  FirstNet for public safety. In the years following the terrorist attacks, public safety from across all disciplines, including 9-1-1, EMS, fire service and law enforcement, joined together to advocate for their own high-speed broadband network.

In 2012, Congress enacted a law to create the First Responder Network Authority within the Department of Commerce to ensure the building, deployment and operation of FirstNet – America’s only nationwide public safety broadband network. Since then FirstNet Authority has developed the network in collaboration with the public safety community.

“Public safety advocated for the network and collaborated with us to make FirstNet a reality. Today, FirstNet serves as public safety’s broadband network in all 50 states, 5 U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. As of December 2021, more than 19,500 public safety agencies and organizations are using more than 3 million connections on FirstNet nationwide. We are proud to support America’s first responders,” said Edward Parkinson, CEO, First Responder Network Authority.

Parkinson went on to explain that the initial build-out of FirstNet has more than 95% nationwide coverage in just 4 years. During 2020 alone, approximately 100,000 square miles were added to the network’s footprint. The FirstNet Authority has engaged with public safety officials to map out the expansion of FirstNet’s coverage where they said they needed it most, including in traditionally under-served and rural areas.

“The benefits of expanding coverage go beyond the public safety community. When the FirstNet spectrum is not needed by first responders, it’s available to the public to use. As a result of FirstNet’s growth, people living and working in rural communities now have access to commercial mobile broadband in some areas that previously had little or no coverage,” said Parkinson.

Moreover, during the past decade, the FirstNet Authority has stimulated a competitive marketplace for public safety communication technologies. This is leading to more choices, lower costs, and specialized solutions built to public safety’s needs. (AutoInformed on: 911 Safety Technology – OnStar Expands with RapidDeploy; Chevrolet Donates Damaged Vehicles to Train First Responders)