The FirstNet Authority and AT&T have unveiled a 10-year, $8 billion investment initiative to advance and widen FirstNet, America's dedicated public safety network. This strategic move aims to ensure that FirstNet remains at the cutting edge of technology, providing first responders with the tools they need to save lives and protect communities.
A substantial portion of this investment, $6.3 billion, will be allocated through the network contract with AT&T, with an additional $2 billion expected to further enhance coverage based on discussions between the parties. These enhancements are pivotal for expanding FirstNet's reach and evolving the network with the latest in lifesaving technologies.
Since its inception, FirstNet, the only network crafted specifically for America's first responders and the broader public safety community, has seen remarkable growth under AT&T's stewardship. It now boasts over 5.5 million connections and serves approximately 27,500 public safety agencies nationwide, offering unparalleled reliability for communication during routine operations, large-scale events, and emergencies.
Highlights
- $8 billion investment in FirstNet over 10 years;
- $6.3 billion will be spent on immediate upgrades, including always-on priority and preemption on AT&T's 5G spectrum, thousands of new cell sites, and a dedicated 5G core.
- An additional $2 billion is in discussion for further coverage enhancements.
AT&T says the transition to a full 5G network will enable FirstNet to keep pace with current evolutions in technology and 3GPP standards-based mission critical advancements. The planned 5G network upgrades will generate faster speeds, increase capacity, enhance the quality of service for FirstNet users, and drive innovations in 5G mission critical services.
“We are dedicated to the future of public safety communications, and that starts with expanding and evolving FirstNet to meet first responders’ needs. With this investment, we are ensuring FirstNet remains at the forefront of technology so that public safety can respond smarter, safer, and more effectively. I look forward to our continued partnership with the public safety community and AT&T to deliver the most reliable, innovative communications network for public safety,” states Joe Wassel, Executive Director and CEO, FirstNet Authority.
"Our partnership with the federal government has given us the distinct privilege of delivering America's public safety network. FirstNet is critical infrastructure that is reliably connecting those who tirelessly protect and serve. With 5G, public safety will unlock new and innovative tools to keep them mission ready — and we aren't stopping there. Together with the FirstNet Authority, we will continue to expand and enhance public safety’s network based on their feedback, giving them the solutions and connectivity they need, both now and in the future. That's the FirstNet promise — continually prioritizing first responders and the communities they serve,” states Jim Bugel,President—FirstNet, AT&T.
