Reauthorize Now: FirstNet Has Proven Essential to America’s Emergency Preparedness

A public-private partnership that works: FirstNet stands out as one of the most consequential and mission-critical partnerships in modern U.S. history. When Congress issued a mandate to establish a public-private partnership to deliver a public safety network that’s resilient, secure, nationwide, and self-sustaining, AT&T was the only major wireless carrier that stepped up. The FirstNet Authority was established, FirstNet was born, and the result has been an entire program dedicated to supporting response operations in every state, D.C., and U.S. territory during daily operations and through major emergencies, weather events, and large-scale planned events.

Accountability and transparency as a foundation: After any major response event, public safety agencies perform after-action reviews to identify lessons learned and inform their future preparedness. And as a partnership with the federal government, FirstNet is also subject to accountability and rigorous requirements. No other network is subject to this level of scrutiny. It’s a strength and differentiator for the network and leads to continuous improvement.

Public safety-led innovation: What truly sets FirstNet apart is that it isn’t merely “for” public safety, it’s continuously shaped by public safety. First responders direct where more wireless coverage is needed and what communication problems need solving — resulting in the launch of purpose-built wireless sites, more dedicated mobile network assets to expand coverage, and new technologies aimed at improving situational awareness and interoperability.

This is the free market working for the public good: clear vision, private execution, public accountability, increased market competition, and no federal appropriations.