February 21, 2024
FirstNet Authority and its network partner, AT&T, recently unveiled the latest network investment of $6.3 billion, delivering full 5G capabilities on FirstNet, expanded mission-critical services, and enhanced coverage, all to meet the needs of public safety agencies and protect communities.
Starting in March, FirstNet will be the first and only wireless network to provide America’s first responders with always-on priority and preemption across 5G, expanding to include all AT&T 5G commercial spectrum. By delivering a standalone 5G core, FirstNet will be able to evolve with public safety-specific technological advancements in the coming years that aren’t possible with 4G, while maintaining its always-on priority and preemption that is critical for mission-critical communications.
Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid joined Fire and Rescue Chief John Butler to speak about the communication network that has evolved to meet public safety needs.
Addressing the broad range of stakeholders, Kincaid said, “The Sheriff’s Office is unique in the public safety arena as a majority of our deputies work in facilities with steel and reinforced concrete that can hinder signal propagation, leading to dead zones and unreliable connections. I am confident that our personnel, inmates and the community we serve are safer as we have incorporated FirstNet’s always-on priority and preemption, access to critical applications such as inmate information, electronic medical records and emergency response protocols with minimal delay. These features have enhanced our overall operational effectiveness. FirstNet’s dedicated spectrum and robust infrastructure have also provided unparalleled coverage and reliability to our civil enforcement deputies as they serve the residents of Fairfax County. FirstNet’s high level of availability ensures superior interoperable connectivity with our latest up-to-date portable radios and ensures that all County public safety agencies – police, sheriff and fire – stay mission ready.”
FirstNet was shaped by the vision of Congress and the first responder community following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Built in an unprecedented public-private partnership, the FirstNet network provides first responders with dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it, unique benefits like mission-critical services, and high-quality Band 14 spectrum to help save lives and protect communities. The FirstNet Authority has a legislative mandate and self-sustaining business model that requires it to invest program-generated funds back into the network.