For public safety, coverage is king. It allows first responders to communicate in critical moments, access real-time data, and make informed decisions to help save lives.
At the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), we recognize how essential it is for the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network — or FirstNet — to be available wherever public safety serves. That’s why we are committed to working with stakeholders across the country to expand FirstNet and strengthen network coverage.
Coverage Enhancement Program
To help guide these efforts, the FirstNet Authority established the Coverage Enhancement Program to gather input from public safety on where coverage is needed most. This program includes Coverage Enhancement Workshops (CEWs) in every state and territory. These workshops provide opportunities to discuss current coverage gaps, future needs, and how improved connectivity can support public safety operations.
“Coverage workshops are critically important so that we can bring together people to understand each other's challenges and identify ways to move forward,” says Maryland Statewide Interoperability Coordinator Jack Markey, who participated in a FirstNet CEW in his state. “The partnerships that you build with your service providers — FirstNet and others — are incredibly valuable and form the foundation of how we respond.”
During these workshops, FirstNet Authority staff and stakeholders gain a clearer understanding of the challenges first responders face in the state. As Markey noted, “That's the value of bringing people together in this environment — you discover what might seem to be unimportant or small issues to one person resonates across the room or identifies areas where we really need to focus.”
At a CEW in Tennessee, discussion centered on expanding coverage along highways, in state parks, and across rural areas. “It's important that we get that feedback to FirstNet so that they understand from the public safety perspective what our needs truly are and so that those reinvestment dollars are put where it's needed and invested wisely from the beginning,” said Jeff Gray, Director of the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network.
The Coverage Enhancement Program also offers a survey tool that public safety stakeholders can use to document coverage needs and feedback at any time. This survey, available to public safety through our Public Safety Advocacy team, is an easy-to-use questionnaire that collects preliminary site and operational information from public safety.
This data allows the FirstNet Authority team to analyze and assess needs before and after meeting with public safety at the CEWs. As a result, the workshops are more collaborative and iterative, giving us a hands-on opportunity to work with public safety to prioritize coverage areas in each of the 56 states and territories.
Workshops in your state, territory
The FirstNet Authority is continuing Coverage Enhancement Workshops across the country this year. These sessions are an important opportunity for public safety agencies to share their experiences and help us shape future network investments in coverage.
We encourage public safety stakeholders at all levels to participate, engage in the conversation, and ensure their operational needs are reflected. Your input plays a direct role in guiding where and how coverage improvements are made.
