This blog is a repost from TribalHub Magazine, originally published on July 30, 2025.
Access to broadband technology has been a challenge across Indian Country, sometimes impacting the ability of tribal first responders to protect and serve their communities. The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) was created to deliver a nationwide broadband network for public safety, including those agencies operating in rural and tribal areas.
Network buildout supports tribal public safety
Since 2018, the FirstNet Authority’s network contractor, AT&T, has made significant progress in building out this nationwide network, known as FirstNet. According to AT&T, more than 575 new cell towers serving tribal nations have launched since the beginning of the FirstNet build, expanding wireless coverage on tribal lands by more than 64%.
These sites provide coverage for public safety operations and when not in use by responders, can provide connectivity to tribal residents — boosting both safety and communications for the broader tribal community.
$2 billion investment to expand coverage
The FirstNet Authority continues to invest in the network, including expanding coverage on tribal lands and in rural communities. Our objective is to extend coverage to areas where public safety agencies operate.
To guide this effort, we are hosting Coverage Enhancement Workshops in each state and territory. These collaborative sessions provide state, local, and tribal officials the opportunity to provide feedback on their public safety coverage needs.
Additionally, our team is working closely with tribal associations represented on our Tribal Advisory Group to deliver Coverage Enhancement Workshops for tribal agencies in specific regions. We will continue to plan regional meetings and specific meetings with individual tribes.
We encourage public safety personnel — whether FirstNet subscribers or not — to attend these workshops and share their unique communications needs. Public safety officials know best where their teams need coverage — your input is critical as we continue to expand the network.
Reach out to make your voice heard
Public safety has always been the guiding voice behind FirstNet. The FirstNet Authority team remains committed to engaging with public safety officials across the nation to capture their needs and reflect those in network upgrades and coverage expansions.
If you have specific coverage needs or concerns, or if you would like to participate in a Coverage Enhancement Workshop, please reach out to me at Jacque.Waring@firstnet.gov. We will bring you into the process and ensure your community is heard as we work with AT&T to build a stronger, more reliable network for first responders across the nation.
