Press Releases
The First Responder Network Authority and AT&T joined local first responders in Cass County, North Dakota to celebrate two new 5G cell sites in Kindred and Davenport. These new sites are a direct result of state and local public safety feedback and a part of the FirstNet Authority’s ongoing work to expand the FirstNet network where first responders need it most.
The First Responder Network Authority and AT&T joined local first responders, and community leaders in Brantley County, Georgia to celebrate a new 5G cell site along Highway 52. This new cell site is a direct result of state and local public safety feedback and a part of the FirstNet Authority’s ongoing work to expand the FirstNet network where first responders need it most.
The First Responder Network Authority announced at the September 2026 board meeting that it is investing in 220 new cell sites for FirstNet. The investments would fund public safety’s top priority for the network — coverage — and enable the deployment of new sites in rural and remote areas. The FirstNet Authority also said that it has authorized new investments in mission-critical services on FirstNet.
Local public safety officials and U.S. Representative Kat Cammack joined AT&T and the FirstNet Authority in Horseshoe Beach, Florida to highlight a new 5G cell site. This new cell site is the first to launch of over 135 new sites to be deployed across the country so far, as part of a series of strategic investments made by the FirstNet Authority. It will strengthen broadband for responders in an area that has historically experienced connectivity issues.
WASHINGTON - Today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that U.S.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr joined leaders from AT&T, the FirstNet Authority, NTIA and the town of Lake Lure, North Carolina to celebrate a new cell site and new connectivity options. New wireless infrastructure will bring residents and the extended public safety community improved coverage, capacity and resiliency.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that Secretary Howard Lutnick has appointed Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. to serve as Chairman of the Board of the First Responder Network Authority.
The FirstNet Authority, in partnership with AT&T, celebrated two new cell sites at Fort Benning and Camp Merrill in Georgia. This new wireless infrastructure brings military personnel and the extended public safety community improved coverage, capacity, and response capabilities.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that Secretary Howard Lutnick has partnered with AT&T to secure an additional $2 billion in value to benefit public safety under the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) contract.
The FirstNet Authority is expanding FirstNet and strengthening coverage for first responders. through strategic investments in new cell sites, future satellite-to-device capabilities, and stronger indoor coverage. As part of these investments, the FirstNet Authority is directing the network contractor, AT&T, to deploy more than 135 new, purpose-built cell sites across the country.
In Drums, Pennsylvania, U.S. Congressman Rob Bresnahan and the FirstNet Authority joined local first responders, public safety officials, and community leaders to celebrate a new hilltop cell site, which improves coverage and capacity around Luzerne County. The new site will strengthen reliable communications, helping public safety stay connected.
In Swaine County, North Carolina, U.S. Senator Ted Budd and the FirstNet Authority joined local first responders, public safety officials, and company leaders to celebrate a new cell site delivering improved connectivity in Bryson City and rural Swain County and a new FirstNet collaboration with the North Carolina 911 Board.
U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) joined representatives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, FirstNet Authority and AT&T to celebrate 5G wireless infrastructure upgrades on cell sites throughout Marion County. This upgrade strengthens their emergency response capabilities and supports those who serve on the front lines every day.
The FirstNet Authority, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and AT&T joined public safety officials and community leaders in Alamance County, North Carolina to celebrate wireless infrastructure upgrades on cell sites in the county. The upgrades will help local first responders better communicate and serve their community.
The First Responder Network Authority awarded Bill Schrier the Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award (Harlin McEwen Award) for his leadership and contributions to advancing broadband communications for public safety.
The First Responder Network Authority presented the Patriot Award to six distinguished leaders in public safety, recognizing their innovative use of broadband technologies to protect and safeguard their communities.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that Mike Cannon has been named the Executive Director and CEO of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), after most recently serving as the FirstNet Authority Chief Counsel.
AT&T announced a new FirstNet cell site during a special event in Hagerstown, Maryland that featured federal and county officials, local public safety personnel, business leaders, and representatives from AT&T. This new site is part of AT&T and the FirstNet Authority’s 10-year, $8+ billion investment commitment into the FirstNet network – including launching 1,000 new cell sites to further expand the reach of public safety’s dedicated Band 14 spectrum across the country by the end of 2025.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the appointment of 11 members to serve on the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). This includes seven new members and four returning Board members who were reappointed to new three-year terms. Secretary Raimondo also appointed Keisha Lance Bottoms to serve as Chair of the Board.
The First Responder Network Authority is moving forward on its plans to expand FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, and enhance coverage where first responders need it, including in tribal, territorial, and rural areas. The FirstNet Authority Board approved plans to advance a ten-year initiative in which the FirstNet Authority will make ongoing investments of approximately $2 billion to expand FirstNet and improve coverage for public safety users.