Coverage

Public safety professionals asked for a network they can rely on — and the FirstNet Authority is answering that call.

Sandusky, Ohio sees massive population swings — from a tight-knit community of 25,000 to thousands of visitors on peak summer weekends at Cedar Point and Lake Erie — putting pressure on public safety’s ability to communicate. By adopting FirstNet, local fire, police, public works, and other city departments now have reliable connectivity, improved coverage, and a new level of interoperability across agencies.

In Corning, New York, first responders and local government agencies use FirstNet to enhance public safety and connectivity across city departments.

In Corning, New York, local leaders are finding new ways to enhance public safety and improve communications across city departments with FirstNet. From real-time body camera streaming to improved data access in emergency vehicles, FirstNet is transforming how the city delivers public safety services while saving money and expanding coverage.

Swain County, North Carolina’s rugged terrain and remote geography have long presented challenges for first responders who depend on communications to protect residents and visitors. With the addition of a new FirstNet cell tower and integrating the network as a wireless backup solution, the Swain County Emergency Communication Center and surrounding public safety agencies now benefit from expanded coverage and improved backup connectivity.

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.

Ensuring students enjoy their college experience safely is a top priority for campus safety officials at Delaware State University (DSU). At DSU, keeping students safe and first responders connected means making the FirstNet network — the nationwide network dedicated to emergency communication — a key part of its campus safety initiative. FirstNet helps ensure that students can reach university police at all times.

Expanding broadband access on tribal lands is critical to strengthening public safety and supporting the tribal communities they serve. The FirstNet Authority remains committed to improving coverage in tribal and rural areas through ongoing network investments and close collaboration with tribal leadership. Now, Coverage Enhancement Workshops are playing a key role in ensuring the network meets the unique needs of responders in Indian Country.

Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation throughout the southeast United States in late 2024. Public safety leaders in Tennessee and North Carolina worked with partners across their state to ensure 9-1-1 calls could go through and responders had the communications they needed. FirstNet provided critical redundancy and resiliency during response and recovery efforts.

Tennessee integrated FirstNet into its statewide public safety radio system, the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN), to provide redundant, resilient communications for first responders. From tornados that destroyed radio infrastructure to a daring flood rescue during Hurricane Helene, FirstNet provided the coverage to keep responders connected in crucial moments.

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 June 2025, the FirstNet Authority participated in the quarterly 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) plenary meetings. The FirstNet Authority represents public safety’s needs and advocates for continued American leadership for public safety communications.

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.

High-Power User Equipment, or HPUE, gives public safety the power to punch through and maintain connection to the FirstNet network when traditional devices might slow or drop off entirely. At the edge of the network’s reach, HPUE improves connectivity and uplink data speeds. With the increased signal, first responders can keep communicating with better range, coverage, penetration, and capacity for their devices.

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.

Boulder County Sheriff’s Office deployed a FirstNet Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) to Gold Hill, a remote area with poor cellular coverage, to maintain emergency 9 -1-1 connectivity during a planned power outage. The CRD ensured people could still access help, regardless of their carrier, and allowed responders to communicate while responding to incidents.

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.

During the St. Thomas Carnival, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ public safety community enlisted support from the First Responder Network Authority’s Network Engagement Experience Program to prepare for the annual event. This pre-event guidance helped address communication and coordination challenges during the large-scale event and laid the groundwork for future emergency preparedness in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, is designed and built to meet public safety’s needs.

When the Groundhog Day annual ceremony attracted more than 50,000 visitors to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Police alongside local, state, and federal agencies, tapped into operational assistance from the FirstNet Authority. The FirstNet Authority worked closely with public safety officials to evaluate network coverage and ensure reliable communication for the event. Throughout the day, FirstNet provided high-speed coverage that allowed the multiple agencies to coordinate seamlessly and respond swiftly to emerging needs.