Public Safety Broadband

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

Recorded live at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit in 2025, FirstNet Authority Executive Director and CEO Michael A.

Public safety tech leader Bill Schrier was presented with the Chief Harlin McEwen Award for his exceptional leadership and contributions to public safety broadband communications. Throughout his career, he has worked to modernize communication systems, improve interoperability, and advocate for public safety’s needs with every innovation. Join the FirstNet Authority as we honor and celebrate him. Learn more: https://www.firstnet.gov/newsroom/press-releases/former-washington-state-seattle-tech-leader-bill-schrier-receives-national

The FirstNet Authority holds coverage enhancement workshops across the country for public safety agencies to identify potential areas for network coverage. New Hampshire became the first state to host a coverage enhancement workshop and identified areas in the state that need coverage improvements.

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.

When a person calls 9-1-1 to report an emergency, they rely on Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to quickly and efficiently send help to the right place. As emergency communications technology evolves and the needs of responders change with it, the FirstNet Authority is committed to ensuring PSAPs have the tools and connectivity they need to answer the call and save lives.

FirstNet is more than just a network— it’s a lifeline for first responders. But how does the FirstNet Authority ensure it stays in tune with their needs? Hear from public safety leaders Assistant Chief Chris Lombard, Chief (Ret.) Harlin McEwen, and State Coordinator Shawn Talmadge to learn how The Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), a group of diverse public safety experts, ensures the network’s evolution is shaped by the professionals who depend on it when it matters most.  

The FirstNet Authority makes strategic investments to enhance and evolve FirstNet. Learn about this process and how public safety informs investment decisions in this discussion with FirstNet Authority Acting Assistant Executive Director for Innovation and Investment, Brian Hobson.

Access to broadband on tribal lands has long been a challenge for tribal public safety officials. Through ongoing investments in coverage for tribal and rural areas, as well as continued partnerships with tribal leadership, the FirstNet Authority remains committed to improving coverage and ensuring the FirstNet network meets the needs of responders in Indian Country.

Public Affairs Specialist Molly Hahn sits down with FirstNet Authority Board Secretary Jennifer Watts to discuss the FirstNet Authority Board at its core. Learn about the Board’s roles and responsibilities, who makes up the Board, and their efforts in support of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network. 

The evolution of technology has changed the landscape of search and rescue missions — clearing radio airwaves for essential traffic and mission critical information. Travis Hull, Kate Cummings, Ben Lawrence, and Jason Day explore how broadband solutions have increased operation efficiencies, live at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit. 

When an underground fire led to a total power outage in downtown Baltimore, first responders found themselves in the dark and without radio communications. The Baltimore City Sheriff's Office arrived on scene and deployed FirstNet devices for the first time--within minutes, they were communicating and coordinating response. In the months since, the agency has integrated FirstNet into daily operations, helping deputies capture data in the field, maintain communications during long prisoner transports across Maryland, and tackle innovative approaches to law enforcement.

After an underground fire cut power and disabled radio communications in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office relied on FirstNet devices to maintain contact and coordinate emergency response. The experience marked the first deployment of FirstNet and initiated the agency’s transition to using broadband for daily operations. FirstNet has since helped the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office improve field reporting, stay connected during long prisoner transports, and enhance officer safety.

A new space race has launched — this time in the cellular world. The FirstNet Authority’s Jeff Bratcher and Pat Schwinghammer, AT&T’s Mohammad Baig, and Gypsum Fire Chief Justin Kirkland discuss what satellite-to-device services could mean for public safety live at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit.

At the FirstNet Authority, we support all FirstNet users, including federal agencies, helping them better communicate and operate. Our Government Engagement team works closely with federal users to educate them about the capabilities FirstNet offers and to ensure their unique communication needs are met by the network.

The FirstNet Authority Government Engagement team collaborates with federal agencies with a public safety, emergency management, or homeland security mission – such as the Department of Defense (DOD) – to advance and support broadband technology planning and operations. To learn more about how we work with federal agencies, visit FirstNet.gov/Federal

The story of America’s first responders on September 11 is a story of courage and sacrifice. The public safety community stood up for the American people and put the nation’s safety and security first. Today, we remember the tragedies of September 11 through our work at the FirstNet Authority. We are committed to delivering a network that keeps responders connected when it matters most.

In February 2024, the AT&T wireless network experienced an outage that impacted service to AT&T’s commercial customers and affected some FirstNet subscribers. Following the outage, the FirstNet Authority stood up an After-Action Task Force to verify the cause of the outage and better understand the impact to public safety users of the network. The Task Force also developed key recommended outcomes that aim to improve future response to network incidents.

The First Responder Network Authority presented the Patriot Award to five leaders in public safety, recognizing their leadership in using FirstNet to make communities safer.