'FirstNet and Family' simplifies connectivity for America’s first responders

Published August 9, 2022; Updated March 12, 2026 

AT&T*  is delivering FirstNet and Family, a simplified experience that gives America’s first responders and their families the best of two networks to keep their worlds connected.

Public safety gets the mission-critical, always-on priority connectivity of FirstNet, and their family members get to save up to 20%¹ on eligible unlimited wireless plans² on the AT&T commercial network—all on a single account.

Why is this important?

For those who dedicate their lives to serving their communities, many only see the badge, the firehose or the stethoscope. But first responders are also moms and dads, husbands and wives, daughters and sons. 

As public safety’s partner, we’re ensuring they have the best customer experience for their entire household. And we want to deliver on the best connectivity required for their professional operations and familial commitments. With FirstNet and Family, getting the right kind of connectivity (whether a first responder on FirstNet or a family member on AT&T) is easier and more inclusive while helping take care of the family with significant savings.

Today, more than 30,000 agencies and organizations – accounting for 8 million connections³– use FirstNet, Built with AT&T, to stay mission-ready. We’ve seen significant growth in FirstNet because the public safety community recognizes commercial networks aren’t designed to handle the specific and niche demands of first responders. They’re not subject to the rigorous level of oversight and accountability by the federal government. They were built to meet the broad needs of the general population (the family). 

That’s why public safety has FirstNet.

“It’s an honor to deliver FirstNet, the only network built with and for public safety,” said Jeff McElfresh, COO at AT&T. “This vital work helping keep the brave people on the front lines connected in any emergency has also transformed our operations from communications provider into a true public safety company. And of course, our nation’s first responders also have family lives. So, we’re proud to offer them the convenience of FirstNet and Family, a single solution that delivers the best wireless experience for both their critical mission at work and loved ones at home,” COO at AT&T. “This vital work helping keep the brave people on the front lines connected in any emergency has also transformed our operations from communications provider into a true public safety company. And of course, our nation’s first responders also have family lives. So, we’re proud to offer them the convenience of FirstNet and Family, a single solution that delivers the best wireless experience for both their critical mission at work and loved ones at home.” 

How is FirstNet better for first responders than commercial networks?

FirstNet is the only network built with and for America’s first responders. Created following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, FirstNet provides first responders with the highly secure, truly dedicated coverage and capacity they need – plus unique benefits they can’t get anywhere else.

It is the only network that gives first responders always-on priority and preemption. Every day. Around the clock. No matter where in the U.S. the emergency is happening. This is revolutionary. And it’s essential because we can’t predict when or where emergencies are going to happen. With FirstNet, the public safety community never has to waste critical time dialing codes or asking for permissions. Because when seconds matter, you don’t have time to wait for network access.

What about service for my family?

Our mission is to be the best connectivity provider in America. Whether you’re at home, work, or on the move. With three plan options under Unlimited Your Way, families can pick the perfect plan for each member on the account and get a 20% discount. All plans include unlimited talk, text and data. They also include AT&T 5G access and AT&T ActiveArmor® mobile security⁴—the ultimate free cybersecurity app to help protect your identity, smartphones and finances.

AT&T 5G is fast, reliable and secure. Currently reaching more than 320 million people in more than 27,700 cities and towns in the U.S., we continue to invest in expanding 5G to give families across the country unique experiences, faster speeds and capacity to do more of the things they like. 

“The National Narcotics Officers Associations’ Coalition represents about 65,000 officers nationwide,” said Ron Brooks, Executive Director, National Narcotics Officers Associations’ Coalition. “And when our members stressed the need for a streamlined experience for managing their family’s wireless needs in conjunction with their service on the FirstNet network, we were able to work directly with the FirstNet team at AT&T to address these concerns. The care and engagement by the team reinforced that FirstNet is the best option for our officers, despite numerous offerings available to public safety, because it is truly built with first responders.”

How else can you save?

We’re committed to delivering public safety the capabilities they need with the affordability they require, and if it’s time for an upgrade, you can check out the latest FirstNet Ready device offers here. 

Want to know more?

Members of the public safety community and their families can move to FirstNet and Family by shopping at an AT&T retail store or online. To learn more about the value FirstNet and Family is bringing to the public safety community, check out FirstNet.com.