CONNECTION FOR LIFE-SAVING WORK

What is FirstNet?

FirstNet is the first and only network built with and for public safety; forged from the darkest moments in our nation’s history and continually innovating to support the future. 

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History of FirstNet

Supporting community safety with innovative tools, solutions and connectivity

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Forged in history, dedicated to public safety

FirstNet was created after 9/11 to address critical communication challenges, providing public safety with reliable, secure connectivity. The 9/11 Commission Report called for a dedicated network to support those who protect our communities. In 2012, the FirstNet Authority was established, and in 2017, AT&T was selected to build and maintain the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network, today known as FirstNet.

Police officer using laptop in a vehicle

It’s your network

First responders’ jobs demand more than commercial networks can provide. As public safety's network, FirstNet has the highest level of scrutiny and oversight by the federal government. This ensures public safety has a direct voice in their network with unprecedented transparency.

This partnership drives public safety-centric innovations, such as a mandate to never throttle and 180+ dedicated portable cell sites – only available on FirstNet.

Investment to support public safety

Provides first responders with a reliable, high-performance network

Band 14

Only FirstNet has dedicated spectrum when you need it, and enough capacity to support every first responder in the country.

Nationwide 5G

FirstNet gives first responders First Priority®, speed, low latency, reliability and the 5G connectivity they need to connect.

Network enhancements

FirstNet is expanding based on public safety’s direct feedback with a focus in rural, remote and tribal areas across the country.

The FirstNet Promise

Delivering a second-to-none experience for public safety

First responders assisting patient on scene

Our commitment to you

FirstNet delivers a reliable public safety program, helping to ensure first responders have priority access and uninterrupted connectivity during emergencies and is the only network mandated to never throttle public safety traffic. For disaster response, public safety has 180+ dedicated portable cell sites at their disposal. When the job becomes especially difficult, FirstNet provides a health and wellness program with peer-to-peer support.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions about FirstNet answered

FirstNet, Built with AT&T is the only 5G network built with and for public safety. Created to address the communications challenges on 9/11, FirstNet provides reliable 5G* connectivity for first responders and essential workers that never competes with commercial traffic.

FirstNet is the only provider mandated to never throttle speeds for first responders.​ First responders get always-on priority and preemption for calls, texts and data – not just in declared emergencies.

*FirstNet 5G requires a compatible device and is not available everywhere. See firstnet.com/coverage for details.​

FirstNet supports the entire emergency ecosystem, including first responders, healthcare and other critical personnel on one secure platform for seamless coordination. ​FirstNet is available to every first responder in the country – career or volunteer; federal, state, local or tribal; and urban, suburban or rural – and those who support them.

Learn more about individual job titles and functions that are eligible for FirstNet.

FirstNet is built specifically for public safety, offering unmatched reliability, security and accountability. It assures first responders’ mission-critical communications are protected with a dedicated network core and always-on priority and preemption across 5G, 4G and their own dedicated Band 14 spectrum. FirstNet is the largest network for public safety – reaching 2.99 million+ square miles of coverage nationwide. That’s 250,000+ square miles more on average than commercial networks and is the only network with deployable assets dedicated to public safety to maintain connectivity in the most challenging environments. Overseen by the federal government, FirstNet is designed to meet public safety’s unique needs and continually evolves based on their feedback. Unlike commercial networks, FirstNet delivers purpose-built solutions focused on helping save lives and supporting critical missions.  

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Take advantage of all the benefits FirstNet provides

  • Agencies

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  • Individuals

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