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FirstNet Authority
The First Responder Network Authority, commonly known as the FirstNet Authority (or simply FirstNet), is an independent U.S. government authority established under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (MCTRJCA). Its mandate is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of a nationwide interoperable broadband network for public safety (the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network, or NPSBN). Congress allotted $7 billion and 20 MHz of radio spectrum (Band 14) to the effort.
Current members of the FirstNet Authority Board are:
Prior Board Members have included:
In May 2025, Michael Cannon was named as the new CEO of the FirstNet Authority. https://www.firstnet.gov/about/leadership/michael-cannon
The construction of the nationwide FirstNet network requires each state to have a Radio Access Network (RAN) that will connect to FirstNet's network core. According to the MCTRJCA, FirstNet is responsible for consulting with states, local communities, and tribal governments to develop the requirements for its RAN deployment plan. These efforts began in May 2013. However, each state will have the option to either allow FirstNet to create the RAN or to "opt out" and create its own RAN. Even if a state chooses to opt out and receives approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop its own RAN, the RAN must use the FirstNet network core and must meet FirstNet requirements. For a state to receive FCC approval, it must demonstrate the following abilities:
States that meet these criteria and receive FCC approval may apply for grant funding through the NTIA.
Calls for the nationwide broadband system came after September 11, 2001. The federal government has been working toward a system ever since that time. The 9/11 attacks "highlighted the inability for deployed public safety networks to handle a true crisis situation."
FirstNet is in the early stages of creating the first nationwide high-speed broadband wireless network "providing a single interoperable platform for law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and other public safety officials in every state, county, locality and tribal area.” In an April 2016 article, a spokesman for FirstNet said “FirstNet is going to really revolutionize the communications technology for first responders. Our next-generation technology isn't just going to save lives, but it's going to keep our first responders safer and make our communities safer, because it's going to provide extra situational awareness for people out in the field.”
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FirstNet Authority
The First Responder Network Authority, commonly known as the FirstNet Authority (or simply FirstNet), is an independent U.S. government authority established under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (MCTRJCA). Its mandate is to ensure the building, deployment, and operation of a nationwide interoperable broadband network for public safety (the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network, or NPSBN). Congress allotted $7 billion and 20 MHz of radio spectrum (Band 14) to the effort.
Current members of the FirstNet Authority Board are:
Prior Board Members have included:
In May 2025, Michael Cannon was named as the new CEO of the FirstNet Authority. https://www.firstnet.gov/about/leadership/michael-cannon
The construction of the nationwide FirstNet network requires each state to have a Radio Access Network (RAN) that will connect to FirstNet's network core. According to the MCTRJCA, FirstNet is responsible for consulting with states, local communities, and tribal governments to develop the requirements for its RAN deployment plan. These efforts began in May 2013. However, each state will have the option to either allow FirstNet to create the RAN or to "opt out" and create its own RAN. Even if a state chooses to opt out and receives approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop its own RAN, the RAN must use the FirstNet network core and must meet FirstNet requirements. For a state to receive FCC approval, it must demonstrate the following abilities:
States that meet these criteria and receive FCC approval may apply for grant funding through the NTIA.
Calls for the nationwide broadband system came after September 11, 2001. The federal government has been working toward a system ever since that time. The 9/11 attacks "highlighted the inability for deployed public safety networks to handle a true crisis situation."
FirstNet is in the early stages of creating the first nationwide high-speed broadband wireless network "providing a single interoperable platform for law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics and other public safety officials in every state, county, locality and tribal area.” In an April 2016 article, a spokesman for FirstNet said “FirstNet is going to really revolutionize the communications technology for first responders. Our next-generation technology isn't just going to save lives, but it's going to keep our first responders safer and make our communities safer, because it's going to provide extra situational awareness for people out in the field.”