FirstNet Authority

AT&T, in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, added a new 5G cell site in Brantley County (GA) as a direct result of state and local public safety feedback, boosting wireless connectivity for first responders on 

When Hurricane Helene ripped through the southeast United States in late 2024, it caused widespread devastation. Communities faced powerful winds, flooding, and infrastructure damage that stretched across multiple states. Yet amid the destruction, public safety sprang into action to protect lives and restore community services quickly and safely. From the field to 9-1-1 call centers, public safety agencies turned to FirstNet to help maintain critical communications when traditional infrastructure was destroyed by the storm.

In emergencies, communication is more than just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. When disaster strikes in remote regions or terrestrial communication networks fail, gaps in coverage can delay critical emergency response. That’s where FirstNet deployables come in.

The FirstNet Authority and its network partner, AT&T announced a major investment in the future of public safety communications. The FirstNet Authority’s 10-year, $8 billion investment initiative will evolve and expand FirstNet—America’s public safety network. The FirstNet Authority plans to invest $6.3 billion through its network contract with AT&T and anticipates an additional $2 billion for ongoing investments in coverage enhancements for public safety, which is currently under discussion by the parties.

Now that we have moved beyond the initial planning (1.0) and network buildout (2.0) phases of FirstNet, we are laser focused on extending and evolving the network (3.0). Here are three keys to success in FirstNet 3.0:

“The initial build of the FirstNet network was done on time, on budget and on task.” With those words, the First Responder Network Authority Board Chair Chief Richard Carrizzo confirmed and validated the successful completion of the initial 5-year buildout of FirstNet, America’s public safety broadband network. The journey to this moment has been remarkable—it started with the development of custom FirstNet state plans for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 US territories. Through our public-private partnership, and close collaboration with the public safety community across