The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) has approved plans to expand its nationwide public safety broadband network and enhance network coverage where first responders need it – including in tribal, territorial, and rural areas.
The FirstNet Authority Board approval of plans to invest in coverage enhancement for the network advances a ten-year initiative in which the FirstNet Authority will make ongoing investments of approximately $2 billion to expand the network and improve coverage for public safety users.
“This Board is investing in public safety’s top priority – coverage – as part of the continued growth and evolution of their network,” said Chief Richard Carrizzo, FirstNet Authority’s board chair. “The FirstNet Authority will focus on enhancing coverage where public safety needs it, especially in rural and remote areas, in the U.S. territories, and on tribal lands.”
During its recent quarterly meeting, the board unanimously approved Resolution 119, “Network Coverage Enhancement.” The resolution directs FirstNet Authority management to take all actions necessary to reinvest funds into the network to expand and enhance coverage for FirstNet subscribers.
According to the board, this decision marks the FirstNet Authority’s second major strategic investment this year and builds on the board’s approval of a network evolution investment in January. All together, the investments will total more than $8 billion over the next ten years to accelerate FirstNet’s evolution to a full 5G network, expand the network, and increase coverage.
“Our mission is to deliver a reliable broadband network that is available where public safety operates, and that is exactly what we are doing with this coverage enhancement initiative,” said Joe Wassel, FirstNet Authority executive director and chief executive officer. “As we move to enhance coverage on FirstNet, the FirstNet Authority will continue to work with public safety to ensure that our network investments achieve the maximum benefit for them.”
