AT&T, FirstNet announce 10-year investment to expand public safety network

The FirstNet Authority and its network partner, AT&T, are announcing an investment in the future of public safety communications. The FirstNet Authority’s 10-year, $8B investment initiative will evolve and expand FirstNet – America’s public safety network. The FirstNet Authority plans to invest $6.3B through its network contract with AT&T and anticipates an additional $2B for ongoing investments in coverage enhancements for public safety, which is currently under discussion by the parties. These strategic investments will expand and evolve FirstNet so public safety stays at the forefront of innovative, lifesaving technologies. This landmark announcement launches the next phase of FirstNet with a 10-year investment initiative that will: Provide first responders on FirstNet with always-on priority and preemption across all AT&T 5G commercial spectrum bands, starting in March. Build thousands of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites across the country – including 1,000 new sites within the next two years. Beyond the initial $6.3B investment, the FirstNet Authority anticipates additional investments over the next decade to deliver Band 14 coverage enhancements. These coverage investments will reflect public safety factors and network considerations, all in support of public safety response operations. Create a standalone 5G core to enhance current 5G functionality with specific public safety features on FirstNet and support the transition of public safety’s Band 14 spectrum from LTE to 5G. Expand mission-critical services – voice, video, data, and location – to complement public safety’s localized, voice-only radio systems with reliable, wireless connectivity. Upgrade public safety’s dedicated fleet of deployable network assets with 5G connectivity to improve operational safety, security, and resiliency. Ready the network to evolve beyond 5G, while remaining focused on public safety’s unique needs and emerging requirements when implementing future technological advancements.