About FirstNet

FirstNet will provide emergency responders with the first nationwide, high-speed network dedicated to public safety. FirstNet will be a force multiplier, increasing collaboration to help emergency responders save more lives, solve more crimes and keep our communities safer. 

The broadband data network fulfills a fundamental need of the public safety community and a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. Creating FirstNet will require an unprecedented level of public-private partnership, collaboration and shared commitment to the well-being of all Americans. 

Using a nationwide spectrum license, FirstNet will provide a single platform for daily public safety communications. When natural disasters, threats to our nation’s security, or other emergencies occur anywhere in the country, FirstNet will enable local, state, regional and national emergency responders to communicate at the direction of the incident commander.

FirstNet will be built to public-safety grade standards using Long-Term Evolution (LTE) wireless technology, the most advanced available today. FirstNet will deliver greater coverage, capacity, connectivity, cybersecurity and resiliency than the current multiplicity of diverse public safety wireless systems.

Police, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel will still rely on their land mobile radio (LMR) networks for mission-critical voice with FirstNet providing high-speed data, supplemental commercial grade voice and eventually mission-critical LTE voice. FirstNet also will support the integration of LMR networks, even after LTE voice is provided.

Created by the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act signed Feb. 22, 2012, FirstNet is funded by the law and projected proceeds from 2014 spectrum auctions. The network is overseen by a Board including individuals from public safety; current and former local, state and federal officials; and wireless experts. FirstNet is an independent entity within the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

FirstNet Fact Sheets