Public safety communications have undergone remarkable advancements since the 9/11 Commission Report highlighted deficiencies in response capabilities during the 2001 terrorist attacks. At the heart of these advancements is the creation of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) under the Middle-Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.

This legislation established FirstNet as an independent agency within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), allocating 20 MHz of spectrum and $7 billion in funding. However, the Middle-Class Tax Relief Act included a sunset provision, meaning the network will be discontinued in February 2027 unless the expiration date is lifted by Congress.

 A Brief History of FirstNet

FirstNet was created to address longstanding communication challenges faced by emergency responders. Those challenges became abundantly clear during the 2001 terrorist attacks. The 9/11 Commission Report highlighted that the public safety response was hindered by inadequate communication systems. Initial attempts to address this began with the creation of the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) in 2007, which was tasked with developing a public safety network. Although the PSST’s efforts fell short of establishing the network, its work laid the groundwork for Congressional action.

With momentum built by the PSST and strong advocacy from the public safety community, Congress passed bipartisan legislation in 2012 that established FirstNet, allocating funding and dedicated spectrum to create a nationwide public safety communications network. The legislation called for a public-private partnership model to ensure the network would be built to meet public safety requirements. Following a competitive procurement process led by the U.S. Department of Commerce, AT&T was selected as FirstNet’s commercial partner.

Today, FirstNet supports 7 million connections across 30,000 public safety agencies. It provides first responders with priority access to wireless voice, text, and data services, capabilities that are essential for both daily operations and large-scale emergencies.

Enhanced Communication and Reliability

FirstNet provides a higher Quality of Service (QoS), with features like priority and preemption. These allow first responders to have unrestricted access to the network, even during times of congestion, such as during large-scale disasters or major public events. When networks are overwhelmed, FirstNet prioritizes first responders over commercial users, ensuring that police, firefighters, and EMS have the bandwidth necessary to perform their duties.

Additionally, FirstNet has been building robust infrastructure to better withstand extreme conditions, offering backup power and more resilient coverage, which is crucial during natural disasters and major incidents. For rural areas, FirstNet has expanded coverage, fulfilling Congress’s mandate to provide service in underserved regions. This not only supports emergency response but also contributes to the broader economic development and quality of life in these communities.

Tangible Benefits to First Responders

Law enforcement agencies have found FirstNet indispensable for mission-critical communication. Officers can share live video feeds, real-time location data, and other critical information directly from the field. This improves situational awareness and supports faster, more informed decision-making both on scene and at the command level.

For the fire service, FirstNet enables real-time data sharing during critical incidents. Firefighters can access building plans, hazardous materials information, and other essential data en route to a fire or accident scene. The ability to transmit this information quickly can improve response effectiveness and safety.

EMS providers also benefit from FirstNet’s capabilities. Paramedics can transmit real-time patient data to hospitals, allowing emergency departments to prepare in advance. This supports faster clinical decisions and improves coordination between paramedics in the field and hospital staff during medical emergencies.

Connecting with Extended Primary Users

In addition to traditional first responders, FirstNet provides services to extended primary users such as public works departments, building inspectors, and utilities. Although these employees may not be the first to be dispatched, their contributions in supporting first responders are critical to successful response and recovery operations. Public works departments provide support services like flood control system management, storm debris removal, and critical infrastructure such as water and sewer services. Building inspectors may assist with evacuating structures and assessing structural integrity. And electric utilities are tasked with restoring electricity for residential and commercial customers. Being able to rapidly share data and voice/text communications with these extended primary users is a vital public safety function.

The Uncertain Future of FirstNet

Despite FirstNet’s undeniable benefits and successes, its future remains uncertain. Public safety agencies across the nation are urging lawmakers to recognize FirstNet’s value and secure its future by lifting the 2027 sunset date in the original enabling legislation. FirstNet not only provides critical communication tools for today’s first responders but also sets the standard for future technological advancements in public safety communications. Lifting FirstNet’s sunset clause is essential to ensuring that this transformative technology continues.

As it did when it supported the Public Safety Spectrum Trust in 2007, and the creation of FirstNet in 2012, ICMA is once again a leading participant in advocating for this National Public Safety Broadband Network. To this end, ICMA, the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the National Association of Counties have jointly supported FirstNet’s continuation through the removal of the sunset clause in the Middle-Class Tax Relief Act.

City and county managers would be well served to educate themselves about the benefits of this technology both currently and to the future of the public safety services in their community.

MARK L RYCKMAN, ICMA-CM, is city manager of Corning, New York, USA, and the ICMA representative to FirstNet’s Public Safety Advisory Committee.