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First responder network

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was created to implement the 9/11 Commission recommendation to give public safety providers 21st-century communication tools to help save lives, solve crimes, and keep our communities and emergency responders safe.

We will build a public safety broadband network designed to be reliable, functional, and secure. More than 60,000 public safety agencies will be able to take advantage of expanded coverage and capacity. For the first time, public safety communications will be based on commercial standards. This will bring the benefits of lower costs, consumer-driven economies of scale, and rapid evolution of advanced communication capabilities.

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FirstNet Moves Forward with New Board Members, Vision for Maximizing Network Impact for Public Safety

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The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) capped off a year of significant progress for public safety by welcoming new members to the Board and outlining an enhanced strategic direction for the organization. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross swore in the new members at the U.S. Department of Commerce on December 12 and thanked the members for their service to our country and...
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Celebrating the Nation’s Public Safety Telecommunicators

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April 8-14 marks this year’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, when we take time to appreciate and thank the dedicated professionals who staff the thousands of 911 centers throughout the nation. These devoted public servants work quietly on the front lines of emergencies, serving as “the first of our first responders.”
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Strengthen U.S. Economic and National Security

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U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross Appoints Public Safety, Business Leaders to the First Responder Network Authority Board

Press releases
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the appointment of four members to serve on the Board of the FirstNet Responder Network Authority. The appointees are leading experts in the fields of public safety, wireless broadband technology, and network engineering. The Board will oversee the activities of FirstNet to ensure that AT&T develops, builds, and operates a nationwide...
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Building a National Network for First Responder Communication

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The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is working to modernize the communications infrastructure used by first responders across the nation. With all 50 states and Washington, D.C., joining FirstNet, they are moving forward to deploy a modern, mobile-broadband LTE network for public safety with their private-sector partner, AT&T. In this blog, we explore how FirstNet can benefit one...
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All 50 States Choose FirstNet Public-Private Partnership for Public Safety Broadband Network

Press releases
Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) announced that all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have accepted FirstNet and AT&T’s proposals to design and build a broadband network for the public safety community. Guam, the Pacific Territories of American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands have until March 12,...
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U.S Department of Commerce Seeks Comment on Proposed Rules for 911 Grant Program

Press releases
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the issuing of a notice of proposed rulemaking that outlines implementing regulations for the 911 Grant Program. This program, which is jointly administered by the Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will...
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FirstNet: Putting Lifesaving Technologies into the Hands of Heroes

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In connection with American Heroes Week (July 24 – 28, 2017), the U.S. Department of Commerce is proud to highlight its own American heroes and the important role Commerce agencies play in serving and protecting American communities. Right now, an area the size of New York City is ablaze in western Montana. The Lodgepole Complex fire has grown to encompass more than 250,000 acres. Although it is...
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NIST Awards $38.5 Million to Accelerate Public Safety Communications Technologies

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The following is a cross-post from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $38.5 million to 33 research and development (R&D) projects aimed at advancing broadband communications technologies for first responders. “Through programs like FirstNet , President Trump and this...
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FirstNet Honors Law Enforcement During Police Week

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The following is a cross-post from the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) blog By Mike Bostic, FirstNet Senior Law Enforcement Advisor May 12th is the kickoff of a special week for law enforcement officers and their families. National Police Week is the time we set aside every year to honor those who put their lives on the line each day to keep us safe. We give special recognition during...
First responder network
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