FirstNet improves 5G network access and visibility for emergency services in the United States
Iain Hoey
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FirstNet expands coverage area by 20,000 square miles
According to FirstNet, the organisation has expanded its public safety wireless coverage by 20,000 square miles in the past year, increasing the network’s reach to more than 2.99 million square miles across the United States.
The network, built in partnership with AT&T, now supports over 7 million connections and includes coverage for urban, suburban, rural, territorial and tribal areas.
FirstNet stated that its footprint now extends 250,000 square miles beyond the average coverage area of commercial wireless networks.
Connectivity solutions support remote and indoor emergency operations
FirstNet reported that responders using the service continue to receive priority and preemption access on its 5G, LTE and Band 14 networks.
To improve indoor and hard-to-reach location performance, FirstNet has introduced the Nextivity SHIELD MegaFi 2 router as part of its MegaRange portfolio.
This high-power user equipment is available in fixed, portable and in-vehicle formats, enabling better signal penetration and coverage in areas such as basements, garages and stairwells.
Space-based mobile testing and local cell boosters expand capabilities
FirstNet is working with AST SpaceMobile to develop space-based cellular services.
The organisation said it has already tested push-to-talk functions over satellite connectivity to support responders in areas without terrestrial coverage.
In addition, more than 11,000 FirstNet Cell Booster Pros have been deployed to public safety buildings nationwide.
According to FirstNet, these compact devices act as small cell sites, strengthening service for users and equating to coverage similar in scale to 60 Empire State Buildings.
Enhanced visibility offered through FirstNet Central
FirstNet announced updates to its Network Status Map on FirstNet Central, providing detailed live data to users about service availability and infrastructure.
The tool allows public safety agencies to access hyper-local updates on network maintenance, restoration activities and the status of portable FirstNet cell sites.
Users can subscribe to automatic updates and monitor performance at state, county and local levels.
Scott Agnew, president of FirstNet, AT&T, said: “As public safety’s one and only network – not a commercial slice of a network built for the general population – our unwavering commitment to reliable and resilient communications is foundational to everything we do.”
He added: “The breadth of FirstNet coverage, combined with our unparalleled network visibility, gives first responders the capabilities they need to keep our communities safer.
“Whether a first responder is in a remote area after disasters like Hurricane Helene or in the middle of New York City, FirstNet gives them the peace of mind that they will be connected – that’s the FirstNet promise.”
FirstNet improves 5G network access and visibility for emergency services in the United States: Summary
FirstNet, in partnership with AT&T, has increased its public safety coverage by 20,000 square miles over the past year.
The network now spans over 2.99 million square miles across the United States and supports more than 7 million public safety connections.
To enhance service in difficult areas, FirstNet has added the Nextivity SHIELD MegaFi 2 router and deployed over 11,000 Cell Booster Pros.
Collaboration with AST SpaceMobile has enabled satellite testing for push-to-talk services.
The network offers responders priority and preemption access on 5G, LTE and Band 14.
A new feature on FirstNet Central provides real-time updates on network status, maintenance and temporary cell site deployment.
This expanded visibility is available down to local levels. All information in the article is attributed to FirstNet.
