US public safety groups call for FirstNet reauthorisation before 2027 deadline
Iain Hoey
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Reauthorisation of FirstNet network urged by PSBTA
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) has warned that FirstNet, the national public safety communications network in the United States, must be reauthorised before its statutory sunset in February 2027.
FirstNet was established following the communications failures experienced during the 9/11 attacks to provide a dedicated network for emergency responders.
According to PSBTA, the network currently supports more than 7 million connections and 30,000 public safety agencies.
FirstNet provides priority communications access during emergencies, large-scale events, and natural disasters.
PSBTA stated that legislative approval is needed to ensure FirstNet can continue operations and evolve with new technologies.
Petition calls for FCC to retain 4.9 GHz spectrum for public safety
The PSBTA is supporting a national petition urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to preserve the 4.9 GHz spectrum exclusively for public safety use.
The petition follows proposals within the FCC’s Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would allow commercial use of the band.
The petition states that allowing access by critical infrastructure companies and local agencies could lead to fragmented systems.
According to the PSBTA, this could compromise interoperability and reverse the progress made since 9/11 in creating a unified public safety network.
The petition calls for the 4.9 GHz band to be allocated and licensed directly to the FirstNet Authority.
It argues that FirstNet has a proven record of managing public safety broadband systems.
Economic impact of FirstNet highlighted in 2023 data
PSBTA reported that FirstNet contributed an estimated $8 billion in net economic output across all industries in 2023.
It also supported $5.6 billion in wages and salaries for households and workers.
Over the same period, the network was linked to the creation of an average of 13,877 jobs per year.
The association stated that the figures demonstrate FirstNet’s broader impact beyond public safety coordination.
It added that maintaining the network’s stability is necessary for continued economic contribution.
Public safety organisations seek continued federal support
Chief Jeff Johnson, spokesperson for the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance, a programme of PSBTA, said continued Congressional backing is essential.
Johnson said: “Reauthorisation of the FirstNet Authority will support the continued success of FirstNet and will ensure public safety continues to have a voice in guiding the network’s future evolution.”
He added: “Legislative action will be necessary to continue to evolve this network that is essential to public safety and in turn, the safety of our country.”
Johnson continued: “We encourage people to share the petition far and wide to ensure the continuation of this mission critical service. It is our hope that Congress continues to support FirstNet to ensure stability for the evolution of the most reliable communications system.”
Demand for reliable emergency data services continues to grow
PSBTA stated that mobile broadband demand among first responders has increased over the past six years.
It attributed the increase to growing use of mobile applications and connected systems for emergency operations.
The organisation said the original FCC vision to reserve the 4.9 GHz band for public safety remains relevant.
It warned that any reversal could limit FirstNet’s ability to expand or meet future needs.
The association is calling for the FCC to formally allocate the 4.9 GHz band to FirstNet to secure long-term continuity.
US public safety groups call for FirstNet reauthorisation before 2027 deadline: Summary
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association said FirstNet must be reauthorised before February 2027.
The association stated that FirstNet currently serves over 7 million connections and 30,000 agencies.
The PSBTA supported a petition to the FCC to preserve the 4.9 GHz spectrum for public safety use.
It warned that commercial use could lead to fragmented emergency communications systems.
The association called for the spectrum to be allocated to the FirstNet Authority.
In 2023, FirstNet contributed $8 billion in economic output and supported over 13,000 jobs per year.
Chief Jeff Johnson of the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance urged Congress to act.
The petition aims to raise awareness of the network’s role and the consequences of non-renewal.
PSBTA reported increasing data demand within the emergency services sector.
The organisation said FirstNet remains essential to maintaining operational reliability for responders.