FirstNet: What it is, how it works, and why it matters for public safety

When disaster strikes, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and others must act swiftly and collaboratively — and communication technology is one of their most critical tools. During the 9/11 attacks, first responders were unable to coordinate efficiently, exposing a critical vulnerability. The U.S. response? FirstNet®, a dedicated broadband network designed specifically for public safety agencies and their mission-critical communications. 

What is FirstNet — and how does it work? 

The communication failures that occurred on 9/11 revealed a crucial need for better interoperability — seamless communication across agencies, locations, and equipment. In 2012, the U.S. Congress established the First Responder Network Authority, tasked with building a nationwide network solely for public safety. This was to be a breakthrough in how first responders communicate, offering them a reliable and resilient channel during emergencies. By 2017, AT&T secured the contract to build and maintain the FirstNet network. This public-private collaboration has since transformed into a vital tool for over 10,000 agencies, covering millions of connections. 

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FirstNet plans 

How much does FirstNet cost per month? It depends on whether you need it for your organization or for family use. Family lines provide 25% savings from AT&T, according to firstnet.com. First responder agencies can choose from several FirstNet plan options that vary in price, based on the data transmission speeds that your technology applications require. Agencies with FirstNet plans have the flexibility to put their FirstNet SIM cards directly into communication devices such as phones and into modems with high-performance cellular routers, which commonly are used in public safety vehicles to provide connectivity for on-board applications and in stations to enable failover between wired and wireless links. A FirstNet router is more than a “FirstNet hotspot,” as this type of endpoint provides Wi-Fi but also advanced optimization and security features, and can be monitored and managed through a cloud-based portal. 

FirstNet plans come with First Priority®, which means the users receive priority on the network at critical times — never having to compete with commercial traffic. 

Why FirstNet matters 

One of the standout features of FirstNet is its dedicated core network, specifically designed to meet the needs of first responders. Unlike commercial networks, FirstNet doesn’t have to compete with everyday traffic. This means that during times of crisis —when commercial networks might become clogged — FirstNet users maintain access to crucial communication tools. Whether in urban settings, rural landscapes, or in the heart of a burning building, FirstNet’s Band 14 spectrum, a 20 MHz slice of the 700 MHz band, offers robust penetration and propagation, ensuring reliable communication when it’s needed most. 

The network's strength goes beyond bandwidth. FirstNet offers priority and pre-emption capabilities, giving first responders a "VIP lane" on the network. Furthermore, the network is fortified with interoperability, allowing different agencies to communicate seamlessly even when they operate on separate frequencies. For instance, law enforcement, fire departments, hospitals, and transportation agencies can coordinate their efforts without being hampered by incompatible systems, reducing confusion and speeding up response times. 

Key benefits of FirstNet 

For public safety professionals, reliable communication can mean the difference between life and death. With FirstNet, agencies can better coordinate during human-made or natural disasters. Whether tackling wildfires, floods, or a mass-casualty event, FirstNet allows for instant, clear communication between disparate teams. This high level of coordination improves response times and, ultimately, saves more lives. 

So, is FirstNet worth pursuing? That’s for each agency to decide, but the benefits are impressive: 

• Interoperability: FirstNet ensures that different agencies can communicate on a single, secure platform, crucial for joint operations during large-scale emergencies. 

• Expanded rural access: FirstNet ensures coverage in hard-to-reach areas, extending its reach to rural environments where network access is often limited. 

• Priority and pre-emption: First responders get priority access to the network, especially during high-traffic periods like natural disasters or public events. 

• Highly Reliable and Secure Communication: No matter the location or the crisis, FirstNet delivers reliable, encrypted communications that remain secure against cyber threats. 

• Actionable Data: FirstNet supports cutting-edge tools, including applications that enhance situational awareness, body cameras, and drones, allowing first responders to work with the latest technology. 

The Evolution of FirstNet with 5G 

FirstNet wasn’t a “one and done” solution. It is evolving. By 2021, FirstNet had expanded with 5G capabilities, ensuring public safety professionals had cutting-edge technology at their fingertips. Then in March 2024, FirstNet expanded its 5G reach, providing always-on priority and pre-emption across 5G, expanding to include all AT&T 5G commercial spectrum. The move to 5G brings ultra-low latency, higher speeds, and enhanced security to first responders. This was a crucial development, enabling mission-critical applications like high-definition video streaming and advanced location tracking to work faster and more reliably. 

Moreover, FirstNet’s intelligent network management ensures that it can handle vast amounts of data traffic, especially during high-pressure situations. The system intuitively routes data between LTE and 5G to optimize performance. Whether it’s during a concert, sporting event, or a large-scale emergency, FirstNet gives public safety officials a smooth, uninterrupted communication experience.  

Now AT&T is deploying a new standalone FirstNet 5G network core built on the latest industry standards, with dedicated public safety functionality and features. The ongoing improvements mean that even as natural disasters multiply and grow more severe, FirstNet continues to adapt, helping responders to act more quickly and effectively.  

Public safety technologies gain traction, driving FirstNet forward 

Technology has become integral to modern public safety, and FirstNet is at the forefront of this transformation. FirstNet supports a range of devices — smartphones, laptops, mobile data terminals (MDTs), routers, and even drones — all connected through a secure network. These tools help public safety officials gather real-time data, map out emergencies, and improve the veracity of the data on which they make timely decisions. 

The use of wearable devices, such as body cameras and health sensors, enhances situational awareness and helps track responder health, which is crucial given the physically demanding nature of their jobs. For example, firefighters using FirstNet can transmit near-real-time vital signs, allowing teams to identify stress and prevent overexertion, potentially saving lives on both sides of the crisis. 

From secure, reliable communication to real-time data transmission and cutting-edge 5G integration, FirstNet equips first responders with the tools they need to keep communities safe under the scariest conditions and circumstances.