Expanding deployable assets, upgrading the FirstNet core to be 5G Ready are focus
of first investments aligned with public safety priorities in FirstNet Authority Roadmap
September 18, 2019
(WASHINGTON, DC) The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Board
today approved the organization’s first investment opportunities to expand and enhance
FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network.
Meeting today in Washington, D.C., the Board gave the green light for the FirstNet Authority
to pursue investments in the following areas: 1) Expansion of the FirstNet fleet of deployables
to enhance network coverage and capacity for public safety during emergencies and events
and 2) Initial generational upgrades to the FirstNet core to enable 5G network capabilities.
Both investments align with the FirstNet Authority Roadmap released in August, which reflects
public safety’s critical needs for the network as well as technology trends for mobile broadband
communications.
“The Board’s actions focus on public safety’s near-term and future needs by expanding on-demand
coverage solutions and ensuring the network evolves with broader technological advancements,”
said FirstNet Authority Board Chair Edward Horowitz. “Public safety has been instrumental
in shaping our investment strategies for the network. The FirstNet Authority will continue to work
with public safety as we fulfill these investments and develop future proposals for reinvesting back
into their network.”
The Board passed Resolution 102, which approves the use of funds for coverage and network
enhancements and directs management to take all actions necessary to implement the Board’s
recommendations. The Board previously approved $78 million and $145 million, respectively,
for FirstNet Authority network investments in fiscal years 2019 and 2020.
Today’s actions follow the Board’s approval of Investment Principles to guide the FirstNet Authority’s
investment decisions and the release of the FirstNet Authority Roadmap. The FirstNet Authority
developed the Roadmap to advance and evolve FirstNet beyond current contractual commitments and
to create opportunities for public safety to shape the future of their network.
