CRITICAL INSIGHT Q&A: The high-stakes push to safeguard ‘FirstNet’ broadband spectrum – Source: www.lastwatchdog.com

By Byron V. Acohido

First responders have long depended on calling for backup and clearing the airwaves. Since its launch in 2018, FirstNet—America’s public safety broadband network—has become indispensable.

Related: The FirstNet petition

With over 7.5 million connections, support for more than 30,000 agencies, and an estimated $8 billion economic impact in 2023, FirstNet has proven its value not just in everyday operations, but in crisis scenarios as well.

However, this vital infrastructure is nearing a pivotal moment: unless Congress grants reauthorization by February 2027, the FirstNet Authority risks losing its congressional mandate to operate. This isn’t theory—policy groups, state legislatures, major associations like FOP, IAFF, IACP and IAFC plus industry watchers, are all urging Congress to act to preserve the oversight that Public Safety wants to oversee and advance their network.

At the forefront of this advocacy effort is the Public Safety Spectrum Alliance (PSSA), a coalition spearheaded by the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA). The PSSA was formed to ensure public safety retains access to mission-critical spectrum and technologies, and it now serves as a leading voice calling for FirstNet’s reauthorization.

In support of this campaign, the PSSA has launched a nationwide petition to gather grassroots support and signal broad-based stakeholder commitment. The petition aims to mobilize public safety professionals, legislators, and concerned citizens to urge Congress to act well before the looming 2027 deadline.

The FirstNet Authority’s data-driven investments—like expanded coverage, in-building boosters, 5G network upgrades, satellite connectivity, and the preservation of the 4.9-GHz public-safety spectrum—demonstrate a forward-looking vision. But that momentum could stall. Reauthorization, it can be argued, ensures that Public Safety’s voice continues to be heard and their evolving technology needs continue to be met.

In short and simply put, Public Safety fought hard for this, it’s working and Public Safety supports the reauthorization.

Last Watchdog engaged Chief Jeff Johnson, a spokesperson for the PSSA, to unpack what’s at stake. Here’s that exchange, edited for clarity and length:

LW: Can you explain what FirstNet is, whom it serves, and how its 2012 creation fundamentally transformed public-safety communications in the U.S.?

Johnson: With support from Congress, public safety’s vision is now a reality. FirstNet is a dedicated broadband network purpose-built to serve public safety. In 2012, Congress mandated that the program include a reauthorization clause to ensure long-term accountability.

Today, FirstNet has exceeded expectations. With more than 7 million connected devices and over 30,000 participating agencies— making it the most successful public-private partnership in U.S. history — and all without using taxpayer dollars. Perhaps most importantly, it has finally solved the long-standing challenge of nationwide interoperability.

LW: What are the key operational and national-security risks if FirstNet Authority isn’t reauthorized by 2027?”

Johnson: FirstNet is the only nationwide public safety cellular network in the world — a true breakthrough in U.S. emergency communications. Losing it would send public safety backward, forcing responders to rely once again on commercial carrier promises, instead of the contractual commitment we enjoy with the FirstNet Authority and AT&T.

LW: FirstNet operates under a unique funding partnership with AT&T. How might governance, budget, or strategic capacity change under reauthorization, and what improvements should Congress consider?”

Johnson: FirstNet is funded through monthly fees paid by its users. Most of that revenue supports day-to-day network operations, while a portion goes back to the FirstNet Authority for reinvestment into upgrades and innovation.

Governance is shared between public safety and industry — a rare model where public safety directly oversees AT&T’s performance. Without this structure, there would be no binding contract, no accountability, and no assurance that performance standards would be upheld.

LW: Can you provide recent examples—such as natural disasters, major events, or national emergencies—where FirstNet significantly enhanced emergency response effectiveness?

Johnson: A recent example is the response to the catastrophic floods in Texas. FirstNet immediately deployed a fleet of mobile assets — including Cell Sites on Wheels (COWs), Cell Sites on Light Trucks (COLTs), and Compact Rapid Deployables (CRDs). These solutions restored terrestrial coverage in real time, while also delivering additional mobile capacity.

Technical teams were on the ground to activate and manage these systems, ensuring responders had uninterrupted communications throughout the crisis.

LW: With ongoing efforts around the 4.9?GHz spectrum and transition to 5G (including satellite), how is FirstNet preparing public safety for future technological demands?

Johnson: FirstNet’s Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), made up of more than 50 professionals, helps ensure the network evolves with public safety’s needs.

Upcoming upgrades include $8 billion in expanded coverage and a custom-built satellite layer, developed by AST. Unlike many commercial offerings, this system is fully integrated with FirstNet devices and provides robust functionality, even in remote or disrupted environments.

LW: In an era of cyber threats, infrastructure attacks, and disinformation, how does FirstNet contribute to both cyber and physical resilience in emergency response?

Johnson: FirstNet is held to a level of oversight and performance that no commercial carrier comes close to matching. That’s by design — our network was built with government accountability baked in.

Some competitors view regulatory scrutiny as a negative. We see it as a strength. Just like a first responder reviews every critical call to ask, “What could we have done better?” — we welcome outside input to help us improve.

Unlike commercial networks, FirstNet operates under a binding contract, with strict performance requirements and active public safety oversight. That structure ensures we’re not just making promises—we’re keeping them.

LW: What actions can public-safety organizations, government leaders, and the media take right now to help ensure a seamless and timely reauthorization process?

Johnson: Congress needs to act in 2025 to ensure the stability and continuity of the FirstNet program. Without reauthorization, the FirstNet Authority will cease to operate — this isn’t just a routine renewal; the entire program is at risk.

Failing to act would leave public safety dependent on commercial carriers, without a dedicated, mission-driven network. That’s a step backward — and a risk we can’t afford.

We’re urging public-safety agencies, government officials at all levels, and media advocates to contact their Senators and Representatives now. Help them understand what’s at stake. Make a call, send an email, write a letter — every voice matters in making sure FirstNet remains in place and continues to evolve.

LW: Anything else to add?

Johnson: FirstNet must be reauthorized before it sunsets in 2027. Thank you for helping public safety share this message and mobilize support.

Pulitzer Prize-winning business journalist Byron V. Acohido is dedicated to fostering public awareness about how to make the Internet as private and secure as it ought to be.

(LW provides consulting services to the vendors we cover.)

August 18th, 2025 | Q & A | Top Stories