AT&T's First Responder Network Authority Board Chair, Chief Richard Carrizzo, has confirmed and validated the successful completion of the initial 5-year buildout of FirstNet, America’s public safety broadband network.
The project started with the development of custom FirstNet state plans for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 U.S. territories. Ultimately, all 56 states and territories decided to opt into FirstNet, kicking off AT&T’s nationwide buildout of public safety’s network in 2018, which was contractually required to be completed by March 30, 2023. Since then, the FirstNet Authority reviewed and verified all aspects of the build commitments culminating with a final validation in December.
In the last 5 years, the FirstNet partnership delivered more than 1,000 new, purpose-built cell sites for further emergency response. Every U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia benefits from the FirstNet infrastructure investment. Additionally, the FirstNet Authority’s licensed Band 14 spectrum was deployed across the country to give all first responders the dedicated connectivity they require when and where they need it.
FirstNet today covers more than 2.91 million square miles. For tribal communities, the FirstNet coverage footprint increased on tribal lands by more than 40% between 2020 and 2022. This includes the more than 100 cell sites spanning Navajo Nation’s vast territory in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
