FirstNet: Initial Buildout of Public Safety’s Network Verified, Delivering for America’s First Responders

“The initial build of the FirstNet network was done on time, on budget and on task.” With those words, the First Responder Network Authority Board Chair Chief Richard Carrizzo confirmed and validated the successful completion of the initial 5-year buildout of FirstNet, America’s public safety broadband network. The journey to this moment has been remarkable—it started with the development of custom FirstNet state plans for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 US territories. Through our public-private partnership, and close collaboration with the public safety community across the country, we have achieved many milestones, with completion of the initial phase of buildout of FirstNet representing a defining accomplishment. FirstNet is one of the most significant infrastructure programs in our county, and it has delivered for America’s first responders on time and on budget. Every US 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—career or volunteer; federal, tribal, state or local; urban, suburban or rural—the dedicated connectivity they require when and where they need it.