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In today’s increasingly complex world, the ability of first responders to communicate effectively during emergencies isn’t just desirable, it’s imperative. Here in Indiana, we have witnessed firsthand how the public-private partnership of FirstNet®, Built with AT&T has transformed public safety outcomes and helped save lives. Now, as Congress considers legislation to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – the entity that oversees FirstNet – we have a critical opportunity to ensure this life-saving network continues to serve first responders well into the future.
The collaboration between AT&T and the FirstNet Authority was born out of tragedy: 9/11. The attacks revealed fundamental problems with the communications systems used by our nation’s first responders, with radio systems that couldn’t operate across agencies and commercial networks that became overwhelmed when they were needed most.
Following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, Congress passed bipartisan legislation in 2012 establishing the FirstNet Authority to create a broadband network dedicated to first responders. That legislation laid the groundwork for what has become one of the most successful public safety initiatives in our nation’s history.
After years of consulting with public safety agencies nationwide, the FirstNet Authority awarded an innovative 25-year contract to AT&T in March 2017. We took this financial risk when no other major wireless carrier was willing to, because we understood then, as we understand now, that safety knows no price.
The results speak for themselves. Law enforcement and fire associations nationwide—like the Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Fire Fighters, International Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Fire Chiefs and dozens of other public safety and state and local government organizations—have made it clear: they trust FirstNet.
As public safety’s partner, FirstNet is bringing better connectivity to public safety when — and where — they need it. Now with nearly 3 million square miles of coverage, FirstNet has the largest network footprint in the country, covering more first responders than any other network.
Unlike conventional commercial networks that become overwhelmed during emergencies, FirstNet operates fundamentally differently. During crises, the dedicated FirstNet network core ensures that first responders have always-on priority and preemption—they automatically jump to the front of the line when networks are congested. This isn’t merely a technical distinction; it’s the difference between a coordinated emergency response and a fragmented one.
Additionally, the dedicated FirstNet fleet provides similar capabilities and connectivity as cell towers, and includes ground-based and aerial assets, such as Satellite Cell on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs) and Flying COWs™ (Cell on Wings). These portable network assets link to FirstNet via satellite and do not rely on commercial power availability. That’s not all though, public safety agencies can also own and operate their own portable FirstNet cell towers, including the FirstNet Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD) and miniCRDs. These assets can be set up in minutes by just one person, giving first responders greater command and control of their own network.
Indiana’s experience demonstrates FirstNet’s transformative impact. Our state was an early adopter, and we’ve pioneered the integration of traditional land mobile radio systems with FirstNet. Today, FirstNet connects public safety agencies in more than 620 localities across Indiana, including Indianapolis, South Bend, Gary, Evansville, Fishers, Noblesville, Elkhart, Marion, Brownsburg, Bloomington, Crown Point, LaPorte, Frankfort, and Martinsville.
We’ve also rolled out Band 14 – the band of spectrum dedicated to FirstNet – on nearly 1,300 sites across Indiana to provide public safety with truly dedicated coverage and capacity, when needed. During emergencies, commercial wireless networks can get congested. However, Band 14 can be cleared and locked down just for FirstNet users.
Public safety agencies across Indiana understand that communication capabilities directly correlate with operational effectiveness, and FirstNet is the only network specifically designed by and for first responders.
Transparency builds trust, and unlike best-effort, commercial networks, we don’t just answer to shareholders — we answer to every law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, 9-1-1 dispatcher and emergency manager who depends on this network every day.
The longstanding relationship between AT&T and the public safety community showcases how private enterprise and public service can collaborate to address critical infrastructure needs.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding public safety’s capabilities and reach with FirstNet. We urge Indiana’s members of Congress to support reauthorizing the FirstNet Authority to ensure public safety continues to have a voice in their network and certainty in its future.
The investment we make today will continue to make our communities safer for generations to come. When our first responders succeed in their mission, we all benefit.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority.