FirstNet is the nationwide public safety broadband network, with services and solutions dedicated to First Responders and those who support them. It is more than a network, including advanced services, applications and purpose-built devices. DOT/FAA is considered part of the First Responder Community. In March of 2017, AT&T was awarded the contract to build and maintain FirstNet.

ESC’s National Wireless Program (NWP) signed a contract with AT&T to provide FirstNet services and equipment in March of 2018. Since that time, they have transitioned and added a total of 8,263 FirstNet capable devices to the FAA inventory.

Below is an updated summary of FirstNet’s growth which benefits all of FAA through our contract:

• FirstNet covers more than 2.71 million square miles. In 2020, they added nearly 100,000 square miles and are continuing to expand exponentially.


• Today, more than 15,000 agencies and organizations – accounting for more than 2 million connections nationwide – have subscribed to FirstNet.


• FirstNet Build:
  • They surpassed 90% of their nationwide Band 14 coverage target – well ahead of schedule. They are reaching several hundred thousand additional square miles by going beyond their initial build commitment with the FirstNet Authority.
  • They have launched over 500 new, purpose-built FirstNet sites, and every state in the nation is currently benefitting from their new wireless infrastructure.


• They have expanded the dedicated FirstNet fleet into Puerto Rico. Public safety agencies now have access to 80+ land-based and airborne portable cell sites.


• The FirstNet device and app ecosystem now has more than 210 FirstNet Ready™ devices and over 160 highly secure apps tested specifically for public safety’s use in the FirstNet App Catalog.


• Commitment to Permanent Backup Power Solutions
  • Today, more than 98% of the population is covered by cell sites with permanent backup power solutions.


• They are continuing to build new cell sites with fixed generators whenever possible, and they are committed to growing their fixed generator support on existing infrastructure.

Debra Zink, Supervisory Program Manager (AMK-270) said, "The National Wireless Program recently transitioned 800+ devices to FirstNet and is in the process of assisting them with transitioning more. By transitioning, they are experiencing a cost savings, and this service provides all of our cellular users with priority and preemption service at ALL times."

NWP is also assisting managers/technicians with creating "mobile offices with cellular coverage," in their vehicles so when they need to go to remote sites, they don’t have to go back to the office to place orders or complete reports. NWP is also coordinating with POC’s across the regions and multiple other FAA sites to provide "In-building Solutions," to improve cellular coverage at no additional charge to the FAA right now.