FirstNet

What FirstNet does

FirstNet is America's dedicated public safety broadband network, established by Congress in 2012 in response to the communications failures exposed by 9/11 and operated as a public-private partnership between the First Responder Network Authority (an independent federal authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce) and AT&T since 2017. The network provides nationwide LTE and 5G connectivity across nearly 3 million square miles using dedicated Band 14 (700 MHz) spectrum, always-on priority and preemption, and a physically separate core that ensures first responders never compete with commercial traffic during emergencies. The platform serves law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, and a growing set of Extended Primary Users including utilities, healthcare, and critical infrastructure operators, with 7+ million connections across 30,000+ agencies as of March 2025.

The core technology stack extends beyond connectivity into mission-critical services. FirstNet Fusion is a push-to-talk platform built on 3GPP and APCO P25 standards that unifies LMR radios, broadband, and cross-carrier communications through the FirstNet Interworking Function. The FirstNet Interworking Function (IWF) bridges LMR and cellular networks; FirstNet MegaRange HPUE solutions deliver 6x signal power for in-building and rural coverage; 180+ deployable network assets (SatCOLTs, CRDs, maritime fleet) provide disaster-recovery coverage; and a partnership with AST SpaceMobile is adding 248-satellite LEO direct-to-device connectivity. The FirstNet IoT Embedded Program integrates FirstNet connectivity into 75+ partner solutions representing 2 million+ device connections, and the FirstNet Trusted and FirstNet Ready certification programs secure the device ecosystem.

FirstNet's revenue model is subscription-based, delivered through AT&T's billing and distribution infrastructure. Agency Paid plans (B2B) and Subscriber Paid plans (individual first responders) are priced starting at approximately $68/month for the FirstNet Extra 2.0 tier, with additional family-plan discounts up to 20% on AT&T commercial plans, device trade-in promotions, and $800/line contract buyout incentives to drive subscriber acquisition. Capital intensity is exceptionally high: the FirstNet Authority has committed $8 billion over 10 years ($6.3B through the AT&T contract plus an anticipated $2B for coverage enhancements), and AT&T invested approximately $1 billion in 2025 enhancements with a $1 billion rate-reduction commitment to existing agencies. Go-to-market combines dedicated FirstNet specialists conducting direct field sales to public safety agencies with AT&T retail stores for individual subscribers, the FirstNet Central self-service portal, and presence at major public safety conferences (IACP, APCO).

Name

FirstNet

Legal name

FirstNet, Built with AT&T

Website

https://firstnet.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

FirstNet is America's dedicated public safety broadband network, operated as a public-private partnership between the FirstNet Authority and AT&T, providing Band 14 LTE/5G connectivity, priority and preemption, and mission-critical push-to-talk to 7+ million connections across 30,000+ law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency management agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Safety Telecommunications

NAICS

Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (517112), Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (51711)

SIC

Communications Services, Nec (4899)

akta.pro primary industry

Private LTE/5G Mobile Network Operators (Campus/Industrial) (HDAIAAAE)

Keywords

• Public safety broadband
• First responder network
• Mission critical communications
• Priority wireless service
• Emergency network services

Headquarters

HQ city

Dallas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public Safety Agency Plans: Monthly service plans for law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies. Plans provide dedicated coverage, capacity, priority and preemption, and access to Band 14 spectrum. Agencies can pay for multiple lines with FirstNet Extra 2.0 plans starting at approximately $68/month.
2. Individual First Responder Plans: Subscriber-paid plans for individual verified first responders, offering priority connectivity with individual pricing that can include family plan discounts up to 20% on AT&T commercial network.
3. Government Contract - FirstNet Authority: FirstNet Authority invests $6.3 billion through its network contract with AT&T, with anticipated additional $2 billion for coverage enhancements, representing a 10-year investment initiative to evolve and expand FirstNet.
4. FirstNet Ready Device Certification: Device manufacturers certify IoT devices for FirstNet network, creating ecosystem of compatible devices.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

FirstNet is a nationwide broadband communications platform built exclusively for America's first responders and the public safety community. It delivers dedicated LTE and 5G connectivity with always-on priority and preemption across dedicated Band 14 spectrum and AT&T commercial networks, serving agencies and individual subscribers through monthly plans. The offering is operated under a public-private partnership between the FirstNet Authority (U.S. Department of Commerce) and AT&T, supported by deployable assets, mission-critical push-to-talk, and an ecosystem of certified devices and IoT solutions.

Product overview

FirstNet is America's first wireless broadband ecosystem for first responders and public safety, built as a public-private partnership between AT&T and the FirstNet Authority. The core offering is the FirstNet nationwide network providing dedicated connectivity with always-on priority and preemption across Band 14 spectrum and AT&T commercial networks. The platform consists of mission-critical communications solutions including FirstNet Fusion (interoperable push-to-talk platform), FirstNet Rapid Response (deployable network assets), and FirstNet Messaging (secure group notifications). Coverage is enhanced through FirstNet MegaRange (high-power equipment), Cell Booster Pro (in-building solutions), and FirstNet 5G+ (ultra-fast service). The IoT ecosystem includes Control Center for device management, the FirstNet Trusted/Ready device certification programs, and integrated solutions for fleet, alarms, and embedded IoT devices. Supporting infrastructure includes FirstNet Central (network monitoring), the Response Operations Group (emergency support), and over 180 deployable assets for disaster response.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FirstNet Fusion: Mission-critical communications platform that connects teams across virtually any radio system or U.S. wireless carrier, combining push-to-talk, NextGen 9-1-1 dispatch and connected devices.
• FirstNet MegaRange
• Band 14
• FirstNet Rapid Response
• FirstNet Trusted

Products and services

• FirstNet Network (Core Service)
• FirstNet Fusion
• FirstNet Rapid Response
• FirstNet MegaRange
• FirstNet IoT Embedded Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 7+ million public safety connections served
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

AI capability7 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship, core and strategic.

• Liberty CommunicationsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 October 2025Partnership with Liberty Communications to expand 5G networks in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands, improving emergency communication services for first responders in island regions.
• FirstNet AuthorityflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 February 2024The FirstNet Authority is an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce mandated to develop, build, and operate the nationwide broadband network for first responders. The partnership involves a 10-year, $8 billion investment initiative ($6.3 billion through network contract with anticipated additional $2 billion for coverage enhancements). The FirstNet Authority provides government oversight, ensures taxpayer value, and guides network evolution based on public safety feedback.
• AST SpaceMobilecoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to deliver space-based cellular broadband connectivity to FirstNet subscribers. AST SpaceMobile is deploying a constellation of up to 248 low Earth orbit satellites using 700 MHz and 800 MHz spectrum to provide coverage in hard-to-reach areas where terrestrial connectivity is unavailable. Beta tests underway for satellite layer with priority over commercial traffic when activated. FirstNet has already successfully tested mission-critical capabilities including push-to-talk services via satellite.
• Axon (including Fusus situational awareness platform)coreTechnology or IntegrationIntegration of Axon body cameras including Axon Body 3, Body 4, and Fusus platform into FirstNet ecosystem. Axon integration enables live location and video feeds from body-worn cameras to be displayed through FirstNet Fusion, increasing first responder visibility in the field. FirstNet Trusted device certification for Axon products.
• Motorola SolutionscoreTechnology or IntegrationMotorola Solutions provides APX NEXT all-band P25 smart radios certified for FirstNet, enabling LMR and LTE interoperability. The devices support VHF, UHF, 700/800 MHz bands along with LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. SmartConnect feature automatically switches to LTE when LMR signal is low.
• L3Harris TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationL3Harris XL Series two-way radios provide ruggedized mission-critical communications integrating LMR with FirstNet Push-to-Talk (FNPTT). Products include XL-200P multiband portable radio, XL-200M multiband mobile radio, and XL-185P single-band radios, all FirstNet Ready certified.
• CarbynestrategicTechnology or IntegrationCarbyne's cloud-native APEX 9-1-1 call-handling platform integrates with FirstNet Fusion. Integration enables 9-1-1 telecommunicators to send caller information including location data and video directly to incident commanders and first responders through Fusion.
• Archer First Response SystemsstrategicTechnology or IntegrationArcher UAS provides emergency medical supply delivery via drones, transporting AEDs, NARCAN, and tourniquets. Now part of FirstNet Embedded Program, enabling delivery within 35-square-mile coverage area in under 5 minutes for EMS and fire agencies.
• Motorola Solutions (9-1-1)strategicTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration to modernize 9-1-1 infrastructure and provide PSAPs with access to latest technologies through AT&T ESInet integration with Motorola Solutions' public safety systems.
• IntradostrategicTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration on NextGen 9-1-1 solutions and cloud-based PSAP solutions to upgrade 9-1-1 infrastructure and provide faster emergency response to communities.
• FirstNet IoT Embedded Program Partners (75+ companies)coreTechnology or IntegrationOver 75 companies participate in FirstNet IoT Embedded Program, integrating FirstNet IoT connectivity into public safety solutions including body cameras, wireless routers, wearable devices, fleet trackers, and environmental sensors. More than 2 million connections on FirstNet are connected devices.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• L3Harris Technologies: Manufacturer of tactical and public safety LMR radios (XL Series, including XL-200P multiband radios) that integrate with FirstNet Push-to-Talk via FirstNet Ready certification. Competes with FirstNet in mission-critical voice while partnering in radio-broadband interoperability.
• Motorola Solutions: Provider of mission-critical LMR (APCO P25) radios and public safety software including 9-1-1, CAD, and command center solutions. Partners with FirstNet via APX NEXT smart radios but also competes in end-to-end public safety communications through its own broadband push-to-talk and video offerings.

Emerging players

• RapidSOS: Emergency data platform connecting smartphones, IoT devices, and connected cars to 9-1-1 and first responders. Integrates with FirstNet via Fusion and adjacent partners (Archer, RapidDeploy) to deliver enhanced situational data, competing for intelligence layers atop public safety networks.
• Intrado: Provider of 9-1-1 infrastructure, PSAP systems, and NextGen 9-1-1 solutions collaborating with FirstNet on cloud-based PSAP modernization. Competes in the same communications ecosystem where FirstNet operates as a network transport layer.
• Carbyne: Cloud-native 9-1-1 call-handling platform (APEX) integrating with FirstNet Fusion to deliver caller location, video, and data directly to incident commanders. Adjacent ecosystem partner competing for NextGen 9-1-1 infrastructure spend.
• Axon: Provider of body cameras, Tasers, and the Fusus real-time situational awareness platform integrated with FirstNet Fusion. Drives IoT device connections to FirstNet via certified FirstNet Trusted products while competing in adjacent public safety technology categories.
• AST SpaceMobile: Space-based cellular broadband provider partnering with FirstNet to deliver satellite connectivity to first responders via a 248-satellite LEO constellation. Enables FirstNet priority traffic in hard-to-reach areas where terrestrial coverage is unavailable.

Broad incumbents

• AT&T (Public Sector): AT&T is both the operator of FirstNet (under contract with the FirstNet Authority) and a broader public sector connectivity provider. Overlap exists in government, education, and healthcare segments where AT&T bundles commercial and FirstNet services.
• Verizon Frontline: Verizon's dedicated public safety offering providing priority access, preemption, and tailored plans for first responders. Direct competitor to FirstNet in the public safety wireless broadband space, leveraging Verizon's commercial 5G network rather than dedicated spectrum.
• T-Mobile Connecting Heroes: T-Mobile's free public safety broadband offering for first responders, leveraging its 5G network. Competes with FirstNet on price and 5G coverage, particularly in metro markets, though without dedicated spectrum or a separate public safety core.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/firstnet
• YouTubeyoutube.com/firstnet
• Facebookfacebook.com/firstnet
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/showcase/firstnet

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FirstNet