THE STATE OF FIRSTNET - MARCH 2020 WWW.FIRSTRESPONDERVOICE.ORG - First Responder Voice
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THE STATE OF FIRSTNET
MARCH 2020
WWW.FIRSTRESPONDERVOICE.ORG
TWITTER: @ 1STRSPVOICE | FACEBOOK: FIRSTRESPONDERVOICE
Introduction
Three years ago, public safety communications gained a much needed spark in innovation. After a competitive
public procurement process, AT&T was awarded a public-private partnership with the First Responder Network
Authority for a twenty-five year contract to deploy FirstNet, the nation’s first interoperable LTE broadband
network specifically dedicated to public safety.
Today, first responders subscribed to FirstNet have access to unthrottled connectivity, a separate, purpose-built
network core with end-to-end encryption, priority and preemption capabilities, local control of users and
applications1, and over seventy-five deployable solutions like land-based Satellite Cell on Light Trucks and Flying
Cells on Wheels2. These benefits represent the most advanced innovations in public safety communications
technology, and some were nonexistent prior to FirstNet’s launch.
“Now, with the launch of preemption on FirstNet, for the first time, public safety is ensured
a ‘fast lane’ to connect.”
– Chief Richard Bowers, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue3
First responders were instrumental in driving this change forward. FirstNet was designed on the objectives and
standards provided by the First Responder Network Authority based on years of consultation with public safety.4
With the world in the midst of fighting a global health pandemic the mission of FirstNet to deliver robust,
resilient, and technologically advanced communications for our nation’s first responders is more critical than ever.
This report serves as a reflection on FirstNet’s progress since 2017 in terms of subscriber levels, network build out,
and agency usage. It also offers a look at FirstNet’s roadmap for the future.
1
Substantial Subscriber Growth
In less than two years, the number of public
safety agencies and organizations
subscribed to FirstNet has increased tenfold.
As of February 2020, 11,000 public safety
agencies and organizations have subscribed
and 1.2 million devices have been
connected to the network.5
In addition to increasing subscriptions,
between January and July 2019 AT&T’s level
of device connections significantly Source: AT&T data
outperformed monthly targets. In July 2019,
with regard to primary users (fire, law enforcement, and EMS) AT&T was at approximately 196% of the target.6
Figure 2 below from the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) illustrates AT&T’s monthly
FirstNet device connections relative to targets between January and July 2019.
In May 2019, a majority of agencies and nearly 50% of FirstNet’s total connections were new subscribers (not
AT&T migrations).8 This along with the above data suggests that first responders are seeing FirstNet as a credible,
value-add proposition. This type of transparency is valuable and First Responder Voice encourages AT&T to
continue to be transparent about the percentage of FirstNet subscribers that are new subscribers versus
Source: GAO analysis of First Responder Network Authority
documentation7
2
migrations to illustrate the growing momentum of the platform. Additionally, AT&T could also provide more
transparency regarding which states are seeing lower than target level FirstNet subscribership.9 Offering this
information to state interoperability committees along with local first responders and other relevant
stakeholders could serve as a collaborative exercise to troubleshoot FirstNet network weaknesses and ultimately
make the initiative more successful.
Network Build-Out One Year Ahead of Schedule According to AT&T
“AT&T has met, and exceeded, the first required nationwide, network-coverage milestone.”
– United States Government Accountability Office, January 202010
In March 2018, the First Responder Network Authority gave AT&T the green light to deploy the network’s Band 14
spectrum across dedicated radio access networks in all states and territories.11 As of March 2020, FirstNet network
deployment is 80% complete, one year ahead of the contractually obligated schedule.12
The company has deployed Band 14 spectrum on existing cell sites in more than 675 markets nationwide (see
below for additional information on Band 14).13 Further, AT&T added over 170,000 square miles to its LTE network
coverage in 2018 and 2019. That’s an area equal to the size of Louisiana and New Mexico together.14
Complicating this picture are statements from AT&T’s FirstNet network build out partners. Jeffrey Stoops the CEO
of SBA Communications, a cell tower company working on a portion of the FirstNet build, said in February 2020
that SBA believes the buildout of the FirstNet network was “closer to 50%”. ATN International, another FirstNet
build out partner, confirmed that its portion of the buildout had been delayed slightly, to the first quarter of
2020.15
Ultimately, the build out of the FirstNet network is a gradual process and a significant portion of the network is
still in the design and construction phase Both the First Responder Network Authority and AT&T are required to
consult with each state via the FirstNet single point of contact (SPOC) regarding the state-specific commitments
that were made as a result of the state opt-in process i.e. radio-access build out, placement of cell towers, and
3
coverage areas. According to the GAO’s January 2020 report two of these state-specific commitment reports
were due by July 2019, but only one had been completed by AT&T and accepted by the First Responder Network
Authority and as of October 2019 still had not been shared with the states. Numerous stakeholders interviewed
for GAO’s report said that “FirstNet had communicated little to no information on AT&T’s progress deploying the
network in their area”.16
First Responder Voice encourages AT&T to deliver the past-due state-specific commitment report to the First
Responder Network Authority and FirstNet SPOCs as soon as practically feasible. AT&T should also work to
deliver the contractually obligated semi-annual reports in a timely manner going forward. Making this a priority
will address stakeholders’ dissatisfaction with the current level of transparency and will also serve to improve first
responders’ knowledge of the viability of the network in
their area. If first responders are making decisions
about their wireless carrier based on knowledge
of the network in 2017 or earlier, FirstNet may
be losing potential adoptions due to lack
of and/or inaccurate information.
Thousands of Band 14 Cell Sites Delivered Across the Nation
As part of the FirstNet federal contract, AT&T was given exclusive access to 20 MHz of spectrum in the 700 MHz
frequency band, known as Band 14, on which to operate the FirstNet network.17 As of March 2020, AT&T has
delivered thousands of Band 14 cell sites to increase network coverage nationwide.18 The company delivered over
one-third of the total Band 14 cell sites planned for the entire network by July 2019.19
Below is a selection of the areas benefiting from new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites.
Rancho Tehama, California20
East Carroll Parish and Lake Providence, Louisiana21
Baltimore County and Tilghman Island, Maryland22
White Earth Reservation, Minnesota23
North Hampton, Pembroke, Rumney, and Stoddard, New Hampshire24
Warren County, North Carolina25
Slope, McLean, and Stark Counties, North Dakota26
Yamhill County, Oregon27
Bedford and Clinton Counties, Pennsylvania28
Fairfax and Prince William Counties, Virginia29
Preston County, West Virginia30
Red Cliff Reservation, Wisconsin31
Mule Creek Junction and Owl Creek, Wyoming32 4
Band 14 is spectrum specifically set aside for public safety by the federal government via the First Responder
Network Authority. First Responder Voice supports the 2012 Act which requires the First Responder Network
Authority to consult with FirstNet SPOCs regarding the placement of cell towers. Band 14 is public safety’s
spectrum and as such, the locations of those cell sites should be made readily accessible to first responders upon
inquiry.33
Major FirstNet-Subscriber Agencies and Jurisdictions
“Implementing FirstNet at full scale across the City is key to helping us create a new standard for
public safety. We believe this is a model for cities across the country to ensure those charged with
maintaining the safety of our residents and communities have the tools they need to stay
connected during disasters and emergencies.”
- Sam Liccardo, Mayor of San José
The following is a small sampling of some of the public safety agencies and jurisdictions across the nation that
have subscribed to FirstNet.
FEDERAL AGENCIES
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• United States Coast Guard
• United States Department of the Navy
MUNICIPALITIES
“The decision to go with FirstNet was a no-brainer for us.”
– Stephen Willoughby, Executive Director, City of Richmond, VA Department of Emergency Communications
• City of Annapolis, Maryland
• City of Colorado Springs, Colorado
• City of Columbia, South Carolina
• City of Richmond, Virginia
• City of San Jose, California
CAREER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
“With FirstNet in place, we have increased confidence in our communication methods for use during highly attended
public events.”
– Chief Harold Scoggins, Seattle Fire Department
• Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Department
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
• Seattle Fire Department
5
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
“Firefighters deserve whatever tools we can give them to help them stay safe and do their jobs to the best of their
abilities. This is opening FirstNet up for all of our volunteers, giving them an equal opportunity to access this potentially
lifesaving technology.”
– President Richard T. Perillo, Delaware Volunteer Firefighter Association
• Beaver Springs Fire Company (Snyder County, Pennsylvania)
• Bedrock Road Volunteer Fire Department (Allegany County, Maryland)
• Delaware Volunteer Firefighter Association
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
“By subscribing to FirstNet, we can help our officers stay connected to the critical information they need and will help
ensure we can easily and quickly communicate with one another during everyday situations, big events, or
emergencies.”
– Edward “Woody” Davis Jr., Chief Technology Officer for the Baltimore Police Department
• Anchorage Police Department
• Baltimore Police Department
• Chicago Police Department
• Kansas Highway Patrol
• New Mexico State Police
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
“Whether it’s during a routine call, a widespread disaster or even just a large event, FirstNet gives us the connectivity
we need to give patients the best possible care. With wide-scale adoption, FirstNet can make solutions that we’ve only
dreamed of a reality.”
– Joey Branton, Director of Technology for Acadian Ambulance
• AAA Ambulance Service
• Acadian Ambulance
• American Medical Response
• MetroAtlanta Ambulance Service
6
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
“Without having the use of FirstNet and the FirstNet devices in Newport, it would have taken us hours to compile the
data, relay it from one location to another, bring it in to the state emergency operations center, and then display it for
the decision-makers. Having that real-time access to data and the guarantee that we wouldn’t be interrupted by
commercial network overloading in any particular area really made our response much more efficient.”
- Christopher McGrath, Operations Support Branch Chief for the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
• Georgia Emergency Management Agency
• Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
TRIBAL NATIONS
“Knowing the mission was focused in an area with limited coverage, we requested a FirstNet SatCOLT to boost our
connectivity. Communications were in place within hours of our request, helping us to carry out our operation.”
– Chief Chris Saunsoci, Yankton Sioux Tribal Police
• Citizen Potawatomi Nation
• Nez Perce Tribe
• Oglala Sioux Tribe
• Yankton Sioux Tribe
A Foundation for Continued Innovation for Public Safety
HIGH-POWER USER EQUIPMENT (HPUE)
In March 2020, Mark Golaszweski, the director of applications for the FirstNet Authority, indicated that high-
power user equipment (HPUE), which has been projected to almost double the coverage range for FirstNet
subscribers using 700 MHz Band 14 spectrum, is expected to be available within the next month. The equipment
is going through the certification process currently and early deployment is expected to be devices like in-vehicle
routers.34 AT&T is working with Assured Wireless to develop HPUE devices.35
Normal cellular devices transmit signals usually using ~200 milliwatts of power. HPUE devices operating on Band
14 are able to transmit signals using ~1.25 watts, which improves the effective range for users six fold. The HPUE
capability of Band 14 spectrum is what differentiates it from other LTE airwaves in nearby bands. According to
Bob LaRose, Vice President of Business Development at Assured Wireless, HPUE increases the range of a cell
sector by ~80%, so for an isolated cell site total coverage area for that cell site would triple if the environment
around the cell site was consistent. HPUE could be particularly helpful in rural areas where cell sites are often
limited and other challenging environments.36
MISSION CRITICAL PUSH TO TALK (MCPTT)
In 2018, AT&T signed a product agreement with Motorola Solutions for its Kodiak carrier-integrated PTT product
(not MCPTT-compliant)37, along with the eventual MCPTT version of the Kodiak service.38 In January 2019, AT&T
procured its second carrier-integrated MCPTT provider. AT&T expects 3GPP-standard compliant FirstNet
Push-to-Talk service to be available during the first quarter of 202038
7
ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE
The public-private partnership model that the First Responder Network Authority established with AT&T
guarantees that financial resources are invested to advance the FirstNet network. The First Responder Network
Authority has established an investment process to evaluate the initiatives that stem from the agreed upon
priorities and select projects will become a part of the First Responder Network Authority’s investment portfolio
each year. The Board of the FRNA is made up of experts and practitioners in the field of public safety
communications, ensuring strong oversight from the first responder frontline.40 In short, the roadmap is shaped
by developing a deep and shared understanding of public safety’s operational needs and by collaborating with
public safety to realize the operational benefits of the FirstNet experience.41
8
Endnotes
1 FirstNet.com Public Safety Communications Checklist. https://www.firstnet.com/content/dam/firstnet/marketing/pdf/Public-
Safety-Communications-Checklist.pdf?LinkID=checklist
2 FirstNet.com Public Safety Communications Checklist. https://www.firstnet.com/content/dam/firstnet/marketing/pdf/Public-Safe-
ty-Communications-Checklist.pdf?LinkID=checklist
3 AT&T. 2017, December 12. FirstNet Launches Ruthless Preemption for First Responders. https://about.att.com/story/preemption_for_
first_responders.html
4 AT&T. 2018, March 27. It’s Official: Public Safety’s Exclusive Communications Platform Comes to Life with Nationwide Launch of the
FirstNet Dedicated Network Core. https://about.att.com/story/nationwide_launch_of_firstnet_dedicated_core_network.html
5 AT&T. 2020, February 25. Nationwide LTE Coverage Surpasses 2.61 Million Square Miles to Support AT&T and FirstNet Subscribers.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nationwide-lte-coverage-surpasses-2-61-million-square-miles-to-support-att-and-firstnet-
subscribers-301010585.html
6 GAO.gov. January 2020. United States Government Accountability Office. Public Safety Broadband Network.
Network Deployment is Progressing, but FirstNet Could Strengthen Its Oversight. https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/704058.pdf
7 AT&T Press Release. 2019, May 6. https://about.att.com/story/2019/fn_expands_coverage.html
8 AT&T Press Release. 2019, May 6. FirstNet Expands Coverage to Surpass Half-a-Million Connections. https://about.att.com/story/2019/
fn_expands_coverage.html
9 “Among our case-study states as of July 2019, for example, device connections for primary users in one state were more than 5 times the
target, whereas in another state, AT&T had met only 33 percent of the target by July 2019.” https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/704058.pdf
10 GAO.gov. January 2020. United States Government Accountability Office. Public Safety Broadband Network. Network Deployment is
Progressing, but FirstNet Could Strengthen Its Oversight. https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/704058.pdf
11 FirstNet.gov. 2020, March 13. New FirstNet Cell Sites Launch in North Dakota to Support Public Safety https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/
press-releases/firstnet-buildout-launches-nationwide-public-safety-core-nears-delivery
12 The FirstNet network buildout requirement is 80% by March 2021. GAO.gov. January 2020. United States Government Accountability
Office. Public Safety Broadband Network. Network Deployment is Progressing, but FirstNet Could Strengthen Its Oversight. https://www.
gao.gov/assets/710/704058.pdf ; AT&T said in March 2020 that its FirstNet buildout had already reached 80%. Jackson, D. 2020, March 12.
FirstNet buildout 80% complete, serves 1.2 million subscribers, AT&T exec says. https://urgentcomm.com/2020/03/12/firstnet-buildout-80-
complete-serves-1-2-million-subscribers-att-exec-says/
13 AT&T Press Release. 2020, March 6. FirstNet Cell Sites Launching Nationwide to Support Public Safety. https://about.att.com/news-
room/2019/fn_purpose_built_cell_sites.html
14 AT&T.com. 2019, January 9. More Than 50,000 Square Miles of LTE Coverage Added Nationwide to Support AT&T and FirstNet Users.
https://about.att.com/story/2019/firstnet_footprint_expansion.html ; FirstNet.com 2020, March 12. Nationwide LTE Coverage surpasses 2.61
million square miles to support FirstNet and AT&T subscribers. https://www.firstnet.com/community/news/nationwide-lte-coverage-sur-
passes-2-61-million-square-mile.html
15 Dano, M. 2020, February 26. AT&T’s FirstNet buildout nears completion, albeit with some hiccups.
https://www.lightreading.com/4g-3g-wifi/atandts-firstnet-buildout-nears-completion-albeit-with-some-hiccups/d/d-id/757809
16 GAO.gov. January 2020. United States Government Accountability Office. Public Safety Broadband Network. Network Deployment is
Progressing, but FirstNet Could Strengthen Its Oversight. https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/704058.pdf
17 GAO.gov. January 2020. United States Government Accountability Office. Public Safety Broadband Network. Network Deployment is
Progressing, but FirstNet Could Strengthen Its Oversight. https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/704058.pdf
18 “AT&T may deliver these cell sites through a combination of constructing new sites, retrofitting existing AT&T sites, or acquiring or con-
tracting with local providers, such as rural telecommunications carriers.” https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/704058.pdf
19 GAO.gov. January 2020. United States Government Accountability Office. Public Safety Broadband Network. Network Deployment is
Progressing, but FirstNet Could Strengthen Its Oversight. https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/704058.pdf
20 AT&T Press Release. 2020, February 28. New AT&T Cell Site Launches in Rancho Tehama to Support Public Safety; Tehama County
Supervisor Bob Williams Join Unveiling. https://pacificregion.att.com/new-at-tehama-county-supervisor-bob-williams-join-unveiling/
21 FirstNet.gov. 2020, March 6. New FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Lake Providence to Support Public Safety and Expand Connectivity in
the Area; FirstNet Authority Joins Unveiling. https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-firstnet-cell-site-launches-lake-providence-
support-public-safety-and
922 AT&T Press Release. 2020, March 6. FirstNet Cell Sites Launching Nationwide to Support Public Safety. https://about.att.com/news-
room/2019/fn_purpose_built_cell_sites.html
23 AT&T Press Release. 2020, March 6. FirstNet Cell Sites Launching Nationwide to Support Public Safety. https://about.att.com/news-
room/2019/fn_purpose_built_cell_sites.html
24 FirstNet.gov. 2020, February 14. New FirstNet Cell Sites Launch Across New Hampshire to Support Public Safety; Gov. Sununu and
FirstNet Authority Join Unveiling. https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-firstnet-cell-sites-launch-across-new-hampshire-
support-public-safety
25 AT&T Press Release. 2020, March 6. FirstNet Cell Sites Launching Nationwide to Support Public Safety. https://about.att.com/news-
room/2019/fn_purpose_built_cell_sites.html
26 FirstNet.gov. 2020, March 13. New FirstNet Cell Sites Launch in North Dakota to Support Public Safety. https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/
press-releases/new-firstnet-cell-sites-launch-north-dakota-support-public-safety
27 AT&T Press Release. 2020, March 6. FirstNet Cell Sites Launching Nationwide to Support Public Safety. https://about.att.com/news-
room/2019/fn_purpose_built_cell_sites.html
28 AT&T Press Release. 2020, March 6. FirstNet Cell Sites Launching Nationwide to Support Public Safety. https://about.att.com/news-
room/2019/fn_purpose_built_cell_sites.html
29 AT&T Press Release. 2020, March 6. FirstNet Cell Sites Launching Nationwide to Support Public Safety. https://about.att.com/news-
room/2019/fn_purpose_built_cell_sites.html
30 AT&T Press Release. 2020, March 6. FirstNet Cell Sites Launching Nationwide to Support Public Safety. https://about.att.com/news-
room/2019/fn_purpose_built_cell_sites.html
31 AT&T Press Release. 2020, March 6. FirstNet Cell Sites Launching Nationwide to Support Public Safety. https://about.att.com/news-
room/2019/fn_purpose_built_cell_sites.html
32 FirstNet.gov. 2019, December 5. New FirstNet Cell Site Launches in Owl Creek to Support Public Safety. https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/
press-releases/new-firstnet-cell-site-launches-owl-creek-support-public-safety
33 GAO.gov. January 2020. United States Government Accountability Office. Public Safety Broadband Network. Network Deployment is
Progressing, but FirstNet Could Strengthen Its Oversight. https://www.gao.gov/assets/710/704058.pdf
34 Jackson, D. 2020, March 21. Coverage-extending HPUE products expected to be available soon, according to FirstNet Authority, AT&T
officials. https://urgentcomm.com/2020/03/21/coverage-extending-hpue-products-expected-to-be-available-soon-according-to-firstnet-
authority-att-officials/
35 Jackson, D. 2019, August 13. AT&T, Assured Wireless developing high-powered user equipment (HPUE) to extend effective FirstNet
coverage. https://urgentcomm.com/2019/08/13/att-assured-wireless-developing-high-powered-user-equipment-hpue-to-extend-effec-
tive-firstnet-coverage/
36 Jackson, D. 2020, March 21. Coverage-extending HPUE products expected to be available soon, according to FirstNet Authority, AT&T
officials. https://urgentcomm.com/2020/03/21/coverage-extending-hpue-products-expected-to-be-available-soon-according-to-firstnet-
authority-att-officials/
37 Jackson, D. 2019, December 4. FirstNet MCPTT launch delayed until first quarter of 2020, AT&T says.
https://urgentcomm.com/2019/12/04/firstnet-mcptt-launch-delayed-until-first-quarter-of-2020-att-says/
38 Wendelken, S. 2019, January 8. AT&T Selects Second MCPTT Provider, 3GPP-Compliant Service Planned This Year.
https://www.rrmediagroup.com/Features/FeaturesDetails/FID/889
39 “AT&T spokesperson confirmed that it would comply with the MCPTT standard established by 3GPP, the LTE standards body”
https://urgentcomm.com/2019/12/04/firstnet-mcptt-launch-delayed-until-first-quarter-of-2020-att-says/
40 FirstNet.gov About FirstNet Board. https://firstnet.gov/about/board
41 FirstNet.gov. FirstNet Authority Roadmap. https://www.firstnet.gov/sites/default/files/FirstNet_Roadmap.pdf
10First Responder Voice is a project of the Communications
Workers of America (CWA).
CWA represents 700,000 workers in the U.S., Canada and
Puerto Rico, working in telecommunications and IT, the airline
industry, news media, broadcast and cable television,
education, health care and public service, law enforcement,
manufacturing and other fields.
CWA was an active member of the Public Safety Alliance
that was instrumental in supporting the creation of FirstNet.
FirstNet is being built, operated and maintained by AT&T,
the union wireless carrier. CWA represents 40,000 technicians,
retail associates and customer care agents at AT&T Mobility
across the country.You can also read
