FirstNet Launches Nation's First Dedicated 5G Standalone Core for Public Safety

New network architecture delivers enhanced security, reliability and mission-tailored performance to first responders across the United States

First responders on FirstNet, Built with AT&T, now have access to the first and only nationwide 5G standalone (5G SA) network core dedicated exclusively to public safety, marking the latest advancement in America's Public Safety Network.

Developed with direct input from the public safety community, the dedicated FirstNet 5G SA core was built to address the unique operational and technological demands faced by first responders. Physically separate from AT&T's commercial network core, the new infrastructure gives public safety agencies enhanced security, reliability and operational control, while laying the groundwork for future capabilities designed to optimize applications such as body-worn cameras, mission-critical communications and live video.

"When first responders answer the call, they need a network built around their mission – not one designed for everyday consumer use," said Scott Agnew, President—FirstNet, AT&T. "That's exactly why we launched the FirstNet 5G standalone core. Purpose-built for public safety, it provides a dedicated foundation engineered around their mission, their operations, and their evolving technology needs. This milestone keeps America's public safety network strong for the future, because when our first responders succeed, our communities are safer."

The dedicated core functions as the brain and nervous system of the FirstNet network, separating public safety traffic from commercial traffic. Its architecture is built for superior reliability, drawing on multiple geographically distributed core sites to provide additional redundancy, greater performance and resilience. As the latest technological advancement of the FirstNet core, the new infrastructure also supports faster upload speeds and improved responsiveness, addressing the growing demands placed on the connected technologies that public safety agencies depend on daily.

Security has been built into the core at every level, with protections that exceed standard commercial network measures. Access is limited exclusively to a FirstNet SIM, which safeguards subscriber information from potential attackers, while a dedicated security operations center monitors the network around the clock to identify and mitigate emerging threats.

"AT&T continues to strengthen its leadership position in public safety communications through FirstNet. The introduction of a dedicated 5G standalone core reinforces its commitment to deliver the highest levels of security, resilience, and mission-critical performance for public safety," said Brent Iadarola, vice president of research, Frost & Sullivan. "This purpose-built architecture will provide first responders with a stronger foundation for next-generation communications and lifesaving applications."

Optimizing Mission Connectivity

Public safety agencies increasingly rely on a growing ecosystem of connected technologies, including mission-critical communications, live video and other situational awareness tools. Each of these applications carries distinct network requirements, making a one-size-fits-all approach to connectivity increasingly insufficient.

The FirstNet 5G SA core is designed to meet that challenge, establishing the foundation for a more tailored network experience through what AT&T calls Adaptive Mission Performance. Built on the dedicated FirstNet 5G SA infrastructure, Adaptive Mission Performance will optimize network performance for different public safety applications and use cases. Under this approach, public safety agencies will not simply be assigned a slice of a commercial network; the entire network core will be customized to their connectivity needs.

FirstNet subscribers have already begun transitioning to the new nationwide, dedicated 5G SA core at no additional cost. AT&T will roll out Adaptive Mission Performance capabilities over time as more users migrate to the new core, further enhancing the network's responsiveness to public safety's needs.

Agencies interested in transitioning to the new core are encouraged to contact their FirstNet solutions consultant for further information. Individual responders on FirstNet can also learn more about the transition and about saving up to 20 percent for family members on the AT&T commercial network.