Public Safety Broadband Technology Association Endorses Reauthorization of FirstNet Authority and Calls for Nationwide Support
The petition represents a collective endorsement of the value that FirstNet has delivered to the public safety community and a commitment to ensuring its uninterrupted operation.
The Public Safety Broadband Technology Association (PSBTA) today announced its full support for the reauthorization of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and is urging public safety professionals and stakeholders across the country to sign a petition to preserve the governance and oversight of the Nation’s Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN).
Established by Congress in 2012, the FirstNet Authority was created as an independent entity to oversee the buildout and operation of the NPSBN—a network built by public safety, for public safety. With more than 7 million connections and rapidly growing, FirstNet has proven to be an indispensable tool for first responders in police, fire, EMS, and emergency management across the United States.
PSBTA emphasizes that the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority before its legislative sunset in 2027 is criticalto safeguarding the future of this mission-critical communications network. Reauthorization ensures continued accountability for AT&T, FirstNet’s commercial partner, and retains the governance framework that gives public safety professionals a direct voice through the FirstNet Authority Board and the Public Safety Advisory Council (PSAC).
The PSBTA stated:
“Reauthorizing the FirstNet Authority is not just a policy decision—it’s a public safety imperative. This network exists because public safety came together and made their voice heard in Congress. Now we must do it again. If FirstNet is to evolve and meet the growing broadband needs of emergency services, its governance must be preserved and strengthened.”
The PSBTA is encouraging first responders and citizens alike to sign the petition in support of FirstNet’s reauthorization. The petition represents a collective endorsement of the value that FirstNet has delivered to the public safety community and a commitment to ensuring its uninterrupted operation.
Ken Kehmna - Ret. Fire Chief on Socla Media stated: “We Need More Than a Promise”
Ken Kehmna emphasizes that, just like in labor relations, strong contracts are essential to ensure accountability, protection, and long-term reliability—and this principle must also apply to FirstNet.
He highlights that FirstNet operates under a federal contract designed to serve public safety, not corporate profits. This contract guarantees:
- Dedicated spectrum with priority and preemption rights for first responders,
- Governance by public safety professionals through advisory committees,
- Transparent oversight and accountability, and
- Stability during emergencies.
Kehmna warns that without this contract, public safety would be left vulnerable to commercial carriers whose decisions are driven by profit, not mission-critical needs. He calls on all stakeholders to support the reauthorization of FirstNet to preserve the contractual framework that puts first responders first.
