FirstNet Celebrates 10th Anniversary

February 22, 2022

On February 22, 2012, Congress signed a bill that brought FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network, to life. In the decade since, the network has grown from a concept on paper to a live network supporting nearly 20,000 public safety agencies nationwide. That day 10 years ago has transformed the way public safety operates now and in the decades to come.

The network would not have been possible without the advocacy and input from the public safety community. After 9/11 revealed challenges in public safety communications, first responders fought for a network of their own. FirstNet is the result of those efforts.

Even after the legislation passed, the public safety community remained heavily involved in guiding the development of the network. In 2013, the FirstNet Authority created the first Public Safety Advisory Committee to ensure public safety’s needs and interests were represented in the network. The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is proud to serve on this group, providing critical advice and expertise to help shape the evolution and advancement of FirstNet.

The NVFC joins the FirstNet Authority in celebrating 10 years of bringing broadband to public safety. Learn more about the FirstNet Authority here.