AT&T expects select public safety agencies on FirstNet, the country’s public safety broadband network, to begin testing satellite communications later in 2025 after its partner AST SpaceMobile secured authorization from the Federal Communications Commission.
AT&T said Wednesday the FCC approval allows AST SpaceMobile to start testing direct-to-cellular satellite connectivity on public safety’s Band 14 spectrum through its BlueBird satellites.
Bringing Satellite Connectivity to First Responders Via FirstNet
“Satellite connectivity on FirstNet is being built with public safety’s unique needs in mind,” said Matt Walsh, area vice president for FirstNet and NextGen 9-1-1 products at AT&T. “First responders need more than the minimum and we are excited to continue building out our comprehensive network to serve the public safety community.”
In 2024, AT&T tested push-to-talk services and other mission-critical capabilities as part of efforts to deliver improved capabilities to first responders.
According to AT&T, FirstNet has a fleet of over 180 satellite-based deployable network assets. Satellite-to-cellular connectivity could extend the FirstNet network’s reach for first responders operating in rural or off-grid sites.
Supporting FirstNet Enhancements, Expansion
In June 2024, the First Responder Network Authority Board approved a $684 million budget for fiscal year 2025 to fund operations and improvements to the nationwide wireless broadband network for public safety professionals.
In February 2024, AT&T and the FirstNet Authority launched a 10-year, $8 billion initiative to further develop and expand FirstNet.
Under the investment effort, the two parties will deliver always-on priority and preemption capabilities across 5G to first responders; build 1,000 new FirstNet cell sites within the next two years; establish a standalone 5G core to improve 5G functionality; and support the move of the Band 14 spectrum to 5G.
