According to a statement, the investment follows completion of the five-year initial build-out of the network by core contractor AT&T. The decision was taken in light of ‘Resolution 117,’ which directs the authority to “take all necessary actions to enable FirstNet’s evolution for network subscribers.”
Discussing the decision, FirstNet Authority board chair, chief Richard Carrizzo, said: “The [authority] is making a major investment in public safety and the next generation of their network. With the initial buildout now complete, we are focused on continuing the growth and evolution of the network, based on public safety’s evolving needs.”
FirstNet Authority executive director and CEO, Joe Wassel, said: “We are accelerating the evolution of FirstNet’s 5G capabilities and making sure the network continues to deliver the innovation and reliability that first responders need, now and in the future.”
According to figures released by the FirstNet Authority, FirstNet is currently used by 27,500 public safety agencies.
