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POLICY INITIATIVE: SBC’S UNAMBIGUOUS SUPPORT of FIRSTNET REAUTHORIZATION The Safer Buildings Coalition strongly and unambiguously supports the permanent reauthorization of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). We stand with the voice of public safety—IAFC, IACP, APCO, the Fraternal Order of Police, and the International Association of Fire Fighters—in urging Congress to act before the February 2027 statutory sunset. Why SBC Supports FirstNet
SBC’s Position SBC supports permanent reauthorization without sunset date. No carve-outs, no compromises. The first responders who rely on FirstNet during emergencies deserve certainty and uninterrupted access to this high-speed broadband network. The Safer Buildings Coalition urges Congress to swiftly reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) before its legislative sunset in February 2027. FirstNet is a remarkable public policy success story, and the more than 30,000 public safety agencies now relying on this dedicated network deserve the predictability and certainty that reauthorization provides. Letter Example (Originals sent to all members of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and other stakeholders) November 17, 2025 VIA Priority Mail The Honorable Maria Cantwell SUBJECT: Safer Buildings Coalition Statement on FirstNet Authority Reauthorization Dear The Honorable Maria Cantwell: The Safer Buildings Coalition urges Congress to swiftly reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) before its legislative sunset in February 2027. FirstNet is a remarkable public policy success story, and the more than 30,000 public safety agencies now relying on this dedicated network deserve the predictability and certainty that reauthorization provides. FirstNet's success speaks for itself. Public safety agencies have adopted FirstNet in unprecedented numbers, demonstrating their confidence in the network. The system operates with a self-sustaining business model requiring no ongoing taxpayer appropriations. It completed its initial buildout on time and on budget, and has proven its reliability during wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and daily emergency operations nationwide. FirstNet continuously reinvests program-generated funds back into network improvements and innovation. The Safer Buildings Coalition is dedicated to improving life safety in buildings through enhanced in-building wireless communications for public safety. We particularly commend the FirstNet Authority's strategic focus on in-building coverage, consistently identified by first responders as a top priority. Indoor locations such as basements, stairwells, and parking garages present challenging environments for wireless connectivity, yet these are precisely where first responders must operate during emergencies. The September 11 attacks tragically demonstrated the life-or-death consequences of communications failures inside buildings. FirstNet has responded with substantial action. In May 2022, the FirstNet Authority Board approved major investments to expand in-building coverage in police headquarters, fire stations, emergency communication centers, and other critical locations. As of April of 2025, more than 11,000 Cell Booster Pro in-building coverage devices have been deployed nationwide, with AT&T continuing to expand available solutions for buildings of all sizes and complexity. We stand with America's public safety community. APCO International, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), and numerous other public safety organizations have called for reauthorization. First responders who depend on FirstNet during emergencies deserve certainty and uninterrupted access to this dedicated broadband network. The uncertainty created by an approaching sunset date imposes unnecessary planning burdens on the 30,000+ agencies that depend on FirstNet. Every month of delay creates risk. Congress should act in 2025 to provide the certainty that America's first responders have earned and deserve. The Safer Buildings Coalition stands ready to support the FirstNet Authority's continued evolution and to contribute our expertise to ensuring that first responders can communicate reliably wherever their mission takes them—including inside the buildings where Americans live, work, and seek shelter during emergencies. Respectfully submitted,
Contact Information: John Foley cc: |