Congressman Richard Hudson, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, opened a legislative hearing in Washington, D.C., to review the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The hearing, titled "Evaluating FirstNet: Performance, Accountability, and Reauthorization," comes as FirstNet’s authorization is set to expire at the beginning of next year.
Hudson began by outlining the purpose of the hearing. “Good morning, and welcome to today’s legislative hearing on the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet. FirstNet’s authorization expires at the beginning of next year, and it is this Committee’s duty to reauthorize the program before it expires. In the process, we should examine FirstNet’s activities since its creation 15 years ago and make any changes necessary to improve its performance. The future of public safety relies on safe resources like FirstNet, so thank you all for joining us to ensure our country is taken care of in times of need."
He referenced challenges faced by first responders during September 11, 2001. “During the horrific terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, first responders from different agencies found they could not communicate with each other because they used different radio systems, and overloaded networks prevented communications from going through. In the aftermath of these attacks, Congress stood up the 9/11 Commission, which made recommendations to prepare for and guard against future attacks. One of those recommendations led to Congress establishing FirstNet, a nationwide broadband network specifically built for public safety.”
FirstNet was allocated spectrum and funding for development across all states and territories. “FirstNet was allocated 20 megahertz of spectrum and $7 billion to build out the network in all 50 states and the territories. In 2017, AT&T was selected to deploy this network. Shortly after, FirstNet began providing priority and preemption. During a crisis when there is increased network traffic, non-FirstNet AT&T subscribers will be removed from the priority line to ensure first responders can always make the call. On December 20, 2023, the FirstNet Authority verified the initial nationwide buildout of the network.”
Hudson noted ongoing oversight concerns since deployment began. “However, the successful buildout of this network does not mean it has not faced challenges. Since 2014, the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued 21 reports regarding significant concerns about FirstNet and the deployment of the nationwide public safety broadband network, its operational responses, and other administrative matters.”
He cited issues highlighted by these reports: “Several of these reports highlight contract oversight shortcomings resulting in modified buildout objectives that jeopardize first responders’ ability to do their jobs. Other reports indicate a failure of the network to adequately respond to a natural disaster; and that a senior official at FirstNet interfered with OIG investigations and retaliated against whistleblowers who cooperated with OIG.”
Hudson addressed confusion caused by ambiguous governance language: “This Committee’s work over several months has also identified a consistent and troubling finding: ambiguous language regarding FirstNet’s independence—while simultaneously placing it directly within an Executive Branch agency—has created confusion... To ensure long-term success...it is imperative there is clear leadership.”
He emphasized continued support for board oversight: “This leadership must be able to work hand-in-hand with the FirstNet board...I would like to emphasize that this draft legislation does not...remove statutory requirement[s]...The Board is a valuable component...crucial for ensuring experience [and] needs...are reflected in direction..."
On technology evolution he said: “Additionally we must ensure that this network can evolve along with technological landscape…For benefit [of] first responders…FirstNet should have statutory flexibility…”
Hudson commended efforts so far while calling for evaluation ahead: “I want to be clear; FirstNet has succeeded despite challenges…I would like to commend AT&T…Congress is here [to] evaluate this program…Today is [the] first step…”
“Today we will hear from our witnesses who are directly involved with FirstNet about [its] current state…and how legislation before us will strengthen…the Authority,” Hudson concluded.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee oversees telecommunications policy among other areas such as energy innovation and health care according to its official website. Established in 1795 as one of Congress's oldest standing committees [source], it continues shaping national infrastructure including broadband expansion.
