FirstNet budget signed off for 2025

The US FirstNet Authority Board has approved a $684 million budget package to fund operations and network enhancements in 2025. According to a statement, this will include the expansion of coverage, as well as “evolution” of the network itself.

The funding resulted from the approval of ‘Resolution 118’, which allocates $100.2 million to the FirstNet operating budget in the upcoming fiscal year, alongside $50 million in reserve. The rest the budget will fund the network enhancements mentioned above.

Discussing the decision, FirstNet Authority board chair, Richard Carrizzo, said: “The FirstNet Authority is focused on evolving and enhancing FirstNet, so it meets the needs of public safety now and in the future. This budget will enable our team to continue to engage with and advocate for the nation’s public safety community, and advance communications for first responders nationwide.”

FirstNet Authority executive director and CEO, Joe Wassel, said: “We are committed to investing in the future of FirstNet and public safety communications through innovation and expanding coverage.

“We will ensure the network is available where public safety stakeholders need it, including in rural areas, territories, and tribal lands across the country. This is a top priority for the FirstNet Authority.”