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.”
According to figures quoted by the organisation, the network currently serves more than 28,000 public safety agencies across every state. Eight billion dollars is planned to be invested over the next ten years.
