The FirstNet Authority Board has unanimously approved a $1.2 billion fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget, with nearly $1.1 billion allocated to investments that will strengthen and expand the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). The investment represents the largest annual network reinvestment since the nationwide deployment of FirstNet began following the 2017 contract award.

The approved budget includes approximately $90.2 million to support the FirstNet Authority's operations and $45.1 million for the organization's reserve fund, while nearly 90% of available FY2027 resources will be directed toward advancing the network's coverage, capabilities, resiliency, and innovation.

"This budget positions the FirstNet Authority for continued success by enabling critical investments that will enhance the nationwide public safety broadband network while advancing our public safety mission," said Mike Cannon, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the FirstNet Authority. "Our FY2027 priorities will help expand network coverage and ensure first responders have access to the reliable communications capabilities they need to protect their communities."

Sean McDevitt, Chair of the FirstNet Authority Board's Finance and Investment Committee, emphasized the significance of the planned network investments.

"This budget represents the largest annual network investment since the initial deployment of FirstNet began in 2018," McDevitt said. "By proposing nearly $1.1 billion for network reinvestment, we are ensuring that the overwhelming majority of the Authority's resources are focused on advancing the network for public safety. These investments will allow us to continue expanding coverage, enhancing capabilities, strengthening resiliency, and accelerating innovation without requiring proportional growth in the Authority's operational footprint."

While specific investment projects were not detailed during the board meeting, the FY2027 budget is expected to support expanded coverage in rural, remote, Tribal, and other underserved areas identified as priorities through ongoing engagement with the public safety community.

"We have built a truly nationwide public safety broadband network and created an ecosystem of devices, applications, and deployable capabilities that continues to transform emergency communications," McDevitt said. "Our work is far from complete. We now have the opportunity to extend coverage to the areas where first responders need it most, while strengthening network resiliency and delivering capabilities that were unimaginable when FirstNet was established."

The FY2027 budget comes as the FirstNet Authority continues to work with Congress on legislation to reauthorize the organization beyond its current statutory sunset date of February 2027.

"The FirstNet model has delivered extraordinary results," McDevitt added. "Our responsibility is to build on that success while maintaining the governance and accountability that have made the model effective. We have both the resources and the responsibility to prepare the next generation of the network as Congress considers FirstNet's future."

Since its launch, the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network has grown to support more than 8.4 million public safety connections across the United States. The network's initial nationwide buildout was completed on time and on budget by AT&T under a 25-year public-private partnership established in 2017.

Unlike most federal entities, the FirstNet Authority does not rely on annual congressional appropriations. The Authority is funded through revenues generated under its public-private partnership with AT&T, including payments associated with the carrier's use of the FirstNet Authority's licensed 700 MHz Band 14 spectrum.

The FY2027 budget underscores the FirstNet Authority's long-term commitment to ensuring first responders have access to secure, reliable, and mission-critical broadband communications as the network continues to evolve to meet the nation's public safety needs.