FirstNet Emergency Communication Network Expanding to Utilities

FirstNet is a national broadband communication network developed by AT&T, in conjunction with the federal government, for first responders.  It was conceived in response to the 9/11 attacks in 2001, and passed legislation from Congress authorizing its creation in 2012.  The network took years to build and was finally launched for first responders in all states in 2018.  Now, the developers of FirstNet are working to expand the network to utility companies in all sectors. 

How FirstNet Will Benefit Utilities

FirstNet delivers two primary benefits to the utility sector. 

First, the network essentially provides an exclusive, always-on communication channel for electric, gas and water utilities during emergency situations.  This is critical because oftentimes communication channels get bogged down when disaster strikes, which obviously hinders outage restoration efforts. 

Second, in addition to reserving communication access for utility companies, FirstNet also seeks to expand wireless coverage to rural areas and other locations that have historically endured limited wireless access.  This is critical for coops and other utility entities that operate in remote areas. 

In order to join the network, a utility company must subscribe to be an “extended primary” user of the nationwide public-safety broadband network (PSBN).  AT&T defines an extended primary subscriber as a person or entity that can be called upon to support first responders.  So, for example, utility sales personnel would not be eligible, but linemen and network technicians would be eligible. 

All in all, this is a fantastic development for utility companies that clearly benefits emergency preparedness.  I’ve been involved in restoration efforts where communication is either blocked or slowed due to overcapacity, and believe me, it probably increased the stress and difficulty of managing a restoration 2-fold.  Imagine trying to dispatch crews and work with outside agencies without reliable communication tools.  It simply does not work, but with FirstNet – in theory at least – this problem is solved.