Commercial cellular networks are often overwhelmed in times of national or global crisis, such as large-scale natural disasters and military conflicts. Governments created communication channels to better manage these scenarios and remain operational during increased requests for cellular connectivity. The idea is valid from a theoretical standpoint, but the fast proliferation of radio technologies made the opposite problem.
Public safety teams use about 10,000 proprietary radio networks across the US. This large number of radio networks has caused public safety teams nationwide to struggle to communicate and work together. This is why the First Responder Network Authority was invented. Let's talk about what FirstNet is, how it works, and why it's compatible with a limited number of devices, including some of the best Android phones of 2023.
What is FirstNet?
The FirstNet network is a wireless broadband network that spans the entire United States and is designed for first responders. The First Responder Network Authority oversees the development, deployment, and operation of the FirstNet network.
The FirstNet authority was created through a public-private partnership between the federal government and AT&T. The aim was to create a network that fulfills first responders' technical and communication needs in cases of human-made or natural disasters when the public network becomes congested or fails.
A brief history of FirstNet
The September 11, 2001, attack revealed the issues with the communication network used by first responder agencies. The public networks, including the landline and mobile networks, were congested due to the high volume of calls. While the radio networks used by the first responder agencies, such as law enforcement, fire services, EMS, and emergency management, were operational, they were not interoperable. That made it hard to relay information between the first responders teams.
The First Responder Network Authority was established by Congress in 2012 through the Middle-Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act (PDF) and based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission Report to solve these issues. The law aimed to create a synergic effort between private sector resources, infrastructure, expertise, and economies of scale with government resources. The goal is to create, deploy, and operate a first-responder network.
Also in 2012, Congress passed the Spectrum Act, which reserved 20 MHz of a desirable spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band (commonly referred to as Band 14) for emergency communications. Low-band spectrum frequencies offer advantages, including penetrating walls and other obstacles, ensuring excellent coverage for vital services.
Along with the 2012 legislation, the US government signed a contract with communications giant AT&T, entrusting it with creating a network designed to meet a 99.99% service availability goal. FirstNet claims to have reached this objective thanks to AT&T's strategy that gives FirstNet users access to all bands on the AT&T network with priority over non-FirstNet users.
Who can use FirstNet?
FirstNet-approved organizations mainly include law enforcement, fire protection, emergency planning, and emergency medical services. The list also encompasses entities that provide medical care, mitigation, remediation, overhaul, clean-up, restoration, and other services during or after a disaster. Additional information about eligibility and use cases is available on the First Net Eligibility page from the Two Way Direct website.
FirstNet offers three unlimited data plans. Two of these plans, which cost $44.99 and $39.99 a month, respectively, are smartphone plans and include unlimited talk, text, and data. The more expensive one also offers unlimited hotspots and tethering capabilities. The third plan is data-only and costs $40 a month with unlimited data, a mobile hotspot, and tethering. AT&T also has three mobile-pooled data plans. Learn more about it by visiting the Wireless Rate Plans for First Responders page.
What devices support FirstNet?
You may be curious whether the network is compatible with your Android devices. To achieve the highest level of compatibility with the FirstNet network (FirstNet Trusted), devices must meet a series of technical requirements. They must also pass certain certifications, support Band 14, and receive approval and an extra level of certification for qualifying commercial and emergency response users.
Two other categories of devices are partially compatible with FirstNet. The first is FirstNet Ready devices, which meet the network's technical requirements, pass the necessary certifications, and support Band 14.
The second category of phones compatible with AT&T's emergency service network is called FirstNet Capable. These devices satisfy most requirements of the FirstNet Trusted minus the extra certification by qualifying commercial and emergency response users.
You'll find the list of supported FirstNet devices on FirstNet's phone & devices page.
Find a phone to go with your FirstNet service
Several commercial Android phones are FirstNet Ready, such as the Google Pixel 8 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S23 family, and the Motorola Edge. The complete list of supported devices is available on the FirstNet site.
Visit the FirstNet FAQ page, which contains extra information about the sign-up process, getting quotes for specialized devices, and more. We also recommend reading our guide on the best phone carriers to find a mobile carrier for your household.