Former FirstNet Authority Board Chairs Don’t Want Changes with Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2026 – Former heads of the FirstNet Authority’s board are urging current members to oppose potential changes to the agency’s structure as the deadline for Congressional reauthorization approaches.

The FirstNet Authority oversees FirstNet, the nationwide first responder network operated by AT&T. If lawmakers don’t reauthorize the agency, it will sunset at the end of 2027, something the Government Accountability Office and others have said would be disruptive for public safety agencies.

Two former chairs of FirstNet’s board, Richard Carrizzo and Sue Swenson, said in a letter to members of current board that they should oppose any reauthorization that codified Commerce Department oversight over FirstNet Authority or added new reporting requirements, among other things.