Law Enforcement Groups Want More Competition for FirstNet Authority Dollars
Both groups are suing the FCC to prevent FirstNet, operated by AT&T, from accessing more spectrum.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2026 – Two law enforcement groups are asking lawmakers to allow the Commerce Department to spend more public safety dollars with providers other than AT&T. Their request comes in the lead up to a Senate hearing on the future of FirstNet, the nationwide first responder network operated by AT&T, next week.
AT&T operates FirstNet under a 25-year contract, with the oversight of Commerce’s FirstNet Authority. The company was awarded a $6.5 billion contract to construct the network in 2017, but it's currently funded by user fees.
The FirstNet Authority will sunset at the end of 2027 unless Congress reauthorizes it.
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