Senate hearing urges swift FirstNet reauthorization while probing oversight, governance and resiliency

WASHINGTON — Senators pressed witnesses at a Commerce Committee hearing on the reauthorization of the Public Safety Broadband Network, known as FirstNet, focusing on oversight weaknesses identified by the Commerce Department’s Office of Inspector General, governance changes proposed by the FirstNet Authority board, and efforts by AT&T and Verizon to improve resiliency and rural coverage.

Sheriff Michael Atkinson, acting chair of the First Responder Network Authority Board, told the subcommittee that FirstNet ‘‘has been a success,’’ but said the board must strengthen oversight and continuity. Atkinson asked Congress to consider ‘‘staggering these terms every 3 years’’ for board members and to expand public‑safety seats, saying, “we would ask that you dedicate 5 so that the men and women public safety have a direct and continued, priority impact.” He also urged clearer lines of authority so the board can hold staff accountable.

Scott Agnew, president of FirstNet and public sector mobility at AT&T, urged senators to reauthorize FirstNet ‘‘well in advance of the February 27 expiration’’ and outlined the company’s role under the contract selected in 2017. Agnew said AT&T expects to…