On the Front Lines of Connectivity: Examining FirstNet’s Role in Public Safety

Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Senate Committee · January 29, 2026

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Opening: Purpose of hearing and FirstNet overview

AnnouncementPresentation

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Chair Fisher opened the hearing stating its purpose: to examine the Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet) and the need to reauthorize it before its February sunset, citing Inspector General findings about oversight weaknesses and urging Congress to act to preserve the network for first responders.

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Hearing on reauthorizing the Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet) with witnesses from FirstNet Authority, AT&T, Verizon Frontline and APCO International; senators probed oversight gaps flagged by the Commerce Department OIG, discussed board governance changes, competition and disaster resiliency, and a new AST satellite partnership.

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Transcript

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