Talk:FirstNet Authority

Outdated Info and One-sided Criticism

Most of the info on this page is outdated (circa 2016). Needs updating. Criticism cites an article written before the FirstNet network was built and operating. 96.241.145.40 (talk) 01:14, 19 October 2023 (UTC)

Proposal to substantially update outdated portions of the article

I have an affiliation with the FirstNet Authority and therefore do not intend to make substantive edits to the article directly. I am posting this proposal so that independent Wikipedia editors can evaluate the suggested changes and sources.

As noted in the existing discussion above, substantial portions of this article remain focused on the 2012–2017 development of FirstNet. In particular, the article still describes FirstNet as being “in the early stages” of creating the network, devotes a standalone section to a 2016 public forum, and provides comparatively little information about the network's operation following completion of the initial buildout.

The article has also changed materially since the period covered by much of the current content. The initial five-year nationwide buildout was completed in 2023, adoption has grown substantially, and the network has continued to evolve through additional coverage investment and the transition to 5G.

I believe the article would benefit from an independent, source-based update covering, among other things:

-completion of the initial nationwide buildout; -growth in FirstNet connections and participating public-safety organizations; -the distinction between the FirstNet Authority and AT&T's operation of FirstNet under the 25-year contract; -Band 14 and the dedicated FirstNet network core; -funding and network reinvestment; -post-buildout coverage and deployable capabilities; -5G and the 2026 nationwide 5G Standalone core; -public-safety consultation and participation; -competing public-safety wireless offerings from Verizon and T-Mobile; -current oversight, criticism, and reauthorization issues.

I have assembled a more detailed proposed structure and source list for editors who may be interested in undertaking the update.

The intent is to improve completeness and historical accuracy, not to remove criticism or present FirstNet in a promotional manner. I would welcome review by editors with experience in U.S. government, telecommunications, or public-safety communications articles.

Disclosure

I am a member of the FirstNet Authority Board of Directors. Because of that affiliation, I am seeking independent editorial review rather than making substantive changes to the article myself. McDevitt21 (talk) 14:10, 24 August 2026 (UTC)