FirstNet Board Approves $81 Million Operational Budget for 2019

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) Board today approved an $81 million budget for operations in Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19), with a focus on the priority areas of public safety engagement and deployment of the nationwide public safety broadband network. The Board also gave the FirstNet Authority the green light to explore reinvestment opportunities in network enhancements and innovation for public safety.

“This action positions the FirstNet Authority for continued success as we work on behalf of public safety to ensure the network delivers what they asked for and evolves to meet their needs,” said FirstNet Board Chair Sue Swenson. "With public safety's network currently available across the Nation, the FirstNet Authority will now focus on public safety's vision and Congress' direction to fully realize the benefits of a dedicated nationwide public safety broadband network."

Within the last year, the FirstNet Authority has:

• Completed the State Plan process, with all 56 states and territories accepting the FirstNet build-out plans;
• Launched and validated the dedicated FirstNet Core network;
• Approved devices and applications to grow a technology ecosystem for public safety;
• Operationalized the FirstNet Innovation and Test Lab;
• Launched a nationwide public safety engagement and outreach program to enable public safety to influence network services and products; and
• Cleared all audits and earned a fifth consecutive “clean,” or unmodified, audit opinion.

During its quarterly meeting today, the FirstNet Board approved Resolution 91, which allocates $81 million for the FirstNet Authority’s operating budget in FY19. The Board’s action also provides $81 million in reserves for the FirstNet Authority’s operations and allots $78 million for network reinvestment on behalf of public safety. This is the first year that the FirstNet Authority is being directly funded by annual sustainability payments from its network contractor, AT&T, as part of the public-private partnership.

“This budget is an investment in the future of our organization and in public safety’s network,” said CEO Mike Poth. “With the network deployment in full swing, the FirstNet Authority is laser focused on driving the network build-out and innovation to advance public safety communications.”

Also today, the Board passed a resolution recognizing Sue Swenson for serving four years as Chair of the FirstNet Board. Swenson’s second two-year term as Board Chair expires in August 2018 in accordance with the Act. She will continue to serve on the Board and as Chair of the Governance and Personnel Committee.

“Through her direction of the Board, the FirstNet Authority has evolved from startup mode to growth mode, and the network has advanced from concept to reality,” said Poth. “On behalf of the FirstNet organization, we thank Sue for her leadership of the Board and for her tireless commitment to public safety.”