All 50 states as well as the District of Columbia have now committed to participating in FirstNet, or the First Responder Network, that is being built by AT&T. And FirstNet has outlined its agenda for 2018 as the First Net Authority and AT&T begin to put the next-generation broadband network in place.

North Carolina agreed to become part of FirstNet in November.

Here are the top agenda items as spelled out by FirstNet after announcing on Friday that all states were on board:

  • Expanding the Network and Building Out Band 14

The First Responder Network Authority will issue work orders to deploy the RANs in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the two opt-in territories in early 2018. This will give AT&T the green light to expand FirstNet’s footprint and deploy Band 14 capacity and coverage throughout the nation, providing first responders with the bandwidth and mission critical connections they need to communicate, share information, and use innovative technologies every day and in every emergency.

  • Driving Public Safety Innovation

FirstNet will also unlock a new technology marketplace for public safety, enabling first responders to benefit from advancements in innovation. The FirstNet App store will be filling up with FirstNet-approved mobile apps that are optimized for public safety use over the first responder network.

  • Securing Emergency Communications

FirstNet’s first-of-its-kind core infrastructure will give first responders the dedicated, highly secure, non-commercial network they deserve. On schedule to be operational in March, the FirstNet public safety core will provide full encryption of public safety data over FirstNet and provide end-to-end cyber security. FirstNet subscribers will also have access to a dedicated Security Operations Center, offering 24/7/365 support.

  • Engaging with Public Safety

Public safety outreach and advocacy will not stop as the network is further built out. The First Responder Network Authority will continue to engage with public safety in the states, territories, federal agencies, and tribal nations to ensure the network meets their needs and incorporate their feedback in the design of future FirstNet products and services.