Congressman Brett Guthrie and Congressman Richard Hudson announced a legislative hearing to discuss the reauthorization of FirstNet, a critical communication network for first responders. The hearing, titled “Evaluating FirstNet: Performance, Accountability, and Reauthorization,” was scheduled for February 4, 2026, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C.
“Starting out as a 9/11 Commission recommendation to strengthen emergency communications infrastructure, FirstNet has been a critical resource for first responders operating in moments of crisis,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson. They emphasized the importance of maintaining FirstNet’s leading role in safety and reliability as preparations continued for future disasters.
Scott Agnew, President of FirstNet & Public Sector Mobility at AT&T, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to update Congress on FirstNet’s deployment and impact. “We applauded your leadership and commitment to public safety,” Agnew said. He highlighted AT&T’s role in ensuring that FirstNet met its obligations under federal contracts.
FirstNet was established by Congress to provide a dedicated broadband network for public safety agencies across the United States. Since its inception, it had expanded significantly and supported nearly 30,600 public safety agencies with around 8 million connections. This growth included coverage across all states and U.S. territories.
The hearing focused on the bill H.R., the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act. It aimed to enhance transparency and effectiveness within the program to achieve goals set two decades ago.
For further information regarding the hearing or press inquiries, individuals were directed to contact Noah Jackson or Daniel Kelly via their respective email addresses provided in the announcement.
More details about the event were available on energycommerce.house.gov.
