Hudson Drafting FirstNet Reauthorization Proposal That's Unlikely to Affect AT&T Operation
House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Richard Hudson, R-N.C., told us he’s “working on draft legislation” to renew the FirstNet Authority public safety broadband network, likely with some governance alterations, as the Senate Communications Subcommittee prepares to also examine the issue (see 2601130072). Without congressional reauthorization, FirstNet’s mandate will expire in February 2027. The Government Accountability Office recommended in 2024 that Congress re-up FirstNet, saying failure to do so would result in significant disruption to first responders (see 2405200035).
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Hudson told us last week that his draft FirstNet bill is “continuing to move forward,” and House Communications is planning to hold a legislative hearing on the measure within weeks. The subpanel last week advanced the Public Safety Communications Act (HR-1519), which would create an Office of Public Safety Communications within NTIA to administer proposed next-generation 911 funding and provide FirstNet oversight (see 2601150048). “We’re looking to reform” elements of the network, Hudson said. However, he doesn’t envision any FirstNet renewal legislation jeopardizing AT&T’s current contract with the authority to operate the public safety network.
“There’s no reason to reopen” debate on AT&T’s operation of FirstNet, Hudson said. “I’m overall pleased with the way that AT&T has managed [the network], and I’m proud of the program, but I think there are some reforms that will make it better.” Current lobbyists and former House Commerce Committee chairmen Greg Walden, R-Ore., and Henry Waxman, D-Calif., questioned in September whether Congress should reconsider leaving AT&T as FirstNet's sole manager. They respectively represent carrier rivals Verizon and T-Mobile (see 2509250060).
AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile didn’t immediately comment. The Coalition for Emergency Response and Critical Infrastructure, whose members include T-Mobile and Verizon, is pressing the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to overturn the FCC’s 2024 order that gave FirstNet control of the 4.9 GHz band through a nationwide license (see 2410220027).
Any changes to FirstNet in the draft will focus on the network’s “overall governance” structure, Hudson told us. There “are some lessons we’ve learned over the last few years of ways we can” improve it, including “ways to make it more transparent.” The Commerce Department’s Office of Inspector General criticized FirstNet officials in August for hindering oversight (see 2508280059). House Communications eyed FirstNet and other public safety communications issues during a September hearing (see 2509090062).
Not Circulating Yet
Several FirstNet stakeholders told us they haven’t seen any of Hudson’s draft language yet, but they anticipate that he will initially bow a near-clean reauthorization measure and then potentially add language to revamp parts of the program’s governance based on their feedback. Some stakeholders said Hudson may decide to add HR-1519’s language if he can reach a deal with public safety groups to address their concerns that it would encroach on FirstNet’s board (see 2512160073). Lobbyists said a FirstNet package could also be a vehicle for allocating money to NG911 if lawmakers can reach a deal on a new funding mechanism.
House Communications ranking member Doris Matsui, D-Calif., also said she hasn’t seen any of Hudson’s draft language, but “I’m sure he’s going to start sharing it with me” once he’s finalized a proposal. “We want to get something done” on FirstNet well before its authorization expires, but “it’s going to depend on the reforms” Hudson proposes.
“There is nothing broken [with FirstNet] that needs fixing,” said John Paul Jones, executive director of the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association, in an email. “The current governance structure works, and it works well. It has consistently proven its ability to identify challenges and adapt through an effective oversight model.” FirstNet “has been called the most successful public private partnership in [U.S. history] for good reason,” he said. “Let’s continue on the same path and continue with improvements for the betterment of all communities.”
Jones noted PSBTA’s continued opposition to HR-1519, despite supporters’ argument that it won’t undermine FirstNet’s board. That bill’s language “shifts decision-making authority out of the hands of frontline professionals and into uncertain territory, all for the sake of unnecessary and unwarranted changes to a governance model that is already succeeding in its mission and exceeding expectations.”
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Communications leaders confirmed the subpanel’s plans for a Jan. 27 hearing that will examine FirstNet renewal. But, at least publicly, they aren’t tipping whether they believe AT&T should remain FirstNet’s operator or whether major governance changes are necessary. “That’s what we’re going to find out at the hearing,” said Senate Communications Chair Deb Fischer, R-Neb., in a brief interview.
Senate Communications ranking member Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., told us the Jan. 27 hearing will include testimony from AT&T and Verizon executives. Those officials’ appearances as witnesses will likely lead to spirited debate on future FirstNet operation, lobbyists told us.