Rural Partners Networks and NPSBN Interoperability
Madhu S. Singh · Auerbach Publications eBooks · 2025
Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Recovery Act of 2012 authorized FirstNet Authority (FNA) to establish a nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN) based on a single, national network to build a dedicated, reliable wireless network for first responders in all U.S. states and territories, including rural communities and tribal nations. FNA partnered with American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) to develop, deploy, and operate NPSBN as mandated by the U.S. Congress. AT&T covers most of the places in the United States, but has gaps in the rural areas including Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Texas. These areas are served by smaller service providers, including Cover, Panhandle, and Bug Tussel. AT&T partnered with these small service providers so that FirstNet users can get access to their broadband radio network for serving in their coverage areas.