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Cal OES releases plan to complete delayed ‘Next Gen 911’ system overhaul, address past missteps (CA)

Following years of delays and technical issues plaguing the state’s overhaul of its aging 9-1-1 system, officials with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) outlined a plan Wednesday to get the beleaguered project back on track, anticipating statewide deployment of the new Next Generation 911 system by 2030.

The report follows a year-long pause in the state’s Next Gen 911 rollout, during which state officials and a paid consultant investigated the scope of the problems with the new 911 system and how they might be overcome. 

Haywood dispatcher thinks fast to save a life (NC)

Dispatchers are an often overlooked part of a county’s overall emergency response, but their role is as vital as any other. 
This was made clear all across the region during Hurricane Helene, as thousands of 911 calls poured in from people in their most desperate hour. More recently, on Sept. 28, Haywood County Emergency Communicator Kaylin Greene again proved the point by thinking fast with a life on the line to get responders where they needed to go. 

Joint City & County meeting advances shared goal of strengthening 9-1-1 services across … (NC)

 In a joint governmental meeting focused on public safety and collaboration, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and the Fayetteville City Council met on Thursday, Nov. 13, to discuss a comprehensive framework for consolidated 9-1-1 communications services. Both governing bodies reaffirmed their shared commitment to improving emergency response for all residents of Cumberland County.

House Communications & Technology Committee holds public hearing on school panic … (PA)

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    November 17, 2025 | 2:55 PM

HARRISBURG, Nov. 17 – In a step to increase school safety for students and teachers, the PA House Communications & Technology Committee held a public hearing Monday on legislation (H.B. 634) introduced by state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, that would require schools to consider implementing silent panic alarm buttons in classrooms during the annual review of their safety and security practices.

AT&T Improves Its 5G Service Using Spectrum it Bought From DISH

AT&T has completed one of the fastest large-scale spectrum deployments in U.S. wireless history by integrating mid-band 3.45 GHz licenses acquired from DISH’s parent EchoStar across nearly 23,000 cell sites in a matter of weeks. AT&T announced today that the new spectrum is now active in more than 5,300 cities and towns spanning 48 states, adding significant capacity and performance to the carrier’s existing 5G network.

First Responders Overwhelmingly Support Reauthorization of FirstNet

93% of America’s first responders — police, fire, and EMS — want Congress to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). It is the agency that oversees FirstNet, America’s dedicated public safety broadband network. FirstNet’s infrastructure, which includes Band 14 (the radio spectrum reserved by Congress for first responders), is operated under a competitively bid contract won by AT&T.

Columbia County looks to give dispatchers a pay bump (AR)

Columbia County Sheriff Leroy Martin said if changes aren’t made to increase the eight dispatcher’s salaries for the county, the situation could become a crisis. Martin spoke to the Columbia County Quorum Court Budget Committee recently, saying that increasing...

Reauthorization SurveyMORE>

PSBTA Releases Survey on First Responder Support for FirstNet Reauthorization

New Survey: First Responders Overwhelmingly Support Reauthorization of FirstNet

A new bipartisan national survey commissioned by the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association finds near- unanimous support among first responders for reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)– the agency overseeing America’s dedicated public safety broadband network.

PETITIONSMORE>

Congress should reauthorize the FirstNet Authority now.

Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network

PSBTA UpdatesMORE>

Podcast

FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz Spectrum

This episode dives into the critical evolution of public safety communications, focusing on the recent FCC decision to establish a nationwide Band Manager framework for the 4.9 GHz spectrum, and discuss the evolution and deployment of the FirstNet System. Host Chris Tubbs interviews Chief Jeff Johnson, a leader in public safety technology and the development of FirstNet. Together, they explore the history, governance, and transformative potential of FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz spectrum in enhancing public safety operations with emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and augmented reality. The discussion emphasizes the importance of protecting and optimizing public safety spectrum, the lessons learned from past advocacy efforts, and a call to action for public safety leaders to remain engaged in ensuring the spectrum’s effective use and governance.


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Public Sector GrantsMORE>

Webinar

Accessing Federal Resources When an Emergency or Major Disaster Strikes

In light of the major disasters that our nation has recently experienced, PS Grants is offering this FREE webinar to review Disaster Assistance Programs and how to access them. Learn what federal funds and resources are available through Disaster Assistance, understand the process of requesting assistance, know what to expect before, during, and after, and find out who to contact for help.


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