Deadline looms for post-9/11 FirstNet reauthorization

In an aerial view, a fire truck sits parked in a neighborhood destroyed by a wildfire on Aug. 11, 2023 in Lahaina, Hawaii. The performance of the FirstNet network during the Maui fires has partially led to calls for a revamp of its structure. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) By Allison Mollenkamp Posted November 12, 2026 at 7:00am, Updated at 6:30pm Supporters of the FirstNet program that provides emergency communications for first-responders still see hope for reauthorization this year, despite continued disagreements over what changes, if any, should be made to how the program is governed. A House-passed reauthorization bill would shift authority toward the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration and away from the FirstNet board, which is made up in part by first-responders.

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