By Tina Metzer, Co-Founder, RuralRISE
Public safety matters, even in the most remote parts of the country.
Across America, small towns and rural communities face emergencies in some of the most challenging and unforgiving terrain. Unlike in major cities, these hard-to-reach areas often have spotty — or no — cell coverage, creating a serious barrier for first responders who depend on accurate, reliable, real-time communication.
At RuralRISE, we believe connectivity is about more than economic opportunity. It is about safety, dignity, and the ability of rural communities to care for one another in times of crisis. First responders – many of them volunteers in rural areas – show up for us every day. The least we can do is make sure they have the tools they need to safely do their jobs.
Reliable communication is essential for every community, yet rural areas have often been left behind. In the past, this meant emergency crews could not always count on a reliable network, putting the lives of rural Americans at risk. Thankfully, there are programs working to close this gap and ensure that no community is left without a lifeline in times of need.
While several programs are working to expand access and strengthen emergency response, one of the most important advances has been the development of FirstNet.
FirstNet is a nationwide broadband network dedicated to first responders. It was born out of the communications failures during 9/11, when emergency personnel couldn’t coordinate due to overloaded systems. In response, Congress created the First Responder Network Authority.
Key features of FirstNet include:
- Priority and preemption during emergencies, ensuring responders can communicate.
- A dedicated core network with built-in cybersecurity.
- Specialized services and devices for EMS, police, fire departments, and more.
Across the country, rural first responders are seeing the difference FirstNet makes. These real-world deployments show the power of having a network built for public safety; ensuring responders can stay connected, no matter where or when disaster strikes.
Two years ago, in Stillwater County, Montana, a train derailed over the Yellowstone River, sending rail cars carrying molten sulfur and asphalt into the water below. The surrounding area had limited cell coverage available to first responders addressing the accident. Within just a few hours, crews deployed a FirstNet Satellite Cell on Light Truck (SatCOLT), allowing local, state, and federal officials to coordinate seamlessly on a single, secure system. (1) From drones to portable cell sites, modern technologies like these are empowering rural public safety agencies during emergencies every day.
In my home state, many residents live an hour or more away from the nearest hospital. With a connection, local EMTs can sometimes transmit patient vitals and data to hospitals in real time, throughout the entire drive. That is the power of connectivity.
FirstNet is not the only program making a difference. State and local initiatives, as well as federal efforts like Next Generation 911 and rural broadband investments, are also strengthening the communications lifeline for emergency responders. These complementary programs, when combined with FirstNet, help create a stronger, more resilient safety net for rural communities.
Thousands of rural communities stand to benefit even more from continued investment in both state and federal initiatives that strengthen emergency communications infrastructure, including programs like FirstNet. To ensure that first responders have access to reliable, interoperable networks when disaster strikes, it is vital that legislators continue to prioritize and invest in these critical systems; particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The current authorization for FirstNet expires in 2027, and Congress will need to act, not only to keep FirstNet operational but consider how to improve, sustain, and modernize the nation’s emergency response communications framework. Congressional leadership and investment are imperative in ensuring our first responders are able to help in our greatest time of need.
A RuralRISE Call to Action
At RuralRISE, we want to help ensure rural communities are not overlooked, that they have the same dependable communications infrastructure as urban areas, so first responders can do their jobs and lives can be protected.
We would love to hear from first responders, local leaders, government agencies, providers and nonprofits about the programs and solutions you’re working on to keep your communities safe.
Share your stories, connect with others, and help us build a stronger, more resilient rural future. Because no matter the zip code, every community deserves to know that when an emergency strikes, the call for help will go through.
(1) https://firstnet.gov/newsroom/blog/firstnet-supports-disaster-response-rural-montana
connect@ruralrise.org
