• Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Join TMA
  • Contact
  • FOR CONSUMERS
  • STORE
  • Member Login
The Monitoring Association
  • About
    • About TMA
    • Our Leadership
      • Executive Committee & Board
      • Past Presidents
      • Honorary Members
    • Our Team
    • Our Committees
      • AICC
      • TMA NextGen
      • Join a Committee
    • Contact Us
  • Membership
    • Why Join?
    • Member Resources
    • Member Directory
    • Member Search
    • New Members
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Education
    • Online Training
      • Monitoring Center Operator
      • Operator Recertification
      • Cybersecurity Series
      • False Alarm Awareness
    • Events
    • Webinars
    • Speakers & SMEs
      • Speaker’s Lounge
      • Call For Speakers
  • Events
    • 2023 Virtual Mid-Year Meeting
    • 2023 OPSTech
    • 2023 Annual Meeting
    • Future TMA Events
  • Standards
    • TMA Standards
      • TMA-ATN-01 Monitoring Center Notification of Active Threat Detection
      • ANSI/TMA-AVS-01 2023 Alarm Validation Scoring Standard
      • TMA CS-V-01 Alarm Confirmation, Verification and Notification Procedures
      • Future TMA Standards
    • Standards Committees
      • TMA-ATN-01 Monitoring Center Notification of Active Threat Detection
      • UL Subcommittee
    • Other Industry Standards
  • News Room
    • Pandemic Resources
    • Life-saving Stories
    • TMA Blog
    • TMA Member News
    • TMA Press Releases
    • TMA Publications
  • Programs
    • The ASAP Service
    • Five Diamond Designation
    • FirstNet
    • IQ
    • Frequency Coordination
    • Awards
      • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Award
      • Excellence Awards
      • Louis T. Fiore Electronic Communications Scholarship
      • Marvel Technology Award
      • The Mel Mahler Award
      • Public Sector Award
      • Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award
  • Resources
    • Member Resources
    • Member Wikis
      • Central Station Design
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Hiring
      • State Licensing
      • Signals Format
    • Pandemic Resources
    • GSOC Member Forum
    • ACCENT Listserve
    • Job Board
    • Publications
    • Virtual Product Reviews
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
You are here: Home1 / Programs2 / FirstNet

This resource publication is the exclusive property of The Monitoring Association (TMA) and the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) and not for general distribution in its current form. All comments or inquiries shall be directed to Celia Besore. Below is a general overview and roadmap of information currently available and therefore subject to change.

Table of Contents

  • Would you like additional information? Watch this video presentation that was one of the sessions at TMA’s 2021 Mid-Year Meeting (presentation starts at 7:36)
  • Introduction
  • General Operation & Background
  • Advantages to the Life Safety & Security Providers
  • Communicators and Cellphones
  • Associated Costs
  • Activations
  • List of the companies who have TMA FirstNet certificates
  • TMA FirstNet Certificates Application Process
  • Additional Information

Introduction

What is FirstNet?

The professional safety and security industry has worked cooperatively for several years with first responder organizations so that the professional safety and security industry can access a high-speed, robust cellular network designed for first responders, known as FirstNet.

Due to the criticality of receiving emergency event signals from professionally installed systems for the general public good, the FirstNet offering is available to the alarm industry through manufacturers of Eligible Alarm Communicators (defined below) with a FirstNet Embedded SIM for use with an Eligible Alarm Communicator purchased by a TMA Certified alarm provider. This affords a reliable mechanism to communicate public-safety related alarm signals to a central alarm monitoring facility.

The FirstNet network is designed for and inspired by the public-safety community, including law enforcement, the fire service, and emergency medical service, as well as emergency managers and PSAPs. FirstNet provides the vital connectivity and lifesaving tools first responders need every day and in every emergency.

For the Alarm industry, Eligible Alarm Communicators are eligible for FirstNet Service as Extended Primary Users. Eligible Alarm Communicator means a cellular communication module: (i) of an Alarm Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM); (ii) embedded with a FirstNet SIM; (iii) which AT&T has determined is an Approved Device; (iv) that communicates to and from an Alarm Provider’s central alarm monitoring facility; and (v) for which the central alarm monitoring facility then communicates with public safety answering points (PSAPs).

General Operation & Background

What is the purpose of FirstNet?

FirstNet is the country’s first nationwide communications platform dedicated to public safety to help first responders connect to the critical information they need every day and in every emergency. Built with AT&T, in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FNA), FirstNet is bringing public safety a long overdue and much-needed technology upgrade. FirstNet gives public safety 21st Century communication tools to help save lives, solve crimes and keep our communities and emergency responders safe.

To do that, AT&T, under a contract with the FNA, is building a separate communications platform operating on a physically separate dedicated core that is purpose-built for public safety based on their specifications and requirements. The FirstNet evolved packet core includes coverage by 700 MHz Band Class 14 wireless spectrum. Band 14 is a nationwide, high-quality wireless spectrum set aside by the government specifically for FirstNet. It provides good coverage in urban and rural areas, penetrates buildings and walls easily and covers larger geographic areas with less infrastructure. Band 14 also allows high-power user equipment (HPUE) with the ability to radiate at levels 6 times what is typically allowed on a commercial LTE system.

FirstNet promises very competitive rates and rapid evolution of advanced communication capabilities. “FirstNet is public safety’s network. It’s giving them access to tools they’ve never had before – tools that can transform their emergency response,” said Chris Sambar, formerly AT&T Technology Operations EVP. “And now, no matter where they live or work, first responders can easily subscribe to their network. This means public safety nationwide will no longer be limited by outdated or unreliable communications capabilities.”

What is the history of FirstNet?

The 9/11 terrorist attacks brought to the forefront the many communications’ challenges that first responders face during emergencies and disasters. These issues were captured in the 9/11 Commission Report, which identified gaps in emergency communications and recommended a nationwide network for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical personnel communications.

The public safety community united to fulfill the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation. Public safety organizations and associations advocated before Congress for a dedicated, reliable wireless network for first responders.

These advocacy efforts led to the passage of legislation in 2012 to create the First Responder Network Authority to deploy the FirstNet network in all U.S. states and territories, including rural communities and tribal nations. This is an independent government authority charged with carrying out public safety’s vision of FirstNet, bringing first responders a dedicated communications ecosystem.

Is FirstNet available in my area?

All 50 states, five U.S. territories and Washington, D.C., have opted-into FirstNet, meaning each has accepted its individual FirstNet-adopted state plan detailing how the network will be deployed in their state/territory. The FNA’s public-private partnership with AT&T provides first responders with immediate access to mission-critical capabilities over the FirstNet network. This includes priority and preemption features that give first responders their own fast lane on the public-safety network to communicate and share information during emergencies, large events, or other situations when commercial networks could become congested. The network is being built out currently and more sites are added regularly.

AT&T FirstNet connections now number more than 3 million.

Advantages to the Life Safety & Security Providers

What Is FirstNet Extended Primary?

FirstNet is available to a specific extended community that supports first responders – from the mitigation, remediation, overhaul, clean up and restoration to the provisioning of other services required – during the time of an emergency or its aftermath.

These are known as extended primary users and can include essential government services, transportation and utilities. Certain services provided by the electronic security and life safety systems industry are included in this extended primary user category – including residential, business and government facility alarm monitoring services. Because FirstNet is a dedicated public-safety resource, primary users (first responders) and the extended community applications are reviewed before service is approved.

For the alarm industry, Eligible Alarm Communicators are eligible for FirstNet Service as Extended Primary Users.

What are the advantages to a life safety & security alarm provider using the FirstNet Evolved Packet Core?

There are several. The FirstNet mobile broadband public-safety network provides a faster network experience that is faster than any commercial wireless network.

According to AT&T, the statistic is based on the company’s analysis of Ookla Speed test data for the first quarter of 2020. Ookla Speed tests are based on an automated testing system that end users conduct on their mobile devices.
Where that spectrum has not yet been built out, users get priority on AT&T’s commercial network.

FirstNet has the added potential to have legacy equipment stay in operation for a greater length of time.

Is there a special frequency for FirstNet?

FirstNet is a mobile network designed by and for first responders using Band 14, a slice of the 700 MHz spectrum that was recovered from UHF TV broadcast during the US transition to digital TV that began in 2009.

FirstNet’s Band 14 spectrum sits in the middle and upper range of 700 MHz airwaves. In March 2017, AT&T won the 25-year contract to use that spectrum in a first-responder network.

What are the advantages to a hardened FirstNet network to the Life Safety & Security industry?

FirstNet is hardened to be more reliable during catastrophic events that take down mobile networks and has significant cybersecurity features.

A fleet of more than 100 dedicated deployable network assets stand by around the country to deploy quickly and pull internet access from satellites overhead and translate it into 4G LTE on the ground.  Three FirstNet drones are  available in situations where even a truck can’t get in.

Communicators and Cellphones

I understand I will be able to install alarm communicators once vetted and a contract with AT&T/FirstNet is in place. Can I place my company cell phones on the FirstNet protocol?

No. Only Eligible Alarm Communicators are approved for using FirstNet Services and the Alarm Industry is not eligible to use other FirstNet services such as cell phones and smartphones.

Are there any approved alarm communicators for the FirstNet frequency use?

At this time, only DMP, and NAPCO Security Technologies, and Kings III, offer FirstNet approved Eligible Alarm Communicators.

  • DMP offers their XR Series and XT Series Panels, Model 263LTE-FN with built in communicators.
  • NAPCO’s FirstNet SLE-FNI-CFB, SLE-FNI-CFB-PS, and SLE-FNI-FIRE Universal FirstNet Communicators connect to any UL/ETL listed alarm panel that supports Contact ID, 4/2 or relay closures.
  • KINGS III offers their VIM-M90/VM90 Communicator.

Other manufactures are making strides to become approved and engineer their systems to the FirstNet network.  TMA will be assisting all who want to certify to the FirstNet protocol.

Can Monitoring Centers use FirstNet to transmit public safety alarm information to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)?

No, FirstNet cellular service may only be used from an alarm premise to the Monitoring Center. It is recommended that whenever available, Monitoring Centers take advantage of the ASAP (Automated Secure Alarm Protocol), managed by TMA, as the most reliable and secure method of transmitting public safety related alarms to a PSAP. Where ASAP is not yet available, Monitoring Centers arrange for alternate methods of relaying alarm information from the Monitoring Center to a PSAP, usually a designated seven-digit phone number.

Must I use FirstNet-approved Eligible Alarm Panels for communications to a monitoring facility?

No, use of the FirstNet network is an option. You can use any communicator for transmittal of public safety related alarms. It is a recommended practice to use communicators that are listed, labeled or approved for the intended purpose. However, for purposes of FirstNet, you will need a FirstNet-approved Eligible Alarm Communicator or an Alarm Panel with built in Eligible Alarm Communicator if you want to take advantage of this quick, robust FirstNet network designed from the ground up for Public Safety Entities and their authorized users.

Associated Costs

What are the charges of FirstNet Extended Primary service?

Charges for FirstNet are solely determined by the carrier, which is AT&T, as well as the individual alarm original equipment manufacturers.

TMA derives no funds from the sale or use of the FirstNet service and we are solely the eligibility certifier. TMA requires a $250 fee to process the yearly certification.

As TMA is not involved in the charges or production, we are unable to speculate future costs association with participation.

Activations

How long does the process take to become FirstNet certified through TMA?

As long as all the information and payment are provided, a typical processing time by the TMA can be as fast as one to two days and as long as 14 business days, depending on the volume of requests.

Once TMA reviews the documents and validates the information, they will issue a specific dated certificate and identifier to be provided to the AT&T FirstNet group.

List of Certified Companies

  • ADT, LLC, Boca Raton, FL
  • Advance Alarms Inc., Broken Arrow, OK
  • AFA Protective Systems, Inc., Syosset, NY
  • Affiliated Monitoring, Union, NJ
  • Alarms Unlimited, San Diego, CA
  • Allstate Security Industries, Inc., Amarillo, TX
  • Arco Security Central Station Corp., Miami, FL
  • AvantGuard Monitoring Centers, LLC, Ogden, UT
  • Bay Alarm Company, Concord, CA
  • CenterPoint Technologies, LLC, Brentwood, MO
  • Convergint Technologies, LLC, Renton, WA
  • COPS Monitoring, Williamstown, NJ
  • CPI Security Systems, Charlotte, NC
  • Criticom Monitoring Services, Longwood, FL
  • DGA Security Systems, Inc., New York, NY
  • Dispatch Center Ltd., San Antonio, TX
  • DMP, Springfield, MO
  • Electronix Systems Central Station Alarms, Inc., Huntington Station, NY
  • Emergency 24, Des Plaines, IL
  • Engineered Protection Systems, Inc., Grand Rapids, MI
  • Federal Response Center, Inc., Springfield, MO
  • First Alarm, Aptos, CA
  • Force Security Solutions, LLC, Manassas, VA
  • Goldring Protection, Freehold, NJ
  • Grand Central Station, Inc., Livermore, CA
  • Hoffman Security, Atwater, CA
  • Interface Security Systems, Earth City, MO
  • Intruder Alert Systems of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
  • Johnson Controls Security Solutions, LLC, Boca Raton, FL
  • Kings III of America, Coppell, TX
  • Midwest Alarm Company, Inc., Sioux Falls, SD
  • NAPCO Security Systems, Inc., Amityville, NY
  • National Monitoring Center (NMC), Lake Forest, CA
  • Nationwide Security Corporation, Branford, CT
  • New Jersey Fire & Technology LLC, Freehold, NJ
  • Per Mar Security Services, Davenport, IA
  • Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, LLC, Doral, FL
  • Rapid Response Monitoring, Syracuse, NY
  • Safe Tech USA, Ltd., Melville, NY
  • SCN Security Communication Network, Inc., Corona, CA
  • Security Central, Statesville, NC
  • Security Equipment, Inc., Omaha, NE
  • Sentinel Alarm Company, Stowe, VT
  • Southwest Dispatch Center, Richardson, TX
  • Stanley Convergent Security Solutions, Plymouth, MN
  • Statewide Monitoring Corp., Staten Island, NY
  • Tech Electronics, Inc., St. Louis, MO
  • Telular, Atlanta, GA
  • The Fireline Corporation, Baltimore, MD
  • Triple S Alarm Co., Little Rock, AR
  • Vector Security, Inc., Warrendale, PA
  • Vivint Smart Home, Provo, UT
  • Washington Alarm, Inc., Seattle, WA
  • Wayne Alarm Systems, Inc., Lynn, MA

TMA FirstNet Certificate Application

To download an application, click here.

To download the payment form, click here.

Please email the completed application and the payment to Tara Magness at firstnetprogram@tma.us.

Additional Information

To learn more about FirstNet, go to FirstNet.com.

To request a certificate or for other questions, contact Tara Magness at firstnetprogram@tma.us or at 703-660-4914.

  • The ASAP Service
    • ASAP Contact Us
    • ECC Contact Update Form
  • Five Diamond Designation
    • 2023 Five Diamond Marketing Tool Kit
    • Five Diamond Application
    • Five Diamond Marketing Tool Kit
    • Five Diamond Monitoring Centers
  • FirstNet
  • IQ

Membership

Membership in TMA provides company executives and other company members an opportunity to meet and discuss operational procedures, business referrals, mutual problems and industry developments

Learn More

ASAP to PSAP Program

Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP), The Monitoring Association, the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (Nlets) have...

Learn More

TMA Five Diamond Designation

Gain a competitive edge when your monitoring center becomes TMA Five Diamond designated.

Learn More
Advertise with TMA

Why Join TMA

When your company joins TMA, you become part of the association that promotes and defends the interests of the monitoring industry, through its work in government relations, regulatory advocacy, and standards development.

Learn More

Logo Rotator TBD

 
PreviousNext

About

  • About TMA
  • Our Leadership
  • Contact Us
  • Our Committees
  • Our Team

Membership

  • Why Join?
  • Member Resources
  • Member Search

Education

  • Online Training
  • Events
  • Webinars
  • Speakers & SMEs

Events

  • 2022 Annual Meeting
  • 2022 OPSTech
  • Awards

Programs

  • The ASAP Service
  • Five Diamond Monitoring Centers
  • FirstNet

Resources

  • Consumer Resources
  • Member Search
  • Virtual Product Reviews

© 2022 The Monitoring Association. All rights reserved.

Scroll to top
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Skip to content
Open toolbar

Accessibility Tools

  • Increase Text
  • Decrease Text
  • Grayscale
  • High Contrast
  • Negative Contrast
  • Light Background
  • Links Underline
  • Readable Font
  • Reset