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Verizon Opens up Dedicated First Responder Network to Mobile Devices

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Today, 1:58 PM by Rich Brome @rbrome.bsky.social

After a successful but limited launch of its dedicated virtual network for first responders last year, Verizon is now opening up the network to compatible smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Verizon started its rollout of the network almost exactly one year ago with 30 markets, expanding "nationwide" to 50 major markets last June. However, access to the network has been restricted to connected vehicles, a restriction being removed today. The company calls the network the Verizon Frontline Network Slice. As the name implies, it uses network slicing, a new feature of 5G networks that lets operators create virtual networks that can deliver dedicated resources and specific performance guarantees. First responders can get priority 5G network access regardless of how busy the regular, public network gets. Verizon can also scale the Frontline slice in real time based on the operational needs of first responders. T-Mobile also offers a dedicated 5G network slice for first responders that it calls T-Priority, which started rolling out in late 2024. AT&T has operated FirstNet for first responders since 2018. FirstNet is set up slightly differently, using dedicated spectrum in band 14.

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