AT&T has committed up to $2 billion to enhance the federal emergency cellular network it operates for the Commerce Department, offering system improvements and reduced rates in exchange for faster government approvals. The agreement between AT&T CEO John Stankey and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick follows months of negotiations initiated by a 2025 executive order mandating federal contract reviews.

The deal supports the FirstNet program, which received $6.5 billion in public funding when established in 2017. Under the original terms, AT&T agreed to pay $18 billion to the government through 2042 for spectrum leases, with the FirstNet Authority reimbursing the carrier for meeting network milestones. The network currently serves about 31,000 public-safety agencies across the United States.

This investment addresses the growing need for reliable emergency communications infrastructure, particularly in commercially unviable areas. FirstNet provides first responders with priority access during network congestion and enables rapid deployment of temporary infrastructure when traditional cell towers are damaged or destroyed during disasters.