Former congresswoman Mary Bono is senior vice president at FaegreBD Consulting where she leads a technology, privacy and cybersecurity practice. In an article authored for The Hill, Bono details the importance of building a nationwide interoperable broadband network for first responders known as FirstNet—a program outlined by the 9/11 Commission.

Bono explains that in the years following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, there have been several national emergencies—such as Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy and the Joplin tornado—that have shown that our first responders are still challenged to communicate in an effective manner when we most need them to do so.

While FirstNet faces challenges, including state and local needs and requirements, along with federal hiring requirements and federal funding uncertainty, these difficulties have not stopped the momentum in building FirstNet.

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