US senators have voted to confirm Arielle Roth as administrator for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is the US federal-government organization that houses the FirstNet Authority
By Donny Jackson, Editor, Urgent Communications
US senators have voted to confirm Arielle Roth as administrator for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is the US federal-government organization that houses the FirstNet Authority.
Senators approved Roth’s nomination 52-41, largely along party lines—Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) being the lone Democrat to join 51 Republicans supporting Roth. Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) did not cast votes on the matter.
NTIA directs spectrum policy for federal government entities, including the Department of Defense. It also is the federal-government organization that houses the FirstNet Authority, which was established in 2012 to build and maintain the nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN). The FirstNet Authority is seeking reauthorization by February 2027—a topic of significant discussion within the critical-communications industry.
In addition, the FirstNet Authority is awaiting the appointment of a permanent chair for its board of directors. Vice Chair Renee Gordon has served as interim board chair since Keisha Lance Bottoms resigned as FirstNet Authority chair on the eve of President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr—head of the federal agency that directs spectrum policy for consumers and entities not covered by NTIA—congratulated Roth on her confirmation.
“Arielle’s distinguished career in government—including time at the FCC and working in the Senate for Chairman Cruz—has given her the skills and knowledge to lead NTIA at this critical time,” Carr said in a prepared statement. “After Congress passed President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which restored the FCC’s spectrum auction authority, it has become even more important to have terrific leaders like Arielle at NTIA to help unlock more spectrum for consumer use.
“Arielle and her team will be critical in the work to restore US leadership in wireless, which promotes our economic and national security. I look forward to working with her to deliver great results for the American people.”
Several leaders of organizations representing the public-safety, critical-infrastructure and communications sectors congratulated Roth on her confirmation to head the NTIA, including APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier.
“APCO congratulates Arielle Roth on her confirmation as administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, where she will bring deep communications-policy expertise and valuable experience from serving at the FCC and on Capitol Hill,” Maier said in a prepared statement. “We look forward to working with her to advance public-safety priorities.”
The new CEO of NENA-The 9-1-1 Association, John Provenzano echoed this sentiment. “During her time in the Senate, NENA has had the privilege of working with Ms. Roth on advancing Next Generation 9-1-1 — a vitally important modernization initiative for our nation’s emergency-communications infrastructure,” Provenzano said in a prepared statement. “Her deep understanding of the legislative landscape and her commitment to public safety have already had a meaningful impact.
“As she assumes leadership at NTIA — the agency tasked with overseeing key federal efforts to expand and improve communications networks — NENA looks forward to continued collaboration to ensure that every 9-1-1 call receives the fast, reliable response the public deserves.”
The president and CEO of NATE Todd Schlekeway: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, said he believe Roth is qualified for her new role at the NTIA.
“Arielle is a seasoned public servant whose deep knowledge of wireless, telecom, and broadband policy has earned her the respect of industry stakeholders across the board,” Schlekeway said in a prepared statement. “Her thoughtful approach and commitment to expanding connectivity make her exceptionally well-qualified to lead the NTIA at this pivotal moment for our industry.
“She understands the real-world challenges faced by the small businesses that make up the backbone of our nation’s broadband buildout. On behalf of the nearly 1,000 member companies of NATE—who construct, service, and maintain critical communications infrastructure—we look forward to working closely with her and the NTIA to deliver on the shared goal of fast, reliable, and secure broadband for all Americans.”
President and CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), Patrick Halley agreed. “From broadband deployment to spectrum management and permitting reform, NTIA’s success is pivotal for the future of connectivity in our nation,” Halley said in a prepared statement. “Arielle is the right leader for the job, and we look forward to working with her on smart policies to accelerate continued wireless growth and innovation.”
