Verizon Frontline study: AI, cybersecurity, drones & robots are critical areas for first responders
Rhea-AI Summary
Verizon (NYSE:VZ) has released its fifth annual Frontline Public Safety Communications Survey, revealing significant trends in first responder technology adoption. The study shows that 48% of first responders expect to use drones or robots daily within 5 years, up from current 15% usage, while 71% believe AI will be crucial for public safety's future.
Key findings include 67% of agencies implementing new cybersecurity protections in the past year, and 78% reporting improved field communications due to reliable network access. The survey also revealed that 33% of respondents expect AR and VR daily use in five years, and 20% consider connected vehicles a top priority.
Positive
- Strong projected growth in AI adoption with 46% expecting daily use within 5 years
- 67% of agencies proactively implemented new cybersecurity protections
- 78% report improved field communications due to reliable network access
- Significant technological advancement with drone usage expected to triple in 5 years
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction – VZ
On the day this news was published, VZ gained 1.07%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
71% of respondents believe AI will either be a top priority or important to the future of public safety67% of public safety agencies surveyed recently implemented cybersecurity protections48% expect to use drones or robots on a daily basis within 5 years
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new study released today by Verizon reveals that nearly half of first responders anticipate daily use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones or robots within the next five years*. The Verizon Frontline Public Safety Communications Survey also highlights increased investment in cybersecurity protections and a growing demand for highly-reliable network connectivity, with 78% of first responders surveyed reporting that access to a reliable and resilient network has resulted in better communications in the field.
Now in its fifth year, the survey – commissioned by Verizon Frontline and conducted by Lexipol – provides crucial insight into first responders’ current use of mission-critical communications technology and their perspectives on emerging public safety innovations.
“The Verizon Frontline 2025 Public Safety Communications Survey highlights several pivotal trends reshaping this market. First and foremost, it reinforces that network reliability and resilience remain the cornerstone of public safety operations - without it, advanced capabilities like priority and preemption become meaningless to first responders in critical moments,” said Alison Brooks, IDC Research VP, Worldwide Public Safety.
Brooks added that the survey findings also challenge the perception that public safety lags in technology adoption.
“We're seeing a dramatic 13-point year-over-year surge in AI interest, with nearly half of respondents planning to integrate AI into their daily operations within five years while drone adoption and usage is expected to triple over the same timeframe. The FAA's recent decision to relax visual line-of-sight requirements will only accelerate this trend, making drone integration an immediate priority rather than a distant consideration for public safety agencies," said Brooks.
AI and drone usage poised for explosive growth.
While just
Similarly, despite only
“An increasing number of first responders are leveraging advanced communication tools and emerging technologies in their day-to-day operations,” said Maggie Hallbach, President, Verizon Frontline. “For example, the enhanced situational awareness provided by AI and the increased access to inhospitable and remote environments that robots and drones enable are helping revolutionize public safety and emergency response.”
Agencies fortify against cyber threats
In an era of escalating ransomware attacks and third-party breaches, cybersecurity remains a paramount concern for public safety agencies, according to this year’s survey. A compelling
A reliable network is as important as ever
For the second consecutive year, first responders identified access to a reliable and resilient network as the most critical feature for both day-to-day (
“The results of our fifth annual public safety communications survey reflect key trends we’re seeing across the public safety landscape: the urgent need for cybersecurity investment, accelerated awareness and adoption of AI and the necessity of a reliable network," said Hallbach. “Whether it’s during routine operations or disaster response efforts, public safety agencies simply cannot afford downtime, whether that’s due to a cyber breach, an unreliable network or the use of outdated technology.”
Other findings and standout statistics from the survey include:
33% of first responders expect AR and VR to be used daily in five years, up from just8% today.57% of respondents have more than 20 years of experience in public safety.20% of respondents reported connected vehicles were a top priority for their agency, second only to 5G connectivity.
To read the entire Verizon Frontline Public Safety Communications Survey, visit our website.
*Based on results of the 2025 Verizon Frontline Public Safety Communications Survey
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of
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Media contact:
Eric Durie
eric.durie@verizon.com
