07/22/16
NTIA Releases FirstNet Opt Out Guidelines For States
This week, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a version of guidelines for a state to use if it chooses to opt out of FirstNet’s nationwide LTE broadband public safety communications network. While FirstNet is leading the efforts to create the national network for public safety officials, individual states have the option to decline and to construct, operate, and maintain a state-owned radio communication network that works with FirstNet’s system once deployed.
Recent News // USDA Brings Broadband to Nevada’s Frontier Towns
Monday, July 18, 2016
07/08/16
FirstNet’s Band Class 14 Tested in Emergency Scenarios
Public safety professionals in Beavercreek Township, Ohio, recently conducted simulated emergency drills to test FirstNet’s new Band Class 14 network. The testing was part of a week-long training exercise and made possible by collaboration between Greene County and state of Ohio officials.
07/06/16
FirstNet Establishes Chief Customer Office to Prepare for Public-Private Partnership, Network Deployment
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Board met in Chicago recently to discuss taking action toward positioning the organization for a successful deployment of the nationwide public safety broadband network. The Network requires a large-scale public-private partnership to be successful. The private partner will be determined soon, when the contract has been officially awarded.
06/23/16
FirstNet Gives Update to Senate Commerce Committee
FirstNet CEO Mike Poth testified on Tuesday in a hearing titled “FirstNet Oversight: An Update on the Status of the Public Safety Broadband Network." The hearing was before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. During the hearing, the Inspector General’s Office presented three major challenges they have identified that FirstNet will face and need to address in order for the nationwide public safety broadband network to succeed—acquisition management, consultations with states and other localities, and internal control.
06/21/16
Broadband Helps Local Farmers
It’s June, and that means the start of summer. Around here, that equals the end of classes, evenings on the lake, and the return of the summer farmers market. Even though the county’s open air market feels like it’s a thousand miles from technology, local farmers are still benefiting from the ability to use broadband to grow, advertise, and sell their wares.
06/14/16
The Internet of Lifesaving Things
FirstNet President TJ Kennedy describes the upcoming nationwide public safety broadband network as revolutionary for emergency communications. In a recent interview with EMS World, Kennedy shares details as to how the network will empower EMS and will bring about the “Internet of Lifesaving Things.”
06/07/16
Broadband Saving Lives and Protecting Communities
Technology has changed our world—from education to healthcare, and even the way we work. Technology is also changing public safety operations. On their webpage A Day in the Life, FirstNet offers stories and interviews describing how broadband technology protects communities. On this page, public safety leaders on the island of Guam explain the vital importance of reliable and fast communications when seconds can mean saving a life and how current communication channels are often overloaded.
06/01/16
Proposal Deadline Closes, FirstNet Moves to Next Phase
On May 31, 2016, the deadline for companies to submit proposals for the deployment of FirstNet’s Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network closed. FirstNet officials are moving into the next phase of the RFP process and evaluating the proposals received. The RFP awardee is scheduled to be announced in November.
05/17/16
Ohio Firefighters Develop FirstNet Video Game
Later this week, OhioFirst.Net will be releasing a video game to give the public a virtual first-hand experience of how the nationwide public safety broadband network will enhance first responder communications and situational awareness.
