05/09/16
Take Advantage of FirstNet’s 2016 Outreach and Consultations
FirstNet officials are conducting outreach meetings with metropolitan first responder organizations throughout the U.S. These meetings are meant to give FirstNet insight into the various departments’ unique technical, operational, and purchasing needs for the upcoming nationwide broadband public safety network service adoption.
05/04/16
State Plans Discussed at FirstNet SPOC Meeting
In April, FirstNet held its semi-annual meeting for state Single Points of Contact (SPOCs). SPOCs are submitting public safety needs data to FirstNet for the planning process. In a follow up blog post about the meeting, FirstNet officials gave more detail about the State Plans process and explained SPOCs can continue submitting updated public safety data until September 30, 2016.
04/20/16
FirstNet Extends RFP Deadline to May 31
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) has announced a deadline extension for the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the national public safety broadband network. The deadline has been extended from May 13, 2016, to May 31, 2016. According to FirstNet, the more than two-week extension was largely motivated by the voluntary capability statements received for the project proposals at the end of March.
04/19/16
USDA Accepting Applications for $11M in Grants To Further Broadband to Rural Communities
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for grants through its Community Connect program. This program helps fund broadband access in unserved communities and is administered by USDA’s Rural Utilities Service.
More than $11 million in grants will be awarded for broadband infrastructure, as well as broadband for community centers and public institutions. For 2016, the minimum grant amount will be $100,000, and the maximum is $3 million.
04/19/16
FCC Approves Broadband Consumer Labels
Earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released voluntary labels for broadband providers to use to disclose speeds, data caps, prices, and more for consumer broadband service. These labels were proposed by the Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee as a safe harbor for broadband providers to comply with the 2015 Open Internet Order, otherwise known as the Net Neutrality Order.
04/12/16
How the Nationwide Broadband Network Can Connect Local Needs
In a recent article by the National Association of Counties, the Sheriff for Niagara County, New York shares exactly what FirstNet’s nationwide broadband public safety network can mean for local public safety units.
04/05/16
Capability Statements Received From Multiple Companies for FirstNet RFP
In January, FirstNet released its Request for Proposals (RFP) for a nationwide public safety broadband network. Capability statements from potential bidders for FirstNet’s Request for Proposal (RFP) for a nationwide public safety broadband network were due last week. According to a National Public Safety Telecommunications Council blog post, multiple statements were received.
03/30/16
FCC To Lower Broadband Internet Prices for Low-Income Consumers - FACT SHEET
On Thursday, March 31, 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will make it easier for low-income families to buy broadband service.
03/29/16
Video: History of FirstNet
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was created by Congress in 2012 to establish a nationwide broadband network for public safety. The final recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, the network will connect police officers, firefighters, and EMS providers throughout the U.S. FirstNet is reaching major milestones toward the development of this nationwide broadband public safety network.
Here’s a video reminder of the history of FirstNet and the public safety broadband network.
03/22/16
Band 14 Spectrum Relocation Grants Available
In a recent press release, FirstNet announced the Band 14 Spectrum Relocation Grant Program has been published on grants.gov. This grant provides funding assistance to public safety entities currently operating on Band 14 to relocate their communications to other frequencies allocated by the FCC.
