If You Build Broadband, Business Will Come
From Amazon to Volkswagen, industries are paying attention to the broadband network developments of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The FCC Chairman, Tom Wheeler, has stated that Chattanooga’s new high-speed network has set up the “platform for tomorrow’s economic growth and the jobs of the future” and “it’s made this mid-size city in the Tennessee Valley a hub for the high-tech jobs people usually associate with Silicon Valley.”

But all the success highlights the obstacles that Tennessee has in expanding its broadband network. Wheeler believes that laws influenced by cable and telephone companies keep restrictions in, and keep innovation out. “Removing restrictions on community broadband can expand high-speed Internet access in underserved areas,” Wheeler states, “spurring economic growth and improvements in government services, while enhancing competition. Giving the citizens of Chattanooga and leaders like Mayor Berke the power to make these decisions for themselves is not only the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.”

Wheeler also made statements regarding the issue of cybersecurity, namely that the private sector will be leading the charge in how best to implement a more effective security system in the midst of highly volatile arena, which is constantly seeing changes and improvements. For Wheeler, only in the failing of a market-based system would the FCC take a more active role in legislation. Learn more at the FCC blog.

FirstNet Seeks General Manager; Approves First Public Safety LTE System
FirstNet’s Governance and Personnel Committee stated that it will be hiring a firm to seek out candidates for the general manager position. Chairwoman Sue Swenson stated “a strong and experienced management team is critical to moving forward with implementing our strategic roadmap and developing a definitive business plan for the nationwide public safety broadband network.”

In addition, Adams County (Colo.) has launched the premier FirstNet-approved public safety LTE network. According to Denver Fire Chief Eric Tade, the network transcends jurisdictional boundaries, political boundaries, and disciplinary boundaries, combining fire, police and EMS systems to a true public safety communications system. The program is seen as a huge success for public safety and the community.