FirstNet and the Public Safety Broadband Network
In its session Monday afternoon, FirstNet gave attendees an extensive update on its efforts to gain states’ approval for its nationwide mobile broadband public safety network.
In March of 2014, FirstNet released its strategic roadmap, and a major portion is working closely to get critical feedback from the public safety community and industry.
“That’s absolutely going to be critical to our success as we move forward in deploying a nationwide public safety broadband network,” said Amanda Hilliard of FirstNet.
FirstNet has been obligated by Congress to take action to ensure the building, deployment and operation of a nationwide public safety broadband network.
The company has held 46 meetings nationwide, trying to educate decision-makers on the viability and necessity of the network, with nine more states scheduled in the next nine weeks. The Governor of each state will determine whether FirstNet has value for its public safety employees, and whether it should be added to state constitutions. The deadline is Sept. 30.
“I’m pleased with the progress of FirstNet to get through this number of meetings and crisscross the nation to do this,” said Dave Buchanan, director of state consultation for FirstNet. “But I’m more impressed with what the states have accomplished in the last year, and the work the states have done to get themselves ready for these consultation meetings.
One of the major things states have been asked is to determine what their use of mobile broadband will be in each individual state, Buchanan said. And states have responded well.
Company executives told APCO conference attendees that the challenge is to make the plan implementable and affordable.
The company’s 40-member Public Safety Committee has met and determined criteria and recommendations.
Three key areas the committee believes must be addressed are:
– Use of mobile broadband
– Coverage challenges
– Current capacity usage