How FirstNet Will Transform Corrections Technology
By Neil A. Miller The corrections field is the toughest beat in the nation. The public expects wardens and correctional officers – in both local and state facilities – to…
Articles by Editorial Staff
NTIA Releases Funding Levels, Governors Have Until Dec. 28 To Make FirstNet ‘Opt-in/opt-out’ Decisions
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) releases construction-grant funding levels to FirstNet, which will deliver the figures to most governors tomorrow—an action that means these governors will have until…
NTIA releases information about SLIGP 2.0 grants to states, territories for FirstNet purposes
States and territories can apply for their shares of State and Local Implementation Grant Program (SLIGP) 2.0 funding that could total as much as $43.4 million and can be used…
Louisiana Opts in for FirstNet Communications System for First Responders
Louisiana will soon have a specialized wireless broadband network specifically for first responders now that Governor John Bel Edwards has opted in to FirstNet. Baton Rouge (September 27, 2017)- With this…
Fire Service Must Offer Input to FirstNet State Plans
By Eric Tade Why is this important to the fire service? Because Colorado and other states have unique wildland, rural and urban response challenges and considerations, and the fire service…
Cell and Communication Problem in Freeman Shooting
“It (FirstNet) will help us in those types of major emergencies that we worry about where the cell towers are being over loaded by the civilian side,” Sheriff Knezovich said….
Do They Hear Us Now?
In the three years since the Carlton Complex Fire burned 420 square miles in the Methow Valley, knocking out power and disrupting most forms of communication for more than a…
NTIA Does Not Release State Funding Levels, Pushing ‘Opt-in/opt-out’ Deadline Deeper Into December
Most governors will have at least until Dec. 21 to decide whether their states and territories will “opt-in” to FirstNet or pursue the “opt-out” option after the National Telecommunications and…
FirstNet Updates State-plan Portals, But Missing NTIA Funding Levels Mean 90-day Decision ‘Clock’ On Hold
FirstNet updates the state-plan portals, but official state-plan delivery—the action needed to start the statutory 90-day decision window for most governors—must wait until the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)…
Texas Becomes Largest State To Make FirstNet ‘Opt-in’ Decision
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott today announced that he has accepted the nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN) deployment plan offered by FirstNet and AT&T on behalf of his state, making Texas…
Texas Governor Abbott Approves Buildout Plan for First Responder Network
“As we saw in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, our first responders are often the last and only hope for safety in rapidly-changing and life-threatening situations, but this partnership with FirstNet…
Idaho Governor Otter Approves Buildout Plan for First Responder Network
“Idaho is pleased to be joining with other states in participating in FirstNet’s deployment of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network,” RESTON, Va., Sept. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Idaho is…
FirstNet Will Hold ‘Opt-out’ States Accountable To Meeting Network Policies For 25 Years, Officials Say
States and territories that seek to “opt-out” must clear multiple statutory hurdles and be prepared for FirstNet’s ongoing oversight of its RAN operations for the next 25 years, according to…
Maryland Governor Hogan Approves Buildout Plan for First Responder Network
“By adopting this plan, our first responders will now have the ability to efficiently and effectively work together not just within the state, but across the region and at the…
Groups Question 700 MHz Device Interoperability, Single Core in FirstNet Comments
Industry groups are questioning device interoperability in the AT&T Long Term Evolution (LTE) 700 MHz bands in comments to the FCC regarding First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) interoperability. Commenters continued…