GUEST COLUMN: FirstNet Crucial For Public Safety
With all the partisan bickering in Washington, D.C., it’s easy to think that progress has stalled on every issue. But something good happened recently, and Indiana could start seeing benefits…
Insights
FirstNet And The Public Safety Communications Center
There is a lot of discussion these days about what FirstNet means to the Public Safety Communications Center and how FirstNet might impact them. More specifically, the question is how…
Former DOJ CIO Doesn’t Understand FirstNet is Stakeholder Driven
Last week The Hill ran an opinion piece by Mr. Vance Hitch that correctly made the valid point that this summer will be “a critical moment” for the States as they decide to opt-in to the FirstNet solution, opt-out and attempt to build their own, or do nothing. But that’s about all his “drive-by analysis” gets right.
Don’t Be Late For The Party!
We have all done this. Received an invitation to a party, the invitation had a range of time and you show up just before the party ends. What happens? Well the first thing is all the good refreshments are gone and the food platter has been picked over. Yes, you’re still going to eat and drink and your host will make sure you’re taken care of but it won’t be the same experience. So how does this apply to FirstNet?
FirstNet Can Improve Emergency Response (Indiana)
With summer in full swing, many are hitting the road to begin their vacations. We’re in the midst of the “100 Deadliest Days,” the time between Memorial Day and Labor…
When Government Contracts Become Corporate Welfare
The future of America’s first nationwide broadband network for firefighters, police and other first responders is at a critical moment this summer. States are deciding whether to build their own,…
New Communications Technology Will Assist Emergency Responders Throughout Colorado
With Colorado summertime comes the surge in wildfires across the state, which we have already seen in recent months. We all remember the Waldo Canyon Fire of 2012 followed by…
All The Right Stuff
Yes, referring to the brave men that offered to do something nobody believed would or could happen. They all had done things that prepared them for what the missions would…
Pre-Award Bid Protest, What Was All The Fuss About?
There has been discussion recently over the court’s dismissal of Rivada’s Pre-Award Bid Protest as it relates to FirstNet. In an attempt to help those with concerns or confusion as…
Beware Of Misleading Information About FirstNet
In my last blog posting, I raised the role that fire chiefs need to play as governors decide whether to opt-in or opt-out of the state plans released on June…
Why Do We Need FirstNet If We Have NG911?
Strange as it may sound, I have heard this question asked more than once: “Why do we need FirstNet if we have Next Generation 911” (NG911)? Or the opposite,…
Technology Help for Those on the Front Line
“This isn’t science fiction. This is the reality on our doorstep today with FirstNet.” By Al H Gillespie, Fire Chief, Retired The future of how we respond to emergencies…
The Real Opt-Out, Opt-In Question
Isn’t the real question this? Will public safety agencies actually opt-in to buy the service from AT&T, and use it? Suddenly, FirstNet is real. It’s actually going to happen….
Snake Oil Pitches And Wooden Nickels
By Richard Mirgon, Public Safety Consultant I would like to start this article by making one distinction between myself and other people who write. That distinction is I am public…
FirstNet: The Wait Is Almost Over
FirstNet is working to give public safety officials our own dedicated, nationwide wireless network so we won’t have to compete with private users for access during emergencies or natural disasters.