FCC approves order outlining criteria for review of FirstNet opt-out applications

Although NTIA could provide some grant money to help fund some construction of the alternative RAN, NTIA officials have stated that it will not cover all initial costs associated with the RAN deployment. Meanwhile, the opt-out state would be responsible for all maintenance and upgrade expenses associated with the alternative RAN for the next 25 years.

Once the FCC approves the alternative state plan, FirstNet officials have stated that FirstNet would not have any responsibility for building the RAN within the state. If a problem arises after that point and FirstNet somehow is needed to build the RAN in an opt-out state, FirstNet officials have stated that there is no guarantee that the network buildout will be the same as the one offered in the state plan this year.

Several entities issued statements supporting the fact that the FCC issued the report and order.

“FirstNet commends the FCC for taking this important next step in its rulemaking proceeding for alternative state plans,” FirstNet CEO Mike Poth said in a prepared statement. “The public-safety community advocated for a single, nationwide broadband network, and they continue to underscore the need for this network today. The FCC has an important role to play in ensuring the interoperability of the network.”

Joan Marsh, AT&T’s senior vice president of federal regulatory, echoed this sentiment.

“AT&T commends the FCC for moving quickly to adopt a FirstNet order, which paves the way for meaningful and in-depth commission review of any alternative state deployment plans,” Marsh said in a prepared statement. “It is critical to our nation’s first responders.” 

Rivada Networks, which has been the most outspoken participant in the eight state RAN requests for proposals (RFPs) to date, also recognized the FCC’s effort.

“We appreciate the commission's commitment to ensuring that states have a fair and reasonable opportunity to exercise their opt-out rights,” Rivada Networks said in a prepared statement.