FCC proposes FirstNet opt-out review process for consideration at June 22 meeting

If the FCC does not approve an alternative RAN plan, FirstNet and AT&T will build the public-safety broadband network in the state, as outlined in the FirstNet state plan presented to the governor.

If the FCC approves the alternative state plan, the prospective opt-out state still must complete a review process by NTIA and sign a spectrum-lease agreement with FirstNet before construction on the alternative RAN plan could begin—possibly not until 2019, according to several industry sources.

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. NTIA has not yet issued the criteria it will use when considering alternative RAN plans.

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.

After getting approvals from the FCC and NTIA—as well as the spectrum-lease agreement from FirstNet—the opt-out state would be responsible for all maintenance and upgrade expenses associated with the alternative RAN for the next 25 years. If a governor accepts FirstNet's state plan, the state is  not responsible for any network-related costs. Under both scenarios, public-safety entities would choose whether to subscribe to the broadband service.

FirstNet indicated that it is glad the FCC has reached this stage.

“The FCC’s Report and Order is an important step in the state-plan process, and FirstNet looks forward to reviewing the draft,” according to FirstNet spokesperson.