Feds lift LA-RICS suspension, OK construction on 82-site public-safety LTE project
Although LA-RICS is allowed to begin construction on its LTE network, the letter to Mallon outlines a series of new requirements that must be met.
“If LA-RICS does not sufficiently comply with these requirements, as determined by NTIA and the NOAA Grants Office, this may result in additional enforcement action, including termination of the award,” the letter states.
These additional stipulations include requirements that LA-RICS provide NTIA with regular updates, supply appropriate environmental-impact documentation on new site locations, and the following three items stated in the letter:
- “LA-RICS must submit a three-year operating budget with revenue projections by May 31, 2015.
- “LA-RICS must immediately require Motorola Solutions [the prime contractor on the project] to assign personnel with cellular-deployment experience to assist in the operations of the LA-RICS project.
- “LA-RICS must provide a budget and plan for decommissioning previously built sites that are not part of the revised project plan. This plan must be provided by May 31, 2015.”
On April 3, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) suspended the LA-RICS public-safety LTE project in the wake of elected officials for Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles halting construction. However, both entities have voted to support the revised LA-RICS network plan.
Having the suspension lifted today was significant, as Mallon had described today as a “drop-dead date” for a decision, because LA-RICS needs enough time to finish the LTE project by the Sept. 30 deadline that is less than five months away.
