Rivada will not bid on state RFPs until FirstNet announces nationwide contractor, co-CEO Ganley says

In recent years, there has been considerable industry speculation that Rivada Networks has promoted the opt-out alternative to officials in multiple states. Ganley has acknowledged that his company has explored the opt-out concept with many state officials but steadfastly has denied that Rivada has encouraged any state to make an opt-out decision before seeing FirstNet’s proposal for the state—a position he reiterated yesterday.

“We are aware that there are multiple states that are close to putting RFPs on the street,” Ganley said. “I would say to anybody who hasn’t already done it, we’re so close now to FirstNet’s decision, let’s wait for FirstNet decision.

“Because we have always said that we have not advocated—ever—that states opt out. We do not believe that is the best path forward, and we believe that there is at least one path forward through FirstNet that’s going to be extremely compelling to states, and they should wait to see at least what FirstNet’s decision is.”

Ganley noted that no state is going to make a contractual award from these state RFPs, because nothing can be built in an opt-out state until the multilayered process is completed and a spectrum-lease agreement with FirstNet is signed.

Rivada Networks won the New Hampshire RFP, but Ganley said the state would benefit more from the Rivada Mercury plan for the state in its nationwide proposal—assuming it is selected for the nationwide FirstNet buildout—than the Rivada Networks bid prepared just for the state.

“I am certain of that, because I know what’s in both,” Ganley said.