What FirstNet can learn from statewide LMR systems

According to Stoddard, much insight can be offered by those who have built statewide systems, in terms of how to convince those on the local level that it makes sense—both financially and operationally—to join the network. In this regard, it is vitally important that local stakeholders believe joining the FirstNet network is their idea. In other words, education—not evangelization—will be the more effective approach.

“You have to educate them as to what their taxpayer investment means,” he said. “You can’t use a strong-arm approach and say, “You will do this.’ Some will wonder whether there is an ulterior motive, and some people just don’t like mandates. Rather, you have to present it as an option that they should consider and help them understand the ROI.” 

Echoing this sentiment is Thomas Miller, the current director of government-market strategies for Motorola Solutions, who was a project manager on Michigan’s statewide radio system project while serving as a captain with the state police (he retired as a lieutenant colonel).

“The ‘Big Brother’ syndrome has to be overcome,” he said.

That’s not to say that FirstNet should eschew evangelization altogether. In fact, Stoddard believes that FirstNet should replicate in every state the “ambassador program” that was created in Michigan to educate stakeholders about the opportunity that the nationwide network provides by leveraging peer-to-peer communications. Public safety is a “show me” sector, and input from peers has considerable resonance, he said.

“It’s one thing to hear about this from the technologists or those who are passionate about it, but it’s quite another to hear from your [peers]… about what the benefit is and what it will mean to your community,” Stoddard said.

Stoddard further opined that the LTE network being built in the Los Angeles area would provide important anecdotal evidence—both good and bad—will prove invaluable to agencies as they decide whether FirstNet’s network is right for them.

Adam Carroll, chief of the Hartland-Deerfield Fire Authority—an agency that provides fire protection, rescue and emergency medical services across 80 square miles in Livingston County—is one of Michigan’s ambassadors. He said that he has encountered some level of skepticism regarding the FirstNet network, but no real resistance. The general mood right now is one of ambivalence, not negativity.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” Carroll said. “No one’s been crossing their arms. It’s not that they’re against it—it’s more like they’re neutral.”

To convince agencies that it’s in their best interests to join the nationwide network, FirstNet officials need to answer a plethora of important questions. For instance, what will the network cost, what capabilities will it provide, and what is the migration path? There will be other vital questions concerning network capacity, priority and control.