State consultations will set the tone for FirstNet
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State consultations will set the tone for FirstNet
Does this mean that the states and FirstNet will agree on everything? Of course not. States will push for the coverage, capacity and capabilities they believe is needed to address the unique needs of their local first responders, while FirstNet is mandated to ensure that the system maintains interoperability nationwide. It’s only logical to expect that there will be instances when those positions will be in conflict and disagreements will happen—that’s typical in any negotiation, which is what this is.
When such disagreements occur, the key to reaching a resolution often is the general tenor of the discussions to that point. If both sides have taken a collaborative approach from the outset, they tend to work together to devise solutions to even the biggest problems. If talks have been combative from the beginning, even the smallest disagreement can mushroom into an issue that prevents a deal from getting done.
For FirstNet and the states, it is imperative that all parties assume a collaborative stance to the consultation process. Even by working earnestly together, there are issues (funding being a major one) that promise to make this effort challenging, to say the least. If either side tries to dictate terms to the other, it will be a recipe for failure. And, given that the safety of first responders and the citizens they serve is at stake, that cannot be an option.