FirstNet, AT&T face fire from federal inspector general

A series of new reports from the US Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General (OIG) raises questions about FirstNet’s network for public safety users, which is managed by AT&T.

FirstNet and AT&T have rejected many of the criticisms leveled in the reports, arguing that FirstNet users are receiving extensive and reliable wireless services.

“Audits and reviews like these are a routine part of government oversight designed to provide independent perspective on federal entities’ operations,” AT&T wrote in a statement to Light Reading. “No other wireless network is subject to this robust level of scrutiny and accountability, and no other wireless network has delivered more for public safety.”

AT&T added: “As public safety’s network provider, we understand and welcome this oversight, and we look forward to continuing work with the FirstNet Authority and the public safety community as we grow and evolve the network to strengthen first responders’ communications.”

The reports, released in the past few weeks, come at an inopportune time for FirstNet and AT&T. Both are urging the FCC to allow FirstNet to manage 50MHz of spectrum in the 4.9GHz band for public safety use.

Verizon, T-Mobile and others fiercely oppose that idea, and they are pointing to the Inspector General’s reports to support their position.

“The US Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General has issued three reports in the last month identifying new significant compliance issues and oversight concerns,” Verizon wrote to the FCC recently. “The commission should focus on monitoring FirstNet compliance and oversight, not on handing it more spectrum.”

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