News States push back against preliminary FirstNet legal interpretations on opt-out alternative 30th April 2015 Several states and territories were outspoken in their criticism of FirstNet’s preliminary legal interpretation of opt-out options, asking for detailed clarity in FirstNet’s state plans and questioning whether the federal entity is legally authorized to take some of the stances its staff has proposed.
Commentary GAO report identifies several FirstNet challenges, ignores multiple key factors 30th April 2015 In its latest report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) does a good job of summarizing most of the business-model challenges facing FirstNet. However, it missed some big factors that could impact FirstNet, including the potential impact that mission-critical voice over LTE could have on public-safety adoption.
News Los Angeles reps visit D.C., told that time extension for LA-RICS would be difficult 28th April 2015 Representatives from the Los Angeles area last week visited Washington, D.C., to discuss the troubled Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) public-safety LTE project, learning that securing additional time beyond the Sept. 30 deadline would be challenging.
News FirstNet board approves release of draft RFP, ‘public-safety entity’ definition proceeding 24th April 2015 FirstNet board members today voted unanimously to release a special notice regarding its much-anticipated draft request for proposal (RFP), which will initiate a 90-day proceeding designed to provide FirstNet with the feedback from industry and public safety that is needed to issue a final RFP by the end of the year. Board members met via teleconference today after declining to consider the RFP proposed to the board at last month’s meeting. FirstNet Chairwoman Sue Swenson thanked the FirstNet staff for its efforts in revising the massive document.
Go, or No Go? New LA-RICS public-safety LTE plan gives NTIA, FirstNet a lot to consider 23rd April 2015 There has been no decision yet from NTIA about the fate of the LA-RICS public-safety LTE project. That’s understandable, because there are a lot of factors to consider.
Video Motorola Solutions: Alan Conrad demonstrates prototype handheld LTE eNodeB/EPC, drone application 23rd April 2015 Alan Conrad, distinguished member of the technical staff in the chief technology office of Motorola Solutions, demonstrates the capabilities of a prototype LTE eNodeB/evolved packet core (EPC) that could be used in a terrestial setting—or an aerial drone—to provide public-safety users with LTE coverage in locations not covered by a fixed LTE network like FirstNet, or to enhance capacity in an incident area.
News FirstNet board to consider draft RFP, ‘public-safety-entity’ notice during special meeting on Friday 21st April 2015 FirstNet board members will conduct a special teleconference meeting on Friday, when they are expected to consider approving the FirstNet’s much-anticipated draft request for proposal (RFP), according to a FirstNet official. In addition, the board will consider issuing a follow-up public notice to get more input about who should qualify as a “public-safety entity” that can get priority access to FirstNet’s nationwide public-safety broadband network.
News LA City Council approves police sites for new LA-RICS LTE plan, expects NTIA approval 18th April 2015 Los Angeles City Council votes to approve the use of 19 city-owned police stations as the location of cell sites for the amended Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) public-safety LTE proposal. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is expected to restart the project—suspended by NTIA since April 3—next week, according to the approved special motion.
News FirstNet conducts initial in-person meeting with single points of contact (SPOCs) from states, territories 16th April 2015 FirstNet conducts its first in-person meeting with the single points of contact (SPOCs) from throughout the nation, and the feedback was great enough that another such event could be planned for the latter part of this year, according to FirstNet Acting Executive Director TJ Kennedy.
News LA County board approves revised LA-RICS public-safety LTE proposal 15th April 2015 Los Angeles County board supervisors approve a 63-site “corrective action plan” (CAP) that Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) officials have proposed to revive the suspended public-safety LTE project. LA-RICS has submitted the plan to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for approval.
Is LMR the best solution for first responders? Should 4.9 GHz license go to the FirstNet Authority? 2 24th March 2024
FirstNet Authority reauthorization needed as public-safety-driven network evolution proceeds 16th March 2024