Public-Safety Broadband/FirstNet

LA-RICS works toward September public-safety LTE deadline, opponents still claim RF-emissions danger

• 14th July 2015

There is a lot of work to be done, but the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS) still plans to complete the deployment of its public-safety LTE system by the end of September, although the project continues to receive opposition from groups claiming dangers from radio-frequency (RF) emissions.

Top 5 stories: Week of July 6-10

• 13th July 2015

FirstNet responses to draft-RFP queries provide some insight into potential plans, leave many questions unanswered

• 9th July 2015

​FirstNet releases 217 pages of responses to 666 questions associated with its draft RFP documents, largely reiterating its openness to myriad approaches that would address the organization’s public-safety broadband mission, while acknowledging that decisions have not yet been made in several key areas that could impact the economics of potential bids.

ITEC: Walt Magnussen highlights key aspects of Winter Institute on Nov. 3-5

• 6th July 2015

Walt Magnussen, director of the Texas A&M University Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center (ITEC), discusses preparations for the third annual Winter Institute, where first-responder personnel can attend workshops and participate in an emergency exercise in which next-generation communications technology are used.

FirstNet ‘linked at the hip’ with 911 community, plans to hire 911 expert, Swenson says

• 5th July 2015

DENVER—FirstNet may be focused on developing a nationwide broadband network for public-safety personnel in the field, but the organization has been working to ensure that its efforts align with those of the 911 sector, which also is migrating to an IP-based, next-generation platform, FirstNet Chairwoman Sue Swenson said.

Next-gen 911, FirstNet need to interoperate effectively and efficiently, NENA official says

• 29th June 2015

FirstNet representatives have been receptive to the notion that the much-anticipate public-safety broadband network needs to operate cohesively with IP-based next-generation 911 systems, and 911 officials should work to ensure this vision becomes reality, according to a National Emergency Number Association (NENA) official.

Intrado: Scott Luallin, John Martyn highlight capabilities of Location Performance Management tool

• 22nd June 2015

Scott Luallin (left) and John Martyn, systems architects for Intrado, outline the capabilities of Intrado’s Location Performance Management (LPM) tool, which can be used to drive location accuracy and provide a methods to help users and network operators measure system performance levels at locations throughout the network territory.

Could federal-procurement rules result in FirstNet getting ‘snookered’ in deal with partners?

• 18th June 2015

Congress was careful to stipulate that FirstNet’s board include members with telecom backgrounds. However, there are questions whether federal-procurement rules will let those with such expertise participate in the RFP decision-making process. If they can’t, FirstNet Chairwoman Sue Swenson says FirstNet will have to take steps to make sure its doesn’t get “snookered” in an deal with a winning bidder or bidders.

House subcommittee applauds FirstNet’s progress toward nationwide public-safety network

• 17th June 2015

Members of a House subcommittee and the state of Ohio CIO yesterday expressed support for FirstNet’s timely execution of its deployment roadmap during a hearing on the topic. In addition, one lawmaker called $5,000 public-safety radios “yesterday,” and another asked whether FirstNet would benefit from being split from NTIA.

Fork in the Road: Is FirstNet ready to address potential national public-safety network vulnerabilities?

• 16th June 2015

In 18 months, a new President and Congress will be in office. Now is the time to ask tough questions regarding FirstNet’s readiness to meet increased cybersecurity threats, as well as whether a federal approach to public-safety interoperability is the best path for the future.