FirstNet OKs key RFP elements

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) board approved key elements of its Request for Proposal(s) (RFP) that it expects to deliver before the end of 2015, including a national acquisition approach that incorporates rural telecommunication providers in the nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN). Naturally, that gesture pleased NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, which has been eager for the chance to participate in the FirstNet effort. "NTCA's small business members look forward to playing a meaningful role in furthering the success of FirstNet, especially in rural areas where the networks of these small providers will be essential to achieving that success for the benefit of all Americans," said NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield.

The FirstNet board also approved a resolution that authorizes FirstNet management to release its final interpretations of 64 statutory provisions that will have an impact on the final RFP and contribute to FirstNet's operations and network policies. That includes, for example, a final definition for the term "rural," and confirms that any states or territories that assume the responsibility to deploy their own radio access networks must reinvest all resulting revenues into the nationwide network. The board also approved a resolution for a nationwide solution for deploying the nation's first broadband network dedicated to public safety, thereby removing the possibility that a bidder could be selected to build out the network for a single state or region.