FirstNet progresses toward network deployment with new strategies, spectrum grant relocation program

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) outlined the next phase of its strategic roadmap leading to the deployment of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) on Wednesday.

FirstNet officials highlighted key roadmap milestones as well as other key activities during their quarterly FirstNet board and committee meetings, according to FirstNet.gov.

“We committed to and achieved our Roadmap milestones on time during the first two years, and there will be no let up going forward,” FirstNet Chair Sue Swenson said. “We have laid out an aggressive schedule to ensure progress continues along the Roadmap in coordination with public safety, the states and federal agencies.”

In March 2014, the FirstNet board launched the strategic roadmap to establish a timeline and path to delaying the large-scale network. In that time, FirstNet has accomplished all major milestones, including request for proposals (RFPs) for the network partnership. FirstNet.gov reports.

In Wednesday’s outline, the FirstNet board announced that the Band 14 Spectrum Relocation Grant Program was published online. This program will provide public assistance to eligible public safety entities for relocating their existing radios and systems from the program in advance of the deployment of the network.