FirstNet applauds FCC action in planning for Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) commended the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday for moving forward with two separate items regarding the implementation of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network.

The FCC unanimously voted to release a notice of proposed rule making (NPRM), while seeking comments from any state that chooses to deploy its own radio access network. The commission also issued an order on the relocation of Band 14 public safety incumbents.

“We’re pleased that the FCC has moved forward in unanimously voting out the NPRM on the FCC processes for a state that chooses to conduct its own radio access network deployment,” FirstNet CEO Mike Poth said. “We appreciate the FCC’s diligent work on this issue and look forward to getting this important network deployed. The FCC also took a critical step in planning for the deployment of the network by approving the order to relocate public safety incumbents from Band 14 spectrum. Together with our Band 14 Incumbent Spectrum Relocation Grant Program, we can ensure a smooth transition for our public safety stakeholders. We appreciate the FCC’s collaboration on this issue to ensure the spectrum is clear in advance of the deployment of the network.”

FirstNet recently funded eight awards for its Band 14 Incumbent Spectrum Relocation Grant Program, providing financial assistance to eligible public safety entities for relocating their existing radios and systems prior to the deployment of the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network.