FirstNet welcomes new board, sets strategic direction

The First Responder Network (FirstNet) Authority closed out their first operating year with the installation of new members to the board and the development of an enhanced strategic direction for the organization, marking significant progress for the authority’s public safety goal.

“This has been a historic year for FirstNet and public safety,” Edward Horowitz, FirstNet Board chair, said. “The network was launched and FirstNet is helping first responders do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. But there is much more work to do to deliver on the promise of FirstNet and I am pleased to be working alongside a team of experts on the FirstNet Board as we continue to move FirstNet forward for public safety, with public safety.”

During a session in Tysons, Va., officials outlined the composition of the finance, technology, public safety advocacy, and governance and personnel committees. Public safety input will continue to be the cornerstone of the company’s success, and the strategic plan will focus on understanding public safety’s needs for the Network and driving innovation to meet those needs.

“Public safety fought for its own network for a reason, and the FirstNet Authority has vital a role to play in ensuring that the network is delivered and evolves for public safety,” Edward Parkinson, FirstNet Authority acting CEO, said. “Under this strategic vision, the FirstNet Authority will serve as a catalyst for advancing the nationwide public safety broadband network, aligning our resources and efforts to maximize the impact of FirstNet for America’s first responders.”

Officials said FirstNet has established itself as the first network to offer preemption over LTE for public safety. It is the only network to launch a dedicated, physically separate core network for public safety. FirstNet has launched the nationwide buildout of public safety’s Band 14 spectrum.