Subcommittee on Communications and Technology schedules FirstNet progress update hearing

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology announced on Tuesday that it has scheduled a hearing for Feb. 2 entitled “Status of the Public Safety Broadband Network.”

“Especially in times of emergency, it is critical that first responders are able to communicate and coordinate for their own safety and to protect families and communities,” Chairman of the the House Subcommittee on Communication and Technology Greg Walden (R-OR) said. “We continue to monitor FirstNet’s progress toward deploying this nationwide public safety network. Despite a tough start, FirstNet has demonstrated it is moving forward and getting closer to delivering for our nation’s first responders.”

Members will continue their oversight of FirstNet’s progress toward the deployment of the nationwide public safety broadband network and hear testimony on the recently released request for proposal and the next steps to be taken. The subcommittee will also examine the Federal Communications Commission progress on its duties under the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 with regard to FirstNet’s deployment.

FirstNet has engaged with the public safety community in 55 U.S. states and territories as part of its consultation process. Additionally, it has received feedback from approximately 4,000 public safety representatives, including many law enforcement personnel.