The Word is "FirstNet"

Although construction on the new 700 MHz LTE network is still atleast a year away, the birth of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) has already begun, and the three available public safety seats are coveted by many.

FirstNet will be the body in charge of the network buildout.  State governors will have the option of accepting the FirstNet buildout plan or submit their own and match 20% of federal funds for deployment and foot the bill for operational expenses, which will likely cause delays and higher cost. 

Suggestions have been made for FirstNet seat candidates already, including Bill Shrier, CIO for Seattle; Don Denning, CIO for the City of Boston; Kevin McGinnis, program advisor for the National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials; Charles Werner, fire chief of Charlottesville, VA; and Harlin McEwen, longtime chairman of the Public Safety Spectrum Trust, which currently holds the keys to the10 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum next to D-block.  Mr. McEwen's qualifications are extensive, having served as a police chief, FBI deputy assistant director, and chairman of the IACP. 

Those agencies who have already received 700 MHz waivers and federal stimulus grants will move forward with their projects, but the window is now closed for any new 700 MHz waivers until the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) license is transferred to FirstNet.
The feat of getting D-block legislation passed was no small one for the Public Safety Alliance (PSA), comprised of all the major Public Safety organizations, including APCO, International Association of Police Chiefs, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs to name a few.  This massive organization was the best example of cooperation and team work among members of the Public Safety community, and unfortunately there has been talk of dismantling the group now that their ultimate goal has been realized.  PSA is a powerful lobbying force that Public Safety should continue to utilize to affect change, especially now that the nationwide broadband network is on the horizon.  There are few who actually believe the $7 billion will be enough to complete this project, so the need for a Public Safety voice in congress is ongoing.

For more on this and other Public Safety news, visit Urgent Communications.