FirstNet to begin gathering state and local requirements, priorities

The First Responder Network Authority will begin a series of events beginning May 15 aimed at gathering requirements and understanding state and local priorities for designing a unified nationwide public safety wireless broadband network.

The first event will take place in the Washington, D.C. area, followed by regional workshops and meetings with each state individually. The series is organized in partnership with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and National Governors Association.

“Our goal is to deliver high-speed data services to millions of public safety users to help them save more lives, solve crimes faster and keep our communities safer,” said Bill D’Agostino, General Manager of FirstNet. “Consultations are an essential step in building working relationships between FirstNet and the thousands of people who are stakeholders in its success. These meetings will provide valuable opportunities to listen and work collaboratively to build the first public safety-grade LTE network.”

Comprised of public safety, government and wireless industry representatives, FirstNet was created as part of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.

Schedule:

• May 15-16: Washington, D.C. Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, West Virginia
• May 21-22: Denver, Colo. Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming
• May 29-30: San Francisco, Calif. Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, North Mariana Islands, Oregon, Washington
• June 12-13: St. Louis, Mo. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin
• June 19-20: Boston, Mass. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont
• June 26-27: Memphis, Tenn. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas