The National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) regarding the architecture and build-out of the National Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN). The November 1, 2012 deadline was moved to November 9, 2012 due to Hurricane Sandy. Over 120 comments were filed.
Key Points:
- Mobile carriers such as Verizon and Sprint show favorability towards the involvement of commercial carriers in the creation of the public safety broadband network.
- Numerous public safety groups submitted comments concerned about using commercial carriers. They desire assurances that first responders have the ability to override the network to gain priority in times of emergency.
- Many also pointed to the poor performance of commercial carriers during Hurricane Sandy as cause for concern.
Food For Thought:
- For FirstNet to be successful they must address the concerns of public safety users, their future customers. Several public safety groups voiced concern throughout their comments about the lack of participation and input they have been allowed to give to FirstNet. FirstNet can work with commercial carriers and utilize their existing infrastructure but they should do it in a way that engages and meets the needs of first responders.
Discussion
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