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Congress included provisions in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-96) for planning, building, and managing a new, nationwide, broadband network for public safety communications, by creating the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The act allocated 10 MHz of additional radio frequency spectrum to accommodate the new network and required that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assign a license to FirstNet, comprising the newly designated frequencies plus 10 MHz previously assigned to states by the FCC for public safety use. In addition, the act designated federal appropriations of over $7 billion for the network and other public safety needs. These funds are provided through new revenue from the auction of licenses to the commercial sector in other spectrum bands. The establishment of FirstNet is an important step toward reaching what has been a national goal since September 11, 2001: the provision of interoperable communications for first responders. The immediate goal for FirstNet is to provide a broadband network nationwide to carry data, although it will provide an option for voice communications as well. The cost of constructing and maintaining a nationwide network is estimated by many experts to be in the tens of billions of dollars over the long term. The law anticipates that most of these costs will be covered by partnerships between FirstNet and the private sector in return for commercial access to FirstNet's spectrum. In order to maintain control over the quality and nature of communications, many states are likely to continue to invest in and maintain their own Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks that operate on narrowband frequencies under the jurisdiction of state and local public safety agencies. Information available to the public indicates that FirstNet intends to discourage states from building and operating their own networks within FirstNet, in part by limiting the amount of spectrum available for this purpose. FirstNet has taken the position that state autonomy in network design decisions and management will jeopardize FirstNet's ability to provide a network that meets its coverage and service goals. P.L. 112-96 was signed into law on February 22, 2012, setting in motion the process of setting up FirstNet as an "independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration," as required by the act; laying out the parameters for partnerships, and state, tribal and federal participation; and meeting requirements either statutory or practical. After extensive consultation with stakeholders and potential partners in preparing proposals for partnering with FirstNet, the initial phases of organization are scheduled to culminate on May 31, 2016: the deadline for submitting proposals to build and operate the nationwide network. The governance model chosen by FirstNet is a federalized, centrally planned and directed network, bolstered by federal procurement practices that limit states to a consultative role. A risk in choosing this model is that states may consider the federal presence excessive and cease to cooperate with FirstNet, jeopardizing the purpose of the network. FirstNet has announced that it will announce the winning bidder or bidders before the end of 2016. Once the contracts are awarded, as the network becomes operational, the potential level of public safety agency participation should be better understood, providing opportunities to evaluate the success of FirstNet in meeting the goals Congress set for it in 2012. Among the provisions of the act is a requirement that the General Accountability Office, before the end of FY2022, recommend to Congress what actions should be taken in regard to the ending of FirstNet's authority, mandated to occur in 2027. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective emergency response is dependent on wireless communications. To minimize communications failures during and after a crisis requires ongoing improvements in emergency communications capacity and capability. The availability of radio frequency spectrum is considered essential to developing a modern, interoperable communications network for public safety. Also critical are (1) building the network to use this spectrum and (2) developing and deploying the radios to the new standards required for mobile broadband. Beyond recognition of these common needs and goals, opinions diverge on such issues as how much spectrum should be made available for public safety broadband communications, how communications networks should be configured, who should own them, who should build them, who should operate them, who should be allowed to use them, and how they might be paid for. Three bills that would increase the amount of radio frequency spectrum assigned for public safety use have been introduced. The bills would require that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) transfer a spectrum license intended for commercial use, known as the D Block, to the license-holder for adjacent frequencies already assigned to public safety, known as the Public Safety Broadband License. The Broadband for First Responders Act of 2010 (H.R. 5081, Representative King) deals primarily with reassignment of the D Block. Two Senate bills contain similar provisions for spectrum assignment and would add a number of new provisions, including using the proceeds of future spectrum auctions to fund the needed network (S. 3625, Senator Lieberman and S. 3756, Senator Rockefeller). The development of public safety radios for broadband would be expedited by companion bills H.R. 5907 (Representative Harman) and S. 3731 (Senator Warner). Public safety operations would benefit from the radio-development initiative regardless of the eventual assignment of the D Block. Congress may consider additional legislation or oversight to meet desired levels of emergency communications performance. Among the actions that Congress might take, those dealing with governance and funding are often cited by public safety officials and others as the areas most in need of its consideration. Many have recommended that, for the proposed broadband network projects to go forward on a sustainable footing, funding sources need to be identified for investment and operating expenses over the long term. To ensure the resources are wisely used, some analysts point to the primacy of putting in place a well-grounded but flexible governance structure. The debate on spectrum assignment has in recent months dominated the attention of Congress and other policy makers. Meanwhile, several states and urban areas including the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, and the State of Mississippi have submitted detailed plans for building the nation's first broadband networks that might serve as a practical framework for evaluating policy options. These plans, developed according to FCC requirements, share many common features. Notable from a policy point of view are several recommendations that provide a common theme in these early submissions. These may be summarized as: (1) sufficient funding is essential; (2) networks that either cover an area designated as eligible for Urban Area Security Initiative programs, or cover a regional area-that is, large and/or densely populated areas-are more efficient to build, operate, and govern; (3) several critical technologies and standards, such as for radios, must be developed before the networks can be fully effective; (4) some form of governing sur-structure must be in place to assure uniformity of core operations while allowing for local customization of public safety applications; and (5) collaboration with commercial partners is important for mustering all the skills and knowledge resources needed for developing the leading-edge broadband networks that are the goals of the submitted plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's 911 system is built on an infrastructure of analog technology that does not support many of the features that most Americans expect to be part of an emergency response. Efforts to splice newer, digital technologies onto this aging infrastructure have created points of failure where a call can be dropped or misdirected, sometimes with tragic consequences. Callers to 911, however, generally assume that the newer technologies they are using to place a call are matched by the same level of technology at the 911 call centers, known as Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). However, this is not always the case. To modernize the system to provide the quality of service that approaches the expectations of its users will require that the PSAPs, and state, local, and possibly federal emergency communications authorities invest in new technologies. As envisioned by most stakeholders, these new technologies—collectively referred to as Next Generation 911 or NG9-1-1—should incorporate Internet Protocol (IP) standards. An IP-enabled emergency communications network that supports 911 will facilitate interoperability and system resilience; improve connections between 911 call centers; provide more robust capacity; and offer flexibility in receiving and managing calls. The same network can also serve wireless broadband communications for public safety and other emergency personnel, as well as other purposes. Recognizing the importance of providing effective 911 service, Congress has passed three major bills supporting improvements in the handling of 911 emergency calls. The Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-81) established 911 as the number to call for emergencies and gave the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority to regulate many aspects of the service. The most recent of these laws, the NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-283), required the preparation of a National Plan for migrating to an IPenabled emergency network. Responsibility for the plan was assigned to the E-911 Implementation Coordination Office (ICO), created to meet requirements of an earlier law, the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-494). Authorization for the ICO terminated on September 30, 2009. ICO was jointly administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Legislation has been introduced that would create an "improved" ICO to focus on advancing the fundamental policy goal of creating an IP-enabled emergency communications network (H.R. 4829, Representative Eshoo and S. 3115, Senator Klobuchar). The recreated ICO would be established for five years under the direction of the NTIA. The FCC has included recommendations for advancing NG9-1-1 as part of the National Broadband Plan it presented to Congress on March 16, 2010. It has proposed that the FCC take on an expanded role in assuring that NG9-1-1 services meet future consumer expectations for broadband-based communications. Congress may evaluate whether additional actions are needed on its part in order to support a cohesive policy for transitioning to NG9-1-1. Other types of citizen-activated emergency calls are handled in call centers. Increasingly many calls for assistance are placed by dialing 211. The number has been provisionally designated for community information and referrals. Service levels and response times for 211 calls would benefit from a transition to IP-enabled networks and in many cases could share infrastructure with 911 networks. Legislation introduced in the 111th Congress includes two bills covering 211 call centers: S. 211 (Senator Clinton) and H.R. 211 (Representative Eshoo). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the modernization of the 911 call centers or Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in the U.S. It refers to the Generation 911 or NG9-1-1 with Internet Protocol standards as provided by the Spectrum Act which re-establishes the functions of the Implementation Coordination Office (ICO). The ICO will provide matching grants to eligible state, local governments, and tribal organizations to implement, operate, and migrate to 911 and IP-enabled emergency services.

The article discusses the allocation of sufficient spectrum for wireless emergency communications in the U.S. It highlights the re-designation of Congress of some public safety licenses in the 700 MHz band and the additional license for commercial use with the passage of the Spectrum Act. It also tackles the support of the spectrum allocation for broadband networks as well as mentions the requirement of the Spectrum Act for public safety users to return frequencies known as the T-band.

The article focuses on the public safety communications and spectrum management as the two transformative policy issues that can be adapted by U.S. Congress for effective emergency response. It discloses on the changing spectrum management to accommodate new wireless technologies and on changing stakeholder's planning goals to incorporate the technology. It notes that Congress can bring public safety communications assuring the nationwide interoperability of communication networks.

Today's 911 system is built on an infrastructure of analog technology that does not support many of the features that most Americans expect are part of an emergency response. Efforts to splice newer, digital technologies onto this aging infrastructure have created points of failure where a call can be dropped or misdirected, sometimes with tragic consequences. Callers to 911, however, generally assume that the newer technologies they are using to place a call are matched by the same level of technology at the 911 call center. This is not the case. For example, except for some work-around solutions, Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) -- the call centers -- cannot receive text messages. Delays in moving calls from digital to analog mode add life-threatening seconds to the completion of a 911 call. Information about a caller's location may not be accurate, especially in the case of wireless calls. Technology to supply accurate location information for wireless calls is useless unless the systems receiving and processing the call have matching capability. Modernizing the system to provide the quality of service that approaches the expectations of its users will require investments in new technologies. The general consensus is that these new technologies, collectively referred to as Next Generation 911 or NG9-1-1, should incorporate Internet Protocol (IP) networks and standards. An IP-based emergency communications network that supports 911 will facilitate interoperability and system resilience; improve connections between 911 call centers, emergency responders, and alert and warning systems; provide more robust capacity; and offer flexibility to receive calls for help in any format. Recognizing the importance of providing effective 911 service, Congress has passed three major bills supporting improvements in the handling of 911 emergency calls. The most recent of these -- the NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008 (P.L. 110283) -- requires the preparation of a National Plan for migrating to an IP-enabled emergency network. The plan is to be prepared by the E-911 Implementation Coordination Office (ICO), created to meet requirements of an earlier law, the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-494). ICO is co-administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The plan will likely incorporate elements from studies done by DOT. The ICO is scheduled to terminate on October 1, 2009. Although Congress has required that the National Plan be completed in April 2009, this leaves little time to implement recommendations; other goals set for the ICO by Congress will likely not be met. The National Plan could guide policies to strengthen the nation's 911 system, if there is an agency or organization to provide the needed leadership to implement the plan's recommendations and other policy decisions. To assure continuity of leadership, Congress may choose to re-authorize the ICO. It could also consider other means to coordinate Congressional policy and monitor progress toward the fundamental policy goal of creating an IP-enabled emergency communications network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is built on a structure conceived in the 1950's when over-the-air broadcasting was the best-available technology for widely disseminating emergency alerts. It is one of several federally managed warning systems. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) jointly administers EAS with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in cooperation with the National Weather Service (NWS), an organization within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA/NWS weather radio system has been upgraded to an all-hazard warning capability. Measures to improve the NOAA network and the new Digital Emergency Alert System (DEAS) are ongoing. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), working with the Association of Public Television Stations, is implementing a program that will disseminate national alert messages over digital broadcast airwaves, using satellite and public TV broadcast towers. Legislation was passed at the end of the 109th Congress (the Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act, or WARN Act, as signed into law as Title VI of P.L. 109-347) to assure funding to public televison stations to install digital equipment to handle national alerts. The law also required the establishment of a committee to provide the FCC with recommendations regarding the transmittal of emergency alerts by commercial mobile service providers to their subscribers. Committee recommendations provided the structure for a Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS). In addition to presidential alerts, which clearly are a federal responsibility, the service would transmit emergency alerts generated by state, local, and other non-federal authorities. Implementation of CMAS is in abeyance until a federal agency can be identified to take on the role of receiving, verifying, and transmitting non-federal alerts to cell phone operators. Legislation may be required to resolve this impasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present capability and future effectiveness of America's network of emergency telecommunications services are among the issues under review by Congress and other entities. Emergency calls (911) on both wireline (landline) and wireless networks are considered by many to be part of the public safety network. As technologies that can support 911 improve, many are seeing the possibility of integrating 911 into a wider safety net of emergency communications and alerts. One of the intents of Congress in passing the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-81), and of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in implementing the act, is to make 911 technology universally available nationwide. A 2002 report, known as the Hatfield Report, recognized the need to upgrade 911 infrastructure, discussed the difficulties encountered, and recommended the creation of a 911 bureau at the Executive level. Congress addressed recommendations from the Hatfield Report with provisions passed in the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-494). This legislation created a federal program for 911 implementation and coordination and authorized funds for a matching grant program. The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53) authorized the immediate release of $43.5 million designated for 911 improvements by the Deficit Reduction Act. This amount will be recovered from spectrum auction proceeds slated for deposit, in 2008, into the Digital Transition and Public Safety Fund, created by the act.... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present capability and future effectiveness of America's network of emergency telecommunications services are among the homeland security issues under review by Congress and other entities. Emergency calls (911) on both wireline (landline) and wireless networks are considered by many to be part of this network. The 9/11 Commission recommended that 911 call centers be included in planning for emergency responses. As technologies that can support 911 improve, many are seeing the possibility of integrating 911 into a wider safety net of emergency communications and alerts. Without robust support and back-up, 911 systems can be overwhelmed or rendered useless, as occurred in many locations after Hurricane Katrina struck Gulf Coast communities on August 29, 2005. One of the intents of Congress in passing the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-81), and of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in implementing the act, is to make 911 technology universally available throughout the United States. A 2002 report, known as the Hatfield Report, recognized the need to upgrade 911 infrastructure nationwide, discussed some of the difficulties encountered, and recommended the creation of a 911 bureau at the Executive level. Congress addressed recommendations from the Hatfield Report with provisions that were passed in the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-494). This legislation creates a five-year federal program for 911 implementation and coordination and authorizes funds for a matching grant program. Appropriations for the program have yet to be allocated although other funding is available through programs within the Department of Transportation. Legislation in the 109th Congress covering 911 or call centers includes companion bills S. 1063 (Senator Nelson) and H.R. 2418 (Representative Gordon) -- focusing on assuring access to 911 call centers for users of Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) telephone service and on improving the delivery of 911 services nationwide; companion bills S. 211(Senator Clinton) and H.R. 896 (Representative Bilirakis) -- concerning improvements in the capacity of municipal help services provided by call centers; H.R. 214 (Representative Stearns) -- providing for a new regulatory category for Internet communications and also referencing 911 access for VoIP users; and H.R. 733 (Representative Weiner) -- seeking to assure service in underground areas such as subway transportation systems. Current transportation funding legislation (SAFETEA-LU, H.R. 3) has incorporated some language from companion bills S. 611 (Senator Collins) and H.R. 1240 (Representative Hefley) to establish advisory bodies that support improvements in Emergency Medical Services, including 911 systems. This report reviews key points about the implementation of 911 and reviews some of the ways in which it might be integrated with existing or envisioned networks or services. It will be updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plans for the use of spectrum intended for wireless emergency communications and interoperability are enmeshed in the technical requirements and complex economic and policy issues that surround the planned transition to digital television (DTV) in the United States. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allocate 24 MHZ of spectrum at 700 MHZ to public safety, without providing a hard deadline for the transfer. The channels designated for public safety are among those currently held by TV broadcasters. This report summarizes issues relevant to the clearing of the frequencies or channels designated for public safety. It will be updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since September 11, 2001, the effectiveness of America's communications capabilities in support of the information needs of first responders and other public safety workers has been a matter of concern to Congress. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-458) included sections that responded to recommendations made by the 9/ll Commission, in its report of July 2004, and by others in recent years, regarding public safety communications. Nonetheless, there is much still to be done to bring the United States to the threshold of adequate communications capabilities in emergencies. Congress can expect that the many advocates for public safety, in all its forms, will continue to push for improvements in public safety communications and interoperability. This report provides an analysis of major policy questions regarding public safety communications. The 9/11 Commission recommendations for action to improve communications and the testimony and comments of experts provide a framework to review what has been accomplished since September 11, what legislative initiatives could be considered by the 109th Congress, and longer term goals and concerns. Major issues include (1) unifying spectrum policy and communications policy at every level; (2) using signal corps type skills and technology, as suggested by the 9/11 Commission, to achieve interoperability; and (3) evaluating the pace and effectiveness of federal actions taken to-date. Congress has responded by requiring a number of studies and pilots, the results of which could shape policy decisions in the future. In particular, both Congress and the Administration have set requirements for the Department of Homeland Security that include developing a strategy for spectrum use and evaluating its role in public safety communications. A bill (H.R. 1646) to make spectrum available for public safety has been reintroduced by Representative Jane Harman. The bill, the Homeland Emergency Response Operations Act, or HERO Act, previously introduced in the 107th and 108th Congresses, was cited by the 9/11 Commission, which recommended its passage. Many policy discussions regarding federal funding for public safety communications revolve around identifying risk-based formulas to distribute grants among states. Examples of legislation introduced to modify the way funds are distributed are S. 21 (Senator Collins) and H.R. 1544 (Representative Shays). Citing the continued lack of communications capabilities within the New York City Fire Department, H.R. 1795 (Representative Maloney) would fund a new system for the city's firefighters that would provide a network and radios incorporating many leading edge technologies and networking concepts. Taking a different approach, the Public Safety Interoperability Implementation Act (H.R. 1323, Representative Stupak) would place some spectrum auction proceeds in a trust fund to provide grants to improve public safety communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is one of several federally managed warning systems. Intended as a broadcast medium for the President to reach the American people in time of crisis, the system has never been activated on a national basis. It has been used to alert citizens to local emergencies, such as hazardous chemical spills or forest fires, and is widely used for weather alerts. Legislation (S. 118, Senator Edwards) has been proposed to develop a single all-hazard warning system. This could replace many federally-managed programs that alert or notify citizens in times of emergency. EAS was not activated at either the national or local level on September 11, 2001. This episode has brought the usefulness of the alert system into question. Furthermore, recent, major studies of warning systems have concluded that the United States needs a more robust emergency alert system. Among the weaknesses noted in the current systems are: insufficient coordination, dependence on a limited set of technologies, weak or diffused administration, and insufficient attention to human factors. Recommendations for improvement include providing a standardized alert protocol and developing infrastructure for notification to virtual communities. A virtual community in the context of emergency communications refers to the technical ability to give immediate, simultaneous alerts to the appropriate community of responders and affected residents. This community varies with each type of emergency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) jointly administers EAS with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in cooperation with the National Weather Service. The transfer of FEMA to the Department of Homeland Security raises the possibility that EAS could be merged with other DHS functions. This report summarizes the technology and administration of EAS and some current proposals for an all-hazard network. It will be updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In evaluating the nation's emergency preparedness and response plans, Congress has reaffirmed its concern regarding the availability of spectrum to meet the wireless communications needs for public safety agencies. Many have voiced the need for a national plan for public safety telecommunications and spectrum management. This need is nested in the wider need for better policy and planning in spectrum management for all users and technologies. Provisions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) instruct the Department of Homeland Security to address some of the issues concerning public safety communications. Several important policy decisions regarding spectrum use by first responders and other public safety organizations are under consideration by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The timely clearing of analog television broadcast channels intended for public safety use is the objective of H.R. 1425 (Harman). Provisions that could significantly impact emergency communications are included in S. 930, H.R. 1449, and H.R. 105, among others. Legislation that could impact the release of TV broadcast channels is proposed in H.R. 426. Future legislative initiatives in the 108th Congress could address the following areas: Interoperability. The ability to communicate effectively among wireless networks used for public safety depends on spectrum use and compatible technology. In general the technology to support interoperability exists. For it to be fully implemented, three critical elements must be in place: standardization and coordination; comprehensive spectrum allocation; and funding. Spectrum Policy. Sufficient and appropriate spectrum is fundamental to the future of wireless communications for public safety. The manner in which the spectrum is allocated is also important and this is illustrated, for example, in the problem of interference to public safety communications. This problem has opened a debate over how to reallocate spectrum not only to reduce interference but also to maximize benefit to other users in adjacent bands. Business and industrial users, for example, are examining their need for spectrum for applications in critical infrastructure security, such as pipeline surveillance. Technology. The availability of new broadband technologies has further increased the need for spectrum. The FCC has recently allocated new spectrum for public safety broadband. The FCC has also allocated spectrum to test ultrawideband (UWB) applications geared primarily to the needs of first responders. This report focuses on key proposals for improving wireless telecommunications for public safety and recent actions to achieve this goal; the evolving role of the Department of Homeland Security is also discussed. The report will be updated and will be supplemented with shorter, topical reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the planning authority required by the U.S. Spectrum Act for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to establish an interoperable broadband network for public safety. It highlights the goals and timeframes given to FirstNet as an independent entity created by the Congress and outlines the members of its board. Requirements for FirstNet as part of its management of the broadband network are noted.

The article discusses the use of a Public Safety Trust Fund from the U.S. Treasury for designation of spectrum licenses with regards to the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. It notes that the funds are to remain available through fiscal year 2022. The order of priority by which auction proceeds from the remaining funds should be distributed is outlined.

The article discusses the review conducted by the U.S. Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the practices by First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The inadequacy of some monitoring procedures of FirstNet, such as lack of transparency in awarding competition and sufficient oversight of hiring, was found in the review. Recommendations of OIG are also tackled, along with the coverage of the review.

The article discusses the study conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the ending of the authority of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. It highlights the evaluation of GAO of FirstNet's organization, which include business decisions in the request for proposal, use of infrastructure in deploying the network, and financial sustainability. Key observations of GAO are outlined.

The article discusses the use of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration of a Network Construction Fund for costs associated with building the network and for grants to states that are allowed to build their own networks.

The article discusses the allocation of the State and Local Implementation Fund from the Public Safety Trust Fund for the development of plans to use a public safety broadband network that will address emergency communications needs in the U.S. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which administers the State and Local Implementation Grant Program, has established the distribution of funds in consultation with First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).

The article discusses the opt-out provision of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration. It highlights the establishment of states of a Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWOC) to be eligible for grants from the Homeland Security, along with the responsibilities of SWOC for managing FirstNet activities. Considerations for states to build their own Radio Access Network by opting out of FirstNet are tackled.

The article outlines the disadvantages of the Comprehensive Network Strategy of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration. These include loss of state autonomy, devaluation of state and federally funded investments in public safety communications networks, and loss of market power for state public safety customers.

The article outlines the advantages of the Comprehensive Network Strategy of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration which include swift execution, streamlined access for federal partners, and national reach.

The article discusses the risks and rewards involving the network design of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Topics include FirstNet's application of a federalized network to meet its goals, the recognition by telecommunications experts and policymakers of the value of economies of scale in operating wireless networks, and profitability of the economics for small cell networks.

The article discusses the plans of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration for state, tribal, territorial, and local participation in the network. An overview of FirstNet's deployment strategy is provided, along with the key goal of the network design. The exclusion of an analysis of the costs to be assumed by states as a result of its business plan to FirstNet's planning process is noted.

The article discusses the trend in the evolution of micro networks and their application for First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration. It explains the configuration where micro network acts as the provider of mobile communications coverage and capacity through contiguous small cell networks as well as explores the tower of the macro network. A figure depicting the small cell neighborhood micro network is provided.

The article discusses the network strategy of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). It highlights the proposal of FirstNet board from its September 2014 "Request for Information for Comprehensive Network Solutions" and tackles its perspective on the Congress' plan to enact language that would allow states to create their own network. The notice concerning the definition of "public safety" is also tackled.

The article discusses the issues for the U.S. Congress regarding the organization of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). Particular focus is given to the pressures faced by FirstNet officials of producing a functional network in a timely manner. It talks about the vagueness of the role of states in managing networks in their jurisdiction, the challenges of a centralized closely controlled network, and the fault found with the decision-making process at FirstNet.

The article reports on the key provisions of the U.S. Spectrum Act pertaining to spectrum allocation in the U.S. Topics discussed include the responsibilities of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to support the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) in implementing public safety communications under the Spectrum Act, the procedures for spectrum reallocation from federal government to commercial use under the Act and the task of the Technical Panel.

The article discusses the authority given by the U.S. Congress to First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to obtain grants and to receive payment for the use of network capacity licensed to FirstNet.

The article mentions the exclusion of costs attributed to oversight and audits from the expense cap set for the administrative expenses of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

The article discusses the anticipated cost associated with building a wireless communications network with nationwide coverage for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

The article mentions some provisions in the Spectrum Act related to the improvement of public safety communications in the U.S.

The article discusses the administrative expenditures of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration. It highlights the fiscal year "Annual Report to Congress" from FirstNet, which notes the Spectrum Act cap for administrative expenditures. The fiscal year 2016 proposed budget limit for all expenses of FirstNet is tackled.

The article mentions the responsibility of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration for conducting grant programs in consultation with First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).

The article outlines the advantages of the Comprehensive Network Strategy of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration which may be applicable in other governance or business models.

The article discusses the general architecture of the broadband network of First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which depicts the inclusion of Radio Access Network of both macro and micro networks.

The article offers brief information on the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), a federal agency in the U.S. that was created by Congress with provisions in Title VI of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. The agency aims to ensure the deployment and operation of a nationwide, broadband network for public safety communications. Also discussed are the grant programs for the planning and deploying of the broadband network.