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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 culminated with the deadline for submitting proposals to build and operate the nationwide network, on May 31, 2016. The successful bidder for the contract to build and operate FirstNet may be announced as early as November 2016. Once the contract is 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 Government 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 for review by 2027. Congress continues to exercise vigilance in the development and deployment of FirstNet through periodic hearings in both the House and Senate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the key provisions of the Spectrum Act that aim to address public safety communications. Topics covered include the mandate of FirstNet as developer and manager of nationwide public safety communications, the re-designation of federal licenses for the 700 megahertz (MHz) band under the Spectrum Act, and the requirement for public safety users to return T-Band frequencies. It also examines the cost and funding sources for building a new wireless communications network.

The article discusses the key issues to be deliberated by the U.S. Congress regarding the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and Next-Generation Communications for Public Safety published by the Congressional Research Service. It includes a background on the creation and objectives of FirstNet as part of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. It mentions the provision of 7 billion dollars by the U.S. Congress for the planning and deployment costs of FirstNet.

The article offers information on the creation of the independent authority, First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), within the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) as provided by the Spectrum Act. The telecommunication policy provides an opportunity for states to plan, build, and operate their own Radio Access Networks within the national broadband network. FirstNet has been given goals, timeframes, and broad powers by the U.S. Congress under the Act.

The article offers information on the document titled "Request for Information for Comprehensive Network Solutions" that details the Requests for Information (RFI) for the government agency the First Responder Network Authority of the U.S. National Telecommunications Administration.

The article takes a look at FirstNet's plans for 2015. Topics covered include the updating of the Roadmap action items, and the release of timelines for the state consultation process and progress of Requests for Information (RFI) to Request for Proposal (RFP) cycles. It notes a mandate for FirstNet to conduct consultations through a state-appointed coordinator on matters of costs of policies, and expenses related to the core network, placement of towers, and security.

The article takes a look at the progress of operations for FirstNet as of 2014. Topics covered include the adoption of the Roadmap by the FirstNet board in March 2014, and the milestones for developing the agency's business plan. It outlines key action items from the FirstNet Roadmap such as staffing and resource for the organization, the completion of an open and transparent process for comprehensive network proposals, and conducting state outreach and complete consultations.

The article discusses the radio frequency spectrum assignment for public safety under the Spectrum Act in the U.S. It explores the existing and additional licenses that have been redesignated by the U.S. Congress to mitigate interference from other commercial channels. It reveals that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has assigned a 10-year license to the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) for public safety networks.

The article focuses on the National Broadband Plan of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to transfer some commercial networks in the 700 MHz band for use in public safety networks. The Spectrum Act provides the FCC with statutory authority to establish rules in implementing public safety networks with roaming and priority access. The Act also empowers the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) to enter into partnership agreements with commercial providers.

The article discusses the timeframe for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) to meet the requirements of the Spectrum Act by the end of the FY2022. The 10-year timeframe of FirstNet must be assessed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and progress will be reported to the U.S. Congress. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will decide on the renewals of licenses for the public safety broadband network within the timeframe.

The article presents the statutory obligations of the autonomous First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) to the U.S. Congress and the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) as provided by the Spectrum Act. FirstNet is required to undergo performance reviews, submit annual reports, and annual audit from several federal agencies. The Spectrum Act also authorizes progress monitoring from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

The article discusses the expenditures and revenue sources for a nationwide coverage of Radio Access Network (RAN) in the U.S. It refers to the costs of building, maintaining, and operating essential elements of the core services of a national wireless communications network. It also discusses the provisions of the Spectrum Act that directed funding to the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) and other provisions regarding partnerships, investments, or auction revenue.

The article presents a report from the Office of Inspector General (OIG) on issues and progress concerning the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The OIG has presented its findings in U.S. Congress regarding FirstNet's progress in meeting its responsibilities through appropriate contracting processes and requirements. The OIG also centers its review on the U.S. Department of Commerce's (DOC) transparent financial disclosures, oversight, and potential conflict of interests.

The article presents the preliminary findings of the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) study on the issues and progress of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) as of 2015. Included in the report are timeline and information regarding FirstNet's development, planning process, cost of building the network and number of its employees. Also included are GAO's observations on the failure of FirstNet to address a number of measures that are mandated in the Spectrum Act.

The article reports on the establishment of the Network Construction Fund by the U.S. Department of Treasury for use by the government agency the National Telecommunications & Information Administration's First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) to build nationwide network.

The article reports on the need for the government agency the First Responder Network Authority of the U.S. National Telecommunications Agency to consult with the local, state, regional and tribal authorities on the expenditures of policies it created. The topics discussed include how consultation are carried out by state-selected coordinators, grant eligibility criteria from the government agency the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator.

The article presents an overview of the disadvantages of the comprehensive network strategy of the government agency the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications Administration. The disadvantages mentioned include federal and state funded investments devaluation, state autonomy loss, and local competitors' displacement by the contractors of the government agency the FirstNet.

The article reports on the advantages of the comprehensive network strategy of the government agency the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications Administration including sustainability, federal partners' streamlined access, and swift execution.

The article offers information on the risks as well as the rewards of the network design of the government agency the First Responder Network Authority of the U.S. National Telecommunications Administration. The topics discussed include the economic value of its small cell network and the changes made by the government agency the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on its policies.

The article presents the statement from the government agency the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications Administration regarding community and state participation. The topics discussed include the plans of FirstNet for the local, tribal, territorial and state participation, the primary goal of the network design, and the responsibilities of FirstNet contractors.

The article offers information on the pressure and challenges encountered by the government agency the First Responder Network Authority of the U.S. National Telecommunications Administration to produce timely functional network.

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 offers information about the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). Topics covered include FirstNet's creation as a federal agency by the U.S. Congress, its function to deploy and operate a U.S. broadband network for public safety communications, and the scope of public-private partnerships needed to sustain operating costs for FirstNet. It notes the status of state participation and funding for integrating existing voice networks to FirstNet's data network.

The article offers information on the Spectrum Act's provision on the expenditure ceiling for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) administrative funding appropriations for the first 10 years of nationwide wireless telecommunication operations.

The article offers information on the fee income and other revenue sources allowed by the U.S. Congress for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) to collect from public safety and secondary users under the leasing agreements in public-private partnerships.

The article presents an overview of the 2015 fiscal year annual report to U.S. Congress that details the administrative expenses of the government agency the National Telecommunications & Information Administration's First Responder Network Authority.

The article presents the other advantages of the comprehensive network strategy of the government agency the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications Administration including cybersecurity best practices, purchasing power, and core network operations.

The article presents an overview of the government agency the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) of the U.S. National Telecommunications Administration. The topics discussed include the time and the reasons of the U.S. Congress in creating FirstNet, the primary goals of FirstNet, and the challenges encountered by public safety policymakers and leaders in the establishment of the nationwide network framework.

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 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.