Scott LonghurstCalWAVice Chairman, Education Committee

Evolution of FirstNet

February, 2012, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act creates the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) as an independent authority within NTIA

August, 2012, US Dept. of Commerce establishes the FirstNet board

August, 2013, FirstNet Board approves the 2014 budget and plan

Purpose of FirstNet

“FirstNet exists to serve first responders and the public safety community with dedicated,

highly reliable, nationwide wireless data services, applications and user devices, at

the lowest possible costs.”

© First Responder Network Authority

What is FirstNet?

FirstNet will be the first high-speed, nationwide, broadband data network dedicated to public safety

The platform will facilitate communication for public safety users during emergencies and on the job every day.

FirstNet is being designed as a bigger, more reliable and secure wireless network for use by public safety professionals and first responders

What is FirstNet?Public Safety Applications

4G data for video & webUtilize existing and new applicationsVoice – will evolve from cellular quality to mission-

critical

Designed to Public Safety Grade StandardsReliableRedundantHardenedSecure

FirstNet Support

Congressional mandate to establish a nationwide public safety network

Substantial industry support with user requirements, interoperability and technology

2x10 MHz of nationwide spectrum (700 MHz)

$2B of current funding with potential for additional $5B funding from auction proceeds

Nationwide 4G-LTE Broadband

FirstNet will deliver a single nationwide LTE broadband network

FristNet will provide fast access to apps which can be shared broadly or on a limited basisStreaming videoGIS/Mapping toolsDatabase queriesField reporting

FirstNet Components

FirstNet Benefits

Priority access and local control

More coordinated emergency response

Coverage solutions for rural and wilderness areas

Capacity adjusted for increased traffic loads and special event spikes

Improved situational awareness for all members of the emergency response team

FirstNet Network Build-out

All states must have a local radio access network (RAN) that connects to the FirstNet core

States can adopt FirstNet plan and FirstNet will construct RAN, or a state can build it’s own RAN to FirstNet specs with approval of FCC

Funding available for states that “opt out” from NTIA but must meet stringent timing, economic and technological requirements

FirstNet Architecture

FirstNet Business Opportunities

FirstNet will utilize existing public safety facilities as well as existing industry sites when available

Many existing towers will need to be upgraded to allow for placement of FirstNet antennas and equipment

Will require the construction of new towers in many areas nationwide especially, in those areas currently under-served by wireless carriers

Additional FirstNet Information

FirstNet webpage: www.firstnet.gov

National Telecommunications & Information Administration webpage: www.ntia.gov

Thank You