Public Safety Advocate: Opting In or Out?
Since the U.S. Federal Claims Court it has made the following statement via Business Wire: “Rivada Networks announced today that it will work directly with the states and territories that may want to exercise their right to opt-out of FirstNet’s federal solution.” Further into the press release it also stated, “FirstNet has made its choice. Now it is time for states to make theirs. Those that stand by idly will be forced into a federal solution that may or may not suit their needs or budgets. We look forward to working with the states to ensure that they receive a network equal to the promise made to public safety when FirstNet was created.”

Even during the period when the court had the Rivada ruling under consideration, Rivada has continued on its quest to convince states to opt out. Rivada has assembled an interesting assortment of folks to assist in its pursuit of opt-out states. It starts with Karl Rove, a well-known member of the Bush administration who is reportedly visiting most if not all of the states led by a Republican governor. This effort is augmented by others including Chris Moore who retired as a Police Chief from San Jose, Calif. Since the court has ruled in favor of the government and FirstNet, Rivada is redoubling its efforts to convince states to opt out in favor of Rivada’s offering.

Rivada has decided to cast the opt-in decision as one in which the state is at the mercy of the federal government and may not end up with a Public Safety system that suits its needs. On the other side, I question whether a company that is not a network operator and to my knowledge operates few if any cellular networks, is a viable alternative for the states to consider. As my readers know, I recommend what I consider to be an opt-in-plus approach. The plus is made up of further negotiations with the winning bidder and FirstNet that would go beyond the opt-in state plan and provide a methodology for the state and jurisdictions within the state to add value to the network over time.

In the meantime, before the contract is officially awarded, outside pressure is being brought to bear on the states. I thought it might be a worthwhile endeavor to suggest some questions I believe should be asked by each state, territory, and tribal nation. It is only fair to the governor of each state to have all of the information available to make an intelligent decision. When I say intelligent decision, I do not mean one that fits with the party affiliation of the governor or his/her staff, I mean the decision that is best for the Public Safety agencies within the state going forward. Below are a number of questions I would ask or have my FirstNet team ask if I were the governor of a state. I have categorized them by subject matter for ease of this discussion.

Political Questions
1) Is your vendor using high-profile political operatives rather than fact to try to influence your decision? 2) Has your state been told that if you opt out there will be funds made available to the state that can be used for state expenditures that have nothing to do with the network? 3) Will the state’s final decision be based on the needs of Public Safety or will it be based on some perception or promise of windfall profits? 4) If your state opts out, exactly what will your particular responsibility/cost/risk be in assuring your Public Safety responders that their equipment is fully compatible with FirstNet in the event they have to travel to another state or if others respond to an event in your state? And are you convinced your vendor has the resources to assure this interoperability?

Financial Implications
1) Does your state have enough Public Safety users and will there be sufficient demand for use of the secondary spectrum from existing commercial network operators within your state to fund the build-out, operation, and enhancement of the network in your state for the next 30 years? a. If the answer is yes, have you been promised a windfall or other payment that does not meet the letter of the law that created FirstNet if you opt out? b. If no, will the vendor or the state be liable for the shortfall year over year for the next 30 years? 2) Once the network is built out and there are coverage issues or areas where more capacity is required, will your vendor work with the state and/or local jurisdictions to add to the network to provide the required coverage and capacity? 3) What provisions in the vendor’s contract will guarantee your state receives network upgrades as required by FirstNet over the life of the network? 4) Who will be responsible for paying for these network upgrades? a. Will the upgrades be done at the same time and coordinated with FirstNet in order to maintain full network compatibility? 5) How long has the vendor been in business? 6) If the vendor fails to deliver or goes out of business, who a. Owns the equipment installed in your state? b. Will take over operational aspects of your portion of the network? 7) What is its current and projected financial situation both generally and as it relates to FirstNet? 8) If a state opts into the FirstNet contract with the RFP winner the terms of the contract protect both FirstNet and each state. If your state opts out will you require the vendor to execute a performance bond for the total project cost for some other vendor to complete the network if required?

Operational Considerations
1) How will your portion of the nationwide network access the FirstNet resources that will be available to those that opted in? a. Provisioning and decommissioning devices on the network? b. Local control over your portion of the network that meets with FirstNet guidelines? c. What will be your choice of devices? i. The same as the opt-in states are offered? 2) Your state vendor will be providing only the Radio Access (RAN) and backhaul portion of the network, will it certify it is and will remain 100% compliant with the FirstNet nationwide network? 3) How will your Public Safety users be able to access true pre-emptive priority on your state’s portion of the network and how long will it take to gain this type of access? 4) Will your portion of the RAN have the same access to FirstNet network data as opt-in states? (For instance, would your incident app be aware of cross-border incidents, making your usual mutual aid partners across the border unavailable to assist)?

Vendor Qualifications and Capabilities
1) How many cellular networks has your vendor built or supervised being built? 2) How many cellular networks does it presently operate? 3) For how many cellular networks does it provide maintenance and service? 4) Once the network is built who will be operating the help desk and what type of support services will be offered? 5) If a problem that may be related to an issue outside the state’s network develops, how will it be resolved and how quickly? 6) Who, in fact, will be responsible for the ongoing operation and upgrading of the state’s network? 7) Will the vendor’s RAN be fully integrated with the network monitoring test and trouble-shooting software used by FirstNet so problems can be identified and rectified quickly?

I am sure there are more questions to be asked and answered, and the answers should be in written not verbal form and included as part of any RFP response and/or contract. If your state, territory, or tribal nation does decide to opt out, all of the details above and more must be included in your contract with the vendor. Regardless of whether the FirstNet partner or a different vendor is responsible for building out, operating, and upgrading your network, you must be assured that it is directly responsible and capable of providing all aspects of the deployment. You also need to be assured that when problems arise, as they always do, the vendor will be the single point of contact to have them resolved and you will not be referred to one of the many sub-contractors that will probably be part of the system build.

I have not even talked about the work that will need to be performed by the state and/or the state’s vendor in the case of opting out to prepare for the approval cycle that includes the FCC for network compatibility, the NTIA-SAPP for what might be grant funding for the build, and then FirstNet to negotiate a lease for use of the spectrum. This will require a great deal of effort and it will cost either the state or the vendor a lot in time, effort, and money so the needed documentation can be prepared to convince three different groups within the federal government that your state really has the resources. You will also need to prove the vendor signed a contract that can provide a successful build-out and integration of your portion of the network with the FirstNet system.

The bottom line is that your state’s decision should not be based on how much money you have been promised by a vendor or how much political clout a vendor has, but by making sure all of the above questions and any others you have been fully answered in writing and vetted for accuracy. According to Rivada’s press release, if you choose to opt in you will be at the mercy of the federal government. That is only partially true. The RFP winner will be the driving force within your state to get your portion of the network up and running. FirstNet has been listening to the Public Safety community via its Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) and the great work done by it and the National Public Safety Telecommunications’ Council (NPTSC).

This network is too important on a nationwide scale to trust to just anyone. No matter what your state’s decision, you need to be assured it is in the best interest of your Public Safety community, not your elected officials!
Andrew M. Seybold

Court Ruling Clears Hurdle for AT&T in New Public Safety Network – Wall Street Journal Mar 18 08:00 A federal judge Friday cleared the way for AT&T Inc. to build a long-delayed national broadband network for first responders, rejecting a challenge to the government’s process for awarding the deal.

FCC Continues To Shake Up Regs – Pipeline Magazine via Google Alerts Mar 23 12:55 Co-existence with Public Safety: The Commission will continue to ensure co-existence of Cellular and neighboring public safety systems by retaining …

Michigan is the Fourth State to Issue RFP to ‘Opt-Out’ of FirstNet Plan – Government Technology via Google Alerts Mar 22 21:30 The state has clarified that these actions do not signal a decision to opt out of FirstNet’s nationwide public safety broadband network. The governor …

Wireless Co. Loses Challenge To First Responder Network Bid – Law360 via Google Alerts Mar 21 21:40 Wireless Co. Loses … project aimed at building a nationwide broadband network dedicated to public safety, according to a sealed opinion filed Friday.

AT&T’s FirstNet buildout could start as early as June, Barclays says – Howard Forums via Google Alerts Mar 21 17:50 AT&T could start deploying the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) as …

Court clears way for AT&T and FirstNet but challenges remain – Washington Technology Mar 21 09:02 A federal court has said that the government can move forward and award the $6.5 billion FirstNet contract to AT&T but its rival Rivada Networks sets its sights on state networks.

Ganley’s Rivada fails to re-open US telecoms tender – Irish Independent via Google Alerts Mar 21 03:00 The contract is to build and maintain a US wide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN) for use by first responders, such as the police and other …

Rivada Offers Alternative Public Safety Broadband Network for State Gov’t Customers – ExecutiveBiz via Google Alerts Mar 20 19:35 Rivada Networks plans to work with states and territories that want to opt out of the First Responder Network Authority’s wireless public safety …

Public Safety Advocate: FirstNet Back on Track (?) – Andrew Seybold, Inc Mar 20 18:00 Sat Mar 18 16:17:20 2017 The Public Safety community, FirstNet, and AT&T are all pleased that the U.S. Federal Claims judge ruled against Rivada. The […]

FirstNet ruling sets up future battles – FCW.com via Google Alerts Mar 20 16:46 The federal court ruling that leaves AT&T as the only bidder for the multi-billion-dollar contract for a nationwide public safety broadband network may …

Site Navigation – Mission Critical Communications via Google Alerts Mar 18 01:55 The Michigan Public Safety Broadband Network (MPSBN) must be fully interoperable with the FirstNet nationwide public-safety broadband network …

Rivada Networks : Offers a FirstNet Solution to States – Shortwave IT! via Google Alerts Mar 17 22:35 Rivada Networks announced today that it will work directly with the states and …

Court Ruling Clears Hurdle for AT&T in New Public Safety Network – Wall Street Journal via Google Alerts Mar 17 19:40 WASHINGTONA federal judge Friday cleared the way for AT&T Inc. to build a long-delayed national broadband network for first responders, …

Federal court rules against vendor in FirstNet protest, RFP to move forward – FedScoop via Google Alerts Mar 17 18:50 The ruling puts the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) one step closer …

Vodafone’s NB-IoT launch dates for Ireland and Netherlands slip – The Register via Google Alerts Mar 23 10:25 Vodafone has admitted that the commercial launch of its Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network in Ireland and the Netherlands has been …

Senate on the verge of vote to kill FCC’s consumer privacy protections – Technology Mar 23 08:15 A congressional resolution to roll back the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband privacy rules could see a vote in the Senate as early as Wednesday evening. A spokesperson for Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who is sponsoring the…

ZTE launches NB-IoT smart water meters – Telecompaper via Google Alerts Mar 22 14:40 ZTE announced at Cebit the release of two Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) smart water …

How This Company Will Benefit If AT&T Gets Critical Network Win – Investor’s Business Daily Mar 22 12:30 AT&T’s expected network upgrade tied to FirstNet should boost the fortunes of American Tower, an analyst said Wednesday.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration punches above its weight – US-China News via Google Alerts Mar 21 19:35 For the first time in 25 years, Congress conducted hearings last month to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration …

Broadband access, net neutrality rollbacks lead FCC chairman’s agenda – Mobile Business Insights via Google Alerts Mar 20 23:20 Pai wants to reverse that decision and develop other measures with Congress to encourage equal access to the internet with an open market and …

FCC’s Pai Continues Task Force Studying Telehealth – LexisNexis via Google Alerts Mar 18 03:55 Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai committed on Thursday to continue a task force focusing on broadband-enabled health care …

4 sources – Google News via Google Alerts Mar 17 22:35 Rivada Networks Offers a FirstNet Solution to States …

TCCA welcomes EU approval for Mobile Broadband at 700 MHz – TCCA via Google Alerts Mar 17 18:50 Friday 17 March: The EU Parliament Plenary has cleared the way for mobile broadband in the 700 MHz band. This means that there are no regulatory …

ISPs say your Web browsing and app usage history isn’t “sensitive” – ArsTechnica: Infinite Loop Mar 17 15:08 ISP lobby groups make case against the FCC’s broadband privacy rules.

Trump Budget Would Continue Support for Next-Generation Wireless Services – Wireless Week via Google Alerts Mar 17 14:55 … support the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in …

Narrowband-IoT: pushing the boundaries of IoT – ouz cdam – blogger via Google Alerts Mar 17 13:55 Narrowband-IoT: pushing the boundaries of IoT. Read why NB-IoT is the communications technology that will underpin industrial-grade Internet of …

Verizon, AT&T Back FCC’s 800 MHz Cellular Service Reform Order – Wireless Week via Google Alerts Mar 17 13:11 They would also promote co-existence between cellular and public safety systems via a public forum and interference resolution procedures; make …

Pai’s FCC is rebooting broadband facilities competition and 5G investment – The Hill via Google Alerts Mar 17 12:25 … ensuring that America’s current lead in 4G LTE broadband deployment continues with strong 5G private investment and deployment going forward.

Celebrating APCO’s First CPE Graduates – Public Safety Communications – APCO International via Google Alerts Mar 17 09:30 In January, APCO International proudly hosted the capstone course of its inaugural Certified Public-Safety Executive (CPE) Program. Graduates of the …

How To Change LTE Band on Any Android Phone( including Snapdragon Processor also) – Fast Fix Computer Repairs via Google Alerts Mar 17 03:51 LTE networks work on various frequency bands. 700 Mhz frequency considered as the Band 17, 800 Mhz is Band 20, 850 Mhz is band 5, 1800 Mhz is …

5G Roundtable: Powering the Internet of Things-Drayson Technologies – The Global mobile Suppliers Association via Google Alerts Mar 17 00:40 Narrow Band IoT & M2M – 5G Roundtable: Powering the Internet of …

Deutsche Telekom promotes its NB-IoT ecosystem – TelecomTV via Google Alerts Mar 16 22:15 Deutsche Telekom has given an update on its European Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) activities, specifically on its NB-IoT Prototyping Hub.

Trump’s Budget Heavy on Cyber, Mostly Silent on Other Tech Issues – Morning Consult via Google Alerts Mar 16 20:45 Additionally, the administration says the budget would allow it to fund the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in its mission …

Overnight Tech: Trump’s tech budget – Cyber gets boost; cuts for NASA climate programs | FTC … – The Hill via Google Alerts Mar 16 20:45 The blueprint did note that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will continue to receive funding. The Federal …

FCC Adopts Framework for $4.53B Mobility Fund Phase II – JD Supra via Google Alerts Mar 16 18:15 Through this reverse auction process, the FCC intends to incentivize providers to deploy mobile broadband services across rural America.

Nokia and TIM extend technology partnership in Brazil to expand 4G LTE network in 700 MHz … – The FINANCIAL via Google Alerts Mar 16 17:40 Nokia and TIM extend technology partnership in Brazil to expand 4G LTE network in 700 MHz spectrum band …

FCC Stays Portion of Broadband Privacy Rules – The National Law Review via Google Alerts Mar 16 17:40 In the coming months, it is possible that additional deadlines will be reexamined or stayed, or the rules scrapped altogether as the FTC/FCC joint …

Assured Wireless Demonstrates Industry’s First High Power Portable User Equipment for LTE Band … – Public Safety Communications – APCO International via Google Alerts Mar 16 17:10 Assured Wireless Demonstrates Industry’s First High Power Portable User Equipment for LTE Band 14 Public Safety Wireless Networks. Company …

Mike Pence Is a Coward and a Hypocrite If He Doesn’t Save Public Broadcasting – New Republic via Google Alerts Mar 16 16:20 … public safety, including our commitment to support the FirstNet national emergency communications system and our strategic partnership for public …

Great Start to 2017 for LARS Communications – Cumbria Crack via Google Alerts Mar 16 14:20 B-APCO is the association which represents the Public Safety and Communications Sector and this exhibition provides the ideal platform for us to …

Power Line Communications: Theory And Applications For Narrowband And Broadband … – idyrohwiv.ru via Google Alerts Mar 16 06:40 Narrowband And Broadband Communications Over Power Lines. …