FirstNet News
Last week, following a Special FirstNet Board Meeting authorizing CEO Mike Poth to move forward with the FirstNet contract award, FirstNet announced a partnership with AT&T to build out the first nationwide broadband network dedicated to public safety.
FirstNet and AT&T will hold a webinar for the PSAC tomorrow, April 4, at 2:00 p.m. ET to discuss further details of the partnership.
Also last week, FirstNet had numerous staff members participating in the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) in Las Vegas, Nevada. FirstNet President TJ Kennedy provided the keynote address, asking IWCE attendees to take a pledge to support the nationwide public safety broadband network for the next 25 years. Staff members presented at a number of breakout sessions, and FirstNet had an exhibit booth to engage with the thousands of public safety stakeholders in attendance.
FirstNet congratulates PSAC Chairman Chief (Ret.) Harlin McEw.en on receiving the IWCE Lifetime Achievement Award last week in Las Vegas!
FirstNet also held a tribal listening session on Thursday in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Staff met with and listened to the concerns of tribal representatives from Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
This week, FirstNet will be participating in the Tribal Association of Sovereign Nations (TASIN) meeting hosted by the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe on their lands near Havasu Lake, California; the White House Council on Native American Affairs Public Safety & Justice Subgroup in Washington, DC; the Tribal Boundaries Workgroup of the National Boundaries Group (NBG) in Suitland, Maryland; the Competitive Carriers Association Mobile Carriers Show in Las Vegas, Nevada; a Rhode Island Interoperable Communications Committee meeting in Lincoln; a Vermont Public Safety Broadband Commission meeting in Waterbury; the Iowa FirstNet Public-Private Partnership Summit in Des Moines; the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Conference in Orlando, Florida; a Congressional Fire Services Institute National Advisory Committee meeting in Washington, DC; and the Government Information Technology Executive Council (GITEC) Summit “Revolution of Solutions” in Annapolis, Maryland
Last week, FirstNet posted two new blogs: FirstNet Names AT&T Partner to Build $46.5 Billion Network for First Responders Nationwide and A “milestone moment” for public safety: Public safety leaders voice strong support for FirstNet’s success.
News from the PSAC, States and Territories
FirstNet is planning to hold an in-person PSAC meeting on Thursday, June 15th, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas, after the conclusion of the PSCR annual conference. Further details on location and invitational travel are forthcoming, and PSAC members are asked to hold the date on their calendars. Please email PSAC@firstnet.gov with any questions.
Media Watch Sampling
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CNN Money 3/30: AT&T to build broadband network for first responders
http://money.cnn.com/2017/03/30/technology/att-first-responders/
FirstNet, an independent group at the Commerce Department, will kick in $6.5 billion over the next five years and provide broadband spectrum. AT&T will invest $40 billion over the 25-year contract to build and operate the network.
Washington Post 3/30: AT&T is building a new cell network that’ll give cops and firefighters priority in a crisis
The 25-year contract announced Thursday directs AT&T to build and maintain the network, which is known as FirstNet and is unprecedented in its level of sophistication and scale.
Reuters 3/30: U.S. awards AT&T contract to build wireless network for first responders
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-firstnet-at-t-contract-idUSKBN171209
The United States on Thursday awarded a contract to AT&T Inc. to build a nationwide wireless broadband network to better equip first responders, years after a federal commission recommended setting up such a system following the 9/11 attacks. FirstNet, an independent arm of the Department of Commerce, will provide No. 2 U.S. wireless carrier AT&T with telecom spectrum and success-based payments of $6.5 billion over the next five years.
Web and Social Media
FirstNet’s social media presence grew faster than normal this week. Twitter gained 385 new followers, now at 5,782. Facebook has 960 followers. LinkedIn now has 1,987 followers. YouTube has 406 subscribers.
Do you have something you want to feature in the weekly update, such as a conference date, personnel announcement, or news article showcasing the work of your organization? Please send it to PSAC@firstnet.gov for possible inclusion in an upcoming update.