The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is interested in all proposals for partnerships with the private sector, including any that would involve TV and radio broadcasters that could help provide resources in rural areas where public safety and wireless carriers might not have assets, FirstNet Chief Executive Officer Mike Poth said on November 18.

Mr. Poth spoke at the Smart Spectrum Summit, where an audience member asked if there would be opportunities for TV and radio broadcasters to partner with FirstNet. He replied that FirstNet wants to encourage a variety of proposals for constructing the network, including from players such as carriers, TV stations, and “disruptive bidders.” “We’re asking industry to tell us what’s the best approach,” he said.

“We’ve asked industry to partner with FirstNet to solve this problem, but we’re not trying to tell them how to do it, which is sometimes unusual in the federal government,” he also said at the event. Mr. Poth noted that FirstNet has posted the names of companies that are interested in partnering with other entities. – Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily