Rivada Networks LLC and Macquarie Capital said today they would jointly pursue contracts with additional states that might opt out of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) system and contract to build their own radio access networks (RANs). Colorado recently issued a conditional award to Rivada and Macquarie for an alternative state plan (TR Daily, Nov. 17). The award is conditioned upon Gov. John Hickenlooper (D.) deciding to opt out of FirstNet.

“We are excited about the opportunity to leverage Macquarie Capital’s extensive global expertise as the premier developer of infrastructure assets, for the benefit of opt-out states,” said Rivada Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Declan Ganley. “Macquarie Capital is excited to be at the forefront of developing communications infrastructure projects in the U.S. We see a large opportunity in bringing the benefits of infrastructure financing solutions to telecommunications,” said Michael Turner, senior vice president of Macquarie Capital, which is part of the Macquarie Group Ltd., a global investment banking firm.

Courtesy TRDaily