November 18, 2016–California is the latest in a series of states to seek information from industry about whether it would be better for the state to opt out of having the First Responder Network Authority’s (FirstNet) partner build its radio access network (RAN). The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has issued a request for information asking industry to “suggest compelling business models and approaches for the building, deployment, and operation of a state-deployed broadband statewide public safety Radio Access Network (RAN) within California as an alternative to the FirstNet deployed RAN.

“The purpose of this RFI is to solicit information and suggestions from the public, including network service providers, operators, infrastructure providers, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, corporate finance organizations, consultants, and others, pertaining to a viable alternative state-deployed First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) RAN or ‘opt-out’ implementation,” the document added. “In addition to providing essential information to a potential RAN plan acquisition, a response to this RFI is necessary in order to assist California in determining levels of interest and technical capability within the business community to provide required equipment and/or services.”

The document added, “The information gathered from the RFI responses will be useful in determining whether California should ‘opt-in’ to a FirstNet-deployed RAN or ‘opt-out’ and choose an alternative state-deployed RAN implementation; therefore this information is critical to California’s public safety stakeholders, as they evaluate all options to deliver mission critical data services to their agencies. This decision will be made by the Governor of California in terms of which option is in the best interest of the state of California including local, tribal, and state PSEs.”

Bids are due Jan. 2, 2017. – Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily