The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) board plans to hold a special meeting via teleconference March 9 from 10-11 a.m. to approve a new public notice that will seek comments on a broad range of issues such as the state plan process.  FirstNet spokesman Ryan Oremland said the notice, the second from FirstNet, includes preliminary interpretations of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, which established FirstNet, regarding planning, deployment, and operation of the nationwide public safety broadband network. 

 “The Second Notice is a key next step in our efforts to consult stakeholders and get feedback on critical issues to ensure that we deploy a nationwide network for public safety that is interoperable and sustainable,” he said. “This PN addresses new ground and is separate from the first PN, which we intend to address in a future public notice or notices.” 

 FirstNet plans to release a public notice in the future exploring issues related the definition of public safety entity, which was an issue that drew many comments in a public notice issued by FirstNet last September (TRDaily, Sept. 17, 2014). That earlier public notice sought comment on preliminary interpretations and other issues regarding FirstNet’s authority under the Act.

 In other FirstNet news, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today announced plans to hold a hearing March 11 on FirstNet. It is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. in room 253 of the Senate Russell Office Building.

 The scheduled witnesses are Deputy Commerce Secretary Bruce Andrews; Mark Goldstein, director-physical infrastructure at the Government Accountability Office;  FirstNet Chairwoman Sue Swenson; and Todd Zinser, inspector general of the Commerce Department.- Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

 Courtesy TRDaily