Scott Longhurst
CalWA
Vice Chairman, Education Committee
Evolution of FirstNet
 February, 2012, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job
Creation Act creates the First Responder Network
Authority (FirstNet) as an independent authority within
NTIA
 August, 2012, US Dept. of Commerce establishes the
FirstNet board
 August, 2013, FirstNet Board approves the 2014
budget and plan
Purpose of FirstNet
“FirstNet exists to serve first responders and the
public safety community with dedicated, highly
reliable, nationwide wireless data services,
applications and user devices, at the lowest possible
costs.”
© First Responder Network Authority
What is FirstNet?
 FirstNet will be the first high-speed, nationwide,
broadband data network dedicated to public safety
 The platform will facilitate communication for public
safety users during emergencies and on the job every
day.
 FirstNet is being designed as a bigger, more reliable
and secure wireless network for use by public safety
professionals and first responders
What is FirstNet?
 Public Safety Applications
 4G data for video & web
 Utilize existing and new applications
 Voice – will evolve from cellular quality to mission-critical
 Designed to Public Safety Grade Standards
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Reliable
Redundant
Hardened
Secure
FirstNet Support
 Congressional mandate to establish a nationwide
public safety network
 Substantial industry support with user requirements,
interoperability and technology
 2x10 MHz of nationwide spectrum (700 MHz)
 $2B of current funding with potential for additional $5B
funding from auction proceeds
Nationwide 4G-LTE Broadband
 FirstNet will deliver a single nationwide LTE broadband
network
 FristNet will provide fast access to apps which can be
shared broadly or on a limited basis
 Streaming video
 GIS/Mapping tools
 Database queries
 Field reporting
FirstNet Components
FirstNet Benefits
 Priority access and local control
 More coordinated emergency response
 Coverage solutions for rural and wilderness areas
 Capacity adjusted for increased traffic loads and
special event spikes
 Improved situational awareness for all members of the
emergency response team
FirstNet Network Build-out
 All states must have a local radio access network
(RAN) that connects to the FirstNet core
 States can adopt FirstNet plan and FirstNet will
construct RAN, or a state can build it’s own RAN to
FirstNet specs with approval of FCC
 Funding available for states that “opt out” from NTIA but
must meet stringent timing, economic and
technological requirements
FirstNet Architecture
FirstNet Business Opportunities
 FirstNet will utilize existing public safety facilities as
well as existing industry sites when available
 Many existing towers will need to be upgraded to allow
for placement of FirstNet antennas and equipment
 Will require the construction of new towers in many
areas nationwide especially, in those areas currently
under-served by wireless carriers
Additional FirstNet Information
 FirstNet webpage: www.firstnet.gov
 National Telecommunications & Information
Administration webpage: www.ntia.gov
Thank You