NTIA asks for input on public-safety network

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will ask for comments on a planned nationwide public-safety broadband network.

In a speech at the National Broadband Summit and Expo, NTIA head Larry Strickling said the Department of Commerce will ask for input on the distribution of $135 million in grants for state and local governments to plan the deployment of the network. Congress set aside wireless frequencies and $7 billion in funding for the national public-safety network, called FirstNet, as part of the payroll tax cut extension earlier this year. The network, which would help first-responders from different agencies communicate during emergencies, is one of the last outstanding recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Report. FirstNet would also allow emergency responders to send video and other data in real time. Strickling said he wants more detailed information about the technical needs of first-responders. He will also requested input on how to select the board of directors that will head FirstNet.