Who Will Help Set Up the National Public Safety Network?

Federal legislation earlier this year made it a national priority to build a wireless broadband network that will enable true interoperability among first responders and public safety officials across the country.

The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, signed by President Obama on Feb. 22, 2012, set aside $7 billion in federal grants to make the network a reality. The act also established “FirstNet”, an independent authority within NTIA, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. NTIA is an agency of the Department of Commerce. The FirstNet Board of Directors will be charged with executing a nationwide first responder broadband network, by determining its policies and architecture, issuing bids and overseeing contracts and ensuring its solvency through leveraging current wireless infrastructure. The board is also expected to engage public safety entities at all levels of government, as well as ensure that the network is resilient and protected from potential threats. Many questions remain, such as how and if existing radio systems that have been regionally deployed will be brought into the national network.