FirstNet allows more time for BTOP spectrum-lease negotiations

More than a year after work was halted on seven public-safety LTE networks, negotiations with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) for spectrum lease agreements that are needed to restart the programs remain unresolved.

FirstNet announced that it extended the negotiation period for 700 MHz spectrum lease agreements through July 12, which is five months after it first authorized such discussions. On Feb.12, 2013, FirstNet's board authorized Sue Swenson to cut deals with seven Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) public-safety funding recipients over a 90-day period. On May 8, the board extended the negotiation period through June 12. However, Swenson, a FirstNet board member, subsequently reported that she and each of the recipients have concluded that an additional 30-day extension of the negotiation period is necessary.