FirstNet aims to save money via 'operating partners,' issues RFI

Sue Swenson, board member of the First Responder Network Authority, made a pitch justifying the independent authority's reason for existing, noting a National Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) will enjoy cost savings on devices and infrastructure.

There were only 2 million public-safety users on 10,000 uniquely managed networks in 2010. That means there were only 200 users on average per network, causing the cost per public-safety user to be some 20 times that of the average commercial mobile network customer, said Swenson during a presentation delivered at the Competitive Carriers Global Expo in New Orleans. Interestingly, her comparison divided the full 300 million commercial mobile users in 2010 among only four networks--apparently referring to the four national operators: Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA. Swenson also addressed "perceptions and reality," attempting to counter arguments that FirstNet will strip local public safety officials of autonomy and control and that the 700 MHz (Band 14) LTE NPSBN will cost too much to build and operate. Although FirstNet will build a nationwide platform, public safety will set rules locally and maintain local management, she said.