FirstNet names CTO, agrees to fund key activities

The First Responders Network Authority (FirstNet) announced the hiring of its first Chief Technology Officer, Ali Afrashteh, who has been working as a consultant but previously held executive positions with Clearwire, Sprint, Nextel Communications and PCS PrimeCo.

"Ali will manage FirstNet's planning and deployment of technology programs and initiatives and provide expertise on strategic wireless technology and network operational planning," according to FirstNet. "Ali will also ensure that technical systems, policies, and processes are fully supportive of FirstNet's mission to design and deploy a nationwide public safety broadband network.”

Meanwhile, FirstNet board member Teri Takai reportedly has resigned her CIO position at the US Department of Defense, effective May 3, but will stay on at FirstNet. She is an original FirstNet board member, having been appointed to a one-year term in August 2012. She was subsequently reappointed to a three-year term, which ends in August 2016.

In other news, FirstNet board's finance committee recently approved fiscal year 2014 guidelines. The committee agreed to fund key activities, such as including business strategy development, network development, outreach and consultation and operating infrastructure.