FirstNet releases RFI on apps, kills BTOP negotiations

The First Responder Network Authority moved further along with planning for the LTE-based nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN) by issuing a request for information (RFI) on application platforms. However, FirstNet also put an end to negotiations with several public-safety entities hoping to lease its spectrum for public-safety networks within their jurisdictions.

The RFI seeks input on eight specific areas, including mobile device application solutions, mobile app stores, Big Data/ API and cloud solutions, public safety data from agencies, data security, app testing and certification, publisher interfaces, and identity management. RFI responses are due Jan. 17, 2014. This latest RFI is the 12th one issued by FirstNet during 2013. FirstNet said it received more than 300 comments from a wide range of stakeholders on these RFIs. Meanwhile, FirstNet ceased negotiations with Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant recipients as of Nov. 15. However, BTOP entities with which FirstNet was negotiating could still opt to accept the spectrum-lease terms FirstNet left on the table for them in November 2013.