Chairman Walden promises increased oversight for FirstNet

Congress will step up oversight of FirstNet, the wireless broadband network for emergency personnel that has been plagued by criticism. The organization has faced criticism from two government watchdogs as its board drafts a request for proposals from companies that could build the network. Officials hope that they can finalize the request by the end of the year. House Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) has pledged to look into concerns raised about the program. He noted that the first responders who will ultimately use the system have expressed concerns about its development. Some emergency personnel have said that they have not been consulted enough on the development of the system.