National Public Safety Network: $135 Million Set For Planning

As a national public safety broadband network begins to take shape, many state and local governments are looking to the federal government for guidance. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has set aside $135 million in grant money to help municipalities get through the planning stages of the nationwide project. Born from the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 signed into law by President Obama in February, the NTIA has formed the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) as an independent body that will oversee the administration and development of a nationwide public safety broadband network (PSBN). State and local governments will give their input to FirstNet.