New Hampshire considers opting out of FirstNet

New Hampshire is considering becoming the first state to opt out of FirstNet. AT&T earlier in 2017 won the right to build the nation’s first network dedicated to first responders. States have a legal right to opt out of FirstNet’s service, but if they choose another service provider, the network must be interoperable with FirstNet’s offering.

Twenty-seven states and territories have verbally committed to using the network, and final decisions—which will be legally binding—must be made by Dec. 28. But roughly a dozen have issued requests for proposals from potential competitors such as Verizon, Rivada Networks and Southern Linc. And Gov Chris Sununu (R-NH) signed an executive order establishing an “Opt-Out Review Committee” that will consider the regulatory and financial risks should the state choose not to participate.