Colorado Protests FirstNet Proposed Limits on Alternative Plans, as AT&T Also Weighs In

or risk delaying the national public safety network (see 1611210038). Colorado is deciding whether to opt out; the state received 10 responses to a request for proposals earlier this year (see 1611100049). “The FNCGB vehemently opposes the comments of parties that seek to frustrate, confuse, or otherwise limit the ability of states and territories to exercise their statutory rights,” the state commented. For states to submit a comprehensive alternative plan, FirstNet must provide access to network policies, the interoperability compliance matrix and other parameters at least 90 days before delivery of the state plan, the Colorado body said. "FirstNet has not provided access to this information, nor has it given states adequate assurances that it will provide access in a timely fashion. Simply stating that FirstNet will provide access as 'expeditiously as possible' is not enough.” The state body disagreed with FirstNet about whether states may file amendments and supplemental information during the 180-day period. AT&T urged the FCC to be strict in its assessment of state alternative plans. States that opt out “should be required to demonstrate in detail how its RAN would be interoperable with the [national public safety broadband network] NPSBN, and demonstrate a serious long-term commitment of resources, funding, expertise, and cooperation,” the company said. “Without such showings and commitments from opt-out States, FirstNet’s NPSBN risks being balkanized -- neither nationwide nor interoperable.”