FirstNet Reports $84.1 Million in Operating Expenses for FY 2016
FirstNet remains financially strong, the public safety network said in an annual report to Congress released Wednesday. As of Sept. 30, FirstNet had a cash balance of $6.68 billion after having $84.1 million in operating expenses in FY 2016, it…
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said. It spent $49 million in FY 2015, it said. The FY 2016 spending included $8.9 million in administrative expenses, leaving FirstNet $76.6 million allocated for that purpose. The spending increase "is directly related to activities preparing the organization to obtain a private sector partner and stand up the FirstNet network for public safety,” FirstNet said. The network, for which Congress authorized $7 billion, is still operating without revenue. “Altogether, our financial condition is strong, and we stand ready to ensure delivery of a reliable, secure, and financially sustainable FirstNet network that meets the needs of public safety,” FirstNet said. FirstNet expects to select a vendor this year, CEO Mike Poth said in a letter to Congress introducing the report. It expanded consultation and outreach in FY 2016, with leadership and staff participating in about 130 association events with the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) and 140 consultation events with state single points of contact (SPOCs), the report said. Information from the SPOC meetings “will guide the development of the State Plan that will be presented to each State Governor,” Poth wrote. “Our intent is to deliver a plan that will reasonably meet each State’s unique needs, while ensuring nationwide interoperability, and maximum urban and rural geographic coverage for public safety.”