FirstNet Asks FCC to Tighten Rules for Opt-Out States
FirstNet leaned on the FCC to tighten the rules for opting out of the national network for first responders. FirstNet Chief Counsel Jason Karp and others from the authority made their case in a meeting with aides to all three…
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FCC commissioners, said a filing posted Friday in docket 16-269. “FirstNet is concerned that the Draft Order’s lengthy, complex, and open-ended processes could result in substantial delay and uncertainty,” FirstNet said. “During the meetings, FirstNet reiterated that the Draft Order’s decision not to require an opt-out State to have in place an executed contract with a vendor prior to submitting an alternative plan to the Commission could have disastrous consequences for the network, and ultimately, public safety.” FirstNet also stressed in the meeting that under no circumstances does the FCC have oversight authority over FirstNet’s network policies. The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 is clear that “FirstNet, and solely FirstNet, has the authority to establish network policies for the NPSBN [Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network], including policies related to the technical and operational requirements of the network,” the filing said. “Any attempt by the Commission to seek comment on, and thus potentially alter, FirstNet’s network policies would constitute significant overreach by the FCC.” Commissioners are to vote on rules for states to opt out of FirstNet at their meeting Thursday (see 1706010049).