FirstNet, Rival Providers, Weigh In on FCC Opt-Out Rules
FirstNet asked the FCC to tweak its rules on states opting out to require that opt-out state networks be able to support multiple access point names (APNs) “to ensure both interoperability and public safety custom usage.” FirstNet said it had…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Timely, relevant coverage of court proceedings and agency rulings involving tariffs, classification, valuation, origin and antidumping and countervailing duties. Each day, Trade Law Daily subscribers receive a daily headline email, in-depth PDF edition and access to all relevant documents via our trade law source document library and website.
made this recommendation to the FCC but it wasn’t part of the rules, approved by commissioners in June (see 1706190072). “The FirstNet solution incorporates the use of general, specific, and custom APNs,” the network commented in docket 16-269. “While APN interoperability is primarily between the User Equipment and the Core Network, support of multiple APNs in a device will also require the device to interoperate with the [network] in order to set up multiple default and dedicated bearers based on supported APNs.” C Spire told the FCC NTIA shouldn't be allowed to do a second interoperability analysis of state opt-out plans beyond what is done by the FCC. “NTIA’s role is to ensure the viability of state plans by evaluating opt-out states’, and their respective partner’s, long-term ability to execute the plan each opt-out state submits. This NTIA evaluation is not an opportunity to second guess the Commission’s interoperability decision.” C Spire suggested some states may be inclined to rely on local providers for a network rather than the national FirstNet. “In rural states, like Mississippi, this is not a mere theoretical concern,” the Mississippi-based carrier said. Rivada Networks, pursuing contracts with opt-out states, also said the FCC shouldn't allow a second interoperability analysis by NTIA. “FirstNet’s reservation of the right to impose new, undisclosed interoperability requirements ‘as part of NTIA’s review and/or in FirstNet’s network policies’ is troubling, and inconsistent with the statutory framework,” Rivada commented.