AT&T Slams FirstNet Comments by Verizon, CCA
AT&T, fully engaged on the build of FirstNet, fired back at Verizon and the Competitive Carriers Association Friday in letters to the FCC. Verizon earlier this week told the FCC that FirstNet shouldn't be allowed to impose additional conditions on…
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states that opt out of connecting to the first responder network (see 1707250015). “Verizon is wrong on both the policy and the law, and is woefully late to the debate,” AT&T said in a filing in docket 16-269. “In response to identical requests made previously in this proceeding, the Commission has clearly held that statutory interpretation questions regarding the permissibility of a separate state core are outside the scope of its responsibilities. The Commission should therefore ignore or deny as moot the late and redundant pleas of Verizon.” AT&T also criticized the Competitive Carriers Association, which raised questions in a recent filing about whether AT&T is violating commitments on device interoperability by offering a FirstNet-exclusive device from Motorola. “CCA’s statements about the Motorola LEX F10 are wrong on multiple counts,” AT&T said in a second filing. “Nothing about the Motorola LEX F10 is inconsistent with AT&T’s commitments under the Commission’s 700MHz Interoperability Order. The device is not part of AT&T’s device portfolio. AT&T neither sells the device nor has provided any specific requirements for its development. AT&T has certified the device for use on its network, including by FirstNet subscribers; but this nevertheless remains a ‘non-stock’ device just like numerous other similarly certified non-stock devices sold by other entities.” "Here they go again -- AT&T appears intent on repeating history by manipulating the standards process and equipment market in a way that deprives American consumers, the Public Safety community, and the benefits of competition by reintroducing Band 17 devices despite the requirements of the interoperability order,” said CCA President Steve Berry. “This is particularly egregious given the vision of FirstNet to bring new competition, interoperability and choice to benefit public safety. … AT&T and its partner Motorola should not be allowed to short change Public Safety from these important benefits.” Verizon wouldn't comment.