The Need for FirstNet Should Be a Given

The technology train has already left the station and is speeding up, headed down the first responder rails. To date, I think we have just dipped our toes in the technology revolution that is about to smack us right in the face. All levels of government, from elected officials, to administrators, to budget directors and then the first responder community are going to have to face the technology music, as it plays on, and on, and on.

Some will say that if we don't have the money, we cannot move forward with these new-fangled gizmos that add little value. So turn in those smartphones, tablets, body cams, license plate readers, that you have already and function without them. Then decide, "How's that working for you?" to quote Dr. Phil.

Here is a very unofficial status update from Emergency Management magazine, Need for FirstNet Greater Than Ever, First Responders Say.

The one item that I detected and would correct in the linked article is the statement referring to states developing their individual plans. As I understand it, the contractor (after selection) will develop a plan for each individual state that will be "coordinated" with the state — with a quick turnaround. Then and only then, if the governor declines to move forward with the FirstNet plan, states will have to develop their own plan and system that is interoperable with FirstNet.

FirstNet's goal is to announce the winning federal contractor by the end of November, if not sooner. Individual state plans will be developed in 2017 with implementation and availability in 2018. All of the above is contingent upon no challenges by the other competing contractors.