Since I've been involved with
FirstNet for many months, I try to read anything that addresses the topic. I came across
Building the public safety communications network, which addresses the planned build-out of FirstNet. If you are just starting to come up to speed on FirstNet since you will be looking down the barrel of it soon — it is a nice summary of key facts.
A few tidbits I picked up — that I had not seen before include:
- State plans should be done by July 2017
- This article spoke to possible replacement for radios (LMR) at some point in the future. This is a topic we've stayed away from in Washington state. Digital data and cellphone/voice communications are the emphasis
- The fact that organizations like volunteer fire departments may need some assistance
- The pricing for FirstNet services for first responders needs to have "most favored pricing" in comparison to other broadband services offered in the commercial market
The one thing I'd note as a caveat is that this article is in the popular press and not an official FirstNet messaging document.
Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.
