Too Much Flexibility May Delay Public Safety Network, Warn APCO, FirstNet

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and others said in initial comments that states should be able to file amendments and supplemental information (see 1610210049). But FirstNet said Monday it could cause delay. “In essence, this would give States multiple chances to develop and propose a plan that demonstrates compliance with the interoperability criteria established by the Interoperability Board and FirstNet, thereby delaying network implementation and frustrating Congress’s intent to ‘speed deployment’ of the nationwide public safety broadband network,” FirstNet said. “Such a process would add uncertainty to network planning, deployment, and sustainability.” APCO agreed, saying the statute didn’t include a provision for amendments. “Not only would permitting amendments or supplements be inconsistent with Congress’ intent, it would delay the statutory process for states to submit alternative RAN plans and undermine the need for a swift deployment of the network,” the public safety group said. “Time is of the essence for this much-needed network.” FirstNet and APCO also agreed states opting out must award a contract within 180 days of opting out. "While FirstNet recognizes that it takes some effort by an opt-out State to award a contract within the 180 days required by the Act, the FCC’s interoperability determination cannot be based on a draft proposal,” the network said. The authority voiced sympathy to concerns that states receive appropriate notice from FirstNet about interoperability requirements, but it said the law prevents the FCC from setting deadlines for FirstNet. The organization plans to finish an interoperability compliance matrix “after it has developed a solution with its future network partner, which is a virtual necessity as the establishment of network policies is inevitably reliant, at least to a degree, upon the network architecture, infrastructure, equipment and other considerations related to FirstNet’s future network partner,” the network said. “FirstNet will make every effort to ensure that States receive the network policies and interoperability compliance matrix as expeditiously as possible.”