FirstNet recently selected AT&T as its partner to build, operate and maintain the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (“NPSBN”). With AT&T leading the charge, network development appears to be on a fast track. In early June, the initial AT&T/FirstNet Radio Access Network (“RAN”) or coverage plans were made available electronically to all 50 states, the
Keller and Heckman LLP
A Better Way Forward for FirstNet?
FirstNet was born more than five years ago with the passage of the Middle Class Tax Relief And Job Creation Act of 2012 (“Act”). As we wait for the conclusion of a court challenge by Rivada Mercury to the federal government’s procedures in selecting FirstNet’s partner to build, operate and maintain the nationwide public safety…
As New Hampshire Goes So Goes The Nation – Or Not.
The State of New Hampshire has taken a bold step in its dealings with FirstNet that could serve as a model. Will other states (and territories) follow the Granite State’s lead?
In a few short months, FirstNet is expected to select a vendor to build, operate and maintain the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (“NPSBN”).…
FirstNet Doesn’t Deserve The Criticism But Let’s Not Start The Victory Parade Just Yet
The recent negative article on FirstNet that appeared in the Atlantic, “The $47 Billion Network That’s Already Obsolete” is an inaccurate critique of the First Responder Network Authority, otherwise known as FirstNet. To say the network is “obsolete” is so far off the mark that it is laughable.
There is little doubt that a…
Another FirstNet Milestone
Another marker passed on the FirstNet roadmap last week as Capability Statements from bidders interested in building, operating and maintaining the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network were submitted March 31, 2016. Final bids are due in less than two months, on or before May 13, 2016.
FirstNet has clarified that submission of a Capability Statement…
Historical Year For America And FirstNet
There could be two significant historical events this November. On November 8, 2016 the American people will elect the 45th President of the United States. One week earlier, on November 1st, the First Responder Network Authority, commonly referred to as FirstNet, hopes to select a winning bidder to construct, maintain and operate a nationwide public safety broadband network (“NPSBN”).
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Privacy Concerns Escalate as Drones Are About to Take-Off
The widely-anticipated commercial deployment of drones piques the interest of critical infrastructure industries, the agricultural sector, and technology companies such as Amazon. Consistent with this commercial interest and its Congressional mandate, the FAA is developing proposed regulations for commercial drone operations by the September 2015 statutory due date, which likely will not be met.
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The U.S. is Fast Becoming the Slowest Adopter of the Latest Advancement in Aviation – the Unmanned Aircraft System, Commonly Known as the Drone
The U.S. is Fast Becoming the Slowest Adopter of the Latest Advancement in Aviation – the Unmanned Aircraft System, Commonly Known as the Drone…
Continue Reading The U.S. is Fast Becoming the Slowest Adopter of the Latest Advancement in Aviation – the Unmanned Aircraft System, Commonly Known as the Drone
The Age of The Jetsons is Dawning: Drones Will Become Part of Everyday Life — the Question is Only When
Unmanned aircraft, or drones, are taking to the skies and it is predicted that they will crowd our air highways within just a few years.
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Satellite Technology Firms Projected to Benefit From Proposed Export Control Reforms
The Departments of State and Commerce recently proposed rule amendments to ease export controls on satellite-related items. Under existing export control rules, the vast majority of satellites, related components and technology cannot be exported and related assistance cannot be provided to foreign companies without obtaining a license pursuant to the restrictive International Traffic in Arms…