News and Events
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the appointment of eleven public safety, technology, and business leaders to the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and the selection of a new Board Chair.
WASHINGTON –The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a Federal Register Notice to seek expressions of interest from individuals who would like to serve on the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority Board or Board). The Board works closely with the FirstNet Authority management and is responsible for providing overall policy direction and strategic guidance.
WASHINGTON – The Task Force on Kids Online Health & Safety, led by the Department of Health and Human Services, in close partnership with the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), held its inaugural meeting on Monday.
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the appointment of Robert Tipton (Tip) Osterthaler to serve as Board Chair of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority).
Statement from Douglas Kinkoph, performing the delegated duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information:
“We congratulate the FirstNet Board for its decision to name Ed Parkinson as Executive Director. Ed’s energy and enthusiasm for the FirstNet mission, and deep roots in the public safety community, make him the right person to oversee the successful deployment of a world-class dedicated public safety communications network.”
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the appointment of two leaders in public safety and law enforcement to serve on the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority).
Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Transportation released the preliminary funding allocations for the 911 Grant Program that will offer up to $110 million to help states, territories, tribal organizations and the District of Columbia upgrade their 911 call centers to Next Generation (NG911) capabilities.
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross conducted the official swearing-in of seven new or re-appointed members to serve on the Board of the FirstNet Responder Network Authority. The Board oversees the activities of FirstNet to ensure that its public-private partnership with AT&T continues to successfully develop, build, and operate a nationwide broadband network that will equip first responders to save lives and protect U.S. communities.
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced the appointment of six leaders in public safety, technology and network financing to serve on the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).
Today, NTIA and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) announced that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has reappointed Edward Horowitz to the FirstNet Board and named him Chair of the Board for a two-year term. Additionally, FirstNet Authority CEO Mike Poth has accepted a position in the private sector and will assist with transition efforts before leaving his position at the end of September.
Today, FirstNet Board Chair Sue Swenson and Vice Chair Jeffrey Johnson notified Assistant Secretary of Commerce David Redl of their resignation from the FirstNet board. Formal letters of resignation have been submitted to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.
Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced final rules for a grant program that will offer up to $110 million to help states, territories, tribal organizations and the District of Columbia upgrade their 911 call centers to Next Generation (NG911) capabilities.
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) announced that all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have accepted FirstNet and AT&T’s proposals to design and build a broadband network for the public safety community. Guam, the Pacific Territories of American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands have until March 12, 2018, to make their decision.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today issued a final rule regarding its review of fees that the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) may assess to help fund operations. The final rule makes clear that NTIA will ensure that the fees FirstNet assesses are sufficient to cover its expenses but do not exceed what is needed to carry out its duties.
WASHINGTON – The U.S.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today it is proposing new rules to guide its review of fees that the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) may assess pursuant to its statute. The framework is intended to enable FirstNet to operate in a competitive marketplace, giving it the flexibility it needs to meet its business and budgetary goals.
DENVER – First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Board Chairman Sam Ginn announced that he has named Board member Sue Swenson as vice chairman. Ginn tasked Swenson with overseeing the Board’s extensive planning and oversight work.
DENVER – The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Board today approved separate agreements with the State of New Jersey and Adams County, Colo. allowing them to lease access to FirstNet’s spectrum. With the approval of these agreements, FirstNet has entered in to four separate spectrum lease agreements with public safety Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grantees.
WASHINGTON — Board member Kevin McGinnis and Deputy General Manager TJ Kennedy of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) convened a one-day workshop to seek guidance from tribal representatives and Indian Country professionals on how to approach tribal outreach and education.
WASHINGTON - "We thank the FCC for issuing its Order implementing technical and operational rules for FirstNet. Unification of the technical service requirements consolidates and streamlines regulatory requirements applicable to the public safety broadband network. We also applaud the FCC's actions in lifting the freeze on device certifications, paving the way for certification of devices in Band 14. This will enable vendors to ship products capable of operating over the FirstNet network in the near future."
WASHINGTON – The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) today voted to establish Northern Virginia as its corporate headquarters and the Boulder, Colorado area as its technical, engineering and network design headquarters.