WASHINGTON, DC - The House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), today continued its oversight of FirstNet’s efforts to create an interoperable nationwide public safety network. FirstNet was established in 2012 as an independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration as part of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act. Today’s hearing provided members the opportunity to check in on FirstNet’s progress and reiterate their commitment to bringing this valuable tool online.
“FirstNet has before it an undertaking which rivals the network deployments of our largest national carriers. In fact, given its mandate to build an interoperable wireless broadband service for all of our Nation’s First Responders, its task will take it to all corners of the United States,"
said Walden. “We all share the goal of ensuring that our Nation’s First Responders realize the promise of truly interoperable, state-of-the-art emergency communications network envisioned by the law. With those early missteps behind us, today we look not only at the progress FirstNet has made but also what new challenges lie ahead."
“I am pleased that FirstNet appears to have put the distractions of early controversies and missteps behind it and has started making the decisions necessary to achieve the goal of a nationwide network. With the FCC’s recent spectrum auctions successfully producing the funding for FirstNet, a significant component of this effort is in place, said full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). “Local participation is essential to the successful deployment and sustainability of the network. We all share the goal of seeing FirstNet implemented and operated in a timely and effective way. Today’s hearing, another in our ongoing oversight of FirstNet, reflects the committee’s commitment to that success."
Members today heard from FirstNet Acting Executive Director T.J. Kennedy, who provided insight as to the internal workings of FirstNet, and Ohio’s Chief Information Officer Stu Davis, who offered perspective of how FirstNet is coordinating and working with its partners at the state level.
