FIRST RESPONDER NETWORK AUTHORITY

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration created by the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 to build, operate, and maintain nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety. FirstNet is expected to provide a single interoperable platform for emergency and daily public safety communications. Congress has allocated valuable spect... rum and up to $7 billion in funding for the construction of the FirstNet network. FirstNet has been given a blueprint by the law for its mission with processes and guidelines that must be followed in building the network. FirstNet is tasked with cost-effectively creating a nationwide network and providing wireless services to public safety agencies across the country. Through the assessment of fees, FirstNet must generate sufficient funds to enable the organization to operate, maintain ,and improve the network each year. FirstNet is governed by a 15-member Board consisting of the Attorney General of the United States, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and 12 members appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. The FirstNet Board is composed of representatives from public safety; local, state,and federal government; and the wireless industry. The First Responder Network Authority is based in Reston, Virginia, United States.More