By TJ Kennedy, FirstNet Deputy General Manager

I had the opportunity this week to speak with representatives from the technology community and update them on FirstNet’s progress at the monthly Tech America meeting in Arlington, VA. FirstNet appreciates being invited to events like this to communicate with the private sector about our efforts to deploy a nationwide broadband public safety network.

During the meeting, I provided updates on a range of key issues, including FirstNet organizational activities, and answered questions from the very interactive participants. We continue to grow the team at FirstNet; in fact we just posted two technical leadership positions this week to USA Jobs and recently launched our LinkedIn page.

I provided updates on our state consultation efforts and explained how we are working with all 56 states and territories to complete their readiness checklists in preparation for consultation. I would also like to note the recently released report from NASCIO that highlighted how over 70 percent of states are making significant progress with planning for FirstNet, with more than 75 percent conducting some outreach meetings with stakeholder groups within their states.

The audience of technology executives and policymakers from many different industries was very interested in how FirstNet would work to ensure the network covers the entire nation, including large metro areas and rural communities. I mentioned how FirstNet would be considering many deployment options and methodologies. There are many possible options in terms of how we deploy this network, and we look forward to hearing from the private sector on these types of issues in our future Requests for Proposals (RFP).

Participants at Tech America’s event also inquired about FirstNet’s outreach efforts to rural communities and tribal nations. I talked about how FirstNet Board member Kevin McGinnis and Kristi Wilde from the FirstNet outreach team just completed a visit to Alaska, where they attended the National Congress of American Indians mid-year conference and met with public safety representatives in remote villages. We also recently welcomed Carl Rebstock to the FirstNet team to coordinate our tribal outreach.

I also reviewed how we are working with members of the public safety community, the states’ Single Points of Contact (SPOCs), and the Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC). In addition, to coordinate federal activities, we are working with the Emergency Communications Preparedness Center (ECPC) on federal public safety communication issues and FirstNet.

Thanks to Tech America and to all the participants for inviting FirstNet to their Federal Civil Committee meeting and providing excellent feedback.

-TJ