The California Office of Emergency Services will host a public town-hall meeting in Sacramento on Nov. 20 to discuss the U.S. government’s nationwide public safety communications network and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).
The meeting, at the California State Lottery building at 700 North 10th Street, is latest in a series across the state that began in Lakeport in July. Sessions also have been held in Bakersfield, Santa Ana and Vacaville, and a meeting is planned for Humboldt County at a future date.
Congressional legislation has allocated spectrum in the 700 MHz band and up to $7 billion for construction of the FirstNet network, which will be based on the Long Term Evolution (LTE) commercial service standard.
Industry interest in FirstNet has been substantial. Last week federal officials announced that they received more than 120 responses to an RFI seeking input on areas that will be finalized in a future RFP, which reportedly is expected to be released by the end of 2015.
"Many of the items discussed in both the RFI and the Public Notice could have significant impact on the economics of the network and the various solutions proposed by vendors. FirstNet looks forward to thoroughly reviewing and evaluating the responses, as the information will play a significant role in the drafting of the comprehensive network RFP," TJ Kennedy, acting general Manager for FirstNet, said in a statement.
Those who attend the Nov. 20 meeting in Sacramento will hear directly from a FirstNet representative about FirstNet’s vision and latest news; learn about California’s developments and current initiatives; and see how FirstNet will impact public safety communications; and get other local perspectives.
The meeting is open to the public and space is limited. Register by email at CalFRN@caloes.ca.gov or by phone (916) 657-9466. The meeting also can be viewed online; register at https://pscdmeetings.webex.com.
