Skip to main content

Should NH opt in to the FirstNet national public safety communications network?

Image
News Date
Body

FirstNet is a public safety broadband network that would allow first responders to communicate across agencies and state lines--something that currently poses challenges. It was created by Congress in 2012 in a move inspired by the challenges of responding to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The network is seen as an important tool in the event of a widespread attack or disaster.

While the system is not yet in service, Dec. 28 is the deadline for states to decide whether they want to opt in to FirstNet. A state that opts out may choose an alternative provider that would build a network that operates with FirstNet.

Should NH join FirstNet?

Gov. Christopher Sununu, in a letter to other states’ governors, urged them to hold off on their decision on whether to opt in or not “while we seek further information from Federal officials.”

The Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC), charged by the governor to study the matter, has recommended that New Hampshire opt out of the FirstNet plan. Instead, it held that the state should create its own network with Rivada that would tie into the FirstNet network. Rivada was among the unsuccessful bidders that pursued the contract to build FirstNet, which ultimately went to AT&T.

In favor of an alternative

According to Rivada, "In the end, a large retail carrier [such as AT&T] will always choose the needs of its more than 100 million commercial wireless subscribers over the needs of the 3.2 million First Responders across the U.S. This [FirstNet] model is an inherent conflict of interest and falls woefully short of what has always been envisioned."

Rivada also offers more local control of the network's operations.

In favor of FirstNet

Supporters argue that FirstNet is the best way for emergency responders from different jurisdictions or agencies to communicate and work together to save lives. Despite Rivada's claims, FirstNet argues a state that chooses to opt-out may face excess costs and challenges integrating with FirstNet.

So far, 29 states have opted in to FirstNet. New Hampshire’s decision is pending.

What should New Hampshire do? Should it opt in with the FirstNet network? Or should it attempt to use a different emergency network? Let us know your opinion.

Comments

Login or register to post comments

Thank you to our sponsors and donors