Specific timelines for the deployment of a nationwide LTE network for public safety are not available, but the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) board wants the much-anticipated broadband system to hit U.S. streets as soon as possible, according to FirstNet board member and former IAFC president Jeff Johnson, in an interview with Urgent Communications.
"We know the need is out there today, and I don't think we could 'street' this network fast enough for our board and then for your typical user — the need is immediate," Johnson said. "You know people have questions — they're trying to make decisions about investments they're going to make themselves, and they're trying to understand what implications this could have on their operations.
"So, the sooner we can provide clarity there, the better. Today, we're just not at a point where we can do that."
To date, all statutory deadlines associated with FirstNet have been met, including the naming of the board in August. But the law passed in February that established FirstNet does not address when the network must be deployed.
Read the entire story from Urgent Communications, our sister publication.
