Halperin writes that states have the option to either join or opt out of FirstNet, which is the government’s body in charge of building a wireless broadband network for public safety communications.
According to Halperin, some states could choose to opt out to build their own radio access network and would receive grant funding following approval from FirstNet and the Federal Communications Commission.
This presents an opportunity for vendors to develop the independent public safety networks within the 280-day timeline, Halperin says.
“Only time will tell how many contracts will be available, but vendors should be excited at the amount of funding available at both the state and federal level for this network,” Halperin writes.
Halperin says states that choose to develop their own networks should soon work with vendors to begin system plans before the release of the request for proposals early next year.