The First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet, has put out 10 formal requests for information from stakeholders and vendors to gather input on technical aspects of the national LTE network for public safety that the board must plan, build and operate.
A device RFI was issued in mid-April, and the new RFIs address areas of the radio access network and network core, including:
- Network partnering and RAN provisioning
- Antenna systems
- Microwave backhaul equipment
- Deployables, or portable network equipment
- Satellite service
- Enhanced packet core
- Core network transmission and transport
- Data centers
- Network management centers or operations management centers
- Network service platforms
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“These RFIs will enable FirstNet to gather input from equipment manufacturers, service providers and other stakeholders on possible models and partnership and technology platforms,” said Bill D’Agostino, FirstNet’s GM, in a statement accompanying the RFIs. “We need to hear about innovative, cost-effective solutions for delivering the coverage, capacity, connectivity, cybersecurity and resiliency that a high-speed network dedicated to public safety demands.”
The board has so far been focused on outreach and communication with the states and territories, as well as negotiating contracts with Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grantees for use of its 700 MHz spectrum for pilot projects that will be used for learning lessons to be applied across the national network. The board recently approved the first of those contracts with the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System.
The new RFIs signal its movement toward more broad engagement with wireless vendors.
FirstNet Board member Craig Farrill, who is also the board’s acting CTO, said in a statement that the detailed RFIs “reflect the diversity of uses and applications as well as the extensive broadband wireless needs of first responders and public safety professionals. We look forward to a wide range of innovative, highly reliable, cost effective products and services to address the mission-critical telecommunications needs of public safety.”
All of the RFI details are posted at www.fedbizopps.gov.