AT&T Inc (NYSE:T) and FirstNet might soon unveil plans they have regarding the setting up of a nationwide wireless network for public safety providers. Reports indicate that many states are finally cooperating. It has taken some time for the two companies to convince state governments of the viability of their plan.
Florida and California were the last ones to enter the FirstNet project.
Mississippi, Hampshire and New York made their entry back on Thursday. A person familiar with the matter disclosed that Thursday had been the set deadline for the various states to make the decision on whether to opt in or out.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has several segments under it, the FirstNet authority being one them. It has also been revealed that some U.S. territories might end up participating in FirstNet.
It was in early 2017 that AT&T was awarded the FirstNet contract and it is currently working on the set up of a nationwide ground network. The plan is such that it will comprise a dedicated security operations center as well as backup generators.
An official involved in the massive project opined, “AT&T will gain a swath of 20 MHz of radio spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band for the life of the 25-year contract. While the FirstNet public safety network would be prioritized for emergency responders, AT&T also will be able to use the spectrum for commercial purposes and consumer services.”
The congress had earlier set aside about $6.5 billion to help with the project and the company will be making the most of that to see to it that it achieves success. AT&T’s priority at the moment is to see to it that maintains the network in the best possible way.
