In developing FirstNet, the nationwide broadband interoperable public safety network in the 700 MHz band, the US Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration ("NTIA") have request comment and information.

The FCC asks for comment on:

  • technical service rules for operation of FirstNet, such as transmission power, emission, and field strength limits, interference coordination, and border management.;
  • the need for modification of its equipment certification rules; and
  • how incumbents in the FirstNet band should be treated.

Comments are due at the FCC on May 24, 2013; Replies are due June 10, 2013.

NTIA asked for information about potential future device components of the FirstNet network, along with their supporting ecosystems. FirstNet proposes to use the information

  • to help determine future acquisitions, including contract requirements, and
  • determine potential vendors for FirstNet grant recipients.

The market for the device components of the FirstNet network is estimated to be up to two million first responder end users.

Filing deadline: 5:00 PM on May 31, 2013

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