FirstNet Praises FCC for Granting Spectrum License

WASHINGTON – First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Chairman Sam Ginn praised the Federal Communications Commission for granting FirstNet its spectrum license, marking another important step in the effort to build and operate a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network.

“The FCC’s action is another critical milestone on our journey towards deploying a nationwide mission critical wireless network that will enable first responders to communicate with each other, improve response times and save lives,” said Sam Ginn, Chairman of the FirstNet Board. “We thank the FCC for its timely efforts as we undertake this historic task, and this license is a tangible reminder of our need to be good stewards of the invaluable spectrum resources that the Administration and Congress, on behalf of the American people, have devoted to this cause.”

The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 required the FCC to reallocate and grant to FirstNet a single license for the 700 MHz D block of spectrum and the existing public safety broadband spectrum.  This  license was granted for an initial term of ten years, subject to renewal.