The National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), an arm of the Commerce Department that is focused on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption across the U.S., has released 10 Requests for Information (RFI) as part of a market research effort to determine the most appropriate design approach for a nationwide high-speed wireless network for first responders.
The RFIs seek input from vendors and other stakeholder related to potential deployment options for two portions of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) public safety network, the radio access network (RAN) and the core network, NTIA says.
“These RFIs will enable FirstNet to gather input from equipment manufacturers, service providers and other stakeholders on possible models and partnership and technology platforms,” says Bill D’Agostino, FirstNet general manager.
Release of the RFI’s follows months of outreach by the FirstNet program team and board members to all of the U.S. states and territories.
As part of a tax relief and jobs bill passed by Congress in Feb. 2012, the FirstNet program was approved with a $7 billion authorization to fund the nationwide interoperable broadband network. The bill also provided $135 million for a State and Local Implementation Grant Program administered by NTIA to support state and local efforts to plan and work with FirstNet to ensure it meets their needs.
The RFIs are split evenly between the RAN and core network.
NTIA says that the first RAN-related RFI involves the largest potential expenditures under the program and seeks information on ways to deploy the RAN and core network. The additional RAN-related RFI’s address antenna systems, microwave backhaul, deployables and satellite services.
The five RFIs on core network issues seek data on an enhanced packet core, transmission and transport, data center services, network management and operations centers, and a network service platform. Questions from respondents to the RFIs are due by July 22 and responses are due by Aug. 30.