Ramona Adams
Rivada Networks plans to work with states and territories that want to opt out of the First Responder Network Authority’s wireless public safety broadband network.
Herndon, Virginia-based Rivada said Friday it has begun to work with New Hampshire on a potential alternative broadband network strategy in case the state decides to develop a public safety network separate from FirstNet.
The company previously formed a consortium comprised of Harris, Intel‘s security business, Ericsson, Nokia, Fujitsu Network Communications and Black & Veatch in June 2016 to pursue the FirstNet contract to build a 4G LTE network for public safety organizations.
“We want America’s governors to know that Rivada’s solution remains available to them even if FirstNet ultimately chooses a different approach,” said Declan Ganley, co-CEO and executive chairman of Rivada.
The FirstNet organization within the Commerce Department‘s National Telecommunications and Information Administration was created through the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act to manage the construction and operation of a broadband network dedicated to public safety.
States and territories have the option to develop their own broadband network upon approval by the federal government.
FirstNet was due to issue a contract for the potential 25-year, $6.5 billion program in November.
Mike Poth, the organization’s CEO, gave an update that month and said the program was in the evaluation phase.
