NextGov announces FirstNet’s request for proposal to build a public safety  network…

FirstNet, the group leading that effort, posted a much-awaited request for proposal seeking tech partners to provide the infrastructure for that system, including radio access network services, deployment and maintenance. The network is intended to stretch across 56 states and territories; FirstNet has a $7 billion budget authority and is pledging up to $6.5 billion for these task orders.

FirstNet, an independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, plans to make an award in the fourth quarter of the 2016 calendar year, the RFP said. Proposals are due April 29, and applicants must submit questions and capability statements by Feb. 12 and March 17, respectively. The contract has an up to 25-year term, according to FirstNet.

It would be really nice to see a project like that go to a Minnesota company. And not only because the door is open to the proposer to do more with the network…

A FirstNet presentation for industry analysts noted partners would get the rights to monetize 20MHz of spectrum, estimating the market value to be in the tens of billions of dollars. Partners would also gain access to a “sticky market of millions of public safety users,” the presentation said.

I hope that means that someone will look at serving unserved market – remote and rural areas – not just sell advertising.