By Andrew Seybold Since last week’s commentary I have received verification that five other potential FirstNet RFP bidders have decided not to pursue this opportunity. Yet I have also heard from a reliable source that we can expect to see more than two bidders submitting proposals. I hope my source is correct since Public Safety deserves many bids on the …
The FirstNet Request for Proposal: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
By Andrew Seybold The FirstNet network is needed by Public Safety, of that there is no doubt. The idea of a public/private partnership to build, manage, and operate this network makes sense and I have been very supportive of this concept since the beginning. However, over the past few weeks I have developed some serious reservations regarding the FirstNet RFP …
Lawmakers’ FirstNet probe could unveil little more than the RFP’s deadlines
Lawmakers have scheduled a hearing on Feb. 2, 2016 that is expected to shed a little more light on FirstNet’s progress following the issuance on Jan. 14, 2016 of a request for proposal (RFP) for the public safety broadband network for first responders. However, some industry observers believe that little will be gleaned since the presentations will be well-scripted and …
FirstNet RFP hits the streets with a low end $6.75 billion price tag
Yesterday’s long-awaited request for proposal (RFP) for the US First Responder Network Authority’s (FirstNet) public safety network will provide the government’s selected carrier or contractor with $6.5 billion to support the project buildout, in addition to access to 20 MHz of spectrum, but the winning bidder will be required to pay FirstNet a minimum of $6.75 billion over the life …
AT&T will be throwing its hat in the ring for a FirstNet build-out
AT&T says that it’s attracted to bidding for the FirstNet contract — the federal government’s plan for a nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety. Verizon has been widely considered a solid front-runner in the project. The request for proposals is expected this month on a project that could cost $20-$30 billion. At that time it will become known whether …
Two dynamic CEOs continue with multiple leadership roles within the wireless industry
Many company CEOs take on leadership roles with other organizations, but few have the drive and talent of SouthernLINC Wireless CEO Tami Barron and Novatel Wireless CEO Sue Swenson. Barron was re-elected to serve on the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) board of directors at their annual meeting held earlier this month in Ft. Lauderdale, and had been re-elected to serve …
FirstNet may be setting itself up for failure with December’s proposal request
Andrew Seybold, recognized worldwide for his keen perspective and track record for accurately predicting mobile technology trends, said he’s overly concerned that bidders may not partner with FirstNet, the independent nationwide public safety broadband network funded by Congress. Seybold said that if FirstNet releases a request for proposal in December that follows their current template, “it is running a high …
