Georgia County Government - Fall 2016 - 15

deliver individual state plans detailing the proposed network deployment to the governors of all 56 states and territories. Each governor will have 90 days to make a decision on whether to accept the FirstNet plan or develop their own plan for deploying the Radio Access Network portion of the network in their state. AT: Can you explain the opt-in process? CM: If the state opts-in or takes no action on the FirstNet state plan, then we will move quickly to deploy the network in the state. Under this approach, FirstNet takes on the responsibility to deploy, operate and maintain the RAN with no cost to the state. Basically, this path will support the faster delivery of services to public safety within the state and ultimately supports the creation of an interoperable, secure and sustainable nationwide network dedicated to public safety. AT: And what about opt-out - what does this entail? CM: That process is much longer and more complex for a state that includes getting approval from the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Commerce. The legislation that created FirstNet established all of the necessary Pictured here in 2015, FirstNet and public safety officials from across Georgia met to discuss FirstNet's plans for Georgia. steps to "opt-out." Before summarizing the process, I think it is important to say that the network will still be deployed to public safety in an "opt-out" state - the governor's decision is around whether the state or FirstNet is responsible for deploying the RAN portion of the nationwide network in the state. There are many key factors and considerations for a state. For instance, in those states that choose to deploy their own RAN, their public safety personnel will face delays in service availability and the state will assume significant technical, operational and economic risks and responsibilities related to deploying its own RAN. Should a state or territory decide to opt-out and develop a successful alternative plan consistent with the interoperability requirements and network policies for the nationwide network, FirstNet is committed to supporting that state's success to ensure the success of the network as a whole. AT: How will FirstNet ensure that the needs of Georgia's public safety community will be met with this network? CM: FirstNet has consulted with our state and public safety partners each step of the way, and this is going to enable us to deliver the best plan for how to deploy the network. Through this process, we collected information on coverage, which has surfaced as one of the most important topics during our meetings with the states. In Georgia, we held a very productive consultation meeting with key public safety stakeholders and state leadership. It was an opportunity for FirstNet to learn more about Georgia's unique communications needs and public safety capabilities. We used the information we got from Georgia and the other states for the request for proposal and to build the state plan process. This year, we have been moving forward with a second round of consultation, which includes meeting with state governance bodies, state executives and public safety officials in metropolitan areas. In May, FirstNet held a pilot Metro-Engagement with the city of Atlanta and surrounding metro area. AT: Moving forward, it is important for county commissioners to ensure that the interests of their county and municipalities are represented in the FirstNet planning and implementation process. How can county commissioners get involved? CM: It will be important for county leaders to recognize the impact of the governor's decision and advocate for local public safety needs. County commissioners can understand and inform the governor's decision by reaching out to your office (FirstNet Georgia) to participate in FirstNet's 2016 Consultation and to learn more about Georgia's FirstNet Governance Body. County commissioners can also help local public safety agencies prepare for the option to adopt FirstNet services by understanding the need to maintain mission critical voice radio communications while investing in wireless broadband services dedicated for public safety. County leaders can also work to ensure local participation in FirstNet's Consultation Task Teams to inform network operations. Through these teams, county commissioners and public safety can share technical, operational, budgeting and procurement requirements with FirstNet. ■ More information about FirstNet is available at firstnet.gema.ga.gov/Pages/default.aspx. FirstNet will provide high-speed, mission critical data services to public safety professionals. Millions of paramedics, law enforcement officials, and fire service personnel in all U.S. states and territories will have access to the public safety broadband network. All photos courtesy of FirstNet FALL 2016 www.accg.org 15 http://firstnet.gema.ga.gov/Pages/default.aspx http://www.accg.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - Fall 2016