In 2012, Congress broke off 20Mhz in the 700Mhz frequency band and gives it, along with 7 billion dollars, to a new independent agency, dubbed FirstNet, who was charged with creating a National Safety Broadband Wireless Network.
Is anyone planning on assisting with the build out of this network? Although the rollout won't be for 2 years, there is a apparently a ton of design/proof of concept work to be done before then.
Here is their mission:
First and foremost, the FirstNet network is being built for public safety. The purpose of the network is to provide a broadband wireless communications to police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other public safety and support personnel to meet their important mission every day. We know that traditional first responders must have access to the network. During incidents where multiple agencies converge in a small area, first responders must be able to leverage access priorities.
FirstNet will enhance public safety communications by delivering mission-critical data and applications that augment the voice capabilities of today’s land mobile radio (LMR) networks When the FirstNet network is initially deployed, it will provide mission-critical, high-speed data services to supplement the voice capabilities of today’s LMR networks. FirstNet users will be able to send and receive data, video, images, text, as well as use voice applications. They will communicate over the network and benefit from the ability to share applications.
Here's how to set yourself up to work with them.
Here's some info about a proof of concept award in New Jersey.