FirstNet Says New Hampshire's Missing From Map Because Opt-Out Isn't Official; Connecticut May Say Yes
A FirstNet.gov map doesn’t show New Hampshire as opting out because the state hasn’t submitted a statutorily required notification to FirstNet, FCC and NTIA, a FirstNet spokesman said Wednesday. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced his decision to opt out in a Dec. 7 news release. The FirstNet map shows the more recent decision by Missouri to opt in, and opt-ins by 35 other states and territories (see 1712120025). “The map is for official announcements,” but FirstNet acknowledged New Hampshire’s intention to opt out on a separate facts page, the spokesman said. Opt-in governors sent notifications to FirstNet, though they’re not required to do so by statute like opt-out states, he said. A Rivada spokesman disagreed: “I find it amusing, but also incredibly petty, that FirstNet can’t acknowledge the obvious fact that New Hampshire has decided to opt out. By FirstNet’s logic the entire map should be blank, as every state still has time to opt out and no decision is final until Dec 29.” The state’s single point of contact didn’t comment.
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A Connecticut public safety committee recommended opting in, AT&T Connecticut President John Emra blogged Tuesday. The Connecticut Public Safety State Interoperable Executive Committee recommended Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) accept the AT&T radio-access-network plan as have 36 other states and territories, Emra said. Meanwhile, California Office of Emergency Services Public Safety Communications Branch Assistant Director Patrick Mallon said New Hampshire's opting out “will play no role in California’s consideration.” Governors have until Dec. 28 to decide whether to opt out. “Any announcement of an alternate contract will occur only after that decision is made,” or Dec. 29, Mallon said. With about two weeks to go, California is one of 19 undecided states and territories (see 1712120025).