The First Responder Network Authority Board yesterday approved a $213 million budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21), with a focus on the organization’s operations and its investments into FirstNet, the nationwide public safety broadband network.
“This budget provides steady funding for the FirstNet Authority and continues our momentum for investing back into the FirstNet network,” said FirstNet Authority Board Chair Edward Horowitz. “We will continue to engage with public safety to ensure the network delivers the attributes outlined in the strategic plan and the FirstNet Authority Roadmap and evolves along with technology and operational needs.”
During the budget meeting, the board approved Resolution 106, which allocates $83.5 million for the FirstNet Authority’s operating budget in FY21 and provides an additional $83.5 million in reserves for operations.
The budget also includes $46 million for investments in support of FirstNet network enhancements. The board recently approved the first set of network investments to expand the fleet of FirstNet deployables and for initial generational upgrades to the network core for 5G capabilities.
The FirstNet Authority’s investments are made possible through a sustainable business model that enables the organization to continually improve and advance the network. The investments align with the FirstNet Authority’s Roadmap, which outlines the key priorities and activities for advancing and evolving the network beyond current contractual commitments.
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