The Feds on Wednesday made a request for proposals, the early steps for creating the First Responder Network Authority or FirstNet as it is being called. “This particular contract will provide for a single interoperable Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN),” the call for proposals said. This is a joint effort being made by the Department of the Interior, Interior Business Center, Acquisition Services Directorate on behalf of the Department of Commerce, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The network is intended to serve all 50 states and six territories.
The public safety network will be hosting a webinar today (January 15) to go over key elements. Jonathan Schildkraut, a telecom analyst at EvercoreISI told investors yesterday. “We expect the webinar to provide more clarity on (1) the key criteria for selecting a network partner, (2) the timeline, (3) the financial structure/model, and (4) network infrastructure and device ecosystem. Broadly speaking, we believe FirstNet will be good-for-towers (GFT), with positive implications for the group. Notably, we expect construction will begin in mid-17. We are BUY-rated on American Tower Corp. (NYSE: AMT) and HOLD-rated on Crown Castle (NYSE: CCI) and SBA Communications Corp. (NYSE: SBAC) though the potential upside would be well spread across the group.”
The analyst also believes Verizon could be a player in the new service. “We see Verizon as best positioned to be FirstNet’s partner,” he wrote to investors.” “Additionally, we believe that through Verizon, American Tower Company would benefit because of its recently acquired VZ tower portfolio. Importantly, speaking at a recent investor conference, AT&T (NYSE: T) noted that it would pursue the FirstNet opportunity aggressively.”
Here’s How To Reach FirstNet Webinar
Webinar Details. January 15 at 1 pm EST
URL for participants: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/
Conference number: PWXW6610631
Audience Passcode: 1727865
Dial-in: 888-324-8196, Passcode: 1727865.
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