In a statement released today, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu announced the state would reverse their previous decision to opt-out of FirstNet, the nation’s public safety broadband network, and instead opt-in to the national network being built by AT&T, rather than pursue an independent network for New Hampshire alone which would have been built by Rivada.
Governor Sununu stated he believed the decision deadline of December 28th approached too rapidly for states to feel confident in an opt-out decision, and he did not want New Hampshire to be the only one with an independent network.
“While Rivada’s plan remains the better option for New Hampshire, I have determined that the additional risk associated with being the only state to opt-out creates too high a barrier for New Hampshire to continue down the opt-out path alone.” Governor Sununu said, “By moving to opt-in today, New Hampshire will retain AT&T’s commitment to build 48 new tower sites across the state. These new sites will lead to a top quality public safety network for our first responders and enhanced coverage for all of our citizens. I look forward to working with AT&T as they begin the build out and deployment of their New Hampshire plan, and I pledge to continue our efforts to ensure that FirstNet remains responsive to the public safety needs of every state.”
Authorized by Congress in 2012, FirstNet is an independent authority with a mission to develop, build, and operate the nationwide broadband network for first responders. After the project was stalled for several years, earlier this year AT&T was awarded the $46.5 billion deal to begin development of the network. States had until today, December 28th, to opt-in to the network or present a viable alternative.
