11.019: State Alternative Plan Program

11.019

Inactive

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) [DOC]

July 17, 2018

July 8, 2017

To establish a spectrum capacity leasing right and radio access network (RAN) construction grant program for states that opt-out of the First Responder Network Authority’s (FirstNet’s) proposed plan for building a RAN in that state, and assume the responsibility to construct, operate, maintain, and improve its RAN that is interoperable with the nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN) subject to the provisions of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Act). As described in the Act, after receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), an opt-out state shall apply to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for a grant for the right to enter into a spectrum capacity lease agreement with FirstNet and may apply for RAN construction grant funding. First, a state must submit its alternative plan for the construction, maintenance, operation, and improvements of its RAN to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and meet specific interoperability criteria established by the FCC. Second, if the FCC approves the state alternative plan, that state must make five separate technical and financial demonstrations to NTIA. The state must demonstrate: 1) that it has the technical capabilities to operate and the funding to support its RAN; 2) that it has the ability to maintain ongoing interoperability with the NPSBN; 3) that it has the ability to complete the project within specified comparable timelines specific to the state; 4) the cost-effectiveness of the state alternative plan submitted to the FCC; and, 5) comparable security, coverage, and quality of service to that of the NPSBN. Third, assuming the state has successfully made such demonstrations to NTIA, the state then must enter into a spectrum capacity lease with FirstNet, which will be required for operation of the state RAN.

B - Project Grants

Eligible applicants for Lease Authority or a RAN Construction Grant will be those states, territories and the District of Columbia whose alternative state plan was approved by the FCC pursuant to the Act.

Beneficiaries of the grants are state, local and tribal governments that employ public safety officials, including police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical professionals and others, as well as the general public, who will receive improved communications capabilities from the deployment of State RANs that connect to the nationwide interoperable public safety broadband network