[October 19, 2017] |
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Rivada Networks Testimony Supports Opt-Out for Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has 70 days to make a decision that will shape emergency
communications in the state for the next 25 years or more. And the
Commonwealth is in the middle of the process of evaluating alternatives
presented to Governor Tom Wolf.
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Only by opting out can Pennsylvania achieve an equal relationship with FirstNet.
Rivada CEO Declan Ganley and other senior executives are testifying
today at a joint hearing of Pennsylvania's House and Senate Veterans
Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committees, together with the Senate
Communications & Technology Committee. Rivada presented testimony in
support of Governor Tom Wolf choosing the Opt-Out FirstNet decision to
maximize the FirstNet opportunity for Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Public
Safety Broadband Network (CPSBN).
"Pennsylvania is doing the due diligence that every state should do
before making this important decision," Ganley said. "When it comes to
public safety communications, 'Trust us, we're from Washington,' isn't
enough. Instead, Governor Wolf should take the opportunity he has to
negotiate the strongest public-private partnership in the nation."
Governors have until December 28 to "opt out" of FrstNet's plan and
explore their options for a State-specific public safety network. They
then have 180 days to choose an alternative. If they fail to do so, then
they revert back to the FirstNet network. "Opting out really is a
risk-free way for a State to have six more months to consider its
options," Ganley said. The additional time gives Governors the
opportunity to get all the facts and figures from FirstNet and NTIA, and
review all aspects of alternate plans submitted to the State for
networks intended to provide public safety communications for the next
25 years.
The FirstNet plan transfers revenues, control and decision-making to
Washington, and, as Ganley said today, "was sent as a secret document to
States considering their options. That document threatens States with
massive, punitive and unjustifiable penalties for exercising their right
to opt out."
The Rivada plan keeps Pennsylvania law enforcement and first responders
in control of their mission-critical communications systems while
retaining hundreds of millions of available revenues and cost-savings.
Financially, the Rivada Pennsylvania plan is far superior to the AT&T (News - Alert)
national plan:
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Rivada retains Pennsylvania control over the Band 14 spectrum valued
at $520 Million in Pennsylvania, which has 7 times more power than LTE (News - Alert)
to increase rural broadband coverage and penetrate thick buildings,
walls, stairways.
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The Rivada plan creates 6,000 more jobs than AT&T, drives economic
development across 67 counties.
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At least $168 million in federal grants to Pennsylvania to construct
purpose-built Band-14 across 67 counties with 1,162 new towers.
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$383 million potentially stays in Pennsylvania instead of being sent
to Washington. The $383 million is used to maintain, operate and
improve the system.
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More than $1.14 billion in cost-savings to PA State Police, state
agencies, county and local governments due to reduced subscription
fees-$0.01/month.
Why one cent? FirstNet requires a fee be charged. While others may
charge first responders $40 to $50 dollars per month or more, and offer
better rates for bigger departments or favored states, Rivada proposes
to charge: one cent.
"Rivada is only charging one cent to ensure cost is not obstacle for
first responders to get a dedicated, state-controlled Band 14 network,"
continued Declan Ganley. "Following the spirit of the 9/11 Commission
Report, Rivada wants Band 14 focused on the needs of all first
responders."
About Rivada Networks
Rivada Networks is a leading designer, integrator and operator of
wireless, interoperable communications networks. Its patented technology
creates more efficient utilization of LTE networks, enabling both
mission-critical-reliability for First Responders and new business
models for commercial wireless services (i.e., wholesale,
machine-to-machine, Internet of Things, etc.). Rivada has formed a
consortium of leading companies to build and operate networks in the
U.S. and abroad.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171019005778/en/
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