HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rivada Networks announced today that it will work directly with the states and territories that may want to exercise their right to opt-out of FirstNet’s federal solution. Rivada is already working with New Hampshire on an alternative plan for that state—should it decide to opt-out—and is bidding on similar work in other states.
Approved in 2012 by Congress, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act created the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). The law requires FirstNet to oversee the construction and operation of a high-speed wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety. Each state and territory has the option to accept the federal solution for their state or to develop their own, subject to federal approval.
“Rivada was founded on the conviction that first responders need and deserve access to a world-class, purpose-built high-speed wireless network,” said Declan Ganley, co-CEO and executive chairman of Rivada Networks. “We want America’s Governors to know that Rivada’s solution remains available to them even if FirstNet ultimately chooses a different approach.”
“We are fully prepared to execute our plan to work with the states to build state-of-the art, dedicated networks for Public Safety,” said Joe Euteneuer, co-CEO, Rivada Networks. “We applaud New Hampshire’s recognition of Rivada’s experienced management team, technology, and technical expertise and believe many other states will make a similar selection.”
Euteneuer added: “FirstNet has made its choice. Now it is time for states to make theirs. Those that stand by idly will be forced into a federal solution that may or may not suit their needs or budgets. We look forward to working with the states to ensure that they receive a network equal to the promise made to public safety when FirstNet was created.”
Powered by a world-class board and senior management team, Rivada is a technology innovator and network provider in Public Safety broadband communications and wholesale wireless markets. Rivada Networks was founded more than a decade ago to bring innovative, interoperable solutions to the mobile telecommunications market. The company’s first significant deployment brought successful communications solutions to hurricane-wracked New Orleans, Louisiana, in the wake of Katrina.
“States and their first responders deserve a real choice,” said Ganley. “Rivada is here to offer them that choice, as envisioned in the legislation that created FirstNet and allocated Band 14 to public safety nationwide.”
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—including Black & Veatch, Nokia, Fujitsu, and Harris—to build and operate networks in the U.S. and abroad.
