FirstNet Looking for Data From States

FirstNet reached out to the 56 state and territory single points of contact (SPOCs) in July, said a blog post from the organization Thursday. The calls were to remind the SPOCs of the importance of data collection for informing FirstNet’s acquisition of a comprehensive network solution and state plans development, understand everyone’s current data collection status, and determine if any more support may be needed from FirstNet, the post said. Most SPOCs said they plan to provide data by the Sept. 30 deadline, FirstNet said. Most also reported a high level of outreach and consultation with metropolitan and rural areas within their states and territories, with some making direct calls or holding in-person meetings with agencies at all levels of government on the data collection process, it said. Tribal engagement has also been going well, with the biggest successes seeming to be in states that work through their governor’s office, it said.