New Hampshire Governor Says Opting Out of FirstNet May Be Best Option
New Hampshire moved closer to opting out of FirstNet and rejecting the AT&T state plan, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) said Monday. Sununu signed an executive order establishing an opt-out review committee to mull regulatory and financial risks in pursuing opt-out.…
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The New Hampshire Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee voted 15-0 to recommend opting out, Sununu said. It “determined from a technical standpoint that an opt-out of FirstNet is far and away our best option,” he said. The review committee “will seek clarification of certain proposed fees, as well as clarification of penalties that may be imposed by FirstNet if an opt-out were to fail,” the governor said. “These fees and penalties appear to be arbitrary and primarily designed to deter states from opting out of FirstNet plans.” Sununu urged key federal officials to assist the state “as we examine the numbers released by FirstNet and to ensure that states are being afforded their right to make their decisions with correct information.” New Hampshire earlier asked Rivada to provide an alternative plan (see 1609070063). A FirstNet spokeswoman said the AT&T plan is best for New Hampshire. "We look forward to continuing our consultation with the state and its public safety community throughout the decision-making process."