FirstNet Executive Director Ed Parkinson kicked off the FirstNet Authority Townhall, discussing the importance of understanding the needs of public safety and how they will evolve over time. This is accomplished through analyzing FirstNet use cases and receiving continuous input from public safety users. Parkinson then described the FirstNet Roadmap, which lays out plans for investment in the network. He stated that FirstNet is continually looking for feedback on the Roadmap, and it will continue to be updated.

FirstNet Executive Director of Enterprise Strategy Jeremy Zollo provided more detail on the Roadmap. The Roadmap analyzes operational needs and technology trends, provides a technology framework, reflects public safety’s feedback, analyzes industry trends and drivers, and identifies priorities that will guide investments. Key domains that will guide FirstNet include network coverage and capacity, situational awareness, voice communications, secure information exchange, and user experience. FirstNet is focused on engaging public safety, industry, government and others, and plans to develop public safety communications roadmaps on an annual basis.

FirstNet Executive Director of Public Safety Advocacy Dave Buchanan then described the process for creating the Roadmap, which included engagement with stakeholders and soliciting public feedback and stated that FirstNet will continue to engage with FirstNet users, identify opportunities and update the Roadmap.  The panel then received questions from the audience on the Roadmap and other topics such as network coverage.