Ohio brings benefits of FirstNet to life by developing a video game

The state of Ohio has raised the bar for communicating with the public about the impact of FirstNet, the nation’s first wireless network for emergency responders. The game called “Next Generation Firefighter” shows how firefighters will use FirstNet in the future to battle fires with access to tools like integrated blueprints, real-time mapping and thermal imaging. To drive the point home, the game also lets users try to fight the same fire without the help of the technologies provided by FirstNet.

The game allows Ohio to proactively connect with the public on public safety issues in a meaningful manner. With the benefits of FirstNet so clearly demonstrated, in an interactive and entertaining way, Ohio seems to be hoping to garner greater public awareness and support for the network, which is still in its infancy. This initiative show Ohio as a great example of the efforts each state should be taking, in tandem with federal implementation efforts, to push the ball forward on creating FirstNet.

FirstNet will not be the easiest product to sell to the public. The network comes with a heavy price tag at both the federal and state level. Additionally, it rings of a large-scale, bureaucratic federal "project," the likes of which often fall on deadlines, budget estimates and expectations. While reading about the benefits of the technology would not likely hold the attention of the general public, a demonstration of the profound advantage first responders have with 21st century technology makes the “no-brainer” case for creating the network, and fast.

There’s no doubt that FirstNet will save lives. The uphill battle is proving that point to the powers that be who will decide how and when it is created. With this move, Ohio just did our entire nation a service.

No doubt the winner of FirstNet RFP will be the public

In January, FirstNet, the federally funded wireless first responders network released an RFP calling for bids from wireless communication providers to build the system. Early estimates the contract will be worth roughly $100 billion dollar over 25 years. Given the magnitude and value of the RFP, it is sure to attract the interest in the biggest names in wireless – from AT&T to T-Mobile. One thing is clear – no matter who wins the contract, the RFP indicates that the American public will come out a winner.

FirstNet’s RFP details 16 core objectives sought after by the company charged with creating the system, including details on how the system’s design would handle issues of cyber security to ensuring interoperability between a wide, diverse range of public services and agencies. Being that FirstNet is a first-of-its-kind system, it will be difficult for any company to prove their qualifications through experience, meaning we will likely see thorough, detailed and creative thinking amongst responses.

The competition spurred by FirstNet’s RFP will undoubtedly lead to some true innovation at the crossroads of public safety and technology. We can expect to see functional yet creative ideas emerge from this process on how to best coordinate across our nation’s fast system of first responders to ensure Americans are as safe as possible.

It is now up to Federal officials to ensure that FirstNet is implemented in a timely manner. While the RFP process should certainly not be rushed, Americans should take it upon ourselves to let the government know this is a top priority for the future safety of this nation.