Sprint, Verizon, others argue for role in building FirstNet 700 MHz LTE network

As of Friday, dozens of companies, individuals, associations, government bodies and public-safety groups had filed more than 70 sets of comments with the National Telecommunications Information Administration regarding plans to build an LTE-based, public-safety broadband network in the 700 MHz spectrum band. The deadline for filing comments on the project, headed by the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), had been extended from Nov. 1 to Friday, Nov. 9, due to Hurricane Sandy. A sampling of the comments shows mobile carriers like Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) and Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) in favor of commercial carrier involvement in the creation of the network, but with some concerns about how network reliability and other issues will be managed. In their comments, public-safety agencies apear much more concerned about ensuring first responders can override the network to gain priority over other network users. Article