Governor Chris Sununu Signs Executive Order Establishing the FirstNet Opt-Out Review Committee

Statement

Today, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement after signing an executive order establishing the FirstNet Opt-Out Review Committee, which will be tasked with reviewing the regulatory and financial risks to the State of New Hampshire associated with the pursuit of an opt-out plan.

"New Hampshire's Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) has determined from a technical standpoint that an opt-out of FirstNet is far and away our best option, as evidenced by their unanimous 15-0 vote. The State must nevertheless conduct a thorough review of the financial and regulatory viability of Rivada's opt-out plan. As part of this review, we 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. These fees and penalties appear to be arbitrary and primarily designed to deter states from opting out of FirstNet plans. That is why I am calling on key officials at the federal level to assist us 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 is proudly on the forefront of national safety infrastructure. In the coming days I will be sending a letter to my fellow Governors which will encourage all states considering their options to pause and lean on us as New Hampshire seeks clarifications and answers that every state can benefit from."

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