Lawmaker is original co-sponsor of Wireless Innovation and Public Safety Act that creates public safety broadband network

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and former chairman of the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee, released the following statement today after the Department of Commerce announced the appointment of the 12 non-permanent members of the Board of First Responder Network Authority, also known as “FirstNet”. President Obama signed legislation in February mandating the creation of a single, nationwide interoperable broadband network for America’s first responders.

“This is a critical first step in fulfilling one of the most important recommendations of the 9/11 Commission – the creation of a nationwide, interoperable public safety network. This network will be integral for federal, state, and local public safety officials, and will help ensure that our brave first responders have the communications tools they need to do their life-saving jobs. I applaud the Commerce Department, and I look forward to continuing to work with the administration to ensure the vision of this important network becomes a reality.”  

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