FirstNet Proposals and Responses (Office of the Governor - Massachusetts)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c.66, §10, I hereby request the following records:

* All the information about the plan FirstNet sent to the Governor's Office in late September and your state's response to FirstNet or the First Responder Network Authority.
* Any requests by state officials for access to inspect national FirstNet contracts and MOUs with AT&T.

As background for responding to this request, FirstNet is a organization within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration established in 2012 for the sole purpose of setting up a nationwide cellular network that first responders can use. Earlier this year, FirstNet signed a deal with AT&T this year and in September submitted a plan to all 50 states for the rollout of this network. States have 90 days to either opt in to the plan (binding them to AT&T for 25 years) or develop an alternative plan of their own, with no response opting the state into the AT&T plan.

There is more information on FirstNet and the proposal process available at the following article:

http://m.urgentcomm.com/ntiafirstnet/firstnet-att-release-state-plans-governors-make-opt-inopt-out-decisions-mid-december

As well as on FirstNet’s webiste: https://www.firstnet.gov

I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.

I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Michael Morisy