WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV is deeply concerned by reports that Motorola Solutions is engaging in efforts to undermine FirstNet, the nationwide, interoperable wireless public safety broadband communications system. Rockefeller authored the legislation creating FirstNet, which was signed into law last year. The creation of FirstNet fulfills one of the final recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

In a letter to Motorola Solutions CEO Gregory Brown, Rockefeller points to recent news reports that have suggested Motorola and its paid consultants have engaged in behind-the-scenes activities to undermine FirstNet. Rockefeller also calls on Motorola Solutions to work constructively with FirstNet to bring more competition to public safety communications.

"Your company's actions to oppose this important effort to strengthen our Nation's public safety communications systems directly contradicts the intent of Congress, and it potentially endangers the success of a network that will benefit millions of law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders," Rockefeller wrote.

Rockefeller added, "I will not abide a return to the model of costly, and often proprietary, equipment that our nation's first responders face in narrowband communications. This model has led to disparate systems even among public safety agencies in the same jurisdiction. And I will not stand by while your company continues to defend a business plan solely because you are unwilling to make the investments and commitments necessary to be a true competitor on the new level playing field for public safety communications equipment.

"I urge you to immediately cease your campaign and to work constructively with the FirstNet board. I urge your company – under its own letterhead – to compete head-to-head with other vendors to provide the best equipment for FirstNet and our nation’s first responders.”

###