Law360, New York ( October 17, 2016, 3:51 PM EDT) -- The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), established through the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, is an independent authority housed within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and licensed by the Federal Communications Commission for a nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN). The act gives FirstNet broad responsibilities in the development of the NPSBN but at the same time allows states (and territories) to play a more active role within their jurisdictions if they wish. Some states are now taking preliminary steps to position themselves for deciding between FirstNet's proposed network coverage and alternative coverage plans for their states....