AT&T was awarded a $6.5 billion contract to build and operate the nationwide network FirstNet. However, the legislation that authorizes FirstNet also authorizes a state to develop its own alternative on the spectrum carved out for the network, as long as the alternative is interoperable with the FirstNet core.

Connected Nation, an organization committed to bringing affordable Internet to Americans, announced that Gov. Terry Branstad of Iowa won the Connected Nation Broadband Visionary Award.

The Future of Privacy Forum said institutions must be established to govern the handling of individuals’ data in the era of smart cities.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology announced a $30 million grant for broadband technology research and development for first responders.