Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannJune 20, 2017

FirstNet and AT&T are taking the next step toward a nationwide wireless broadband network for first responders. This means Florida’s police, firefighters and EMTs will soon be getting a dedicated network for public-safety communications. FirstNet’s long-awaited first responder LTE network is finally moving forward, as FirstNet officials Monday announced more details on individual network plans […]

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2017

The numbers are out. Registered legislative lobbying firms reported median earnings of more than $35.7 million in the first quarter of 2017. The Top 5 earners during the three-month period were Ballard Partners, Southern Strategy Group, Ronald L. Book PA, Capital City Consulting, and Greenberg Traurig. If those rankings look familiar, there’s a reason for […]

Peter SchorschApril 7, 2017

Last week, the federal government awarded AT&T with the coveted FirstNet contract to build and manage the next-generation federal public safety communications network. This week, unsealed court records shed added light on the reason federal officials sided with AT&T and Motorola Solutions and not rivals Rivada Mercury and Melbourne-based Harris Corporation. Documents outline a series […]

Peter SchorschMarch 31, 2017

Telecommunications giant AT&T, partnering with Motorola Solutions, received some exciting news Thursday. The U.S. Department of Commerce and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) has announced AT&T was chosen to build and manage the first nationwide wireless broadband network for America’s police, firefighters and emergency medical services. FirstNet is a federal initiative to create a single platform […]

Mitch PerryMarch 15, 2017

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says a bill co-introduced by Tampa state Senator Dana Young would take away local control of public spaces, but Young says that the mayor has it wrong in his concerns about what the bill will actually do. “Telecommunications companies are pushing SB 596 and HB 687, legislation that would allow them to place small refrigerator-sized equipment, and even towering poles, […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 17, 2017

Dan Pollock joins AT&T as regional director of External Affairs for Central Florida. In his new role, Pollock will work closely with leaders in Orange, Brevard, Seminole, Lake, Sumter and Marion counties on AT&T legislative and community efforts. He will be based in Orlando. “Dan’s addition to our team is a big win for AT&T,” […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 31, 2017

Newly filed legislation could affect how much power local governments have to regulate the right of way when it comes to telecommunications equipment. Sen. Travis Hutson, chairman of the Senate Regulated Industries committee, filed the “Advanced Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Act” (SB 596) on Monday. The bill, among other things, would prohibit the Department of Transportation […]

Florence SnyderNovember 7, 2016

AT&T, the communications conglomerate which owns Direct TV, was hauled into the court of public opinion Friday, charged with censorship for pulling the plug on Fox News. Irate customers of the satellite television subscriber service took to the internet to voice their suspicions, tar and feathers at the ready. They did not for one New […]

Larry GriffinOctober 26, 2016

Senate President Andy Gardiner appeared in downtown Orlando Wednesday to promote the launch of the new Florida Unique Abilities partnership, an initiative that businesses can join to support hiring those with disabilities. Gardiner and business leaders representing AT&T, Walgreens, and SeaWorld, appeared at the Canvs building on Garland Avenue to talk up the program, saying it would […]

Scott PowersOctober 25, 2016

If there is an indication that a candidate’s victory is seen by some as all but in hand, it’s when money normally sent to an opposing party’s candidate starts arriving, and Democratic congressional nominee Val Demings may have reached that point. Demings, the former Orlando police chief running in the now-solidly blue Florida’s 10th Congressional […]

Tag: AT&T

AT&T, FirstNet offer states ‘early opt in’ for first-responder LTE network

Lobby firms bring in more than $35.7M in first quarter to lobby Legislature

Feds reveal why Rivada Mercury, Harris lost FirstNet bid

AT&T, Motorola chosen for FirstNet, nationwide public safety comms network

Dana Young says Bob Buckhorn should support utility legislation

Personnel note: AT&T names Dan Pollock Regional Director of External Affairs

Travis Hutson telecom bill would preempt right of way regulation

Censorship and ‘censorship’

Andy Gardiner, business leaders launch Florida Unique Abilities program to help disabled find work

Val Demings beginning to draw business money in CD 10 race