Section 63H-7a-402 - Radio Network Division duties(1) The Radio Network Division shall: (a) provide and maintain the public safety communications network for all political subdivisions in the state within the authority network, including the existing VHF and 700 and 800 MHz networks, in a manner that: (i) promotes high quality, cost effective service;(ii) evaluates the benefits, cost, existing facilities, equipment, and services of public and private providers; and(iii) where economically feasible, utilizes existing infrastructure to avoid duplication of facilities, equipment, and services of providers of communication services;(b) prior to issuing one or more requests for proposal:(i) prepare a report demonstrating the Radio Network Division has: (A) identified the locations and functional capabilities of existing public and private communications facilities in the state;(B) specifically evaluated the benefits, costs, and economic feasibility of utilizing existing facilities, equipment, and services of public and private providers; and(C) identified the public and private communications facilities that may be integrated with the public safety communications network; and(ii) present the report to the board at an open and public board meeting;(c) prepare and submit to the executive director for approval by the board:(i) an annual budget for the Radio Network Division;(ii) an annual plan for the program funded by the Utah Statewide Radio System Restricted Account created in Section 63H-7a-403; and(iii) information required by the director to contribute to the comprehensive strategic plan described in Section 63H-7a-206;(d) recommend to the executive director administrative rules for approval by the board in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, to administer the program funded by the restricted account created in Section 63H-7a-403, including rules that establish the criteria, standards, technology, equipment, and services that will qualify for goods or services that are funded from the restricted accounts; and(e) fulfill other duties assigned to the Radio Network Division under this chapter.(2) The Radio Network Division may: (a) recommend to the executive director to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of equipment or personal property purchased, leased, or belonging to the authority that is related to the public safety communications network;(b) recommend to the executive director to own, operate, or enter into contracts for the public safety communications network;(c) review information regarding: (i) in aggregate, the number of radio service subscribers by service type in a political subdivision; and(ii) matters related to the public safety communications network;(d) in accordance with Subsection (2)(c), request information from:(i) local and state entities; and(ii) public safety agencies; and(e) employ outside consultants to study and advise the division on issues related to: (i) the public safety communications network;(ii) radio technologies and services;(iii) microwave connectivity;(iv) fiber connectivity; and(v) public safety communication network connectivity and usage.(3) The information requested by and provided to the Radio Network Division under Subsections (2)(c) and (d) is a protected record in accordance with Section 63G-2-305.(4) This section does not expand the authority of the State Tax Commission to request additional information from a telecommunication service provider.Amended by Chapter 507, 2023 General Session ,§ 5, eff. 5/3/2023.Amended by Chapter 509, 2019 General Session ,§ 11, eff. 7/1/2019.Amended by Chapter 179, 2016 General Session ,§ 5, eff. 5/10/2016.Amended by Chapter 123, 2016 General Session ,§ 7, eff. 5/10/2016.Added by Chapter 411, 2015 General Session ,§ 22, eff. 7/1/2015.