LightSquared Requests New GPS Rules, AT&T Factors In

The controversial cellular start-up LightSquared requested Monday that the FCC create and implement rules clarifying the current "uncertainty" surrounding GPS devices and the adjacent spectrum they listen in on. 

LightSquared claimed impropriety last month in the tests performed by nine federal departments and agencies which summarized in a letter to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) there are "no practical solutions or mitigations that would permit the LigthSquared broadband service, as proposed, to operate in the next few months - or years - without significantly interfering with GPS."

Jeff Carlisle, Light Squared's executive vice president of regulatory affairs and public policy holds that because GPS devices are unlicensed, they should not be protected under FCC rules from interference from adjacent and nearby users. 

According to Urgent Communications, it is unlikely that this filing will change any part of the decision-making process.  GPS advocates claim that although the devices are not licensed, they are operating on authorized spectrum, and the real issue is LightSquared stepping beyond the normal use of satellite spectrum to terrestrial use.


Read LightSquared's filing for yourself here.

Narrowbanding: It really is black and white.

Public Safety communications officials cannot afford to be misinformed or underinformed about narrowbanding.  The fact is, the consequences of noncompliance to the narrowbanding mandate will be very costly and could possibly jeopardize the reliability of communications systems if the license falls between 150-512 MHz. 

If you have doubts about whether you're affected by this mandate, simply look at the frequencies on your license.  If any of them fall within the designated spectrum, you must narrowband.

Time is running out, and to avoid fines and loss of licenses, noncompliant agencies must file waivers on an individual basis. 

Visit the FCC's website to find more narrowbanding information, as well as an up to date countdown clock.

If you have questions or concerns regarding narrowbanding, contact EMR Consulting today to find out how we can help.

10 Things You Should Know About Narrowbanding

1. The deadline is approaching... very, very quickly.  The January 1st, 2013 deadline is right around the corner, and narrowbanding (formerly "refarming") is no small process.  Visit the FCC's website to find out if you fall within the affected spectrum.
2. What exactly are the requirements?  Straight from the FCC's Website:
   Any of the following meet the 12.5 kHz equivalent efficiency requirement:
   

   • One voice path in a 12.5 kHz channel
   • Two voice paths in a 25 kHz channel
   • Data operations on channels greater than 12.5 KHz must employ data rates greater than 4.8 kbps per 6.25 kHz channel, such as 19.2 kbps per 25 kHz channel
3. Some waivers will be granted.  The Commission is already gearing up to receive narrowbanding waivers, as many agencies are struggling to comply by the deadline.
4. Some waivers might NOT be granted.  Your waiver, if not subbmitted accurately and in a timely manner, and with appropriate content, could be dismissed.
5. Yes, your agency can be fined.  Up to $10,000 per day.
6. Yes, your communications system could be in jeopardy.  Especially if there are any breakdowns of communication in your agency.
7. Most Public Safety agencies cannot do it alone.  The fact is that a great deal Public Safety agencies have not been able to complete narrowbanding.
8. The good news is, you're not alone!  If you think you're the only one who is not ready, you're mistaken.  Budget cuts and rebanding have created a sparse funding environment for Public Safety.  Online resources abound for Public Safety agencies struggling with the narrowbanding process. 
9. EMR is here to help.  With 21 years of experience, and a never-give-up attitude, we will ensure your agency's safety and compliance so that you can continue to do what you do best, protecting the public.  Visit EMRConsults.com for info.
10. Time is running out.  Act today, because as the deadline approaches, and everyone scrambles to achieve compliance, resources will be diminishing.

Merry Christmas From Our Family to Yours!!

Clockwise from left: VP Jenny Adkins, Courtney Hochstetler, Luke McQueen, Robert Wirey, Eric Ping, President Sandra Black, C.O.O Robert Black, Kim Milfort, Cameron Salyers, Timothy Large... Merry Christmas!

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels Supports NAWBO and Local Business

EMR Consulting attended this year's annual Indianapolis NAWBO Awards Luncheon on December 15th at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis.  Women business owners from all sectors of business were recognized for their achievements, leadership, and ability to inspire the next generation of women in business. 

From left:  EMR Associate Courtney Hochstetler, VP Jenny Adkins, Gov. Mitch Daniels, President Sandra Black, and Office Manager Kim Milfort

This event has grown from about 30 attendees at its inception five years ago, to more than 900 attendees, including an exhibit and networking hall before the event itself. 

Among the attendees was Governor Mitch Daniels, champion of the state's Buy Indiana program, which promotes in-state business ventures.  He took some time out of his busy schedule to not only attend the event, but also to stop and meet local business owners.  EMR is one of the Buy Indiana success stories, working to secure contracts in Indiana, the Midwest, and the Public Safety community at large.

Governor Daniels responds to gratitude for the program by stating that local business owners affected by the policy earn the contracts themselves, and the program is simply a way to open the door and provide opportunity.  "I didn't do anything," he insisted, "you've earned it."

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) holds events, provides invaluable support and encouragement, and allows opportunity for connections among business owners in the community.

Senate Passes Tax Compromise, Crunchtime for D-block

Advocates of D-block reallocation had high hopes for the payroll tax bill passed by the House last week that included language that would provide spectrum and funding for a nationwide Public Safety broadband network, but the Senate chose to pass a two-month compromise instead, excluding any D-block language. 

According to Urgent Communications, it is still possible for the House to shoot the bill down and pursue further negotiation for a full year tax bill, in which case D-block might be re-introduced into the bill again.  Although some Public Safety officials were troubled by the governance and giveback language of the previous bill passed by the House, it was the closest the first responder community has come to achieving reallocation of the 10 MHz of D-block spectrum. 

Hope and enthusiasm are slowly being replaced by frustration and a new sense of urgency surrounding D-block reallocation.  Since this year's tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the push to fulfill this recommendation of the 9/11 Commission has been gaining momentum. 

There is still a chance the House will reject the compromise and try to push for a full year agreement that could include D-block language, but many believe this is a long shot.   

Public Safety Mobilizes in Support of D-Block

APCO President Greg Riddle issued an urgent, early morning call to action for APCO members to contact their represenatives and senators, asking them to oppose give-backs of 700 MHz Narrowband spectrum and support D-Block allocation with sufficient funding in two bills that are currently on the two respective floors. 

The Public Safety Alliance (PSA) issued the same call to action, urging Public Safety advocates and personnel to reach out to their friends, family, and colleagues as well. 

A payroll-tax bill, H.R. 3630 was introduced last Friday on the House floor including language that would reallocate the 700 MHz D-Block.  The bill also included $5-$6.5 billion in funding for the deployment of the first nationwide dedicated Public Safety LTE network.

This same bill unfortunately also calls for Public Safety to give back its 700 MHz narrowbnand spectrum to the FCC within coming years, and has a questionable governance model according to many Public Safety spokespeople.  Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) wrote a letter to House Commerce Committee and Senate Commerce Committee leadership in support of the governance model in S. 911, sponsored by Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas).  The bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee last week with a 17-6 vote.

According to a Dec. 8th PSA press release, this legislation marks the completion of one of the last unmet recommendations of the 9/11 Commission from more than 10 years ago.  It is possible that D-block legislation could become a standalone bill in the House, but most expect the language to be inserted into an appropriations or payroll tax bill. 

Although the outcome is uncertain, now is the time for the Public Safety community to make a push on their legislators to support them by fulfilling this recommendation, ten years in the making.