1. COUNTY OF GENESEE, NEW YORK AND SPRINT NEXTEL CORP. Denied Genesee's Motion for Stay for failure to meet established Commission criteria for issuance of a Stay. (Dkt No. 02-55 ). Action by: Deputy Chief, Policy and Licensing Division, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.
Adopted: 10/28/2011 by ORDER. (DA No. 11-1808). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1808A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1808A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1808A1.txt
REDUCTIONS TO RURAL HEALTH CARE AND SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES OPERATIONAL
SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT. FCC approves cost reductions for USAC operational support services contract. Action by: Deputy Managing Director by LETTER. (DA No. 11-1801). OMD http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1801A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1801A1.txt
2. Released: 10/26/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON REQUESTS FOR WAIVER OF THE JANUARY 1, 2013 VHF-UHF NARROWBANDING DEADLINE FILED BY ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MISSOURI, JEFFERSON COUNTY 9-1-1 DISPATCH BOARD AND. (DA No. 11-1784). (Dkt No 99-87 ) THE EAST-WEST GATEWAY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS.
Comments Due: 11/10/2011. Reply Comments Due: 11/17/2011. PSHSB .
Contact: Roberto Mussenden at (202) 418-1428, email:
Roberto.Mussenden@fcc.gov, TTY: (202) 418-7233 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1784A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1784A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1784A1.txt
3. Released: 10/20/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 14 (INDIANA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC MEETINGS. (DA No. 11-1746). (Dkt No. 90-178 ). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1746A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1746A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1746A1.txt
4. Released: 10/12/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES COMMENT AND REPLY COMMENT DATES FOR THE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING IN THE NEXT GENERATION 911 PROCEEDING. (DA No. 11-1703). (Dkt No 11-153 10-255 ). Comments Due: 12/12/2011. Reply Comments Due: 01/10/2012. PSHSB . Contact: Patrick Donovan at (202) 418-2413 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1703A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1703A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1703A1.txt
Senin, 31 Oktober 2011
Jumat, 14 Oktober 2011
FCC Names First ERIC Director
Bob Pavlak, RF and network engineering consultant for the District of Columbia has been appointed the FCC's first permanent director of the Emergency Response Interoperability Center (ERIC). 
The center was established to provide technical guidelines for the proposed 700 MHz broadband network for first responders. Pavlak, a 30 year telecommunications veteran, is head of Network CFI, an engineering management contractor for public safety broadeband projects in the D.C. area. His position officially starts November 7th.
Read more at MissionCritical Communications.
The center was established to provide technical guidelines for the proposed 700 MHz broadband network for first responders. Pavlak, a 30 year telecommunications veteran, is head of Network CFI, an engineering management contractor for public safety broadeband projects in the D.C. area. His position officially starts November 7th.
Read more at MissionCritical Communications.
FEMA to Test EAS Nationwide
On November 9, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern FEMA, in conjunction with the FCC, will conduct a nationwide test of our national Emergency Alert System.
The two agencies, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have been implementing a plan to improve the EAS, including testing the readiness and effectiveness of the system on a regular basis to identify necessary improvements.
The test does not have pass or fail criteria, and it will not specifically test Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) compliant equipment.
The forum website, A National Dialogue on the Emergency Alert System, provides valid information and a venue for discussion and sharing among first responders and public safety professionals regarding the national EAS.
The two agencies, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have been implementing a plan to improve the EAS, including testing the readiness and effectiveness of the system on a regular basis to identify necessary improvements.
The test does not have pass or fail criteria, and it will not specifically test Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) compliant equipment.
The forum website, A National Dialogue on the Emergency Alert System, provides valid information and a venue for discussion and sharing among first responders and public safety professionals regarding the national EAS.
FCC Enforces Signal Jamming Prohibition
Retailers selling signal-jamming devices that illegally interfere with cell phones, GPS, Wi-Fi and other wireless technology will face steep fines if they do not cease the marketing and sale of such devices.
There are 20 known onloine retailers who market products that give users the ability to violate federal law and FCC rules by "jamming" the signals of wireless communications. Each one was warned in the document by the FCC, which hopes to send a strong message that such violations will not be tolerated. Jamming devices pose risk to public safety and may have very dangerous consequences for consumers and first responders, according to Michele Ellison, chief of the enforcement bureau at the FCC.
Penalties for violating the order include fines of $16,000 to $112,500 for each device or each day a device is marketed, according to a press release. Additional penalties may include equipment seizure or imprisonment.
Retailers do not technically fall under the jurisdiction of the FCC, therefore the federal government requires the Commission to first issue a warning before assessing any penalties. Other efforts to prevent jamming have occured in the past, but this recent citation is the boldest attempt to enforce the rules. Consumers and retailers were given advisory back in February that enforcement efforts were increasing, and that retailers who sell the equipment would be held responsible as well as the consumers who operate the jammers.
Read more at Urgent Communications.
There are 20 known onloine retailers who market products that give users the ability to violate federal law and FCC rules by "jamming" the signals of wireless communications. Each one was warned in the document by the FCC, which hopes to send a strong message that such violations will not be tolerated. Jamming devices pose risk to public safety and may have very dangerous consequences for consumers and first responders, according to Michele Ellison, chief of the enforcement bureau at the FCC.
Penalties for violating the order include fines of $16,000 to $112,500 for each device or each day a device is marketed, according to a press release. Additional penalties may include equipment seizure or imprisonment.
Retailers do not technically fall under the jurisdiction of the FCC, therefore the federal government requires the Commission to first issue a warning before assessing any penalties. Other efforts to prevent jamming have occured in the past, but this recent citation is the boldest attempt to enforce the rules. Consumers and retailers were given advisory back in February that enforcement efforts were increasing, and that retailers who sell the equipment would be held responsible as well as the consumers who operate the jammers.
Read more at Urgent Communications.
Kamis, 06 Oktober 2011
LightSquared Threatens Legal Action
Jeff Carlisle, VP of regulatory affairs and public policy at LightSquared, told FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski that the company's next step will be legal action if the Commission rejects their planned nationwide broadband network.
In a briefing on Monday, Carlisle also told reporters that any interference caused by the LightSquared network is due to the GPS devices picking up frequencies outside of their designated band. Even when operating on the lower 10 MHz of spectrum furthest away from GPS frequencies, the 40,000 sites that would make up their nationwide network would render most high-precision devices useless without some type of filter.
Last month, LightSquared announced that it will market Javad GNSS filters for positioning applications by November 2011, followed by filters for precision timing devices by March 2012. There's no doubt that the company will profit considerably from this new technology, and many are asking whether or not this profit will come from taxpayers' pockets or if LightSquared will be footing most the bill to prevent interference from their network, similar to Sprint Nextel's rebanding debacle.
Economics of the Wholesale Network
According to Total Tele, LightSquared needs $3.5 billion to remain cash positive over the next two years, an amouint which CEO is confident they will be able to raise. LightSquared claims to have $150 million earmarked for fixing the interference issue, but some wonder if that will be sufficient. The company's network will allow wireless carriers to purchase signal wholesale for $6/G (giving them at least a 50% revenue margin on their charges to customers). The company's recently signed deal with Sprint Nextel saves them $13 billion on buildout from the ground up.
With LightSquared's filter solution Public Safety and Homeland Security communications departments would be compromised in the name of private interest, either just logistically or as some fear, logistically and financially.
The question FCC officials must ask themselves is simple: will the benefit of a nationwide broadband network (allowing companies like AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon to increase their profit margin) outweigh the cost of retrofitting each high-precision Public Safety GPS receiver? And once they have the answer, will they stand up for what they determine to be in the public's best interest?
In a briefing on Monday, Carlisle also told reporters that any interference caused by the LightSquared network is due to the GPS devices picking up frequencies outside of their designated band. Even when operating on the lower 10 MHz of spectrum furthest away from GPS frequencies, the 40,000 sites that would make up their nationwide network would render most high-precision devices useless without some type of filter.
Last month, LightSquared announced that it will market Javad GNSS filters for positioning applications by November 2011, followed by filters for precision timing devices by March 2012. There's no doubt that the company will profit considerably from this new technology, and many are asking whether or not this profit will come from taxpayers' pockets or if LightSquared will be footing most the bill to prevent interference from their network, similar to Sprint Nextel's rebanding debacle.
Economics of the Wholesale Network
According to Total Tele, LightSquared needs $3.5 billion to remain cash positive over the next two years, an amouint which CEO is confident they will be able to raise. LightSquared claims to have $150 million earmarked for fixing the interference issue, but some wonder if that will be sufficient. The company's network will allow wireless carriers to purchase signal wholesale for $6/G (giving them at least a 50% revenue margin on their charges to customers). The company's recently signed deal with Sprint Nextel saves them $13 billion on buildout from the ground up.
With LightSquared's filter solution Public Safety and Homeland Security communications departments would be compromised in the name of private interest, either just logistically or as some fear, logistically and financially.
The question FCC officials must ask themselves is simple: will the benefit of a nationwide broadband network (allowing companies like AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon to increase their profit margin) outweigh the cost of retrofitting each high-precision Public Safety GPS receiver? And once they have the answer, will they stand up for what they determine to be in the public's best interest?
APCO Appoints Derek Poarch to Executive Director
Former FCC Chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Derek Poarch has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), as announced yesterday from the organization.
Poarch has more than 30 years of Public Safety experience, and served as a leader in law enforcement and in telecommunications regulations.
Poarch has more than 30 years of Public Safety experience, and served as a leader in law enforcement and in telecommunications regulations.
Rabu, 05 Oktober 2011
AGL Conference: Well worth the day.
For telecommunications professionals looking for a some education on new systems and the tower industry, look no further than AGL (Above Ground Level) Magazine's regional conference tour. EMR attended the Chicago conference this year and found it to be well worth the day.
We were truly impressed with the succinctness and organization of the one-day conference, as well as the content quality of each presentation. The sessions set this conference apart in that they are not just a review of wireless industry basics or common current knowledge. Truly innovative and insightful ideas were shared. AGL did a phenomenal job putting it together, and we're sure they will have even greater success with next year's conferences.
For those of you who missed out this year, here is a recap of the day's panel discussions:
Opportunities for the Wireless Infrastructure Community
A roundtable discussion on the wireless infrastructure community's needs and how mobilization of an association can improve the industry as a whole. Speakers included presidents from Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin Wireless Associations.
Opportunities for Future Site Growth
A panel discussion covering increasing demand for high-speed data and technologies like Super Wi-Fi on TV whitespace, picocells, and distributed antenna system (DAS) networks and how they affect tower owners and operators.
Collaborative Approaches in the 4G World of Siting
Panelists shared creative ways to address public concern about towers, and gain local support for infrastructure by using political campaign-style strategies, clear cut data, and quality of life due to wireless coverage.
Wireless Ordinances: Friend or Foe?
Municipalities adopting wireless ordinances can have a broad impact on macrocell and DAS siting. Getting to know these ordinances and working in conjunction with them instead of against them can benefit tower owners and operators.
The Art of Negotiation: Leasing Tower Space in the 4G World
Next-generation technologies and innovative business practices are affecting tower leasing rates. This discussion examined the current market and trends of the future.
The Changing Face of Tower Regulation
FCC rule changes regarding environmental assessment, tower climbing safety, tower lighting and marking, the Shot Clock, right of way rules, pole attachment, and Congress's collocation by right of legislation. This discussion also covered FCC draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment of the ASR Program.
View details and slideshows from the presentations here, courtesy of AGL.
We were truly impressed with the succinctness and organization of the one-day conference, as well as the content quality of each presentation. The sessions set this conference apart in that they are not just a review of wireless industry basics or common current knowledge. Truly innovative and insightful ideas were shared. AGL did a phenomenal job putting it together, and we're sure they will have even greater success with next year's conferences.
For those of you who missed out this year, here is a recap of the day's panel discussions:
Opportunities for the Wireless Infrastructure Community
A roundtable discussion on the wireless infrastructure community's needs and how mobilization of an association can improve the industry as a whole. Speakers included presidents from Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin Wireless Associations.
Opportunities for Future Site Growth
A panel discussion covering increasing demand for high-speed data and technologies like Super Wi-Fi on TV whitespace, picocells, and distributed antenna system (DAS) networks and how they affect tower owners and operators.
Collaborative Approaches in the 4G World of Siting
Panelists shared creative ways to address public concern about towers, and gain local support for infrastructure by using political campaign-style strategies, clear cut data, and quality of life due to wireless coverage.
Wireless Ordinances: Friend or Foe?
Municipalities adopting wireless ordinances can have a broad impact on macrocell and DAS siting. Getting to know these ordinances and working in conjunction with them instead of against them can benefit tower owners and operators.
The Art of Negotiation: Leasing Tower Space in the 4G World
Next-generation technologies and innovative business practices are affecting tower leasing rates. This discussion examined the current market and trends of the future.
The Changing Face of Tower Regulation
FCC rule changes regarding environmental assessment, tower climbing safety, tower lighting and marking, the Shot Clock, right of way rules, pole attachment, and Congress's collocation by right of legislation. This discussion also covered FCC draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment of the ASR Program.
View details and slideshows from the presentations here, courtesy of AGL.
From the FCC
1. Released: 09/30/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU EXTENDS 800 MHZ REBANDING NEGOTIATION PERIOD FOR WAVE 4 BORDER AREA NPSPAC AND NON-NPSPAC LICENSEES ALONG US-MEXICO BORDER. (DA No.
3. Released: 09/29/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 54 (SOUTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ MEETINGS. (DA No.
11-1652). (Dkt No 02-55 ). PSHSB . Contact: Brian Marenco at (202) 418-0838, email: Brian.Marenco@fcc.gov http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1652A1.doc
2. Released: 09/29/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 5 (SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE TO HOLD 800 MHZ NPSPAC MEETING. (DA No. 11-1646). (Dkt No
89-97 ). PSHSB
11-1645). (Dkt No 89-363 ). PSHSB
4. Released: 09/29/2011. THE FCC'S PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: INTRODUCING THE DISASTER INFORMATION REPORTING SYSTEM (DIR) TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF COMMUNICATIONS. (DA No. 11-1648). PSHSB . Contact: Jane Kelly at
(202) 418-2832. News Media Contact: Lauren Kravetz at (202) 418-7944,
email: Lauren.Kravetz@fcc.gov
5. IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS IN THE 800 MHZ BAND. Granted,
Granted in Part or Held in Abeyance the requests for waiver of the June 26, 2008, deadline submitted by the licensees. (Dkt No. 02-55 ). Action
by: Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Adopted:
10/03/2011 by ORDER. (DA No. 11-1662). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1662A1.doc
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