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Senin, 28 November 2011

Educate Yourself: A Look at Upcoming Webinars

Not everyone has the time or resources to attend educational conferences. Webinars are a great chance to gain industry insight and keep up on what's happening without spending the time or money most conferences require. Consider participating in the following webinars coming up this month.

1. TIA's Enabling Compliance: The FCC's new disability access rules will be held for members this Tuesday, November 29, 2011. On October 7, 2011 at 3:00 pm, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released two sets of final rules that will further implement the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (21st CVAA).

2. IWCE will be hosting a virtual tradeshow in partnership with Urgent Communications, complete with four free webinars on December 6, 2011:
Will Broadband Voice Replace Narrowband Voice? 11:15 am-12:15 pm (EST)
Comparing Digital Technologies: P25, TETRA, DMR, LTE, NXDN 1:30 pm-2:30 pm
IP in an LMR World 2:45 pm-3:45 pm
Implementing Broadband Communications 4:00 pm-5:00 pm
Register for this free event online with IWCE.

3. Register at Urgent Communications for Delivering Coordinated Emergency and Incident Response to Achieve Smarter City Operations (free) will be held at 2:00 pm on December 7th, 2011.

4. The Federal Communications Commission is in the process of updating its Part 90 rules for Private Land Mobile Radio Services, which will impact many Public Safety and utilities communications systems. The Utilities Telecom Council is hosting an educational webinar on December 7, 2011 to help communications officials become familiar with the new rules in the pipeline. The cost of this event is $145 for members, $295 for non-members. For more information, visit http://www.utc.org/utc/webinar-get-know-regarding-fcc-s-part-90-updates.

Senin, 31 Oktober 2011

From the FCC

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

Jumat, 14 Oktober 2011

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.

Rabu, 05 Oktober 2011

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.

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

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1652A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1652A1.txt

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

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1646A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1646A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1646A1.txt

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.

11-1645). (Dkt No 89-363 ). PSHSB

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1645A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1645A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1645A1.txt

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

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1648A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1648A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1648A1.txt

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

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1662A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1662A1.txt

Senin, 26 September 2011

Multimedia Access for 9-1-1 Call Centers

The FCC unanimously approved a notice of proposed rulemaking last Thursday seeking input to improve the framework of next-generation 9-1-1 (NG-911). The goal is to provide multimedia access call centers and prioritization of 9-1-1 calls on commercial networks.

The notice examines the expected benefits and discusses facilitation of 911 call prioritization, text-to-911, MMS, IP-based messaging or Real-Time text, standards development and PSAP-based triggers for providers to implement non-voice solutions. Read more about the FCC's goals for NG-911 at Urgent Communications.

Senin, 08 Agustus 2011

Analyst Claims Key Staff Excluded from FCC's LightSquared Proceedings

Patrick Comack, an analyst from an investment research company in Florida says that FCC staffers he spoke to directly were "very upset" about the waiver granted to billionaire Phillip Falcone's satellite broadband company LightSquared to test its planned nationwide network.

The Commission strongly denies the claim, stating the allegations are based on personal motives.

The January 2011 waiver in question granted LightSquared conditional authority to proceed with construction for their network, despite warnings from the GPS industry that the network as planned would cause harmful interference with key aviation, aerospace, and other GPS technologies. The conditions of the waiver prohibited the network's activation until "harmful" interference issues with GPS were resolved. Their warnings have turned out to be accurate based on multiple reports from third party agencies. LightSquared's recent proposed solution was met with criticism from various GPS and Public Safety advocates, due to its ineffective nature.

Comack has stood by his allegations in subsequent interviews. He says he does not have any personal investments in telecommunications, satellite, or GPS companies. His company does not invest in them either. His primary job is to make recommendations to other clients about which stocks to buy or sell. He currently has a "buy" recommendation on Clearwire, because he believes it will compete well with LightSquared. In the past he has projected that Sprint Nextel will ultimately buy Clearwire, which would be a big win for his investors.

According to the Washington Post article, the FCC's spokeswoman Tammy Sun said, "These are patently false allegations from an individual whose interests are clearly compromised. The FCC's expert staff will continue to run an open, transparent and inclusive process to address interference issues around LightSquared's proposal, which has the potential to create thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in economic investment."

Sun said that there were three departments that jointly drafted the waiver that set LightSquared on the development fast-track. Comack's claim does not deny that these departments were consulted, but says that the review process that normally takes place on a decision of this nature was not followed, and there are key expert staffers in the International Bureau who are upset that they were not consulted, as is normal protocol.

Comack says his recommendation to invest in Clearwire does not point to a compromise of his credibility. In his response to the counter-allegations, he says, "Why would I lie? I'm putting myself out there."

The most recent solution LightSquared has proposed calls for GPS technology providers themselves to use filtering technology to avoid interference.

Congress has recently stepped into the process and passed a ruling that prohibits the FCC from spending any resources even considering the network while reports are still showing the possibility (and likelihood) of harmful interference.

Senin, 25 Juli 2011

From the FCC

July 15-24
Daily Digest Highlights
1. Released: 07/19/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 51 (TEXAS-HOUSTON) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC PLANNING MEETINGS. (DA No. 11-1211). (Dkt No 91-199 ). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1211A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1211A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1211A1.txt

2. FCC ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR AUGUST 9TH OPEN MEETING. News Release. News Media Contact: David Fiske at (202) 418-0513, email: David.Fiske@fcc.gov OCHJG
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308484A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308484A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308484A1.txt

3. PETITION OF INTRADO COMMUNICATIONS OF VIRGINIA, INC. Granted the parties' Joint Motion for Approval of Agreement. (Dkt No. 08-33 ). Action by: Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau. Adopted: 07/18/2011 by ORDER. (DA No. 11-1199). WCB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1199A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1199A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1199A1.txt

4. CLEARWIRE CORPORATION. Granted the Extension Request and extended the deadline for completing the transition in those BTAs to October 15, 2011. (Dkt No. 06-136 ). Action by: Deputy Chief, Broadband Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau by LETTER. (DA No. 11-1215). WTB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1215A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1215A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1215A1.txt

5. Released: 07/21/2011. EMERGENCY ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT OF AUGUST 12, 2011 MEETING. (DA No. 11-1221) Committee to Focus on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 911 Access for Persons with Disabilities. CGB . Contact: Cheryl King at (202) 418-2284, email: Cheryl.King@fcc.gov or Patrick Donovan at (202) 418-2413, email: Patrick.Donovan@fcc.gov, TTY: (202) 418-0416 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1221A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1221A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1221A1.txt

6. COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS REMARKS TO THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION, WASHINGTON, DC. OCMJC http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308525A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308525A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308525A1.txt

7. SERVICE RULES FOR THE 698-746, 747-762 AND 777-792 MHZ BANDS/IMPLEMENTING A NATIONWIDE, BROADBAND, INTEROPERABLE PUBLIC SAFETY NETWORK IN THE 700 MHZ BAND/AMENDMENT OF PART 90 OF THE COMMISSON'S RULES. Denied the Request for Declaratory Ruling filed by the City of Charlotte, North Carolina. by 4th R&O. (Dkt No. 06-229 07-100 06-150 ). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 07/20/2011 by R&O. (FCC No. 11-113). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-113A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-113A2.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-113A2.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-113A1.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-113A2.txt

8. ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF REGULATORY FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011. Established regulatory fee rates for FY 2011 Regulatory Fees. (Dkt No. 11-76 ). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 07/21/2011 by R&O. (FCC No. 11-114). OMD http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-114A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-114A2.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-114A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-114A2.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-114A1.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-114A2.txt

Kamis, 14 Juli 2011

From the FCC

Commission Moves Toward Improved 911 Location-Accuracy

The FCC voted Tuesday to revise its location-accuracy requirements for wireless 911 callers, seeking comments to improve location-accuracy of VoIP emergency communications.

The new rules would require all wireless carriers to comply with more stringent GPS-based E-911 accuracy requirements by 2019. This includes coverage at the county level or PSAP-territory level. Mandatory reports on tests of accuracy will be required as well.

Reliable location data is invaluable for first reponders, especially under circumstances where a 911 caller is unable to communicate their location. The FCC also plans to explore the ability to locate callers within buildings, since a only street address is insufficient if a call comes from a large building.

This is a step in the right direction for Public Safety, after the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) published Project LOCATE, a study which found discrepancies of wireless 911 call location-accuracy, based on the technology used by carriers.

Minggu, 10 Juli 2011

Releases from the FCC

From the July 6 - 10, 2011 Daily Digests

1. FCC TO HOLD OPEN COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2011 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308248A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308248A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308248A1.txt

2. STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, HEARING ON "FCC PROCESS REFORM", BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY, COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES by Statement. OCHJG http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308284A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308284A1.txt

3. Released: 07/06/2011. AUCTION OF 700 MHZ BAND LICENSES; 19 BIDDERS QUALIFIED TO PARTICIPATE IN AUCTION 92. (DA No. 11-1131). (Dkt No 10-248 ) The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau identifies 19 applicants found to be qualified to bid in the upcoming auction of 700 MHz band licenses - Auction 92. WTB AU http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1131A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1131A2.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1131A3.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1131A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1131A1.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1131A2.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1131A3.txt

4. STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. MCDOWELL, "THE VIEWS OF THE INDEPENDENT AGENCIES ON REGULATORY REFORM", BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS, COMMITTEE ON ENERGY & COMMERCE, UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES by Statement. OCRMM http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308297A1.pdf

Selasa, 05 Juli 2011

Releases from the FCC

From the July 1 - 5, 2011 Daily Digests

1. Released: 06/30/2011. COMMENT DEADLINES ESTABLISHED REGARDING THE GPS-LIGHTSQUARED TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP REPORT. (DA No. 11-1133). (Dkt No 11-109 ). Comments Due: 07/30/2011. Reply Comments Due: 08/15/2011. IB . Contact: karl.kensinger@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1133A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1133A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1133A1.txt

2. Released: 06/30/2011. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON PETITION FROM SPRINT NEXTEL TO ALLOW WIDEBAND OPERATIONS IN 800 MHZ ENHANCED SPECIALIZED MOBILE RADIO SERVICE BANDS. (DA No. 11-1152). (Dkt No 11-110 ). Comments Due: 08/01/2011. Reply Comments
Due: 08/16/2011. WTB . Contact: Mr. Thomas Derenge at (202) 418-2451,
email: thomas.derenge@fcc.gov, TTY: (202) 418-7233 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1152A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1152A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1152A1.txt

3. TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES AND SPEECH-TO-SPEECH SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH HEARING AND SPEECH DISABILITIES; E911 REQUIREMENTS FOR IP-ENABLED SERVICE PROVIDERS. Extended the waivers of certain TRS mandatory minimum standards for VRS and IP Relay Service that will expire on July 1, 2011. (Dkt No. 05-196 03-123 ). Action by: Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, and Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau. Adopted: 06/30/2011 by ORDER. (DA No. 11-1159).
CGB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1159A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1159A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1159A1.txt

4. YUBA SUTTER DOMESTIC ANIMAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE. Granted the petition. Action by: Chief, Policy Division, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau by LETTER. (DA No. 11-1163). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1163A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1163A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1163A1.txt

Kamis, 30 Juni 2011

Narrowbanding: The Countdown

Wondering how much time you have left to complete narrowbanding compliance? Take a look below.

The clock is ticking! If your agency has yet to fully comply with the FCC's narrowbanding mandate, avoid losing your license and facing fines by contacting EMR to find out how we can help.

Releases from the FCC

From the June 28 - 30, 2011 Daily Digests

1. Released: 06/28/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU APPROVES REGION 31 (NORTH CAROLINA) 700 MHZ REGIONAL PLAN. (DA No.
11-1126). (Dkt No 02-378 ). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1126A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1126A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1126A1.txt

2. WIRELESS E911 LOCATION ACCURACY REQUIREMENTS. Clarified certain
issues regarding the content of Exclusion Reports and extending the 90-day period for filing Exclusion Reports by 30 days, until July 28, 2011. (Dkt No. 07-114 ). Action by: Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Adopted: 06/28/2011 by ORDER. (DA No. 11-1125). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1125A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1125A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1125A1.txt

3. Report No: 6966 Released: 06/29/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ASSIGNMENT OF LICENSE AUTHORIZATION APPLICATIONS, TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF LICENSEE APPLICATIONS, DE FACTO TRANSFER LEASE APPLICATIONS AND SPECTRUM MANAGER LEASE NOTIFICATIONS, DESIGNATED ENTITY REPORTABLE ELIGIBILITY EVENT APPLICATIONS, AND DESIGNATED ENTITY ANNUAL REPORTS ACTION. PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308086A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308086A1.txt

4.

Released: 06/30/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU EXTENDS 800 MHZ REBANDING NEGOTIATION PERIOD FOR WAVE 4 BORDER AREA NPSPAC AND NON-NPSPAC LICENSEES ALONG THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER. (DA No.
11-1147). (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-11-1147A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1147A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1147A1.txt

5. Released: 06/30/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON NPSTC'S PETITION FOR RULEMAKING TO ALLOW AIRCRAFT VOICE OPERATIONS ON SECONDARY TRUNKING CHANNELS IN THE 700 MHZ BAND. (DA No.
11-1146). (Dkt No RM-11433 ). Comments Due: 07/15/2011. Reply Comments
Due: 07/25/2011. PSHSB . Contact: Brian Marenco at (202) 418-0838,
email: Brian.Marenco@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1146A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1146A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1146A1.txt

6. Released: 06/30/2011. FCC REQUESTS NOMINATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP ON OPEN INTERNET ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (DA No. 11-1149). (Dkt No 09-191 07-52 ). CGB . Contact: Ellen Satterwhite at (202) 418-3626, email: Ellen.Satterwhite@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1149A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1149A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1149A1.txt

Senin, 27 Juni 2011

Releases from the FCC

From the June 21-27, 2011 Daily Digest

1. FCC CONSUMER TIP SHEET, LIFELINE PROGRAM & NEW REFORMS. Consumer Advisory. News Media Contact: Mark Wigfield at (202) 418-0253, email: Mark.Wigfield@fcc.gov WCB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307786A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307786A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307786A1.txt

2. DEADLINE FOR FILING COMMENTS AND REPLY COMMENTS EXTENDED TO AUGUST 24TH FOR SIGNAL BOOSTER PROPOSED RULING AMENDMENT OF PARTS 1, 2, 22, 24, 27, 90 AND 95 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES TO IMPROVE WIRELESS COVERAGE THROUGH THE USE OF SIGNAL BOOSTERS.
Extended the deadlines for filing comments and reply comments concerning the Commission's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to adopt rules that facilitate the development and deployment of well-designed signal boosters. (Dkt No. 10-4 ). Action by: Deputy Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Comments Due: 07/25/2011. Reply Comments
Due: 08/24/2011. Adopted: 06/20/2011 by ORDER. (DA No. 11-1078). WTB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1078A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1078A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1078A1.txt

3. FCC WAIVER ALLOWS MISSOURI DISASTER VICTIMS TO KEEP THEIR PHONE NUMBERS WHILE REBUILDING; NORMAL RULES WOULD HAVE FORCED DISCONNECTION OF PHONE NUMBERS AFTER 90 DAYS. Carriers Also Encouraged to Waive Call Forwarding, Voicemail Charges for Disaster Victims. Advisory. News Media Contact: Mark Wigfield at (202) 418-0253, email: Mark.Wigfield@fcc.gov WCB . Contact Ben Childers at (202) 418-1418 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307845A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307845A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307845A1.txt

4. Released: 06/22/2011. EMERGENCY ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT OF JULY 8, 2011 MEETING. (DA No. 11-1092). CGB . Contact:
Cheryl King at (202) 418-2284, email: Cheryl.King@fcc.gov or Patrick Donovan at (202) 418-2413, email: Patrick.Donovan@fcc.gov, TTY: (202)418-0416
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1092A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1092A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1092A1.txt

5. FCC ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR JULY 12TH OPEN MEETING. News Release. News Media Contact: Neil Grace at (202) 418-0506, email:
Neil.Grace@fcc.gov OCHJG
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307812A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307812A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307812A1.txt

6. CONSUMERS GAIN NEW PROTECTIONS AGAINST FRAUDULENT CALLER ID "SPOOFING". Violators Face Substantial Fines. News Release. News Media Contact:
Mark Wigfield at (202) 418-0253, email: Mark.Wigfield@fcc.gov CGB WCB .
Contact Lisa Hone at (202) 418-0869
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307891A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307891A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307891A1.txt

7. Released: 06/22/2011. CHAIRMAN GENACHOWSKI RELEASES UPDATE TO 2009 RURAL BROADBAND REPORT. (DA No. 11-1095). (Dkt No 11-16 ). WCB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1095A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1095A2.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1095A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1095A2.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1095A1.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1095A2.txt

8. Released: 06/27/2011. FCC FURTHER EXTENDS DEADLINE AN ADDITIONAL THIRTY DAYS FOR MEMBERSHIP NOMINATIONS FOR THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTE. (DA No. 11-1114). CGB . Contact: Gregory Vadas at
(202) 418-1798, email: Gregory.Vadas@fcc.gov or Steve Klitzman at (202) 418-1763, email: Steve.Klitzman@fcc.gov http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1114A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1114A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1114A1.txt

9. BROADBAND FOR ALL: A NETWORKED AND PROSPEROUS SOCIETY, GRUNEWLADSALEN CONCERT HALL, KUNGSGATAN 43, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN. OCRMM . Keynote on Technology and Democracy, The Honorable Robert M. McDowell, Federal Communications Commission, Technology and the Sovereignty of the Individual http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307998A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307998A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307998A1.txt

10. IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS IN THE 800 MHZ BAND. Dismissed
the Petition for Partial Reconsideration. (Dkt No. 02-55 ). Action by:
Deputy Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Adopted:
06/27/2011 by ORDER. (DA No. 11-1112). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1112A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1112A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1112A1.txt

11. Released: 06/24/2011. PSHSB ANNOUNCES REGION 28 (DELAWARE, EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, AND SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY AREA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC MEETINGS. (DA No. 11-1110). (Dkt No 92-287 ). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1110A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1110A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1110A1.txt

Senin, 20 Juni 2011

Releases from the FCC

From the June 14 - 20, 2011 Daily Digest

1. The FCC recently granted a broadband waiver to the State of Texas.
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau seeks comment on a May 26,
2011, petition from the Harris Corporation requesting that the Commission
"clarify that it does not endorse any procurement model for building an
interoperable public safety broadband network on a local, regional, state or
nation-wide basis."

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON PETITION FOR
DECLARATORY RULING ASKING TO CLARIFY LANGUAGE IN ORDER GRANTING 700 MHZ
PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND WAIVER TO THE STATE OF TEXAS. (DA No. 11-1059).
(Dkt No 06-229 ). Comments Due: 07/05/2011. Reply Comments Due: 07/15/2011.
PSHSB . Contact: Jennifer A. Manner at (202) 418-3619, email:
mailto:Jennifer.Manner%40fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1059A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1059A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1059A1.txt

2. LightSquared granted extension on final GPS interference report.
LightSquared granted extension on final GPS interference report -
FierceBroadbandWireless
<http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/lightsquared-granted-extension
-final-gps-interference-report/2011-06-16?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal#
ixzz1PS8HFWb7>
http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/lightsquared-granted-extension-
final-gps-interference-report/2011-06-16?utm_medium=nl
<http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/lightsquared-granted-extension
-final-gps-interference-report/2011-06-16?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal#
ixzz1PS8HFWb7> &utm_source=internal#ixzz1PS8HFWb7

3. FCC CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI REMARKS ON A NATIONWIDE PUBLIC SAFETY
NETWORK, AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY, THE WHITE HOUSE. OCHJG .
WASHINGTON, D.C
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307659A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307659A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307659A1.txt

4. Released: 06/17/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU APPROVES LONG TERM DE FACTO TRANSFER SPECTRUM LEASE AGREEMENT FILED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS TO ESTABLISH A 700 MHZ INTEROPERABLE PUBLIC SAFETY WIRELESS BROADBAND NETWORK. (DA No. 11-1074). (Dkt No 06-229 ). PSHSB . Contact: Jennifer Manner at (202) 418-3619 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1074A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1074A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1074A1.txt

5. Released: 06/17/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU APPROVES LONG TERM DE FACTO TRANSFER SPECTRUM LEASE AGREEMENT FILED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS TO ESTABLISH A 700 MHZ INTEROPERABLE PUBLIC SAFETY WIRELESS BROADBAND NETWORK. (DA No. 11-1074). (Dkt No 06-229 ). PSHSB . Contact: Jennifer Manner at (202) 418-3619 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1074A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1074A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1074A1.txt

Selasa, 14 Juni 2011

Andrew Seybold: Will LightSquared Survive?

The following commentary was posted on June 6, 2011 on AndrewSeybold.com:
Okay, so LightSquared has the blessing of the FCC Commissioners to build out a wholesale LTE network using satellite spectrum that is mostly terrestrial and a small part satellite (the data rates for satellite will disappoint for sure). It is obvious to me that the FCC Commissioners never asked the Chief Engineer or his staff if there would be any problem with the service in the next band down, which happens to be the GPS band, before issuing the waiver to LightSquared.

GPS is a receive-only service that relies on the ability to “see” three or more satellites to report a current location. If more satellites are in view, the system can also determine the altitude of the device and the speed and direction of its travel. However, if the GPS signals are being interfered with near LightSquared’s cell sites (it is proposing more than 50,000), those who rely on GPS will have problems. Recent tests of the LightSquared network in New Mexico verified that interference issues do exist.

If people cannot receive a GPS signal, actually multiple GPS signals, then the system does not function. Not only do the people with GPS receivers no longer know where they are, neither does their boss. If they have to call 9-1-1 for an emergency, those answering the phone don’t know where they are either. The radio signals from satellites (GSP satellites and others) are not very strong and any interference to them will wipe them out and prevent them from being received. Except for those designed for military service, GPS receivers don’t have very good receivers. They are not able to filter out interference well (they have not needed to in the past), and in order to get the price point for GPS systems low enough to be built into every cell phone and handheld and dash-mounted device, the receivers have not been built to reject signals in the next band over. So if LightSquared is permitted to move forward with its nationwide rollout, the consequences could be devastating to anyone who relies on GPS services for location, attitude, speed, and direction of travel.

Adding all of these things together, my outlook for LightSquared is bleak to say the least. If I add in the fact that its spectrum, which has the potential to interfere with GPS receivers, has therefore lost most of its value as an asset, it is difficult to understand how the company believes it can succeed.

First responders use GPS on a daily basis for finding locations. For example, medevac helicopters are directed to a location to pick up seriously injured patients. If they cannot use their GPS system they are blind and don’t know where to respond. Taxis use GPS so their location can be known to the company, truckers use GPS to find locations, FedEx, UPS, and other delivery services use GPS, and many of us have GPS systems built into our vehicles or we own a GPS device that sits on our dashboard. If the LightSquared spectrum is built out, the chances of wide-spread interference are very real.

Since the FCC issued the waiver to LightSquared, the company contends that it can minimize any interference, but the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other Federal Government agencies have called for the rescinding of the LightSquared waiver to operate a terrestrial system in spectrum that was originally set aside for satellite communications. Even Congress is now in the battle with more than 30 Congressional leaders calling for the FCC to revoke the waiver. In recent New Mexico tests this interference was confirmed.

Meanwhile, LightSquared has indicated that it is heading for an IPO and that it has contracts to provide wholesale fourth-generation broadband to a number of smaller network operators including SI Wireless, Cellular South, Leap Wireless, and others. These companies, none of which have enough of their own spectrum to build out LTE or 4G networks, are planning on wholesaling network capacity from LightSquared. But if the spectrum LightSquared is counting on for its network is not available, what does LightSquared do and what does its partners do?

Well, LightSquared is in talks with AT&T and Sprint to wholesale 4G capacity on these networks. This seems like a logical idea until you step back and look at the economics involved. If LightSquared buys capacity from AT&T, for example, then LightSquared becomes, in reality, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator or MVNO. If it then sells this capacity to its partners, its partners will have to pay a premium for the capacity they could probably obtain directly from AT&T for less than they will pay LightSquared and LightSquared’s business model becomes even more tenuous than it was before.

If LightSquared builds out its network, even with tower sharing and other cost savings, a nationwide network will cost it about $15 billion to build and that is on the low side. Verizon has stated that it has already invested that much and it has existing infrastructure to use to help lower the costs of deployment. Once the network is built, the average monthly cost per cell site for rent, power, insurance, and other costs will be about $6K per month and that is also on the low side). This means LightSquared’s monthly site costs will run about $24 million or nearly $300 million per year. That is before profit and does not include company overhead and other costs. LTE requires either fiber or microwave to and from each cell site and that cost will also be substantial.

If LightSquared leases capacity on someone else’s network it will not have to pay construction or ongoing operational costs, but then its margins will be a lot slimmer, having to buy capacity and then resell it to its partners. I don’t think this business model is very viable either, and if the demand for broadband continues and the company LightSquared is buying capacity from starts having capacity issues of its own, will LightSquared actually get all the capacity for which it has contracted? My guess is that LightSquared becomes a secondary citizen on the network and that if capacity becomes an issue, it will be the first to have to give some up. The other capacity issue is that if LightSquared resells this capacity to four or five other network operators, will they have enough capacity to service their own customer base as broadband demand continues to increase? Either way, it seems to me that this is a very risky business model.

The history of MVNOs is littered with failures. The ones remaining have, for the most part, been purchased by the network operator that was providing capacity to the MVNO in the first place, and once it was determined that the business model was flawed, the MVNO either folded its tent and went home or its customers were absorbed into the parent network. Historically, the MVNO business has not been successful and I don’t see this model as one that leads me to believe things will be different this time around.

Adding all of these things together, my outlook for LightSquared is bleak to say the least. If I add in the fact that its spectrum, which has the potential to interfere with GPS receivers, has therefore lost most of its value as an asset, it is difficult to understand how the company believes it can succeed. Yet It remains bullish and is talking about a future IPO and how bright its income future is. I, for one, don’t believe LightSquared will remain a viable entity. It appears to have been blinded in its judgment by the fact that wireless broadband is growing rapidly, there is no end in sight for this increased demand, and the FCC has recognized that more broadband spectrum will be needed as soon as possible.

The FCC and others in the Federal Government seem to believe we need additional competitors in the wireless space; having more competition will continue to drive down the cost of voice and data services to business and consumer users. In reality, today’s wireless customers in the United States continue to pay some of the lowest rates for wireless voice and data services in the world. Yes, we are entering a new era where unlimited data plans are being withdrawn in favor of plans that limit the amount of data allocated to a single user on a monthly basis, but this is necessary in order for network operators to provide more of their customer base with more access to broadband, and it is one way that broadband demand can be managed in order to accomplish this goal.

The FCC continues to look for additional spectrum as it should since we do need it and we need it as soon as possible. I am sure that LightSquared’s proposal to the FCC was met with much enthusiasm since it would provide additional broadband capacity at the very time it is needed. But if the LightSquared spectrum is deemed unusable for terrestrial broadband service, as I believe it will be, then LightSquared does not bring additional capacity with it when it launches its service. It will simply place a bigger burden on the existing spectrum in terms of capacity demand.

LightSquared would be better served to try to purchase spectrum that is not being used for broadband at the moment. Clearwire has a lot of unused spectrum in the 2.5-GHz band and it needs money, the FCC can auction the AWS-2 and 3 Bands, and the FCC already has spectrum in a number of areas in the country that did not sell at auction or that was taken back because the winning bidder either did not meet the payment requirements of an auction or did not meet the build-out requirements.

We need more wireless spectrum for broadband and we need it soon; the AT&T/T-Mobile merger is about spectrum assets just as the Cingular/AT&T merger was before it. There are only a few ways to obtain more broadband capacity for customers—use more spectrum if it is available, build more cell sites closer together, or a combination of the two. Spectrum is, indeed, a finite resource and demand for wireless broadband services is growing quarter-over-quarter, but that does not mean we should jeopardize an important system such as GPS in order to help fill the void. Instead we need to look at how to get more spectrum that is better suited for wireless broadband into the market as quickly as possible.

We should learn from our past. When Nextel was born by converting spectrum used for land mobile radio systems (LMR) to a cellular architecture, the network caused a lot of interference to existing Land Mobile Radio systems in the same portion of the spectrum. The fix was to reband this spectrum and put all of the Nextel channels together so they would no longer interfere with LMR customers, many of which are public safety agencies. This fix has been in the works for more than five years, has cost Sprint/Nextel more than $3 billion, and will not be completed in some areas of the United States for a few more years. We cannot afford to have this type of interference issue surface again because a company or a federal agency believes that more broadband competition is vital to our wireless broadband future.

LightSquared should not be permitted to build a network in the spectrum adjacent to the GPS service. Every transmitter ever made transmits not only on the portion of the spectrum for which it was designed, it also injects noise into the adjacent spectrum. This is simply the way radio frequency devices work. If there are two broadband systems next to each other most of the time, this interference can be minimized. However, when you put a broadband system right next to the GPS service on which the receivers are searching for low-powered signals from multiple satellites, you are asking for trouble. The goal should be to provide additional spectrum for broadband without causing problems for other services. I do not believe that can be accomplished in this case.

Andrew M. Seybold

Used with Andrew Seybold's permission.

Releases from the FCC

From the June 10-13, 2011 Daily Digest

1. Released: 06/09/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES THAT FIRST EVER NATIONWIDE DIAGNOSTIC TEST OF THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM WILL OCCUR ON NOVEMBER 9, 2011 AT 2 PM EST. (DA No.11-1030). (Dkt No 04-296 ). PSHSB . Contact: Lisa Fowlkes at (202) 418-7452, Tom Beers at (202) 418-0952, or Gregory Cooke at (202) 418-2351
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1030A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1030A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1030A1.txt

2. Released: 06/09/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 55 (NEW YORK - BUFFALO) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING MEETINGS. (DA No. 11-1036). (Dkt No 92-287 ). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1036A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1036A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1036A1.txt

3. PREPARED REMARKS OF FCC CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI, JUNE 2011 OPEN AGENDA MEETING, STATEMENT ON INFORMATION NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES by Statement. OCHJG http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307448A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307448A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307448A1.txt

4. STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS ON RELEASE OF FCC STAFF REPORT "THE TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES" by Statement. OCMJC http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307421A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gv/docs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307421A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307421A1.txt

5. Released: 06/10/2011. COMMENT DEADLINES SET FOR NOTICE IF INQUIRY ON ACCELERATING BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT BY IMPROVING PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY AND WIRELESS FACILITIES SITING POLICIES. (DA No. 11-1047). (Dkt No 11-59 ).
Comments Due: 07/18/2011. Reply Comments Due: 08/30/2011. WCB .
Contact: Claudia Pabo at (202) 418-1595, email: Claudio.Pabo@fcc.gov http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1047A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1047A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1047A1.txt

6. CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI, REMARKS ON INFORMATION NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES, COLUMBIA SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM. OCHJG . New York, NY http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307456A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307456A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-307456A1.txt

Selasa, 31 Mei 2011

Releases from the FCC

From the May 25, 26, 27, and 31, 2011 Daily Digests

1. AMENDMENT OF SECTIONS 15.35 AND 15.253 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES REGARDING OPERATION OF RADAR SYSTEMS IN THE 76-77 GHZ BAND/AMENDMENT OF SECTION 15.253 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES TO PERMIT FIXED USE OF RADAR IN
THE 76.77 GHZ BAND. Proposed to modify Sections 15.35 and 15.253 of the rules to enable enhanced vehicular radar technologies in the 76-77 GHz band to improve collision avoidance and driver safety. (Dkt No. 11-90 10-28 RM-11555 ). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 05/24/2011 by NPRM. (FCC No. 11-79). OET http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-79A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-79A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-79A1.txt

2. BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA AND SPRINT NEXTEL CORP. Resolved the issues submitted by the Transition Administrator. (Dkt No. 02-55 ). Action by: Deputy Chief, Policy and Licensing Division, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Adopted: 05/24/2011 by MO&O. (DA No. 11-944). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-944A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-944A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-944A1.txt

3. AMENDMENT OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES REGARDING MARITIME AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS. Denied the petition for reconsideration.
Amended Parts 2 and 80 of the Commission's Rules. (Dkt No. 04-344 ).
Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 05/24/2011 by MO&O. (FCC No. 11-80). WTB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-80A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-80A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-80A1.txt

4. Released: 05/27/2011. NOTICE OF EFFECTIVE DATE OF AMENDED EX PARTE, PROCEDURAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL RULES. (DA No. 11-962). (Dkt No 10-43
10-44 ). OGC . Contact: David Senzel at (202) 418-1760, email: David.Senzel@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-962A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-962A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-962A1.txt

5. REVIEW OF THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM. Seek comments on proposed changes to Part 11 rules governing the Emergency Alert System to codify the obligation to process alert messages formatted in the Common Alerting Protocol and to clarify these rules generally to enhance their effectiveness. (Dkt No. 04-296 ). Action by: the Commission. Adopted:
05/25/2011 by FNPRM. (FCC No. 11-82). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-82A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-82A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-82A1.txt

6. Released: 05/31/2011. FCC ENFORCEMENT ADVISORY: MARINE RADIO, ENFORCEMENT BUREAU REMINDS BOATERS OF MARINE RADIO RULES. (DA No. 11-970) Directs Boaters to Check Safety Communications Equipment to Ensure Compliance. EB . Contact: MarineRadio@fcc.gov. News Media
Contact: David Fiske at (202) 418-0513, email: David.Fiske@fcc.gov http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-970A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-970A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-970A1.txt

7. STATE OF FLORIDA, DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES, DIVISION OF
TELECOMMUNICATIONS. Granted Florida's waiver request with conditions.
Action by: Deputy Chief, Policy and Licensing Division, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Adopted: 05/27/2011 by ORDER. (DA No. 11-964). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-964A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-964A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-964A1.txt

Selasa, 24 Mei 2011

Releases from the FCC

Kamis, 19 Mei 2011

Releases from the FCC

From the April 16, 17, and 18, 2011 Daily Digest

1. COMMISSIONERS COPPS, CLYBURN IN NEBRASKA MAY 17-18 TO HIGHLIGHT FEDERAL-STATE EFFORTS TO BRING BROADBAND ACCESS TO RURAL COMMUNITIES.
Advisory. News Media Contact: Mark Wigfield at (202) 418-0253; email:
Mark Wigfield@fcc.gov OCMJC WCB OCMC . Contact Mark Wigfield at (202) 418-0253; email: Mark.Wigfield@fcc.gov http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306584A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306584A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306584A1.txt

2. Released: 05/17/2011. EMERGENCY ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE; ANNOUNCEMENT OF JUNE 10, 2011 MEETING. (DA No. 11-882) The meeting will consider the written reports on the EAAC national survey of persons with disabilities and engage in a discussion of future features and technologies involved with Next Generation 911 emergency services for individuals with disabilities. CGB . Contact: Cheryl King at (202) 418-2284, email: Cheryl.King@fcc.gov or Patrick Donovan at (202) 418-2413, email: Patrick.Donovan@fcc.gov, TTY: (202) 418-0416 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-882A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-882A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-882A1.txt

3. Report No: CWS-11-59 Released: 05/18/2011. ANTENNA STRUCTURE
REGISTRATION SERVICE INFORMATION Applications Accepted For Filing. WTB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306688A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306688A1.txt

4. Report No: CWS-11-60 Released: 05/18/2011. ANTENNA STRUCTURE
REGISTRATION SERVICE INFORMATION Environmental Action. WTB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306701A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306701A1.txt

5. Report No: 6849 Released: 05/18/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND
SECURITY BUREAU SITE-BY-SITE ACTION. PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306657A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306657A1.txt

6. Report No: 6846 Released: 05/18/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND
SECURITY BUREAU SITE-BY-SITE ACCEPTED FOR FILING. PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306655A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306655A1.txt

7. Report No: 6851 Released: 05/18/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND
SECURITY BUREAU MARKET-BASED APPLICATIONS ACTION. PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306661A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306661A1.txt

8. Report No: 6857 Released: 05/18/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND
SECURITY BUREAU MARKET-BASED APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR FILING. PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306659A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306659A1.txt

9. Report No: 6853 Released: 05/18/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND
SECURITY BUREAU SITE BASED LICENSES TERMINATION PENDING NOTICE. PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306667A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306667A1.txt

10.
Report No: 6855 Released: 05/18/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND
SECURITY BUREAU MARKET BASED LICENSES TERMINATION PENDING PUBLIC NOTICE.
PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306663A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306663A1.txt

11. Report No: 6859 Released: 05/18/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND
SECURITY BUREAU ASSIGNMENT OF LICENSE AUTHORIZATION APPLICATIONS,
TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF LICENSEE APPLICATIONS, AND DE FACTO TRANSFER
LEASE APPLICATIONS, AND DESIGNATED ENTITY REPORTABLE ELIGIBILITY EVENT
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR FILING. PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306672A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306672A1.txt

12. Report No: 6861 Released: 05/18/2011. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND
SECURITY BUREAU ASSIGNMENT OF LICENSE AUTHORIZATION APPLICATIONS,
TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF LICENSEE APPLICATIONS, DE FACTO TRANSFER LEASE
APPLICATIONS AND SPECTRUM MANAGER LEASE NOTIFICATIONS, DESIGNATED ENTITY REPORTABLE ELIGIBILITY EVENT APPLICATIONS, AND DESIGNATED ENTITY ANNUAL REPORTS ACTION. PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306673A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-306673A1.txt