Another Batch of Vacated 800 MHz Spectrum Released
If you have a public safety customer in need of 800 MHz spectrum, EWA is now accepting applications for Sprint Nextel vacated spectrum in the 809.5-815/854.5-860 MHz bands within certain National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) regions. Pre-coordination notification by all participating coordinators to advise each other of applications received will commence at 8:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, December 2, 2010. The FCC will begin accepting applications for this spectrum on December 16, 2010. The frequencies and regions that are available for coordination are listed in Appendix A of the FCC Public Notice (FCC Public Notice DA 10-2201) or at the Vacated Channel Search Engine (VCSE) at http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp.
Contact Ila Dudley at either 703.797.5125 or Ila.Dudley@enterprisewireless.org should you have an application requirement.
Narrowbanding Application Deadline Imminent
January 1, 2011, is still the day on which the FCC will no longer accept applications for new systems which specify a wideband emission (20K0F3E) or that would serve to expand the previously authorized interference contour of an existing, licensed wideband system. EWA will make every effort to finalize applications it has received to date that specify a wideband emission designator prior to the filing deadline. If you have any questions, contact Ila Dudley at either 703.797.5125 or Ila.Dudley@enterprisewireless.org.
Category: EWA On Your SideNarrowbanding Projects Can be Funded with PSIC Grants
The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) has announced that NTIA will allow funds awarded under the Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program to be used for narrowbanding projects. Funds may be used to purchase equipment that meets the narrowbanding requirement or to educate users about the mandate. NPSTC
Category: In the newsUSMSS Expands Membership Eligibility
At its Annual Membership Meeting held during the EWA/USMSS Enterprise Wireless 2010 conference, the USMSS membership approved amendments to its Bylaws to immediately expand membership eligibility to include not only PSP and MSP Motorola accredited service organizations, but also service organizations that possess a valid Certified Service Center (CSC) designation. Further, organizations that provide products or services to any USMSS member organization may also become associate members. Interested organizations are encouraged to contact the USMSS at 703.797.5106. USMSS
Category: In the newsWho are Affected Parties?
The LMCC’s Spectrum Management Task Force will be meeting on December 10 to consider Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) recommendations with respect to system propagation analyses and which incumbents should be recognized as an “affected party” when applications for centralized trunking systems below 512 MHz are submitted to the FCC. The LMCC had previously submitted its views on these requirements to the FCC, but plan to submit updated recommendations following further LMCC membership review and approval.
Category: In the newsI/B Eligibility Applicable to Government Entities
The FCC recently granted informal petitions filed by the Central Station Alarm Association and denied applications filed by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments seeking access to Industrial/Business spectrum at locations within the State of Massachusetts. In its decision, the Commission clarified that government entities that engage in commercial activities are eligible for Industrial/Business Pool spectrum on the same basis as private entities, and that government entities are not relieved of any eligibility requirements. FCC Order DA 10-2162
Category: In the news
SBA Identifies Broadband Needs
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has published a report entitled “The Impact of Broadband Speed and Price on Small Business,” which identifies small business needs and the differences between broadband availability, performance and price for urban and rural small businesses. The SBA report notes that high-speed broadband Internet is as critical to small businesses as other utilities such as water and electricity, but that many small businesses are not satisfied with their choice of service providers, data speeds and prices. Small Business Administration Report, November 2010
Category:
250 MHz Available for Wireless Broadband
By Executive Order of the President, NTIA and the FCC were required to develop a plan for making 500 MHz of new spectrum available for wireless broadband services in addition to the 300 MHz or so identified by the FCC in its National Broadband Plan. The NTIA report was due by the end of October but was released on November 15. NTIA's report identifies 250 MHz of Federal spectrum that could potentially be made available for wireless broadband and focuses on the 1675-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz, 3500-3650 MHz, 4200-4220 MHz, 4380-4400 MHz bands for fast track analysis. NTIA Reports
Category:Model Airplanes Grounded
Hobby Lobby International received a citation from the FCC for marketing an unauthorized radio frequency device used to remotely control model aircraft, boats and cars that had not received certification in accordance with FCC technical standards. Hobby Lobby advised the Commission that it had removed this product from its web site and was no longer selling this product. In its citation, the FCC stated that any recurrence of this “misconduct” may result in substantial monetary penalties and seizure of the equipment. FCC File No. EB-09-SE-227/DA 10-2220
Do You Hear Me Now?
Jammer World received a citation from the FCC for marketing unauthorized radio frequency devices that purposely jam signals in the Cell Phone Band (845-975 MHz), PCS Band (1800-1996 MHz) and the GPS L1 frequency 1575.42 MHz. Federal law prohibits the marketing and operation of jammer devices in the United States. The Commission advised Jammer World that if after receipt of this Citation they persisted, that they would be subject to forfeitures of $16,000 for each violation or for each day of a continuing violation. Hard to say how effective this enforcement initiative will be given that Jammer World is located in Bao’an District, Shenzhen, China. FCC File No. EB-10-CF-0170/DA 10-2240
Category: Enforcement Corner