Enterprise Wireless Insider® Volume 5, Issue 23

FCC Terminates Dormant Proceedings

On November 1, the FCC released an Order in which it terminated as “dormant” approximately 150 pages worth of docketed proceedings.  The FCC had issued a list of proceedings it intended to terminate on this basis in June 2011.  It received only six comments in response to that original Order requesting that a particular proceeding remain open.  The FCC rejected each of those requests and has terminated all of the proceedings on its original list.

FCC Seeks Comments on First White Space Database Test

EWA suspects that there will be more database integrity tests given that eight or so providers are eager to provide unlicensed white space devices internet-based guidance on when to avoid licensed incumbents.  With its first test concluded, the FCC now seeks comment on the 45-day trial of Spectrum Bridge’s database system “designed to support the operation of unlicensed transmitting devices in broadcast television spectrum bands.”  Spectrum Bridge provided a summary report on the trial to the FCC’s Office of Engineering Technology which reported problems and their disposition and descriptions of changes made to the channel availability registration systems. Comments are due on November 28th.

FCC Makes “Editorial revisions” to Parts 12 and 90

On November 1, the FCC issued an Order making a few of what the Commission described as “non-substantive, editorial revisions” to Parts 12 and 90 of the rules.  The Part 90 changes all related to 800 MHz, specifically (i) deleting references to UHF translators on channels 70 to 83 since the rules have been changed to eliminate TV allocations on those channels; (ii) deleting a provision allocating channels for Basic Exchange Telecommunications Radio Service (BETRS) since that allocation was removed in 2005; and (iii) deleting provisions related to the “upper 200” relocation as required for the 1995 first reconfiguration of the 800 MHz band, which the FCC describes as having been completed. 

Spectrum for Medical Radiocommunication Devices

At its November 30th meeting, the FCC will consider a Report and Order that allocates spectrum in the 413-457 MHz band and adopts service and technical rules to allow the use of new types of implanted medical devices that use functional electric stimulation to, among other things, restore sensation, mobility, and function to paralyzed limbs.  When this item first appeared a year or two ago, the land mobile industry was particularly concerned with the potential for interference to these devices, notwithstanding their proposed use on a secondary basis. Business enterprise, private carrier and public safety use of the 451-457 bands is substantial. 

Obama Nominates Rosenworcel, Pai to FCC

President Obama has nominated Jessica Rosenworcel and Ajit Pai to the FCC. Rosenworcel is currently an adviser to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.). She would replace Commissioner Michael Copps, when his term expires at the end of the year. Rosenworcel previously worked for Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) from 2007-2008, and was Copps’ legal adviser from 2003-2007.

Pai is a partner in the law firm of Jenner and Block. He would fill the seat vacated by Meredith Atwell Baker earlier this year. Pai previously served as chief counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on civil rights, and as senior counsel for the Office of Legal Policy at the Justice Department. He has also served as general counsel for Verizon.