EWA Supports CII’s Use of Spectrum
EWA supported the request of certain Critical Infrastructure Industry (CII) applicants who wish to secure access to spectrum from Maritime Communications/Land Mobile (MCLM). The applications have been on hold for several years while the FCC conducts a hearing to determine whether that company should be permitted to hold (or sell) any licenses. A recent FCC Order allowed MCLM to assign spectrum to a transit agency for use in a Positive Train Control (PTC) system but not to other CII entities engaged in petroleum and utility activities was a bit out of character for the FCC.
Category: EWA On Your SideEWA Defends the Accuracy of its 800 MHz Coordination
EWA responded to an opposition filing from Smartcomm requesting the dismissal of several 800 MHz applications certified by EWA, pointing out that the opposition was based on a misinterpretation of an earlier FCC Public Notice governing the availability of 800 MHz Guard Band channels. We are sure that they were disappointed, but EWA’s certification was in full compliance with the rules.
Category: EWA On Your Side900 MHz Private Enterprise Broadband Opportunity a Step Closer
EWA and Pacific DataVision have filed a joint Petition for Rulemaking proposing the development of a 3/3 MHz Private Enterprise Broadband (PEBB) allocation at 900 MHz, while at the same time, retaining a 2/2 MHz block for incumbent narrowband operations. The Petitioners will continue working with API and UTC, as well as individual members of both organizations, to secure additional support for the proposal. The FCC has the Petition under active consideration and has already initiated communications with the Petitioners on various aspects of the proposal. Learn more Press Release
Category: EWA On Your SideData System in Oaks Corners, New York
A volunteer fire department Deputy Chief reported to EWA that their officers were hearing someone talking on their frequency, complaining that “They walk right over us”. Unsure whether the interference was from a co-channel or an adjacent channel, EWA research discovered a user located 11 miles away licensed for a GPS/RTK wideband only data system. This information was reported to the Deputy Chief who said that he would handle it from here.
Category: Keeping the PeaceEngine Noise in Meeker, Colorado
A ranch in Colorado was receiving interference that apparently sounded like a diesel engine running at maximum revolutions. EWA spoke with the radio system dealer who then paid a visit to the area stating there were no other systems in the general vicinity, just desert. Running out of options, the licensee decided to change frequencies. Days later, EWA received word from the rancher that his neighbor located over five miles away on an adjacent channel, was now hearing the exact same diesel engine.
Category: Keeping the PeaceAn STA in Grayling, Michigan
EWA was requested to investigate the source of interference to a 450 MHz radio system, and to file an official complaint with FCC Enforcement on their behalf. After researching the situation, EWA discovered the interference was from a local radio dealer who had received a Special Temporary Authorization (STA). STAs are granted on a secondary non-interference basis. EWA spoke to the radio dealer and the frequency was shut down within one hour.
Category: Keeping the PeaceNarrowband Enforcement – Somebody Has To!
The LMCC will be filing a letter with the FCC expressing concern about the failure to enforce narrowband requirements except, possibly in response to individual complaints of harmful interference. The LMCC will advise that the FCC’s certified frequency advisory committees intend to take a more active role in contacting licensees whose authorizations still reflect only wideband emissions to optimize spectrum utilization.
Category: EWA On Your SideEWA Supports Simplified Licensing
EWA filed comments supporting the FCC’s efforts to minimize the issuance of paper copies of licenses while offering licensees the option of receiving their licenses via email or in paper form if requested. While outside the scope of the proceeding, the Alliance also recommended that the FCC eliminate the requirement to post paper copies of licenses at all control points.
Category: EWA On Your SideGetting Old – Another Filing from Spectrum Network Group/M2M Networks
SNG and M2M submitted a Supplemental Filing arguing that the grant of their waiver request to use 900 MHz B/ILT frequencies to provide a M2M system will not cause scarcity of that spectrum or for other PLMR uses, also questioning two applications coordinated and filed by EWA. EWA responded that “It may be that SNG has challenged the Alliance’s involvement in these applications because EWA questioned applications filed by SNG itself.”
Category: EWA On Your SideWhat Does it Take to be a Frequency Advisory Committee?
The LMCC recently filed a letter in the proceeding in which ACD Telecom, LLC asked the FCC to be certified to coordinate Part 90 Public Safety frequencies. The LMCC did not take a position on ACD’s qualifications but stated that FACs should “have a representative governance structure that directly oversees the development and implementation of all FAC-related policies and procedures. Those serving in that capacity should be appointed or elected by their peers, and not chosen by the very FAC staff whose activities they are to oversee.” In a related matter, the FCC has not yet released a Public Notice regarding the FAC-certification request filed earlier this month by a newly created entity, Engineers Frequency Advisory Committee, LLC, seeking authority to coordinate Part 90 PS and B/ILT frequencies.
Category: EWA On Your Side