FCC Extends Deadlines for 900 MHz Notice of Inquiry
In a Joint Motion for Extension of Time Due to Emergency Conditions, Florida Power & Light Company and the Edison Electric Institute requested and were granted a two-week extension of the comment and reply comment deadlines for the Notice of Inquiry (NOI) regarding the 900-MHz band. EWA and pdvWireless filed in support of this request. Although the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not routinely grant requests for extensions, it has done so in support of those focused on disaster recovery in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. In an Order released September 8, 2017, the FCC has extended the deadline for filing comments until October 2 and the deadline for filing reply comments until November 1.
Category: EWA On Your SideFCC Denies AEP Waiver Request
In an Order adopted August 30, the FCC denied the waiver requests submitted by American Electric Power Service Corporation (AEP) to modify its 800 MHz licenses to add frequencies currently available only to public safety eligible entities as well as for access to 800 MHz Expansion Band frequencies in an area not declared complete. On the request to access “Sprint-vacated” frequencies before the end of the Public Safety set-aside period, the FCC disagreed “with the suggestion that the purpose of the rule has been met because no Public Safety entity applied for the channels before the midpoint of the set-aside period.” Further, the FCC did not believe that AEP demonstrated that granting the waiver would be in the public interest. With respect to the request for access to 800 MHz Expansion Band frequencies, the FCC concluded that AEP had not demonstrated a compelling reason to grant the request and that granting the request “would undermine the goal of maintaining a stable spectrum environment in each NPSPAC region prior to establishing a filing date.” (DA 16-1073)
Category: EWA On Your SideFCC Denies Bristol Meyers Waiver Request
Writing that it seeks to protect “the amount of spectrum set aside for current and future” Airport Terminal Use (ATU) operations, the FCC denied the Request for Waiver filed by Bristol-Myers Squibb in an Order released September 6. The FCC did not find compelling Bristol-Myer’s willingness to accept secondary status as the pharmaceutical company proposes to operate in centralized trunked mode. The FCC also stated that the applicant had failed to demonstrate circumstances that would render application of the rule burdensome, contrary to the public interest or without a reasonable alternative. “That they operate in areas of spectrum congestion does not warrant grant of a waiver,” stated the Order.
Category: EWA On Your SideLMCC to Discuss Chinese Devices in December Meeting
In a meeting planned for December 6, the Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) will, among other topics, address the increased use of Asian products that are not type-accepted, may be programmed to virtually any channel below 480 MHz, and which are accompanied by advisories that FCC licensing is not necessary. Because of the danger of interference and unauthorized and unlicensed use of spectrum, EWA will propose that the LMCC aggressively seek FCC action in addition to promoting industry awareness.
Category: EWA On Your SideFCC Adopts PRS Reorganization and Rule Update
New rules governing the Personal Radio Services (PRS) become effective September 28. PRS provides for a range of wireless devices that are used by the public for communication and includes walkie-talkies, radio controlled model toys, medical implant devices and Personal Locator Beacons, among others. In addition to an “update of the rules to reflect modern practices, the Commission enhanced the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) to allow new digital applications, allot additional interstitial channels and extend the license term from five to ten years. It also allotted additional channels to the Family Radio Service (FRS) and increased the power on certain FRS channels from 0.5 Watts to two Watts.”
Category: EWA On Your SideRevised California Hands-Free Law Passes
On August 31, the California Senate passed the revision of the State’s hands-free legislation. The bill is now on its way to the Governor to sign. The amendment, which has been making its way through the legislature since this past May removes the terms “SMR device” and “two-way messaging devices” as examples of electronic devices prohibited from being used while driving.
Category: EWA On Your SideEnforcement Actions
Global Paratransit Fined for Not Operating in Narrowband
The FCC has imposed what is believed to be the first fine to a licensee for operating a wideband system in non-compliance with the January 1, 2013, 150-470 MHz narrowbanding deadline. On September 11, the FCC adopted a Forfeiture Order imposing a fine of $13,000 against Global Paratransit for failing to operate its private land mobile radio station on a narrowband basis, failing to transmit its call sign, and failing to respond to a Commission Notice of Violation (NOV). The Commission issued the NOV in May of 2016.
Other Actions
The FCC issued a Notice of Violation to Juan Carlos Cacho Alvelo for causing interference to the safety and distress frequency of 406.0 MHz, using an unregistered Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB) in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Per FCC Rules, “EPIRB transmissions must be used only under emergency conditions….” An FCC agent found the EPIRB activated in the absence of an emergency on a small vessel located at a private residence. Within 20 days of the Notice, Mr. Alvelo was instructed to submit a written statement explaining this matter, the steps taken to correct the violations and a timeline for correction.
The Miami office of the FCC Enforcement Bureau issued a warning to Robenson Thermitus for operating an unlicensed FM station in Miami, Florida. The violator was broadcasting using a power level that exceeded the maximum permitted level for non-licensed devices. Mr. Thermitus has 10 days to respond with evidence of authority to operate.
Category: In the news