VRS Provided Access to the 173 MHz Band
On August 10, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Report and Order amending Part 90 rules “to allow the licensing and operation of vehicular repeater systems (VRS) and other mobile repeaters on six remote control and telemetry channels in the VHF band” for use by Industrial/Business (I/B) and Public Safety entities. The six channels in the 173 MHz band are shared currently between Public Safety and I/B licensees. The Commission first authorized these channels for telemetry use in 1977, and they have been available since that time. According to an FCC review of the ULS licensing database, however, “nationwide, these six channels are not heavily populated.”
In its Order, the FCC stated that it seeks to create an environment that will allow for both the expansion of incumbent telemetry systems and the implementation of new VRS. As such, the FCC has determined that statewide authorizations would be made available on a secondary basis only and adopted other rules to promote uses within specific, localized areas. The FCC also addressed concerns about the filing of speculative applications, an ongoing and increasing concern in the licensed spectrum world, by imposing a channel loading requirement. An applicant must demonstrate that it has fully loaded its initial frequency assignment before the FCC will grant an application for additional frequency.
On the matter of frequency coordination for these channels, the FCC agreed with the Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) assertion that appropriate coordination protocols must be developed to ensure geographic separation and minimize the risk of “commingling voice and data operations.” In the Order, the FCC directs the “coordinator community to develop a consensus protocol for VRS coordination” that conforms with existing Part 90 technical requirements and ensures efficient use of the spectrum.
LMCC is currently identifying suitable dates to convene an initial meeting to work on this protocol. Until this protocol is created and approved, the FCC will not accept applications for mobile repeaters on these frequencies.
Category: EWA On Your SideThis Year’s WLS Includes a Number of Firsts—Don’t Miss it!
The Wireless Leadership Summit is a must-attend event, and if you register by September 17, you’ll save $100! Visit the industry’s leading companies in the exhibit hall (with more exhibitors than ever!), receive a comprehensive update on regulatory issues, learn some great strategies in the sessions, catch up with business associates and create new relationships. This year’s conference includes a number of “firsts” that you don’t want to miss. Highlights from the schedule include:
- The inaugural meeting of the group Women in Wireless Communications on Thursday morning, October 8, at 8 a.m. It’s open to all and is certain to launch some exciting discussions.
- Informative sessions, including prospecting and selling to large enterprise companies, managing immense wireless projects and smart and savvy moves to sell your business or acquire a competitor.
- John Tarnoff’s talk, “21 Paradigms for the 21st Century: How Digital Has Changed Everything,” will be the perfect way to close the day with the four skills you’ll need to compete in the new digital economy. John Tarnoff, the keynote speaker, is both a Hollywood insider and a tech guru with a history as a successful entrepreneur. This is the first year we’ve scheduled our keynote at the end of the day, but we think his words will help tie together themes from sessions earlier in the day.
See the full schedule at this link and make your plans to be in Atlanta for the 2015 Wireless Leadership Summit, October 7-9.
Category: In the newsLMCC Supports NPSTC Request on Airborne Devices
On August 3, the Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) filed in support of a National Public Safety Telecommunications Council request that the FCC correct its apparent oversight to include public safety and B/ILT airborne operations and specifically FCC Rule Section 90.423 in its effort to “harmonize regulations governing the operation of mobile devices on airborne aircraft across all commercial mobile spectrum bands.” In its filing, the LMCC pointed out that Rule Section 90.423 governs not only broadband SMR operations, but private internal and commercial systems that may require airborne operations. These include both mission-critical public safety airborne operations and a great many Business/Industrial and Land Transportation systems that include some airborne applications. The petroleum, heavy construction and agricultural industries, to name just a few, utilize airborne operations to support their critical business objectives. These operations have been accommodated successfully under Rule Section 90.423 for decades and should not be affected by new policies directed towards commercial mobile broadband uses onboard commercial aircraft.
Category: EWA On Your Side