Be Truthful with the FCC
The American Taxi Shuttle and Limo has been fined $20,000 by the FCC for willfully operating without a FCC license. Originally, the FCC Enforcement Bureau verbally warned and issued a Notice of Unlicensed Operation (NOUO) to American Taxi and Shuttle. The company owner then proceeded to claim that his company had acquired their radios and authorization to operate from another licensee. When the FCC contacted the other licensee for verification, they were advised that there had been no such agreement with American Taxi. For willfully operating without an authorization which carries a $10,000 fine, and since American Taxi was aware of this violation, the fine was increased to $20,000. MORE
Category: Enforcement CornerNationwide Public Safety Network Subject of Hearings
In September 23 hearings on funding the 700 MHz D Block Spectrum for the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, Sen. John D. Rockefeller, Senate Commerce Committee Chair, reiterated that his legislation will allocate the 10 MHz of spectrum known as the D-Block to public safety and give the FCC authority to hold incentive auctions based on the voluntary return of spectrum. These auctions are meant to fund the construction and maintenance of the public safety network. Jamie Barnett, Chief of the FCC’s PSHSB, stated that the research conducted by the FCC indicated that public safety spectrum combined with priority roaming on 700 MHz commercial networks would serve the needs of public safety and stated that the FCC’s top priority is to ensure that the 700 MHz network for first responders is built as quickly as possible. MORE
Category:Libraries and Schools Get Improved Broadband
The FCC’s upgraded E-rate brings faster and more affordable Internet access to libraries and schools with faster connections and higher speeds at the lowest price, increasing options for broadband providers and streamlining the application process. Schools and libraries can access the Internet using unused fiber optic lines, allowing Internet access to students at home and connectivity to mobile learning devices. The program indexes the E-rate funding to inflation to increase fiscal responsibility. Established by Congress, E-rate currently provides basic Internet access to 97% percent of U.S. schools and libraries. MORE
Category:Comment Now on 700 MHz Broadband
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau is seeking comment on twenty-four new waiver petitions to deploy public safety broadband systems. Comments must address four specific aspects of the waiver requests: eligibility, geographic overlap, timeframe for the FCC to act on a waiver request and the impact of the PSST budget on additional waivers. Comments are due October 18, 2010.
FCC PN DA 10-1748, Sep 15, 2010 FCC PN DA 10-1796, Sep 22, 2010
FCC Clears White Space
Citing the excellent propagation characteristics of this spectrum coupled with the potential to create “Super Wi-Fi Hot Spots” with extended range and improved individual speeds, the FCC finalized its White Space rules and added new requirements. In their Second Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O) (FCC 10-174) issued on September 23, the FCC stated that TV Band Devices (TVBD) must incorporate geo-location and access a secure TV band national database.
The Commission has removed the sensing technology requirement in the TVBDs to detect the signals of TV stations and wireless microphones. The Commission will reserve two vacant UHF channels for wireless microphones and other low–power auxiliary service devices to ensure that incumbent services are protected from interference. MORE
Category: In the newsThe Issue is Aways Time
Everyone I know is busy. “I don’t have time” is a constant refrain. Finding the time to attend a conference is likely to be difficult, with everything you have to accomplish and juggle in your business. And that’s precisely why I am extending this personal invitation to you to do just that, to find the time to attend Enterprise Wireless 2010, November 3-5 in Orlando.
Enterprise Wireless 2010, co-hosted by USMSS and EWA, and sponsored by Icom, Kenwood and Motorola, is a two and half day event designed specifically to make maximum use of your valuable time and give you benefits meant to contribute to your success throughout the year ahead.
We have an exhibit hall with new products. And the program balances strategies from experts and time for sharing tactics with peers at round table discussions. Ample opportunities for networking come during two receptions and a lunch. Our opening session will give you insights into the wireless marketplace in the year ahead, from three different perspectives.
USMSS and MSS attendees will hold a buffet breakfast and national meetings on Thursday morning. Motorola Service shops will be able to attend training on Wednesday, November 3 and we’ll all gather for an opening reception on the exhibit hall floor that evening, showcasing the excellent exhibiting companies we’ve gathered for you. We’re pleased to welcome the FCC as an exhibitor and to round table discussions they will host.
At EWA, we are committed to our members attaining and retaining market leadership. Please join me at Enterprise Wireless 2010, a conference designed around that commitment. Registration is open until October 30, with special member rates available on line until October 8. Conference rates of $145 at the host hotel, the Omni Championsgate, are available until October 4th. I want to urge you to look at your schedule and carve out the time. We promise it will make a difference in your business. See you in Orlando!
Category: Message trom the President