Equipment Narrowbanding Delay Requested - Late
Ritron, Inc., a manufacturer of wireless products, has filed a Petition asking for an indefinite delay in implementing the narrowbanding rules which requires that all new VHF and UHF equipment authorizations after January 2013 support 6.25 kHz capability. The Petition pointed to a footnote in the Order in which that requirement was adopted, which stated that further extensions could be requested if 6.25 kHz standards are not in place by that date. Ritron argued that no such standards were in place and that requiring small manufacturers to comply would impede competition without benefitting users. The FCC has not yet requested comment on the Ritron Petition.
Category: In the newsHow Much is Too Much?
On September 28, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to review its policies governing mobile spectrum holdings. The FCC’s current case-by-case analyses has come under fire both from proponents of a liberal spectrum acquisition and transfer policy that argue the FCC’s approach lacks predictability and timeliness and by those who believe the FCC has allowed excessive consolidation in the wireless marketplace. The NPR is intended to “provides rules of the road that are clear and predictable, and that promote the competition needed to ensure a vibrant, world-leading, innovation-based mobile economy.” Comments will be due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register and Reply Comments 75 days after publication.
Category: In the newsFCC Issues Incentive Auction NPRM
On October 2 the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on issues relating to the implementation of voluntary incentive auctions aimed at repurposing broadcast television spectrum for mobile broadband use. While it is unclear why it is particularly relevant to America’s spectrum policy, the FCC announced that this “will make the United States the first nation in the world to implement incentive auctions.” According to the FCC, incentive auctions will offer financial opportunities to broadcasters, while enabling much-needed additional spectrum for mobile broadband. The NPRM seeks comment on another of complicated issues, including auction design choices and the tradeoffs they present, whether to establish reverse auction bid options in addition to those identified within the Spectrum Act; and how to make "all reasonable efforts" to preserve the coverage area and population served by television stations.
Category: In the newsFCC Receives 800 MHz Guard Band Petition
On September 21, the Utah Transit Authority and Janus Spectrum LLC jointly submitted a Petition for Rule Making that would permit the licensing of the 800 MHz “Guard Band” spectrum throughout the country. With the belief that Sprint will be vacating this spectrum in the immediate future, the principals of Janus stated that they “plan to acquire and utilize channels within the Guard Band to offer low cost mobile broadband services on a small scale in selected markets.” Janus noted further, “that it has no plans to acquire and then resell the spectrum, but it may ultimately collaborate with larger carriers if such arrangements would support the Janus business plan.” And Elvis was in Emmitsburg this past week. Joint Filing
Category: In the newsWireless Microphone Registration System Launched
An unlicensed wireless microphone registration system which allows qualifying parties to register event venues with TV bands database systems “so that operations of unlicensed wireless microphones and other low power auxiliary station devices at specified times will be protected from potential interference caused by other unlicensed devices” has been launched by the Office of Engineering and Technology and Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. General information on the registration system and guidance regarding registration is in the Public Notice and the registration system is available online at http://www.fcc.gov/uls/login. Now we just need to make sure everyone registers.
Category: In the newsFCC Unleashes TETRA
The FCC finally released its Report and Order amending Part 90 of the Rules to permit the certification and use of Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) equipment. TETRA may now be used within the 450-470 MHz band and Business/Industrial Land Transportation 800 MHz channels (809-824/854-869 MHz) that are not in the National Public Safety Planning and Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) portion of the band. The FCC also reported that “Because TETRA is a trunked technology and is not capable of monitoring a frequency prior to transmitting; TETRA equipment is not suitable for use on shared channels, and may be deployed only by licensees that are exempt from any monitoring requirements.” This latter issue was brought to the FCC’s attention by EWA on a number of occasions.
Category: In the newsOrange County and Friends Pushing Back
The FCC has approved rules authorizing the deployment of broadband technology on 800 MHz ESMR spectrum. The decision was in response to a request from Sprint Nextel to deploy CDMA technology in the 800 MHz band. The rules adopted include a requirement that Sprint Nextel provide 30 days prior written notice to all 800 MHz public safety licensees with a base station in or within 70 miles of the NPSPAC region in which broadband service is to be initiated.
This past summer, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department filed a Petition for Reconsideration objecting to both the FCC’s decision and to the notification requirements adopted. The FCC placed the Petition on Public Notice and Sprint Nextel filed in opposition. Recently, APCO, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, and, in a joint filing, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, the US Conference of Mayors, the National Association of Counties, and the National League of Cities have supported Orange County’s Petition and the County filed comments objecting to Sprint Nextel’s Opposition.
New Scam – Construction Notice Solicitations
When the FCC issues a new license, or a modification to an existing license to add new frequencies or new locations, they normally allow one year from date of grant for the licensee to construct and place the new frequencies and/or sites into operation. This deadline is listed on the license under “Construct Date.” When the system is constructed, licensees advise the FCC that they have met their construction requirement by submitting a Form 601 Schedule K to the Commission. This required notification may be submitted electronically at no cost using the FCC’s ULS website. EWA assists many of its members each year with this filing obligation as well, and it should be accomplished when the system has been constructed, not before. Be aware of companies who are proposing to assist with this obligation one or two days after a license is issued for a fee. It’s not in compliance with the rules and you can save your hard earned money! Contact EWA’s Membership Department if you have any questions.
Category: EWA On Your SideLMCC Board and FCC Discuss Rule Changes
The LMCC Board of Directors recently met with staff members from the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications and Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureaus to discuss FCC progress toward adopting rule changes suggested by the LMCC, in particular amendments to FCC Rule Section 90.187 that were submitted in June 2011; and the ACCV table recently submitted to the FCC that the coordinators agreed to use to identify exclusive use (FB8 channels) in the VHF and UHF bands. The FCC stated that it did not intend to issue a Public Notice or other document relating to use of the table by LMCC coordinators since it constitutes generally accepted engineering practices as permitted under the rules already. During the meeting, the FCC also noted that narrowbanding waiver requests will come under increasing scrutiny as the January 1, 2013, narrowbanding deadline approaches.
Category: EWA On Your SideEWA Comments on Vehicular Repeater Request
In this proceeding, COJFD seeks a waiver of the rules to permit the use of 172.225 MHz for a vehicular repeater system (VRS). APCO has supported the waiver, and FCCA has opposed the waiver request. In recently filed comments EWA took no position on whether the waiver requested by the COJFD should be granted in light of the Federal Government’s primary jurisdiction over the Frequency in areas east of the Mississippi River. However, EWA urged the FCC to address the broader issue of VRS spectrum availability by taking action promptly on the pending Pyramid Petition.
Category: EWA On Your SideEWA Urges FCC to Revisit T-Band Freeze
EWA filed Comments supporting the Somerset County, New Jersey T-Band Waiver Request stating that “[T]he wisdom of and necessity for imposing a freeze on all spectrum in all T-Band markets almost a decade before the reallocation mandated by the Act, at best, is questionable. It reflects a balancing of the public interest that, in EWA’s opinion, without any economic analyses or recognition of the benefits that accrue to the American public through the use of T-Band spectrum, improperly elevates the benefit of cost containment for future bidders over the immediate and ongoing communications needs of public safety, critical infrastructure, and other important PLMR user requirements.” Press Release
Category: EWA On Your Side