Enterprise Wireless Insider® Volume 7, Issue 5

Failed Broadband Site Registration

Robert Schmidt, dba RSISP, was held liable by the FCC for failing to register two communication sites in Juan Diaz and Ponce, Puerto Rico prior to putting them into operation. Having a nationwide non-exclusive license to operate fixed and base stations for wireless operations in the 3650-3700 MHz band requires a licensee to register the station with the FCC’s ULS before placing the system into operation which RSISP failed to do. RSISP was issued a fine of $12,000 representing $6,000 for each site violation.

TV White Space Database Systems and Trials

The Commission’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) announced that it has authorized Spectrum Bridge and Telcordia to serve as national TV white space database system service providers for unlicensed devices. Previously these two organizations were limited to specific areas of the East Coast. In case anyone thought that the FCC would limit the provision of this necessary database service to a select few, in a separate Public Notice, the FCC also announced that Google has started a 45 day public trial period of its database system on March 4. The purpose of the trial is to “allow the public to access and test Google’s database system to ensure that it correctly identifies channels that are available for unlicensed radio transmitting devices that operate in the TV band, properly registers radio transmitting facilities entitled to protection, and provides protection to authorized services and registered facilities as specified in the rules”.  The public is encouraged to test the database and provide feedback to Google.

FCC Adopts New Rules for Wideband Signal Boosters

New rules will require registration in an FCC database of Class B, wideband signal boosters, and non-licensed signal booster users must now secure consent from the licensee(s) whose signal they intend to amplify, among other new requirements. The new rules adopted were primarily applicable to those used by consumers in “subscriber-based services” where the FCC has adopted technical specifications for permissible boosters and requires consumers to register them with the affected wireless provider who must provide affirmative consent.  The changes were more limited for what the FCC now calls “Industrial Signal Boosters,” those licensed under Section 90.219.  FCC Report & Order

USMSS Requests Support from Enforcement Bureau

The USMSS, in a letter submitted to the FCC Enforcement Bureau on March 5, is encouraging the FCC to establish a “simple process” to report FCC violations committed by organizations that ignore FCC regulations by adding new frequencies to systems when the licensee has not secured authority to use the new channels.  The USMSS points out that “Unfortunately, not all of the entities that service Part 90 wireless equipment comply with FCC Rule Section 90.427(b)”, which states that “…no person shall program into a transmitter frequencies for which the licensee using the transmitter is not authorized”

The USMSS observed that “It is not uncommon for one of our members to advise a customer that is prohibited from adding unlicensed frequencies to a system, including new wideband frequencies, only to have the customer secure programming assistance from an organization that chooses to ignore FCC Rule Section 90.427(b)”, placing USMSS members at a “competitive disadvantage”.

The USMSS requests a new process to report violations of FCC Rule Section 90.427(b), including an explanation of the complaint, so the Enforcement Bureau can more easily initiate an investigation.  The USMSS believes that “…even a small number of well-publicized enforcement actions for Section 90.427(b) violations would send a powerful message to this industry”.

VHF and UHF Part 22 Auction Scheduled for July

No comments were filed in response to the competitive bidding procedures proposed for Auction 95, an auction for the Part 22 “paging” channels that either were not purchased in the three previous auctions or were recovered by the FCC.  The auction is scheduled for July 16, and the FCC is presently seeking comments.  Further Public Notices will be issued advising of the deadline for filing applications to participate.  The link to the list of available licenses can be found at  http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/default.htm?job=auctions_home.

EWA members with offices located within or near the geographic vicinity of the areas to be auctioned will be receiving communications from EWA advising of this spectrum opportunity.
 

LMCC Moves Closer to “Best Practices”

The LMCC’s Digital Working Group has finalized its “best practice” approaches for coordinating digital systems on shared channels, predominately in the 150-470 MHz band, and will submit the document for FCC examination after the LMCC membership’s final review. The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has been specifically asked to verify the accuracy of their product emission designators and corresponding informational characteristics that are to be used by participating frequency advisory committees for applicant/licensee and system sales/service educational purposes.

EWA Webinar Captures Member T-Band Opinions

With the intention of gathering member viewpoints associated with the FCC’s recent request for information about reallocating T-Band spectrum for broadband purposes and the resulting requirement to relocate licensees to alternative spectrum environs yet identified, EWA hosted a participatory member webinar. A number of questions raised by the FCC in a recent February 11 Public Notice were presented and potential EWA responses were discussed. Input from members will be used to help shape EWA’s comments in this very important rulemaking proceeding. A copy of the webinar presentation and a webinar recording are available at EWA’s website www.enterpirsewireless.org/Resources.