FCC Warns Public and Government Entities on Illegal “Jammer Use”
The Commission issued an Enforcement Advisory warning to the public including state and local government agencies on the illegal use of cell phone jammers and similar devices that block, jam or interfere with authorized communications. Visit www.fcc.gov/jammers for Frequently Asked Questions and to learn more about enforcement of the jamming prohibition.
Grandfathering of 3.65 GHz Spectrum Recommended
The record is complete on the FCC’s proposal to adopt a five-year period for grandfathering into the new Citizens Broadband Radio Service at 3550-3650 MHz, the adjacent 3650-3700 MHz band that is used extensively by CII and other Part 90 licensees. On December 3, representatives from the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association and the electric utility industry met with the FCC suggesting that the Commission should grandfather existing 3650-3700 MHz operations to account for the “lifespan of existing equipment” including rules that would not delay or negatively affect previous investments in this band through a forced equipment transition to accommodate the proposed Citizens Broadband Radio Service.
Category: In the newsYet Another Request to Become an FCC-Certified Frequency Coordinator
A newly created entity naming itself the Engineers Frequency Advisory Committee, LLC (EFAC), is seeking authority to coordinate Part 90 public safety and industrial/business frequencies. EFAC members are Tusa Consulting Services, Blue Wing Service, and Shulman Rogers Gandal Pordy & Ecker, P.A. EFAC states that it is representative of PS and I/B entities, experienced in frequency coordination and that it may provide technical assistance. It is expected that both EWA and the LMCC will be responding to this request. Comments are due on January 5 and Reply Comments on January 20. Public Notice
Category: In the newsFCC Seeks Comments on Private Enterprise Broadband Petition
The FCC responded quickly to the joint EWA/Pacific Datavision Petition for Rulemaking that would realign the 900MHz band to accommodate a 3/3 MHz broadband opportunity while retaining a 2/2 MHz allocation for narrowband B/ILT and SMR voice and data systems. In a Public Notice, in addition to commenting on the merits of the petition, the FCC asks that parties comment on (i) the use to which private entities would put this broadband spectrum; (ii) what changes to the technical rules would be needed; (iii) the estimated relocation costs; and (iv) whether a broadband opportunity could be accomplished without band realignment. Comments are due on January 12 and Reply Comments on January 27.
Category: In the newsRetail in Valdosta, Georgia
A retail store received so much interference on their two way radios they could not use their communication system. The interference consisted of loud voices transmitting profanities and other unacceptable remarks at any given time during the day or evening. Through process of elimination, it was determined the source of the interference was an unlicensed user. The information was forwarded to FCC Enforcement Bureau for action.
Category: Keeping the PeaceMall Security in Rockaway, New Jersey
Security staff in a New Jersey mall was experiencing radio interference consisting of unidentifiable beeps and computer generated voices discussing hospital operations and other various types of medical related remarks, including a reference to Ebola. Research identified a medical telemetry system licensed less than 20 miles away from the mall which was licensed for digital data/tone emissions and authorized on a secondary non-interference basis to existing licensed systems. Additionally, the facility’s FCC license had expired two months prior to the investigation. The hospital license contact information was provided to mall security for further investigation.
Category: Keeping the PeaceWrecker Service in Indianapolis, Indiana
When EWA was contacted by a wrecker service experiencing interference, research indicated that a company located thirty miles away was transmitting in continuous carrier mode on their data system. The licensee was identified and review of their FCC license determined they were not authorized for continuous carrier use, and that they are required per §90.403(e) to monitor prior to each transmission to minimize the potential for causing interference. This information was relayed to both parties for a resolution.
Category: Keeping the PeaceLong Time Neighbors in Jacksonville, Florida
Two co-channel licensees located roughly 40 miles from one another had peacefully shared a UHF frequency pair since the year 2003. Earlier this year, one of them modified their FCC license to add digital emissions to their system. Shortly after that modification was made, EWA received a complaint from the second licensee stating they started receiving digital type interference on their radios. Since the channel was shared and it appeared that all parties were otherwise operating in compliance with the FCC’s rules, it was noted that the operation of a digital system was not harmful interference.
Category: Keeping the Peace