Enterprise Wireless Insider, Vol. 10, No. 3

EWA Now Accepting VRS Applications

Effective immediately, the Enterprise Wireless Alliance will accept and process Business/Industrial/Land Transportation and public safety applications for vehicular repeater systems (VRS--MO3 station class) on six 173 MHz channels that were previously available only for data telemetry systems. Applications will be processed by EWA on a first-in, first-out basis in accordance with Federal Communications Commission policies. 

You may submit VRS applications through Cevo®. 

The FCC announced today via Public Notice that on March 15, 2016, it will begin accepting applications for the operation of mobile repeaters on 173.2375, 173.2625, 173.2875, 173.3125, 173.3375, and 173.3625 MHz. Since co-channel operations between data telemetry and VRS operations are to be coordinated on a exclusive-use basis given their incompatibility, an additional fee ($275/application) will be charged by EWA to perform the FCC-approved propagation analyses when a vehicular repeater and data telemetry system potentially would operate on one of the 173 MHz channels within 161 km of each other. 

Please call your EWA Spectrum Advisor or call 1-800-482-8282 if you have any questions regarding this VRS spectrum opportunity. Please also recognize that the FCC has imposed power, area of operation, and other limitations on these channels when used for VRS. We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate the opportunity to be of service.

EWA Files Request for Clarification on HAC Requirements

The new Hearing Aid Compatibility rules specifically exclude private enterprise and public safety systems. However, 800- and 900-MHz digital Specialized Mobile Radio systems unfortunately appear to fall within the new definition of entities subject to the HAC requirements. EWA filed a Petition requesting clarification or reconsideration of newly modified FCC Rule Section 20.19(a)(1)(i) which defined those service providers that are required to offer hearing aid-compatible mobile handsets. 

In an earlier proceeding, the Commission determined  that wireless systems commonly referred to as “covered CMRS” systems would be subject to the HAC obligation; that is, those that offered “real-time, two-way switched voice service that is interconnected with the public switched network, and utilize an in-network switching facility which enables the provider to reuse frequencies and accomplish seamless handoffs of subscriber calls.” The newly modified Rule Section 20.19(a)(1)(i) could be read to have revoked the HAC-compliance exemption for 800- and 900-MHz SMR systems that do not operate in a cellular-like configuration and do not offer service to the public without the analysis required under 47 U.S.C. § 610(b)(2)(B). In its filing, EWA urges the FCC to clarify or amend the rule consistent with its recommendations.

Five or Ten Year License Terms

It is rumored that the FCC may be resurrecting its six-year-old proceeding that would potentially increase reporting requirements during the license renewal process. The intent of the proceeding is to maximize spectrum efficiency through a variety of spectrum use-verification procedures. If spectrum isn’t being used, then, potentially, it could be made available to other interested parties. Of course, the devil is in the details, and this objective can become quite complicated to implement fairly and effectively. That may be why the proceeding went dark five or so years ago. 

EWA supports a more thorough renewal process as it is a good time for licensees, particularly those using site-specific based channels under Part 90, to review carefully both license administrative and system technical data to ensure that the information is accurate and reflects actual system operating parameters. The more accurate the license database is, frequency coordination processes will benefit, resulting in better spectrum use recommendations.

One tactic that EWA is exploring is the thought that five-year licenses may promote a more accurate database than do ten-year licenses where the opportunity for critical data to become stale is greater. Member comments and suggestions on the subject of license terms are solicited. 

EWA Attends GLMSS, Prepares for IWCE

Late last week, EWA staff attended the Great Lakes MSS Association Spring Meeting in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Mark Crosby provided a regulatory update during Friday morning presentations. EWA staff showcased Cevo, EWA’s online frequency coordination tool, and EWA’s newly released Wireless System Investment Prediction model, a product whose use is limited to members, among other services.

At the upcoming International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) in Las Vegas this March, EWA’s Mark Crosby and Ila Dudley will be participating as guest speakers during the following educational sessions:

• Crosby - Where Will Everyone Go? T-Band Reallocation, March 23 at 11:30 a.m.;
• Dudley - Frequency Coordination and FCC Compliance, March 23 at 2:45 p.m.;
• Crosby – TETRA Today, March 24 at 9:00 a.m.; and
• Crosby - 900 MHz Private Enterprise Broadband Initiative Update, March 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Be sure to visit EWA staff in booth #2071, and learn new ways you can speed up and better control the licensing and frequency coordination process.  Conference registration is open!

Wilkins to be Named WTB Chief

The FCC announced that Roger C. Sherman, Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, will be departing the Commission at the end of February, and that Chairman Wheeler intends to name Jon Wilkins, currently the Commission’s Managing Director, as his replacement. 

Wilkins joined the Commission in 2013 as the FCC’s chief operating official and served as the Chairman’s advisor for management. Prior to joining the Commission, Wilkins spent 16 years at McKinsey & Company in Washington, D.C., where he was a partner and a leader in the company’s Telecommunications, Media, and Technology practice.