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June 4, 2014
Volume 8, Issue 8
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Who and When? Accessing 800 MHz Expansion/Guard Band Channels
There are eighty (80) potential 25 kHz exclusive use channels at issue in this regulatory matter, and excluding public safety, the last new allocation of spectrum for Industrial/Business licensees was in 1985! With that in mind, EWA filed a response to an FCC Public Notice that sought comment on the March 27 Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) Petition for Rulemaking that recommended that the Commission should limit access to newly released 800 MHz EB/GB channels to incumbent licensees that are already operating systems for six months, after which all remaining channels would be available to all eligible applicants. MORE |
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Missing the Boat?
EWA will also be filing Reply Comments on June 11 in the EB/GB 800 MHz proceeding in which the LMCC has asked the FCC to provide a six-month period for incumbents in a market to request those channels prior to accepting applications from new entrants. Virtually all of the Comments in opposition were filed by individuals and organizations that selected their positions from a Chinese-restaurant like menu of five potential arguments prepared by someone who appears highly motivated to stop this LMCC initiative. How do we know that? Well the risk you run when orchestrating these kinds of “mass filings” is that someone won’t follow the directions or, as in this case, will follow them too carefully. MORE |
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New Advisory Service Webinar Slated for June 5
EWA has launched an e-Advisory service for 150-512 MHz applicants offering guidelines and essential information to facilitate greater spectrum use results in shared channel environments. Due to the deployment of newer advanced digital technologies, there have been incidents of apparent system incompatibility with incumbent channel neighbors. The Advisory, which is triggered by the EWA certification process, will be sent providing relevant reminders of critical FCC rules and helpful information on the potential for channel access issues associated with analog and digital systems operating in shared bands. Press Release
Join us for a webinar on June 5, 2014, that will provide details about this new service and how it may be best utilized to manage licensee spectrum expectations. Registration details will be presented in a separate bulletin or Register Today!
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LMCC Seeks Ruling on Extending Conditional Licensing Authority
The Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) seeks to extend conditional licensing authority to 470-512 MHz and 800/900 MHz applications. The Commission has identified an approach to consolidate this matter with others and may now align this LMCC request with agency policy initiatives. The Petition also noted that the current waiver for applications above 470 MHz expires on June 30, 2014, and urged the FCC to extend it until the Commission acts on the Petition. |
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Have You Found Your Frequencies Yet?
The Cevo mobile app is rapidly becoming the number one tool for wireless sales, technical and customer service professionals. EWA customers are telling us how much they appreciate the ability to immediately, and from anywhere, research available frequencies for both Business/Industrial and Public Safety on their smart phone. Download the latest version of the app at Apple and Android mobile app stores.
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Smartcomm Affiliate Seeks FCC Frequency Advisory Committee Certification
Back in March, NFC filed its request to be certified as a frequency coordinator for Part 90 frequencies. Based out of Jacksonville, Florida, and sharing an address with True Net Communications, a national infrastructure engineering and specialty contractor, NFC stated that it was formed in 2013, has extensive experience in spectrum management and frequency coordination, and also has regionally based Frequency Coordinators to accommodate local requirements. NFC also noted that “Q-Comm is our internal software solution for Frequency Coordination which customized to frequency coordination policy and procedures, tracking and communication to the FCC as required … Q-Comm is enterprise and cloud based as the technology is mirror (sic) to that of the US Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.” NFC also stated that it would be “handling post-incising (sic) conflicts and interservice-sharing requests.” Comments are due at the FCC on June 13. MORE |
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Me Too - AAR Seeks 800/900 MHz Frequency Coordination Certification
Pretty much everyone in the land mobile industry knows that the American Association of Railroads (AAR) is incredibly rigorous in its interpretation of the rules governing its designation as the frequency advisory committee with responsibility for over 150 VHF channels that are allocated for use by the railroad industry on a primary basis, but not on an exclusive basis. In 1988, under the management of AAR, the railroads were allocated six (6) 900 MHz channel pairs exclusively on a national basis for use within an Advanced Train Control System. Not much is known about that system or its development status, but more recently, AAR has devoted more attention in other bands for positive train control solutions. MORE |
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TV Spectrum Auction Rules Adopted
The FCC recently approved rules which enable the auction of low-band TV spectrum to wireless broadband providers, a move that may indeed change the competitive landscape of the wireless industry for the foreseeable future. Noting that spectrum access is essential to the mobile marketplace and that these measures “will promote more completion in more markets” while allowing smaller providers like Sprint and T-Mobile better opportunities in acquiring valuable spectrum, the FCC says that these new rules will benefit consumers by easing the congestion on wireless networks and provide more choices of wireless providers at lower prices while maintaining premium quality. MORE |
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Weld County Gets to Keep I/B 800 MHz Channels
We are still trying to figure out what part of this recent FCC decision was granted in favor of EWA. However, in response to EWA’s efforts for fair spectrum policy, the FCC stated that it “granted and denied in part” EWA’s request for reconsideration of an order granting Weld County’s waiver request to use two I/B 800 MHz channels notwithstanding the fact that it was discovered that Sprint-vacated 800 Mhz channels were also available for which public safety entities enjoyed exclusive access for three years. MORE |
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Railroad Police May Soon Access Public Safety Interoperability Channels
Well, maybe not soon, but NPSTC has suggested that Police organizations operated by the railroads that do not fall within the strict eligibility definition of public safety perhaps should be able to license and operate on public safety interoperability frequencies. Evidently, there are “bonafide Railroad Police” that have a need for effective and expeditious communications with members of local and state law enforcement, fire and emergency medical organizations who do meet the Commission’s eligibility requirements. Comments are due at the FCC on June 30.
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Leonard “Len” Kolsky, most recently of counsel for the law firm, Lukas Nace Gutierrez and Sachs, LLP, passed away on May 7, 2014. Before becoming a successful wireless consultant, Len had a multi-decade career with Motorola, was the former Vice President and Director of Global Telecom Relations for the Motorola, and was widely recognized for developing policies that advanced international wireless telecommunications. He is survived by his wife, Liz Sachs, who is regulatory counsel to EWA, two daughters and grandchildren.
Condolences may be sent to Lukas, Nace, Gutierrez & Sachs, LLP, 8300 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1200, McLean, VA 22102. Donations in Len’s name may be made to either of the following charities:
Women's Microfinance Initiative
Crittenton Services of Greater Washington
Rhett Grotzinger, former EWA Board member, died on May 9, 2014. Before joining Space Data as Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Rhett was with Trident Micro Systems, was the founding general manager of Kenwood Systems Group, led two-way radio dealerships and was a lifelong ham, call sign WB5NWA. He is survived by his wife and daughter. Donations in Rhett’s name may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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Nasty Business $3.9M Fine for "Slamming"
Central Telecom Long Distance, Inc. was fined $3,960,000 for “slamming” and violating truth-in-billing. Central used telemarketing to deceive consumers into believing they were providing authorization to switch their service plan (known as “slamming”). Central also billed consumers for unauthorized charges and violated truth-in-billing rules by not clearly describing charges on customers’ telephone bills. |
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No Kidding - A $294,400 Fine for Unlicensed Use of Private Land Mobile Channels
Pass this notice on to any of your customers who don’t pay heed to the obligation to renew licenses by perhaps proclaiming “what’s the big deal”? Is $294,400 a big enough deal? In this case, Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC operated numerous wireless radio stations, several at 72 MHz for data telemetry purposes, and others for conventional 450 MHz systems on shared channels for periods ranging from ten months to more than two years after their licenses had expired. MORE |
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Pirate Radio Enforcement Still a Priority for the FCC
In recent correspondence to Congressman Peter T. King, the Commission thanked King for expressing concern over radio piracy in New York City and ensured him that the Commission has taken significant steps in the last few years to crack down radio piracy in New York City. The letter emphasized specific initiatives taken such as the pirate enforcement program in FY2013 which continues to yield dividends in shutting down numerous pirate radio operators in the New York City area. MORE
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Upcoming events:
e-Advisory Spectrum Efficiency Webinar
June 5, 2014
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm (EDT)
Register today
SEMSS Annual Meeting
Lido Beach Resort, Sarasota, Florida
June 18-20, 2014
Learn more
2014 Wireless Leadership Summit
Westin Downtown Denver
October 8-10, 2014
Learn more
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Reserve your hotel today for the Wireless Leadership Summit
Make your plans today to attend the EWA-USMSS co-sponsored Wireless Leadership Summit in Denver, Colorado. We encourage you to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible directly with the Westin Denver Downtown 303-572-9100 or at this link.
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WHAT YOU'RE SAYING ABOUT EWA
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“Ila, I just wanted to drop a note and let you know what a pleasure it is to work with Ann Mastbrook. She answers all my questions and is a very big help to me in trying to wade through getting a license processed. I know so many times, people are always quick to complain but never to give a compliment to someone. You have a great employee in Ann Mastbrook.”
Shirley Pojar - Alliance Wireless Technologies Inc.
“EWA has provided excellent service and is our "go-to" source for all licensing issues.”
Jay Sluyter – Communications Electronics of VA
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Members are encouraged to contact EWA with their comments and recommendations regarding the Alliance's services or newsletter content. |
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