The FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, in cooperation with the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), will host a workshop focusing on distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell solutions on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC from 9:30 AM – 4 PM EST.  The FCC will also webcast the workshop on the FCC web page.

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Today the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (Bureau) issued the attached Order directing each of the jurisdictions currently authorized to deploy public safety broadband networks in the 763-768/793-798 MHz public safety broadband spectrum to utilize a single, common public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID) designated by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions' International Mobile Subscriber Identities Oversight Council.  The authorized jurisdictions are the 22 entities that have received waivers to pursue early public safety broadband network deployment in the public safety broadband spectrum.  The waiver recipients and the public safety community widely support use of a single, common PLMN ID.

The Bureau further directed the waiver recipients to collectively implement a scheme for the assignment of International Mobile Subscriber Identities and other sub-identification numbers necessary to support all the operations of these LTE broadband deployments on an interoperable basis and to arrange for a common clearinghouse to support commercial roaming by all of the jurisdictions.

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please let us know - email Jennifer Manner.

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Less than one year remains for land mobile radio licensees in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz bands to transition to narrowband operations.  Please find attached a Federal Communications Commission Public Notice reminding licensees, frequency coordinators, equipment manufacturers, and other interested parties of the Federal Communications Commission’s January 1, 2013 deadline for private land mobile radio licensees in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz (VHF/UHF) bands to migrate to narrowband (12.5 kHz or narrower) technology.

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(WT Docket No. 99-87)  NPSTC submits these Reply Comments in response to the Commission's Public Notice announcing the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau's request for comments regarding Requests for Waiver of the January 1, 2013 VHF-UHF Narrowbanding Deadline.  NPSTC notes the Commission also previously released a Public Notice with guidance for licensees to use regarding such waiver requests.  NPSTC believes that guidance provides reasonable criteria to be used in assessing requests for waiver of the January 1, 2013 deadline.  In addressing such requests, NPSTC encourages the Commission to be mindful of real challenges public safety licensees face in narrowbanding, for example, situations in which funding is simply not available.

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New Reporting Requirement Will Help Provide Reliable Phone Service to 9-1-1 for All Voice Calls
 
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today took action to make the nation’s 9-1-1 systems more reliable and resilient by requiring interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers to report significant network outages that meet specific criteria and thresholds.  The new rules will help ensure that the country’s critical communications infrastructure remains available in times of crisis.  The FCC will use outage reports to track and analyze information on interconnected VoIP outages affecting 9-1-1 service and determine if action is needed to prevent future outages.

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This is an important Ex Parte, in that the addition of critical infrastructure providers potentially provides a source of operating revenue for the future public safety broadband network.

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Docket No. 110727437-1433-01:  In the Matter of:  Soliciting Input on Research and Development Priorities for Desirable Features of a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT) Draft Report and Recommendations entitled "Desirable Properties of a National Public Safety Network", NPSTC submits these Comments to Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in response to the Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology (VCAT) Draft Report and Recommendations entitled "Desirable Properties of a National Public Safety Network".  In these comments, NPSTC endorses the VCAT's recommendation that the network be planned and executed in close concert with the local and state public safety community and relevant industry experts, and addresses standards and spectrum issues on which the VCAT Draft Report commented.

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NPSTC has standing committees to monitor issues of interoperability, spectrum management, and technology.  Within these committees, working groups manage specific issues.  NPSTC’s Border Issues Working Group has been working closely with the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Department of State, Industry Canada, and Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group in pursuit of interoperability on the border and the management of spectrum.  One of the issues that has arisen in discussions is the need to amend the Convention Between Canada and the United States of America Relating to the Operation by Citizens of Either Country of Certain Radio Equipment or Stations in the Other Country, which deals with the use of mobile and portable units on the U.S./Canadian border to allow public safety officials properly licensed in one country to communicate [with another].

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112th Congress 1st Session – H.R. 3430...
To direct the Federal Communications Commission to extend the final deadline for private land mobile radio licensees to migrate to narrowband technology by 2 years.

In the House of Representatives November 15, 2011...
Mr. Rothman of New Jersey introduced the following bill which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce:

   H.R. 3430 Bill

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On November 9, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).  The purpose of the test was to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS as a way to alert the public of national emergencies.

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Docket No. 110727437-1433-01:  NPSTC submits these Comments in response to the Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) request in the matter of:  Soliciting Input on Research and Development Priorities for Desirable Features of a Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network.  In these comments, NPSTC recommends NIST focus primarily on those areas that require research, not just proper deployment, and that any research and development program be planned and executed in close concert with the local and state public safety community and relevant industry experts.

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(courtesy Linda K. Moore, Specialist in Telecommunications Policy, CRS)  The United States has yet to find a solution that assures seamless communications among first responders and emergency personnel at the scene of a major disaster.  Since September 11, 2001, when communications failures contributed to the tragedies of the day, Congress has passed several laws intended to create a nationwide emergency communications capability.  The 111th Congress considered pivotal issues, such as radio frequency spectrum license allocation and funding programs for a Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN), without finding a solution that satisfied the expectations of both public safety and commercial network operators.  Congressional initiatives to advance public policies for Next Generation 911 services (NG9-1-1) also remained incomplete.  The 112th Congress is under renewed pressure to come to a decision about the assignment of a block of radio frequency spectrum licenses referred to as the D Block, and to provide a plan for federal support of broadband networks for emergency communications.  The cost of constructing new networks (wireless and wireline) is estimated by experts to be in the tens of billions of dollars over the long term, with similarly large sums needed for maintenance and operation.  Identifying money for federal support in the current climate of budget constraints provides a challenge to policy makers.  The greater challenge, however, may be to assure that funds are spent effectively toward the national goals that Congress sets.

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In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, we seek to accelerate the development and deployment of Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology that will enable the public to send emergency communications to 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) via text, photos, videos, and data and enhance the information available to PSAPs and first responders for assessing and responding to emergencies.

Comment Date: [60 days after publication in the Federal Register]
Reply Comment Date: [90 days after publication in the Federal Register]

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The purpose of this letter is to follow up on ongoing discussions regarding outstanding issues for the 700 MHz Public Safety Band.  It is appropriate that this letter is dated today, as it is the anniversary of two significant items that impact this band.  The first, September 11, 1996, was the release of the Public Safety Wireless Advisory Committee (PSWAC) Final Report, and the second, September 11, 2001, the date of the terrorist attacks.  Until some of the last outstanding issues outlined in this letter are resolved, it is NPSTC's belief that this spectrum will not be fully usable as outlined in the PSWAC Report from 15 years ago.

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In these Reply Comments, NPSTC recommends the Commission grandfather existing Class B signal boosters in the Part 90 services for ten years and consider implementing a process under which public safety entities could deploy new Class B boosters only on an exception basis through frequency coordination and licensing.

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In these comments, NPSTC recommends the Commission allow commercial wideband or broadband operations to be deployed in the ESMR bands only in regions in which rebanding of the 800 MHz NPSPAC channels has been completed and where such wideband use would not interfere with public safety NPSPAC operations not yet rebanded in adjacent regions.

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In these comments, NPSTC addresses issues surrounding potential interference to public safety use of GPS and provides recommendations for additional testing under the modified deployment approach LightSquared proposed in its recommendations submitted June 30, 2011.

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The FCC has issued a clarification that extends the substantial deadlines for 700 MHz narrowband systems on the designated state channels.  The new substantial service dates are June 13, 2014 for the 5 year deadline and June 13, 2019 for the 10 year deadline, which reflect the original intent that the dates be tied to the end of the DTV transition and TV clearing from the 700 MHz spectrum.  The DTV transition was extended from December 31, 2006 to June 12, 2009, and the new 700 MHz substantial deadlines reflect that.

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RM-11433. In the Matter of NPSTC's PSHSB Petition for Rulemaking to Allow Aircraft Voice Operations on Secondary Trunking Channels in the 700 MHz Band, NPSTC submits these comments. NPSTC reaffirms its support for issuance of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to address public safety aircraft voice operations on secondary trunking channels in the 700 MHz band. NPSTC urges the Commission to move forward expeditiously with an NPRM on this issue.

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General Docket 88-476 - Opening of Application Filing Window #7.  The Regional Planning Committee (RPC) Region 55 is conducting a limited window opening to accept applications from public safety agencies who, themselves, may have found the necessary channel(s), which they believe will meet the required protection criteria in the plan for NPSPAC channels currently at 821-824/866-869 MHz frequency band.  Region 55 will receive applications starting August 1, 2011 and until August 31, 2011.  Postmark or equivalent proof of delivery shall be on or within those dates.

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NPSTC submits these Comments in response to the Commission’s TETRA Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).  In these comments, NPSTC addresses issues surrounding interoperability and potential low site/high site interference.  The Commission specifically requested comment on these issues in the NPRM.

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(courtesy :Paul Kirby, TR Daily) - The FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau sought comments today on a petition for clarification filed by Harris Corp. related to an order granting a 700 megahertz band public safety broadband network waiver to the state of Texas.

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To be sure you have the official copy, go to the internet – Thomas – then open and save the text of the bill and the CRS summary.  The committee report and the CBO cost estimate may not be available yet.  To do this:  go online to: thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php, look under:  "Search Bill Summary & Status", select "Bill Number", then, enter "s. 911" and click "SEARCH".

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NPSTC submits this Request for Clarification of the Commission's waiver of the rules to permit certification and use of TETRA equipment, subject to certain conditions, pending the outcome of this rulemaking proceeding.  This request for clarification relates only to operation on the 821-824/866-869 MHz band segment under the waiver.  Comments to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this proceeding will be submitted separately by the comment deadline, currently set for June 27, 2011.  At the recent NPSTC meeting May 16 and 17 in Washington, DC, the waiver and NPRM were discussed and public safety representatives raised concerns about the impact to interoperability of enabling TETRA technology in the public safety bands.

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Granted the Waiver Request with conditions (Dkt No. 06-229).  Action by: Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.  Adopted: 05/12/2011 by Order (DA No. 11-863) PSHSB.

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Proposed rules under which providers of Voice over Internet Protocol service and broadband Internet service providers would report outages of at least thirty minutes.  News Release (Dkt No 11-82 ).  Adopted: 05/12/2011.  News Media Contact: Lauren Kravetz at (202) 418-7944, email: Lauren.Kravetz@fcc.gov PSHSB.  Contact Jeffery Goldthorp at (202) 418-1096, email: Jeffery.Goldthorp@fcc.gov.

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NPSTC submits these Reply Comments in response to the Commission's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) released November 30, 2010 in the above-captioned proceeding.  In the NPRM, the Commission seeks comment on repurposing a portion of the television broadcast spectrum for fixed and mobile wireless services, including mobile broadband.  In these reply comments, NPSTC addresses the need to protect public safety's use within TV channels 14-20 as provisions for repurposing the TV spectrum unfolds.  NPSTC opposes the Commission's proposal to expand the existing land mobile allocation at 470-512 MHz to a more generalized "flexible" mobile allocation.

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The FCC has reaffirmed a waiver to allow a particular robotic surveillance unit, the Recon Scout, to transmit in the 430-436 MHz, 436-442 MHz, and 442-448 MHz Federal bands.  Per the FCC, the Recon Scout can be thrown, dropped, or launched into potentially hazardous areas, and transmits real-time video surveillance data back to the operator on frequencies on one of three channels.  The full decision is attached.

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The FCC granted LightSquared's experimental license application, despite DOT/FAA objections (and despite the COB today deadline for comments to NTIA).  The license allows LS testing in Reston and Baltimore now through June 15.

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This is a reminder that the deadline for converting to "narrowband" operation is quickly approaching.  You must bring your facilities into compliance with the Commission's narrowbanding rules before January 1, 2013, either by migration to 12.5 kHz (or narrower) channel bandwidth or by utilization of technology that achieves equivalent efficiency.  The Commission began implementing the narrowbanding rules over ten years ago and set January 1, 2013 as the deadline to give licensees ample time to comply.  If you have not done so already, we urge you to take the necessary steps as soon as possible to ensure timely compliance with the January 1, 2013 deadline.

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In the Fourth FNPRM, the Commission seeks comment on the architecture and rules most appropriate to "further promote and enable nationwide interoperability among public safety broadband networks in the 700 MHz band." As addressed in the comments herein, NPSTC supports a nationwide architecture with provisions for regional control, together with rules essential to nationwide interoperability. NPSTC cautions against codifying too many detailed rules at this early stage of broadband deployment. Given the many detailed rules proposed, it is likely that a number of the rules would need to be modified based on additional deployment and operational experience yet to come. The multi-year process to do so could further delay the provision of broadband service to public safety.

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NPSTC believes that such unauthorized use, even on an interim basis could significantly increase the potential for signal boosters to cause interference to public safety networks. Even where there is no interference, installation of unauthorized boosters by the public that are not recognized by commercial networks might undermine the use of E911 by preventing the accurate determination of location information.

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NPSTC respectfully submits these Reply Comments in response to the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHS Bureau) Public Notice in the above captioned proceeding.  NPSTC agrees with Comments filed that support the need for cross border interoperability on the former 800 MHz NPSPAC Mutual Aid channels, and that these needs are sufficiently complex to warrant consideration in a rulemaking proceeding by the Commission.

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The FCC invites comment, pursuant to the rules of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), on draft rules and interim procedures designed to ensure that the environmental effects of proposed communications towers, including their effects on migratory birds, are fully considered prior to construction.  These draft rules and procedures are intended to further the Commission’s implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) while preserving the ability of communications providers rapidly to offer innovative and valuable services to the public.  In general, the draft rules would add a new requirement that any entity proposing to construct a tower notify the public and provide opportunity for public comment to the FCC on the environmental impact prior to submitting an application for antenna structure registration.  Currently, there is no such requirement.  Further, in the interim, while these draft rules are being considered, entities proposing a tower over 450 feet in height would have to file an environmental assessment to address the potential impact on migratory birds.

Comment Date:  [30 days after publication in the Federal Register],
WT Docket No. 08-61 and WT Docket No. 03-187

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The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) hereby provides notice of a permitted ex parte communication.  Yesterday, John Powell, Chair, Interoperability Committee, NPSTC, met with David Furth, Jennifer Manner, Erika Olsen, Pat Amodio, Behzad Ghaffari, Jason Kim, Yoon Chang, Roberto Mussenden, Brian Hurley, and Henning Schulzrinne of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau; Ziad Sleem and Tom Peters of the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau; and Walter Johnston, Michael Ha, and Robert Weller of the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology.

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The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA), jointly submitted comments in which the Commission seeks information to address how Next Generation 911 ("NG911") can enable the public to obtain emergency assistance by means of advanced communications technologies beyond traditional voice-centric devices.

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NPSTC submitted Comments in response to the Commission's Notice of Inquiry (NOI) released November 30, 2010, seeking comment on the ways in which dynamic spectrum access technology can promote more intensive and efficient use of the radio spectrum.  NPSTC supports the overall inquiry regarding dynamic spectrum access technologies and believes there are a number of open questions that must be addressed before such technologies are deployed in public safety spectrum.

NPSTC believes that any testing of DSA technologies in the public safety spectrum should be conducted by and for the public safety community.  The viability of DSA equipment for public safety hinges largely on its implementation without interference and on how well it can meet public safety operational requirements.

The Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) supports the Commission's exploration of the potential of dynamic spectrum access radios and technique, but notes the introduction of dynamic radio use into populated bands must be conditioned on the adoption of meaningful interference protection standards and appropriate mechanisms for enforcing them in real-time, not through a lengthy regulatory enforcement process.

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While strongly supporting the allocation of the D Block to public safety as an element of this bill, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) opposes this legislation in its present form because it proposes to auction spectrum in the 420-440 and 450-470 MHz within 10 years as a "swap" for old public safety spectrum for new.  Public safety does not operate in this spectrum but amateur radio and other users do.

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NPSTC submitted these Comments in response to the Commission's Public Notice (PN), PS Docket No. 11-15, Rapidly Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture Capable of Providing Immediate Communications to Disaster Areas, on February 28, 2011.  The Commission seeks comment on current and future technologies, specifically aerial telecommunications architecture, such as unmanned aerial vehicles or balloon mounted or unmounted systems, that can be rapidly deployed to an area within the first few hours after major natural disasters or terrorist attacks.  On February 8, 2008, NPSTC filed the attached Petition for Rulemaking to Amend the Bandplan for the 764-776 MHz and 794-806 MHz Public Safety Bands, specifically addressing changes to existing narrowband interoperability channels.  In Section 4 of that Petition, NPSTC presented 700 MHz Reserved Channels for Deployable Trunked Systems.  This Petition has not yet been formally addressed by the Commission.

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(General Docket 88-476) - Opening of Application Filing Window #6.  The Regional Planning Committee (RPC) Region 55 (New York – Buffalo Area) is conducting a limited window opening to accept applications from public safety agencies who, themselves, may have found the necessary channel(s), which they believe will meet the required protection criteria in the plan for NPSPAC channels currently at 821-824/866-869 MHz frequency band.  Region 55 will receive applications starting April 1, 2011 and until April 30, 2011.  Postmark or equivalent proof of delivery shall be on or within those dates.

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NPSTC submitted Comments in response to Gazette Notice SMSE-018-10 addressing the Policy and Framework for the 700 MHz Band, including spectrum use for the public safety broadband applications, commending Industry Canada's examination of the 700 MHz band and how to best provide spectrum to enable public safety agencies in Canada to implement and operate broadband networks built to meet their mission critical requirements.  NPSTC urged Industry Canada to harmonize to the fullest extent possible the spectrum, policies and technical rules of Canada and the U.S. relating to the public safety 700 MHz broadband structure.

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(General Docket 92-287) - Opening of Application Filing Window #5.  The Regional Planning Committee (RPC) Region 55 (New York – Buffalo Area) is conducting a limited “ad hock” window opening to accept applications from public safety agencies who, themselves, may have found the channel(s) they believe will meet the required protection criteria in the plan for General Use channels in the 769 to 775 MHz and 799 to 805 MHz frequency bands.  Region 55 will receive applications from April 1st, 2011, through April 30th, 2011.  Postmark or equivalent proof of delivery shall be on or within those dates.

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On Friday, February 25, 2011, in Washington, D.C., a forum will be held in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC, 445 12th St., SW, Room TW-C305 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Please see attachments below for more information.

• Public Notice
• Agenda

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TIA writes to express support for the positions expressed by NPSTC in its "NPSTC Position Paper on Proposed Changes to Intrinsically Safe Standard".  TIA concurs with the concerns expressed by NPSTC that the recent publication and imposition upon land mobile radios (LMR) of ISA 60079-11, combined with the subsequent testing established in UL 913-7 and FM 3610-10, will drastically hinder LMR performance and thus the ability of first responders to protect the public.

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FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has appointed persons to serve on the Emergency Response Interoperability Center Public Safety Advisory Committee (ERIC PSAC).  Chairman Genachowski has also designated Chief Jeff Johnson, representing the International Association of Fire Chiefs, as Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Chief Eddie Reyes, representing the City of Alexandria, Virginia Police Department, as Committee Vice-Chair.  The members represent a diverse and balanced mix of viewpoints from public safety organizations, state, local and tribal government agencies, and various entities from the communications industry.

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Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission today released a new video that provides an overview on the Commission's Third Report and Order (Order) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNRPM) that were adopted yesterday.  The new and proposed rules, when implemented, will help advance interoperable broadband communications for America's first responders.  Once built, the network will enable public safety broadband users to share information, videos, photos and emails over robust, dedicated and secure mobile broadband networks across departments and jurisdictions nationwide for day-to-day operations and during large-scale emergencies.

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Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today adopted a Third Report and Order (Order) and Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) that will significantly advance communications interoperability for our Nation's first responders.  The rules adopted and proposed in today's Order and FNPRM support the build out of robust, dedicated and secure mobile broadband networks that will enable public safety broadband users to share information, videos, photos and emails across departments and jurisdictions nationwide for day-to-day operations and during large-scale emergencies.

• News Release: Word | Acrobat
• Genachowski Statement: Word | Acrobat
• Copps Statement: Word | Acrobat
• McDowell Statement: Word | Acrobat
• Clyburn Statement: Word | Acrobat
• Baker Statement: Word | Acrobat
• Presentation: Acrobat

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NPSTC wrote asking the Commission to ensure public safety use of GPS is protected from potential interference that could result by granting LightSquared's application to operate a terrestrial wireless service in a band allocated to mobile space-based services by deploying a network of densely populated terrestrial transmitters whose transmissions would blanket entire urban areas.  This could radically change and degrade the spectrum environment in which adjacent GPS signals are received, as strong signals from the LightSquared facilities could block GPS reception by public safety communications facilities and devices.

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(courtesy Paul Kirby) - ARRL, which represents amateur radio operators, has filed a complaint with the FCC over what it says has been "ongoing harmful interference and egregious rules violations" involving broadband-over-power-line (BPL) communications systems installed in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Indiana by Huntsville, Ala.-based International Broadband Electric Communications, Inc. (IBEC).

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Washington, D.C. – Rapid Sharing of Videos, Photos and Data to Improve Emergency Response.  The Federal Communications Commission today took an important step to revolutionize America's 9-1-1 services for consumers and first responders by adopting a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking public comment on how Next Generation 911 (NG911) can enable the public to obtain emergency assistance by means of advanced communications technologies beyond traditional voice-centric devices.

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NPSTC submits these Comments in response to the Commission's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) released September 17, 2010.  In that proceeding, the Commission proposes to require that all low power television (LPTV) vacate the 698-806 MHz band (formerly TV channels 52-69) by December 31, 2011.  Under the proposal, LPTV licensees and permitees would accomplish this by either finding an alternative channel outside of 52-69 or by ceasing operations.

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NPSTC submits these Comments in response to the Commission's Public Notice released November 12, 2010 regarding a request for waiver filed by Thales Communications, Inc. (Thales).  Thales seeks a waiver of Sections 2.106 and 90.531(b) of the Commission's rules to permit the manufacture and marketing of its "Liberty Multiband Land Mobile Radio" for use by 700 MHz narrowband public safety licensees operating in the 775-776/805-806 MHz guardband.

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Washington, DC - The FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) today adopted an Order that establishes a technical framework to ensure interoperability in the public safety mobile broadband networks states, counties and cities approved for early deployment are planning to construct.  These regional broadband networks must be technically compatible and fully interoperable with one another, as well as the nationwide network envisioned for America’s first responders.

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Federal Register page 75814 - This document finalizes rules to make the unused spectrum in the TV bands available for unlicensed broadband wireless devices.  This particular spectrum has excellent propagation characteristics that allow signals to reach farther and penetrate walls and other structures.  Access to this spectrum could enable more powerful public Internet connections — super Wi-Fi hot spots — with extended range, fewer dead spots, and improved individual speeds as a result of reduced congestion on existing networks.  This type of "opportunistic use" of spectrum has great potential for enabling access to other spectrum bands and improving spectrum efficiency.  The Commission's actions here are expected to spur investment and innovation in applications and devices that will be used not only in the TV band but eventually in other frequency bands as well.

Effective January 5, 2011 - except for amendments to §§ 15.713, 15.714, 15.715 and 15.717, which contain information collection requirements that are not effective until approved by the Office of Management and Budget.  The Commission will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective dates for those amendments.

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NPSTC submits these Comments in response to the Commission's Public Notice released September 28, 2010, which raises a number of questions to explore allowing public safety the option of using 700 MHz narrowband spectrum for broadband services.  The Public Notice raises a number of questions regarding the impact to interoperability, operational feasibility, technical compatibility with existing and future public safety narrowband operations, and potential for interference if such "flexibility" is allowed.

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NPSTC submits these Comments in response to the Commission’s Public Notice, DA10-1556, released August 19, 2010.  This Public Notice advises that the importance of public safety communications makes it imperative that the Commission explore all potential barriers to achieving nationwide interoperability for both broadband and narrowband communications and determine what, if any, actions the Commission should take in this area.

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Florida has joined the list of states submitting waivers for early deployment of 700 MHz broadband.

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NPSTC submits these Comments in response to the Commission’s Public Notice, DA10-884, released May 18, 2010.  This Public Notice referenced the Commission's grant of twenty-one waiver requests to allow 700 MHz public safety broadband deployment and seeks further comment on interoperability, out-of-band emissions, roaming, prioritization and other issues surrounding public safety broadband network interoperability.  The comments to this Public Notice can help guide the Commission regarding deployment by 700 MHz broadband waiver grantees and can serve as a basis upon which to propose final rules for the public safety broadband network.

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Motorola Also Files Ex Parte Disagreeing with FCC D Block Analysis

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NPSTC Files Comments Clarifying Video Throughput Requirements;
Urges FCC to Rely on Real World Experience in D Block Decisions

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The FCC has adopted an order that grants public safety licensees some relief of the interim Jan. 1, 2011, milestones related to narrowbanding VHF and UHF systems operating on frequencies below 512 megahertz. (courtesy Paul Kirby, TR Daily)

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The FCC released an Enforcement Advisory on Wednesday regarding wireless microphones and similar devices operating in the 700 MHz band.  It emphasizes the FCC requirement that users of wireless microphones and similar devices must cease operating in 698 - 806 MHz frequencies.  Protecting public safety communications in this band is a primary reason for meeting this mandate.

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The FCC has granted conditional approval of 21 petitions filed by cities, counties and states that sought waivers to move forward with the construction of regional or statewide interoperable wireless broadband networks in the 700 MHz public safety broadband spectrum.  The Commission required these broadband networks to be deployed under a common interoperability framework in coordination with the FCC's Emergency Response Interoperability Center (ERIC).  This common framework will ensure that all networks being deployed are technically compatible and fully interoperable.

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NPSTC filed a Petition for Rule Making to allow aircraft voice operation on certain interoperability channels.  The petition requests the Commission to either amend Part 90.531(b)(7) to allow the use of certain interoperability channels separately from the channels listed in 90.531(b)(1)(iii) or clarify that the channels listed in Part 90.531(b)(7) can be operated separately as 12.5 kHz wide channels for secondary trunking or air to ground voice use in compliance with Part 90.548.  NPSTC recommends that transmissions in 700 MHz be limited to two (2) watts as found in Part 90.541(d).

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In this Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, FCC considers in the Second Report and Order rule changes to Part 90 of the Commission’s Rules that were addressed in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order (Notice) in this proceeding.  In the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (Second Further Notice), FCC solicits comment on other potential rule changes that were suggested in response to the Notice or arose subsequently.  This proceeding is part of FCC's continuing effort to provide clear and concise rules that facilitate new wireless technologies, devices and services, and are easy for the public to understand.

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An important session between staff of the FCC and various public safety organizations was held at IWCE last week.  Below is a slide presentation that was used in that meeting, as well as an Ex Parte naming attendees.  For more details on current Broadband issues, please visit FCC's Broadband Website.

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NPSTC submitted Reply Comments recommending that the Commission move forward to conduct an audit of the 900 MHz Narrowband PCS spectrum, recover unused channels, and make channels available for public safety use to enable cost-effective alerting services needed by public safety entities.

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This is an important action to benefit public safety operations in the 700 MHz frequency band.  The order will primarily impact the use of wireless microphone systems that currently operate in the 700 MHz band.  These unlicensed devices cannot continue to operate in this band because they may cause harmful interference to public safety entities and next generation consumers devices that will be utilizing the 700 MHz frequency band.  Thus, the Commission is making clear that no devices utilizing this frequency may be sold or distributed.  In order to ensure that individuals and groups currently using unauthorized devices in this band have ample time to transition to appropriate frequencies, the FCC is providing a sunset period until June 12, 2010, one year from the DTV Transition.

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Comments were also sought on international comparison and consumer survey requirements in the Broadband Data Improvement Act.

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The Public Safety Spectrum Trust Corporation (PSST) has reviewed the NPSTC Broadband Task Force Report (BBTF Report) and submitted recommendations to the FCC for the minimum requirements necessary to allow localities and regions to build out local systems as part of the nationwide network.

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The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council filed a Petition for Stay of Interim Narrowband Implementation Dates on September 29, 2009.  Today, December 3, 2009, a reply to comments was filed.

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EWA has petitioned the Commission to initiate a rulemaking that would allow new full power interstitial 12.5 kHz channels between the currently authorized 25 KHz channels in the 809-816/854-861 segment of the 800 MHz band.

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The bill extends the deadline for the Public Safety Interoperable Communications grant deadline.

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The Petition states NPSTC's support for the January 1, 2013 deadline by which existing Part 90 licensees operating in the VHF and UHF bands must convert to technologies that meet a spectrum efficiency standard of one voice channel per 12.5 kHz of channel bandwidth and does not petition for any delay of this overall deadline.

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Discussions included the BBTF final report and key recommendations, along with the process and involvement of public safety and industry professionals.  Additional discussions included NPSTC's full support of the January 1, 2013, VHF/UHF narrowbanding transition end date, as well as concerns with the January 1, 2011 interim dates being applied.

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It is corrected to allow 30 days from release of the July 29, 2009 PN. Accordingly, comments are due August 28, 2009.

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Comments addressed public safety's broadband needs in response to the FCC's Notice of Inquiry, seeking feedback on a Broadband Plan as required under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

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The PSHSB seeks public comment on this petition that concerns various aspects of the FCC’s regulation of TIS operations.

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The Bureau also clarifies and corrects certain rules established in the 800 MHz Second R&O.

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NPSTC believes the proposed approach is unnecessarily, duplicative of established processes the Federal Communications Commission already has in place that apply to communications facilities, including those that will be funded by the PSIC Grant Program.

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This petition requests the rules be amended to increase area of licensing from 50 km to 80 km. It also requests changes to the technical rules for interference protection to and from TV stations to reflect DTV operations. It is important all interested agencies file a Comment requesting the FCC to move forward with a rule making proceeding on this petition.

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NPSTC concurs with the Commission’s tentative conclusion that replacement translators should be licensed only on channels 2-59 and not on channels 60-69.  NPSTC also recommends the Commission provide clarity that applications for digital replacement translator stations must take account of land mobile operations in the 470-512 MHz band up front before being filed.

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In addition, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) extends the negotiation period for Wave 4 NPSPAC (Stage 2) and non-NPSPAC (Stage 1) licensees in the U.S.-Mexico border region until April 1, 2009, and postpones the beginning of the mediation period for such licensees until April 2, 2009

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NPSTC urges the Commission to adopt its proposed rules. The proposals preclude low power auxiliary operations in the 698-806 MHz band and prohibit the manufacture, import, sale or shipment of such devices after February 17, 2009. These actions will help promote effective public safety communications by removing low power auxiliary operations from the 700 MHz band.

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A copy of the Reply is attached as is the confirmation.

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With regard to licensees that have submitted interim waiver requests, the FCC grants interim relief to each of these licensees, conditioned on the licensee submitting a supplemental waiver request by no later than July 25, 2008 that includes a proposed rebanding timetable.

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As agreed, we held it until after the 700 MHz replies were completed.  We are planning an exparte meeting with the FCC to discuss this issue.  Thanks for everyone's help.

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The letter endorses the proposal of Guard Band licensees that Public Safety be afforded additional spectrum in the 700 MHz band.

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The document received confirmation number 20061023789719 in WT Docket 06-169 and confirmation number 20061023630135 in WT Docket No. 96-86.

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