Important Information for Public Safety Communications

1. Urgent Communications has published an article reporting that FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell testified before Congress stating “Keep in mind that Congress, in 1997 — well before 2001, Sept. 11 — set aside 24 MHz of the 700 MHz block,” he said. “That is wonderful spectrum that should be used for something other than narrowband voice.”

This issue is of critical importance to current and future public safety licensees of the 700 MHz band. To read the full article, please click on:

http://urgentcomm.com/policy_and_law/commentary/mcdowell-narrowband-questions-20100330/

2. Representatives from the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau made presentations today discussing how the National Broadband Plan addresses the following issues:

· Deployment of a nationwide interoperable public safety wireless broadband network
· Innovation in the development and deployment of Next Generation 911 networks and emergency alerting systems; and
· Cyber security and critical infrastructure survivability.

The panelists indicated that a number of Notices of Inquiry will be released in the near future seeking public comments on critical issues within the Plan. Public safety should review the Commission’s notices, when released, and provide feedback.

To view a replay of the 3/31/2010 meeting, which lasts about an hour, please click on http://reboot.fcc.gov/video-archives

3. The Commission, in response to a Petition from Sprint-Nextel, has extended the authority of Sprint-Nextel to operate in the Interleaved 800 MHz spectrum (mid-band) in twenty-one (“21”) of the Regional Planning Committees from March 31, 2010 until March 31, 2011. The Commission also imposed certain new restrictions on Sprint-Nextel’s use of the Interleaved spectrum.

IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS IN THE 800 MHZ BAND RELINQUISHMENT BY SPRINT NEXTEL OF CHANNELS IN THE INTERLEAVED, EXPANSION, AND GUARD BANDS. Denied Smartcomm's Motion and Dismissed its Opposition. Dismissed the letter filed by Concepts to Operations, which was late-filed and does not reflect that it was served on Sprint. Action by: Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Adopted: 03/31/2010 by ORDER. (DA No. 10-576). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-576A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-576A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-576A1.txt

4. Released: 03/31/2010. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU EXTENDS 800 MHZ REBANDING NEGOTIATION PERIOD FOR WAVE 4 BORDER AREA NPSPAC AND NON-NPSPAC LICENSEES ALONG THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER. (DA No. 10-573). (Dkt No 02-55 ). PSHSB . Contact: Roberto Mussenden at (202) 418-1428, email: Roberto.Mussenden@fcc.gov or Brian Marenco at (202) 418-0838, email: Brian.Marenco@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-573A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-573A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-573A1.txt

5. IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS IN THE 800 MHZ BAND SUPPLEMENTAL REQUESTS FOR WAIVER OF JUNE 26, 2008 REBANDING DEADLINE. Granted in
part, or held in abeyance requests for waiver of the June 26, 2008, deadline submitted by the licensees listed in Appendix A of this order. Action by: Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Adopted: 03/31/2010 by ORDER. (DA No. 10-574). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-574A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-574A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-574A1.txt

6. The 800 MHz Transition Administrator, LLC (“TA”) provides its Quarterly Progress Report to the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) regarding the progress of the reconfiguration of the 800 MHz band for the quarter ended December 31, 2009. The Report of the T/A is attached.

4Q2009.pdf

Rebanding Decisions

1. COLORADO CALLCOMM, INC. AND SPRINT NEXTEL CORPORATION. Resolved the issues submitted by the Transition Administrator. (Dkt No. 02-55 ). Action by: Deputy Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Adopted: 03/26/2010 by MO&O. (DA No. 10-502). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-502A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-502A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-502A1.txt

2. CITY OF BILLINGS, MONTANA AND SPRINT NEXTEL CORPORATION. Denied both requests and instructed both parties to proceed with negotiation and mediation as directed by the 800 MHz Transition Administrator. (Dkt No. 02-55 ). Action by: Deputy Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Adopted: 03/26/2010 by ORDER. (DA No. 10-504). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-504A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-504A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-504A1.txt

3. CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA AND SPRINT NEXTEL CORPORATION. Resolved the issues submitted by the Transition Administrator. (Dkt No. 02-55 ). Action by: Deputy Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Adopted: 03/26/2010 by MO&O. (DA No. 10-501). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-501A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-501A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-501A1.txt

FCC Public Notices and NPSTC Petition for Rule Making

1. FCC'S PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU REMINDS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERIVCE PROVIDERS OF IMPORTANCE OF IMPLEMENTING ADVISORY COMMITTEE 9-1-1 AND ENHANCED 9-1-1 SERVICES BEST PRACTICES. (DA No. 10-494). PSHSB . Contact: Jeffery Goldthorp at (202) 418-1096, email: Jeffery.Goldthorp@fcc.gov http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-494A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-494A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-494A1.txt

2. ERRATUM - COMMENT SOUGHT ON NPSTC BROADBAND TASK FORCE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SPECTRUM TRUST TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 700 MHZ PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND DEVELOPMENTS. (Dkt No 06-229 06-150 ) Issued an Erratum correcting Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Public Notice, DA 10-458, released March 17, 2010. Comments Due: 04/06/2010. Reply Comments Due: 04/16/2010. PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297066A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297066A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297066A1.txt

3. AMENDMENT OF PART 97 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES REGARDING AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS DURING GOVERNMENT DISASTER DRILLS. Proposed amending the Commission's amateur radio service rules with respect to amateur radio operations during government-sponsored emergency preparedness and disaster readiness drills and tests. (Dkt No. 10-72 ). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 03/18/2010 by NPRM. (FCC No. 10-45). WTB PSHSB . Contact Jeff Cohen (NOTE – Example of Waiver Action is below)
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-45A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-45A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-45A1.txt

4. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. Granted the waiver request. Action by: Deputy Chief, Mobility Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau by LETTER. (DA No. 10-490). WTB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-490A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-490A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-490A1.txt

5. NPSTC Petition for Rule Making related to the Creation of 700 MHz Channels for Air-to-Ground Operations (see attached for copy of Petition as filed)
NPSTCPetitionforRulemaking.pdf

Petition for Rulemaking

The NPSTC Petition for Rule Making has been filed with the FCC.

NPSTCPetitionforRulemaking.pdf

FCC Public Notices

1. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SETS NEW DATE FOR COLLOQUIUM ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY PORTION OF THE NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN FOR MARCH 31ST. WCB PSHSB WTB . Contact: Susan McLean at (202) 418-7868, email: Susan.McLean@fcc.gov. News Media Contact: Robert Kenny at (202) 418-2668, email: Robert.Kenny@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297012A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297012A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297012A1.txt

2. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 15 (IOWA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE TO HOLD 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING MEETING. (DA No. 10-482). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-482A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-482A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-482A1.txt

3. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 5 (SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE TO HOLD 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING MEETING. (DA No. 10-481). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-481A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-481A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-481A1.txt

4. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU CERTIFIES ADDITIONAL FREQUENCY COORDINATORS FOR 800/900 MHZ BUSINESS/INDUSTRIAL/LAND TRANSPORTATION POOL. (DA No. 10-480). (Dkt No 10-3 ). WTB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-480A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-480A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-480A1.txt

FCC Sets New Date for Colloquium

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT
March 22, 2010 Robert Kenny: (202) 418-2668
Email: robert.kenny@fcc.gov

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SETS NEW DATE FOR COLLOQUIUM ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY PORTION OF THE
NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN FOR MARCH 31ST

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (Bureau) today set a new date for a colloquium to discuss the public safety and homeland security portion of the National broadband Plan (Plan). The new date and time for the event will be Wednesday, March 31, 2010 from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The event, which will be held in the Commission Meeting Room (TW-C305), was originally scheduled for March 26th at 9:00 a.m. and has been pushed back to the new date and time due to necessary scheduling changes.

As part of the colloquium, representatives from the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau will make presentations discussing how the Plan addresses the following issues:

· Deployment of a nationwide interoperable public safety wireless broadband network;
· Innovation in the development and deployment of Next Generation 911 networks and emergency alerting systems; and
· Cyber security and critical infrastructure survivability.

The goal of the Public Safety and Homeland Security portion of the Plan is to enable and enhance the use of broadband technologies by first responders in sending and receiving content-rich data, resulting in saved lives; diminished injuries; improved emergency care and response; and more effective prevention of acts of crime, terror and hatred. Such technologies will also guard critical infrastructure, and enable interoperable response to emergencies in coordination with other first responders located throughout the nation. Broadband technologies will ensure that all Americans are able to reach and access 9-1-1 services quickly, reliably, and that the public has the ability to send and receive critical information regardless of the mode or device used. These technologies and innovations will also advance the modes and methods by which the public receives accurate, concise, and timely alerts and warnings. The Public Safety and Homeland Security portion of the Plan will also enhance the security and resiliency of broadband infrastructure, including measures to prevent and assist in the response to cyber attacks.

The colloquium will be open to the public; admittance, however, will be limited to the seating available. Those individuals who are interested in attending this event may pre-register on-line at http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/event-registration.html. Those who pre-register will be asked to provide their name, title, organization affiliation, and contact information. Individuals may also contact Deandrea Wilson at Deandrea.Wilson@fcc.gov or via phone at 202-418-0703 regarding pre-registration. The deadline for pre-registration is Monday, March 29, 2010.

Audio/Video coverage of the meeting will be broadcast live with open captioning over the Internet from the FCC's web page at www.reboot.fcc.gov (go to “Events”). The FCC’s web cast is free to the public and does not require pre-registration.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please include a description of the accommodation you will need. Individuals making such requests must include their contact information should FCC staff need to contact them for more information. Requests should be made as early as possible. Please send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau: 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (TTY).

For additional information about the meeting, please contact Susan McLean at (202) 418-7868 or by email: Susan.McLean@fcc.gov.

- FCC -

For more news and information about the Federal Communications Commissionplease visit: www.fcc.gov

FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Launches new web page: Broadband and Public Safety and Homeland Security

Today, the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau launched a new web page: Broadband and Public Safety and Homeland Security to better ensure that the public safety community, the general public, government agencies and communications providers have access to the latest news and information on the FCC's efforts to implement the National Broadband Plan for public safety. The implementation of the plan will include initiatives to bring interoperable communications to America's first responders through the creation of a nationwide wireless broadband network and new cyber security reporting and monitoring programs; as well as Next Generation 9-1-1 services; emergency alerts and warnings through a variety of outlets (including via television and radio broadcasts (Emergency Alert System), wireless hand-held devices, such as cell phones and the Internet) and much more.

The web page includes access to the latest press releases, public notices, field hearings, and presentations. We encourage you to visit these pages for updates and background information to assist with your coverage of the National Broadband Plan and its impact on public safety across America.

To access these pages, please visit: http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/broadband.html .

FCC Actions

1. Today the FCC accepted the National Broadband Report. This Report will be sent to Congress in compliance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As indicated by Chairman Genachowski, this Report was based upon an extensive number of public hearings and collectively generated over 23,000 comments from Americans.

Universally the Commissioners noted the importance of the Plan to public safety and first responders. Chapter 16 of the Plan (attached) is devoted to public safety. The chapter merits the careful attention of public safety as one major recommendation incorporated in the Plan, the commercial auction of the 700 MHz “D” block, is viewed differently from the Plan by some public safety communications officials who believe that the “D” block should be reallocated by Congress to public safety. Chapter 16 also includes many other recommendations related to issues of importance to public safety including Next Generation 9-1-1, reliability and security of broadband, shared use of wireless commercial spectrum, just to name a few topics. The Plan also calls for the identification of funding streams for important public safety services.

One comment made by several of the Commissioners related to the improved use of radio spectrum. It was noted that many countries are devoting large amounts of spectrum for 4th Generation wireless services and the FCC will be re-examining its policies to modernize the allocation of spectrum to support advanced wireless communications services. Additionally, one of the Commissioners also suggested the need for advanced hardware and software products that can assist in the maximization of spectrum.

Finally, it was noted that many future hearings and Orders will be considered to assist in the implementation of broadband. As an example, the Commission noted its tower citing rulings issued last November (attached) designed to support the implementation of wireless broadband services.

To download the entire Plan, please go to: http://www.broadband.gov/download-plan/

FCC SENDS NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO CONGRESS. Plan Details Actions for Connecting Consumers, Economy with 21st Century Networks. News Release. News Media Contact: Jen Howard at (202) 418-0506, email: Jen.Howard@fcc.gov or Mark Wigfield at (202) 418-0253, email: Mark.Wigfield@fcc.gov OCH
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296880A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296880A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296880A1.txt


2. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 37 (SOUTH CAROLINA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE TO HOLD 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING MEETING. (DA No. 10-439). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-439A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-439A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-439A1.txt


national-broadband-plan-chapter-16-public-safety.pdf

12-11-2009FCC-09-110A1.pdf

FCC-09-99A1%287%29.pdf

Regional Planning Meetings and Public Safety News

1. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 49 (CENTRAL TEXAS) PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING AND 800 MHZ (NPSPAC) REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING MEETINGS


Word : DA-10-438A1.doc

Acrobat : DA-10-438A1.pdf

Text : DA-10-438A1.txt


2. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 28 (DELAWARE, EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY) 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING AND NPSPAC 800 MHZ NPSPAC REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING MEETINGS


Word : DA-10-437A1.doc

Acrobat : DA-10-437A1.pdf

Text : DA-10-437A1.txt

3. PSCR held a kick-off informational webinar March 15, 2010 (view here) about participation in the Public Safety 700-MHz Broadband Demonstration Network.
4. NPSTC reviewed and approved a submission from the State of Maryland (see attached) requesting that the Council support a Petition for Rule Making to allot eight 12.5 KHz frequency pairs for low-power air-to-ground operations. The Petition as approved by NPSTC at the IWCE meeting on March 12, 2010, is attached.
5. For those agencies required to purchase special consoles for mobile radios in agency vehicles, please note that Ford has announced that the full size Crown Victoria will cease production after 2010. The smaller police package vehicle is identified at the link below. This follows a similar announcement from General Motors announcing a new Chevrolet PPV that will replace the Impala.
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/autos/1003/gallery.ford_police_interceptor/index.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEEN_-ALJXM

NPSTCPetForAirToGrdVoiceOnSecTrunked3-2-20.doc

National Broadband Plan

Tomorrow, the FCC will release the National Broadband Plan and send the document to Congress. This Plan will be extremely important for public safety as it will help in the shaping of technological changes affecting government, business, NGOs, and all citizens. Information is offered below regarding the Plan and an Executive Summary is attached.

FCC TO SEND NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN TO CONGRESS. Plan Details Actions for Connecting Consumers, Economy with 21st Century Networks. News Release. News Media Contact: Jen Howard at (202) 418-0506, email: Jen.Howard@fcc.gov or Mark Wigfield at (202) 418-0253, email: Mark.Wigfield@fcc.gov OCH
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296859A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296859A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296859A1.txt

ExecutiveSummaryDOC.pdf

FCC Public Notice

Federal Communications Commission to hold technical panel on 700 MHz nationwide interoperable public safety wireless broadband network.

See the released FCC Public Notice here:

FCCPublicNotice3-12-10.pdf

FCC Actions Docket 07-100

The FCC amended certain Part 90 rules as found in the attached document. Topics of particular interest to public safety include the following.

1. The FCC sought comment on whether to eliminate the frequency coordination requirement for applications where the only change is a reduction in authorized bandwidth on the licensed
center frequencies. The FCC found that a simple reduction in authorized bandwidth cannot adversely impact co-channel or adjacent channel licensees and found that is unnecessary for a coordinator to review the proposal in advance.

2. The Commission invited commenters to suggest other types of applications for which frequency coordination should no longer be required. The FCC found that applications seeking to modify licenses by lowering antenna height and/or decreasing power should be exempted from frequency coordination.

3. A number of additional Part 90 changes or explanations as to why changes weren’t made are included in the document.

FCC-10-36A1.pdf

FCC Announcments

1. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION TO HOLD A COLLOQUIUM ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY PORTION OF THE NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN. PSHSB . The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau announced it will hold a colloquium on Friday, March 26, 2010 from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. to discuss the public safety and homeland security portion of the National Broadband Plan (Plan) that will have since been submitted to Congress on March 17, 2010. Contact: Susan McLean at (202) 418-7868, email: Susan.McLean@fcc.gov. News Media Contact: Robert Kenny at (202) 418-2668, email: Robert.Kenny@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296722A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296722A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296722A1.txt

2. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 3 (ARIZONA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC ARIZONA REGIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS. (DA No. 10-393). (Dkt No 91-143 ). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-393A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-393A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-393A1.txt

FCC Announcments

1. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 1 (ALABAMA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE TO HOLD 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING MEETING. (DA No. 10-378). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-378A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-378A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-378A1.txt

2. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 55 (NEW YORK - BUFFALO) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING MEETINGS. (DA No. 10-379). (Dkt No 92-287 ). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-379A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-379A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-379A1.txt

3. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 8 (NEW YORK - METROPOLITAN AREA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING MEETINGS. (DA No. 10-380). (Dkt No 91-43 ). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-380A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-380A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-380A1.txt

4. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 24 (MISSOURI) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING MEETINGS. (DA No. 10-388). (Dkt No 06-229 ). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-388A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-388A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-388A1.txt

FCC Emergency Response Interoperability Center (ERIC)

This week, the FCC held the first session intended to introduce the Emergency Response Interoperability Center, ERIC. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Chris Essid), the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research Program (Derrick Orr), and the FCC (Admiral Barnett and Jeff Goldthorp) made brief opening remarks. Speakers were then asked to provide feedback and statements. Comments particularly important to public safety included the statements of Chief Harlan McEwen, representing the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) and Bill Carrow, President-Elect of APCO. These statements are attached. The session was also summarized in Mission Critical magazine (see link below).

http://radioresourcemag.com/newsArticle.cfm?news_id=5335

The Commission believes that ERIC can be helpful in addressing issues such as wireless broadband technical requirements, roaming/interoperability, authentication/encryption, and priority access. While acknowledging the important role of the Commission, other speakers were concerned relative to potential duplications of effort and restrictive bureaucracy that slows the progress in developing and deploying wireless 700 MHz broadband. In particular, Chief McEwen’s statements identified concerns with the ERIC concept that were generally accepted by all participants as particularly critical to moving wireless broadband forward. There were also renewed calls for the transfer of the D Block to public safety instead of the proposed D Block auction.

Among the important issues discussed was a report from NIST stating that this agency will implement a test 700 MHz wireless broadband platform (see attached Federal Register statement). NIST stated that LTE is a “bleeding edge” technology and that it is important to have a test bed that helps public safety and manufacturers to understand how broadband will work in a first responder environment. NIST stated that they will work closely with the PSST and the broadband statement of requirements document developed through NPSTC.



Information from the original FCC release describing ERIC is below.

Concept Paper: Emergency Response Interoperability Center

Proposed Primary Mission - To establish a technical and operational framework that will ensure nationwide operability and interoperability from the outset in deployment and operation of the 700 MHz public safety broadband wireless network.

Proposed Responsibilities

Adopt technical and operational requirements and procedures for ensuring a nationwide level of interoperability, to be implemented and enforced through FCC rules, license and lease conditions, and grant conditions.

Adopt and implement other enforceable technical and operational requirements and procedures to address, at a minimum, operability, roaming, priority access, gateway functions and interfaces, interconnectivity of public safety broadband wireless networks.
Adopt authentication and encryption requirements for common public safety broadband applications and network usage.

Coordinate the interoperability framework of regulations, license requirements, grant conditions, and technical standards with other entities (e.g., the Public Safety Broadband Licensee (Public Safety Spectrum Trust), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Telecommunications and Information Agency, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)).

Proposed Structure

Location. Housed at FCC in the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.

Public Safety Advisory Board. A board that is broadly representative of the public safety community will serve a central advisory role to ERIC. We anticipate that the board will primarily include representatives of all major national public safety organizations and regional, state, tribal, and local public safety entities. Participating Federal first responder agencies, vendors, and service providers may have secondary or ex officio status on the board.

Participating Federal Agencies. We recommend that DHS and NIST contribute to ERIC’s functions in their traditional areas of expertise via Memoranda of Agreement with PSHSB and potential staff detail assignments to ERIC:

• 
  DHS would participate in the areas of grant administration, public safety outreach and technical assistance, and best practices development.
• 
  NIST would participate in the areas of standards development, verification, testing, and validation.

Federal Partners Coordinating Committee. Federal agencies that regularly coordinate on state and local public safety communications matters (e.g., DHS, NTIA, DOJ) will have the opportunity to provide input into ERIC specific to 700 MHz broadband deployments.

APCOComments.pdf

NISTFederalRegister030210.pdf

FCCERICForumTR%20Daily.pdf

PSST-HRM-ERICForum.pdf

700 MHz Public Safety Broadband Demonstration Network

1. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced the building of a 700 MHz Public Safety Broadband Demonstration Network (Demonstration Network), which will provide manufacturers and first responders a location for early deployment of their systems in a multivendor, neutral host environment. A copy of the NIST notice in the Federal Register is attached.

2. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU AND PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU SEEK COMMENT ON REQUEST BY AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION FOR BLANKET WAIVER TO PERMIT HOSPITALS TO USE AMATEUR RADIO AS PART OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DRILLS. (DA No. 10-365). (Dkt No 10-54 ). Comments Due: 04/02/2010. Reply Comments Due: 04/19/2010. PSHSB WTB . Contact: William Cross at (202) 418-0620, email: William.Cross@fcc.gov or Jeff Cohen at (202) 418-0799, email: Jeff.Cohen@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-365A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-365A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-365A1.txt


NISTFederalRegister.pdf