Help Wanted

1. The FCC delegated authority to the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (“Bureau”) to establish advisory bodies and select appropriate representatives from federal agencies, the public safety community, and industry to advise the Emergency Response Interoperability Center or “ERIC”. Until a formal Federal Advisory Committee can be established to serve as the primary advisory body to ERIC, the Bureau is establishing an intergovernmental Technical Advisory Committee (Committee) to assist ERIC in carrying out its mission. Accordingly, the Bureau seeks nominations for the Committee responsible for making recommendations to the Commission and ERIC regarding the development of policies and rules concerning the technical aspects of interoperability, governance, authentication, encryption, national gateway functions and interfaces, and national standards for a common set of public safety applications. Please see attached notice for full information.

2. The remaining four (4) DHS Regional Coordinator (Telecommunications Specialists), GS-0391-14 positions have opened on USAJOBS. The job announcement closes on 5/17/2010. Below is the link to the full text vacancy announcement.

FS-339987-SW10 or http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?OPMControl=1887506

Applicants may select a maximum of two (2) regions for which you would like to be considered. The remaining regions are:

Region 1 - CT ME MA NH RI VT
Region 5 - IL IN MI MN OH WI
Region 4 - AL FL GA KY MS NC SC TN
Region 6 - AR LA NM OK TX
All applicants must submit a resume and address the Selective Placement Factors and Occupational Questionnaire, and provide other pertinent information (i.e., SF-50, DD-214, etc) to be considered.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Ms. Sharon Wilborn, HR Specialist, Office of Personnel Management, San Francisco Services Branch at 415-281-7073 or email Sharon.Wilborn@opm.gov if they have any questions regarding the above positions.

Please pass this announcement along to anyone you think would be interested in applying.

http://www.rcc.com/blog/files/ERICPublicNotice.pdf

FCC White Paper Analyzes Public Safety Broadband Costs

The article below should be of interest to persons in public safety. Related subject materials from the FCC are also below. Also the Seybold article is attached.

http://radioresourcemag.com/newsArticle.cfm?news_id=5545
FCC White Paper Analyzes Public-Safety Broadband Costs (4/26/10)
The commission released a white paper that offers a detailed analysis of how the FCC's plan for creating and funding a public-safety broadband network would meet public safety’s needs for accessibility, reliability and affordability. The white paper said the plan will save the nation about $18 billion or more in capital and operating expenditures during a 10-year period.
The study’s analysis shows that the FCC’s recommendation to capitalize on commercial network build out at the same time the public-safety network is created would cost about $6.5 billion over 10 years, significantly less than the projected $15.7 billion in capital costs associated with building a stand-alone public-safety network.

The FCC's analysis indicates that to build and operate a stand-alone public safety network would be substantially more expensive than a network constructed under the FCC’s recommended incentive-based approach. The study projects $12 billion to $16 billion in network costs for upgrades and operations within the first 10 years of the network’s existence, while the cost for a stand-alone public-safety network during the same 10-year period is projected at $25 billion.
“This study reaffirms that our plan offers the nation a common sense and practical path forward to building a nationwide interoperable public-safety network for America’s first responders,” said Jamie Barnett, chief of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB). “The time is now for us to move forward to ensure that we take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leverage commercial technology, resources and build out a network that reaches rural America. The FCC looks forward to working with public safety; our federal, state, local and tribal partners; and the communications industry to accomplish this priority.”

The FCC study examines the merits of the plan's strategy to create a nationwide interoperable public-safety wireless broadband network for first responders and other public-safety agencies that accounts for sufficient capacity on a day-to-day and emergency basis; ensures interoperability; and dedicates funding to the nationwide deployment of a resilient, redundant and robust network.

Some primary reasons the costs increase exponentially for a stand-alone public-safety network are the following:

1. Public safety would not be able to easily leverage commercial resources and technologies associated with the build out of the network.
2. Public safety could not capitalize on existing commercial cell sites and towers.
3. Public safety could not gain access to equipment, including portable radios, at commercially competitive prices.

Conversely, the FCC's plan for an incentive-based partnership to build the public-safety wireless broadband network would establish a public grant funding program to pay for capital and operating expenses and would build in incentives to enable public safety to leverage commercial technologies and resources.

The white paper is titled “A Broadband Network Cost Model: The Basis for Public Funding Essential to bringing Nationwide Interoperable Communications to America’s First Responders.” To view the full white paper study, please visit the FCC's home page at http://www.fcc.gov/.

4/23/10FCC Outlines Economically Viable Way to Build A Public Safety Broadband Network Across America.News Release: Word AcrobatReport: Acrobat

4/23/10FCC Establishes New Emergency Response Interoperability Center.News Release: Word AcrobatOrder: Word AcrobatBaker Statement: Word Acrobat

http://www.rcc.com/blog/files/SeyboldComments-FCCWP-042610.pdf

FCC Actions

1. The Commission announced the launch of a Spectrum Task Force to advance the FCC’s spectrum agenda and promote collaboration across the agency. Julius Knapp, Chief of the Office of Engineering Technology, and Ruth Milkman, Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, will co-chair the cross-agency working group.

FCC CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF SPECTRUM TASK FORCE. News Release. News Media Contact: Jen Howard at (202) 418-0506,
email: Jen.Howard@fcc.gov OCH
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297722A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297722A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297722A1.txt

2. IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS IN THE 800 MHZ BAND/NEW 800 MHZ BAND PLAN FOR PUERTO RICO AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. Adopted a revised 800 MHz band plan for Puerto Rico in order to accomplish the Commission's goals for 800 MHz band reconfiguration and seeks comment on a revised 800 MHz band plan for the US Virgin Islands. (Dkt No. 02-55 ). Action by: Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.
Adopted: 04/26/2010 by R&O/NPRM. (DA No. 10-695). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-695A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-695A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-695A1.txt

3. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ESTABLISHES NEW EMERGENCY RESPONSE INTEROPERABILITY CENTER. Center to Establish Framework for Interoperable Broadband Communications for America's First Responders. News Release. News Media Contact: Robert Kenny at (202) 418-2668, email: Robert.Kenny@fcc.gov PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297707A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297707A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297707A1.txt

4. ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE INTEROPERABILITY CENTER. Amended Part 0 of the Commission Rules, set forth in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. (Dkt No. 06-229 09-51 ). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 04/22/2010 by ORDER. (FCC No. 10-67). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-67A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-67A2.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-67A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-67A2.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-67A1.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-67A2.txt

5. FCC OUTLINES ECONOMICALLY VIABLE WAY TO BUILD A PUBLIC SAFETY BROADBAND NETWORK ACROSS AMERICA. The FCC released a comprehensive white paper
study that builds on the National Broadband Plan recommendations to create an economically viable, technically sound, and robust interoperable public safety wireless broadband network across America. News Release. News Media Contact: Robert Kenny at (202) 418-2668, email: Robert.Kenny@fcc.gov PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297710A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297710A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297710A1.txt

6. A BROADBAND NETWORK COST MODEL: A BASIS FOR PUBLIC FUNDING ESSENTIAL TO BRINGING NATIONWIDE INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS TO AMERICA'S FIRST RESPONDERS. A paper providing support for the NBP's public funding recommendations for the nationwide interoperable public safety broadband wireless network. Action by: OBI by REPORT. PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297709A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297709A1.txt

Comment Dates Announced for Amateur Radio Service Communications During Disaster Drills

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES COMMENT AND REPLY COMMENT DATES FOR THE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING IN THE AMENDMENT OF PART 97 OF THE FCC'S RULES REGARDING AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS DURING GOVERNMENT DISASTER DRILLS.
(DA No. 10-684). (Dkt No 10-72 ). Comments Due: 05/24/2010. Reply Comments Due: 06/07/2010. PSHSB . Contact: Jeffrey Cohen at (202)
418-0799 or Zenji Nakazawa at (202) 418-7949
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-684A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-684A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-684A1.txt

Broadband

1. Attached is the bill introduced to reallocate the 700 MHz D Block to public safety.

2. The FCC released a number of important notices related to broadband issues. Please see all of the broadband notices below.

FCC COMMENCES INQUIRY ON SURVIVABILITY OF AMERICA'S BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE. The FCC today launched an inquiry on the ability of existing broadband networks to withstand damage or severe overload as a result of natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other emergencies, as recommended in the National Broadband Plan. News Release. (Dkt No 10-92 ). Adopted: 04/21/2010. News Media Contact: Robert Kenny at (202) 418-2668, email: Robert.Kenny@fcc.gov PSHSB . Contact Jeff Goldthorp at (202) 418-1096
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A2.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A3.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A4.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A5.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A6.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A2.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A3.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A4.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A5.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A6.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A1.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A2.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A3.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A4.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A5.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297663A6.txt


FCC LAUNCHES INQUIRY ON PROPOSED CYBER SECURITY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE PROVIDERS. The FCC today launched an inquiry into a proposal to create a cyber security certification program for communications services providers that will promote the use of best practices to better protect the nation's networks against cyber attacks.. News Release. (Dkt No 10-93 ). Adopted: 04/21/2010. News Media Contact: Robert Kenny at (202) 418-2668, email:Robert.Kenny@fcc.gov PSHSB . Contact Jeff Goldthorp at (202) 418-1096 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A2.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A3.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A4.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A5.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A6.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A2.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A3.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A4.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A5.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A6.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A1.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A2.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A3.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A4.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A5.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297666A6.txt

CYBER SECURITY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM. The FCC adopted a Notice of Inquiry that seeks public comment on the proposed creation of a new voluntary cyber security certification program that would encourage communications service providers to implement a full range of cyber security best practices. Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 04/21/2010 by NOI. (FCC No. 10-63). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A2.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A3.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A4.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A5.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A6.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A2.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A3.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A4.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A5.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A6.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A1.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A2.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A3.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A4.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A5.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-63A6.txt


EFFECTS ON BROADBAND COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS OF DAMAGE TO OR FAILURE OF NETWORK EQUIPMENT OR SEVERE OVERLOAD. The Federal Communications
Commission launched an inquiry on the ability of existing broadband networks to withstand significant damage or severe overloads as a result of natural disasters, terrorist attacks, pandemics or other major public emergencies. Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 04/21/2010 by NOI. (FCC No. 10-62). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A2.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A3.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A4.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A5.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A6.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A2.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A3.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A4.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A5.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A6.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A1.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A2.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A3.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A4.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A5.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-62A6.txt

HouseBillBROADBAND.pdf

FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making

The FCC seeks comment on revisions to the Commission’s Part 17 rules governing the construction, marking, and lighting of antenna structures (please see attached). The proposed revisions are intended to improve compliance with Part 17 rules and allow the FCC to enforce them more effectively, helping to better ensure the safety of pilots and aircraft passengers nationwide. These proposed revisions would also remove outdated and burdensome requirements without compromising our statutory responsibility to prevent antenna structures from being hazards or menaces to air navigation.
4-20-2010FCC-10-53A1.pdf

Emergency Communications Forum (ECF)- New OEC Publication and FCC Announcements

1. We are pleased to send you the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) new publication, the Emergency Communications Forum (ECF). Please find attached Volume 001 of the ECF.

What is the ECF?
Formerly the Emergency Communications Quarterly, the ECF is the latest evolution of OEC’s stakeholder outreach efforts. The new ECF engages and informs the emergency responders; policy makers; and Federal, State, local, and tribal officials about issues and events that directly affect everyday nationwide emergency communications. The launch of the ECF has been guided by stakeholder feedback and is an effort to provide timely and relevant content. As we prepare for future editions please let us know what you think along the way at OEC@hq.dhs.gov.

Contribute a Story
The ECF covers stories contributed by members of the emergency response community nationwide. If you are interested in submitting an article to the ECF regarding emergency communications in the field, best practices, and lessons learned; or if you have any feedback, suggestions, or upcoming conferences to include in the “Calendar of Events,” please e-mail us at OEC@hq.dhs.gov.

With best wishes for continued success.

Office of Emergency Communications
Department of Homeland Security

2. FCC TO HOLD OPEN COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297499A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297499A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297499A1.txt

3. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION CELEBRATES NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS WEEK, APRIL 11-17. Chief Barnett Commends the Numerous Public Safety Professionals Who Ensure the Safety of the Public Every Hour of Every Day. News Release. News Media Contact: Robert Kenny at (202) 418-2668, email: Robert.Kenny@fcc.gov PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297493A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297493A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297493A1.txt

4. WRITTEN STATEMENT OF JULIUS GENACHOWSKI, CHAIRMAN, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, "REVIEWING THE NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN", HEARING BEFORE THE SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE by Testimony. OCH
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297494A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297494A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297494A1.txt

EmergencyCommunicationsForumVolume1April2010.pdf

D Block

A number of national organizations have signaled their support for the reallocation of the 700 MHz D Block from the commercial auction to the 700 MHz Public Safety Broadband Licensee. The attached letters supporting reallocation of the 700 MHz D block were just sent to the House and Senate commerce committees from the following national organizations representing state and local governments:

National Governors Association (separate letter to FCC also attached)
National Conference of State Legislatures
The Council of State Governments
National Association of Counties
National League of Cities
U.S. Conference of Mayors
International City/County Management Association

Also, Motorola filed an Ex Parte with the Commission on Monday in which they initiated the process of providing technical and engineering documentation explaining why the reallocation of the D Block to public safety is needed. It is also attached for your review.

I am reminded of what former House Speaker Tip O’Neill used to say; “all politics is local”. All state and local public safety officials should very seriously consider communicating with their elected federal officials regarding the D Block. If this spectrum is auctioned and the 20 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum for public safety broadband is lost, any alternative to grant public safety additional spectrum in other bands will be much more expensive as unique components will be necessary; not the commercial products envisioned today by public safety.

Public safety needs to communicate with Congress. Please let your voices be heard before it is too late to make a difference.

04-12-2010Motorola%2CInc.pdf
Big7Dblockletter-House.pdf
Big7Dblockletter-Senate.pdf
NGA-NBPLetter.pdf

National Broadband Plan

Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission announced an ambitious 2010 agenda for implementing key recommendations of the National Broadband Plan. Among the issues of importance to public safety, the plans addresses the following. Please click on link below for additional information. Chapter 16 of the Plan, which relates to public safety and homeland security, is attached.

Advance Robust and Secure Public Safety Communications Networks

• Facilitate the creation of a nationwide interoperable public safety wireless broadband network
• Promote cybersecurity and protect critical communications infrastructure
• Aid the transition to next-generation 911 and alerting systems

FCC ANNOUNCES BROADBAND ACTION AGENDA. News Release. News Media Contact: Jen Howard at (202) 418-0506, email: Jen.Howard@fcc.gov OCH http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297402A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297402A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297402A1.txt

national-broadband-plan-chapter-16-public-safety%5B1%5D.pdf

FCC Actions

1. 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. 10-611). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-611A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-611A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-611A1.txt

2. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 42 (VIRGINIA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY PLANNING MEETINGS. (DA No. 10-612). (Dkt No 91-300 ). PSHSB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-612A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-612A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-612A1.txt

3. ON-LINE CUSTOMER FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRE AVAILABLE FOR SPECTRUM DASHBOARD. (DA No. 10-609). WTB . Contact: James Brown at (717) 338-2621, email: James.Brown@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-609A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-609A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-609A1.txt

4. Earlier in the week, information related to the ruling of a federal court in the case of Comcast vs. FCC was shared. This ruling has potential impact upon the National Broadband Plan which is important to public safety (see Chapter 16 of the Plan). On April 7, 2010, CTIA – The Wireless Association, the United States Telecom Association, and the Open Internet Coalition filed requests that the Commission extend the April 8 deadline for filing reply comments. The parties suggested that the requested extension will “enable all interested parties to evaluate and consider the legal implications of” the D.C. Circuit’s April 6, 2010 decision in Comcast Corp. v. FCC. The Commission has granted parties an extension, until April 26, 2010, to file reply comments.

PRESERVING THE OPEN INTERNET BROADBAND INDUSTRY PRACTICES. Extended date for reply comments. (Dkt No. 09-191 07-52 ). Action by: Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau. Reply Comments Due: 04/26/2010. Adopted: 04/07/2010 by ORDER. (DA No. 10-607). WCB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-607A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-607A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-607A1.txt

Comcast vs. FCC

The United States Court of Appeals FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT issued a substantial decision today in the case of Comcast vs. FCC. The Court’s decision is attached. Statements from the FCC are below. This decision may have impact upon the National Broadband Plan which has substantial impact upon public safety (see Chapter 16).


4/6/10Commissioner McDowell's Statement on the Recent D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Decision in the Comcast/BitTorrent Case.Word Acrobat

4/6/10Commissioner Clyburn's Statement Regarding D.C. Circuit's Decision in Comcast v. FCC.Word Acrobat

4/6/10Commissioner Baker's Statement on D.C. Circuit Decision Vacating the Commission's Order on Comcast's Network Management Practices.Word Acrobat

4/6/10FCC Statement on Comcast v. FCC Decision.News Release: Word Acrobat

Comcastvs.FCC08-1291-1238302%5B1%5D.pdf

Important Information for Public Safety Communications

Andrew Seybold, in response to Commissioner McDowell’s stunning comment about the 700 MHz band and converting the narrowband voice spectrum to broadband data, sent a letter to Mr. McDowell attempting to explain the criticality of the band. It is worth your reading. I am aware of other states and localities planning to send letters to Commission McDowell explaining the importance of 700 MHz.

Letter to Commissioner McDowell: http://andrewseybold.com/1456-channellized-communications
Commentary on the FCC’s Handling of Public Safety in their Broadband plan: http://andrewseybold.com/1437-the-fcc-to-public-safety%e2%80%a6

Why is it important to communicate the needs of public safety to the FCC? There was one part of the PERF article recently shared with all of you that really stood out for me (among many very important comments). The quote below is from Admiral Barnett, FCC Chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. In the quote, the Admiral states that the record on the need for the D Block was sparse and did not contain good arguments for the spectrum. The quote can elicit favorable and unfavorable reactions, depending upon one’s perspective; however, the reality is that the FCC has a process for submitting comments and when it is (in their view) appropriate, the record serves to guide their actions. In this case, the relevant docket is WT 96-86. The comments of public safety should be filed in the docket “for the record”. The link in which to file comments is http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=czl8u. If anyone needs help in filing comments in this critically important issue, please contact me and I will be glad to help.

From Admiral Barnett:

PUBLIC SAFETY WILL NEED MORE THAN 10 MHz
“I think we can also agree that public safety will someday need more spectrum than the 10 MHz designated to it by Congress.
But the record of information filed by public safety on the need for more spectrum now was sparse; really it was only New York City [that filed a brief ]. And that brief was insufficient from an engineering standpoint. It did not meet fact-based, data-driven requirements”.

Police Executive Research Forum

Attached is an important article from the Police Executive Research Forum (“PERF”) regarding recent dialogue that several of the Forum’s members had with staff from the FCC regarding the “D” Block and the relocation of this valuable 700 MHz spectrum from commercial carriers to public safety. This article merits the attention of everyone in public safety and homeland security.

The reallocation of the “D” Block from the federal auction process to public safety literally requires an act of Congress. For those wishing to contact their elected federal representatives or members of Congress with Committee assignments relative to spectral reallocations, please see below.

Please note that in addition to those at the PERF Forum advocating for the reallocation, several firms serving public safety have publically endorsed the reallocation of the “D” Block. A partial list of companies supporting the reallocation is also attached.

Also attached is a list of the Congressional Committees With Jurisdiction Over Braodband Issues.
Alcatel-LucentLetterSupportingDBlock%20jan2010.pdf

ATTPublicSafetyandD-Block01-12-10.pdf

CongressionalCommittessWithJurisdictionOverBroadbandIssues.pdf

HarrisLetterofSupport-Final.pdf

Motorola-DBlock-Statement010610.pdf

NGIS700MHZLetter.pdf

PERF.Subject.toDebate.pdf

VZW-PublicSafetyDBlockProposal-011010.pdf

Critical Infrastructure

The Federal Communications Commission to hold workshop on Critical Infrastructure and Information Collection. Read the official public notice here.
DOC-297292A1.pdf