FCC Public Notice- 700 MHz Spectrum Flexibility

This is an important reminder for all persons and organizations considering to offer comments to the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security “Bureau Notice” seeking comments regarding flexible use of the 700 MHz narrowband spectrum. The deadline for submitting comments is this Friday, December 3, 2010. Attached are early comments that have been filed by some states, RPCs, and others. All of the submissions from public safety organizations (so far) have supported preservation of the 700 MHz narrowband channels without flexible use for broadband.

FCC Comments

Todd Herra

Region 5 700 MHz Regional Planning Committee

If you or your organization oppose the “flexible use” of the 700 MHz narrowband spectrum for broadband, it is very important that you consider joining the outstanding organizations that have already filed important comments in opposition to this concept. Without a doubt, commercial interests which desire to use public safety spectrum for their business ventures, will submit comments to the Commission advocating for flexibility in the use of the 700 MHz narrowband spectrum. We’ve already seen a suggested revised 700 MHz bandplan filed with the FCC by T-Mobile.

Many organizations will file their comments this Friday. If you wish to submit comments to the Commission regarding the questions asked in DA 10-1877, the link to the Electronic Comment Filing System is below.

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/display?z=1bvce

Outreach News - 11/23/2010

1. FCC CHAIRMAN GENACHOWSKI ANNOUNCES STEPS TO BRING 9-1-1 INTO 21ST CENTURY. Texting, Video Streaming, Data Sharing to 9-1-1 Envisioned For Consumers. 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-302988A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-302988A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-302988A1.txt

PREPARED REMARKS OF CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, "NEXT-GENERATION 9-1-1", ARLINGTON COUNTY EMERGENCY CENTER. OCH . ARLINGTON, VA
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-302989A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-302989A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-302989A1.txt

2. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 13 (ILLINOIS) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO RESCHEDULE 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETINGS. (DA No. 10-2229). (Dkt No 91-228 ). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2229A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2229A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2229A1.txt

3. The decisions and criteria used to interpret Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act are always important for those entities desiring to construct communications towers. The Commission has rendered decisions related to applications from Sprint-Nextel. In the link below, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau affirms its decision of September 8, 2010, that two wireless communications towers proposed for construction on Santa Cruz Island, California, will not have adverse effects on historic properties within the meaning of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA).

SPRINT NEXTEL CORPORATION. Denied the petitions for reconsideration and dismissed the accompanying requests to stay the effectiveness of the Division's determination. Action by: Deputy Chief, Spectrum & Competition Policy Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Adopted: 11/23/2010 by ORDER. (DA No. 10-2233). WTB http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2233A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2233A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2233A1.txt

4. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 8 (NEW YORK - METROPOLITAN AREA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC REGIONAL PLANNING MEETINGS. (DA No. 10-2222). (Dkt No 91-43 ). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2222A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2222A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2222A1.txt

5. 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. 10-2223). (Dkt No 91-43 ). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2223A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2223A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2223A1.txt

Outreach News - 11/19/2010

1. A message from the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Emergency Communications is below:

OEC Stakeholders,

This week the SAFECOM Program held its bi-annual Emergency Response Council meeting in Washington, DC. Over 50 members attended, representing national associations and public safety agencies. At the meeting, the Executive Committee announced that Kevin McGinnis was elected the previous day as Chair of the Executive Committee. Kevin is the former Director of Emergency Medical Services for the State of Maine, ambulance service chief, and a paramedic for the past 36 years. For the past seven years, he has represented the National Association of State EMS Officials on SAFECOM and has served as vice-chair of SAFECOM for the past four years. Fire Chief Charles Werner, of Charlottesville, Virginia, who served as the SAFECOM Chairman from March 2008-November 2010, has been elected as the Vice Chair of the Executive Committee.

We look forward to sharing more information with you about the SAFECOM Program in the future.

Sincerely,

Chris Essid
Director
Office of Emergency Communications
U.S. Department of Homeland Security


2. Paul Kirby of TR Daily wrote an excellent article related to the differences in perspective regarding the proposed 700 MHz public safety broadband network between some members of the commercial carriers and public safety’s leadership on the issue. A link to the article is below.

Public Safety, Industry Representatives Clash On Reallocation Of D ...BroadbandBreakfast.com

http://broadbandbreakfast.com/2010/11/public-safety-industry-representatives-clash-on-reallocation-of-d-block/

Outreach News - 11/18/2010

1. The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) announced that on December 16, 2010, it will begin accepting applications for licensing of certain available channels in the 809.5-815/854.5-860 MHz (Channels 251- 470) portion of the 800 MHz band that have been, or will be, relinquished by Sprint Nextel Corporation (Sprint) in certain National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) regions.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES APPLICATION AND LICENSING PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN CHANNELS RELINQUISHED BY SPRINT NEXTEL CORPORATION. (DA No. 10-2201). (Dkt No 02-55 ) IN THE 809.5-815/854.5-860 MHZ BAND, Application Filing Commences December 16, 2010, Pre-Filing Coordination Notification Commences December 2, 2010. PSHSB . Contact: Tracy Simmons at (717) 338-2657, email: Tracy.Simmons@fcc.gov or Brian Marenco at (202) 418-0838, email: Brian.Marenco@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2201A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2201A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2201A1.txt

2. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON PETITION FOR WAIVER FILED BY THALES COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (DA No. 10-2180). Comments Due: 12/13/2010. Reply Comments Due: 12/28/2010. PSHSB . Contact: Michael Wilhelm at (202) 418-0870, email: Michael.Wilhelm@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2180A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2180A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2180A1.txt

Outreach News - 11/12/2010

1. For those of you who have constructed communications towers, you are probably well aware of the potential complexity of issues related to environmental compliance and recognize the importance of this area to public safety communications. To comply with its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the FCC is conducting a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) of its Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) program. The purpose of the PEA is to evaluate the potential environmental effects of the Commission’s ASR program. The Commission is undertaking the PEA in response to the determination of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in American Bird Conservancy v. FCC that registered towers may have a significant environmental effect on migratory birds. In the course of the PEA, the Commission will consider alternatives to address potential environmental effects, and will determine whether a more extensive analysis, in the form of a programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, may be required under NEPA.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ANNOUNCES PUBLIC MEETINGS AND INVITES COMMENT ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF ITS ANTENNA STRUCTURE REGISTRATION PROGRAM. (DA No. 10-2178). (Dkt No 08-61 03-187 ). Comments Due: 01/14/2011. WTB . Contact: Aaron Goldschmidt at (202) 418-7146, email: Aaron.Goldschmidt@fcc.gov
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2178A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2178A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2178A1.txt

2. In September, the FCC issued a very important Public Notice entitled, “PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON THE TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL FEASIBILITY OF ENABLING FLEXIBLE USE OF THE 700 MHZ PUBLIC SAFETY NARROWBAND ALLOCATION AND GUARD BAND FOR BROADBAND SERVICES”. This Public Notice seeks narrative and/or quantitative feedback related to the narrowband voice applications in the 700 MHz frequency band and potential reuse of the spectrum for broadband communications in the future. Please note that comments are due on December 3, 2010. While all comments on relevant issues are welcome, the FCC is specifically seeking input from state governments and Regional Planning Committees. Many organizations are formulating comments; however, this purpose of this reminder is to reach out to all interested persons and remind them of the date for responses as well as the importance of addressing the issues included in the Public Notice. To assist readers in formulating a response, a summary of the specific areas in which the FCC seeks input is attached.

Financial Support Option for Narrowbanding

NPSTC reached out to the federal government to seek information about funding alternatives in support of narrowbanding and received the information below.

Funds awarded under the Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program may be used for narrowbanding projects; funds may be used to purchase equipment that meets narrowbanding equipment or to educate users about the requirements. These expenditures must align with a State or Territory’s previously proposed and approved PSIC Investments. However, PSIC funds cannot be used for the payment of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing fees associated with narrowbanding requirements. Please direct specific questions about allowable PSIC expenditures to PSIC@dhs.gov.

Thank you,

Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Department of Homeland Security
FEMA Grant Programs Directorate
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http://www.ntia.doc.gov/psic
PSIC@dhs.gov

Outreach News - 11/4/2010

1. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 17 (KENTUCKY) 700 MHZ PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE TO HOLD MEETING. (DA No. 10-2129). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2129A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2129A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2129A1.txt

2. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 24 (MISSOURI) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ MEETINGS. (DA No. 10-2132). (Dkt No 93-131 ). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2132A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2132A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2132A1.txt

3. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 35 (OREGON) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC MEETINGS. (DA No. 10-2130). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2130A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2130A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2130A1.txt

Outreach News - 11/3/2010

1. Chief Charles Werner has written an interesting article regarding the D Block issue now introduced in the U.S. Senate through S. 3625 and S. 3756 as well as H.R. 5081 in the House of Representatives. It is extremely important for everyone in public safety to articulate that the D Block reallocation for first responder use is a non-partisan issue. This initiative has enjoyed support from Democrats and Republicans. In light of yesterday’s elections, public safety will need to educate all new members of Congress on the importance of the D Block transfer to public safety. In the House of Representatives, this legislation is encompassed within H.R. 5081, which comes under the jurisdiction of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The new Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee in the next Congress is not known at the time as the Republicans have not caucused to elect its leadership.

2. On September 23, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry to improve wireless E911 location accuracy and reliability by examining the next stage of potential regulations that would be commensurate with the surge in wireless usage, encompassing additional voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and wireless services, devices, and applications. Additionally, as recommended in the National Broadband Plan, the E911Location Accuracy FNPRM and NOI seeks comment on the impact of NG911 developments on location accuracy. The E911 Location Accuracy FNPRM and NOI sets deadlines for filing comments and reply comments at 60 and 90 days after publication in the Federal Register. On November 2, 2010, a summary of the E911 Location Accuracy FNPRM and NOI was published in the Federal Register. Accordingly, comments must be filed on or before January 3, 2011; and reply comments must be filed on or before January 31, 2011. Comment filing instructions are set forth in the E911 Location Accuracy FNPRM and NOI.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES COMMENT AND REPLY COMMENT DATES FOR THE FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING AND NOTICE OF INQUIRY IN THE E911 LOCATION ACCURACY PROCEEDING. (DA No. 10-2111). (Dkt No 05-196 07-114 ). Comments Due:
01/03/2011. Reply Comments Due: 01/31/2011. PSHSB . Contact: Patrick Donovan at (202) 418-2413
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2111A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2111A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2111A1.txt

Outreach News - 11/2/2010

1. Attached is Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) publication, the Emergency Communications Forum (ECF).

2. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 28 (EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY AND DELAWARE AREA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC MEETINGS. (DA No. 10-2103). (Dkt No 92-287 ). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2103A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2103A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-10-2103A1.txt