Outreach News - 04/08/2011

1. ERRATUM - PUBLIC SAFETY HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 30 (NEW YORK - ALBANY) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ MEETINGS. (Dkt No 90-394) Issued an Erratum correcting Public Notice, DA 11-589 released April 1, 2011. PSHSB

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-305612A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-305612A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-305612A1.txt

2. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 3 (ARIZONA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC MEETINGS. (DA No. 11-626). (Dkt No 91-143 ). PSHSB

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-626A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-626A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-626A1.txt

3. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 10 (GEORGIA) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC MEETINGS. (DA No. 11-628). (Dkt No 92-189 ). PSHSB

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-628A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-628A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-628A1.txt

4. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 54 (SOUTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ MEETINGS. (DA No. 11-625). (Dkt No 89-363 ). PSHSB

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-625A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-625A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-625A1.txt

5. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 7 (COLORADO) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES' 2011 SCHEDULE FOR 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC MEETINGS. (DA No. 11-627). (Dkt No 89-452 ). PSHSB

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-627A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-627A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-627A1.txt

6. Courtesy of the Tennessee Interoperability Conference. It is finally here and that is the Interoperability Continuum video “Are We Prepared”. This short film had its red carpet interoperable debut at the 3^rd Annual Tennessee Interoperability Conference two weeks ago. The film received high praises from the critics and is in the running for 2 Continuum awards. If you go to http://www.tninterop.com/ you will have three choices to click. 1^st is the trailer for the film, 2^nd the film in full length all 19 minutes and 3^rd the bloopers from the film. If you would like to receive a free copy of “Are We Prepared” just click the link and fill out the information and one will be shipped to you as soon as possible.

7. FIXED AND MOBILE SERVICES IN THE MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICE BANDS AT 1525-1559 MHZ AND 1626.5-1660.5 MHZ, 1610-1626.5 MHZ AND 2483.5-2500 MHZ AND 2000-2020 MHZ AND 2180-2200 MHZ. The Commission took steps to make additional spectrum available for new investment in mobile broadband networks while also ensuring that the United States maintains robust mobile satellite service capabilities. (Dkt No. 10-142 ). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 04/05/2011 by R&O. (FCC No. 11-57). WTB

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-57A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-57A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-57A1.txt

8. DELETION OF AGENDA ITEMS FROM APRIL 7, 2011, OPEN MEETING

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-305600A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-305600A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-305600A1.txt

9. Information on P25 standards and how to access them are available from the Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) website at:

http://www.pscr.gov/outreach/p25dsr/about_p25_standards/p25_communications_resources.php

10. Two articles related to Narrowbanding are attached for your review.

Narrowbanding 1

Narrowbanding 2

11. FCC EXPLORES WAYS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE RELIABILITY OF AMERICA’S COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS

Washington D.C. –The Federal Communications Commission today took another step to implement the recommendations in the National Broadband Plan by adopting a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking public comment on ways to further strengthen the reliability and resiliency of America’s communications networks. The recent tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan are unfortunate, tragic reminders of the importance of maintaining communications networks that offer reliable and resilient service in the face of significant equipment or system failure, particularly during major emergencies.

Communications services, including broadband technologies, play a critical role in all elements of the Nation’s society and economy. Overall, as the communications infrastructure migrates from older technologies to broadband technology, critical communications services will travel over a communications network infrastructure that may or may not be built to the high standards of legacy systems. The potential for differences in service reliability may be a major source of concern for the public safety, health care, energy and financial sectors, and more generally for consumers and businesses across America.

Today’s action builds on the FCC’s ongoing efforts to help ensure the reliability and resiliency of communications for the public, government, emergency responders, healthcare providers, and providers of other critical services such as electric power during natural or man-made disasters. In April 2010, the FCC sought comment on the survivability of communications networks when there is direct physical damage or failure of network equipment, or network overloads.

The NOI seeks comment on four specific areas of concern:

• Current efforts by industry to ensure continuity of communications service during major disasters;
• Existing reliability and resiliency standards for broadband communications networks;
• The FCC’s role in promoting the reliability, resiliency and continuity of communications services; and
• The FCC’s legal authority to act to ensure the reliability, resiliency and continuity of communications services.

The NOI also proposes to terminate two related proceedings -- the Survivability Notice of Inquiry the Commission commenced in April 2010 and the Katrina Panel proceeding that it started in 2006. If terminated, the records from these two proceedings would be considered in the context of this proceeding, where appropriate.

Public comments and reply comments are due July 7, and September 1, 2011, respectively. Comments on the FCC’s proposal to terminate the Survivability NOI and the Katrina Panel proceeding are due 30 days after publication of the NOI in the Federal Register.

Action by the Commission, April 7, 2011, by Notice of Inquiry (FCC 11-55). Chairman Genachowski and Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker. Separate Statements issued by Chairman Genachowski and Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker.

PS Docket Nos. 11-60 and 10-92; and EB Docket No. 06-119.

For further information, contact Lisa M. Fowlkes, Deputy Bureau Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau at (202) 418-7452 or lisa.fowlkes@fcc.gov or John Healy at (202) 418-2448 or john.healy@fcc.gov.

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STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI

Re: In the Matter of Reliability and Continuity of Communications Networks, Including Broadband Technologies, PS Docket No. 11-60

The recent devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan are a stark reminder of how heavily we depend on reliable and resilient communications networks, especially during major emergencies. It is an unfortunate irony that such disasters often provide the best opportunity to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of communications infrastructure.

The terrible events in Japan are an example of a tragedy of scale in a broadband society. The Japanese used broadband to mitigate the impact of these natural disasters, and their efforts offer examples for us.

For example, the Japan Meteorological Agency’s earthquake early warning system relied on broadband to automatically issue alerts via cell phones and TV after the first, less harmful earthquake shock wave, providing a short window for people to prepare for the more powerful shock wave that followed.

The broadband-based warning system also caused many energy plants, industrial facilities, and transportation services to shut down automatically, averting problems at these locations. High-speed trains automatically came to a safe stop in response to earthquake alerts transmitted along the rail system.

The United States does not currently have a comparable earthquake warning system. It is something we should consider, especially for our regions that are most prone to earthquakes.

The events in Japan also demonstrate the importance of reliable and resilient Internet-based communications, especially mobile services. Residents of Japan with mobile phones, for example, were able to rely on their battery-powered devices to access web-based disaster message boards, Twitter, and social networking sites to report on their status and check for updates regarding family and friends. People reporting into disaster message boards could choose a pre-set status message or write their own short message, and millions of such messages were recorded in the days after the earthquake and tsunami.

The continued ability to use wireless devices to access the Internet was in large part due to the redundancy of Japan’s wireless mesh network, which can automatically reroute signals over alternate paths if one route is destroyed. The reliability of mesh networking is another lesson we can draw from Japan.

I understand that the Government of Japan and Japanese communications providers have put considerable thought and planning into disaster contingency plans, including backup power requirements. We strive to learn more about the specific best practices in Japan, which enabled an impressive communications recovery in light of widespread devastation. In the United States, we have no federal rules on backup power, and we have to ask whether that situation is acceptable. The inquiry we initiate today is intended to explore this and similar important questions.

The Japanese tragedy showed the role that broadcasting plays in emergencies. Radio in particular played a significant role in Japan, as residents who lost power could turn on the radio in their cars and receive essential information.

The Japanese tragedy also showed the importance of having redundant transmission facilities. Three of seven trans-Pacific undersea cables had sections of their systems badly damaged in the earthquake. These undersea cable systems are expected to be restored in the next two months, but because of both the redundancy and the resiliency of the undersea cable networks, international communications to Japan continued even on the days immediately following the earthquake.

Such redundancy is generally in place for undersea cable systems that directly serve the United States. The Commission keeps a close eye on the resiliency of these important communications networks, and Japan shows us why it is important that we be vigilant.

Events such as those in Japan shine a light on the importance of ensuring reliable and resilient critical communications infrastructure at all levels, at all times, and especially during major disasters.

In the United States, virtually every segment of our society relies heavily on communications networks – both wireless and wireline, both legacy systems and, increasingly, broadband networks. This includes our Nation’s first responders and public safety providers; the energy, health care, and financial sectors; and homes and businesses across America.

The rapid migration of our Nation’s communications infrastructure from older legacy technologies to Internet Protocol-based broadband technology underscores the need for an assessment of the reliability of our communications networks.

That is why the National Broadband Plan recommended that the Commission commence an inquiry to better understand the reliability and resiliency standards being applied to broadband networks. Users of communications services today – whether large enterprises, small businesses, or individual consumers – expect the same reliable service no matter what platform they use (and may not even be aware of what platform they use).

Today the Commission takes another step to implement the National Broadband Plan by launching a disciplined approach to gathering information about the reliability and resiliency of our Nation’s communications infrastructure. Our goal is to determine what actions we should take to ensure that our communications networks remain functioning when there is a natural or manmade disaster.

Communications service providers have a legitimate interest in protecting sensitive commercial and proprietary information. And we understand the real-world economic constraints that commercial providers face. We will be mindful of that while seeking to understand the robustness of our communications networks and identify actions to improve the operations of our communications systems in an emergency. These matters are also of vital importance as we transition to and implement Next Generation 9-1-1, which is a priority for this Commission.

Finally, this inquiry implements a key energy recommendation of the National Broadband Plan by considering matters related to giving utilities the certainty they need to use commercial networks for smart grid communications.

This Notice of Inquiry takes an important step forward to examine all of these matters. While we of course strive to prevent and minimize the impact of major emergencies, we also know that they are inevitable. This Inquiry is about ensuring that our communications infrastructure is prepared when disaster strikes. Recent events remind us of the powerful importance of this effort.

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STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS

Re: Reliability and Continuity of Communications Networks, Including Broadband Technologies, PS Docket No. 11-60, Effects on Broadband Communications Networks of Damage or Failure of Network Equipment or Severe Overload, PS Docket No. 10-92, Independent Panel Viewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks, EB Docket No. 06-119, Notice of Inquiry.

As we launch today’s proceeding on the reliability and continuity of America’s communications networks, the images of the devastation along the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Katrina come rushing back. I remember very well traveling with then-Chairman Martin to survey the damage first-hand. We saw communities ripped apart by wind and water, lives uprooted and families divided, and communications networks essential to responding and recovering destroyed. Immediately after, we started looking at ways to improve the reliability, redundancy and survivability of our critical communications infrastructure, and I renewed my call for the creation of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. So, I take great pleasure in seeing today’s Notice of Inquiry presented by just such a Bureau.

We—the Commission, industry and public safety—learned a number of lessons from Katrina about the impact that disasters can have on networks. We’ve made some progress in implementing them, but our work was never close to done. And new challenges confront us. Not only is every emergency event different, but our technology tools are different, too. As communications networks migrate from legacy technologies to IP-based services over broadband, we need to make sure that we understand how this impacts service reliability and resiliency. We need to be as prepared as we can possibly be to ensure that public safety responders, the energy and finance sectors, and ordinary citizens can stay connected during times of emergency. After all, it’s not a question of if another disaster will strike, but when.

I commend the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau for teeing up so many key questions in this Notice of Inquiry and thank particularly the Chairman for all the hard work he is doing to enhance the safety of our people. Given the importance of this proceeding, I encourage all interested parties to make detailed comments for our consideration. It’s going to be a critically-important record for how we go about the job of protecting our critical communications infrastructure.

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STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL

RE: Reliability and Continuity of Communications Networks, Including Broadband Technologies, Notice of Inquiry, PS Docket No. 11-60, FCC 11-55

I support today’s inquiry into the reliability, resiliency and continuity of our nation’s communications networks and technologies during emergencies. I am especially gratified that we are proposing terminating two open proceedings in favor of the comprehensive approach set forth in today’s NOI. I thank Chairman Genachowski for creating a more efficient procedure for those interested in participating.

I have a particular interest in learning more about our legal authority in this area, especially as it pertains to more discrete matters such as back up power mandates, an issue the Commission has struggled with over the years. In addition, I will look for information on whether and how public safety entities may use commercial off-the-shelf equipment and technologies. I understand that the public safety community has historically opposed reliance upon commercial products due to concerns over lack of coverage, reliability and security. A consensus may be emerging among them, however, that commercial technologies may provide significant benefits, at least for non-mission critical applications. I hope to learn more about this important issue from both public safety and industry. I have long emphasized the beneficial economies of scale associated with greater use of commercial services and technologies in the public safety sector.

Finally, I want to acknowledge our colleague in the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Gary Thayer. I understand that Gary postponed his retirement to help launch this proceeding today. Thank you, Gary, for your work in this proceeding, as well as for your twenty-four years of service here at the Commission. I wish you the best and congratulate you!

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STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN

Re: Notice of Inquiry in the Matter of Reliability and Continuity of Communications Networks, Including Broadband Technologies (PS Docket No. 11-60; FCC 11-55).

It is almost impossible these days to turn on the television, listen to the radio, or surf the Internet, without hearing news about the heartbreaking situation in Japan. While we all continue to pray for a speedy recovery for that Nation, it is important to note that the devastation could have been even worse without the country’s advanced communications capabilities. Reports indicate that numerous lives were saved through television and cell phone alerts, issued by Japan’s emergency warning system, which afforded citizens time to prepare. The Internet also played a key role, allowing many to communicate with families and friends via Twitter, Facebook, and Skype.

This unfortunate event underscores the need for examining the continuity and reliability of communications networks here in the United States. It is imperative that, during large-scale disasters, citizens are able to obtain vital information from public safety officials and communicate with loved ones.

Our Nation’s own experiences, in the aftermath of disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, and violent storms like the one which struck my parent’s neighborhood in South Carolina this week, highlight the importance of having our networks protected from potential failures. The NOI asks important questions about critical features in preventing the outages such as the need for backup power, and backhaul redundancy.

I am also pleased to see that the NOI engages in a comprehensive inquiry on the continuity and reliability of our broadband networks. Critical sectors such as public safety, energy, and finance, are migrating from older, legacy, technologies to broadband. Consumers of communications services at all levels may not know much about the technological platform used to deliver their communications services. But these consumers expect the same level of quality and reliability regardless of the platform. We must take steps now to see whether these IP based networks have the high carrier grade standards of legacy systems.

In my opinion, the best way to address these issues is to gather input from the widest possible array of stakeholders. Such collaboration allows us to fashion solutions that achieve important policy initiatives without imposing unreasonable burdens on any communications companies. It is possible the industry leadership has developed high quality standards that are necessary to address reliability concerns, for legacy and broadband networks. This proceeding will help shed light on best practices and allow the Commission to take a proper approach to encourage adoption of those standards.

I look forward to reviewing recommendations on ways to ensure continual, reliable service on all communications networks during major emergencies. In addition, I commend the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, for its excellent work and leadership on this important issue.

STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MEREDITH ATTWELL BAKER

Re: Reliability and Continuity of Communications Networks, Including Broadband Technologies (PS Docket No. 11-60); Effects on Broadband Communications Networks for Damage or Failure of Network Equipment of Severe Overload (PS Docket No. 10-92); Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks (EB Docket No. 06-119)

The American people deserve the highest degree of continuity, reliability, and resiliency in their communications networks. All segments of our society, from national security to consumer welfare, increasingly depend on them. This is particularly true in the event of a disaster, regardless of whether it is natural or man-made. Exploring the capabilities and deficiencies of our networks is critical to determining any improvements needed to them. The inquiry we launch today will help us understand how and if we can use our authority to promote these improvements as our Nation’s technologies and systems continue to evolve. I look forward to learning more as we work together to analyze this essential infrastructure.