Outreach News - 04/25/11

1. On Tuesday, April 26, 2011, the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) will hold a workshop on the interoperability of customer mobile equipment across commercial spectrum blocks in the 700 MHz Band. This event will focus on exploring solutions for promoting the development and availability of equipment for the 700 MHz band. In addition, the workshop will discuss providers’ technology choices for the 700 MHz band, including the planned deployment of Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology by certain providers, and how these technology choices can affect equipment availability, competition, and roaming. These are important issues for public safety as first responders will need to roam to commercial spectrum as the public safety network is being constructed and during periods in which capacity requirements demand the use of commercial spectrum. Please see the attached for more details.

2. On a personal note, Christine Butts, a friend and supporter of the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2011. She was an active member of her church and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Born in Syracuse, NY she was the daughter of the late George Brick, and is survived by her mother, Elizabeth Brick; her husband, David C. Butts, III; daughters, Sandra Lamb Dawkins and Michelle Lamb Lester; and sister Marilyn Brick Ward. Memorials may be made to Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, 3011 Leaphart Rd., West Columbia, SC 29169.

3. In the news:

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=13448923