Outreach News - 7/27/11

1. Important Notice for state government radio managers responsible for State 700 MHz channels.

SERVICE RULES GOVERNING PUBLIC SAFETY NARROWBAND OPERATIONS IN THE 769-775/799-805 MHZ BANDS. Clarified the five-year and ten-year "substantial service" deadlines that apply to state-licensed 700 MHz public safety narrowband channels run, set forth in Section 90.529 of the Commission's rules. (Dkt No. 96-86 ). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 07/27/2011 by Declaratory Ruling. (FCC No. 11-117). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-117A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-117A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-117A1.txt

2. As part of the Debt Ceiling discussions, Senator Reid (D-NV) has incorporated language in the Senate Budget Control Act that would facilitate 700 MHz public safety broadband, including the D Block. Please see pages 6 and 7 for comments from the Congressional Budget Act. http://www.cbo.gov/

3. In the news:

Lessons Learned from a Narrowbanding Project
http://mccmag.com/onlyonline.cfm?OnlyOnlineID=258

APCO Alert:
Dear Public Safety Professional:

I am Bill Carrow, President of APCO International, and once again on behalf of the Public Safety Alliance, I need your help. The Republican leadership of the United States House of Representatives needs to hear from you now, as well as your family, friends, neighbors and colleagues.

During the next couple of days public safety officials will be in Washington DC meeting the members of congress to get them to introduce a companion bill to S. 911: The Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act of 2011 and we need your help. S. 911 passed out of committee on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote and now the House needs to pass a similar bill on a bipartisan basis. We need your help in calling key leaders in the house during this time to support those that are in Washington DC. I know we have asked a lot, but this very complex process needs your support. Our success would not have happened without your phone calls and other help, so please take a moment to make this important call.

The House leaders need to do the right thing. This is no time to be a penny-wise and a pound-foolish with our nation’s safety and security, especially in these tough economic times. We need representatives to come out in support of S.911 and its companion to allocate D block spectrum to public safety with funding of $11.5 billion for the nationwide, interoperable and mission-critical public safety broadband network.

Therefore, please call your member of Congress today and urge them to support S. 911 and its companion in the House now before the 10th anniversary. Thank you once again for your continued support and assistance on this time-sensitive and top priority matter.

Sincerely,

Bill Carrow

Outreach News - 7/25/11

1. Courtesy of TR Daily - SENATE HEARING SET ON INTEROPERABILITY

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee plans to hold a hearing July 27 on congressional efforts to reallocate the 700 megahertz band D block to public safety and interoperability gaps experienced by first responders. The hearing is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. in room 342 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. The scheduled witnesses are Greg Schaffer, acting deputy under secretary-National Protection and Programs Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security; Michael Varney, statewide interoperability coordinator for Connecticut; Robert McAleer, director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency; and Charles Ramsey, police commissioner for Philadelphia and president of the Major Cities Chiefs Police Association.

2. Courtesy of TR Daily - HOUSE PANEL SETS LightSquared HEARING

The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee plans to hold a hearing Aug. 3 on the impact of LightSquared, Inc.’s L-band network on federal science activities. The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon in room 2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

3. Courtesy TR Daily - PSST, FCC IN DISPUTE OVER PLMN Ids

The Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST) and others in the public safety community and the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau are in disagreement about what entities should be eligible to receive Public Land Mobile Network Identifiers (PLMN Ids). In an ex parte filing in PS docket 06-229, the PSST reported on recent conversations PSST Chairman Harlin McEwen and an attorney for the PSST had had with Public Safety Bureau staff about the issue. “Mr. McEwen reported that he had been informed that the State of Texas (which has been granted an early broadband deployment waiver by the PSHSB and has entered into a long-term de facto lease with the PSST) applied for a PLMN ID assignment but was denied the assignment by the ATIS IOC because it is not the license holder of the 700 MHz public safety broadband spectrum,” the ex parte filing said of a July 15 conference call. “Mr. McEwen added, however, that the test PLMN ID numbers assigned by the ATIS IOC, one of which is currently used by the Public Safety Communications Research Program, are available for use by the State of Texas and other PSST lessees. Chief McEwen then explained that the PSST was being encouraged by the Waiver Recipients to apply for a PLMN ID. The PSHSB staff said that the PSST should not do so because, in their view, it was not eligible for a PLMN ID. The staff added that they did not believe the PSST is eligible for a PLMN ID because it is not a network operator and noted the FCC’s stay of certain rules as part of the Third Report and Order in this proceeding. Mr. McEwen explained that he believes the public safety community is uniting around a single, nationwide network approach rather than a network of networks approach, but PSHSB staff indicated that they prefer a network of networks approach.”

4. CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS. Granted the waiver request. (Dkt No. 02-55) ). Action by: Deputy Chief, Policy and Licensing Division, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Adopted: 07/25/2011 by ORDER. (DA No. 11-1234). PSHSB

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1234A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1234A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1234A1.txt

5. In the news:

700 MHz Device Interoperability: http://tinyurl.com/3u5f6n7

700 MHz Public Safety Service: Being a Governmental Entity Is Just Not Enough

CBO: Senate spectrum bill would save $6.5 billion http://www.fiercegovernmentit.com/story/cbo-senate-spectrum-bill-would-save-65-billion/2011-07-21#ixzz1T94acBcx
CBO Scores Public Safety Bill Lower Than Expected http://www.utcinsight.org/content/cbo-scores-public-safety-bill-lower-expected

Proposed legislation could put white-space plans in jeopardy http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/proposed-legislation-could-put-white-space-plans-jeopardy/2011-07-24?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal#ixzz1T92LsbpZ

Capitol Hill nears decision time on spectrum legislation http://urgentcomm.com/policy_and_law/commentary/spectrum-legislation-decision-time-20110721/

Outreach News - 7/21/11

1. The Commission has issued a 4th Report and Order that among other things states, “we find that a reasonably broad interpretation of the definition of "public safety services" under Section 337 of the Act would allow some of the uses proposed by Charlotte and other commenters”.

SERVICE RULES FOR THE 698-746, 747-762 AND 777-792 MHZ BANDS/IMPLEMENTING A NATIONWIDE, BROADBAND, INTEROPERABLE PUBLIC SAFETY NETWORK IN THE 700 MHZ BAND/AMENDMENT OF PART 90 OF THE COMMISSON'S RULES. Denied the Request for Declaratory Ruling filed by the City of Charlotte, North Carolina. by 4th R&O. (Dkt No. 06-229 07-100 06-150 ). Action by: the Commission. Adopted: 07/20/2011 by R&O. (FCC No. 11-113). PSHSB
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-113A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-113A2.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-113A2.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-113A1.txt
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-113A2.txt

2. EMERGENCY ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT OF AUGUST 12, 2011 MEETING. (DA No. 11-1221) Committee to Focus on Matters Pertaining to Next Generation 911 Access for Persons with Disabilities. CGB . Contact: Cheryl King at (202) 418-2284, email: Cheryl.King@fcc.gov or Patrick Donovan at (202) 418-2413, email: Patrick.Donovan@fcc.gov, TTY: (202) 418-0416
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1221A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1221A1.pdf
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1221A1.txt

3. In the news:

Europe Finds LightSquared Harm to Galileo Signal - July 20, 2011
http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/news/europe-finds-lightsquared-harm-galileo-signal-11902
CTIA shares tips for preventing News Corp. (or anyone else) from hacking your voicemail
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/072011-ctia-hacking-voicemail.html

Outreach News - 7/20/11

1. Courtesy of Paul Kirby, TR Daily

****************************************************

LAWMAKERS TO PUSH SPECTRUM BILL

Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D., W.Va.) is scheduled to be joined by Sens. Charles E. Schumer (D., N.Y.) and Kirsten Gillibrand, (D., N.Y.), House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter T. King (R., N.Y.), and first responders from New York at a news conference tomorrow to urge the passage of legislation to reallocate the 700 megahertz band D block to public safety and fund a nationwide public safety broadband network. The event is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.. in SVC-201 of the Capitol Visitors Center. Meanwhile, sources said today that a House communications and technology subcommittee markup of a spectrum bill isn’t likely before next week. There had been some speculation that it could be held this week. House Republicans oppose reallocation of the D block and instead want the spectrum reauctioned.

LAWMAKERS ASK FCC TO LAUNCH 700 MHz

DEVICE INTEROPERABILITY PROCEEDING

Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (D., W.Va.) and Sens. Roger F. Wicker (R., Miss.), and Mark P. Begich (D., Alaska) are calling on the FCC to launch a proceeding to ensure that devices are interoperable across 700 megahertz band spectrum.

“Without action, we are concerned that the wireless market may develop in ways that are contrary to the public interest,” the senators said in a letter yesterday to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. “First, without interoperability across band classes, some consumers will not have access to the cutting-edge devices being developed to take advantage of the benefits of the next-generation 700 MHz networks. If these new devices work only on certain networks, consumers using other carriers may be saddled with less innovative devices.

“Second, if these devices do not work across networks, consumers and public safety users who travel may not be able to roam on other networks and could be left stranded without service,” the lawmakers added.

Steve Berry, president and chief executive officer of the Rural Cellular Association, which has pushed for 700 MHz band device interoperability, praised the letter.

“All Americans, especially our first responders, should have access to the most robust nationwide mobile broadband network possible, and true interoperability is the path that will lead us toward achieving this important goal,” Mr. Berry said. “We thank the senators for recognizing the serious need for interoperability, and we look forward to our continued work with the FCC to ensure it becomes a reality.”

Before last month’s markup of S 911, Sen. Wicker had filed an amendment for himself and Sen. Begich that would have required devices in the 700 MHz band to be capable of operating across all paired channels, but he did not introduce it at the markup (TRDaily, June 8). The Public Safety Alliance opposed the amendment, calling instead for study of the issue. A House Democratic draft bill unveiled last week would require the FCC to submit a report on devices that are capable of operating on all 700 MHz paired spectrum (TRDaily, July 14). - Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

2. FCC ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR AUGUST 9TH OPEN MEETING. News Release. News Media Contact: David Fiske at (202) 418-0513, email: David.Fiske@fcc.gov OCHJG

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308484A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308484A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-308484A1.txt

3. In the news:

Managing the Demand for Wireless Broadband: http://tinyurl.com/3owc648

Outreach News - 7/19/11

1. PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES REGION 51 (TEXAS-HOUSTON) PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEES TO HOLD 700 MHZ AND 800 MHZ NPSPAC PLANNING MEETINGS. (DA No. 11-1211). (Dkt No 91-199 ). PSHSB

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1211A1.doc

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1211A1.pdf

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-1211A1.txt

2. Regional Planning Committee Twenty (“Region 20”) announces that there will be a general membership meeting of the 700 MHz and 800 MHz Committees August 25, 2011. The 700 MHz meeting will start at 10:00AM and will adjourn by 12:00PM. Following a break for lunch, the 800 MHz meeting will begin at 1:00PM and conclude around 3:00PM. The meeting will be held at the Maryland State Highway Administration, Hanover Complex located at 7491 Connelley Drive, Hanover, MD.

3. In the news:

Critics Oppose Republican Spectrum Plan http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/235845/critics_oppose_republican_spectrum_plan.html

Outreach News - 7/18/11

1. Public safety voice 700 MHz spectrum once again placed at risk.

Attached a copy of the Dingell-Green Bill, H.R. 2482, that was introduced last week. This bill is being supported by the Public Safety Alliance (PSA) and its member organizations and does largely mirror the Rockefeller-Hutchison Bill, S. 911, although there are some differences. Last week, the Majority Staff of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce circulated a memo and discussion draft but has not introduced it as a bill as yet. Attached is a copy of the memo with some highlights and the discussion draft. Some in public safety believe that certain statements are inaccurate. As an example, it says that former 9/11 Commission Chair Thomas Kean and Vice Chair Lee Hamilton said in March 2010 that the D Block should be auctioned. That is a true statement but they neglected to disclose that in March of 2011 Kean and Hamilton reversed their position and called on Congress to reallocate the D Block to Public Safety (see attached TR Daily article for an in depth analyses of the proposal and inaccuracies). Former Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Henry Waxman has also changed his position on auctioning the D Block. The Majority proposes to auction the D Block, use the 24 MHz of public safety 700 MHz band spectrum (12 MHz of broadband and 12 MHz of narrowband voice) for the nationwide broadband network and instead of having a single nationwide license it would direct the FCC to license the spectrum to the 50 states.

Most troubling and apart from H.R. 2482, the majority DRAFT* in Section 201 (attached) would auction the D Block and also freeze expansion of narrowband voice services in the 700 MHz spectrum to facilitate transition to of narrowband voice spectrum to broadband (effective with systems acquired after 9-1-2011). The legislation neglects to acknowledge that there are no current or planned broadband technologies that will replace public safety land mobile narrowband voice systems and provide public safety with mission critical capabilities that allow unit-to-unit talk around when you cannot access a network like that which is contemplated for broadband. Without access to a network, first responders will have no communications. See the attached white paper of Andy Seybold (June 19, 2011) that discusses that problem.

Paul Kirby of TR Daily has provided permission for NPSTC to reprint his article on the issues in Congress and in particular, the factual errors contained in some of the documents being used to formulate legislation. Please see Paul’s very important article for additional information.

Please find a link below for an audio tape that was recently on National Public Radio. http://www.npr.org/2011/07/13/137791493/many-first-responders-still-struggle-to-communicate

* In the interest of fairness, the Committee’s Democrat staff draft is also attached.

2. In the news

Can Sprint realistically support both LTE and WiMax? http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/071811-sprint-wimax-lte.html

Lawmakers spar over spectrum policy http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/171785-lawmakers-spar-over-spectrum-policy

Former Chairman Waxman changes position on D Block (see attached HAW Opening Statement)

http://www.rcc.com/resources/archive/07-18-2011-HR2482.pdf

http://www.rcc.com/resources/archive/07-18-2011-HouseMajorityMemorandum.pdf

http://www.rcc.com/resources/archive/07-18-2011-HouseMajorityDiscussion.pdf