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AAPC Wireless Messaging News

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FRIDAY — JANUARY 28, 2011 - ISSUE NO. 442

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Paging and Wireless Messaging Home Page image Newsletter Archive image Carrier Directory image Recommended Products and Services
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Reference Papers Consulting Glossary of Terms Send an e-mail to Brad Dye

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Greetings Loyal Readers, and Friends of Wireless Messaging,

Verizon to offer unlimited iPhone data plan for a limited time

Posted on Jan 25, 2011 10:52 am by David Chartier, Macworld.com

verizonVerizon on Tuesday added another bullet point to the list of reasons to switch from AT&T come February 10, when it finally joins AT&T and becomes the second iPhone carrier in the U.S.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Verizon COO Lowell McAdam confirmed that it will offer its $30 unlimited data plan during the launch of the iPhone—but the plan's days are numbered. McAdam did not specify a cutoff date for offering the plan, but he reiterated statements the company made in June 2010 that Verizon will soon follow AT&T’s lead and drop unlimited data plans altogether in favor of a tiered pricing model.

Even though Verizon plans to eventually drop its unlimited data plans, their continued availability is good news, as iPhone owners are known to gobble much more data than users of competing devices. But a number of questions about Verizon’s data options for iPhone owners remain unanswered, such as whether a fee will be charged to use a Verizon iPhone as a mobile hotspot (a feature Verizon stated it will allow), or if data caps or pricing tiers would be enforced when the phone is used that way. A Verizon representative did not return Macworld’s request for comment.

[source]

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Now on to more news and views.

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Wireless Messaging News
  • Emergency Radio Communications
  • Wireless Messaging
  • Critical Messaging
  • Telemetry
  • Paging
  • VoIP
  • Wi-Fi
  • WiMAX
  • Location-Based Services
WIRELESS
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MESSAGING

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This is the AAPC's weekly newsletter about Wireless Messaging. You are receiving this because I believe you have requested it. This is not a SPAM. If you have received this message in error, or you are no longer interested in these topics, please click here, then click on "send" and you will be promptly removed from the mailing list.

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iland internet sulutions This newsletter is brought to you by the generous support of our advertisers and the courtesy of iland Internet Solutions Corporation. For more information about the web-hosting services available from iland Internet Solutions Corporation, please click on their logo to the left.

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A new issue of The Wireless Messaging Newsletter is posted on the web each week. A notification goes out by e-mail to subscribers on most Fridays around noon central US time. The notification message has a link to the actual newsletter on the web. That way it doesn't fill up your incoming e-mail account.

There is no charge for subscription and there are no membership restrictions. Readers are a very select group of wireless industry professionals, and include the senior managers of many of the world's major Paging and Wireless Messaging companies. There is an even mix of operations managers, marketing people, and engineers — so I try to include items of interest to all three groups. It's all about staying up-to-date with business trends and technology. I regularly get readers' comments, so this newsletter has become a community forum for the Paging, and Wireless Messaging communities. You are welcome to contribute your ideas and opinions. Unless otherwise requested, all correspondence addressed to me is subject to publication in the newsletter and on my web site. I am very careful to protect the anonymity of those who request it.

EDITORIAL POLICY

Editorial Opinion pieces present only the opinions of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of AAPC, its publisher, or its sponsors.

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Newspapers generally cost 75¢ a copy and they hardly ever mention paging. If you receive some benefit from this publication maybe you would like to help support it financially? A donation of $25.00 would represent approximately 50¢ a copy for one year. If you are willing and able, please click on the PayPal Donate button above.

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CONSULTING ALLIANCE

Brad Dye, Ron Mercer, Allan Angus, and Vic Jackson are friends and colleagues who work both together and independently, on wireline and wireless communications projects. Click here  for a summary of their qualifications and experience. They collaborate on consulting assignments, and share the work according to their individual expertise and their schedules.

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pagerman

 

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NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING

If you would like to have information about advertising in this newsletter, please click here. Your support is needed.

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AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PAGING CARRIERS

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aapc logo American Association of Paging Carriers

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aapc

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AAPC Vendor Spotlight

Daviscomms designs, develops and manufactures wide range of wireless platform technology in paging, 2.4GHz/433MHz proprietary protocol, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, GPS, GPRS and GSM.

By integrating Paging, GPRS, GSM & GPS technology, Daviscomms technical specialists have developed a personal tracking and safety unit “EaziTRAC2000.”

EaziTRAC2000 represents the leading edge in pager mobile design and location technology. It is a fully functional pager and mobile with integrated GPS technology with large TFT colour display.

EaziTRAC 2000 is a complete Personal Tracking and Emergency Alert Device targeted for specific market segments like Civil Defence, Police Forces and for other mass markets such as outside sales associates, hikers and children where personnel and asset location monitoring, safety, security and recovery is critical.

The EaziTRAC 2000 supports mass message broadcasting via paging networks with auto or manual acknowledgement via SMS. The EaziTRAC 2000, with built-in GPS and GSM, allows the device or user to be tracked or located on demand. There is also a digital input and output port to communicate with other peripheral devices.

Features:

  • Built-in POCSAG pager (VHF / UHF) for mass message broadcast and personal messaging.
  • Quad Band GSM / GPRS (900 / 1800 / 850 / 1900).
  • Mini-USB port for charging battery and handsfree, digital input / output port connections.
  • GPS / A-GPS location reporting / tracking with 50 satellites.
  • OTA device configuration.
  • Large TFT Color Display, 2.2 inch, 320 x 240 pixels.
  • Programmable SMS acknowledgment.
  • Built-in motion sensor to detect start/stop or sudden movement for auto device activation.
  • Real time personal tracking via Daviscomms PTS2000 software with Google map.

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AAPC Announcements:

Thank you to those members who have already paid their 2011 membership fees. Your continued support and participation is greatly appreciated and critical to the success of the industry. You should have already received your 2011 invoice. If you did not receive yours, please contact Linda at aapc@ec.rr.com.

Click here to become an AAPC member.

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Thanks to our Premier Vendor!

prism paging
Prism Paging

Thanks to our Silver Vendors!

methodlink
Method Link, LLC
unication
Unication USA

Thanks to our Bronze Vendors!

AAPC Executive Director
441 N. Crestwood Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
Tel: 866-301-2272
E-mail: info@pagingcarriers.org
Web: www.pagingcarriers.org
AAPC Regulatory Affairs Office
Suite 250
2154 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007-2280
Tel: 202-223-3772
Fax: 202-315-3587

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ADVERTISERS SUPPORTING THE NEWSLETTER

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Advertiser Index

AAPC—American Association of Paging Carriers Northeast Paging
CVC Paging Paging & Wireless Network Planners LLC
Daviscomms USA Preferred Wireless
Hahntech-USA Prism Paging
Hark Technologies Ron Mercer
 TC Promotion GmbH
HMCE, Inc. UCOM Paging
Ira Wiesenfeld, P.E. United Communications Corp.
Leavitt Communications WiPath Communications

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LightSquared Gets FCC Waiver for Satellite Broadband Service

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on January 27, 2011 - 9:54am.

Reston, Va. — Communications start-up LightSquared has landed a key waiver from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that will allow the company to launch what it's calling an "affordable" integrated satellite-terrestrial broadband service.

The company, which is backed by Harbinger Capital Partners, now will be allowed to circumvent a federal rule by offering wireless broadband service without forcing clients to also lease satellite connections.

"The FCC's grant of this application is an essential building block for our network," the company said in a statement.

LightSquared is building a wholesale-only nationwide 4G-LTE network complemented by satellite coverage, and could soon compete in the mobile broadband space with market leaders AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

Related Links:
http://www.lightsquared.com

Source: Digital Media Wire

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TC PROMOTION

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TC

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TC PROMOTION

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Check out Angelo Saccoccia's new business. Click on the graphic to your left to go to his web site.

TC Promotion GmbH
Bahnhofstrasse 9
6340 Baar - Switzerland

GSM +41 79 404 77 74
Tel.+ 41 41 561 47 51

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Ira Wiesenfeld, P.E.

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Complete Technical Services For The Communications and Electronics Industries

Design • Installation • Maintenance • Training • Engineering • Licensing • Technical Assistance

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Ira Wiesenfeld, P.E.
Consulting Engineer
Registered Professional Engineer

Tel/Fax: 972-960-9336
Cell: 214-707-7711
7711 Scotia Dr.
Dallas, TX 75248-3112
E-mail: iwiesenfel@aol.com

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Ira Wiesenfeld, P.E.

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HMCE Inc.

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pat merkel ad

hmce@bellsouth.net left arrow Click to e-mail
http://www.h-mce.com left arrow Paging Web Site
Joshua's Mission left arrow Helping Wounded Marines Homepage
Joshua's Mission left arrow Joshua's Mission Press Release

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HMCE Inc.

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Newsletter Supporter

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Newsletter Supporter

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Newsletter Supporter

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Canyon Ridge Communications

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New Ad Coming Soon

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Canyon Ridge Communications

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Hahntech-USA

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www.hahntechUSA.com

 

2-Way 4-Button Pager

  • ReFLEX™ v 2.7.5
  • DSP Technology
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E-mail: sales@hahntechUSA.com
Telephone: 011-82-31-735-7592

 

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Hahntech-USA

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Paging & Wireless Network Planners

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PAGING & WIRELESS
NETWORK PLANNERS LLC

WIRELESS SPECIALISTS

www.pagingplanners.com
rmercer@pagingplanners.com

R.H. (Ron) Mercer
Consultant
217 First Street South
East Northport, NY 11731
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Cell Phone: 631-786-9359

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Paging & Wireless Network Planners

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PRISM PAGING

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PRISM IP MESSAGE GATEWAY

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THE ULTIMATE IN COMMERCIAL AND PRIVATE RADIO PAGING SYSTEMS
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  • VoIP telephone access — eliminate interconnect expense
  • Call from anywhere — Prism SIP Gateway allows calls from PSTN and PBX
  • All the Features for Paging, Voicemail, Text-to-Pager, Wireless and DECT phones
  • Prism Inet, the new IP interface for TAP, TNPP, SNPP, SMTP — Industry standard message input
  • Direct Connect to NurseCall, Assisted Living, Aged Care, Remote Monitoring, Access Control Systems
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LightSquared Statement on the Federal Communications Commission Conditional Waiver of the Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) Integrated Service Rule

RESTON, Va., January 26, 2011 — LightSquared, the nation’s first wholesale-only integrated wireless broadband and satellite network, issues the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Conditional Waiver of the Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) Integrated Service Rule:

LightSquared is pleased with the Federal Communication Commission’s grant of its request to allow its wholesale customers to provide either dual-mode or terrestrial-only devices as part of an integrated satellite-terrestrial broadband service. LightSquared’s network will provide a robust, open-access network that will permit reliable and affordable service to customers across the country in every market segment. The FCC’s grant of this application is an essential building block for our network as we build out to meet the rigorous construction timetable that the Commission has made a condition of our authorization and reaffirmed in today’s grant of our request.

To assure that its rollout of full commercial service will satisfy the concerns about the possibility of inadvertent harmful interference to certain GPS devices, LightSquared pledges a diligent effort to work with all interested parties in an open and comprehensive process to address those concerns.

— ### —

About LightSquared
LightSquared’s mission is to revolutionize the U.S. wireless industry. Through the creation of the first-ever wholesale-only nationwide 4G-LTE network complemented by satellite coverage, LightSquared offers people the speed, value, and reliability of universal broadband connectivity, wherever they are in the United States. Through its wholesale-only business model, those without their own wireless network or who have limited geographic coverage or spectrum can develop and sell their own devices, applications, and services using LightSquared’s open 4G network—at a competitive cost and without retail competition from LightSquared.

For further information about LightSquared, please go to LightSquared.com.

CONTACTS:
Amy Rosenberg
Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +1 (212) 614-4558

Tom Surface
LightSquared
Tel: +1 (703) 390-1579

Forward Looking Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements and information regarding LightSquared and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of LightSquared’s management and are, therefore, subject to certain risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements expressed herein relate only to information as of the date of this release. LightSquared has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, nor is there any assurance that the plans or strategies discussed in this release will not change.

Source: LightSquared

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CVC Paging

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NEWS FLASH — SATELLITE FAILURES

  • January 11, 1997—Telstar 401 suffers a short in the satellite circuitry—TOTAL LOSS May 19, 1998—Galaxy 4 control processor causes loss of fixed orbit—TOTAL LOSS September 19, 2003—Telstar 4 suffers loss of its primary power bus—TOTAL LOSS March 17, 2004—PAS-6 suffers loss of power—TOTAL LOSS
  • January 14, 2005—Intelsat 804 suffers electrical power system anomaly—TOTAL LOSS

DON’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT SATELLITE OUTAGE

Allow us to uplink your paging data to two separate satellites for complete redundancy! CVC owns and operates two separate earth stations and specializes in uplink services for paging carriers. Join our list of satisfied uplink customers.

  • Each earth station features hot standby redundancy UPS and Generator back-up Redundant TNPP Gateways On shelf spares for all critical components
  • 24/7 staffing and support

cvc paging cvc antennas For inquires please call or e-mail Stephan Suker at 800-696-6474 or steves@cvcpaging.com left arrow

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CVC Paging

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DAVISCOMMS USA

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PAGERS & Telemetry Devices
FLEX & POCSAG

(12.5 KHz or 25 KHz - POCSAG)

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Telemetry

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Board Level to complete “Turn-Key”

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Scottsdale, AZ
www.daviscommsusa.com
480-515-2344

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Daviscomms (S) Pte Ltd-Bronze Member-AAPC

 

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DAVISCOMMS USA

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CRITICAL RESPONSE SYSTEMS

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Critical Response Systems

Over 70% of first responders are volunteers
Without an alert, interoperability means nothing.

Get the Alert.

M1501 Acknowledgent Pager

With the M1501 Acknowledgement Pager and a SPARKGAP wireless data system, you know when your volunteers have been alerted, when they’ve read the message, and how they’re going to respond – all in the first minutes of an event. Only the M1501 delivers what agencies need – reliable, rugged, secure alerting with acknowledgement.

Learn More

FEATURES
  • 5-Second Message Delivery
  • Acknowledged Personal Messaging
  • Acknowledged Group Messaging
  • 16 Group Addresses
  • 128-Bit Encryption
  • Network-Synchronized Time Display
  • Simple User Interface
  • Programming/Charging Base
  • Secondary Features Supporting Public Safety and Healthcare

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White House seeks spectrum for public safety

(AP) – January 27, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is throwing its support behind a plan to give a valuable chunk of radio waves to police officers, firefighters and emergency medical workers to build nationwide wireless broadband network for public safety.

The announcement by the White House is a big victory for public safety officials, who have been lobbying aggressively for the wireless spectrum. They want to use it as the foundation for an "interoperable" broadband network that would let first responders across different agencies and different jurisdictions communicate with each other — a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

And it is a setback for several big wireless carriers, including T-Mobile USA and Sprint Nextel, which are eager to expand their spectrum holdings and want to see the airwaves auctioned off to the wireless industry.

Source: Associated Press

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UNITED COMMUNICATIONS

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make your minitor II like new again

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Flat rate repair for $55.00 per pager.

We manufacture Minitor II and III housings.

Call for pricing and availability.

We Sell: Accessories, Batteries, Chargers, Case Parts.

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motorola paging 888-763-7550 Fax: 888-763-7549
62 Jason Court, St. Charles, MO 63304
www.uccwireless.com
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x

BloostonLaw Telecom Update

Published by the Law Offices of Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, Duffy & Prendergast, LLP

[Portions reproduced here with the firm's permission.]

www.bloostonlaw.com

   Vol. 14, No. 4 January 26, 2011   

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Rockefeller Says Senate Commerce Will Focus on USF, Broadband

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) has announced his panel’s priorities for the 112th Congress—a focus on jobs, economic security, and growth. He emphasized bolstering U.S. infrastructure through:

  • Improving transportation in the highway, rail, pipeline, and maritime sectors;
  • Making necessary investments in our nation’s aviation infrastructure and air service development; and
  • Broadband deployment and Universal Service Fund reform.

While the list of priorities encompasses a broad range of topics, the following areas may be of interest to our clients:

  • Enacting comprehensive cybersecurity legislation and ensuring the necessary public safety communications resources for our nation’s first responders.
  • Continuing oversight of important federal agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Surface Transportation Board, and the Federal Communications Commission.
  • Protecting consumer information and privacy on the Internet.
  • Cracking down on consumer fraud, including online billing scams
  • Boosting the accuracy and effectiveness of forensic science by employing the National Institute of Standards and Technology and National Science Foundation scientific and standards expertise.

BloostonLaw contacts: Hal Mordkofsky, Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and John Prendergast.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

  • Verizon asks D.C. Circuit to review FCC’s Net Neutrality Order.
  • FCC adopts order, FNPRM for interoperable public safety broadband network.
  • Comcast, DIRECTV, News Corp. seek ruling that “Liberty Order” does not authorize third-party subpoenas.
  • FCC clarifies how to resolve duplicate Lifeline claims for ETCs.
  • Proposal to ban “texting while walking”????

Verizon Asks D.C. Circuit To Review Net Neutrality Order

Appeal Is Based On “Modification”
Of Company’s Wireless Licenses

Verizon last week filed an appeal of the FCC’s new “Net Neutrality” rules with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. (MetroPCS filed a similar appeal in the D.C. Circuit early this week). Generally, the Net Neutrality rules require all broadband providers to publicly disclose network management practices, restrict broadband providers from blocking Internet content and applications, and bar fixed broadband providers from engaging in unreasonable discrimination in transmitting lawful network traffic (BloostonLaw Telecom Update, December 22, 2010).

Interestingly, Verizon filed its appeal before the rules were published in the Federal Register. Also, Verizon did not challenge the new rules directly. Instead, it asserted in its appeal that the FCC’s Order changes the terms of its existing wireless licenses. In this way, Verizon could bypass the jurisdiction of a federal district court, and bring its complaint to the appellate court on procedural grounds. Moreover, Verizon would be taking its complaint to the D.C. Circuit, the same Court that had struck down the FCC’s efforts to exercise its authority to regulate broadband Internet access in Comcast v. FCC (BloostonLaw Telecom Update, April 7, 2010).

In its January 20 Notice of Appeal, Verizon stated that in its Net Neutrality Order, the FCC is responding to the D.C. Circuit’s Comcast Order “and [is] again attempt[ing] to justify its assertion of regulatory authority over broadband Internet access services.”

Verizon asserted that “this Court [the D.C. Circuit] possesses exclusive jurisdiction over Verizon’s challenge to the Order because Verizon ‘hold[s]’ wireless spectrum ‘license[s] which ha[ve] been modified. . . by the Commission.’ In the Order, the Commission expressly relied on its claimed authority to ‘change the license . . .terms,’ and ‘to impose new requirements on existing licenses beyond those that were in place at the time of grant,’ in order to mandate compliance with the new rules adopted therein, The Order thus ‘modified’ Verizon’s licenses and is subject to appeal under Section 402(b)(5) [of the Communications Act].”

Verizon said it seeks relief on the grounds that the Net Neutrality Order: (1) is in excess of the Commission’s statutory authority; (2) is arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion within the meaning of the Administrative Procedure Act; (3) is contrary to constitutional right; and (4) is otherwise contrary to law. Accordingly, Verizon requests that the Court “hold unlawful, vacate, enjoin, and set aside the Order, and provide such additional relief as may be appropriate.”

Reaction: House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and other GOP lawmakers on his committee, said they "welcome" Verizon's effort to block the FCC's "misguided attempt to regulate the Internet." The lawmakers have vowed to also try to block the FCC's Net Neutrality Order through legislation. According to a statement from Upton, Communications Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.), and Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.): "At stake is not just innovation and economic growth, although those concerns are vital. Equally important is putting a check on an FCC that is acting beyond the authority granted to it by Congress. Between our legislative efforts and this court action, we will put the FCC back on firmer ground."

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) issued a very brief statement: “Verizon has the legal right to do this, but we are disappointed that they filed suit. We support the FCC’s efforts because they will protect consumers and provide companies with the certainty they need to make investments in our growing digital economy.“

Several public interest groups criticized the Verizon appeal, according to the National Journal. Harold Feld, legal director for Public Knowledge, noted that by filing the case with the D.C. federal appeals court, Verizon was "trying to be too cute in trying to pick not only the venue for the challenge to the rules, but also to pick the judges to hear it."

Free Press, which has criticized the FCC's net neutrality rules as not going far enough to protect the Internet's openness, said Verizon's appeal "demonstrates that even the most weak and watered-down rules aren't enough to appease giant phone companies."

BloostonLaw contacts: Hal Mordkofsky, Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and John Prendergast.

FCC Adopts Order, FNPRM For Interoperable Public Safety Broadband Network

Fate of 700 MHz D Block Not Yet Final

The FCC, at its January 25 open meeting, adopted a Third Report and Order and Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) to ensure that the public safety broadband network is interoperable nationwide. The rules adopted in the Order, and additional rules proposed in the FNPRM, are expected to support the buildout of robust, dedicated and secure mobile broadband networks that will enable public safety broadband users to share information, videos, photos and emails across departments and jurisdictions nationwide for day-to-day operations and during large-scale emergencies, according to the staff presentation at the meeting. However, it does not appear that the FCC has made a final decision concerning the disposition of the 700 MHz D Block, which is sought by the public safety and private sectors alike.

The Order and FNPRM require all 700 MHz public safety mobile broadband networks to use a common air interface, specifically Long Term Evolution (LTE), to support roaming and interoperable communications and seek comment on additional rules to enable nationwide interoperability. The new rules and proposed further rules will thus affect all of our clients that have won 700 MHz licenses at auction. The FCC’s actions build on the technical requirements that state and local 700 MHz broadband waiver recipients are already subject to in the early buildout of their regional public safety broadband networks.

The FNPRM seeks public comment on, among other things:

  • The architectural vision of the network;
  • The effectiveness of open standards;
  • Interconnectivity between networks;
  • Network robustness and resiliency;
  • Security and encryption;
  • Coverage and coverage reliability requirements;
  • Roaming and priority access between public safety broadband networks; and
  • Interference coordination and protection.

The deadlines for public comments and reply comments on the FNPRM are 45 days and 75 days, respectively, after publication in the Federal Register.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said that “in addition to interoperability, a mobile broadband public safety network will also advance our Next Generation 911 goals. It will allow emergency responders to receive pictures, video or information that is sent via text to NG911 systems….While selecting a common technology platform is the exception and not the rule at the FCC, in order to ensure nationwide interoperability for public safety communications there’s widespread agreement that a common air interface is desirable and necessary to enable nationwide interoperability.”

Commissioner Michael Copps said: “By adopting a common technology platform, Long Term Evolution (LTE), we are hopeful that public safety organizations will be able to reap the benefits of the economies of scale and the continuing innovation in standards development resulting from ongoing private sector investment in the 700 MHz band. Better promoting the safety and protection of the American people today means, in large measure, realizing the potential of new and evolving technologies. We also propose further technical rules to support interoperability, public safety-to-public safety roaming, and use of the 700 MHz band by Federal government public safety entities.”

Commissioner Robert McDowell said: “While I support our decision to require use of the LTE standard given the presence of a unique set of circumstances, I appreciate that we are seeking further comment on how future technology platforms would fit into this paradigm. In addition, I am pleased that the Commission remains committed to relocating those narrowband voice incumbents presently operating in the broadband public safety allocation. Down the road, I hope that we will examine and analyze ideas for ensuring that the full 24 megahertz block may be used more flexibly to support a complement of broadband uses and accommodate the ongoing rapid innovation in the mobile broadband sector. After all, the Commission undertook the design of this spectrum band more than a decade ago. Much has changed since then.

I hope, therefore, that interested parties will continue to educate us on this important ‘big picture’ issue.

“In a perfect world, we would have already finalized an order setting forth auction and service rules for the D Block spectrum. Perhaps we would have already concluded an auction of this spectrum, and public safety entities would be in a position to elect to partner with these auction winners. I am eager to move to this step, which I urge that we undertake sooner rather than later.”

At our deadline, the text of the WT Docket No. 06-150 items had not been released.

BloostonLaw contacts: Hal Mordkofsky, John Prendergast, Richard Rubino, and Cary Mitchell.

LAW & REGULATION

COMCAST, DIRECTV, NEWS CORP. SEEK RULING THAT “LIBERTY ORDER” DOES NOT AUTHORIZE THIRD-PARTY SUBPOENAS: On January 12, 2011, Comcast, DIRECTV, and News Corp. filed a joint petition requesting that the FCC issue a declaratory ruling regarding arbitration-related conditions of certain Commission merger orders. Petitioners asked the FCC to rule that (i) the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) and state laws do not govern arbitrations brought pursuant to Commission merger orders, including the Liberty Order (i.e., the FCC’s order approving the Liberty Media-DirectTV merger); (ii) an arbitrator appointed under these merger orders has no jurisdiction or authority to compel third-party participation in the arbitration proceeding, through discovery, pre-hearing or hearing testimony, or otherwise; and (iii) the arbitration conditions in these merger orders authorize only limited party discovery and do not authorize third-party subpoenas to or discovery of Petitioners. Petitioners contended that the requested ruling is necessary because of an arbitrator’s recent decision to issue subpoenas to Petitioners requiring them to produce highly confidential documents and other information and to present substantive testimony about those materials. Petitioners also expressed concern that arbitrators will take similar actions in other proceedings brought pursuant to current or future Commission merger orders that include arbitration conditions. Comments in this MB Docket No. 11-14 proceeding are due February 7, and replies are due February 17. BloostonLaw contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Mary Sisak.

FCC CLARIFIES HOW TO RESOLVE DUPLICATE LIFELINE CLAIMS FOR ETCs: The FCC has sent a letter to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to provide informal guidance on how to resolve duplicate Lifeline claims, whereby more than one eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) seeks support from USAC for the same eligible consumer or household. This question was raised in the Alltel Low-Income Audit Appeal and in subsequent discussions with USAC regarding the requirement, set forth in Commission orders, that eligible consumers may seek low-income support only for a single telephone line in their principal residence. The Wireline Competition Bureau sought comment on this issue in the Alltel Audit Public Notice. The FCC directs USAC to take specific steps to resolve duplicate claims for Lifeline support.

When it implemented the Lifeline program, the Commission determined that “qualifying subscribers may receive assistance for a single telephone line in their principal residence.” This requirement is commonly referred to as the “one-per-household rule” for Lifeline support. To ensure compliance with this requirement, some ETCs require consumers applying for Lifeline support to certify that they do not already receive Lifeline benefits at their current residential address. While Commission orders clearly set forth the “one-per-household” requirement, it is difficult for ETCs to make an independent determination that a subscriber is receiving only one Lifeline. There is no comprehensive database in place for ETCs to determine whether an eligible consumer is enrolled in Lifeline with another ETC, and ETCs are not in the position to share customer information with one another. ETCs therefore lack the data needed to prevent the occurrence of duplicate Lifeline claims.

Further, Commission orders and rules do not provide ETCs and USAC with a process to follow when they learn that a customer has received duplicate Lifeline support. In the past, when USAC determines a customer has received duplicate support, its practice has been to inform both ETCs of the issue and direct them to resolve the conflict. Under this approach, ETCs may lack the incentive to resolve such conflicts, as neither carrier is likely to willingly forego Lifeline support for an enrolled subscriber. For these reasons, this administrative practice may not be effective in reducing the number of claims for duplicate Lifeline support or swiftly remedy known cases of duplicate support.

When a duplicate claim is uncovered, the FCC directs USAC to notify the ETCs involved and direct those ETCs to stop including the duplicate subscribers among the subscribers claimed for Lifeline support on the form 497. USAC shall inform the ETCs at issue in writing and direct them to notify the customer by phone, and in writing where possible, that he or she has 30 days to select one Lifeline provider or face de-enrollment from the program. Once the customer selects a Lifeline provider by signing a new certification, the chosen ETC must notify USAC and the ETC who had previously served the customer of the customer’s selection. Once the chosen ETC notifies USAC and the competing ETC of the customer’s choice, the selected ETC may seek reimbursement for the customer, while the other ETC must de-enroll the customer from its Lifeline service and may not seek reimbursement for that customer going forward. In instances where multiple customers in a single household are receiving support from two or more ETCs, USAC should direct the ETCs to educate the subscribers on the Commission’s “one-per-household” requirement and require the subscribers to make a single Lifeline provider selection for the household or they will be de-enrolled from the program. The FCC said it believes this approach will not only protect the fund against waste, fraud and abuse upon a finding of duplicate support, but would also provide an incentive for ETCs to better educate their customers about the Lifeline program, and increase their due diligence prior to initiating service to a low-income consumer.

BloostonLaw contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Mary Sisak.

RTG OPPOSES AT&T’s PROPOSED PURCHASE OF WINDSTREAM’s PENNSYLVANIA 700 MHz PROPERTIES: The Rural Telecommunications Group (RTG) has filed comments opposing AT&T Mobility's proposed purchase of six 700 MHz C Block licenses in Pennsylvania from Windstream, arguing that the transaction would keep smaller competitors out of the markets. Specifically, RTG asked the FCC to impose a spectrum ownership cap, and to require AT&T to provide data roaming services, as reported by Fierce Wireless. RTG argued AT&T's proposed transaction would "drastically reduce the number of potential roaming partners for rural carriers and the rural consumers they serve and further consolidate the already scarce amount of spectrum below 2.3 GHz into the hands of the nation's second largest mobile operator while simultaneously removing yet another potential competitor in rural markets that are already heavily-consolidated." RTG said that, if the FCC approves AT&T's transaction, "AT&T and Verizon Wireless will control all of the paired spectrum in the lower 700 MHz band" in three of the six Pennsylvania markets included in the proposed transaction. RTG said: “The threat of excessive market concentration and the corresponding removal of yet another potential competitor to AT&T is antithetical to the public interest. Before the Commission takes any action on the proposed transaction between AT&T and Windstream it must first do a comprehensive review of the much larger AT&T-Qualcomm proposed transaction. Should the Commission grant the licenses, it should only do so where no licensee, post-transaction, controls more than 110 megahertz below 2.3 GHz. Additionally, any grant of licenses should be accompanied with conditions that (1) prohibit the continued use of exclusivity agreements between carriers and device manufacturers, (2) require all devices in the Lower 700 MHz Band to be fully interoperable on all blocks within that band, and (3) extend automatic roaming obligations to data services.” The issue follows AT&T's proposed purchase of Qualcomm's 700 MHz FLO TV spectrum for $1.9 billion, which also is awaiting FCC approval. RTG urged the FCC to impose similar conditions on that transaction. BloostonLaw contacts: Hal Mordkofsky, John Prendergast, and Cary Mitchell.

PROPOSAL TO BAN “TEXTING WHILE WALKING” ????: New York state Sen. Carl Kruger (D) wants to introduce legislation that would ban “texting while walking.” In fact, he has been trying to do this since 2007. According to Fox News, he hopes to ban the use of mobile phones, iPods, and other “distracting” devices by pedestrians while they cross streets in major cities. Forget distracted drivers! Kruger said a series of accidents in his Brooklyn district made him concerned about the number of pedestrians he saw paying closer attention to their devices than to what was in front of them. Under his proposal, it would be illegal for pedestrians to use “distracting gadgets” while crossing streets in major New York cities with a population of 1 million or more. Violators would face a $100 fine. The proposed restriction came as safety advocates say they are worried about an increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities. The Governors Highway Safety Association this month reported that pedestrian fatalities rose slightly in the first half of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009, and if the second half of the year shows no change it would mark an end to four years of decreases. Arkansas Sen. Jimmy Jeffress backed a similar proposal to Kruger’s – one that would make it illegal for pedestrians and bikers to wear headphones near or on streets – before retracting his plans Tuesday afternoon. Jeffress told Fox16.com that he was inspired to draft a proposal after reading about a traffic accident in Little Rock. Jeffress later told the Associated Press he received many e-mails opposing the bill and admitted that the proposal didn’t have a chance of passing, but felt he was successful in voicing the issue.

This newsletter is not intended to provide legal advice. Those interested in more information should contact the firm.

Source: Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, Duffy and Prendergast, LLP For additional information, contact Hal Mordkofsky at 202-828-5520 or halmor@bloostonlaw.com

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WiPath Communications

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Intelligent Solutions for Paging & Wireless Data

WiPath manufactures a wide range of highly unique and innovative hardware and software solutions in paging and mobile data for:

  • Emergency Mass Alert & Messaging Emergency Services Communications Utilities Job Management Telemetry and Remote Switching Fire House Automation
  • Load Shedding and Electrical Services Control

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  • FLEX & POCSAG Built-in POCSAG encoder Huge capcode capacity Parallel, 2 serial ports, 4 relays
  • Message & system monitoring

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welcom wipath

  • Variety of sizes Indoor/outdoor
  • Integrated paging receiver

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  • Highly programmable, off-air decoders Message Logging & remote control Multiple I/O combinations and capabilities
  • Network monitoring and alarm reporting

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  • Emergency Mass Alerting Remote telemetry switching & control Fire station automation PC interfacing and message management Paging software and customized solutions Message interception, filtering, redirection, printing & logging Cross band repeating, paging coverage infill, store and forward
  • Alarm interfaces, satellite linking, IP transmitters, on-site systems

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Mobile Data Terminals & Two Way Wireless  Solutions

mobile data terminal

radio interface

  • Fleet tracking, messaging, job processing, and field service management Automatic vehicle location (AVL), GPS
  • CDMA, GPRS, ReFLEX, conventional, and trunked radio interfaces

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Contact
Postal
Address:
WiPath Communications LLC
4845 Dumbbarton Court
Cumming, GA 30040
Street
Address:
4845 Dumbbarton Court
Cumming, GA 30040
Web site: www.wipath.com left arrow CLICK
E-mail: info@wipath.com left arrow CLICK
Phone: 770-844-6218
Fax: 770-844-6574
WiPath Communications

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Preferred Wireless

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preferred logo

Terminals & Controllers:
1 Glenayre SYC
1Motorola C-NET Controller
1Motorola ASC1500
2 Zetron 2200 Terminals
2 GL3100 RF Director 
4Glenayre GLS2164 Satellite Receivers
1GL3000L Complete w/Spares
2 GL3000ES Terminals
 Many Unipage Cards, Chassis
Link Transmitters:
2Eagle Midband Link Transmitters, 125W
5 Glenayre GL C2100 Link Repeaters
1 Glenayre QT6994, 150W, 900 MHz Link TX
2 Glenayre QT4201, & 6201 25W & 100W Midband Link TX
3 Motorola 10W, 900 MHz Link TX (C35JZB6106)
2 Motorola 30W, Midband Link TX (C42JZB6106AC)
VHF Paging Transmitters
1 Motorola VHF PURC-5000 125W, ACB or TRC
8 Glenayre GLT8411, 250W, VHF TX
UHF Paging Transmitters:
24 Glenayre UHF GLT5340, 125W, DSP Exciter
6 Motorola PURC-5000 110 & 225W, TRC & ACB
900 MHz Paging Transmitters:
3 Glenayre GLT 8600, 500W
2 Glenayre GLT8200, 25W (NEW)
15 Glenayre GLT-8500 250W
35Glenayre 900 MHz DSP Exciters
25 Glenayre GLT-8500 Final PAs
35 Glenayre GLT-8500 Power Supplies
Miscellaneous Equipment:
2 Glenayre Hot Standby Panels—New & Old Style
25 Hennessy Outdoor Wall-Mount Enclosures, 24"x30"x12" deep
3 Chatsworth Aluminum Racks

SEE WEB FOR COMPLETE LIST:
www.preferredwireless.com/equipment left arrow CLICK HERE

Too Much To List • Call or E-Mail
Rick McMichael
Preferred Wireless, Inc.
10658 St. Charles Rock Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63074
888-429-4171 or 314-429-3000
rickm@preferredwireless.com
left arrow CLICK HERE
www.preferredwireless.com/equipment
left arrow OR HERE 

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Preferred Wireless

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EastWest Communications Inc.

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Media 1® live
by EastWest Communications Inc.

Real-time response to live events

spacer The audience may attend or view/listen to an event nationwide and respond in real time without requiring a computer — even respond while attending an event.

spacer Participate in sporting events, concerts, training programs or other programs to allow the producers to change the program based on audience participation.

Ed Lyda
P.O. Box 8488
The Woodlands, Texas 77387
Cell: 832-928-9538

E-mail: eastwesttexas@sbcglobal.net

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EastWest Communications Inc.

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Saving this space for your new ad.

 

 

 

 

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Hark Technologies

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Wireless Communication Solutions

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USB Paging Encoder

paging encoder

  • Single channel up to eight zones
  • Connects to Linux computer via USB
  • Programmable timeouts and batch sizes
  • Supports 2-tone, 5/6-tone, POCSAG 512/1200/2400, GOLAY
  • Supports Tone Only, Voice, Numeric, and Alphanumeric
  • PURC or direct connect
  • Pictured version mounts in 5.25" drive bay
  • Other mounting options available
  • Available as a daughter board for our embedded Internet Paging Terminal (IPT)

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Paging Data Receiver (PDR)

pdr

  • Frequency agile - only one receiver to stock
  • USB or RS-232 interface
  • Two contact closures
  • End-user programmable w/o requiring special hardware
  • 16 capcodes
  • POCSAG
  • Eight contact closure version also available
  • Product customization available

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Other products

  • Please see our web site for other products including Internet Messaging Gateways, Unified Messaging Servers, test equipment, and Paging Terminals.
Contact
Hark Technologies
717 Old Trolley Rd Ste 6 #163
Summerville, SC 29485
Tel: 843-821-6888
Fax: 843-821-6894
E-mail: sales@harktech.com left arrow CLICK HERE

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Hark Technologies

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UCOM Paging

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satellite dish ucom logo

Satellite Uplink
As Low As
$500/month

  • Data input speeds up to 38.4 Kbps Dial-in modem access for Admin Extremely reliable & secure
  • Hot standby up link components

Knowledgeable Tech Support 24/7

Contact Alan Carle Now!
1-888-854-2697 x272
acarle@ucom.com www.ucom.com

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UCOM Paging

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Apple finalizing wireless e-wallet for iPhone 5, iPad 2 - report

By Sam Oliver
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Published: 07:50 AM EST

A new report claims Apple will add near-field communication technology to this year's anticipated iPad 2 and iPhone 5, giving users the ability to have their device serve as an electronic wallet for quick wireless transactions.

Richard Doherty, director of the consulting firm Envisioneering Group, told Bloomberg that the next-generation iPad and iPhone will both include near-field communication technology. In a report on Tuesday, Doherty cited engineers who he claimed are working on hardware for the project.

"Apple's service may be able to tap into user information already on file, including credit-card numbers, iTunes gift-card balance and bank data..." the report said, citing a financial industry adviser. It was speculated that the inclusion of an NFC chip could compete with services from Visa, MasterCard, eBay and PayPal.

A NFC chip already appears in the Google Nexus S, which debuted in the U.S. on Dec. 16. The chip allows for short-range wireless data transmissions for a variety of potential activities, including an "e-wallet."

Reports dating back to late 2009 have claimed that Apple is working to add radio-frequency identification, or RFID, to the iPhone. And last year, the company hired an expert on NFC, while another report claimed the company was already testing NFC-enabled iPhone prototypes.

Doherty reportedly said that Apple could start its own mobile payment service for use at retail stores as early as mid-2011, when the iPhone 5 is expected to launch. For such a service, iTunes could be revamped to include traditional credit card features like loyalty credits and points earned through transactions.

"Using the service, customers could walk into a store or restaurant and make payments straight from an iPad or iPhone," the report said. "They could also receive loyalty rewards and credits for purchases, such as when referring a friend, Doherty said."

He claimed that Apple has already built a prototype payment terminal intended for small businesses "such as hairdressers and mom-and-pop stores." He added that Apple may "heavily" subsidize the hardware, or even give it away to retailers, to encourage rapid adoption of NFC technology and boost sales of NFC-equipped iPhones and iPads.

Source: Appleinsider

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its stil here

 

It's still here — the tried and true Motorola Alphamate 250. Now owned, supported, and available from Leavitt Communications. Call us for new or reconditioned units, parts, manuals, and repairs.

We also offer refurbished Alphamate 250’s, Alphamate IIs, the original Alphamate and new and refurbished pagers, pager repairs, pager parts and accessories. We are FULL SERVICE in Paging!

E-mail Phil Leavitt (pcleavitt@leavittcom.com) for pricing and delivery information or for a list of other available paging and two-way related equipment.

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Phil Leavitt
847-955-0511
pcleavitt@leavittcom.com

leavitt logo

7508 N. Red Ledge Dr.
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

www.leavittcom.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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From: Brad Dye
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2011 8:23 AM
To: RF PARTS COMPANY
Subject: Availability of tubes

I have been reading articles about Linear Amplifiers and one "expert" said that glass RF Power Amplifier tubes would soon cease to be available and we shouldn't use anything but metal/ceramic tubes. Are you aware of this issue?

73s

Brad Dye, K9IQY
ex KN9IQY, KN4BK, KM5NK, WB4JCF, ZP5TQ, WA4VXU, WA9RVL, HH2FJ /TI2, /9Y4, /6Y5, /KP4
53 years as a FCC licensed amateur radio operator
37 years as a FCC licensed First Class Commercial radio operator

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From: Customer Service customerservice@rfparts.com
Date: January 27, 2011 2:57:57 PM CST
To: Brad Dye
Subject: RE: Availability of tubes

Brad,
This rumor of such may be true, Most “Sweep Tubes” (6LF6, 6JS6, 6JM6, 6LQ6,..) just to name a few.

. . . Stock/inventory — it’s pretty much been cleared out from most shelves [of those] who deal with old Television Tubes!

Old TV’s aren't around anymore and the manufactures of these old type tubes had quit building since 1970 or so!

. . . As tube use declines and the demand for such, has pretty much reduced in manufacturing.

You and very few “users” (and us as retailers) might have the need for this product. Manufacturers think otherwise — they see dollar $$ dwindling every year on profits. This is not so good news for us in the Need for these tubes!

Seems most current Amp manufactures (HAM) have done well in this market. They use the Metal Ceramic tubes.

Eimac has those covered so far. Can be expensive! The Chinese have started making some metal tubes and Glass tubes like the 3-500ZG and the 4-400 are still being made.

On the short side, But maybe sometime in the next 10 years . . . that just might change as well. There is no crystal ball here to know exactly when that day will be.

Need tubes? Decide what would best for you and get a quote from us.

RF PARTS COMPANY
Customer Service department.
US Sales / Service
rf parts
___________________
435 So. Pacific St.
San Marcos CA 92078
1-760-744-0700 (direct)
1-800-737-2787 (USA Toll Free)
www.rfparts.com

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UNTIL NEXT WEEK

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Brad Dye
With best regards,

brad's signature
Newsletter Editor

73 DE K9IQY

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Wireless Messaging News
Brad Dye, Editor
P.O. Box 266
Fairfield, IL 62837 USA

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Skype: braddye
Telephone: 618-599-7869

E–mail: brad@braddye.com
Wireless Consulting page
Paging Information Home Page
Marketing & Engineering Papers
AAPC web site

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MESSAGING

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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

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“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

—Dalai Lama

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left arrow Newspapers generally cost 75¢ a copy and they hardly ever mention paging. If you receive some benefit from this publication maybe you would like to help support it financially? A donation of $25.00 would represent approximately 50¢ a copy for one year. If you are willing and able, please click on the PayPal Donate button to the left.

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iland internet sulutions This newsletter is brought to you by the generous support of our advertisers and the courtesy of iland Internet Solutions Corporation. For more information about the web-hosting services available from iland Internet Solutions Corporation, please click on their logo to the left.

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THE WIRELESS MESSAGING NEWSLETTER & THE PAGING INFORMATION RESOURCE

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