Welcome Back To The Wireless Messaging News

For many years, one of the first Christmas greetings that I would receive each year came from a dear friend in Israel, Ephraim (Froike) Biegun, the former head of the Technical Department in the General Security Services (Mossad) and founder of Beeper Communications Israel. He passed away on Wednesday June 13, 2007 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (1932 — 2007)

Froike was a great guy, very charming, a fellow ham radio operator, a spy, a diplomat, a personal friend, and a good customer.

He worked for Mossad and was the equivalent of “Q” — the technical genius in the James Bond films. “Q” was the head of Q Branch (or later Q Division), the fictional research and development division of the British Secret Service.

He used to refer to me as “Brad the grate.” [sic]

His spelling was a little off, but I always appreciated the complement.

Another mutual friend told me that he once invited Froike to have dinner at his home in Canada. Knowing that Froike was Jewish and not wanting to offend him, he asked if he had any dietary restrictions. Froike's reply was, “Do all Catholics eat fish on Friday?”

Before he passed away, he knew he was terminal and he sent me a message with the news and thanked me for being his friend.

So one of the lessons I learned was to not worry about offending anyone by wishing them a Merry Christmas. Life is too short to get uptight about a well-intentioned greeting.

Merry Christmas

So . . . on to the news.

Click on the image above for more info about advertising.

Wayne County, Illinois

Emergency Radio Communications Wireless Messaging Critical Messaging Two-way Radio Technology Telemetry Science Paging Wi-Fi

Wireless Messaging

This doesn't mean that nothing is ever published here that mentions a US political party—it just means that the editorial policy of this newsletter is to remain neutral on all political issues. We don't take sides.

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.

I spend the whole week searching the Internet for news that I think may be of interest to you — so you won’t have to. This newsletter is an aggregator — a service that aggregates news from other news sources. You can help our community by sharing any interesting news that you find.

Editorial Opinion pieces present only the opinions of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any of advertisers or supporters. This newsletter is independent of any trade association. I don't intend to hurt anyone's feelings, but I do freely express my opinions.

Subscribe

IT'S FREE

* required field

If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter just fill in the blanks in the form above, and then click on the “Subscribe” button.

There is no charge for subscription and there are no membership restrictions. It’s all about staying up-to-date with business trends and technology.

The Wireless Messaging News
Board of Advisors

The Board of Advisor members are people with whom I have developed a special rapport, and have met personally. They are not obligated to support the newsletter in any way, except with advice, and maybe an occasional letter to the editor.

Advertiser Index

What Happens Next with Net Neutrality?

Prepared by the Office of FCC Commissioner Clyburn
December 21, 2017

On December 14, 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 to dismantle the agency’s 2015 net neutrality rules. As a long-standing champion of net neutrality and one of the two FCC Commissioners who vociferously objected to last week’s decision, Commissioner Clyburn believes it is important for consumers and small businesses to understand what happens next.

What protections will I lose online as a result of the FCC majority’s repeal of net neutrality?

• Once the FCC’s net neutrality repeal action goes into effect, broadband providers will be allowed to:
  • Block lawful content.
  • Throttle (slow down) lawful content.
  • Engage in paid prioritization ( i.e. favor content of companies who can afford to pay).
  • Unreasonably interfere with the ability of consumers and content providers to reach one another.
  • Engage in unreasonable interconnection practices.
• Previously, broadband providers were prohibited from engaging in all of the above practices and were also required to:
  • Provide robust transparency to consumers about the service they receive. o Not use other services to evade net neutrality requirements.
  • Comply with statutory directives regarding privacy, universal service, infrastructure deployment, disability access.

Which protections will exist after the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality goes into effect?

• Broadband providers will only be required to provide limited transparency to consumers about the service they receive.

What does net neutrality’s repeal mean for my freedom on the internet?

• It means that your broadband provider is in control of your online experience. You will have fewer protections online.
• This does not mean you will immediately see anti-consumer practices, but as the outrage and awareness fade, you will likely see providers roll out plans and features that are inconsistent with net neutrality.

When does the FCC’s net neutrality repeal happen?

• Probably not for several months. This order specifies that the repeal will not happen until the FCC gets approval for the revised transparency rules from the Office of Management and Budget.

When can parties sue the FCC if they disagree with the net neutrality repeal?

• Parties may do so after the text is published in the Federal Register, which is likely a matter of days or weeks at the most.

When can Congress act to reverse the FCC’s net neutrality repeal?

• After the text is both published in the Federal Register and submitted to Congress, there is a limited period of time (60 session days) for them to introduce a resolution of disapproval, under the Congressional Review Act.
• Several members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have already said they intend to introduce a resolution of disapproval.

What options are there for individuals or businesses that cannot or do not plan to sue the FCC?

• Everyone can continue to make their voices heard in and around every “hall of power” when it comes to their opinions about net neutrality. Educate your friends and family about why robust net neutrality protections are necessary to prevent broadband providers from engaging in anti-consumer practices.
• Reminder: the FCC does not have the final word. “We the People” do.

Wireless Communication Solutions

USB 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)

Paging Data Receiver (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

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 CLICK

Web: http://www.harktech.com CLICK

If you are reading this, your potential customers are reading it as well. Please click here to find out about our advertising options.

Can You Help The Newsletter?

You can help support The Wireless Messaging News by clicking on the PayPal Donate button above. It is not necessary to be a member of PayPal to use this service.

Newspapers generally cost 75¢ $1.50 a copy and they hardly ever mention paging or wireless messaging, unless in a negative way. If you receive some benefit from this publication maybe you would like to help support it financially?

A donation of $50.00 would certainly help cover a one-year period. If you are wiling and able, please click on the PayPal Donate button above.

Back To Paging

Still The Most Reliable Protocol For Wireless Messaging!

Horry County fire pagers in use after having reception issues

By Staci Inez Published: December 22, 2017, 10:24 am

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WBTW) – New, digital pagers are now able to be put to use for firefighters across Horry County to help improve communication between officers and dispatchers.

Horry County created a new paging system earlier this year, and this new system required fire departments to buy new, digital pagers. After putting the pagers in service, the county found the pagers weren’t always getting good reception.

Last week, Motorola completed testing across Horry County to ensure the reception issue was resolved.

“The coverage tests for the new pagers, they met or exceeded all the standards set out to meet, so we’re pretty confident that they will do what they’re supposed to,” said Captain Mark Nugent with the Horry County Fire Rescue.

The reason the new pagers are beneficial for firefighters is because they now have a screen to show what type of call is coming in and where it’s located. Before, if they missed information, they would have to ask dispatch to repeat the information, which can sometimes slow down their response.

“It helps anytime you can see it printed out, and you don’t actually have to get on the phone and call a dispatcher,” said Captain Nugent. “The dispatchers are busy doing their job, so the least interruptions they have, the better.”

Captain Nugent said he already put the pager to use when getting calls from dispatch, and he said they will always look for the best possible technology to assist with their duties.

Kansas City

Premium Newsletter Supporter

Premium Newsletter Supporter

Canyon Ridge Communications

Premium Newsletter Supporter

ProPage Inc.

Newsletter Supporter

Metropolitan Communications

Newsletter Supporter

e*Message Wireless Information Services Europe

Newsletter Supporter

Lekkerkerk, Netherlands

Newsletter Supporter

Donate to have your company's logo added.

Incyte Capital Holdings LLC
Dallas, Texas

Premium Newsletter Supporter

Le Réseau Mobilité Plus
Montreal, Quebec

Newsletter Supporter

Communication Specialists

Newsletter Supporter

Cook Paging

Premium Newsletter Supporter

MethodLink

Premium Newsletter Supporter

Citipage Ltd.
Edmonton, Alberta

Newsletter Supporter

Who We Are

Prism-IPX is a leader in providing reliable communications systems using modern designs to meet today’s demands for critical message alerting and delivery. Prism-IPX designs versatile and robust Critical Message Management systems using paging and other wireless technologies for high performance and dependable communications.

What We Make

Prism-IPX Systems products include full-featured radio paging systems with VoIP input, IP based transmitter control systems and paging message encryption. Other options include e-mail messaging, remote switch controllers, Off-The-Air paging message decoders and logging systems.

Contact Us  

Repair and Refurbishment Services

Product Support Services, Inc.

511 South Royal Lane
Coppell, Texas 75019
(972) 462-3970 Ext. 261
sales@pssirl.com
www.pssirl.com

PSSI is the industry leader in reverse logistics, our services include depot repair, product returns management, RMA and RTV management, product audit, test, refurbishment, re-kitting and value recovery.

Specialists in sales and service of equipment from these leading manufacturers, as well as other two-way radio and paging products:

	Motorola SOLUTIONS
	Motorola MOBILITY

Disaster-Proven Paging for Public Safety

Paging system designs in the United States typically use a voice radio-style infrastructure. These systems are primarily designed for outdoor mobile coverage with modest indoor coverage. Before Narrowbanding, coverage wasn’t good, but what they have now is not acceptable! The high power, high tower approach also makes the system vulnerable. If one base station fails, a large area loses their paging service immediately!

Almost every technology went from analog to digital except fire paging. So it’s time to think about digital paging! The Disaster-Proven Paging Solution (DiCal) from Swissphone offers improved coverage, higher reliability and flexibility beyond anything that traditional analog or digital paging systems can provide. 

Swissphone is the No. 1 supplier for digital paging solutions worldwide. The Swiss company has built paging networks for public safety organizations all over the world. Swissphone has more than 1 million pagers in the field running for years and years due to their renowned high quality.

DiCal is the digital paging system developed and manufactured by Swissphone. It is designed to meet the specific needs of public safety organizations. Fire and EMS rely on these types of networks to improve incident response time. DiCal systems are designed and engineered to provide maximum indoor paging coverage across an entire county. In a disaster situation, when one or several connections in a simulcast solution are disrupted or interrupted, the radio network automatically switches to fall back operating mode. Full functionality is preserved at all times. This new system is the next level of what we know as “Simulcast Paging” here in the U.S.

Swissphone offers high-quality pagers, very robust and waterproof. Swissphone offers the best sensitivity in the industry, and battery autonomy of up to three months. First responder may choose between a smart s.QUAD pager, which is able to connect with a smartphone and the Hurricane DUO pager, the only digital pager who offers text-to-voice functionality.

Bluetooth technology makes it possible to connect the s.QUAD with a compatible smartphone, and ultimately with various s.ONE software solutions from Swissphone. Thanks to Bluetooth pairing, the s.QUAD combines the reliability of an independent paging system with the benefits of commercial cellular network. Dispatched team members can respond back to the call, directly from the pager. The alert message is sent to the pager via paging and cellular at the same time. This hybrid solution makes the alert faster and more secure. Paging ensures alerting even if the commercial network fails or is overloaded.

Swissphone sets new standards in paging:

Paging Network

• It’s much faster to send individual and stacked pages digitally than with analog voice.
• If you want better indoor coverage, you put sites closer together at lower heights.
• A self-healing system that also remains reliable in various disaster situations.
• Place base station where you need them, without the usage of an expensive backhaul network.
• Protect victim confidentiality and prevent unauthorized use of public safety communications, with integrated encryption service.

Pager

• Reliable message reception, thanks to the best sensitivity in the industry.
• Ruggedized and waterproof, IP67 and 6 1/2-feet drop test-certified products.
• Battery autonomy of up to three months, with a standard AA battery.
• Bluetooth enables the new s.QUAD pager to respond back to the dispatch center or fire chief.

Dispatching:

• Two-way CAD interfaces will make dispatching much easier.
• The new s.ONE solution enables the dispatcher or fire chiefs to view the availability of relief forces.
• A graphical screen shows how many of the dispatched team members have responded to the call.

Swissphone provides a proven solution at an affordable cost. Do you want to learn more?
Visit: www.swissphone.com or call 800-596-1914.

Tuesday, December 22, 2017	Volume 5 | Issue 249

On Being the Christmas Spirit

I might as well “out” myself before someone else does it. Here goes.

I am a thespian.

We all have our hobbies, right? Mahjong, scrimshaw, bowling, skeet shooting, polo (OK, I only know one guy who does that), taxidermy, salsa dancing, accordion lessons, cooking, bobsledding, labradoodle breeding. Mine’s acting. Theater mostly, some film…nothing you’ve seen trust me, but got four IMDB credits to my name. (One’s a zombie film!) Being a semi-ok singer I often enjoy doing musical theater (don’t judge!). Friend, you haven’t lived until you’ve been in full Frankenstein’s Monster makeup and five-inch platform boots doing “Puttin’ on the Ritz” in “Young Frankenstein, The Musical” or in a white Homburg packin’ fake prop gun “heat” as Big Jule in “Guys ‘n Dolls.” It’s a wonderful world of creative folk who never fail in recharging my battery. In fact, here’s my plug: try going to a local theater production next time instead of a movie and I bet you’ll be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

One of my favorite weekend ‘gigs,’ as we say in show biz, was a while back as Santa. Not just any Santa, a Macy’s Santa; the capo di tutti capi of Santas! Yak-hair beards (the best), Italian leather boots, a plush $3,000 costume with all the trimmings.

Macy’s takes this character seriously, iconic symbol of the store that it is. They auditioned only accomplished actors . . . of size . . . and trained us for two weeks to handle most situations and be versed on company policy (we will NOT take the crying child pic . . . go see a Mall Santa if that’s what you want). We did not do the “assembly line” photo sessions either. You met with Santa one-on-one in a private room at the end of an enchanting animatronic display about Dickens’ Christmas Carol. And while the fear factor was high on occasion (with the parents or grandparents most often the guilty parties . . . they’d often squeal followed by a shrill “go sit on his lap.” The kid, of course froze up like a popsicle with that behind him and this Avatar of the Season in front of him sitting on a throne no less), but more times than not “the magic” took over the cubicle. Grown ups suspended their weary adult beliefs, old people turned into little kids again and the kids accepted it fully with a beauty and wonder that ignited every heart in the room. We Santas took our roles seriously as well. There were six of us . . . in fact one reason for the private rooms is so multiple Santas could be working at once (I may be in trouble with Macy’s for spilling that one).

As jaded as we could have been being “behind the scenes” of it all, we got our spirit renewed time and time again. So the double-fat bagged heavy suit, hot lights, the lower back strain of lifting 50-pound butterballs, the peeling off of the eyebrows every night aside, the magical moments made that inconsequential.

One older woman sat gently in my lap, almost cradling herself, and told me she was battling pancreatic cancer and this was probably going to be her last visit but wanted to thank me for all the presents I brought her over the years. One little, big-eyed girl whispered in my ear “I just want my mom to be happy.” One boy brought me a baseball he caught at a Phillies game, probably his greatest treasure, and wanted me to have it. Santa needed a minute to collect himself after those visits. (I called his dad back in, by the way, and said I couldn’t take the ball but he said his son insisted. The ball is on my office shelf in eyesight as I write this).

But there was fun too. With an all-adult room you could be a little more playful about the ‘naughty or nice’ list. And there was more than one woman who saw Santa as the ultimate “Sugar Daddy” and left a phone number “if things don’t work out with Mrs. Claus.” I even got to perform with the legendary “The Manhattan Transfer” at a window opening event in downtown Pittsburgh. They introduced me with their acapella version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” . . . a moment I will never forget. We brought up kids on stage from the Make a Wish foundation and all sang songs (with the Manhattan freakin’ Transfer!)

We can get back to business next week. For now embrace the magic. Be the Spirit of Christmas, it’s no act.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Inside Towers.

By Jim Fryer, Managing Editor, Inside Towers

---

FCC Proposes $13M Fine Against Sinclair

The FCC proposed a more than $13 million fine against Sinclair Broadcast Group for apparently violating the Sponsor ID rules — the largest penalty ever imposed for this transgression. The proposed penalty comes as Sinclair awaits approval for its pending acquisition of Tribune Media. Both the Justice Department and the FCC must okay the deal.

The FCC’s Sponsor ID rules require broadcasters to disclose who paid for third-party programming. The Enforcement Bureau investigated a complaint that Sinclair aired paid programming about a cancer institute during news programs but did not disclose the center paid for the stories to air. The bureau found that the programming, made to appear as news, aired more than 1,700 times across 64 Sinclair-owned TV stations and for 13 others not owned by the company. The FCC found that Sinclair apparently failed to make sponsor ID announcements to viewers or report to non-Sinclair stations that the programming was paid.

Sinclair argued it aired similar programming in the past without being paid, so no disclosure was required — an argument the FCC rejected. The broadcaster has 30 days to respond or pay the fine.

Selected portions [sometimes more — sometimes less] of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update and/or the BloostonLaw Private Users Update — newsletters from the Law Offices of Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, Duffy & Prendergast, LLP — are reproduced in this section of The Wireless Messaging News with kind permission from the firm. The firm's contact information is included at the end of this section of the newsletter.

SEASON’S GREETINGS In lieu of holiday cards this season, BloostonLaw will be making a donation to Healthcare for the Homeless, a local charity program. We wish our clients a happy and safe holiday season! In observance of the holiday, our next newsletter will not be published until Jan. 3. Our office will be closed Dec. 22 and 26. Our office will close at 2 p.m. Dec. 29.

Brad Dye, Ron Mercer, Allan Angus, Vic Jackson, and Ira Wiesenfeld 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. Each one has unique abilities. We would be happy to help you with a project, and maybe save you some time and money.

Note: We do not like Patent Trolls, i.e. “a person or company who enforces patent rights against accused infringers in an attempt to collect licensing fees, but does not manufacture products or supply services based upon the patents in question.” We have helped some prominent law firms defend their clients against this annoyance, and would be happy to do some more of this same kind of work.

Some people use the title “consultant” when they don't have a real job. We actually do consulting work, and help others based on our many years of experience.

---

“If you would know the road ahead, ask someone who has traveled it.”
— Chinese Proverb

Wireless Network Planners
Wireless Specialists

R.H. (Ron) Mercer Consultant 217 First Street East Northport, NY 11731
Telephone: 631-786-9359
www.wirelessplanners.com
wirelessplannerron@gmail.com

Northland Alert: A two-part emergency notification system launched in St. Louis County

December 22, 2017

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – In times of emergency, the sooner people can be notified of the situation and what they should do to protect themselves and others, the better. A new emergency communication tool—Northland Alert—is now available offering faster notification directly to the public.

Representatives from St. Louis County and the cities of Duluth, Hermantown, Hibbing and Virginia held a news conference to explain the new emergency notification system and its capabilities on Wednesday, Dec. 13, including a demonstration in the 911 emergency communications center.

Northland Alert has two parts. The first is an Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). In an emergency situation, IPAWS allows an emergency text message to be sent to all cell phones within a designated area. The text message will provide details of the emergency and instructions to people in the area of what actions to take, such as to evacuate, shelter in place, or other steps to protect themselves.

This is an automatic notification service, and is sent out through the county’s 911 Emergency Communications Center. No subscription is required. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has authorized the County to use this service.

Northland Alert also includes a free subscription option for people who would like to receive alerts about other important— but not necessarily life threatening—situations. Examples include notices about weather conditions, road closures, or missing people. These alerts can be delivered by text, email or automated phone call. Anyone wishing to subscribe should visit northlandalert.com.

People can choose any or all of the options for how to receive the alerts. They also can select which agencies’ alerts—St. Louis County, Duluth, Hermantown, Hibbing and/or Virginia—they wish to receive.

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”

― John Bunyan

Meet the Students: Aicha • Tamale, Ghana

Playing For Change Foundation
Published on Oct 28, 2015

Aïcha has been a student at the Bizung School of Music and Dance since she was fourteen years old. In the last four years she has learned many skills that have enriched her life and brought her respect and esteem in the community. Now eighteen, she has become well-known for her ability to sing and dance. She has also been able to improve her English because of the class taught at the school, which allows her to communicate and express herself in new ways. Aïcha is very grateful for all that the Playing For Change Foundation has done to benefit her community. “Here, we are all like family. We always chant together, dance together, and do everything together. We are united, and I love that.”