Welcome Back To The Wireless Messaging News

I met with Ira Wiesenfeld this week as he was passing through this neck of the woods. It is always good to talk to Ira and find out more of what is going on in the wireless industry. Ira is what I would call and itinerant engineer. He travels all over the country doing installations and maintenance of radio communications systems. He has been very busy installing and maintaining paging systems for various government agencies lately and reports that private paging is alive and well.

He suggested that I report on the recent FCC changes in the Part 95 Rules. (Personal Radio Services Rules.)

So . . . you can read the Part 95 Report and Order here and there is also a summary news article following. It was mentioned previously in the BloostonLaw section but I have included more details for you to read this week.

Ira and his team of engineers and technicians (IWA Technical Services Inc.) are the ones I always recommend to readers requesting in-the-field assistance — and yes, he is a real engineer. He has been a long-time-generous supporter of this newsletter.

Ira also shared some important information about RF Safety with us.

— RF SAFETY —

Evidentially OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) rules detail that state, county, and municipal employees are exempt from OSHA regulations.

In contact with an FCC official Ira found that nobody is exempt from the RF Safety rules and regulations, including federal, state, county, or municipal employees. The FCC official is aware of the government employee exemption to OSHA rules, but he told Ira that the RF Safety issues are FCC Regulations and that they are strictly enforced. OSHA defers all radio-related issues to the FCC and the enforcement of the FCC part of the rules has NO exemptions.

Here is Ira's contact information:

Ira Wiesenfeld, P.E.
Consulting Engineer
(214) 707-7711
7711 Scotia Drive
Dallas, TX 75248
iwiesenfel@aol.com
IWA Technical Services, Inc.
Texas Registered Engineering Firm
Firm # F16945 — SAM Code 6MWK7

Now on to more news and views.

Wayne County, Illinois

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

Wireless Messaging

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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.

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FCC Adopts Long Awaited Changes to PRS Bands – GMRS, FRS, CB & MURS

On May 18th 2017, the FCC adopted parts of a long-standing Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) that affects several of the PRS (Personal Radio Service) bands, which include GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), FRS (Family Radio Service), and CB (Citizens Band), now called the CBRS (CB Radio Service). MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service) remains largely unchanged. Read the full FCC Report & Order.

Implementation of the rules took effect 30 days after the new order was published on 08/29/17 (effective on 09/28/17), but some of the equipment changes required by the new rules won’t take place for 90 days to 24 months.

We’ll dive deeper into the changes and also what exciting new gear and programming configurations we’ll be offering to take advantage of the new GMRS capabilities in future posts, but in the meantime, here are some bullet points of the rule changes that might affect BetterSafeRadio customers and FRS/GMRS users in general:

• Hybrid FRS/GMRS “Bubble Pack” radios will no longer be certified in the future by the FCC. Radios will now only be certified as either FRS, or GMRS (or MURS), etc.
• FRS radios can now operate on the previously GMRS-only 462 MHz (GMRS ch. 15-22) Channels. Yes, these are the GMRS repeater output frequencies, which could cause even more repeater interference by FRS users (especially considering the next item below), but they will not be allowed to transmit on the repeater input channels, so no repeater use for FRS.
• FRS radios will now be authorized to use up to 2 Watts ERP (Effective Radiated Power) on FRS 462 MHz frequencies (FRS ch. 1-7), and on the new shared FRS/GMRS 462 MHz frequencies (GMRS ch. 15-22). This means a kid with an FRS radio running 2W next door to you, might be able to mask your repeater reception if they are close to your antenna (although they’ve been doing this with the hybrid FRS/GMRS radios for years).
• Existing FRS/GMRS hybrid radios that use 2W or less, will now be retro-reclassified as FRS radios, using the new expanded FRS capabilities.
• Existing FRS/GMRS hybrid radios that put out MORE than 2W, will now be retro-reclassified as GMRS radios, will still require a GMRS license, and will allow the new expanded FRS/GMRS interstitial channels (previously FRS-only ch. 8-14 – see below).
• GMRS will now become Part 95E (instead of Part 95A), FRS (Part 95B) and MURS (Part 95J) remaining the same.
• GMRS licenses (and new renewals) will now be good for 10 years (est. $75 license fee).
• GMRS radios will remain largely the same, except that they will gain use of the previously FRS-only 467 MHz (ch. 8-14) frequencies, with the same technical limits that previously applied to FRS radios (.5W with a built-in antenna). This adds 7 new shared “interstitial” GMRS channels, giving existing hybrid FRS/GMRS radio users more legal options to find a clear simplex channel (but still shared with all the .5W FRS radios out in the world now).
• Part 90 certified radios are still not officially legal to transmit with on GMRS, even though FCC acknowledged that many people use them as such.
• GMRS will now also allow digital GPS and Short Text Messaging between specific radios, limited to a maximum of 1 second per every 30 seconds, and only on radios that have integrated antennas, and not on repeaters, which will hopefully limit interference to serious GMRS users, but allow these digital services for short-range simplex communications. This does NOT mean you can use DMR or P25 (or any other digital voice encoding) on FRS or GMRS.
• CB radios (Part 95D) will no longer be required to have their serial number etched onto the outside of their cases.
• CB operation will no longer be restricted from long-distance “SKIP” communications, although the power limits will remain at 4W on AM and 12W PEP on SSB.

Here’s a handy little chart of the new GMRS/FRS band frequencies, which will now be officially channelized by the FCC:

FRS/GMRS Combined Band Plan

(FRS use is not allowed on the 467MHz GMRS Repeater inputs on chs. 15-22 – GMRS allows “wide” FM for simplex or repeater us on chs. 15-22 – NFM = 12.5kHz, FM = 25kHz – CALL = Calling Channel – EM = Emergency/Prepper freq. – TR = Travel Safety & Assistance)

While these changes will simplify the rules and expand shared “interstitial” channels in both the FRS and MURS bands, it may also open up GMRS to more interference from newer, 2W FRS radios. We think this change makes MURS even more attractive for personal, business or emergency/prepper SHTF uses, because it’s VHF and still underutilized as compared to FRS/GMRS.

Now that GMRS will have 22 channels available, 30 if you consider the repeater configurations, TERA TR-505 and other 16-channel radio users will need to make some decisions as to which channels they want programmed. Those using larger radios (for emergency use only) such as the TERA TR-590, Wouxun KG-UV3D or Wouxun KG-UV9D (Plus), will be able to program and access all of the FRS, GMRS & MURS frequencies (although Part 90 or 97 radios are not type-accepted for transmitting on the FRS/GMRS/MURS bands).

[. . .]

Note: Article revised on 08/18/17 to reflect correct power (.5W) for 467 MHz FRS/GMRS interstitial channels.

Note: Article revised on 08/30/17 to confirm Federal Register publishing date of 8/29/17.

Note: Article revised on 09/28/17 to confirm active date of new rules of 8/28/17 and add notes about license term, fee, and Part 90 GMRS radios use.

Note: Article revised on 09/28/17 to fix typo about new FRS 2W use on 462 (instead of 467) MHz FRS channels. Other typo fixes on Band Plan chart. Clarification on digital modes and CB power limits.

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

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Back To Paging

Still The Most Reliable Protocol For Wireless Messaging!

Multitone Staff Protection System Wins Coveted Building Better Healthcare Award 2017

Press release from: Multitone Electronics

Multitone receives BBH Award Multitone receives BBH Award Multitone Electronics plc, a specialist in the design, manufacture and implementation of integrated communication systems, is proud to announce its powerful EkoTek staff protection solution has won the coveted ‘Best Communications System’ award in the Building Better Healthcare Awards 2017.

Multitone receives BBH Award

Mark Hickson, Marketing Manager at Multitone Electronics commented, “We are delighted to have won this key category in these very well-respected awards. The awards recognise and honour innovations that benefit patients and healthcare providers in the real world. EkoTek delivers precisely the right staff protection, providing a vital duty of care to employees by enabling them to instantly call for help whenever an incident occurs.”

A robust onsite two-way wireless staff protection system, EkoTek raises an alarm from the touch of a button, a fall or lack of response from the user. By providing precise location details with the alarm, assistance is instantly directed straight to the user, exactly when it is needed.

The solution is perfect for protecting professionals in challenging environments or in isolation, such as laboratories, hospitals or care homes. EkoTek utilises an intelligent wireless self-healing mesh network that is battery operated, making it the perfect choice for retrofit installations in busy environments, where cabling could be inappropriate.

Reflecting upon the significance of the win, Mark concluded, “It is testament to the sheer hard work, professional expertise and innovation of the whole team at Multitone that we are in the privileged position of being a winner this year. We would also like to congratulate the other winners in the awards and we look forward to taking part again next year”

To find out more about the Multitone range, please telephone 01506 418198 or visit the website: www.multitone.com.

About Multitone

As a pioneer of wireless messaging, Multitone Electronics plc is a specialist developer of integrated communication systems for on-site and global use. The organisation; which is best known for its supply of critical communications, continues to explore and develop reliable communications and controls, whilst offering robust, targeted systems that effectively and reliably integrate with customers’ existing systems and technologies.

The product offering combines the best in wireless telephony, radio-paging systems and personal security systems with professional services and tailored software to create a truly cohesive communication platform.

Multitone is part of Champion Technology Holdings, with a turnover in 2016 in excess of £498M.

Multitone Electronics Plc
Multitone House, Shortwood Copse Lane
Kempshott, Basingstoke
RG23 7NL, UK

This release was published on openPR.

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Repair and Refurbishment Services

Product Support Services, Inc.

511 South Royal Lane
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(972) 462-3970 Ext. 261
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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:

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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.

Friday, November 17, 2017	Volume 5 | Issue 226

FCC’s O’Rielly Cites “Commission Ineptitude” If U.S. is Late on 5G

The FCC took steps to free up more spectrum above 24 GHz for broadband; Commissioners are keenly aware the U.S. is in a worldwide race to deploy 5G first. This high-frequency spectrum will support innovative new uses enabled by fiber-fast wireless speeds and extremely low latency, according to the agency.  

“I will not let the U.S. lose the 5G race due to Commission ineptitude,” said Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, as he voted for the changes yesterday. The FCC needs to keep working on making other spectrum bands available as well, he said, adding he hopes to follow-up with an item for a vote in the first half of next year.

Continuing with the 5G race theme, Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel urged colleagues to commit to deadlines. “We are not moving fast enough,” she said, saying the agency should hold its 28 GHz band spectrum auction “before our counterparts in Asia” hold theirs.  

Commissioner Ajit Pai would like to “move forward with a high-band spectrum auction in 2018,” but can’t until Congress fixes the upfront payment problem. Inside Towers reported the issue is the agency can’t find a commercial bank that meets its requirements to hold upfront auction payments and would like the funds to be held by the U.S. Treasury. Bills pending in Congress would authorize the change.  

Wireless Infrastructure Association President/CEO Jonathan Adelstein said: “By freeing up additional spectrum in conjunction with streamlined infrastructure deployment measures, the Commission has better enabled the wireless industry to continue to deploy 5G mobile networks. We applaud efforts by the FCC to continue its work to ensure a healthy amount of spectrum is in the pipeline and that deployment-inhibiting infrastructure rules continue to be adjusted to speed deployment and encourage competition.”

Specifically, the item adopted yesterday would:

• Make available an additional 1700 megahertz of millimeter wave (mmW) spectrum for terrestrial 5G wireless use;
• Maintain the unlicensed use of the 64-71 GHz band, and modify Part 15 rules to allow unlicensed operation on board most aircraft during flight in the 57-71 GHz band;
• Maintain spectrum in the 48.2-50.2 GHz and 40-42 GHz bands for satellite use;
• Adjust the earth station siting rules in core terrestrial wireless bands to provide incentives to site satellite earth stations in less populated areas, while continuing to limit the potential for interference of satellite operations to mobile wireless use in these bands; and
• Decline to cap the amount of spectrum in the 24 GHz and 47 GHz bands that a bidder can acquire in an auction, and incorporate these two bands into the previously-adopted mmW spectrum threshold for reviewing proposed secondary market transactions.

In addition, the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:

• Proposes to allow more flexible FSS (fixed-satellite service) use of the 24.75-25.25 GHz band;
• Seeks comment on another option for terrestrial mmW licensees to meet performance obligations, which could accommodate IoT deployments and other innovative services; and
• Proposes to eliminate the cap on the amount of spectrum in the 28, 37, and 39 GHz bands that a bidder can acquire in an auction.

Deep Divide at FCC Over Copper Retirement Exposed

In one of the longest monthly open meetings in recent FCC history, Commissioners on Thursday vigorously disagreed on changes to wireline rules concerning copper retirement in order to speed fiber broadband deployment. Proponents say the changes will allow carriers to stop spending money on maintaining aging infrastructure so they can shift resources to new networks while opponents say the changes are too much and will hurt consumers.

Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel, opposed relaxing the amount of notice providers must give customers that a service is being discontinued. The item, which passed 3-2, also expedites applications filed by carriers seeking to: (1) stop taking new customers for low-speed voice and data services; (2) discontinue previously “grandfathered” low-speed data services; and (3) discontinue low-speed services for which there are no customers. 

Clyburn said “some of the most fundamental protections” the FCC has to protect legacy voice service “are moments away from being dumped into the trash” under the “majority’s carrier-first agenda.” Unlike the DTV transition, no outreach is planned to explain the retirement of copper with fiber to the 49 million households that still use copper landlines today, said Clyburn. “I have not heard from a single consumer who has asked for their landline to be taken away more quickly.”  

Commissioner Brendan Carr said the changes would make it easier for providers to deploy broadband networks. “These actions will make a real difference, especially in rural areas.”

Chairman Ajit Pai agreed, adding: “Some who oppose this decision have engaged in fear mongering. This will make it economical to deploy fiber to millions of rural consumers.” FCC rules still require carriers to notify customers and the Commission when they want to discontinue a service, he said. That includes providing a replacement service that’s accessible to those with disabilities. 

The other part of the same item was non-controversial. Commissioners agreed to update rules governing access to utility poles and conduits for the purposes of deploying broadband. They voted to reduce costs faced by broadband providers by barring pole owners from charging for costs already recovered from others and to institute a 180-day shot clock to resolve pole attachment disputes. They also voted to allow providers equal access to each other’s poles.

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.

REMINDER: Reply Comment Deadline on ICC Record Refresh Extended to Nov. 20

On November 9, the FCC issued an Order granting an extension of time to file reply comments in response to a the FCC’s Public Notice of September 8, inviting interested parties to update the record on issues raised by the FCC in the 2011 ICC Transformation FNPRM regarding (1) the network edge for traffic that interconnects with the Public Switched Telephone Network, (2) tandem switching and transport, and (3) transit (the non-access traffic functional equivalent of tandem switching and transport) (the September Public Notice). Reply comments were originally due on November 13; they are now due November 20.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Gerry Duffy.

Headlines

FCC Announces 2018 Reasonable Comparability Benchmarks

On November 8, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing the 2018 reasonable comparability benchmarks for fixed voice and broadband services for incumbent eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs).

Voice Rates. Based on the survey results, the 2018 urban average monthly rate (the rate floor) is $25.50. Therefore, the reasonable comparability benchmark for voice services, two standard deviations above the urban average, is $45.38. Under the Commission’s rules, each ETC, including competitive ETCs providing fixed voice services, must certify in the FCC Form 481 filed no later than July 1, 2017, that the pricing of its basic residential voice services is no more than $45.38. Although the FCC froze the rate at which support reductions would occur at $18 until July 1, 2018, carriers must still report their rates to the extent those rates are below the rate floor (i.e. $25.50) in their annual Form 481 filings.

Broadband Rates. Recipients of high-cost and/or Connect America Fund support that are subject to broadband performance obligations are required to

The FCC’s online tool will also eventually allow providers to enter the relevant variables to determine the benchmark for specific service characteristics not on this table.

Minimum Usage Allowance. According to the Cisco Visual Networking Index, the average Internet household generated 172.3 GB of Internet traffic per month in 2016, the most recent information available. For administrative convenience, the Bureau specifies a minimum monthly usage allowance of 170 GB for 2018.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Gerry Duffy and Ben Dickens.

FCC Announces Official Agenda for November 16 Open Meeting

On November 10, the FCC announced the official agenda for the November 16 Open Meeting. At the Meeting, the Commission will consider:

• Blocking Unlawful Robocalls: a Report and Order that would expressly authorize voice service providers to block certain types of robocalls that falsely appear to be from telephone numbers that do not or cannot make outgoing calls. It also would prohibit voice service providers from blocking 911 calls under these rules, encourage voice service providers to provide a mechanism to allow subscribers whose legitimate calls are blocked in error to stop such blocking, and clarify that providers may exclude calls blocked under these rules from their call completion reports. (CG Docket No. 17-59)
• Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz: a Second Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Memorandum Opinion and Order that would make available 1,700 MHz of additional high-frequency spectrum for flexible terrestrial wireless use; provide 4 gigahertz for core satellite use; and adopt, refine, or affirm a number of service rules to promote robust deployment in these bands, and a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on certain related earth station, buildout, and licensing issues. (GN Docket No. 14-177; IB Docket No. 15-256; WT Docket No. 10-112; IB Docket No. 97-95)
• Replacement Utility Poles Report & Order: a Report and Order to eliminate the requirement for historic preservation review where utility poles are replaced with substantially identical poles that can support antennas or other wireless communications equipment, and to consolidate the FCC's historic preservation review rules into a single rule. (WT Docket No. 17-79)
• Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment: a Report and Order, Declaratory Ruling, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order that will revise and seek comment on further changes to the FCC's pole attachment rules, network change disclosure processes, and section 214(a) discontinuance processes to remove barriers to infrastructure investment and promote broadband deployment, and will seek comment on taking targeted actions to facilitate rebuilding and repairing broadband infrastructure after natural disasters. (WC Docket No. 17-84)
• Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers: a Fourth Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, Memorandum Opinion and Order, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Notice of Inquiry to adopt and propose measures to effectively and efficiently bridge the digital divide for Lifeline subscribers and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program. (WC Docket No. 17-287)
• Reconsideration of Broadcast Ownership Rules: an Order on Reconsideration and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that updates the FCC's broadcast ownership and attribution rules to reflect the current media marketplace, denies various other requests for reconsideration, finds that the FCC will adopt an Incubator Program to promote ownership diversity, and seeks comment on how to structure and administer such a program. (MB Docket Nos. 14-50, 09-182, 07-294, 04-256, 17-289)
• Modernizing Cable Data Collection: a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on whether to eliminate Form 325, Annual Report of Cable Television Systems, or, in the alternative, on ways to modernize and streamline the form. (MB Docket Nos. 17-290, 17-105)
• 'Next Generation' Broadcast Television Standard: a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking authorizing television broadcasters to use the Next Generation television transmission standard (ATSC 3.0) on a voluntary, market-driven basis. (GN Docket No. 16-142)

The Open Meeting will be streamed live at www.fcc.gov/live and can be followed on social media with #OpenMtgFCC.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and John Prendergast.

Wireless Industry Urging FCC to Hold Millimeter Wave Spectrum Auction in 2018

With the Commission scheduled to vote tomorrow on a Second Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration and Memorandum Opinion and Order in the Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz proceeding (GN Docket No. 14-177, also known as the “Spectrum Frontiers” proceeding), the commercial wireless industry has been pressuring the FCC to hold auctions for 28 GHz and 37-39 GHz band spectrum by the end of next year. The 28 GHz spectrum to be sold has been reconfigured from the LMDS band.

An ex parte notice filed last week by CTIA emphasized the importance of making significant blocks of spectrum available for licensed terrestrial mobile use to facilitate 5G mobile broadband networks and services. In the filing, CTIA urged the Commission to set a deadline of 2018 for moving forward with an auction of the bands made available in the 2016 Spectrum Frontiers Order and to be addressed in the forthcoming Second Order. For our clients holding LMDS A Block licenses, the FCC’s vote would help advance the reconfiguration of their licenses in the manner we reported last year.

CTIA also urged the Commission to move rapidly to allow use of the 32 GHz, 42 GHz, and 50 GHz bands within a fixed timetable, to seek expeditious comment on the use of the 26 GHz band for terrestrial mobile wireless, and to not foreclose discussion of expanding the Part 30 framework to the remaining Local Multipoint Distribution Service bands (i.e., smaller non-contiguous portions of the LMDS A block and the LMDS B-Block that have not been allocated for 5G).

AT&T on its own today ramped up the pressure on the agency to auction the millimeter wave spectrum without delay. "Now that the Commission has the 5G ball rolling with spectrum allocations, we urgently need to get to the next step — auctioning this newly allocated spectrum so that mobile broadband providers can deploy as quickly as possible," wrote AT&T Assistant Vice President Stacey Black in a company blog post.

The Second Report and Order in the Spectrum Frontiers proceeding would make available 1,700 MHz of additional high-frequency spectrum for flexible terrestrial wireless use; provide 4 gigahertz for core satellite use; and adopt, refine, or affirm a number of service rules to promote robust deployment in these bands. A Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would seek comment on certain related earth station, buildout, and licensing issues.
Accenture has estimated that the network deployment build of 5G will involve ten to 100 times more antenna locations than 3G or 4G, meaning that all manner of infrastructure will be required, including traditional towers, small cells, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and unlicensed WiFi offload.

With an anticipated explosion in 5G “small cell” deployments, efforts to clear the way for rapid 5G network buildout has also prompted industry efforts on Capitol Hill. In this regard, Wireless Infrastructure Association President Jonathan Adelstein plans to testify tomorrow at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on 5G that "it is more important than ever to plan for future spectrum need," according to his written statement.

According to Adelstein’s testimony, “5G networks will be up to 100 times faster and five times more responsive than today’s networks. It will be able to support 100 times more wireless devices. It will bring faster speeds, greater value, and more choices for consumers. 5G will spur life-altering innovations in telemedicine, distance learning, improved public safety response, mobile banking, and a host of industrial and manufacturing functions.”

Adelstein’s testimony concludes that the enormous opportunity of 5G will only happen if Congress adopts sound policies that encourage investment and innovation.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Cary Mitchell, John Prendergast

Law & Regulation

House Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on 5G

On November 9, the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology announced that it will hold a hearing on Thursday entitled “The Race to 5G and its Potential to Revolutionize American Competitiveness.” According to a press release, the hearing will examine the benefits and efficiencies that fifth generation (5G) mobile networks will add to the economy and America’s global leadership in wireless innovation, and members will look at some of the impediments to the deployment of 5G, including lack of available spectrum and burdensome regulations.

Witnesses for the hearing will be: The Honorable Jonathan Adelstein, President and CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (and former FCC Commissioner); Dr. Coleman Bazelon, Principal at The Brattle Group; Mr. David Broecker, CEO of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute; Mr. Chris Pearson, President of 5G Americas; and Ms. Shireen Santosham, Chief Innovation Officer of the City of San Jose.

Witness testimony and a webcast of the hearing will be available here.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, John Prendergast, and Cary Mitchell.

FCC Grants In Part AT&T Complaint Against Iowa CEA Provider

On November 7, the FCC issued a Memorandum Opinion and Order in which it granted in part a complaint filed against Iowa Network Services, Inc. d/b/a Aureon Network Services (Aureon) by AT&T. According to the FCC, “Aureon is subject to the Commission’s rate cap and rate parity rules and that it violated those rules by filing tariffs containing rates exceeding those prescribed by the Commission.” The FCC also found that Aureon did not violate Section 203 and 201(b) by billing its CEA tariffed rate for traffic terminating with access stimulators.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Mary Sisak, and Sal Taillefer.

Senators Express Concern on Wireline Deployment Draft Order

On November 14, a group of 16 Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, sent a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai expressing concerns with the draft Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment order the FCC is scheduled to consider at this week’s Open Meeting. In the letter, the Senators focused on the draft order’s proposal to eliminate notice for copper retirement, the “de facto” retirement rule, and other changes that would “reduce access to critical communications for consumers.”

The Senators stated that, “Households and businesses in our states, and across the country, cannot afford the disruption of having service altered without adequate advance notice, the assurance that an equivalent replacement exists, and a clear understanding of how to obtain and use the replacement.” The Senators further noted that, “Alarm systems, fax machines, and medical monitoring devices frequently depend on access to landline service. DSL broadband service also relies on landline phone service.”

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Mary Sisak, and Sal Taillefer.

Industry

AT&T, Verizon, and Tillman Infrastructure Partner to Build Cell Towers

On November 13, Verizon announced that AT&T, Verizon, and a third party named Tillman Infrastructure entered into a joint agreement to build hundreds of cell towers. The Verge reports that Tillman is a private company that makes and owns towers, and will construct the towers to suit AT&T and Verizon in locations in need of more coverage.

“We continue to focus on technology innovation and investing in the latest software platforms to provide the best possible customer experience on our network,” said Nicola Palmer, Chief Network Officer for Verizon Wireless. “At the same time, it is imperative to reduce operating costs. We are reviewing all of our long-term contracts as they come up for renewal and we are excited to develop new vendor partners to diversify our infrastructure providers.”

“We need more alternatives to the traditional tower leasing model with the large incumbents. It's not cost-effective or sustainable. We're creating a diverse community of suppliers and tower companies who will help increase market competition while reducing our overhead,” said Susan Johnson, SVP of Global Supply Chain, AT&T. “We look forward to working with Verizon as we establish site locations and sign new lease agreements with additional suppliers in the coming years.”

Deadlines

JANUARY 16: HAC REPORTING DEADLINE. The next Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) reporting deadline for digital commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) providers (including carriers that provide service using AWS-1 spectrum and resellers of cellular, broadband PCS and/or AWS services) is January 16, 2018. Non-Tier I service providers must offer to consumers at least 50 percent of the handset models per air interface, or a minimum of ten handset models per air interface, that meet or exceed the M3 rating, and at least one-third of the handset models per air interface, or a minimum of ten handset models per air interface, that meet or exceed the T3 rating. Month-to-month handset offering information provided in annual reports must be current through the end of 2017. With many of our clients adjusting their handset offerings and making new devices available to customers throughout the year, it is very easy for even the most diligent carriers to stumble unknowingly into a non-compliance situation, resulting in fines starting at $15,000 for each HAC-enabled handset they are deficient. Following the T-Mobile USA Notice of Apparent Liability (FCC 12-39), the FCC’s enforcement policy calls for multiplying the $15,000 per-handset fine by the number of months of the deficiency, creating the potential for very steep fines. It is therefore crucial that our clients pay close attention to their HAC regulatory compliance, and monthly checks are strongly recommended. In this regard, we have prepared a HAC reporting template to assist our clients in keeping track of their HAC handset offerings, and other regulatory compliance efforts. ALL SERVICE PROVIDERS SUBJECT TO THE FCC’S HAC RULES – INCLUDING COMPANIES THAT QUALIFY FOR THE DE MINIMIS EXCEPTION – MUST PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL HAC REPORTING. To the extent that your company is a provider of broadband PCS, cellular and/or interconnected SMR services, if you are a CMRS reseller and/or if you have plans to provide CMRS using newly licensed (or partitioned) AWS or 700 MHz spectrum, you and your company will need to be familiar with the FCC’s revised rules.

BloostonLaw contacts: John Prendergast, Cary Mitchell, and Sal Taillefer.

Calendar At-A-Glance

November
Nov. 20 – Reply comments are due on FCC Request to Refresh Record on ICC Reform.
Nov. 24 – Deadline for petitions to suspend or reject 15-day price cap access charge tariff revisions.
Nov. 27 – Reply comments are due on the Maintenance of Copies of FCC Rules proceeding.
Nov. 27 – Reply comments are due on Revisions to Reporting Requirements for HAC Mobile Handsets.
Nov. 29 – Deadline for petitions to suspend or reject 7-day price cap access charge tariff revisions.

December
Dec. 1 – Biennial Ownership Report filing window opens (Form 323 and 323-E).
Dec. 1 – Comments are due on international circuit bearer fees and MDU calculation.
Dec. 12 – Comments are due on Toll Free Assignment Modernization proceeding.
Dec. 18 – Reply comments are due on international circuit bearer fees and MDU calculation.
Dec. 31 – Carriers receiving CAF Phase II funding must complete deployment to at least 40 percent of supported locations in each state (the interim build-out milestone).

January
Jan. 16 – Annual Hearing Aid Compatibility Report is due.
Jan. 31 – FCC Form 555 (Annual Lifeline ETC Certification Form) is due.
Jan. 4 – Deadline to submit 4G Data Collection data.

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.

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“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

What the Kaspersky antivirus hack really means

Should you delete Kaspersky products from your machine? The answer's not so simple.

By Ian Paul Contributor, PCWorld | NOV 14, 2017 3:11 AM PT

David Orban via Flickr

Kaspersky Lab’s 400 million users worldwide can’t be happy about recent news linking the company’s antivirus products to spying. The Russian government reportedly used the Moscow-based company’s software to steal sensitive information from American intelligence agents.

The incidents remind us that the security products we trust to protect our PCs have more or less full access. “Every cloud-based anti-virus has the potential and the ability to delete files, to modify files,” said Jake Williams, Founder and President of Rendition Infosec. “They have the ability to launch new processes as well as terminate existing processes.”

It’s bad if someone hacks your computer. If someone hacks your computer and uses your own antivirus software to take over, that’s a disaster. “Looking at all of this together,” Williams concluded, “It becomes clear that if whoever’s running your anti-virus doesn’t have your best interests at heart they can definitely do some damage.”

Now that we know Kaspersky antivirus software can turn against you, the next question is whether we can do anything about it. We talked to security experts to find out more.

Kaspersky’s purported data exfiltration: A timeline

The Kaspersky story heated up earlier this fall. On October 5, The Wall Street Journal reported that hackers working for the Russian government in 2015 stole documents detailing how the U.S. attacks foreign computer networks and defends domestic ones. The Russian hackers used Kaspersky Anti-Virus to identify the data and target it on the home computer of a National Security Agency contractor, the Journal said.

A few days later The New York Times reported that the Americans only found out about the purported Kaspersky data leak from Israeli spies. The Israelis, the Times said, hacked into Kaspersky themselves, where they watched Russian hackers use Kaspersky software in real time as a “sort of Google search for sensitive information.”

The Journal followed up a day later with another report. This one said Russian agents used Kaspersky to search for terms like “top secret” across computers where Kaspersky software was installed. Kaspersky Lab has denied allegations that it’s in cahoots with Russian intelligence. Nevertheless, retailers including Best Buy, Office Depot, and Staples have pulled Kaspersky software from store shelves during, and leading up to, the controversy.

Company co-founder and CEO Eugene Kaspersky announced he would open up the company’s code to third-party review to quell concerns about Russian interference.

Soon after, Kaspersky Lab also announced the preliminary results of an internal investigation into the purported spying on the U.S. The company said its antivirus software simply did its job. A contractor put covert malware onto his home machine with Kaspersky installed. After a scan, the antivirus detected the new malware, uploaded it to Kaspersky’s cloud servers for analysis, and at that point the covert data was exposed. Kaspersky said once it discovered the government-developed malware the code was deleted from company servers and never delivered to any government agencies.

The Russians are coming. The Russians are coming?

For most North Americans, the default is to assume the worst about Kaspersky Lab, especially because Eugene Kaspersky himself was trained at a KGB-run school.

Security experts see some room for explanation. It’s not unusual, for one thing, for information security (infosec) professionals to start in the military or government intelligence before entering the private sector.

Kaspersky Lab is actually an important player in the infosec community for the useful threat information it makes freely available. “I think they have probably some of the best researchers and talents in the world,” said Amit Serper, principal security researcher for Boston-based infosec company Cybereason.

Good works aren’t enough to absolve Kaspersky, however. That’s why the company wants third parties to audit its code. But even that won’t satisfy most critics. “I think it’s entirely for show, and I think they know that,” Williams said. “It’s not a question of ‘is the code itself secure?’ I would argue that Kaspersky is probably some of the most secure A/V code out there right now. It’s a matter of how they use the code that’s going to be controlled by the Kaspersky command center.”

Serper offered similar sentiments, but added that the data is what most concerns him. “What data is collected [from user PCs]? How is it collected? How is it saved? How is it catalogued? I think it’s a data science question, and not a software engineering question.”

What home users can do

We may never know whether Kaspersky Lab is a willing accomplice for Russian intelligence. What you can do, however, is stick to the basics of PC security and understand your “threat model”—the realistic threats that you confront as an everyday computer user. If you’re an engineer working on infrastructure projects, a research scientist, or even a journalist, then Russian spying on your machine might be part of your threat model, says Williams. Those people may want to avoid Kaspersky products.

The reality, however, is that Russian intelligence is not interested in the average American’s family photos or personal diaries. As Williams pointed out on Twitter, technicians working on your PC at a local computer shop pose a higher risk of data theft than Russian intelligence via Kaspersky or other software.

“Personally, I don’t think that Kaspersky is a threat to the home user,” Serper said.

Williams also wouldn’t advise that most home users dump Kaspersky—he hasn’t even advised any of his family and friends to delete the software. “But if I have a brand-new machine,” Williams added. “And I’m trying to decide should I install Kaspersky or not? I’m not sure that I would.”

That’s not only because of the worries about espionage, Williams says, but the question of Kaspersky’s long-term fate in the U.S. market given current tensions.

Whatever your decision, the worst option would be to give up on antivirus altogether. “Are you worried about the .01 percent of the Advanced Persistent Threat groups [elite and state-level hackers] that are probably not interested in you,” Williams said. “or are you worried about the 99.9 percent of stuff that’s going to hurt you? The reality is A/V keeps most of that stuff away.”

Besides, this problem is not likely to disappear—if anything, more consumer-grade software may soon end up in the cross-fire. Before reports of Kaspersky surfaced, hackers linked to China infiltrated and delivered malware via the popular PC utility CCleaner. Williams believes we’ll see more state-level hackers accelerate their computer hacking programs thanks to recent high-level leaks of infiltration methods such as Vault 7 and the Shadow Brokers hack.

Staying safe with antivirus software

To counter these potential problems, Williams advises home users to stick to big-name products as a way to benefit from a digital version of herd immunity. “For a product that’s widely used,” he said, “a back door in that product will be caught much more quickly than a product that is sparsely used.”

Serper reminds us to keep our machines and software up to date. Vulnerabilities and hacking methods that get leaked are much easier to pull off because many people don’t patch their machines to fix critical vulnerabilities.

As usual, basic common sense and security practices are your best defense. Rely on good, popular software, pick an antivirus that you trust, regularly patch your operating system and software, and don’t forget to use a reliable ad blocker in your browser to guard against some common web-based attacks. That may not defend you against all possible intrusions, but it’s the most reasonable approach short of wearing a tinfoil hat and running Linux.

Dealing With Grief During the Holiday Season

10 things to help get you through this difficult time

by Amy Goyer, AARP, December 19, 2012

BETSIE VAN DER MEER/GETTY IMAGES

Family gatherings can be painful reminders of the absence of a loved one.

En español Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deep and difficult challenge at any time. But the holiday season can magnify your sense of loss and mourning. Family gatherings and seasonal events can be painful reminders of the absence of a loved one. At the same time, they can also be comforting rituals where you spend time with family and friends, focusing on good memories and trying to recapture your sense of joy. If you are mourning a loss of a loved one this year, here are some important things to keep in mind.

1. Only do what feels right. It's up to you to decide which activities, traditions or events you can handle. Don't feel obligated to participate in anything that doesn't feel doable. Grieving takes time. You are very vulnerable right now, so all you need to do is get through the day or week or season — in a healthy way. Try not to think much beyond that.
2. Accept your feelings — whatever they might be. Everyone takes his or her own path in grief and mourning. Some may try to avoid sad feelings; others will be bathed in tears. Some feel bad that they aren't up for enjoying a holiday; others feel guilt because they are feeling joy. However you feel, accept it. And accept the inevitable ups and downs: You may feel peaceful one moment and gut-wrenchingly sad the next. Try to stay in tune with your own highest truth and you will know how to get through the holiday without judging yourself or others. More on Grieving 10 tips for caregivers during the holidays Talking to children about death and tragedy AARP online grief and loss resources Top 5 regrets of the dying Join AARP Today — Receive access to exclusive information, benefits and discounts.
3. Call on your family and friends. Talk with loved ones about your emotions. Be honest about how you'd like to do things this year — if you want to talk about those who have passed, then do so, and let others know it's OK. Take a buddy to events for support and create an "escape plan" together in case you need to bow out quickly. Read books about getting through the holidays after loss, and seek out support groups, lectures or faith-community events. Seek professional support from a therapist. Stay in touch with others who are grieving via online groups and connections with friends.
4. Focus on the kids. Many holidays place special attention on children, and it often helps to focus on their needs. Realize that your choices around getting through the holidays may affect the children in your family. If you withdraw, they may not understand why you don't want to join family festivities. Perhaps you can participate in the family rituals or gatherings that are most important to the kids, and excuse yourself when you reach your limit.
5. Plan ahead. Sometimes the anticipation is worse than the actual holiday. Create comforting activities in the weeks approaching a holiday so that you have something to look forward to rather than building up a dread of the pain the holiday could bring. New activities might be easier, but familiar traditions might be comforting as well — do what feels best for you. Surrounding yourself with positivity can be very helpful.
6. Scale back. If the thought of many holiday activities feels painful, overwhelming or inappropriate this year, cutting back may help. For example, you might opt for minimal decorations at home and take a break from sending holiday greetings, or try e-greetings instead of the more time-consuming task of mailing greeting cards. You could limit holiday parties to small gatherings with your closest friends and family. Do whatever feels safe and comfortable to you. Create realistic expectations for yourself and others, but above all be gentle with yourself.
7. Give. It's amazing how in times of grief, sometimes the biggest comfort is to give to others. We often feel paralyzed by the sheer emotion — sadness, feelings of helpless or hopelessness. In times of loss, we often want to do something that will make a difference. Consider these options:
   • If you've lost a loved one, gift-giving at holiday times may be a challenge. Shopping for gifts and seeing the perfect gift for someone you know you will never be able to give a gift to again can be devastating. Shopping online may be a better option for you.
   • You might purchase something that symbolizes the person or time before your loss and donate it to a needy family. Or make a donation in a loved one's name to a charity or cause he or she cherished.
   • Negative circumstances may surround the loss you have experienced, and it's so easy to fall into a focus on the sadness, horror or anger. Try channeling your energies in positive ways to create good in the world, rather than perpetuate the negative. Volunteer to help people in some way that is related to that which has caused such anguish. Give of your time and talents or make a donation to a related charity.
8. Acknowledge those who have passed on. When we are grieving a loss of someone very close to us, it can be helpful to participate in a related holiday ritual in his or her memory. Some ideas: lighting candles for them, talking about them, buying children's toys or books to donate in their name, dedicating a service to them, planting a tree, making a card or writing a letter, displaying their picture or placing an item of theirs among holiday decorations.
9. Do something different. Acknowledge that things have changed; indeed, the holiday will not be the same as it was ever again. Accepting this will help manage expectations. Plan new activities, especially the first year after the loss. Go to a new location for family celebrations, change the menu or go out to eat, volunteer, invite friends over, attend the theater, travel . . . create new memories. Many families return to their usual routines and rituals after the first year, but some enjoy incorporating their new experiences permanently.
10. Skip it. If you feel that it will be too much for you and you'd like to simply opt out of participation in a holiday, let family and friends know. But plan alternative comforting activities for yourself and let someone know what you will be doing. It's a good idea to make sure someone checks in with you on that day.

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