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The Wireless Messaging News

Tom Saine, Chief Information Officer at Spōk, Inc. was killed in a tragic plane crash on August 30, 2018. A news report follows below.

I wish I was an artist.

When Smartphones Get Stupid, Pagers Kick Butt

Windows 10 has started ‘warning’ users not to install Chrome or Firefox

Jacob Siegal
September 13th, 2018 at 8:00 PM

Microsoft Edge is undoubtedly an improvement over Internet Explorer, but a vast majority of Windows 10 users prefer Chrome and Firefox. In fact, nearly 60% of the worldwide market uses Chrome (according to StatCounter), which has to be the reason why Microsoft is resorting to questionable methods in order to convince Windows 10 users to stick with Edge rather than switch to another browser, such as Firefox or Google Chrome.

With just a few weeks left to go until Microsoft is ready to roll out its Windows 10 October 2018 Update, a few testers have reported seeing a new warning prompt when they try to involve a third-party web browser, stating: “You already have Microsoft Edge – the safer, faster browser for Windows 10.”

They’re then given two options: “Open Microsoft Edge” or “Install anyway.” Windows 10 also gives users the ability to disable the prompt altogether, but if any technologically illiterate individual sees a window pop up informing them that the software they are about to install is “unsafe,” chances are they will heed that warning.

The good news is that The Verge has learned from sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans that the warning message will not be included in the final version of the October 2018 Update. That’s not to say that it will never be added, but at least for the time being, we don’t have to worry about our parents calling us to tell us that they tried to install Firefox and are now convinced that their computer has an incurable virus.

This isn’t the first time that Microsoft has attempted to sway users toward its browser. In the past, Windows 10 users who use Chrome have received desktop notifications about Edge, and for a short time, Microsoft forced Windows 10 Mail users to use Edge for email links, but had to reverse course after a backlash.

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NO POLITICS HERE

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.

TIME TO HUDDLE UP

Let's get together and share ideas. Our competitors are not other paging companies, they are other technologies.

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 own opinions.

Prism-IPX Systems is growing and they are looking for more good software developers with communications experience. Additional information is available on their web site. Click here .

Advertiser Index

Toledo-area plane crash victims remembered by family; crash investigation could take 12-18 months

Friday, August 31st 2018, 7:42 pm CDT
Saturday, September 1st 2018, 1:00 pm CDT
By Ariyl Onstott

Video news report here.

Henry “Chip” and Patsy Nowakowski (Source: Family)

It was meant to be a happy trip to see family in Florida for Henry “Chip” and Patsy Nowakowski and Chip's sister Carolyn and her husband Tom Saine.

Instead, the trip ended in tragedy.

The flight plan shows the aircraft was traveling south to Destin Executive Airport.

For unknown reasons, the plane diverted to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Local authorities report that a private plane bound for the Destin Airport disappeared from air traffic controller's radars around 11 a.m.

Then, the plane crashed on the Eglin reservation Thursday.

Within hours, NTSB was on scene to investigate how this could have happened.

They will analyze any metal failure and fractures. Investigators will also pull radar data and aircraft communications.

The on-scene investigation will take two to three days.

“The aircraft is removed and taken to a secure facility for further examination if necessary. But the overall NTSB investigation can take 12-18 months, and that's because we look at everything. We go through all the evidence with a fine tooth comb,” said Keith Holloway with the National Transportation Safety Board.

The victim’s family’s are appreciative of the support they have received.

They are asking for understanding and privacy as they grieve four family members who they say meant the world to them.

Henry Nowakowski, affectionately known as “Chip,” was a pilot since the age of 16.

His family says he was able to fly before he even drove a car.

He was known for his extraordinary technical skills.

He managed a company his father founded more than 50 years ago.

His wife Patsy was well known among friends and family as a wonderful cook and doting grandmother.

Carolyn and Tom Saine (Source: Family)

Carolyn had recently married Tom Saine.

Her family says she was highly intelligent and well-traveled.

Tom was a Navy veteran where he served as a cryptologist.

He was an extraordinary wine connoisseur.

He and Carolyn had hoped to retire to Italy within the next few years.

The family says they want to send a huge thank you to all the first responders who assisted in finding the plane in Florida.

The family says Chip, Pat, Carolyn and Tom leave behind a tremendous void and will be greatly missed.

Copyright 2018 WTOL. All rights reserved.

WTOL 11 News

Paging Transmitters 150/900 MHz

The RFI High Performance Paging Transmitter is designed for use in campus, city, state and country-wide paging systems. Designed for use where reliable simulcast systems where RF signal overlap coverage is critical.

• Commercial Paging systems.
• Healthcare Paging systems.
• Public Safety Emergency Services Paging systems.
• Demand Response Energy Grid Management.

Built-in custom interface for Prism-IPX ipBSC Base Controller for remote control, management and alarm reporting.

• Use as a stand-alone unit or in wide area network.
• Mix with other transmitter brands in an existing paging network.
• Adjustable from 20-250 watts.
• 110/240 VAC or 48VDC.
• Absolute Delay Correction.
• Remote Diagnostics.
• Configurable alarm thresholds.
• Integrated Isolator.
• Superb Reliability.
• Improved amplifier efficiency.
• Most reliable high-powered paging transmitter available.

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022
Ph: 678-242-5290 Email: sales@prism-ipx.com
prism-ipx.com

Back To Paging

Still The Most Reliable Protocol For Wireless Messaging!

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

Licensed Adobe Stock Image

Providing Expert Support and Service Contracts for all Glenayre Paging Systems.

The GL3000 is the most prolific paging system in the world and Easy Solutions gladly welcomes you to join us in providing reliable support to the paging industry for many more decades in the future.

Easy Solutions provides cost effective computer and wireless solutions at affordable prices. We can help in most any situation with your communications systems. We have many years of experience and a vast network of resources to support the industry, your system and an ever changing completive landscape.

• We treat our customers like family. We don’t just fix problems . . . We recommend and implement better cost-effective solutions.
• We are not just another vendor . . . We are a part of your team. All the advantages of high priced full-time employment without the cost.
• We are not in the Technical Services business . . . We are in the Customer Satisfaction business.

Experts in Paging Infrastructure

• Glenayre, Motorola, Unipage, etc.
• Excellent Service Contracts
• Full Service—Beyond Factory Support
• Making systems More Reliable and MORE PROFITABLE for over 30 years.

Please see our web site for exciting solutions designed specifically for the Wireless Industry. We also maintain a diagnostic lab and provide important repair and replacement parts services for Motorola and Glenayre equipment. Call or  e-mail  us for more information.

GLENAYRE INFRASTRUCTURE

Service Contracts

I would like to recommend Easy Solutions for Support of all Glenayre Paging Equipment. This Texas company is owned and operated by Vaughan Bowden. I have known Vaughan for over 35 years. Without going into a long list of his experience and qualifications, let me just say that he was the V.P. of Engineering at PageNet which was—at that time—the largest paging company in the world. So Vaughan knows Paging.

GTES is no longer offering support contracts. GTES was the original group from Vancouver that was setup to offer support to customers that wanted to continue with the legacy Glenayre support. Many U.S. customers chose not to use this service because of the price and the original requirement to upgrade to version 8.0 software (which required expensive hardware upgrades, etc.). Most contracts ended as of February 2018.

If you are at all concerned about future support of Glenayre products, especially the “king of the hill” the GL3000 paging control terminal, I encourage you to talk to Vaughan about a service contract and please tell him about my recommendation.

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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
817-527-6322
sales@pssirl.com
www.pssirl.com

Joe Amor To Retire From Microspace Communications Corporation

Raleigh, NC September 12th, 2018 For Immediate Release

Microspace Communications Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Capitol Broadcasting Company, announced today that Joseph L. Amor III (Joe) the company’s VP and GM, has decided to retire effective Sept. 27th, 2018.

Amor has been with the company for 26 years and has served in his current role since 1995. During his tenure, Microspace became one of the world’s largest satellite based communications companies growing from approximately 70,000 locations to well over a quarter of a million. He has also been instrumental in guiding the company in the development and introduction of new technology that will ensure the company’s continued prosperity.

According to James F. Goodmon Jr. President and COO of Capitol Broadcasting Company, “Joe has contributed over a quarter of a century of service to Microspace. His accomplishments have been many and his contributions to the success of the company won’t soon be forgotten.”

Prior to joining Microspace in July of 1992, Joe was actually a customer while employed at Knight Ridder Financial in Kansas City, KS. He was a member of the Microspace sales team for 3 years before taking the helm as VP and GM. “I feel so fortunate to have had an opportunity to lead Microspace over the past 2 decades. The company has an impeccable reputation and has always been viewed as an industry leader. I’m certainly pleased to have had a small role in making that happen.”

Joe plans to spend his retirement days on the golf course, on the beach in Oak Island NC with wife Debbie and with his growing group of grandchildren.

Amor’s successor is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Contact Information:
Greg Hurt
Microspace Communications Corporation
http://www.microspace.com
+1 919 850 4561

Source:

Microspace Communications Corporation

Click on the image above for more info about advertising here.

INTERNET Protocol Terminal

The IPT accepts INTERNET or serial messaging using various protocols and can easily convert them to different protocols, or send them out as paging messages.

An ideal platform for hospitals, on-site paging applications, or converting legacy systems to modern protocols.

Additional/Optional Features

• Database of up to 5000 subscribers.
• 4 serial ports on board.
• Up to 8 phone lines (DID or POTS).
• Can be configured for auto-fail-over to hot swap standby.
• 1RU rack mount unit appliance—no moving parts.
• Easily secure legacy system messages leaving site for HIPAA compliance.
• Only purchase the protocols/options you need.
• Add Paging Encryption for HIPAA compliance on site.

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022
Ph: 678-242-5290 Email: sales@prism-ipx.com
prism-ipx.com

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

ARRL Headquarters Emergency Response Team Activates for Florence

The ARRL Headquarters Emergency Response Team activated on September 12, as what the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is calling "dangerous Hurricane Florence" continued to close in on the southeastern US coast, where it's "expected to bring life-threatening storm surge and rainfall to portions of the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states."

“Watch out, America. Hurricane Florence is so enormous, we could only capture her with a super wide-angle lens from the Space Station, 400 kilometers directly above the eye,” Astronaut Alexander Gerst, KF5ONO, tweeted. “Get prepared on the East Coast. This is a no-kidding nightmare coming for you!”

ARRL shipped seven Ham Aid kits to South Carolina by way of Georgia on September 11 to assist with emergency preparedness needs in advance of Hurricane Florence. These kits are the same ones that ARRL volunteers took to Puerto Rico a year ago to assist with disaster communications following Hurricane Maria. ARRL is staging HF and VHF/UHF equipment in the Maryland/Virginia area for deployment locally or farther down the coast.

“South Carolina ARES is fully activated,” ARRL South Carolina Section Emergency Coordinator Billy Irwin, K9OH, told ARRL, adding that he's been coordinating regularly with the state Emergency Management Division. “We have operators serving 12-hour shifts at the SC Emergency Management Division and will move to 24-hour coverage on Thursday. Two operators have been deployed to Berkeley County to assist with shelter operations at the request of the Emergency Coordinator there.” Irwin said information about frequencies in use is in the Tactical Guide on the South Carolina ARES website.

“We are literally modifying plans on the fly to meet the needs of the mission," Irwin added. "Several ARRL Sections have offered assistance.”

Source:

The ARRL Letter

Paging Data Receiver PDR-4

The PDR-4 is a multi-function paging data receiver that decodes paging messages and outputs them via the serial port, USB or Ethernet connectors.

Designed for use with Prism-IPX ECHO software Message Logging Software to receive messages and log the information for proof of transmission over the air, and if the data was error free.

• Option—decode capcode list or all messages.
• Large capcode capacity.
• Serial, USB and Ethernet output.
• POCSAG or FLEX page decoding, special SA protocols.
• Receivers for paging bands in VHF, UHF, 900 MHz.
• Message activated Alarm Output.
• 8 programmable relay outputs.
• Send notifications of a system problem.

• Synthesized Receiver Tuning.
• Selectivity better than 60 dB.
• Frequencies 148-174, 450-470, 929-932 MHz.
• Image Rejection better than 55 dB.
• Spurious Rejection better than 55 dB.
• Channel Spacing 12.5 or 25 kHz.
• Power 5VDC.
• Receiving Sensitivity 5µV at 1200 bps.

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022
Ph: 678-242-5290 Email: sales@prism-ipx.com
prism-ipx.com

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

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

Remote AB Switches

ABX-1 switches are often used at remote transmitter sites to convert from old, outdated and unsupported controllers to the new modern Prism-IPX ipBSC base station controllers. Remotely switch to new controllers with GUI commands.

ABX-1

ABX-3 switches are widely used for enabling or disabling remote equipment and switching I/O connections between redundant messaging systems.

ABX-3

Common Features:

• RJ45 for A, B and Common connectors.
• Manual push button or use Prism IP commands to switch one or more relays.
• Single or Dual Port Control card for IP or Serial connection.
• Form C relay—control local connection.
• Power Loss Indicator.
• Rear Panel Connector for controlling the switch externally.
• Power Source: 5VDC for ABX-1; 12VDC for ABX-3.

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022
Ph: 678-242-5290 Email: sales@prism-ipx.com
prism-ipx.com

EWA Alert

FCC Institutes Immediate Freeze of 900 MHz

September 13, 2018

Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing an immediate and temporary freeze on the “acceptance of certain applications related to Part 90 services operating in the 896-901/935-940 MHz spectrum band (“900 MHz band”) until further notice.” Effective immediately, the FCC will not accept applications:

• For new licenses;
• That seek to modify existing licenses by adding or changing frequencies or locations;
• That seek to modify existing licenses by changing technical parameters in a manner that expands the station’s spectral or geographic footprint, such as, but not limited to, increases in bandwidth, power level, antenna height, or area of operation; or
• That could increase the degree to which the 900 MHz band currently is licensed.

You may read the Public Notice here. If you have questions regarding this temporary freeze or have questions about your spectrum needs, please call your Enterprise Wireless Alliance Spectrum Advisor or call EWA at 800-482-8282.

Source:

Enterprise Wireless

Tuesday, September 13, 2018	Volume 6 | Issue 179

FCC Activates DIRS for Florence

The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau activated the agency’s Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) in response to Hurricane Florence. Communications providers use the system to report communications infrastructure status during a crisis.

The bureau is asking providers who service the affected areas to report the status of their communications equipment, restoration efforts, and whether they are using commercial power or back-up power to https://www.fcc.gov/nors/disaster/Login.cfm The FCC asks for reports by 10 a.m. each day beginning today.

The counties of interest are:

NORTH CAROLINA: Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chatham, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Franklin, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Tyrrell, Wake, Washington, Wayne, Wilson.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Kershaw, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg, Richland, Sumter, Williamsburg.

GEORGIA: Appling, Bacon, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Liberty, Long, Mcintosh, Montgomery, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne.

VIRGINIA: Chesapeake City, Suffolk City, Virginia Beach City.

American Tower Urges FCC to Give Relief to Macro Towers As Well

By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chie

American Tower supports the FCC’s proposal to erase barriers to locally siting small cell infrastructure. But it doesn’t want the Commission to forget that macro tower deployment needs relief from rising costs and delays too.

AMT lobbyists met with some of the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Competition and Infrastructure Policy Division staff this week. They also spoke with one of Commissioner Brendan Carr’s legal advisors by phone, according to a filing.

American Tower welcomes the FCC’s draft order to remove localities’ barriers to siting small cells. AMT believes the draft preserves municipalities’ ability to address aesthetic concerns. The company also appreciates the inclusion of shorter permitting application decision-making shot clocks and clarification of Section 332 shot clocks, applicable to both small cells and macro sites. AMT advocated for such outcomes, saying “they help balance the need to accelerate infrastructure deployment with local government concerns and will encourage use of co-location,” writes Michael Pryor of Washington, D.C.-based lobbying and law firm Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Schreck.

American Tower stressed the critical role that macro sites play in the deployment of wireless broadband services. It notes that network deployments will consist of multiple layers — including traditional macro towers with a combination of small cells and other technologies — all deployed to increase network capacity. Given macro towers’ critical role in the deployment of 5G, AMT discussed the need to address issues that it says are causing unnecessary delays and increasing the costs of co-locating on or constructing macro towers.

“One such issue involves revising rules to exclude from review, compound expansions necessitated by additional providers co-locating on existing facilities, just as such expansions are currently excluded from review when towers are replaced,” writes Pryor. AMT also urged agency officials to quickly resolve the pending Twilight tower proceeding.

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: SHORT FORMS FOR 28 GHz AND 24 GHz AUCTIONS DUE SEPT. 18

A separate short form must be filed for each auction in which the applicant wishes to bid by 6pm Tuesday Sept. 18.

REMINDER: 3.7-4.2 GHz Fixed-Satellite Service Registration Window Closes October 17

On September 7, the FCC issued a Public Notice reminding operators with fixed-satellite service (FSS) earth stations in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band that were constructed and operational as of April 19, 2018 that the filing window to license or register such earth stations closes on October 17, 2018. Additionally, the FCC encourages operators who were licensed or registered as of April 19, 2018, or had pending applications for license or registration as of April 19, 2018, to review their information on file in the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) and to correct any inaccurate data if necessary.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Richard Rubino.

Headlines

FCC Releases Tentative Agenda for September Open Meeting

On September 5, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing the tentative agenda for its upcoming June Open Meeting, which is currently scheduled for September 26. The FCC publicly releases the draft text of each item expected to be considered at this Open Commission Meeting with the exception of items involving specific, enforcement-related matters. One-page cover sheets are included in the public drafts to help summarize each item. Links to these materials are embedded in the text below.

At the meeting, the FCC will consider:

• Kari's Law NPRM: a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addressing calls to 911 made from multi-line telephone systems, pursuant to Kari's Law, the conveyance of dispatchable location with 911 calls, as directed by RAY BAUM'S Act, and the consolidation of the Commission's 911 rules. (PS Docket Nos. 18-261, 17-239)
• Wireless Infrastructure Order: a Declaratory Ruling and Report and Order that will clarify the scope and meaning of Sections 253 and 332(c)(7) of the Communications Act, establish shot clocks for state and local approvals for the deployment of small wireless facilities, and provide guidance on streamlining state and local requirements on wireless infrastructure deployment. (WT Docket No. 17-79; WC Docket No. 17-84)
• Clarifying Local Franchising Authorities Regulation of Cable Operators: a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addressing two issues raised by a remand from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit concerning how local franchising authorities may regulate incumbent cable operators and cable television services. (MB Docket No. 05-311)
• Cable Data Collection: a Report and Order that eliminates the Form 325, Annual Report of Cable Television Systems, filing requirement. (MB Docket Nos. 17-290, 17-105)
• Toll Free Assignment Modernization: a Report and Order that will amend the Commission's rules to allow for use of auctions to assign certain toll free numbers and takes other actions to modernize the administration and assignment of toll free numbers. (WC Docket No. 17-192; CC Docket No 95-155)
• Satellite Earth Stations in Motion: an action to facilitate the deployment of and harmonize the rules concerning three types of Fixed-Satellite Service earth stations authorized to transmit while in motion: Earth Stations on Vessels, Vehicle-Mounted Earth Stations, and Earth Stations Aboard Aircraft. (IB Docket No. 17-95)

Open Meetings are streamed live at www.fcc.gov/live and can be followed on social media with #OpenMtgFCC.

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

FCC Issues Guidance on Emergency Communications Procedures for Hurricane Florence

On September 11, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, in coordination with the International Bureau, Media Bureau, Wireline Competition Bureau, and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, announces procedures to help communications services initiate, resume, and maintain operations in the areas affected by Hurricane Florence, as well as impacts from Hurricane Olivia, Hurricane Isaac and Typhoon Mangkhut. A copy of the Public Notice can be found here.

In particular, each Bureau provided information on how to obtain Special Temporary Authority:

• International Bureau. Emergency requests for STAs related to these events may be submitted by letter, e-mail or, if necessary, by telephone. Applicants also may file requests electronically through the IBFS at http://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs. The Bureau will handle all STA requests as expeditiously as possible.
• To ensure that the Bureau has a complete record of the action, applicants who do not file through the IBFS should follow-up the initial request with an electronic version submitted through the IBFS as soon as possible. In this filing, operators should note in the first description field on the electronic STA form that this is a “Hurricane-related STA Request” and the date the initial request was granted.
• Media Bureau. Emergency requests for special temporary authority may be submitted by informal letter or email or, if necessary, by telephone. Licensees of Radio stations may file requests electronically through Consolidated Database System (CDBS), and Licensees of TV stations may file requests electronically through Licensing Management System (LMS). All requests should provide the technical parameters of the proposed operation and a contact point. These requests will be handled as expeditiously as possible. To file STA requests via email or fax, or to receive an oral STA during regular business hours, licensees may contact specific personnel listed in the Public Notice.
• Wireline Competition Bureau. Emergency requests for relief, including special temporary authority (STA), prompted by the effects of Hurricanes Florence, Olivia and Isaac as well as Typhoon Mangkhut may be submitted by email or, if necessary, by telephone. Providers may file requests electronically through the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) but should also provide copies of any submissions simultaneously via email to the appropriate FCC staff identified below. Requests should include supporting details concerning the relief requested, including any technical parameters and contact information.
• Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Emergency requests for special temporary authority (STA) prompted by the effects of Hurricanes Florence, Olivia and Isaac as well Typhoon Mangkhut may be submitted by informal letter or email or, if necessary, by telephone. Licensees may file requests electronically through the Universal Licensing System (ULS). All requests should provide the technical parameters of the proposed operation and a contact point. These requests will be handled as expeditiously as possible. To file STA requests via email or fax, or to receive an oral STA during regular business hours, licensees may contact specific personnel listed in the Public Notice.

Carriers seeking assistance with any emergency requests can contact the firm for assistance.

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

FCC Seeks Comment on Procedures to Resolve Location Discrepancies in CAF II Areas

On September 10, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comment on approaches to identify and resolve apparent discrepancies between the number of model-determined funded locations that Phase II auction support recipients are expected to serve (funded locations) and the actual number of locations that support recipients can serve (actual locations). Comment and reply comment deadlines have not yet been established.

Under the FCC’s proposal, carriers seeking to demonstrate discrepancies between model-determined funded locations and actual funded locations would report tabular data on actual locations, including addresses and geographic coordinates via the HUBB Portal or a similar web-based data submission application managed by USAC. The FCC would review the actual location evidence submitted by Phase II Auction support recipients and, within 60 days of their filing deadline, announce prima facie cases for adjustment based on the submission of relevant and complete data. Relevant stakeholders will then have 90 days to submit evidence and rebuttals. The FCC proposes to evaluate the merits of a carrier’s claim by a “preponderance of the evidence standard,” with carriers bearing the burden of persuasion.

The Public Notice seeks comment on a number of particulars associated with the proposed evaluation method, including how to define an “actual location” for purposes of this review process; whether to require that carriers use a particular method to identify the geo-coordinates and addresses of actual locations or permit carriers to choose their method(s) and correct for inaccuracies; and how to define “relevant stakeholders,” such as state and local authorities and Tribal governments.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Sal Taillefer.

Law & Regulation

Eighth Circuit Finds VoIP is an Information Service, States Preempted from Regulating

On September 7, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit found in Charter Advanced Services (MN), LLC v. Lange that Charter’s VoIP service is an information service, and reaffirmed state efforts to regulate information services are preempted by federal law. According to the court, an information service is defined by whether the service acts in a way that ‘transforms’ the transmitted information, and because information enters Charter’s network in one format (IP or TDM) and leaves in another, such a transformation occurred. The court further held that none of the exceptions in the Communications Act applied.

The finding takes place in the context of an action by Charter seeking 1) declaratory relief finding that state regulation is preempted, and 2) injunctive relief prohibiting the Minnesota PUC from enforcing regulation of its VoIP services. This case arose when Charter underwent a corporate reorganization in order to segregate its Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) services from its regulated wholesale telecommunications services. As part of the reorganization, Charter moved its VoIP accounts from “Charter Fiberlink” to a newly created affiliate named “Charter Advanced.” This led the Minnesota Department of Commerce to lodge a complaint with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (“MPUC”) alleging that Charter had violated various state laws. Charter responded that state regulation was preempted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The MPUC ruled against Charter.

Chairman Ajit Pai issued the following statement regarding the decision:

“A patchwork quilt of 50 state laws harms investment and innovation in advanced communications services. That’s why federal law for decades has recognized that states may not regulate information services. The Eighth Circuit’s decision is important for reaffirming that well-established principle: ‘[A]ny state regulation of an information service conflicts with the federal policy of non-regulation’ and is therefore preempted. That is wholly consistent with the approach the FCC has taken under Democratic and Republican Administrations over the last two decades, including in last year’s Restoring Internet Freedom Order.”

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

FCC Cancels DIRS Test for Broadcasters

On September 10, the FCC issued a Public Notice canceling the voluntary test of the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) for broadcasters that was planned for September 13-14, 2018. According to the Public Notice, the cancellation is due to the likely activation of the system for Hurricane Florence. If DIRS is activated for Hurricane Florence, a separate Public Notice will be issued, and the FCC intends to schedule a DIRS test for broadcasters after the hurricane season is over.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Cary Mitchell.

Industry

AT&T Touts Upcoming AirGig Commercial Deployment

On September 10, AT&T announced that it has “initiated discussions with technology suppliers to start testing and building commercial-grade Project AirGig equipment,” and that next year it will look to expand field trials. The company notes, however, that it does not yet have a date for commercial deployment.

Project AirGig consists of items like low-cost plastic antennas, a radio distributed antenna system (RDAS), mmWave surface wave launchers and inductive power devices. The RDAS reconstructs signals for multi-gigabit mobile and fixed deployments. It can apparently deliver not just broadband, but also mobile traffic. The mmWave surface wave launchers can power themselves via inductive power devices without a direct electrical connection. These devices then create a high-speed signal that travels along or near the wire — not through it.

Despite being named AirGig, the most recent trial in Georgia, in cooperation with Georgia Power, did not produce gig speeds, but AT&T believes it is possible.

FCC Pauses T-Mobile/Sprint Transaction Clock

By letter dated September 11, the FCC paused its informal 180-day transaction shot clock in the T-Mobile/Sprint transaction proceeding to allow time to review newly submitted information. According to the letter, on September 5 the applicants submitted a substantially revised network engineering model that is “significantly larger and more complex” than originally submitted. The applicants also submitted a new business model on which T-Mobile had indicated it relied, but had not previously provided to the Commission. Finally, T-Mobile indicated that it intends to submit additional economic modeling in support of the applications which the FCC has not yet received.

Deadlines

OCTOBER 1: FCC FORM 396-C, MVPD EEO PROGRAM REPORTING FORM. Each year on September 30, multi-channel video program distributors (“MVPDs”) must file with the FCC an FCC Form 396-C, Multi-Channel Video Programming Distributor EEO Program Annual Report, for employment units with six or more full-time employees. Because September 30 falls on a Sunday this year, the filing will be due the following business day on October 1. Users must access the FCC’s electronic filing system via the Internet in order to submit the form; it will not be accepted if filed on paper unless accompanied by an appropriate request for waiver of the electronic filing requirement. Certain MVPDs also will be required to complete portions of the Supplemental Investigation Sheet (“SIS”) located at the end of the Form. These MVPDs are specifically identified in a Public Notice each year by the FCC.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Gerry Duffy and Sal Taillefer.

OCTOBER 15: 911 RELIABILITY CERTIFICATION. Covered 911 Service Providers, which are defined as entities that “[p]rovide[] 911, E911, or NG911 capabilities such as call routing, automatic location information (ALI), automatic number identification (ANI), or the functional equivalent of those capabilities, directly to a public safety answering point (PSAP), statewide default answering point, or appropriate local emergency authority,” or that “[o]perate[] one or more central offices that directly serve a PSAP,” are required certify that they have taken reasonable measures to provide reliable 911 service with respect to three substantive requirements: (i) 911 circuit diversity; (ii) central office backup power; and (iii) diverse network monitoring by October 15. Certifications must be made through the FCC’s portal.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Mary Sisak and Sal Taillefer.

NOVEMBER 1: FCC FORM 499-Q, TELECOMMUNICATIONS REPORTING WORKSHEET. All telecommunications common carriers that expect to contribute more than $10,000 to federal Universal Service Fund (USF) support mechanisms must file this quarterly form. The FCC has modified this form in light of its decision to establish interim measures for USF contribution assessments. The form contains revenue information from the prior quarter plus projections for the next quarter. Form 499-Q relates only to USF contributions. It does not relate to the cost recovery mechanisms for the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), and the shared costs of local number portability (LNP), which are covered in the annual Form 499-A that is due April 1.

BloostonLaw: Mary Sisak and Sal Taillefer.

Calendar At-a-Glance

September
Sep. 14 – Reply comments are due on Mobility Fund Phase II Speed Test Data Timeframe Extension.
Sep. 17 – Comments are due on IP CTS NPRM.
Sep. 17 – Replies to oppositions are due on Sprint’s IP CTS Petitions.
Sep. 20 – ETRS Form Two is due.
Sep. 24 – Comments are due on FCC Request to Refresh the Record on Robocalling.
Sep. 25 – Regulatory Fees Due.

October
Oct. 1 – FCC Form 396-C (MVPD EEO Program Annual Report).
Oct. 1 – Reply comments are due on Toll-Free Arbitrage FNPRM.
Oct. 8 – Reply comments are due on FCC Request to Refresh the Record on Robocalling.
Oct. 15 – 911 Reliability Certifications are due.
Oct. 15 – Auction 903 Long Form is due.
Oct. 16 – Reply comments are due on IP CTS NPRM.
Oct. 16 – Comments are due on IP CTS NOI.
Oct. 29 – Comments are due on 2005-2006 Rule Elimination PN.
Oct. 29 – Comments are due on 3.7 GHz NPRM.

November
Nov. 1 – FCC Form 499-Q (Quarterly Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet) is due.
Nov. 5 – ETRS Form Three is due.
Nov. 15 – Reply comments are due on IP CTS NOI.
Nov. 27 – Reply comments are due on 3.7 GHz NPRM.

US carriers want to replace your passwords, what could go wrong?

By Michael Potuck
Sep. 13th 2018 9:56 am PT

While AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint are often battling for an edge over each other, the major US carriers have come together to create a new approach to password management as well as a more secure 2FA solution. Named Project Verify, the new collaboration has the goal of replacing individual passwords with an approach that offers more security and a simpler user experience.

Spotted by The Verge, Project Verify shared initial details on the effort today. The idea behind the new password management system is to utilize a variety of authentication details available to carriers to offer a single sign-on service so users don’t have to manage individuals account credentials. It will no doubt have to compete with popular password management solutions like 1Password and Dashlane and Apple’s AutoFill feature.

Project Verify will use the following for its multi-factor authentication with mobile devices:

• Phone number
• IP address
• SIM card details
• Phone account type
• Account tenure

Project Verify also says that it can be used as a 2FA solution, which could help provide users more security than existing options like SMS or email 2FA. The service would work via an app where users can manage all of the accounts that are linked to the authentication platform.

Notably, with customer satisfaction and trust of carriers notoriously low across the board, Project Verify may have some serious work ahead to convince consumers to choose its platform as the primary vault of their digital lives. Also, while there are certainly conveniences to a single sign-on solution, the risks could be huge in the event of a breach.

No timeline has been shared yet for a potential release. Check out the video below for more. How about you? Would you consider using a service like this?

Source:

9to5mac.com

“Great ideas often receive violent opposition from mediocre minds.”

— Albert Einstein

Hands-on with the iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and Apple Watch Series 4