Welcome Back To The Wireless Messaging News

We are having a cold spell here in Southern Illinois. Temperatures are running below zero degrees Fahrenheit with the wind-chill rating much lower.

Another article this week from our contributor Rex Lee. Don't miss it. Rex does a lot of hard work researching the facts for his articles. I believe he is an ethical and honest person.

Rex M. Lee is a privacy and data security consultant and Blackops Partners senior analyst and researcher.

Apple to pay 14-year-old boy who spotted FaceTime bug

By Jade Scipioni
Published February 08, 2019
Technology FOXBusiness

Apple rewards 14-year-old who discovered the FaceTime app bug Apple is rewarding 14-year-old Arizona high school student Grant Thompson, along with his mother, Michelle, who discovered the FaceTime app’s eavesdropping bug. FOX Business’ Dagen McDowell reports Apple has patched the software flaw.

The 14-year-old boy who discovered the eavesdropping security flaw Opens a New Window. in Apple’s FaceTime video-calling system that made national headlines last week, is set to get a big undisclosed payout from the tech giant.

Apple, Opens a New Window. which just released iOS 12.1.4 that includes a fix for the bug, said it also plans to compensate Grant Thompson, the Arizona-based teenager, who notified them about the problem in early January.

Thompson said he discovered the flaw when he was able to hear his friends before they had even picked up phone when using FaceTime to discuss video games.

Without disclosing the exact amount, Apple said it plans on compensating Thompson for discovering the vulnerability and will also provide an additional gift to fund his education.

FILE- In this Jan. 31, 2019, file photo Grant Thompson and his mother, Michele, look at an iPhone in the family's kitchen in Tucson, Ariz., on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. Apple has released an iPhone update to fix a FaceTime flaw that allowed people to eavesdrop on others while using its group video chat feature. The repair is included in the latest version of Apple's iOS 12 system, which became available to install Thursday. Apple credited the Tucson teenager, Grant Thompson, for discovering the FaceTime bug. (AP Photo/Brian Skoloff, File)

According to the Verge Opens a New Window. , Apple’s history with bug bounty rewards has been mixed over the years. The company originally paid out iOS bounties but many researchers have said they have been reluctant to help Apple recently as its rewards are not as valuable as elsewhere.

Earlier this week, one security researcher said he refused to submit an issue to Apple because they refused to pay for identification of macOS flaws, only iOS bugs.

While an Apple spokesperson did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment on the bug bounties, on Thursday it apologized to its customers regarding the FaceTime flaw.

"We again apologize to our customers and we thank them for their patience. In addition to addressing the bug that was reported, our team conducted a thorough security audit of the FaceTime service and made additional updates to both the FaceTime app and server to improve security. This includes a previously unidentified vulnerability in the Live Photos feature of FaceTime. To protect customers who have not yet upgraded to the latest software, we have updated our servers to block the Live Photos feature of FaceTime for older versions of iOS and macOS." [Source: FOXBusiness]

Brad's comments:

Apple reportedly ignored reports of this bug for over a week. Including a letter from the boy's mother who is an attorney (on her letterhead)!

This is a good example of not paying attention to running the business when you are too busy enjoying a fancy new office building and all the perks that go along with success. Remember what they teach in business management:

“Stick to the knitting!”

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

Wireless Messaging

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 .

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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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File photo of the Apple app store. Some apps come pre-installed on smartphones and cannot be controlled or uninstalled. The rest must compete via app stores such as those of Google and Apple. (ParampreetChanana/pixabay.com) Telecom and Tech Giant Conflict of Interest and Competition Violations: Part 1

Telecom and Tech Giant Conflict of Interest and Competition Violations: Part 1

January 30, 2019 Updated: January 30, 2019

Commentary

Data-driven technology providers such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft control the operating system (OS) market for smartphones, tablet PCs, voice-automated products, connected products, and PCs.

They also employ aggressive surveillance and data-mining business practices that enable each OS developer and their affiliates (e.g. Amazon, Facebook, Baidu, etc.) to indiscriminately monitor, track, and data-mine the smartphone, tablet PC, and connected technology user for financial gain.

To put this in perspective, this type of access to smartphone users is no different than if AT&T sold access to home and office phone and PC users to multinational companies.

The OS is the conduit to the smartphone, tablet PC, and technology product user, which means that Google, Apple, and Microsoft have a huge advantage over any existing or future competitor.

If OS developers are the conduit to the product user, then the telecom provider (e.g., AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile) is the conduit to the telecommunications subscriber (“paying customer”) and any other authorized device users, such as spouses, employees, or kids.

Together, OS developers and telecom providers control access to the product user, making companies such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, Apple, Google, and Microsoft the most powerful companies in the world.

Collectively, these companies have monetized their customers, which means these companies are exploiting their customers for financial gain, at the expense of the customers’ civil liberties, privacy, cyber security, and safety.

The exploitation takes place when each telecom provider and OS developer acquires personal and professional telecommunications and data from the product user’s device to exploit for financial gain without compensating the user for the use of the telecom-related information.

Telecom providers are exposing their users to data-driven technology providers, who employ predatory and harmful surveillance and data-mining business practices that I believe are illegal, according to existing consumer laws.

There is a clear conflict of interest between the OS developers and their affiliates, and telecom providers regarding the negative impact on the product user’s privacy and security as a result of the predatory surveillance and data-mining business practices.

(Rex M Lee)

Aside from privacy and cyber security concerns, there are also potential violations of existing law associated with antitrust and unfair business competition that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Department of Justice (DOJ), and lawmakers need to address.

One of the main concerns centers on the fact that companies such as Alphabet Inc. (Google)—which, since 2001, has been involved with more than 200 mergers and acquisitions—compete in many industries worldwide, yet are allowed to indiscriminately surveil and data-mine U.S. telecom product users, giving Google and its affiliates a huge advantage over their competitors.

This advantage is enabled through the provision of pre-installed surveillance and data-mining technology in the form of apps, widgets, and other intrusive content that the product owner can’t uninstall or, in many cases, control.

Due to this uncontrollable pre-installed technology, OS developers such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft are enabled to sell access to their product users, as well as telecom product users, to their affiliates, such as Amazon, Facebook, and Baidu.

No Escape From Google

Many people frankly don’t want anything to do with Google or Google’s predatory surveillance and data-mining business practices, but these people are finding it increasingly impossible to escape Google, because of what I believe are antitrust violations, coupled with unfair business competition practices.

The reason has to do with deals that Google is cutting with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who manufacture smartphones, tablet PCs, connected products, PCs, automobiles, and even home appliances, such as refrigerators.

Aside from telecom products, OEMs who manufacture everyday electronics such as appliances, speakers, radios, headphones, and other common electronic products are making deals with Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon in order for their products to be connected to the Internet by way of the product’s OS or a voice-automated assistant, such as Alexa.

OEMs are putting Google, Apple, and Microsoft OS-, app-, and voice-driven cameras and microphones into all electronics these days, ensuring that the OS companies and their affiliates such as Amazon can indiscriminately monitor, track, and data-mine the product user for financial gain, whether the user wants to participate or not.

Due to exclusive deals cut with OEMs, no person will be able to escape companies that employ predatory surveillance and data-mining business practices.

CNBC wrote an article based on this fact, in relation to CES 2019, titled, “Amazon and Google Are Going to Be in Every Aspect of Your Life Whether You Want Them or Not.” The article corroborates the clear antitrust and unfair business competition practices discussed here.

The monopoly, with regard to controlling telecom products, electronics, and connected technology by the OS developers, is negatively affecting civil liberties, personal privacy, cyber security, safety, business competition, and innovation, and needs to be addressed by all government agencies and lawmakers.

Unfair Competition

Many companies that rely on brick-and-mortar retail locations are at a disadvantage because of the ability to order products and services over the Internet from dominant online marketers such as Amazon; this is okay because it’s a sign of business evolution.

However, many brick-and-mortar and smaller retailers are financially unable to buy access to smartphone, tablet PC, and connected-technology users in the same way that Facebook and Amazon have the ability to buy access to telecom subscribers and Google, Apple, and Microsoft OS users.

Companies such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft imply that they don’t sell the product users’ identifiable personal and professional information that each company collects from product users. However, these companies don’t publicly disclose that they sell access to their users to their affiliates and/or companies such as Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and even Baidu, a nation-state company from China that is a Google content developer, as I discussed in a previous article.

This means that any existing or new company seeking to market to smartphone, tablet PC, and connected technology users has to go through the telecom providers plus Google, Apple, and Microsoft, who demand billions from companies that want access to their users.

As previously mentioned, companies such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft sell access to their product users through the use of uncontrollable pre-installed apps, widgets, and other intrusive content.

Established and new businesses that wish to compete within the online marketplace can only gain access by creating third-party apps that are distributed with millions of other apps through Google, Apple, and Microsoft’s online app stores, putting these businesses at a huge disadvantage to pre-installed apps.

There is a clear competitive advantage awarded to companies that develop the uncontrollable pre-installed content that supports mainstream products such as smartphones, compared with companies that have to develop third-party content distributed via app stores, which stifles competition and innovation.

Pre-installed content is forced onto the product owner, versus apps that have to be purchased and/or downloaded from sources such as app stores. Smartphone owners have no choice about which apps are pre-installed. Additionally, the smartphone owner is given no control over uninstalling the unwanted apps.

A recent Bloomberg article pointed out that Samsung smartphone users can’t uninstall the Facebook app, which is a clear example of why companies such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, and Amazon hold a huge advantage over rivals or new companies that are forced to distribute their apps via app stores.

As a result of deals between telecom providers, OEMs, and OS developers, consumers are being forced to use addictive, intrusive, harmful, and exploitive apps developed by the tech giants.

Consequently, smartphones, tablet PCs, TVs, voice-automated products, connected products, connected automobiles, and PCs are no longer private, secure, or safe products to use, due to the predatory and harmful surveillance and data-mining business practices employed by the OS and app developers.

Companies such as Apple will sell access to their users to competitors such as Google, which Fortune and Business Insider reported in 2018. These types of relationships enable only a few companies to control the online marketplace.

With the exception of Walmart, most other established or new companies that are trying to compete within the digital marketplace are being crushed because of Google, Apple, and Microsoft’s control over smartphone, tablet PC, and technology product users.

The key to fair competition within the online marketplace of the future will be the ability for established and new companies to gain fair access to smartphone, tablet PC, and technology product users in general.

As long as telecom providers and Google, Apple, and Microsoft control access to their users, by way of uncontrollable pre-installed surveillance and data-mining technology, these OS developers and their affiliates will dominate the online marketplace, virtually unchallenged by way of violations of antitrust law and unfair business competition.

In part 2 of this series, I’ll address privacy and cyber security threats, plus the fact that the FCC, FTC, state attorneys general, DOJ, and lawmakers aren’t addressing antitrust and fair business competition, and aren’t enforcing existing consumer and antitrust laws.

Rex M. Lee is a privacy and data security consultant and Blackops Partners senior analyst and researcher. Visit him at MySmartPrivacy.com

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. [or The Wireless Messaging 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
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Back To Paging

Still The Most Reliable Protocol For Wireless Messaging!

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Marin supervisors urged to reject 5G wireless antennas out of health concerns

A 5G small cell can be attached to an existing tower or utility pole like this one in San Rafael, pictured in 2014. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)

By RICHARD HALSTEAD | rhalstead@marinij.com | Marin Independent Journal
PUBLISHED: February 6, 2019 at 5:22 pm | UPDATED: February 7, 2019 at 7:36 am

Close to 200 people turned out this week to implore the Marin County Board of Supervisors to resist installation of antennas for the next generation of wireless telecommunications technology known as 5G.

Although a few speakers mentioned the unsightliness of the antennas, most focused on concerns about health due to increased exposure to radio waves.

Dozens of people spoke during a 3-½-hour workshop convened by the supervisors Tuesday to discuss direction to staff on possible amendments to the county’s regulations for wireless antenna siting.

“I’ve been at a lot of public meetings. I have never been in a 100-percent-for-one-side public meeting in my entire life,” said Judy Schriebman of San Rafael. “This is unprecedented.”

Three people did speak in favor of the new technology at the meeting; however, all were paid by wireless carriers to be there.

Supervisors made clear at the beginning of the workshop that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission preclude them from prohibiting new 5G transmitters. The 1996 law expressly preempts local governments from adopting regulations based on environmental effects.

The county has joined with other jurisdictions to mount a legal challenge to the most recent FCC ruling, which limits aesthetic review, prohibits locational restrictions, and sets accelerated timelines for approving new sites. The supervisors concluded the workshop by asking staff to look into setting some restrictions on locating antennas in residential areas, even though it is unclear such restrictions would withstand a legal challenge by the wireless carriers.

The new 5G, or fifth generation wireless technology, uses higher-frequency waves than 4G. The waves support faster speeds but don’t travel as far so more transmitters will be needed and they will need to be located closer to users, which increases the anxiety of people worried about health effects.

Several speakers Tuesday night said they have already suffered health effects due to exposure to wireless radiation.

“You don’t want to become me; you don’t want to become electrically sensitive,” said Maggi Garloff, who proceeded to recite a long list of symptoms she attributes to exposure to radio waves.

The list included: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, headaches, difficulty sleeping, teeth grinding, chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, increased allergies, heart palpitations, nose bleeds, digestive and lower tract disorders, chronic pain, aching joints, muscle stiffness, dizziness, eye strain, dry skin, eczema, rashes and weight gain.

“I call this my litmus finger because when I go into really bad areas it starts tingling,” Garloff said.

Jess Lerner, who helped organize a group called 5G Free Marin, said she first noticed a wireless sensitivity when she was a graduate student at Brown University and her roommates installed a wireless router.

“In the years to come, with exposure increasing, it would become impossible to ignore,” Lerner said. She said her symptoms include headaches, a pounding and racing heart, shaking hands, feeling light-headed, general weakness, and insomnia.

Chandu Vyas of San Rafael said he discovered he was sensitive to wireless radiation after a smart meter was installed in his home.

“I suddenly developed terrible daily headaches,” Vyas said. “After many tests, my doctor found nothing wrong. Then I visited my family in India for a month and my headaches went away. When I came back home, my headaches also returned.”

It is well known that ionizing radiation emitted by sources such as X-ray machines boosts cancer risk by shredding molecules in the body. It has been assumed that the only effect produced by the non-ionizing radio-frequency radiation used by cellphones is the heating of tissue.

Tiffany Baer said, “The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) safety standards rely on thermal studies, but the effects go much deeper than the skin.”

David Schonbrunn said, “While the science back in the day only knew about the thermal effects of EMFs, it has progressed since then.”

Rachel Gaunt said, “Numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown harmful effects from levels well below the current FCC limits. Replicated research has shown that low-level wireless radiation will promote cancer growth in combination with other toxic exposures.”

Harry Lehmann of Novato said that a report issued by the National Toxicology Program in November 2018 confirmed findings that microwave radiation from cellular sources is carcinogenic and the mechanism of harm is nonthermal.

“This is no longer something that is even in rational dispute,” Lehmann said. “People who are saying this is not harmful have simply not looked at the scientific data.”

Referring to the research performed by the National Toxicology Program, which is part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, a March 2018 article in Scientific American stated, “evidence advanced by the studies shows prolonged exposure to even very low levels of RF radiation, perhaps by mechanisms other than heating that remain unknown, makes rats uniquely prone to a rare tumor called a schwannoma, which affects a type of neuron (or nerve cell) called a Schwann cell.”

The article also noted, however, that “heart schwannomas are exceedingly rare in humans; only a handful of cases have ever been documented in the medical literature.”

Writing about this same study, the National Cancer Institute, stated, “These experimental findings raise new questions as to the potential for radio frequency radiation to result in cellular changes and offer potential avenues for further laboratory studies.”

None of the three industry representatives who spoke Tuesday addressed the health issue. They stressed that the transition to 5G is needed to accommodate increased demand for wireless service from customers.

“Most people have purchased smart phones and are increasingly relying on wireless devices for their home, residential and business uses,” said Matt Yergovich, a permitting specialist with AT&T.

Cris Villegos, a representative of Verizon Wireless, said cellphones are increasingly used to make 911 calls.

“In order to ensure that these calls are made successfully we have to ensure that the network is operating at its full potential,” Villegos said. Villegos said 5G would also allow for the installation of smart chips in cars that will provide collision avoidance.

William Hammett, a Sonoma engineer who certifies that carriers are meeting FCC emission standards did not identify himself as an industry representative when speaking, but said after the meeting that he was paid by Verizon to attend.

“People may not like the standards. My job as an engineer is to assess compliance with the standards,” he said. “These facilities will comply with FCC standards.”

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  

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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 e-mail: sales@prism-ipx.com
prism-ipx.com

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 e-mail: 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 e-mail: sales@prism-ipx.com
prism-ipx.com

New emergency service paging site to be added in Pitt County

By: Kara Gann Posted: Feb 06, 2019 04:21 PM EST Updated: Feb 06, 2019 08:20 PM EST

PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — It's a decision that could affect what happens the next time you call 9-1-1. On Monday, the Pitt County Board of Commissioners set aside funds to help improve the county's emergency paging system.

Areas like Clarks Neck, Grimesland, and Simpson, in the lower part of Pitt County have been dealing with a spotty emergency paging service for some time.

It is a problem first responders in those areas say could be detrimental.

"We are a hit or miss type situation in this area," said Chief Bryan Dixon, Clark's Neck Vol. Fire Chief. "We are a very low percentage of actually receiving them at this time."

Chief Dixon says this problem could have negative repercussions. "If your firefighters don't get the message that you've got a call, your man power response is reduced and in structure fires and that type of stuff you need that type of man power that can respond."

Dixon says the problem first started when Pitt County switched over from a "VHF" very high radio frequency to the "UHF" ultra high frequency system.

An issue Pitt County Engineer, Tim Corley and staff at Pitt County development are trying to fix.

They plan on adding an additional paging site to the communication tower in Grimesland --bringing the total number of paging sites on the tower to seven.

"This project is really just a further enhancement of the radio and paging project we just completed," said Corley.

Corley said this upgrade will cost the county around $335 thousand.

"The end result is it will help those firefighters and EMS folks out that way to be notified by the paging system, as well as clearly hear the speaking on their pagers and clearly hear what the call is that's coming into their station," Corley said. "The public can be very happy with knowing we have good coverage throughout the county."

Source:

WNCT9

Why Do Towers Fall Down?

By Jim Fryer, Managing Editor, Inside Towers

NATE Unite 2019
Bill Griswold, Jr. PE, President of Griswold Tower Software, doesn’t have a quick answer to that. Monopoles, self-standing and guyed towers all face different laws of physics when it comes to structural failure and it’s Griswold’s job to figure out what put a perfectly erect tower on the ground.

In an exclusive interview with Inside Towers, Wednesday at the NATE Unite 2019 show in Dallas, Griswold explained the myriad of factors that come into play in a tower collapse from wind vortex shedding, welding micro cracks, metallurgy failure, bad grouting and the primary catalysts that create the stress: cars, planes, ice and wind.

“Even if they’re built correctly,” Griswold said “they fall down. Monopoles are more likely to fatigue at the base.” While a non-expert might place the blame solely on wind-loading stressing the foundation, Griswold said it is due more to vortex shedding on the pole itself in winds as mild as five-to-twenty miles per hour that get the pole’s vibrating frequency up (“all structures have a frequency”, he said). High winds, in fact, often obliterate the offending vortex while poor grouting and welding can exacerbate a tower’s failure, Griswold said.

Self-standing sites have a much wider range of potential failure caused by inadequate bracing, unsecured footings, loose bolts, rust and large objects impacting them at a high rate of speed on the ground or in the air. Griswold is often brought in as the CSI-type investigator hired by insurance companies, carriers or towercos to develop a forensic study of the fallen victim. In his decades on the job, he has seen tens of thousands of downed steel structures lying in a crumpled mess waiting for their final inspection and assessment.

Guyed towers, of course, fail more often due to the feature built into their name: the wire and wire connections themselves that tether them into an upright position. Anchor corrosion, loose cables that cause “galloping,” shallow footings in relation to the soil and climate all contribute to their demise, according to Griswold.

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.

FCC Form 477 Data Filing Deadline Extended to
March 8

On January 31, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing that the filing deadline for the Form 477 fixed broadband deployment data as of December 31, 2018 has been extended to March 8, 2019. This filing was previously due March 1. The FCC’s Form 477 filing interface, available here, is now accepting data as of December 31, 2018.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Sal Taillefer.

Headlines

D.C. Court of Appeals Vacates FCC Lifeline Order

On February 1, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated the FCC’s November 2017 order that had adopted additional support for those Tribal Lifeline services provided by eligible telecommunications carriers that utilize their own fixed or mobile wireless facilities (to the exclusion of resellers), and for those provided to Tribal residents of rural areas (to the exclusion of urban areas).

According to the court, the FCC’s adoption of those two limitations was arbitrary and capricious because it failed to provide a reasoned explanation for its change of policy. Specifically, with regard to additional funding for facilities-based carriers, the court found that the FCC’s decision “evinces no consideration of the exodus of facilities-based providers from the Tribal Lifeline program,” fails to “point to evidence that banning resellers from the Tribal Lifeline program would promote network buildout,” and fails to “analyze the impact of the facilities requirement on Tribal residents who currently rely on wireless resellers.” Further, the court held that the FCC “ignored that its decision is a fundamental change that adversely affects the access and affordability of service for residents of Tribal lands.” With regard to the additional support for rural Tribal Lifeline recipients, the court held that the FCC’s decision “evinces no consideration of the impact on service access and affordability” and “does not examine wireless deployment data related to services to which most Tribal Lifeline recipients subscribe.” The court also found that “various non-harmless procedural deficiencies exist as well,” taking particular note of the fact that a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking “lacked key information needed for interested persons to anticipate that small towns below 10,000 in population would be excluded.”

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

FCC Announces Final Results, Next Steps for Auction 101; Sets Deadlines for Auction 102

On January 31, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing results and deadlines associated with the recently-closed Auction 101 for 28 GHz Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (UMFUS) licenses. According to the Public Notice, the auction raised (in gross bids) a total of $702,572,410 with a total of 2,965 licenses won. Due to the FCC’s limited information disclosure procedures for Auctions 101 and 102, the identities of winning bidders will remain non-public until after the close of bidding in Auction 102, the upcoming auction of 24 GHz UMFUS licenses.

Bidders must not disclose their status as a winning or non-winning bidder, or any information contained in their long form application or the confidential instruction letter sent to the winners, until after the close of Auction 102. The prohibition on certain communications relating to the auction and limited information disclosure procedures continue to apply until the deadline for winning bidders in Auction 102 to submit down payments following the close of bidding – likely a period of several months. All Auction 101 applicants remain subject to the prohibition regardless of developments during the auction process and regardless of whether they qualified to bid or became winning bidders.

Key deadlines for winning bidders of Auction 101 are:

Down Payment..……………………………………………......………….. February 14, 2019 (6 PM ET)

FCC Form 601 long form and 602 ownership report………………. February 14, 2019 (6 PM ET)

Final Payment..…………………………………………......……………… March 1, 2019 (6 PM ET)

The Commission expressly urged winning bidders to pay close attention to the payment instructions because they differ from instructions provided in past auctions and from upfront payment procedures for this auction.

Auction 102 – 24 GHz spectrum

The FCC has also issued its upfront payment and schedule for Auction 102 (24 GHz). Important dates and deadlines to be aware of in connection with that auction are as follows:

• Upfront Payments (via wire transfer) Due February 19, 2019; 6:00 p.m. ET
• Bidding Tutorial Available (via Internet) by February 15, 2019
• Mock Auction on March 11, 2019
• Auction 102 Bidding Begins March 14, 2019

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Sal Taillefer.

Comment for USF Overlap Auction Due March 8

On February 6, the FCC published in the Federal Register its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on how to implement an auction mechanism for competitive overlapped legacy rate-of-return areas, broadband only line conversions, and legacy support in Tribal areas. Comments are due March 8, and reply comments are due April 8.

This is the NPRM that was adopted concurrently with the FCC’s Report and Order revising the High Cost budget, re-issuing offers for A-CAM support at increased requirements, and authorizing a second A-CAM offering. There, the FCC also concluded that an auction is a more efficient way to award support in areas that are overlapped or almost entirely overlapped by unsubsidized competition. In this NPRM, the FCC seeks comment on how this decision should be implemented, including auction design. In general, the Commission proposes that the auction process would operate in substantially the same way as the Connect America Fund (CAF) Phase II auction, which concluded on August 28, 2018, but seeks comment on whether changes to account for any differences unique to this overlap auction are necessary and appropriate.

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

Comment on Satellite Service Rules Due March 18

On January 31, the FCC published in the Federal Register its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to streamline the rules governing satellite services. Comments are due March 18 and reply comments are due April 16.

Specifically, the FCC proposes to create a new, optional, unified license to include both space stations and earth stations operating in a geostationary-satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service (GSO FSS) satellite network. In addition, the FCC proposes to repeal or modify rules in Part 25 governing satellite services that it has tentatively concluded are unduly burdensome, such as certain annual reporting requirements. According to the FCC, these proposals would greatly simplify its licensing and regulation of satellite systems.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast.

Comments on DBS Satellite System Licensing Framework Due March 25

On February 6, the FCC published in the Federal Register its Second Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, in which it seeks comment on whether to establish a licensing and regulatory framework for DBS satellite systems that would be analogous to that which currently exists for geostationary (GSO) Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) systems. Comments are due March 25, and reply comments are due April 22.

First, the Commission seeks comment on processing requests for new DBS service on a “first-come, first-served” basis—including an optional, two-step application process—that governs GSO FSS licensing. Second, the Commission seeks comment on applying the milestone and bond requirements for the geostationary Fixed- Satellite Service to DBS. Third, the Commission seeks comment on extending the license terms of non-broadcast DBS space stations from 10 to 15 years. Fourth, the Commission seeks comment on lifting the “freeze” on new DBS applications that has been in place since 2006, when the Commission last proposed changes to the DBS licensing regime in a 2006 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (2006 Notice). Finally, the Commission seeks comment on clarifying that requests for new DBS at orbital locations less than nine degrees apart can be made, but that any new DBS systems at such reduced-spacing orbital locations must not increase interference to DBS systems at the internationally-planned nine-degree orbital locations.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast.

Law & Regulation

FCC Wireless Applications Delayed by Partial Government Shutdown

During the 35-day partial government shutdown and immediately afterward, the FCC received thousands of wireless applications in its Universal Licensing System (ULS). The applications were directly filed by applicants and batch filed by frequency coordinators through the FCC’s Electronic Batch Filing (EBF) system. Due to the influx of applications, it is taking the FCC a substantial period of time to process applications into their systems. Applications filed between January 3 and January 29, 2019 will be treated as filed on January 29, 2019, even though the applications are not immediately entered into ULS.

We note that many of the pending applications will require the payment of FCC filing fees — which must be made as soon as the applications appear in ULS as received.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino.

Rep. Pallone Reintroduces Robocall Bill

On February 4, Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) reintroduced the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act (HR 946) in the House of Representatives to stop abusive robocall practices. According to a press release for the legislation, the bill would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enact strong consumer protections for authorized calls and empower the FCC with strong enforcement tools to reign in robocallers. The legislation would also ensure that consumers have the ability to stop calls they had previously authorized, and require incoming calls to have authentic caller identification information before they are delivered to customers.

Specifically, the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act would:

• Amend the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) to ensure that the FCC has the authority and the tools to take strong, quick action when they track down robocallers;
• Allow consumers to revoke consent they had previously given to receive calls at any time and in any reasonable manner;
• Codify a reassigned number database to put robocallers on notice when a telephone number they may have previously been authorized to call has been given to a new customer who has not authorized their call;
• Limit the number of robocalls exempted from the TCPA under the FCC’s rules;
• Requiring calls to have verified caller identification information associated with a call before the call can be put through; and
• Extend the statute of limitations from one year to four years for callers violating robocall prohibitions.

“Americans are fed up with robocalls. It is incredibly annoying to repeatedly get unwanted calls from people you don’t know and don’t want to talk to,” Pallone said. “Despite previous efforts like the Do Not Call Registry, robocalls are still on the rise. The Stopping Bad Robocalls Act will equip consumer protection agencies with innovative, new tools designed to stop the abusive practices by robocallers and better restrict unauthorized robocalls.”

BloostonLaw Contacts: Mary Sisak and Sal Taillefer.

Senate Holds Hearing on 5G in the United States

As this edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update went to press, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened the first full committee hearing of the 116th Congress titled, “Winning the Race to 5G and the Next Era of Technology Innovation in the United States.” According to a press release, this hearing will focus on key steps to maintain U.S. global leadership in next-generation communications technology, spectrum needs to accelerate deployment, and new applications and services consumers can expect with 5G deployments. The hearing will also examine current efforts to modernize infrastructure siting policies and the security of 5G networks.

Witnesses scheduled for the hearing were: the Honorable Meredith Atwell Baker, President and CEO, CTIA; Mr. Steve Berry, President and CEO, Competitive Carriers Association; Mr. Shailen Bhatt, President and CEO, Intelligent Transportation Society of America; Mr. Michael Wessel, Commissioner, U.S.-China Economic & Security Review Commission; and Ms. Kim Zentz, Chief Executive Officer, Urbanova.

“The committee’s first hearing on 5G deployment and technology innovation will highlight an important issue not only to Mississippians, but to all Americans,” said U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee. “Expanding broadband service and fostering innovation are top priorities of mine, and I look forward to continuing the committee’s efforts to close the digital divide in our nation and maintain U.S. leadership in 5G technology.”

A recording of the hearing, along with written testimony by the witnesses, is available here.

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

House to Hold Hearing on Open Internet

On February 7, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold a hearing on Thursday, February 7, 2019, entitled “Preserving an Open Internet for Consumers, Small Businesses, and Free Speech.” Witnesses for the hearing include former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, Fellow, Brookings Institution; Mr. Denelle Dixon, Chief Operating Officer, Mozilla; Ms. Ruth Livier, actress, writer, and UVLA Doctoral Student; Ms. Jessica Gonzalez, Deputy Director and Senior Counsel, Free Press & Free Press Action Fund; and Mr. Joseph Franell, General Manager and CEO, Eastern Oregon Telecom.

Written testimony prepared by the witnesses can be found here, and the hearing can be webcast live as well.

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

FCC Continues E-Rate Amortization Requirement Waiver; Seeks Comment on Elimination

On January 31, the FCC released an Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in which it waived the E-Rate program amortization requirement for certain category one funding requests and initiated a rulemaking regarding the elimination of that requirement entirely. The waiver will last for the duration of the rulemaking proceeding, but comment and reply comment deadlines have not yet been established.

Specifically, the FCC is proposing to eliminate the amortization requirement for non-recurring category one funding requests over $500,000, including for special construction, from the E-Rate program. This particular requirement has been suspended since 2014 and, according to the FCC, this suspension has: (1) decreased administrative burdens associated with applying for E-Rate support; (2) allowed applicants and service providers to receive disbursements for the full E-Rate supported portion of projects sooner; and (3) reduced uncertainty regarding the availability of funding.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Sal Taillefer.

FCC Creates Fraud Division Within Enforcement Bureau

On February 4, the FCC released an Order creating a Fraud Division within its Enforcement Bureau. According to the Press Release, the new Fraud Division will be dedicated to investigating and prosecuting fraud in the Universal Service Fund (USF). This team will work closely with the FCC’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Justice, and other law enforcement agencies to prosecute unlawful conduct. The Fraud Division will be established following review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget and the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, as well as publication of the Order in the Federal Register.

“Protecting taxpayer dollars as we use Universal Service Fund programs to bridge the digital divide lies at the heart of our work at the FCC,” said Rosemary Harold, chief of the Enforcement Bureau. “To ensure we are effective in that work, it is vital that we maintain a steady eye on these programs to address the unfortunate reality that, over the years, too much money that should have gone to connect American consumers and businesses has been lost, stolen, or misused. Establishing a Fraud Division within the Bureau will help us combat waste, fraud, and abuse in these important connectivity programs.”

Industry

Chairman Pai Announces Chief Information Officer

On February 1, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced the appointment of Christine Calvosa as the FCC’s Chief Information Officer. Prior to being named Chief Information Officer, Ms. Calvosa was the Acting CIO for the FCC for over one year and for several years was the FCC’s Deputy CIO for Technology and Resiliency.

“I am delighted that Ms. Calvosa will be serving as the FCC’s Chief Information Officer,” said Chairman Pai. “The FCC’s aggressive agenda requires an expert and agile information technology team. That team needs a leader with deep expertise in all aspects of IT development, deployment, and information security. This is especially important because Congress last year enhanced the responsibilities of the FCC’s CIO— responsibilities the FCC recently codified in our rules. Ms. Calvosa is an ideal choice for this role. During her time as Acting CIO, she oversaw the information technology for the 28 GHz auction and led implementation of the FCC’s updated and modernized National Broadband Map. In short, Ms. Calvosa has demonstrated the ability to deliver on this agency’s complex information technology requirements. I look forward to continuing to work with her.”

Commissioner Starks Announces Staff

On January 30, newly-confirmed FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks announced the appointment of several individuals who will serve in his office in acting capacities:

Daudeline Meme will serve as Acting Chief of Staff and advise Commissioner Starks on wireless and international matters. Ms. Meme previously served as Deputy Chief in the International Bureau’s Telecommunications & Analysis Division. Prior to that, she served as Commissioner Mignon Clyburn’s Legal Advisor for Wireless, Public Safety, and International issues. Immediately before that, Ms. Meme was Chief of Staff of the Enforcement Bureau, where she was responsible for providing legal, policy, and administrative oversight. Ms. Meme also worked with Chairman Tom Wheeler’s office on implementation of FCC Process Reform and as an Assistant Chief in the Enforcement Bureau’s Spectrum Enforcement Division.

Michael Scurato will advise Commissioner Starks on media and consumer protection matters. Mr. Scurato joins the Commissioner’s staff from his position as Special Counsel for the Chief of the Enforcement Bureau. Previously, Mr. Scurato served as Legal Advisor for Commissioner Mignon Clyburn.

Randy Clarke will advise Commissioner Starks on wireline and public safety issues. Mr. Clarke joins the Commission following service as FCC counsel to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Prior to his work in the Senate, Mr. Clarke was Acting Deputy Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau. He has held a variety of roles in the Wireline Competition Bureau since 2004, including Chief of the Competition Policy Division, Deputy Chief of the Pricing Policy Division, Legal Advisor to the Bureau Chief, and Attorney Advisor in the Bureau.

Renee Coles will serve as Commissioner Starks’ Acting Confidential Assistant, addressing all administrative needs. During her 13 years at the Commission, Ms. Coles has served as the Staff Assistant to Commissioner Michael Copps and worked in Human Resources as a Specialist in Payroll and Benefits.

Natalie Martinez will serve as Acting Staff Assistant in Commissioner Starks’ office. Ms. Martinez has served as the Confidential Assistant to five successive General Counsels of the FCC. Before that, she served as the Confidential Assistant to the Chief of the Enforcement Bureau for four years. Ms. Martinez began her career at the FCC in 2001 as an Office Automation Clerk in the International Bureau.

Deadlines

MARCH 1: COPYRIGHT STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT FORM FOR CABLE COMPANIES. This form, plus royalty payment for the second half of calendar year 2018, is due March 1. The form covers the period July 1 to December 31, 2018, and is due to be mailed directly to cable TV operators by the Library of Congress’ Copyright Office. If you do not receive the form, please contact the firm.

BloostonLaw Contact: Gerry Duffy.

MARCH 1: CPNI ANNUAL CERTIFICATION. Carriers should modify (as necessary) and complete their “Annual Certification of CPNI Compliance” for 2019. The certification must be filed with the FCC by March 1. Note that the annual certification should include the following three required Exhibits: (a) a detailed Statement Explaining How The Company’s Operating Procedures Ensure Compliance With The FCC’S CPNI Rules to reflect the Company’s policies and information; (b) a Statement of Actions Taken Against Data Brokers; and (c) a Summary of Customer Complaints Regarding Unauthorized Release of CPNI. A company officer with personal knowledge that the company has established operating procedures adequate to ensure compliance with the rules must execute the Certification, place a copy of the Certification and accompanying Exhibits in the Company’s CPNI Compliance Records, and file the certification with the FCC in the correct fashion. Our clients can forward the original to BloostonLaw in time for the firm to make the filing with the FCC by March 1, if desired. BloostonLaw is prepared to help our clients meet this requirement, which we expect will be strictly enforced, by assisting with preparation of their certification filing; reviewing the filing to make sure that the required showings are made; filing the certification with the FCC, and obtaining a proof-of-filing copy for your records. Clients interested in obtaining BloostonLaw's CPNI compliance manual should contact the firm.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Gerry Duffy

MARCH 1: FCC FORM 477, LOCAL COMPETITION & BROADBAND REPORTING FORM. This annual form is due March 1 and September 1 annually. The FCC requires facilities-based wired, terrestrial fixed wireless, and satellite broadband service providers to report on FCC Form 477 the number of broadband subscribers they have in each census tract they serve. The Census Bureau changed the boundaries of some census tracts as part of the 2010 Census.

Specifically, three types of entities must file this form:

1. Facilities-based Providers of Broadband Connections to End User Locations: Entities that are facilities-based providers of broadband connections — which are wired “lines” or wireless “channels” that enable the end user to receive information from and/or send information to the Internet at information transfer rates exceeding 200 kbps in at least one direction — must complete and file the applicable portions of this form for each state in which the entity provides one or more such connections to end user locations. For the purposes of Form 477, an entity is a “facilities-based” provider of broadband connections to end user locations if it owns the portion of the physical facility that terminates at the end user location, if it obtains unbundled network elements (UNEs), special access lines, or other leased facilities that terminate at the end user location and provisions/equips them as broadband, or if it provisions/equips a broadband wireless channel to the end user location over licensed or unlicensed spectrum. Such entities include incumbent and competitive local exchange carriers (LECs), cable system operators, fixed wireless service providers (including “wireless ISPs”), terrestrial and satellite mobile wireless service providers, BRS providers, electric utilities, municipalities, and other entities. (Such entities do not include equipment suppliers unless the equipment supplier uses the equipment to provision a broadband connection that it offers to the public for sale. Such entities also do not include providers of fixed wireless services (e.g., “Wi-Fi” and other wireless ethernet, or wireless local area network, applications) that only enable local distribution and sharing of a premises broadband facility.)
2. Providers of Wired or Fixed Wireless Local Telephone Services: Incumbent and competitive LECs must complete and file the applicable portions of the form for each state in which they provide local exchange service to one or more end user customers (which may include “dial-up” ISPs).
3. Providers of Mobile Telephony Services: Facilities-based providers of mobile telephony services must complete and file the applicable portions of this form for each state in which they serve one or more mobile telephony subscribers. A mobile telephony service is a real-time, two-way switched voice service that is interconnected with the public switched network using an in-network switching facility that enables the provider to reuse frequencies and accomplish seamless handoff of subscriber calls. A mobile telephony service provider is considered “facilities-based” if it serves a subscriber using spectrum for which the entity holds a license that it manages, or for which it has obtained the right to use via lease or other arrangement with a Band Manager.

BloostonLaw contacts: Ben Dickens and Gerry Duffy.

APRIL 1: FCC FORM 499-A, TELECOMMUNICATIONS REPORTING WORKSHEET. This form must be filed by all contributors to the Universal Service Fund (USF) sup-port mechanisms, the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund, the cost recovery mechanism for the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), and the shared costs of local number portability (LNP). Contributors include every telecommunications carrier that provides interstate, intrastate, and international telecommunications, and certain other entities that provide interstate telecommunications for a fee. Even common carriers that qualify for the de minimis exemption must file Form 499-A. Entities whose universal service contributions will be less than $10,000 qualify for the de minimis exemption. De minimis entities do not have to file the quarterly report (FCC Form 499-Q), which was due February 1, and will again be due May 1. Form 499-Q relates to universal and LNP mechanisms. Form 499-A relates to all of these mechanisms and, hence, applies to all providers of interstate, intrastate, and international telecommunications services. Form 499-A contains revenue information for January 1 through December 31 of the prior calendar year. And Form 499-Q contains revenue information from the prior quarter plus projections for the next quarter. (Note: the revised 499-A and 499-Q forms are now available.) Block 2-B of the Form 499-A requires each carrier to designate an agent in the District of Columbia upon whom all notices, process, orders, and decisions by the FCC may be served on behalf of that carrier in proceedings before the Commission. Carriers receiving this newsletter may specify our law firm as their D.C. agent for service of process using the information in our masthead. There is no charge for this service.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Hal Mordkofsky, Ben Dickens, and Gerry Duffy.

APRIL 1: ANNUAL ACCESS TO ADVANCED SERVICES CERTIFICATION. All providers of telecommunications services and telecommunications carriers subject to Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act are required to file with the FCC an annual certification that (1) states the company has procedures in place to meet the record keeping requirements of Part 14 of the Rules; (2) states that the company has in fact kept records for the previous calendar year; (3) contains contact information for the individual or individuals handling customer complaints under Part 14; (4) contains contact information for the company’s designated agent; and (5) is supported by an affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury signed by an officer of the company.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Gerry Duffy, Mary Sisak, Sal Taillefer.

Calendar At-a-Glance

February
Feb. 8 – Reply comments are due on Kari’s Law and RAY BAUM’s Act NPRM.
Feb. 8 – Comments on Wireless Resiliency are due.
Feb. 8 – Comments are due on Cable Rate Regulation Revision FNPRM.
Feb. 8 – Comments are due on State 911 Fee Report.
Feb. 14 – Auction 101 Down Payments are due (6 p.m. ET).
Feb. 14 – Auction 101 Forms 601 and 602 are due (6 p.m. ET).
Feb. 19 – PRA comments are due on Payphone ANI Report.
Feb. 25 – Reply comments are due on State 911 Fee Report.
Feb. 25 – Reply comments on Wireless Resiliency are due.

March
Mar. 1 – Copyright Statement of Account Form for cable companies is due.
Mar. 1 – Annual CPNI Certification is due.
Mar. 1 – Final payments for Auction 101 are due (6 p.m. ET).
Mar. 8 – Comments are due on USF Overlap Auction NPRM.
Mar. 8 – FCC Form 477 (Local Competition & Broadband Reporting) is due.
Mar. 11 – Reply comments are due on Cable Rate Regulation Revision FNPRM.
Mar. 18 – Comments are due on Satellite Services Rules NPRM.
Mar. 25 – Comments are due on DBS Satellite System Licensing NPRM.
Mar. 31 – FCC Form 525 (Delayed Phasedown CETC Line Counts) is due.
Mar. 31 – FCC Form 508 (ICLS Projected Annual Common Line Requirement) is due.

April
Apr. 1 – FCC Form 499-A (Annual Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet) is due.
Apr. 1 – Annual Accessibility Certification is due.
Apr. 8 – Reply comments are due on USF Overlap Auction NPRM.
Apr. 16 – Reply comments are due on Satellite Services Rules NPRM.
Apr. 22 – Reply comments are due on DBS Satellite System Licensing NPRM.

Current member or former member of these organizations.

Best regards, Newsletter Editor 73 DE K9IQY Licensed since 1957	Brad Dye P.O. Box 266 Fairfield, IL 62837 USA	If you are curious about why I joined Mensa, click here .	U.S. Navy Radioman Second Class Petty Officer	American Radio Relay League	A Public Library of Paging and Wireless Messaging Information Web Site
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Back To Paging Still The Most Reliable Wireless Protocol For Emergencies!	CONTACT INFO & LINKS Skype: braddye Twitter: @BradDye1 Telephone: +1-618-599-7869 E–mail: brad@braddye.com Wireless: Consulting page Paging: Home Page Marketing & Engineering Papers K9IQY: Ham Radio Page	American Association of Woodturners	Boy Scouts of America National Honor Society	Creator of The Paging Wheel of Fortune	Amateur Radio K9IQY Since 1957
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“I do believe we’re all connected. I do believe in positive energy. I do believe in the power of prayer. I do believe in putting good out into the world. And I believe in taking care of each other.” — Harvey Fierstein

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Travis Tritt — “It's A Great Day To Be Alive” (Home Free Cover)