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Welcome Back ToThe Wireless Messaging NewsNSA alerted Microsoft to major Windows 10 security flawBy Brian Fung, CNN Business Washington, DC (CNN Business) — The National Security Agency recently alerted Microsoft to a major flaw in its Windows operating system that could let hackers pose as legitimate software companies, agency officials said on Tuesday. Microsoft (MSFT) issued a software update on Tuesday to fix the vulnerability, as part of its normal schedule for releasing software patches. News of the vulnerability and patch were first reported by independent journalist Brian Krebs, who said Microsoft provided its software fix to the military and key infrastructure companies ahead of Tuesday's public release. Microsoft said in a statement Monday night that it provides advance versions of its updates to some users under a special testing program. Jeff Jones, a senior director at Microsoft, declined to discuss specifics of the flaw "to prevent unnecessary risk to customers." The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. The NSA's rare announcement of the flaw, along with its decision to warn Microsoft rather than exploit the bug for intelligence purposes, underscores the magnitude of the threat it could pose to businesses, consumers and government agencies worldwide. The NSA said that, while it has shared vulnerability information with the private sector in the past, this marks the first time that it has come forward publicly to do so. The agency said the decision reflects an effort to build trust with cybersecurity researchers. "Part of building trust is showing the data," Anne Neuberger, the NSA's director of cybersecurity, told reporters on a conference call Tuesday. Because the NSA has never allowed itself to be linked to a vulnerability disclosure, she said, "it's hard for entities to trust that we take this seriously. And ensuring vulnerabilities can be mitigated is an absolute priority." The NSA did not use the vulnerability to exploit adversaries, and the bug was turned over to Microsoft as soon as it was discovered, Neuberger added. She said the NSA has not detected any other entities using the bug. The Department of Homeland Security said on the call that it would issue a bulletin to federal agencies advising them to install the Microsoft patches immediately. The flaw concerns a core Windows function that verifies the legitimacy of apps and programs, a feature known as CryptoAPI. "It's the equivalent of a building security desk checking IDs before permitting a contractor to come up and install new equipment," said Ashkan Soltani, a security expert and former chief technologist for the Federal Trade Commission. By compromising that validation feature, hackers could easily impersonate "good" software companies to install bad software, Soltani said, potentially allowing them to spy on computer users or hold their devices hostage for ransom. [Source: CNN Business] |
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. 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. We need your help. This is the only remaining news source dedicated to information about Paging and Wireless Messaging.
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Service Monitors and Frequency Standards for Sale
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Frontier Communications Internet Service Out for Most of the DayPosted on January 15, 2020 by Editor Frontier Communications Internet service for Berkeley Springs and much of Morgan County has been out for much of the day. In southern Morgan County, Internet service has been out for more than six hours. “Frontier Communications crews are currently working to repair fiber optic lines, which were damaged by a fire caused by downed power lines,” said Frontier spokesperson Javier Mendoza. “The damage is disrupting Internet service to some customers in Morgan County. We want to reassure customers we are actively addressing this issue and thank them for their patience as we complete repairs and restore service.” Mendoza said that information regarding the location of the fire or how much of Morgan County was affected was “not available.” |
| Source: | Morgan County USA |
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.
Built-in custom interface for Prism-IPX ipBSC Base Controller for remote control, management and alarm reporting.
Prism-IPX Systems LLC. 11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022
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The Wireless Messaging News
The Board of Advisor members are people with whom I have developed a special rapport, and have met personally. They are not obligated to support the newsletter in any way, except with advice, and maybe an occasional letter to the editor.
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Paging Infrastructure For Sale— Great Prices —
Sale prices are $250.00 (or best offer) for each item. Please contact Adam Jaster direct for more information. Some of the items do not have a complete description. Cost of packing and shipping is the buyer's responsibility. Adam Jaster |
| Source: | Adam Jaster ajaster@tempesttelecom.com |
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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
Prism-IPX Systems LLC. 11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022 |
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Technology Apple may have to abandon Lightning connector cable17 January 2020
Apple could be forced to abandon its Lightning connector cable if European lawmakers get their way. The cable is used to charge and sync many Apple devices, such as the iPhone. But members of the European Parliament urged the European Commission on Monday to force tech giants to adopt a single universal charging method. Two other charging cables - USB-C and micro-USB - are used on Android devices, and Apple has already stopped using Lightning on the 2019 iPad. European regulators will vote on the matter on a yet to be determined date, but Apple says the proposed regulation would stifle innovation and be disruptive to consumers. How likely is this to happen?If the regulator enforces its proposed regulation, Apple devices sold in Europe would be required to have a new charging method. It is likely Apple would then adopt USB-C, considering the company's 2019 iPad Pro ditched Lightning in favour of the technology. Another possible option would be to remove charging ports and cables entirely and use wireless charging instead. A new cable would mark the tech giant's third in 13 years. The majority of newly-manufactured Android phones already feature USB-C ports. Why does the EU want this change?The European Commission has been campaigning for a single charging method for the past decade. There were more than 30 types of charger on the market in 2009, but that number has since been reduced to just three. The regulator is determined to cut down on electronic waste being created by obsolete cables, which it estimates generate more than 51,000 tonnes of waste per year. "This is hugely detrimental for the environment," said European Parliament member Alex Agius Saliba. "A common charger should fit all mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers and other portable devices."
Apple devices could be forced to use USB-C chargers Hasn't this happened before?Apple, along with 10 other leading tech giants such as Nokia and Samsung, signed a memorandum of understanding in 2009. They pledged to provide micro-USB compatible chargers for consumers. However, Apple took advantage of a loophole that allowed manufacturers to continue using their own chargers if they offered an adaptor. Then, in 2014, the EU passed the Radio Equipment Directive, which called for a "renewed effort to develop a common charger". Apple insisted that its slimmer devices would be unable to fit the then-new USB-C technology, and it claimed it would cost up to $2bn (£1.53bn) to meet the desired standard. Isn't wireless charging the future anyway?Apple and many of its rivals, such as Huawei and Samsung, have already released products that charge their devices wirelessly. Although the technology is in its infancy, new developments have meant that it is now able to compete with traditional charging methods. Some analysts are even predicting that Apple could scrap its charging ports altogether by releasing future iPhone and iPad models that rely solely on wireless charging. |
| Source: | BBC News |
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.
Prism-IPX Systems LLC. 11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022 |
Wireless Network Planners
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Germany Special Event Recognizes Anniversary of SDR DevelopmentPosted date: January 14, 2020
The Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC) this year is honoring 35 years of software-defined radio (SDR) technology with special call sign and special DOK. “In order to acknowledge the high importance of digital signal processing for communications technology in general, and amateur radio in particular, a special event station DL35SDR will be active from the greater Munich area throughout 2020,” the DARC announcement said. A special DOK of 35SDR was issued for this station. DARC said digital signal processing via SDR has become the generally accepted standard for decoding and generating of radio signals. Commercial services have been using this technology for a long time and modern amateur radio is unimaginable without it. Award-winning researcher Ulrich L. Rohde, N1UL/DJ2LR, was the first to describe the possibilities and perspectives of SDR in a lecture during the Third International Conference on HF Communication Systems and Technique in 1985. Rohde is recognized as one of the pioneers of SDR technology. — Thanks to OPDX |
| Source: | QRZ now |
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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:
Prism-IPX Systems LLC. 11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022 |
Here’s how new Microsoft Edge will roll out to Windows 10By Mayank Parmar - January 15, 2020
In early December 2018, Microsoft first announced that they’re adopting Chromium platform and Blink rendering engine to replace its in-house Edge browser. Today, new Microsoft Edge browser is generally available on Windows and macOS. If you haven’t downloaded the browser manually on your Windows 10 PC, you can expect it to show up on your PC over the next few months. Microsoft has no plans to roll out new Edge automatically via Windows Update immediately. The rollout will happen gradually, starting with Insiders next month. Today, Microsoft is making Chromium-based Edge browser available for manual download on Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and macOS. The browser is available in 90 languages and users can download it manually from here. If you’d like not to manually install Edge today, you need to wait for Windows Update. Understanding Chromium-based Microsoft Edge rolloutMicrosoft’s Edge rollout will happen in a staged way over the next few months. In the coming weeks, Microsoft plans to begin pushing the browser update to Release Preview Ring. “The new Microsoft Edge will gradually be made available on Windows Update,” the company said. The rollout pace would depend on the data and feedback from users, and Microsoft may start seeding the browser to more users if the feedback is positive. If you upgrade today or wait for the update to show up on your PC, Microsoft will automatically hide the old or legacy Edge browser when the new Edge is installed. Old Microsoft Edge is not removed from the system but Microsoft will make it look as if new browser is replacing it.
During the installation, your Edge settings, passwords, favourites and other data will carry over to the new Edge. If you use Google Chrome, Edge will ask you to migrate favourites, form-fill information, and basic settings. It’s also worth noting that new Edge won’t make any changes to any browser you use currently. If you use Google Chrome or Firefox as your default browser, these browsers will remain as a default app on Windows or macOS. You can expect Microsoft Edge’s automatic rollout to begin in about six to nine weeks from January 15. After seeding the browser to Release Preview Ring testers, Microsoft will extend the rollout to include Home and Pro users of Windows 10. For enterprises and organizations, Microsoft will not replace Edge browser automatically. The administrators will have full control over when the new Microsoft Edge will be deployed to their employees’ devices. Microsoft Edge updates
Microsoft Edge update system is not tied to Windows 10 feature updates or Microsoft Store updates. Microsoft Edge will use its own update channel to add new features, improvements and fix bugs. Microsoft Edge (stable) will update roughly every six weeks on Windows 10, 7 and macOS. The company is also planning to launch the browser on Linux later this year, followed by Windows 10 on ARM release. |
| Source: | Windows Latest |
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Vertical Location Rule Changes for E911 Calls Effective in MarchLast November, the FCC released an order adopting rules for transmitting vertical, or “z-axis,” location information with indoor wireless 911 calls. The agency also sought public input on narrowing the z-axis location accuracy metric. The adopted rules become effective on March 16, except for those containing information collection requirements that must be approved by the Office of Management and Budget. The agency approved a vertical location accuracy metric of plus or minus 3 meters for 80 percent of indoor wireless E911 calls for z-axis capable handsets. The Commission also requires nationwide Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) providers to deploy dispatchable location or z-axis technology that meets this metric in the top 25 markets by April 3, 2021 and in the top 50 markets by April 3, 2023. Federal Register publication triggered the effective dates. In a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission seeks comment on adopting a timeline narrowing the vertical location accuracy metric, and requiring CMRS providers to deliver floor level information to Public Safety Answering Points in conjunction with a wireless indoor 911 call. The agency also seeks input on alternative methods for carriers to demonstrate z-axis technology deployment, and on expanding dispatchable location solutions. Comments are due to PS Docket No. 07–114 on or before February 18, and reply comments are due on or before March 16. |
| Source: | Inside Towers newsletter | Courtesy of the editor of Inside Towers Jim Fryer. Inside Towers is a daily newsletter by subscription. |
| BloostonLaw Newsletter |
Selected portions [sometimes more — sometimes less — sometimes the whole updates] 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.
CAF-BLS Location Information for Carriers with No HUBB Requirement Due March 1, 2021On January 13, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing that those carriers receiving CAF-BLS that did not have High Cost Universal Service Broadband portal (HUBB) reporting obligations prior to the FCC’s 2018 Rate-of-Return Reform Order — i.e., those carriers that had deployed broadband of 10/1 Mbps to 80% or more of their study areas, as determined by FCC Form 477 — will be required to submit geo-located broadband deployment information in the HUBB by March 1, 2021 for all locations to which broadband service of 25/3 Mbps or greater has been deployed since May 25, 2016. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Sal Taillefer. HeadlinesFCC Announces Tentative Agenda for January Open MeetingOn January 9, the FCC issued the tentative agenda for this month’s Open Meeting, which is currently scheduled for January 30. At the meeting, the FCC is scheduled to consider:
The documents linked in the above descriptions are the draft text of each item expected to be considered at the Open Meeting. The final version may differ. One-page cover sheets prepared by the FCC are included in these drafts to help summarize them. Open Meetings are streamed live at www.fcc.gov/live and can be followed on social media with #OpenMtgFCC. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Sal Taillefer. FCC to Consider Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Order; Estimates 6 Million Eligible LocationsAs noted above, the FCC will consider a Report and Order establishing the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund at this month’s Open Meeting. According to the draft released January 9, the Report and Order would:
The full draft is available here. According to a recent press release, the FCC anticipates about 6 million rural homes and businesses could be eligible for bidding in an auction slated for later this year to receive funding for high-speed broadband. This state-by-state list is for Phase I funding, which would target a total of $16 billion to census blocks with no broadband service at all meeting the FCC’s minimum speed standards. The remainder of the funding would be disbursed during Phase II.
As noted above, the RDOF Report and Order is scheduled for consideration at the FCC’s January Open Meeting. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, Mary Sisak, and Sal Taillefer. FCC Seeks Further Comment on New and Expanded Truth-in-Billing RulesOn January 13, the FCC published in the Federal Register its Public Notice in CC Docket No. 98–170, WC Docket No. 04–36, released on December 13, 2019, in which it seeks to refresh the record on several issues relating to the FCC’s truth-in-billing rules. Comments are due on February 12, and reply comments are due March 13. Specifically, the FCC asks to refresh the record on two proposals, originally made in 2005:
With regard to the requiring the separation of government-mandated charges, the FCC also seeks comment on how to define “government-mandated charge.” When the FCC originally proposed the separation of government-mandated charges, it proposed such charges be defined as “those that providers are required by law to collect from consumers and remit directly to federal, state, or local governments,” or could also include charges “that providers are not required to collect from consumers but choose to do so through separate line items, to reimburse themselves for their own payments toward government programs.” The FCC suggests this definition would include charges for universal service, state and local taxes, 911/E911. Charges historically associated with network access, such as the Subscriber Line Charge and Access Recovery Charge; charges designed to recover the administrative or other costs for complying with federal and state law, such as a “Regulatory Fee” or “Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge, ” Charges to reimburse providers for more general operating costs, such as permit fees, application fees, or licensing fees, on the other hand, are not charges remitted to the government but are line items collected by carriers of their own volition, and would not be included in the proposed definition of “government-mandated charges.” BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Mary Sisak, and Sal Taillefer. FCC Establishes Eligible Locations Adjustment Process for CAF Phase IIOn January 13, the FCC published in the Federal Register its Order in WC Docket No. 10–90; DA 19–1165, adopted and released on November 12, 2019, in which it established procedures to review post-CAF Phase II Auction deployment requirements and adjust support where the total number of actual locations in a funded area is less than the number of funded locations. The Order generally establishes an Eligible Locations Adjustment Process (ELAP) and adopts a challenge framework, detailed below:
The process was designed to give auction winners a way to bring to the FCC’s attention any discrepancies between the number of funded locations and the number of actual locations. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, Mary Sisak, and Sal Taillefer. Law and RegulationRevisions to TRS Rules Effective February 10On January 9, the FCC published in the Federal Register its Report and Order of September 2019, in which it modernized and amend the definition of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) contained in its rules to conform to the current statutory definition. This revision is effective February 10. Specifically, the FCC amended the definition of TRS to reflect changes by Congress in 2010 to remove the specification that one of the parties to a TRS call must be a hearing person. As amended, TRS means telephone transmission services that provide the ability for an individual who is deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or who has a speech disability to engage in communication by wire or radio with one or more individuals, in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of a hearing individual who does not have a speech disability to communicate using voice communication services by wire or radio. The FCC notes, however, that the amended rule does not authorize compensation for every call between two individuals with hearing or speech disabilities. In most cases, people using the same form of TRS can understand each other without additional help from a relay service. For example, a call between two registered video relay service (VRS) users, in which both parties use video to sign to each other, would not require any help from a communications assistant (CA) and would not be eligible for compensation from the TRS Fund. The same applies to calls between two TTY users or between two users of IP Relay. An exception to this same-relay-service rule applies, however, when more than one person on a call uses captioned telephone service (CTS), Internet Protocol captioned telephone service (IP CTS), or speech-to-speech service (STS). This is because calls between or among CTS, IP CTS, or STS users may still require captioning or re-voicing using more than one relay leg to ensure that one party's speech can be understood by the other party. Specifically, for calls between or among CTS and IP CTS users, each party requires captioning by a CA or automated speech recognition (ASR) system in order to understand what the other party says to that user. Similarly, for calls between or among STS users, each party must have their speech re-voiced in order for the other party to understand what the first party says. BloostonLaw Contact: John Prendergast. Congress Urges Chairman Pai to Require Carriers to Protect Against “SIM Swap” FraudOn January 9, a group of Congressmen lead by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) wrote to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, asking him to “to require wireless carriers to protect consumers from fraud and the theft of their most sensitive personal data by criminals and foreign governments who can empty their bank accounts, read their personal email and access their private photos and documents.” According to the letter, “fraudsters are often able to get wireless carriers to transfer the cell phone accounts of victims to them, steal their login credentials and then empty their victims' bank accounts.” Readers may remember similar issues with identification verification among the large carriers that resulted in the FCC’s implementation of CPNI programs and certifications. The letter goes on to note that according to the Federal Trade Commission, “the number of complaints about SIM swaps has increased dramatically, from 215 in 2016 to 728 through November 2019, and consumer complaints usually only reflect a small fraction of the actual number of incidents.” The letter expressly calls for regulation: “Consumers have no choice but to rely on phone companies to protect them against SIM swaps — and they need to be able to count on the FCC to hold mobile carriers accountable when they fail to secure their systems and thus harm consumers.” As with CPNI, what works for the large carriers may not work for small rural carriers. BloostonLaw will be monitoring the issue with an eye toward actions small carriers can take to make sure their perspectives are considered. Other members of Congress signing the letter included Sherrod Brown (D., Ohio), and Ed Markey (D., Mass.) and Reps. Ted W. Lieu (D., Calif.), Anna G. Eshoo (D., Calif.), and Yvette D. Clarke (D., N.Y.). BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, John Prendergast, and Sal Taillefer. FCC Reaches $1.13 Million Settlement over Tower Lighting InvestigationOn January 13, the FCC announced an agreement with Scripps Broadcasting Holdings to settle an investigation into the monitoring practices of lights on television towers it acquired earlier this year from Cordillera Communications. According to a Press Release, Scripps has agreed to resolve the FCC’s investigation by paying a $1,130,000 penalty and abiding by a compliance plan to prevent further violations. The FCC began its investigation when, on August 31, 2018, a small airplane crashed into a Cordillera television tower in Kaplan, Louisiana. Although the FCC found no evidence connecting the collision to a violation of the FCC’s rules by Cordillera, the FCC discovered irregularities related to Cordillera’s compliance with FCC rules pertaining to communications towers. The FCC therefore broadened its investigation to cover all of Cordillera’s towers and observed problems with Cordillera’s monitoring of tower lighting systems, maintenance of complete records of lighting failures, and notifications to the FCC of changes of ownership of two towers. BloostonLaw Contact: Richard Rubino. President Trump Announces Intent to Nominate John Johnson to be FCC Inspector GeneralOn January 8, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate John Chase Johnson of Oklahoma, to be the Inspector General at the FCC. According to a press release by the White House, Mr. Johnson is an attorney at Covington & Burling LLP, where he practices in the commercial litigation and government contracts groups. He also serves as a Major and Military Judge in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Before joining Covington, Mr. Johnson served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps and deployed to Afghanistan. He clerked for Judge Edith Clement of the Fifth Circuit and Judge Victor Wolski of the Court of Federal Claims. A native of Oklahoma, Mr. Johnson holds a B.A. in history from Duke University and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Sal Taillefer. Comments on Cable Service Change Notification NPRM Due February 6On January 10, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing the comment window for its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking of December 12, 2019 in MB Docket Nos. 19-347, 17-105, 10-71, wherein the FCC sought comment on whether to update its rules concerning notices that cable operators must provide to subscribers and local franchise authorities regarding service or rate changes. Comments are due February 6, and reply comments are due February 21. Specifically, the FCC sought comment on amending the rules to make clear that cable operators must provide subscriber notice “as soon as possible” when service changes occur due to retransmission consent or program carriage negotiations that fail within the last 30 days of a contract. BloostonLaw Contact: Gerry Duffy. DeadlinesJANUARY 15: Form 855 HAC Compliance Certification. The next Hearing Aid Compatibility regulatory compliance certification, certifying compliance with the FCC’s HAC handset minimums as well as enhanced record retention and website posting requirements for the 2019 calendar year, will be due January 15, 2020, for all CMRS service providers that had operations during any portion of 2019. Companies that sold their wireless licenses during 2018 and that didn’t otherwise provide mobile wireless service (e.g., via resale) during the 2019 calendar year won’t have any obligation to file a HAC compliance certification for the 2019 calendar year. Under current FCC rules, Tier III service providers are required to offer at least 50% or ten (10) handsets that are rated M3- or better, and at least 33% or ten (10) handsets that are rated T3- or better. Beginning April 3, 2020, at least 66% of a Tier III provider’s handset must meet ratings of M3- or better and T3- or better. BloostonLaw has prepared a 2019 HAC Regulatory Compliance Template to facilitate our clients’ compliance with the revised HAC rules. Contact Cary Mitchell if you would like to obtain a copy of the HAC Regulatory Compliance Template. BloostonLaw Contact: Cary Mitchell. FEBRUARY 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 Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Mary Sisak. FEBRUARY 1: FCC FORM 502, NUMBER UTILIZATION AND FORECAST REPORT. Any wireless or wireline carrier (including paging companies) that have received number blocks—including 100, 1,000, or 10,000 number blocks—from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), a Pooling Administrator, or from another carrier, must file Form 502 by February 1. Carriers porting numbers for the purpose of transferring an established customer’s service to another service provider must also report, but the carrier receiving numbers through porting does not. Resold services should also be treated like ported numbers, meaning the carrier transferring the resold service to another carrier is required to report those numbers but the carrier receiving such numbers should not report them. Reporting carriers are required to include their FCC Registration Number (FRN). Reporting carriers file utilization and forecast reports semiannually on or before February 1 for the preceding six-month reporting period ending December 31, and on or before August 1 for the preceding six-month reporting period ending June 30. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Mary Sisak. FEBRUARY 1: Live 911 Call Data Reports — Non-Nationwide Providers that do not provide coverage in any of the Test Cities must collect and report aggregate data based on the largest county within its footprint to APCO, NENA, and NASNA on the location technologies used for live 911 calls in those areas. Clients should obtain spreadsheets with their company’s compliance data from their E911 service provider (e.g., Intrado / West). BloostonLaw Contact: Cary Mitchell. MARCH 1: COPYRIGHT STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT FORM FOR CABLE COMPANIES. This form, plus royalty payment for the second half of calendar year 2019, is due March 1. The form covers the period July 1 to December 31, 2019, 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 2020. 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 Contact: 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:
BloostonLaw contacts: Ben Dickens and Gerry Duffy.
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| MUSIC VIDEO OF THE WEEK |
“Bésame mucho”The London Latin Collective
Performance of “Bésame mucho” by The London Latin Collective Javier "Peke" Rodríguez on piano Video by Realm 29 Films |
| Source: | YouTube |
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American Radio  Relay League |
The Radio Club  of America |
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