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Wireless News Aggregation

Friday — June 19, 2020 — Issue No. 913

Welcome Back To

The Wireless
Mes
saging News


This Week's Wireless News Headlines:

  • BBT Announces Management Buyout From Beeper
  • Zoom says free users will get end-to-end encryption after all
  • Delta County 9-1-1 millage levy hiked
  • BlackBerry Adds More Federal Agencies to Crisis Notification Platform
  • Effective intergovernment communication fosters clear, calm crisis management
  • InsideTowers
    • T-Mobile Layoffs Begin, AT&T Plans Job Cuts Too
    • Thune Introduces Bill to Fund Rural Broadband Deployment
  • BloostonLaw Telecom Update
    • REMINDER: CLECs Must De-tariff Business Data Services by August 1
    • FCC Releases Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction Procedures Public Notice
    • FCC Seeks Comment on CAF Phase II Location Adjustment Waiver Request
    • FCC Seeks to Refresh the Record in Contribution Methodology Reform for One-Way VoIP
    • FCC Adopts Second Report and Order on Next-Gen TV
    • Comment on 5G Fund Adjustment Factors Due July 7
    • FCC Announces 26.5% USF Contribution Factor for Q3
    • FCC Announces Availability of RDOF Short Form Instructions, Tutorial
    • Deadlines
    • Calendar At-a-Glance
    • BloostonLaw Contracts
  • THIS WEEK'S MUSIC VIDEO
    • “What A Difference A Day Made”
    • Hetty Loxston

 

 

 

 

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Wireless Messaging News

  • Emergency Radio Communications
  • Wireless Messaging
  • Critical Messaging
  • Two-way Radio
  • Technology
  • Telemetry
  • Science
  • Paging
  • Wi-Fi
Wireless
wireless logo medium
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.

 


About Us

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 Policy

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.

 


CAN YOU HELP?

Can You Help The Newsletter?

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Advertiser Index

Easy Solutions  (Vaughan Bowden)
IWA Technical Services, Inc.  (Ira Wiesenfeld)
Leavitt Communications  (Phil Leavitt)
Media 1
Prism-IPX Systems  (Jim Nelson & John Bishop)
Paging & Wireless Network Planners LLC  (Ron Mercer)
SALCOM
Wex International Limited

Service Monitors and Frequency Standards for Sale


Motorola Service Monitor

IFR Service Monitor

Efratom Rubidium Standard

(Images are typical units, not actual photos of items offered for sale here.)

Qty Item Notes
2 Late IFR 500As with new batteries
1 Motorola R 2001D  
4 Motorola R 2400 and 2410A  
5 Motorola R 2600 and R 2660 late S/Ns  
4 Motorola R 1200  
2 Motorola R 2200  
2 Stand-alone Efratom Rubidium Frequency Standards 10 MHz output
1 Telawave model 44 wattmeter Recently calibrated
1 IFR 1000S  
All sold with 7 day ROR (Right of Refusal), recent calibration, operation manual and accessories  
Factory carrying cases for each with calibration certificate  
Many parts and accessories  

Frank Moorman

fircls54@aol.com animated left arrow

(254) 596-1124


BBT Announces Management Buyout From Beeper

PR Newswire — June 15, 2020

New spin-off company offers most advanced Wireless SD-WAN solutions

TEL AVIV, Israel, June 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Be Broadband Technologies (BBT.live) Ltd., today announced their completion of a management buyout (MBO), becoming a majority employee-owned company together with a group of investors led by Moshe Levinson, former executive VP at Beeper Communications.

This completes last year's spin-off by Beeper Communications Israel of its software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technologies and operations to BBT, which will advance wireless SD-WAN technology to the next generation, reimagining the Wireless WAN World to comply with the needs of diverse market segments, while providing cybersecurity on the move.

BBT.live is entering the market as provider of today's most advanced SD-WAN wireless technology solutions, which it develops, designs, engineers and manufactures. Its unique solutions, already serving a significant customer base in the wireless SD-WAN platform and edge networking markets, are based on its proven technology, recognized by the Israel Innovation Center Authority (the Office of the Chief Scientist), and by the BIRD Foundation (Binational Industrial Research & Development), under a bilateral partnership between Israel and the US Department of Homeland Security.

Moshe Levinson, President, CEO and a co-owner, conceived of the idea behind BBT.live few years ago. "The acquisition is deeply satisfying for the employees as well as for the market," he said, "and will allow us to attract and keep top talent in the field."

One of the features of BBT.live's commercial wireless SD-WAN platform is that it acts as a bonded cellular multi-channel with almost any wired or wireless channels over public infrastructure. This enables it to provide a range of solutions to create secured private networks over public infrastructures, such as Remote Office Branch Office (ROBO) applications, Smart City wireless connectivity, Safe City (Live Streaming), remote video streaming, and broadcasting, and any other wired or wireless connectivity. A technology leader in wireless SD-WAN and IP-based live video, BBT.live solutions are in operation among high profile users, such as Cellcom, leading Israeli cellular company, providing it with significant improvement in network capacity over any public infrastructure. BBT.live's solution flexibility enables it to work with any network technology from cellular, satellite, or microwave, to Wi-Fi and Ethernet IP, to deliver multi-WAN to LAN secured network connectivity and live streaming HD video, from just about any location. And it provides for management of a secured and highly scalable multi-tenant, multi-VPN Cloud network with Zero Trust security.

Based on the current status of its offering — a proven, commercially deployed technology with zero risk for development and market validation — BBT.live is focusing on the multi-billion-dollar niche market, with a service model based on its technology to offer a recurring revenue stream for data and Cloud services. BBT.live is unique in the market as a facilitator of anywhere-to-everywhere, secured wireless connectivity over public infrastructures.

BBT.live serves any size customer including news broadcasting, web streaming, law enforcement, healthcare, public safety, military applications, etc. Its customers include Tel Aviv Municipality, Cellcom, and Israel Home Front Command.

Source: Broadband Wireless Network  

Passive Audio Amps For Smart Phones

Buy An Amp today

Oh come on they are cool.

These are acoustic amplifiers for smartphones. They don't need electric power to operate and there are no moving parts. They work like a megaphone (speaking-trumpet, bullhorn, or loudhailer). Everyone that I have shown one to has said something like “Wow, I want one of those!” So I have built a few of them.

Of course there are more “Hi-Fi” ways to listen to audio on your smartphone but who would want to plug an elegant smartphone into some cheap, plastic gadget? Or even use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which are a pain in the neck to set up, even on a smartphone.

These have been made with hardwood bases and some of them are exotic hardwoods with interesting grain patterns. The horns are polished brass — made from mostly old horns that had rubber bulbs on the ends and were used in “times gone by” by taxis and even clowns in circuses. These horns have been re-purposed, reshaped, soldered, and polished.

They horns are now on display and for sale at:

Owl’s Nest
2006 Kelty Road
Franktown, Colorado 80116

Tel: 303-954-8229
Location: Map
Social Media: Facebook
Twitter: @owlsnestfranktown
E-mail: Virginia Angus
Allan Angus

The two large horns — the trombone and the gramophone — are difficult to pack and ship to they are for local pickup only. The remainder can be sent to you. I have the cowboy horn and the rest are in stock at the Colorado coffee shop.

Please call for pricing and availability or stop in for a demo and a great cup of espresso.

P.S. Allan, Virginia and I worked together at WebLink Wireless in Dallas.



Leavitt Communications

leavitt

50 years experience providing and supporting radio and paging customers worldwide. Call us anytime we can be useful!

 

COM

 

UNICATION

 


Minitor VI

Leavitt sells and supports most pager brands. We stock Unication G1, G5, Secure and some Elegant pagers. Call or e-mail for price and availability.

Philip C. Leavitt, V.P.
Leavitt Communications
7508 N. Red Ledge Drive
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

CONTACT INFORMATION
E-mail: pcleavitt@leavittcom.com
Web Site: www.leavittcom.com
Mobile phone: 847-494-0000
Telephone: 847-955-0511
Fax: 270-447-1909
Skype ID: pcleavitt

Zoom says free users will get end-to-end encryption after all

The beta launches in July for both free and paid users

By Nick Statt @nickstatt Jun 17, 2020, 12:53pm EDT


illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

Zoom says it will begin allowing users of its videoconferencing software to enable end-to-end encryption of calls starting with a beta next month, the company announced on Wednesday. The feature won’t be restricted to paid enterprise users, either. It’s coming to both free and paid users, Zoom says, and it will be a toggle switch any call admin can turn on or disable, in the event they want to allow traditional phone lines or older conference room phones to join.

The company said as recently as early June that it might not be able to enable end-to-end encryption for free users out of concern that the app could be used for unlawful activity. Strong encryption would make it difficult for the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to access the data on free calls.

ZOOM SAYS FREE USERS WILL NEED TO VERIFY A PHONE NUMBER TO ENABLE THE SECURITY FEATURE

“Zoom does not proactively monitor meeting content, and we do not share information with law enforcement except in circumstances like child sex abuse,” a company spokesperson said at the time, following comments from Zoom CEO Eric Yuan during a call with investors after the company’s quarterly earnings release. “We plan to provide end-to-end encryption to users for whom we can verify identity, thereby limiting harm to these vulnerable groups. Free users sign up with an e-mail address, which does not provide enough information to verify identity.”

Zoom has also been facing harsh criticism since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic for failing to beef up its security despite huge surges in user growth as Zoom and similar services became virtual hangout tools during lockdowns. In late March, Zoom admitted that while it uses a standard web browser data encryption, it does not use end-to-end encryption. The company has spent the time since improving its security and working on a new encryption solution.

Yet it appears the company has figured out a workaround. “To make this possible, Free/Basic users seeking access to E2EE will participate in a one-time process that will prompt the user for additional pieces of information, such as verifying a phone number via a text message,” Zoom explains in its blog post. “Many leading companies perform similar steps on account creation to reduce the mass creation of abusive accounts. We are confident that by implementing risk-based authentication, in combination with our current mix of tools — including our Report a User function — we can continue to prevent and fight abuse.”

It’s not clear when the feature will launch for all users, but the beta is arriving in July and Zoom intends to have some level of permissions so account administrators can disable or enable it at the account or group level.

Source: The Verge  

WEX INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Hong Kong
ONE SOURCE FOR ALL YOUR REQUIREMENTS OF PAGERS
FOR IN-HOUSE AND WIDE AREA NETWORK PAGING

POCSAG ALPHANUMERIC PAGERS TO SUIT EVERY REQUIREMENT

W8001 (4 Line/8 Line IP67 Alphanumeric Pager)

W8008 Thinnest IP67 Rated Alphanumeric Pager 4 Line/8 Line, OLED Display

W2028 (2 Line/4 Line Alphanumeric Pager)

For Trade inquiries contact:
Eric Dilip Kumar
eric@wex.com.hk

  • Available in VHF, UHF & 900 MHz Full Range Frequency Bands
  • We are OEM for Major Brand names in USA and Europe
  • We also Design and Manufacture POCSAG Decoder Boards
  • We can Design and Manufacture to customer specifications
  • Factory located in Shenzhen, China
  • Pagers have FCC, RoHs, C-Tick, CE-EMC, IC Approvals

Visit our websites for more details www.wex.com.hk

For ESPAÑOL, PORTUGUÊS AND DEUTSCH versions, please go to:
www.pagermaker.com


Technical Specifications of Receiver Decoder Board

Frequency Range
Channel Spacing
Signal Format
Data Transmission Rate
Modulation System
Frequency Deviation
Receiving Sensitivity
Selectivity
Spurious Rejection
Image Rejection
Frequency Stability

928-932 MHz band
25KHz
FLEX
1600bps, 3200bps or 6400bps
carrier frequency shift keying (NRZ)
±4.8KHz
1600bps 8µV/m, 3200bps 10µV/m, 6400bps 12µV/m
50 dB
more than 50 dB
40dB (928-932 MHz)
±3PPM (928-932 MHz)

Source: http://www.pagermaker.com/2-2-receiver-decoder-board.html

 

  Technical Specifications of the POCSAG Decoder Board

Frequency Range
Channel Spacing
Signal Format
Data Transmission Rate
Modulation System
Frequency Deviation
Receiving Sensitivity
Selectivity
Image Rejection
Spurious Rejection
Frequency Stability
Operating Current
Operating Voltage
Operating Temperature and Humidity
RF Input
Data Output
Storing Temperature and Humidity
RS232 Format
Baud Rate
Data Bit
Stop Bit
Check Bit

137-174MHz, 417-472MHz, 928-932MHz
25KHz
POCSAG
512bps, 1200bps or 2400bps
carrier frequency shift keying (NRZ)
±4.5KHz
-122dBm (Min)
60dB ±25KHz
≧45dB
≧50dB
±3ppm
16mA
+5.0V
-10 ℃ to 40℃ , 95% (at 40℃ )
50 OHM (SMA)
RS232
-30℃ to 70℃ , 95% (at 40℃ )

1200 BPS
8 bit
1 bit
No

Source: http://www.pagermaker.com/2-4-pocsag-decoder-board.html

 

  Technical Specifications of the 900 MHz FLEX Decoder Board

Frequency Range
Channel Spacing
Signal Format

Data Transmission Rate
Modulation System
Frequency Deviation
Receiving Sensitivity

Selectivity
Spurious Rejection
Image Rejection
Frequency Stability
Tone Alert Output
Operating Voltage
Operating Temperature and Humidity
Storing Temperature and Humidity

928-932MHz band
25KHz and 20KHz
compatible with Motorola-FLEX Paging protocol, G.1.8 version
1600bps or 3200bps or 6400bps
carrier frequency shift keying (NRZ)
±4.8KHz
1600bps 8µV/m, 3200bps 10µV/m, 6400bps 12µV/m
40dB (928-932MHz)
more than 50dB
35dB (928-932MHz)
±2.5ppm (928-932MHz)
N/A
1.5V and 3.0V
-20℃ to 60℃, 95% (at 40℃)
-30℃ to 70℃, 95% (at 40℃)

Source: http://www.pagermaker.com/2-3-900mhz-flex-decoder-board.html

In Reference to The Three Products Above

One of the catchy phrases composed by Rob Lockhart to promote diversification in paging was:

  • People Paging People
  • People Paging Things
  • Things Paging People
  • Things Paging Things

The last three have long been my favorite for "non-traditional" use of paging channels for machine communication. These can be used for:

  • Machine alarms sent to people
  • People sending commands to remote machines
    • Remote server resets
    • Electrical grid load shedding (hot water heaters, etc.)
    • Turning sprinkler and other systems off/on
  • And even machine to machine communication without human intervention

So if this got you thinking about new applications, I draw your attention to the telemetry products from Wex International Limited. These are basically the "guts" of a pager including the radio receiver and/or the protocol decoder. There are both POCSAG and FLEX™ products available. Making a new product with these devices is not a major technical issue. Please see the ad following.

One good example that I heard was this: An on-call technician gets a phone call late at night. An important server has crashed or frozen. He or she has to get out of bed, get dressed, drive to the server location, unlock the building and push the reset button on the server. All of this could be done with one telephone call to a paging system that would then send a simple tone-only page to the Wex telemetry device and "push" the reset button (electrically).

Another cool application is sending text messages to scrolling LED signs with many different uses:

  • Amber alerts (missing children)
  • Public Safety emergencies
  • Traffic jams and rerouting information
  • Various types of commercial advertising
  • Evacuations

More application information here.


Paging Transmitters 150/900 MHz

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

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

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

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

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.


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


IMPORTANT

“Is Paging Going Away?” by Jim Nelson

  • Click here for English.
  • Click here for German. (Berlin Revision: November 8, 2016)
  • Click here for French.

Here is an English PDF edit of this paper formatted with page breaks and suitable for printing.

Volunteers needed for translations into other languages.


Board of Advisors

The Wireless Messaging News
Board of Advisors

Frank McNeill
Founder & CEO
Communications Specialists
Jim Nelson
President & CEO
Prism Systems International
Kevin D. McFarland, MSCIS
Sr. Application Systems Analyst
Dartmouth-Hitchcock
Medical Center
Paul Lauttamus, President
Lauttamus Communications & Security
R.H. (Ron) Mercer
Wireless Consultant
Barry Kanne
Paging Industry Veteran
Ira Wiesenfeld, P.E.
Consulting Engineer
Allan Angus
Consulting Engineer

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.


CAN YOU HELP?

Can You Help The Newsletter?

animated left arrow

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


Reader Support

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

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

 


Delta County 9-1-1 millage levy hiked

ESCANABA — Delta County’s 911 Authority millage will be levied at its full rate of 0.75 mills ($0.75 per $1,000 of taxable value). The increase was approved by the Delta County Board of Commissioners during a meeting Tuesday.

According to Delta County Central Dispatch (DCCD) 911 Coordinator Darin Hunter, who gave a presentation at the meeting, the county’s 911 millage was originally proposed and approved in 2005. At the time, it was set to last through July 2020 and was levied at 0.5 mills ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value).

In 2019, Delta County voters approved the renewal of the 911 millage for another five years. It was renewed at 0.75 mills, but has been levied at a rate of $0.45 mills ($0.45 per $1,000 of taxable value).

“I’m here tonight to ask that we can go for a full capture,” Hunter said.

The change could help provide funding for a 800MHz radio system for DCCD. Hunter spoke about the proposed system during Tuesday’s meeting.

DCCD communications are currently split across multiple systems. Fire and EMS dispatching is handled on a system making use of six VHF tower sites across the county, and Escanaba Public Safety’s radio uses a separate VHF system. Meanwhile, the Delta County Sheriff’s Department, Gladstone Public Safety and Michigan State Police are dispatched via the state’s digital trunked radio system.

In 2019, DCCD provided dispatching services in a total of 20,780 incidents. The VHF systems they have been using for this work are outdated, and are affected by inconsistent coverage and interference.

“The system is roughly 30 years-plus in age,” Hunter said.

The cost of upgrading the current VHF system was estimated at $3.9 million.

“The 911 Authority then directed me to try to look at alternative measures, and one of the alternative measures I’m looking at is transferring over to an 800(MHz) system,” Hunter said.

Hunter said these systems have a number of advantages. These include uniform radio coverage for all first responders; improved coverage and accountability; and the fact that towers, antennas and equipment would be maintained by Michigan Public Safety Communication System.

The disadvantages of moving to an 800MHz system that Hunter listed were mostly related to finances. Hunter said the total cost of the project was estimated between $2.4 million and $3.6 million.

“Currently, at the .45 mills, we do not have enough revenue for a capital outlay project of this magnitude,” he said.

Work on the 800MHz project would take place over four phases. In Phase One — which is set to continue over the next six months — the authority will seek FAA certification or exemption of a 100-foot tower at Escanaba Public Safety and will work with Michigan Public Safety Communication System to do a study on the possibility of using Escanaba Public Safety as a “micro-site” for a 800MHz antenna, among other work.

In Phase Two — which would take place between the six-month and one-year marks — all township fire departments, EMS and law enforcement departments (with the exception of Michigan State Police) would be outfitted with 800MHz radios. A micro-site and/or “green site” would begin operating to allow for optimal coverage within Escanaba’s city limits.

In Phase Three — which would take place between the one-year and 18-month marks — Escanaba Public Safety would transfer its full communications to 800MHz after coverage is upgraded. Prices would be sought for 800MHz pagers, and a study would be done for 800MHz paging equipment for DCCD consoles.

Finally, in Phase Four — which would take place between the 18-month and 24-month marks — the county’s radio and paging would be fully transferred to 800MHz communication operability and a decision would be made on what to do with the VHF system.

After some discussion by the board, a motion to increase the rate at which the 911 Authority millage is levied from 0.45 mills to 0.75 mills was unanimously approved.

Source: Daily Press  

  • LIVE response possible to any program with Media 1 Live app from Android or Apple stores, summed up immediately for producer on web site media1live.com
  • Propose LIVE broadcast on Internet with live response to reach youth with low cost quality education, seeking persons interested.
  • Contact: ewtexas@att.net

SALCOM

 

SEA AIR AND LAND COMMUNICATIONS LTD
10 Vanadium Place, Addington
Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
Ph: +64 (0)3 379 2298
Web Page: www.salcom.com
Free: 0508 Salcom (NZ Only)
E-mail: sales@salcom.com

 


PRISM IPX Systems


Easy Solutions

easy solutions

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

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

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

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

Experts in Paging Infrastructure

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

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

Easy Solutions
3220 San Simeon Way
Plano, Texas 75023

Vaughan Bowden
Telephone: 972-898-1119
Telephone: 214 785-8255
Website: www.EasySolutions4You.com
E-mail: vaughan@easysolutions4you.com


GLENAYRE INFRASTRUCTURE

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.


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.

Input Protocols: Serial and IP
TAP TNPP SNPP
HTTP WCTP SMTP
POTS (DTMF) DID (DTMF)  
 
Output Protocols: Serial and IP
TAP TNPP SNPP
HTTP HTTPS SMPP
WCTP WCTPS SMTP
FLEX (optional PURC control)   POCSAG (optional PURC control)

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


BlackBerry Adds More Federal Agencies to Crisis Notification Platform

Thursday, June 11, 2020

BlackBerry announced that its FedRAMP-authorized BlackBerry AtHoc crisis communications system continues to expand its position within the U.S. federal government with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) using BlackBerry AtHoc for secure crisis response.

The FTC is a new customer. USDOT joined the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) AtHoc FedRAMP Cloud solution, and HHS achieved its department authority to operate (ATO) for BlackBerry AtHoc.

BlackBerry AtHoc is trusted by government, military, commercial and humanitarian organizations around the world including more than 70% of U.S. federal government employees. The BlackBerry AtHoc FedRAMP solution is a secure emergency mass notification system used across the U.S. federal government. To date, BlackBerry AtHoc has received 12 ATOs from federal agencies including the departments of Energy, Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury and Veterans Affairs, as well as the FAA and HHS.

Source: Radio Resource MissionCritical Communications  

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 Network Planners
Wireless Specialists

R.H. (Ron) Mercer
Consultant
217 First Street
East Northport, NY 11731

ron mercer
Telephone: 631-786-9359
www.wirelessplanners.com left arrow
wirelessplannerron@gmail.com left arrow

Effective intergovernment communication fosters clear, calm crisis management

BY DAVID WISEMANJUN 16, 2020

The novel coronavirus remains top of mind for millions of people around the world. The spread of the virus continues to increase at such a rapid pace that news outlets are pushing out regular updates, and social media channels have COVID-19 dedicated sections where news and theories are posted by the minute. This giant wave of speculation and endless conjecture mixed with rapidly changing facts causes public confusion and the dangerous spread of misinformation.

With a death toll ticking up by the day and many countries still under quarantine, public alarm is arguably as high as it’s been since 9/11. Considering that the federal shelter-in-place order was the first quarantine mandate of its kind in over 50 years, it’s no surprise that this sudden change, combined with the pandemic itself, is creating a chaotic public health emergency.

The role of intergovernment communications during a crisis

That said, it’s absolutely crucial governments are fully prepared when it comes to crisis communication to keep people calm, safe, informed and healthy in real time, aligning communication practices among federal, state and local agencies. When society is being pulled between fact and fiction, reliable intergovernment communications can showcase strong leadership, instill trust in the public and greatly assist in relieving societal unrest.

There is, however, a debate over the best way to conduct intergovernment communications during times like this and effectively deliver the information and messaging the public requires and deserves. On one hand, too much messaging from multiple sources can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and more confused than before. On the other, lacking consistent and clear communication during times of crisis can ultimately have serious repercussions, such as increased upheaval and fear-mongering.

Navigating intergovernment communication during a pandemic

When mass panic spreads as a result of a pandemic, the best way to squash it is to ensure government officials at each and every level are communicating effectively with citizens. All communication must be aligned across government agencies, with clear guidelines, protocols and security measures around the dissemination of information in place. This is extremely valuable in terms of guiding a country through this crisis and any future incidents.

However, that’s easier said than done when one considers the scale of coordination needed to provide clear, real-time communication via multiple channels and various languages between thousands of federal stakeholders and millions of citizens. Governments can get the word out, while simultaneously keeping the public calm and collected, with well-designed crisis communication programs. This is where emergency notification systems can help.

Emergency notification systems represent the pinnacle of strong intergovernment communication at work. When properly implemented, they are interoperable across a wide range of networks, media and devices used by different agencies, first responders and health care workers. Emergency notifications should facilitate the distribution of updates from government agencies so that all civilians are receiving one clear, unified message about what’s going on around them. It’s also critically important to get information back from first responders and medical staff working on the frontlines and coordinating safety around an outbreak. Governments can use this data to build reactive and improved strategies for battling the pandemic and keeping millions of people informed.

Keeping intergovernment communications secure

Pandemic control also requires a comprehensive approach featuring strong intergovernment communication regarding the dissemination of information to the general public. Security must be at the forefront of this approach. Multimodal technology is a leading option here, as it can promptly send messages to all connected devices, rather than relying on one type of technology like SMS. Individual government agencies that are in sync with their communication practices can seamlessly orchestrate announcements and updates, ultimately calming the public and inspiring trust.

Arguably just as important, these systems must use authentication and encryption to secure all communication and comply with government security and privacy regulations. Careful control of information between responders, public health officials and civilians is also key. All messaging must be carefully vetted and approved by authorized leaders from federal, state and local government agencies prior to being released to the public. Divulging sensitive information prior to it being vetted can be detrimental to public trust, creating even more uncertainty. This is where having all government agencies on the same page is absolutely crucial, ensuring level-headed, consistent response.

The benefits of improved intergovernment communication

The novel coronavirus is a potent reminder of how important it is for governments to react, inform, communicate and respond in real time to contain a crisis and take immediate action to save lives. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a major wake-up call for local, state and federal governments to take a good, hard look at their current communication processes and ensure they’re designed to support the primary objective of keeping the public safe and informed.

The way governments are communicating among each other every day is highly valuable in instilling public confidence and demonstrating a country’s strong leadership. If anything, this pandemic exemplifies the power that clear and coordinated intergovernment communication can have. Strong investment in improving intergovernment communications will pay off in the long term, as it will manifest an integrated government that is prepared for the crises to come.

About the Author

David Wiseman is vice president of secure communications with BlackBerry.

Source: CGN.com  


Consulting Alliance

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 left arrow 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


Consulting Alliance

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


Leavitt Communications

We can supply alphanumeric display, numeric display, and voice pagers.

We also offer NEW and refurbished Alphamate 250s, refurbished Alphamate IIs, the original Alphamate refurbished, and new and refurbished pagers, pager repairs, pager parts, and accessories. We are FULL SERVICE in Paging! Outstanding service is our goal.

E-mail Phil Leavitt ( pcleavitt@leavittcom.com ) for pricing and delivery information, or for a list of other available paging and two-way related equipment.

Phil Leavitt
847-955-0511
pcleavitt@leavittcom.com

LEAVITT COMMUNICATIONS
7508 N. Red Ledge Drive
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
www.leavittcom.com


Inside Towers Newsletter

Thursday, June 18, 2020 Volume 8 | Issue 118

T-Mobile Layoffs Begin, AT&T Plans Job Cuts Too

T-Mobile let go hundreds of Sprint workers this week and AT&T plans layoffs as well, according to published reports. T-Mobile VP James Kirby on Monday told hundreds of Sprint employees their services were no longer needed. He declined to answer questions, citing the “personal” nature of employee feedback, and ended the conference call, reported TechCrunch.

TechCrunch obtained leaked audio of the call, which was said to be one of several held by T-Mobile leadership throughout the day to lay off staff across the organization. The layoffs come just two months after its acquisition of Sprint closed.

On the call, Kirby said T-Mobile was eliminating Sprint’s inside sales unit, a division that focuses on small businesses. The executive didn’t say how many staff were laid off. Almost 400 people were in the phone meeting, a person on the call told TechCrunch.

Kirby said the layoffs would make way for 200 new positions, and encouraged employees to apply for one of the new jobs. The employees who were laid off Monday will keep their jobs for another two months until August 13, said Kirby.

The exact effect the merger has had on employee headcount is murky. Last month, the Communications Workers of America estimated it would impact some 30,000 jobs as corporate roles and retail stores consolidated.

In a statement, T-Mobile told TechCrunch it’s looking at its entire merged organization, “to ensure that we focus our resources in the places where our customers need us the most. This will result in additional career opportunities for many, as the company positions itself for long-term healthy growth. As part of this process, some employees who hold similar positions are being asked to consider a career change inside the company, and others will be supported in their efforts to find a new position outside the company. We will work with all employees and support them.”

Meanwhile, AT&T told the Communication Workers of America it plans to cut over 3,400 technician and clerical jobs over the next few weeks. In addition, the carrier plans to permanently close 250 AT&T Mobility and Cricket Wireless stores, impacting 1,300 retail jobs.

CWA and AT&T have been working together to protect worker and customer health and safety and to provide premium pay for essential workers, according to CWA President Chris Shelton. He noted the carrier showed an interest in investing in its workers and its network by canceling planned stock buybacks.

“AT&T could help lead the country toward recovery by partnering with its workforce to build next generation networks. Instead the company is adding to the pain of the recession already underway,” said Shelton.

AT&T said in a statement to Business Insider, “economic impact and changed customer behaviors” due to the pandemic drove the layoffs and store closures. AT&T said it’s eliminating more non-payroll workers, many of which are based outside of the United States, than it is managers or union-represented employees.

Friday, June 19, 2020 Volume 8 | Issue 119

Thune Introduces Bill to Fund Rural Broadband Deployment

Sen. John Thune (R-SD), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, Thursday introduced a bill to dedicate a portion of FCC spectrum auction proceeds for rural broadband through September 30, 2022. Under the Rural Connectivity Advancement Program (RCAP) Act of 2020, the agency would be able to use the money to support broadband deployment in rural America.

“The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need to ensure that we provide rural areas, not just in South Dakota, but throughout the entire United States, with reliable broadband connectivity. My bill would take an important step toward the goal of closing the digital divide and does so in a responsible manner,” said Thune.

Several telecom trade associations praised the action, including NATE, the Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, which endorsed the measure and said it would provide funding for communications infrastructure expansion. “Closing the digital divide has been a top NATE priority for several years,” said NATE President/CEO Todd Schlekeway. “The association and our member companies have been honored to collaborate with Sen. Thune and his staff on important initiatives to improve communications services in rural, underserved and unserved areas of the United States. The bill he is introducing today will accelerate development of critical communications infrastructure and the deployment of broadband in rural America. This legislation also represents an enormous economic and employment opportunity for the communications industry,” added Schlekeway.

“The legislation introduced today represents yet another measure of that leadership and a reaffirmed commitment to achieving the goal of universal service,” said NCTA CEO Shirley Bloomfield. “The Rural Connectivity Advancement Program Act would leverage efforts that have already proven effective in tackling connectivity challenges in rural America, and provide much-needed resources to help the FCC build upon the successes thus far of these existing programs to close the remaining digital divide.”

CTIA SVP Government Affairs Kelly Cole explained the bill “recognizes the importance of ensuring all Americans have access to broadband, especially those in rural areas, and seeks to provide the necessary resources to close the digital divide.” USTelecom President/CEO Jonathan Spalter noted the measure “recognizes the essential public-private partnership necessary to deploy high-speed broadband to every corner of the country and narrow the digital divide.”

“By establishing a permanent funding source for rural broadband that will supplement current resources and use existing programs, this bill has the potential to deliver rapid results for rural Americans in more communities across our country,” said Lisa Youngers, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association.

Specifically, RCAP would:

  • Set-aside 10 percent of the net proceeds from spectrum auctions for the buildout of broadband networks;
  • Require the FCC to use the funds to address gaps that remain in broadband Internet access service coverage in high-cost rural areas;
  • Allow the Commission to use the funds in a technology-neutral manner to address shortfalls in sufficient funding of existing USF High-Cost Programs for the buildout of broadband services;
  • Require the agency to consider the broadband Internet access service needs of residents of tribal lands; and
  • Require the FCC to produce an annual report on the distribution of funds established under this act.

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's partners. The firm's contact information is included at the end of this section of the newsletter.

  BloostonLaw Telecom Update Vol. 23, No. 25 June 17, 2020  

REMINDER: CLECs Must De-tariff Business Data Services by August 1

In April of 2017, the FCC adopted its Business Data Services Order requiring price cap incumbent LECs and all competitive LECs to de-tariff their business data services (BDS a.k.a. Special Access). The transition period adopted for the prescribed de-tariffing comes to a close on August 1, 2020. After that date, the FCC has indicated that “no price cap incumbent LEC or competitive LEC may file or maintain any interstate tariffs for affected business data services.” The FCC further noted, however, that de-tariffing is not intended to “disturb existing contractual or other long-term arrangements.” According to the FCC, “a contract tariff remains a contract even if it is no longer tariffed.”

Carriers with questions about the mandatory de-tariffing of BDS may contact the firm for more information.

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

Headlines


FCC Releases Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction Procedures Public Notice

On June 11, the FCC released the text of its Public Notice prescribing the procedures for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Phase I auction (Auction 904). In addition, the following official dates have been adopted:

Auction Application Tutorial Available (via Internet) ......................... By June 15, 2020
Short-Form Application (FCC Form 183)    
Filing Window Opens ......................... July 1, 2020; 12:00 noon EDT
Short-Form Application (FCC Form 183)    
Filing Window Closes ......................... July 15, 2020; 6:00 p.m. EDT
Auction Bidding Tutorial Available (via Internet) ......................... By October 14, 2020
Mock Auction Begins ......................... October 26, 2020
Auction Begins ......................... October 29, 2020

At least 14 days prior to the short-form application deadline, the FCC will release a list and map of eligible census blocks based on the most recent publicly available FCC Form 477 data and incorporating comments received during the limited challenge process. The list will include the reserve price for each Census Block Group (CBG) containing eligible census blocks and the number of locations associated with each CBG as determined by the Connect America Model. The FCC will also remove from that list any areas that will be substantially overlapped by an announced ReConnect Program awardee.

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

FCC Seeks Comment on CAF Phase II Location Adjustment Waiver Request

On June 15, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comment on a petition filed by the Connect America Fund Phase II Coalition (Phase II Coalition), a group of 14 carriers authorized to receive support through the CAF Phase II Auction program. Comments are due June 29, and reply comments are due July 7.

Specifically, the Phase II Coalition requests a waiver of the requirement to reduce support on a per location basis (pro rata reduction) in situations where the total number of qualifying locations within the state is within 35% of the carrier’s CAF Phase II Auction defined deployment obligation for that state (35% threshold). In addition, petitioners request that the FCC allow funding recipients to certify at the end of their support term that the actual number of qualifying locations is within this 35% threshold rather than requiring them to participate in the Eligible Locations Adjustment Process (ELAP) to establish the number of total qualifying locations.

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

FCC Seeks to Refresh the Record in Contribution Methodology Reform for One-Way VoIP

On June 11, the FCC adopted a Public Notice inviting interested parties to update the record in the 2012 Contributions Reform Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking as it pertains to whether the FCC should exercise its permissive authority under section 254(d) to include in the contribution base revenues derived from the provision of “one-way” voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Comments are due July 13 and reply comments are due July 27.

Specifically, the FCC seeks updated responses to the questions posed in that proceeding, and seeks comment on whether such services should be required to pay other fees applicable to interconnected VoIP services, such as regulatory fees. Questions from the previous proceeding include:

  • a potential definition of such one-way VoIP services for the purpose of USF contributions: “A service that (1) enables real-time, two-way voice communications; (2) requires a broadband connection from the user's location; (3) requires Internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment; and (4) permits users generally to receive calls that originate on the public switched telephone network or terminate calls to the public switched telephone network.”
  • whether competitive neutrality concerns now support the inclusion of one-way VoIP services within the contribution base.
  • the size of the one-way VoIP marketplace in the United States, and whether this marketplace is likely to grow or shrink in the future

The FCC previously found that it is in the public interest to require providers of two-way interconnected VoIP services to contribute, noting that among other things, such providers benefit from universal service because much of the appeal of their services to consumers derives from the ability to place calls to and receive calls from the PSTN, and that interconnected VoIP increasingly was being used by consumers in lieu of traditional voice telephony. The FCC seeks comment on whether this rationale should apply to one-way VoIP as well.

Carriers with questions or interested in filing comments may contact the firm for more information.

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

FCC Adopts Second Report and Order on Next-Gen TV

On June 16, the FCC released the text of its Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration in its proceeding on authorizing permissive use of the “Next Generation” broadcast television standard (GN Docket No. 16-142). In this document, which was originally adopted on June 3, the FCC provides additional guidance to broadcasters deploying Next Gen TV that wish to receive a waiver of local simulcasting rules, declines to permit at this time the use of vacant broadcast channels for purposes of Next Gen TV deployment, and clarifies the “significantly viewed” status of Next Gen TV stations. Second, the FCC dismissed and denied two petitions for reconsideration of the Next Gen TV Report and Order.

BloostonLaw Contact: Gerry Duffy.

Law and Regulation


Comment on 5G Fund Adjustment Factors Due July 7

On June 17, the FCC published in the Federal Register its Public Notice seeking comment on adjustment factor values for the 5G Fund. Accordingly, comments are due July 7, and reply comments are due August 6.

As we reported in last week’s edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, the FCC sought comment on specific adjustment factors for the 5G Fund. The purpose of these factors is to try to account for the relative costs of serving areas that vary in terrain characteristics and potential business cases. The proposed adjustment factors also would be used to transition legacy high-cost support to 5G Fund support. The Demand Factors are calculated using various economic characteristics—including income, GDP, and population density—as proxies for the demand factors in each of the economic analyses. The Terrain Elevation was calculated and characterized as follows: “flat” is a standard deviation of terrain elevation of 40 meters or less; “hilly” is a standard deviation of terrain elevation between 40 and 115 meters; and “mountainous” is a standard deviation of terrain elevation of greater than 115 meters.

The FCC also sought comment on three analyses used to support these factors. In the first analysis, the FCC examined how geographic areas’ physical and demographic characteristics affect carriers’ network deployment decisions. In its second analysis, the FCC estimated the difference in the number of cell sites required to provide high-quality 5G service in hillier terrain areas compared to flat areas. In its third analysis, the FCC used Mobility Fund Phase I (Auction 901) sealed bid data (i.e., a firm’s requested subsidy to provide mobile service to a specified unserved geographic area) to understand how terrain and other factors impact the bid amount requested by a carrier to deploy service.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Cary Mitchell.

FCC Announces 26.5% USF Contribution Factor for Q3

On June 12, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing that the proposed universal service contribution factor for the third quarter of 2020 will be 0.265 or 26.5% percent. The FCC calculates the quarterly contribution factor based on the ratio of total projected quarterly costs of the universal service support mechanisms to contributors’ total projected collected end-user interstate and international telecommunications revenues, net of projected contributions.

The contribution factor is calculated based upon the projected demand and expenses as follows:

($ millions)

Program Demand Projected Program Support Admin. Expenses Application Of Interest Income Application of True-Ups & Adjustments Total Program Collection (Revenue Requirement)
Rural Health Care 534.10 20.98 (0.32) 554.76 534.10
Rural Health Care 151.19 0.00 (0.23) 150.96 151.19
High-Cost 1,214.01 16.29 (25.07) 1,205.23 1,214.01
Low Income 198.67 18.07 (10.08) 206.66 198.67
TOTAL 2,097.97 55.34 (35.70) 2,117.61 2,097.97

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Gerry Duffy.

Industry


FCC Announces Availability of RDOF Short Form Instructions, Tutorial

On June 15, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing that it has released the instructions for completing the short-form application (FCC Form 183) for entities seeking to participate in Auction 904 (Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I). The instructions are available on the Auction 904 website (www.fcc.gov/auction/904) under the Education tab.

Among other things, the instructions indicate how an applicant can select the specific state(s) in which it wishes to bid, choose the performance tier and latency combination(s) on which it wishes to bid in its selected state(s), submit operational and financial information demonstrating that it can meet the public interest obligations associated with the performance tier and latency combination(s) for which it intends to bid, disclose auction-related agreements, and provide information regarding its ownership structure.

In addition, the FCC announced that an online tutorial is now available to assist applicants in completing their short-form applications. This tutorial is also accessible on the Auction 904 website through a link under the Education tab

Deadlines


JULY 1: FCC FORM 481 (CARRIER ANNUAL REPORTING DATA COLLECTION FORM). All eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) must report the information required by Section 54.313, which includes information on the ETC’s holding company, operating companies, ETC affiliates and any branding in response to section 54.313(a)(8); its CAF-ICC certification, if applicable; its financial information, if a privately held rate-of-return carrier; and its satellite backhaul certification, if applicable.

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

JULY 1: MOBILITY FUND PHASE I ANNUAL REPORT. Winning bidders in Auction 901 that are authorized to receive Mobility Fund Phase I support are required to submit to the FCC an annual report each year on July 1 for the five years following authorization. Each annual report must be submitted to the Office of the Secretary, clearly referencing WT Docket No. 10-208; the Universal Service Administrator; and the relevant state commissions, relevant authority in a U.S. Territory, or Tribal governments, as appropriate. The information and certifications required to be included in the annual report are described in Section 54.1009 of the FCC’s rules.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Sal Taillefer.

JULY 31: CARRIER IDENTIFICATION CODE (CIC) REPORTS. Carrier Identification Code (CIC) Reports must be filed by the last business day of July (this year, July 31). These reports are required of all carriers who have been assigned a CIC code by NANPA. Failure to file could result in an effort by NANPA to reclaim it, although according to the Guidelines this process is initiated with a letter from NANPA regarding the apparent non-use of the CIC code. The assignee can then respond with an explanation. (Guidelines Section 6.2). The CIC Reporting Requirement is included in the CIC Assignment Guidelines, produced by ATIS. According to section 1.4 of that document: At the direction of the NANPA, the access providers and the entities who are assigned CICs will be requested to provide access and usage information to the NANPA, on a semi-annual basis to ensure effective management of the CIC resource. (Holders of codes may respond to the request at their own election). Access provider and entity reports shall be submitted to NANPA no later than January 31 for the period ending December 31, and no later than July 31 for the period ending June 30. It is also referenced in the NANPA Technical Requirements Document, which states at 7.18.6:

CIC holders shall provide a usage report to the NANPA per the industry CIC guidelines … The NAS shall be capable of accepting CIC usage reports per guideline requirements on January 31 for the period ending December 31 and no later than July 31 for the period ending June 30. These reports may also be mailed and accepted by the NANPA in paper form. Finally, according to the NANPA website, if no local exchange carrier reports access or usage for a given CIC, NANPA is obliged to reclaim it. The semi-annual utilization and access reporting mechanism is described at length in the guidelines.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Gerry Duffy.

AUGUST 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 August 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 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 and Gerry Duffy.

AUGUST 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 Contacts: Cary Mitchell.

AUGUST 29: COPYRIGHT STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS. The Copyright Statement of Accounts form plus royalty payment for the first half of year is due to be filed August 29 at the Library of Congress’ Copyright Office by cable TV service providers.

BloostonLaw contact: Gerry Duffy.

Calendar At-a-Glance


June
Jun. 17 – Comments are due on Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Exposure NPRM.
Jun. 18 – Comments are due on Executive Branch Review Process.
Jun. 19 – Comments are due on One-Ring Phone Scam Prevention.
Jun. 19 – Upfront payments and Application Corrections for Auction 105 due.
Jun. 23 – Petitions to Suspend or Reject 15-Day Access Tariff Filings are due.
Jun. 24 – 7-Day Access Tariff Filings are due.
Jun. 26 – Petitions to Suspend or Reject 7-Day Access Tariff Filings are due.
Jun. 26 – Replies to Petitions to Suspend or Reject 15-Day Access Tariff Filings are due.
Jun. 25 – Bidding begins in Auction 105.
Jun. 25 – Comments are due on 5G Fund for Rural America.
Jun. 29 – Replies to Petitions to Suspend or Reject 7-Day Access Tariff Filings are due.
Jun. 29 – Comments are due on CAF Phase II Location Adjustment Waivers.
Jun. 30 – Mobile Competitive ETC waiver expires.

July
Jul. 1 – FCC Form 481 (Carrier Annual Reporting Data Collection Form) is due.
Jul. 1 – FCC Form 690 (Mobility Fund Phase I Auction Winner Annual Report) is due.
Jul. 2 – Reply comments are due on Executive Branch Review Process.
Jul. 6 – Comments are due on End User Interstate Access Detariffing.
Jul. 6 – Reply comments are due on One-Ring Phone Scam Prevention.
Jul. 7 – Comments on 5G Fund Adjustment Factor Values are due.
Jul. 7 – Reply comments are due on CAF Phase II Location Adjustment Waivers.
Jul. 7 – Comments are due on 5G Adjustment Factors.
Jul. 10 – Comments on Robocall Enforcement Actions for Carriers with Delayed Compliance are due.
Jul. 15 – Short forms for Auction 904 – Rural Digital Opportunity Fund are due.
Jul. 13 – Comments to refresh the record on One-Way VoIP USF Contribution are due.
Jul. 20 – Reply comments are due on Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Exposure NPRM.
Jul. 27 – Reply comments are due on 5G Fund for Rural America.
Jul. 27 – Reply comments on Robocall Enforcement Actions for Carriers with Delayed Compliance are due.
Jul. 27 – Reply comments to refresh the record on One-Way VoIP USF Contribution are due.
Jul. 31 – Carrier Identification Code (CIC) Report is due.

August
Aug. 1 – FCC Form 502 due (North American Numbering Plan Utilization and Forecast Report).
Aug. 1 – FCC Form 499-Q (Quarterly Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet) is due.
Aug. 1 – Live 911 Call Data Reports from Non-Nationwide Providers are due.
Aug. 4 – Reply comments are due on End User Interstate Access Detariffing.
Aug. 6 – Reply comments on 5G Fund Adjustment Factor Values are due.
Aug. 31 – Lifeline Income Documentation, De-Enrollment/Reverification Requirement waivers expire.

Law Offices Of
Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens,
Duffy & Prendergast, LLP

2120 L St. NW, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 659-0830
(202) 828-5568 (fax)

— CONTACTS —

Harold Mordkofsky, 202-828-5520, hma@bloostonlaw.com
Benjamin H. Dickens, Jr., 202-828-5510, bhd@bloostonlaw.com
Gerard J. Duffy, 202-828-5528, gjd@bloostonlaw.com
John A. Prendergast, 202-828-5540, jap@bloostonlaw.com
Richard D. Rubino, 202-828-5519, rdr@bloostonlaw.com
Mary J. Sisak, 202-828-5554, mjs@bloostonlaw.com
D. Cary Mitchell, 202-828-5538, cary@bloostonlaw.com
Salvatore Taillefer, Jr., 202-828-5562, sta@bloostonlaw.com

This newsletter is not intended to provide legal advice. Those interested in more information should contact the firm.


THIS WEEK'S MUSIC VIDEO

“What A Difference A Day Made”

Hetty Loxston accompanied by Marco Marconi

Hetty Loxston

I hope you enjoy our version of this classic jazz ballad. “What A Difference A Day Made” also recorded as “What A Difference A Day Makes” originally “Cuando vuelva a tu lado” (“When I Return to Your Side”) by Maria Grever. Hetty Loxston — Vocals (www.hettyloxston.com) Marco Marconi — Piano (www.marcomarconi.com) With huge thanks to Nick Taylor at Porcupine Studios, London for recording, mixing, and mastering our performance. Photo credit Pixaudio Ltd.

Source: YouTube  

Complete Technical Services for the Communications and Electronics Industries


Technical Services Inc.

Texas Registered Engineering Firm #F16945

“It's more than Push-To-Talk”

7711 Scotia Drive
Dallas, TX 75248-3112

Ira Wiesenfeld, P.E.

President • Principal Engineer
CETsr CA GROL IEEE LSM
WA5GXP

Cell: 214-707-7711
E-mail: iwiesenfel@aol.com
Toll Free: 844-IWA-TECH (844-492-8324)
Web: https://www.iwa-radio.com

Design  •  Installation  •  Maintenance  •  Training


Best regards,
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73 DE K9IQY
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