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NO POLITICS HERE

This doesn't mean that nothing is ever published here that mentions a US political party—it just means that the editorial policy of this newsletter is to remain neutral on all political issues. We don't take sides.

A new issue of the Wireless Messaging Newsletter is posted on the web each week. A notification goes out by e-mail to subscribers on most Fridays around noon central US time. The notification message has a link to the actual newsletter on the web. That way it doesn’t fill up your incoming e-mail account.

There is no charge for subscription and there are no membership restrictions. Readers are a very select group of wireless industry professionals, and include the senior managers of many of the world’s major Paging and Wireless Messaging companies. There is an even mix of operations managers, marketing people, and engineers — so I try to include items of interest to all three groups. It’s all about staying up-to-date with business trends and technology.

I regularly get readers’ comments, so this newsletter has become a community forum for the Paging, and Wireless Messaging communities. You are welcome to contribute your ideas and opinions. Unless otherwise requested, all correspondence addressed to me is subject to publication in the newsletter and on my web site. I am very careful to protect the anonymity of those who request it.

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.

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Advertiser Index

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.)

Buy An Amp today

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:

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.

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

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

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

			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.

May 13, 2020,02:54 pm EDT

900 Million iPhones Affected By Updated Apple iOS Warning

Gordon Kelly Gordon Kelly, Senior Contributor
Consumer Tech
I write about technology's biggest companies

05/13 Update below. This post was originally published on May 10

Apple recently confirmed one of the longest-running vulnerabilities in iOS history , affecting millions of iPhone users. And now new information reveals it just got bigger.

Every Apple iPhone ever made is impacted by a new security alert APPLE

In April, Apple acknowledged that every iPhone released in the last eight years was vulnerable to remote attacks through the iOS Mail app . At the time, the company played down the severity of this saying it had seen ‘no evidence’ of exploits but now ZecOps , the security specialist which discovered the flaw, has contacted me with new information that not only is it being triggered in the wild, but that the first potential triggers existed a decade ago and every iPhone ever made is vulnerable (Apple confirmed there are 900M active iPhone last year).

05/12 Update: Apple has responded to me saying it will be sticking to its original statement regarding this vulnerability ( found here ) and is crediting ZecOps for its discovery. As it stands, Apple is not commenting on ZecOps' additional discoveries of vulnerabilities and real-world triggers dating back to 2010. Apple will deliver a fix in iOS 13.5, but there is currently no commitment to patch previous versions of iOS to protect older iPhones. Needless to say, I will keep this post updated with further developments on both sides. As it stands, further developments appear inevitable.

05/13 Update: while Apple continues to play down this vulnerability, significant action is being taken elsewhere. For example, Germany's Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has issued a statement recommending the removal of the iOS Mail app. BSI President Arne Schönbohm states: “The BSI assesses these vulnerabilities as particularly critical. It enables the attackers to manipulate large parts of the mail communication on the affected devices. Futhermore, there is currently no patch available. This means that thousands of iPhones and iPads are at acute risk from private individuals, companies and government agencies. We are in contact with Apple and have asked the company to find a solution for the security of their products as soon as possible.” iOS 13.5 cannot arrive soon enough.

"Apple takes all reports of security threats seriously. We have thoroughly investigated the researcher’s report and, based on the information provided, have concluded these issues do not pose an immediate risk to our users. The researcher identified three issues in Mail, but alone they are insufficient to bypass iPhone and iPad security protections, and we have found no evidence they were used against customers. These potential issues will be addressed in a software update soon. We value our collaboration with security researchers to help keep our users safe and will be crediting the researcher for their assistance.”

“We continued our research of the MailDemon vulnerability,” said ZecOps CEO Zuk Avraham. “We were able to prove that this vulnerability can be used for Remote Code Execution. Unfortunately, a patch is still not available.”

ZecOps has broken down its findings in detail in a new blog post , where it explains both the vulnerability and triggers, which it reports date all the way back to October 22 2010 on an original 2G iPhone running iOS 3.1.3. “One thing is certain, there were triggers in the wild for this vulnerability since 2010” the company explains.

To its credit, Apple has promised to fix this vulnerability in its upcoming iOS 13.5 release which is great news for owners of the iPhone 6S and newer. But the bigger question is whether Apple will release a patch for previous iOS versions to protect older devices still in use. After all, the iPhone 6 is the biggest selling iPhone in the company’s history and was still being sold through Apple partners as recently as last year.

I have contacted Apple and will update this post when I have more information (edit: response above). Until then, ZecOps states that the safest course of action is to disable the iOS Mail app (Apple guide here ) and switch to Gmail or Outlook, neither of which are vulnerable.

We already know that in September, Apple will launch its most exciting new iPhone range in years . But the big question for the company now concerns the past. How far will it go to protect owners of older models and what will it do to plug the gaps which allowed this vulnerability to sit unfixed for a decade?

Potential iPhone 12 owners will be watching.

Apple updates COVID-19 app with updated quarantining guidelines

By Amber Neely
May 15, 2020

Apple's COVID-19 app has received a substantial update aimed at helping people keep themselves safe as the pandemic continues.

In March, Apple had released the COVID-19 app and website, with resources to help people stay informed, and take the proper steps to protect their health during the spread of COVID-19.

According to the App Store notes, the updates included bug fixes and some significant new information. Updates include new recommendations for healthcare workers to align with CDC guidelines, best practices for quarantining if you've been exposed to COVID-19, and new information for pregnancy and newborns.

In April, Apple responded to a letter from several Democratic senators who inquired about the data privacy policies of the company's COVID-19 screening tools.

Apple states that it doesn't collect any information other than non-personally identifiable app usage and crash data. That data is then kept only as long as necessary to "support the operation of the COVID-19 website and app." It also pledged not to share or resell any data collected with third parties or for commercial purposes.

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

• 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

The Wireless Messaging News
Board of Advisors

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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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.

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.

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

Service Contracts

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

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

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

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

Internet Protocol Terminal

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

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

Additional/Optional Features

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

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

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

You Need to Update Adobe Acrobat for macOS Right Now

Sam Rutherford
May 14, 2020
GIZMODO

Image: Adobe

If you use Adobe Acrobat DC and you’re on a Mac, you should update your software right now, because Adobe just pushed out a patch that fixes three critical vulnerabilities.

In its most recent update (version 20.009.20063), Adobe addressed a security issue that allowed local users to exploit Adobe Acrobat DC to gain root access to a macOS computer without being detected.

In a post on their personal blog , Tencent Security Xuanwu Lab researcher Yuebin Sun provided more background on the three vulnerabilities (CVE-2020-9615, CVE-2020-9614, CVE-2020-9613). Sun explains how, even with macOS’s built-in System Integrity Protection enabled, because a critical process in Acrobat runs as root instead of being sandboxed, it’s possible to use that flaw to gain system-level access to someone’s entire machine.

The software update adds a Protected Mode that sandboxes the app and “covers all the features and workflows in Acrobat.” Adobe says its new Protected Mode is a change to Acrobat’s core architecture and should address the app’s previous security concerns.

However, Protected Mode is turned off by default, so if you’re really concerned about security, you’ll need to take a few steps after updating Acrobat to the latest version. Open Acrobat, go to the Edit menu, select Preferences, and from the Categories section, select Security and click the checkbox that says Enable Protected Mode at Startup (Preview).

While any vulnerability that allows bad actors to gain root access to a system is quite serious, the upside of this is that a hacker would need physical access to your machine in order to exploit the flaw, so you don’t have to worry about someone gaining root access remotely.

The update includes a few other improvements, including a streamlined Fill & Sign experience and a simplified redaction tool, but the most important change is Protected Mode.

A lot of people turn to things like automatic updates and antivirus apps to protect their data, but it’s important not to overlook physical security as one of most basic steps for keeping your devices safe and sound.

Paging Data Receiver PDR-4

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

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

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

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

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

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

Wireless Network Planners
Wireless Specialists

R.H. (Ron) Mercer Consultant 217 First Street East Northport, NY 11731
Telephone: 631-786-9359
www.wirelessplanners.com
wirelessplannerron@gmail.com

Microsoft lists CPU requirements for Windows 10 May 2020 Update

By Mayank Parmar - May 14, 2020

Windows 10 May 2020 Update, also known as Windows 10 version 2004, will be released to mainstream consumers in the last week of May. Parallel to that, Microsoft has updated its documentation to highlight the minimum processor requirements for Windows 10 May 2020 Update.

The biggest news from the updated list of CPUs highlighted as minimum requirements for Windows 10 May 2020 Update — is that it supports AMD Ryzen 4000 lineup. For Intel CPUs, Windows 10 version 2004 will support up to tenth-generation Intel processors, Celeron, Pentium, and also Intel Xeon E-22xx.

In addition to AMD Ryzen 4000, Windows 10 supports up to seventh-gen processors from AMD including the A-series, E-series, and FX-9xxx.

Here’s the full list of supported processors:

• 10th Generation Intel processors and older.
• Intel Core i3/i5/i7/i9-10xxx.
• Intel Xeon E-22xx.
• Intel Atom (J4xxx/J5xxx and N4xxx/N5xxx).
• Celeron and Pentium processors.
• AMD 7th Generation processors and older.
• A-Series Ax-9xxx & E-Series Ex-9xxx, FX-9xxx.
• AMD Athlon 2xx.
• AMD Ryzen 3/5/7 4xxx.
• AMD Opteron.
• AMD EPYC 7xxx.
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 and 8cx.

As you can see in the above list, there are no major changes since the October 2018 Update, but Microsoft has added support for new CPUs including Ryzen 4000. Microsoft is also said to be working with AMD on a new Surface Laptop with Ryzen 4000 processor .

With Windows 10 version 2004, Microsoft has started phasing out 32-bit version of Windows 10 . In the company’s support documents, the company revealed that 32-bit version of Windows 10 will no longer be provided to OEMs and all new devices must use 64-bit versions of Windows 10.

Overall, from a hardware perspective, if your computer is already running Windows 10 November 2019 Update, you should be able to download the May 2020 Update as well.

The update arrives between May 26-28

Microsoft has already completed the development of Windows 10 May 2020 Update and it is believed that the update will begin rolling out in the last week of this month.

On 28th May, Microsoft plans to offer Windows 10 version 2004 to those who manually check for updates and also via the Media Creation Tool/Update Assistant.

In the second week of June, Microsoft plans to release the first cumulative update for version 2004 to patch vulnerabilities.

Brad Dye, Ron Mercer, Allan Angus, Vic Jackson, and Ira Wiesenfeld are friends and colleagues who work both together and independently, on wireline and wireless communications projects.

Click here for a summary of their qualifications and experience. Each one has unique abilities. We would be happy to help you with a project, and maybe save you some time and money.

Note: We do not like Patent Trolls, i.e. “a person or company who enforces patent rights against accused infringers in an attempt to collect licensing fees, but does not manufacture products or supply services based upon the patents in question.” We have helped some prominent law firms defend their clients against this annoyance, and would be happy to do some more of this same kind of work.

Some people use the title “consultant” when they don't have a real job. We actually do consulting work, and help others based on our many years of experience.

“If you would know the road ahead, ask someone who has traveled it.”
— Chinese Proverb

Remote AB Switches

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

ABX-1

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

ABX-3

Common Features:

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

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

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

Pai: 5G Has Nothing to Do With the Coronavirus

By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief

The FCC is sticking by its statement that: “5G has nothing to do with the coronavirus.” That’s according to agency Chairman Ajit Pai. Speaking during a Wireless West webinar Wednesday, Pai received several questions about the recent spate of destruction of cell towers both here and abroad by those who are linking 5G with the pandemic.

Pai said at first, he thought the issue was part of “some weird conspiracy theory.” The Commission put out a statement on the problem about a month ago and Pai reiterated it. “We’ve tried to put out as strong a statement as we can that 5G is a friend, not a foe.”

Asked whether the Commission has plans to prosecute those who set fire to or otherwise destroy cell sites, Pai said the FCC doesn’t have the ability to prosecute and defers that to the Department of Justice. However, “I’m going to continue to speak out about it.” He said it’s “incredibly foolish for people to believe this. It’s a terrible thing to do to consumers.”

Another pandemic question concerned tower work crews being furloughed and laid off. Can the FCC do anything about that? He said the agency has been in touch with the Administration’s Coronavirus Task Force to say telecom workers are essential. “Telecom workers must be able to go out in the field, and they need PPE,” said Pai.

He also made a point about the continued need for workforce development. “It doesn’t matter how much spectrum we make available, if you don’t have a workforce” to build wireless infrastructure. He recalled a tower climb in Denver. He said it felt like he was up to about 5,000 feet, but the climbers he was with said it was more like 130 feet. “We’ve been working with WIA and other groups to say these are good-paying jobs,” Pai explained. The agency wants “to make sure that pipeline continues.”

When the nation is out of the pandemic, the Chairman hopes the FCC can take a look at all the wireless rules and see if any stand in the way of infrastructure deployment. If so, he’d like to eliminate them, saying: “I hope we decide to cut through some of this red tape.” Wireless companies are in a unique position, but the more paperwork they have to do slows them down, he notes.

The FCC’s small cells order is being appealed by several states, localities and tribes in federal appeals court. Concerning whether it’s overturned, Pai said the FCC is telling those localities, states and tribes, “Slowing down small cell deployment only hurts your constituents. We need to make sure companies have consistent regulation.”

Wireless West plans its third webinar in the series on May 26, at 11:30 a.m. PST. The topic is wireless siting in the age of COVID-19.

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.

REMINDER: Supply Chain Data Collection Responses are Due May 22

As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, the FCC is collecting information to determine the extent to which equipment and services, including software, produced or provided by Huawei or ZTE, along with their subsidiaries, parents, and/or affiliates, exist in US communications networks. USF recipients that were eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) as of December 31, 2019 must file their responses by May 22, 2020. Other USF recipients and service providers that are not ETCs may, but are not required to, file.

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

Headlines

House Democrats Introduce Relief Bill; Includes Funding, Prohibition on Disconnection

On May 12, House Democrats introduced the Heroes Act, a comprehensive coronavirus response bill providing for more than $3 trillion in various forms of support. The bill also contains a number of provisions that affect broadband, including certain restrictions on broadband providers engaging in customer account management:

• Sec. 201. Authorizes $5 billion in funding for a temporary disbursement to be administered through the FCC E-rate Program for schools and libraries to provide Internet service in a technologically neutral way to students and teachers, prioritizing those without Internet access at home. It allows authorized funding to be used for Internet service and providing connected devices, like laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, and routers, to students and teachers to help keep them in the digital classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five percent of the emergency funds authorized are set aside to help serve schools and libraries that serve people living on tribal lands.
• Sec. 301. Entitles households in which a member has been laid off or furloughed to get a $50 benefit, or a $75 benefit on tribal lands, to put toward the monthly price of Internet service during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Internet service providers would be required to provide eligible households service at a price reduced by an amount up to the emergency benefit, and those providers can seek a reimbursement from the FCC for such amount. This would authorize nearly $9 billion to cover the costs of reimbursements.
• Sec. 302. Requires that Lifeline providers make unlimited minutes and unlimited data available to those that rely on the Lifeline program to stay connected to phone or Internet service and provides additional support.
• Sec. 303. Authorizes $200 million in funding to help states participate in the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier.
• Section 401. Prohibits broadband and telephone providers from terminating service due to a customer’s inability to pay their bill because of financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or imposing late fees incurred because of hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also prohibits broadband providers from employing data caps or charging customers from going over data caps and requires them to open Wi-Fi hotspots to the public at no cost during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
• Section 801. Authorizes $2 billion for a temporary expansion of the FCC’s Rural Health Care Program (RHCP) to partially subsidize their health care providers’ broadband service. Authorized subsidies would flow to all nonprofit and public hospitals, not just rural ones. Increases the broadband subsidy rate from 65 percent to 85 percent. Also uses authorized funds to expand eligibility of the RHCP to ensure mobile and temporary health care delivery sites are eligible and temporarily modifies administrative processes to ensure funding is delivered expediently.

The Heroes Act was introduced by Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY) and co-sponsored by Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA) and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA).

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

FCC Releases Tariff Review Plans for 2020 Access Service Tariff Revisions

On May 12, the FCC released an Order setting forth the Tariff Review Plans (TRPs) to be used by incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) to substantiate their interstate access service tariff revisions filed in 2020 (the 2020 TRPs). The FCC also waived section 69.3(a) of the FCC’s rules to the extent necessary to implement non-rate-level reforms associated with various FCC orders included in the 2020 TRPs.

The full TRP Order can be found here.

As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, the schedule for this year’s filings is as follows:

The TRPs also implement adjustments from the USF/ICC Transformation Order, which require incumbent LECs to adjust, over a period of years, many of their switched access charges effective on July 1 of each of those years.

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

Accelerated Relocation Elections for Space Station Operators in C-Band Due May 29

As a part of its proceeding to auction 280 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band (C-band), the FCC is transitioning existing services out of the lower portion and into the upper 200 megahertz of that band. Eligible space station operators committing to the accelerated clearing schedule must make their election by May 29, 2020.

The FCC established a deadline of December 5, 2025, for incumbent space station operators to complete the transition of their operations to the upper 200 megahertz of the band, while providing an opportunity for accelerated clearing of the band by allowing eligible space station operators to commit to relocate voluntarily on a two-phased accelerated schedule, with a Phase I deadline of December 5, 2021, and a Phase II deadline of December 5, 2023. On May 11, the FCC issued a Public Notice detailing the procedure for making this election.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast.

Law and Regulation

Sen. Markey Introduces Legislation to Update National Broadband Plan

On May 7, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, announced the introduction of the National Broadband Plan for the Future Act. This bill instructs the FCC to update the National Broadband Plan, as well as study how the coronavirus pandemic has changed the way Americans learn, work, and receive medical attention online.

Specifically, the bill requires the FCC to assess the progress of the United States in achieving the goals of the original national broadband plan, and to reassess the areas of focus contained within the original national broadband plan. This reassessment would include (i) an analysis of the most effective and efficient mechanisms for ensuring access to broadband Internet access service by all people of the United States; (ii) a detailed strategy for achieving affordability and maximum utilization of broadband Internet access service, (iii) an evaluation of the status of deployment of broadband Internet access service, including the progress of projects supported by the grants made pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and (iv) a plan for use of broadband Internet access service, and the infrastructure with respect to that service, in advancing consumer welfare, civic participation, public safety and homeland security, community development, health care delivery, en-9ergy independence and efficiency, education, worker training, private sector investment, entrepreneurial activity, job creation and economic growth, and other national purposes.

Senators Call for Additional $2 Billion in Support for Telehealth Services

On May 11, Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) sent a letter on behalf of a bipartisan group of senators “to urge the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives to include $2 billion in the next coronavirus relief package to help health care providers expand telehealth services by improving their access to broadband.” In addition to Senator Schatz, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Angus King (I-Maine), and John Boozman (R-Ark.).

Specifically, the senators are calling for $2 billion in additional funding to the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program. According to a press release, “[t]hese new funds would expand the RHC Program to support non-rural and mobile health care providers, eliminate administrative red tape slowing down the process of obtaining broadband connectivity, and provide more resources to help providers increase their broadband capacity.” The Senators wrote:

Unfortunately, demand for the RHC Program has outpaced available funding over the last several years, and the COVID-19 pandemic impact will likely exacerbate this issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that health care providers use telehealth to direct patients to the right level of care for their health care needs, to conduct initial screenings of patients who may be infected with COVID-19, and to ensure that patients have access to necessary care without potentially exposing themselves by entering a hospital or physician’s office. Congress’s actions to waive restrictions on the use of telehealth in Medicare during the coronavirus outbreak in the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act will also likely increase demands for telehealth and requests for support through the RHC Program.

The full letter is available here.

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

Sinclair Broadcasting Group to Pay $48 Million Penalty for Merger Violations

On May 6, the FCC announced the settlement of an investigation into Sinclair Broadcasting Group’s (Sinclair’s) company’s disclosure of information relating to its proposed acquisition of stations owned by Tribune Media. According to the FCC, the $48 million civil penalty to be paid by Sinclair is twice the previous largest penalty paid by a broadcaster.

According to a Press Release from the FCC, “the Consent Decree closes an investigation into the company’s disclosure of information relating to its proposed acquisition of stations owned by Tribune Media. The agreement also closes investigations into whether the company has met its obligations to negotiate retransmission consent agreements in good faith and its failure to identify the sponsor of content it produced and supplied to both Sinclair and non-Sinclair television stations.”

“Sinclair’s conduct during its attempt to merge with Tribune was completely unacceptable,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “Today’s penalty, along with the failure of the Sinclair/Tribune transaction, should serve as a cautionary tale to other licensees seeking FCC approval of a transaction in the future. On the other hand, I disagree with those who, for transparently political reasons, demand that we revoke Sinclair’s licenses. While they don’t like what they perceive to be the broadcaster’s viewpoints, the First Amendment still applies around here.”

The Press Release notes that the latter investigation stemmed from a 2017 proposed fine of $13 for failing to make the required disclosures for the paid programming. No details are provided on the failures to disclose information relating to its proposed acquisitions. The official Consent Decree is not yet available.

BloostonLaw Contact: Gerry Duffy.

Industry

Aviation Groups, Department of Defense Oppose Ligado Grant

Multiple news sources are reporting that both aviation groups and the Department of Defense have expressed opposition to the FCC’s recent order granting Ligado’s application to deploy a low-power terrestrial nationwide network in the L-band to support 5G and Internet of Things services (IoT) in April. The opposition is concerned about interference to GPS operations.

According to Avonics International , “a number of aviation stakeholders, including the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, FedEx, and the United Parcel Service” are opposing the FCC’s grant of a license modification to Ligado Networks on Apr. 19, 2020.

According to Breaking Defense , the Department of Defense has also come out in opposition: “It is clear to DoD that the risk to GPS far outweighs the benefits of this FCC decision. And the FCC needs to reverse their decision,” DoD CIO Dana Deasy told the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing during a marathon hearing this afternoon. A formal “re-petition” action has to be taken by National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) by the end of May.”

No official filings appear to have been made as of yet.

Deadlines

JUNE 1: FCC FORM 395, EMPLOYMENT REPORT. Common carriers, including wireless carriers, with 16 or more full-time employees must file their annual Common Carrier Employment Reports (FCC Form 395) by May 31. However, because the 31st is a Sunday this year, the filing will be due on June 1. This report tracks carrier compliance with rules requiring recruitment of minority employees. Further, the FCC requires all common carriers to report any employment discrimination complaints they received during the past year. That information is also due on June 1. The FCC encourages carriers to complete the discrimination report requirement by filling out Section V of Form 395, rather than submitting a separate report.

BloostonLaw Contact: Richard Rubino.

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.

Calendar At-a-Glance

May
May 15 – Reply comments are due on competitive bidding procedures for Auction 107.
May 15 – Comments are due on Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Exposure NPRM.
May 15 – TRS waivers expire. May 16 – Lifeline rule waivers expire.
May 18 – Reply comments are due on Cable Operator Recordkeeping Rules.
May 18 – Comments are due on CATV Rule changes.
May 20 – Comments are due on Secure Networks Act implementation.
May 21 – Upfront payments for Auction 105 due.
May 20 – Reply comments on Restoring Internet Freedom/Lifeline Reform record are due.
May 22 – Supply Chain Data Collection Responses are due.
May 29 – Lifeline De-Enrollment/Reverification Requirement waiver expires.

June
Jun. 1 – FCC Form 395 (Annual Employment Report) is due.
Jun. 1 – Reply comments are due on CATV Rule changes.
Jun. 1 – Reply comments on NORS/DIRS report sharing are due.
Jun. 2 – Reply comments are due on Unlicensed White Space Devices NPRM.
Jun. 4 – Reply comments are due on Secure Networks Act implementation.
Jun. 15 – Reply comments are due on Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Exposure NPRM.
Jun. 16 – 15-Day Access Tariff Filings are 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. 29 – Replies to Petitions to Suspend or Reject 7-Day Access Tariff Filings are due.
Jun. 30 – Mobile Competitive ETC waiver expires.
Jun. 30 – Lifeline Income Documentation 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. 31 – Carrier Identification Code (CIC) Report is due.

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