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This Week's Wireless News Headlines

• How to Watch Apple's WWDC 2021 Keynote Presentation, and What to Expect
• Microsoft will unveil the next version of Windows on June 24th
• Microsoft Teams calls are getting end-to-end encryption in July
• In the LimeLight: PBS NC, partners to develop emergency paging system for use over public TV
• New NFPA Standard Offers Firefighters Improved Radio, RSM Communications
• China races to rival the U.S. with its own GPS system — but one analyst says it won’t overtake the U.S. yet
• Inside Towers
  • FCC Strikes Deal With Carriers on 911 Vertical Location Data
• BloostonLaw Telecom Update
  • FCC Form 481 Due July 1; New Supply Chain Certification Requirement In Effect
  • FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for June Open Meeting
  • FCC Provides Updated Template for CMRS Providers to Report 911 Live Call Data
  • FCC Issues Small Entity Compliance Guide for Third Report and Order on Robocall Blocking
  • Lifeline COVID-19 Waivers Remain in Effect Through June 30
  • Sixth Circuit Upholds FCC’s Franchise Fee Cap Order
  • Sen. Thune Proposes Legislation to Target Portion of Auction Proceeds to Rural Broadband
  • USAC Issues Compliance Reminder for Recipients to Advertise Lifeline Services
  • USAC Announces Lifeline Website Enhancements
  • Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel Announces Open Radio Access Network Showcase
  • Deadlines
  • Calendar At-a-Glance
• BloostonLaw Private Users Update
  • Alarm Industry Seeks Delay of 3G Sunset
  • Carrier Groups, DISH Network Raise Concerns Over T-Mobile’s Proposed 3G Sunset
  • FCC Issues Over $500 Million in Fines for Misuse of Radio Location Spectrum
  • FCC Issues Violation Notice for Improper Operation of Signal Booster
  • 5.850-5.925 GHz Band Repurposing Rules Effective July 2
  • 800 MHz Re-Banding Rules Eliminated Effective June 14
  • CC Seeks Comment on Potential Impact of Semiconductor Shortage
  • FCC Announces First Meeting of the “Ending 911 Fee Diversion Now” Strike Force
  • FCC Grants Waiver of Channel Bandwidth Limitations in 6525-6875 GHz Band
• Blooston Law Contacts
• LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
  • Mike Mudano, President Intrac Wireless
  • Paging Infrastructure For Sale
• Music Video Of The Week
  • Amazing Young Luciano Pavarotti Sings Verdi: Rigoletto/Act 3 — "La donna è mobile" 1964

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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There is not a lot of news about Paging these days but when anything significant comes out, you will probably see it here. I also cover text messaging to other devices and various articles about related technology.

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Service Monitors and Frequency Standards for Sale

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TECH APPLE

How to Watch Apple's WWDC 2021 Keynote Presentation, and What to Expect

Brendan Hesse
June 2, 2021

Image: Apple

Next week, Apple will again hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event. Like last year, WWDC 2021 is online-only due to the ongoing pandemic, but you can still expect the tech super-giant to make some big announcements, including our first good looks at iOS 15, macOS 12, and—if the rumors are to be believed—possibly even some new devices.

Read on for more on where and how to watch Apple’s WWDC keynote live, and what you can expect to see announced.

When is WWDC 2021?

WWDC 2021 runs Monday, June 7 through Friday, June 11.

There is sure to be a bunch of news dropping throughout the week, but the biggest announcements are likely to come during Apple’s keynote presentation on Monday at 1 p.m. ET.

How to watch WWDC 2021

Apple has already launched a placeholder live stream on YouTube that allows you to set a reminder so that you’ll know exactly when the presentation is starting and can tune in on time—just click the “Set Reminder” option from the video player controls. When the presentation starts on Monday, you’ll receive a notification from the YouTube app on your phone (or a push notification from your browser), once the stream goes live on Monday.

If you don’t want to watch on YouTube, Apple’s WWDC 2021 keynote will also be simulcast on the Apple website under the “Events” section and through the Apple TV app on all supported devices—though the presentation itself will be identical no matter where you watch.

Don’t worry if you miss the live event, as it’ll be archived and available to watch on Apple’s website and its YouTube channel following the broadcast—as will any other presentations and announcement clips released throughout the week.

What to expect from WWDC 2021

There’s always a sense of mystery around annual keynote presentations like WWDC, even when we’re pretty sure we know what to expect.

Since WWDC is Apple’s software showcase, we’re sure to get a look at the upcoming iOS 15 and its iPad OS counterpart. On the other hand, we won’t hear much (if anything) about new iPhones or iPad models—those announcements normally happen at Apple’s annual September hardware event.

Apple will probably dedicate a sizable chunk of airtime on Monday to new devices, though, as it’s speculated we’ll be given peeks at new MacBooks and Mac PCs running Apple Silicon processors—but we won’t know for sure until those announcements drop.

The same goes for Apple’s other operating systems, including watchOS and tvOS—it’s likely we’ll see the next iteration of both at WWDC, but new hardware announcements are less likely (but not out of the question). That said, it’s always wise to wait on buying any new Apple devices when we’re this close to WWDC (or any other Apple event), just in case the company does surprise us by unveiling something new.

Whatever’s on the docket, we’ll know by the end of the day on Monday, so be sure to use the links above to set reminders for Apple’s WWDC 2021 keynote.

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.

Engadget

Microsoft will unveil the next version of Windows on June 24th

Devindra Hardawar — Senior Editor
Wed, June 2, 2021, 11:23 AM

After teasing the next generation of Windows during Build last week, Microsoft announced that it'll officially unveil the new version of its operating system on June 24th at 11AM Eastern. The company has begun sending out invites to media, and it's revealed that CEO Satya Nadella and chief product officer Panos Panay will be headlining the event.

At Build, Nadella said he's been testing the new OS for the past few months. He added, "We will create more opportunity for every Windows developer today and welcome every creator who is looking for the most innovative, new, open platform to build and distribute and monetize applications." That's likely referring to rumors of an update Windows Store, which could make it easier for developers to push their apps out to consumers.

The event announcement follows news that Microsoft killed development of Windows 10X, an OS variant that was initially meant for dual-screen devices. Last year, the company shifted 10X focus to single screen devices to potentially create a stronger competitor to Chrome OS. Now, Microsoft plans to bring some 10X features into Windows 10 proper.

So where can Microsoft go next after Windows 10? When it launched in 2015, I noted that it was a great combination of the best features from Windows 7 and 8. It had the clean desktop of the former, with additional touchscreen smarts from the latter (thankfully, the Start Menu also made a return). Windows 10 was also the first major sign of how different Microsoft was under Nadella, who took up the CEO mantle from Steve Ballmer in 2014.

Notably, he announced that Windows 10 would be free for a year (and even longer for some users), a massive turnabout from Microsoft's previous strategy of charging for every new release. By doing so, Nadella encouraged users to move on from Windows 7 and 8, making Windows 10 a more viable platform for developers who wanted to build modern apps.

I'd wager Microsoft would put much of Windows 10X's dual-screen features into its next OS. We've yet to see many truly dual-screen PCs, aside from Lenovo's clunky Yoga Books, so the door is wide open for Microsoft to encourage more PC makers to make that leap. The company also clearly needs to work on Windows support for ARM devices, as its current OS holds back flagship hardware like the Surface Pro X. Now that Apple has successfully moved its computers to ARM-based M1 chips, the ball is in Microsoft's court to help PC makers do the same.

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

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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Microsoft Teams calls are getting end-to-end encryption in July

By Lawrence Abrams
June 3, 2021

Microsoft Teams is getting better security and privacy next month with the addition of end-to-end encrypted 1:1 voice calls.

While Microsoft Teams already encrypts data at rest and in transit, it allows administrators to configure automatic recording and transcription of voice calls.

Due to this, Microsoft Teams calls are not suitable for sharing very sensitive information that should remain private between two individuals.

Starting in July, Microsoft Teams is getting end-to-end encryption for 1:1 VoIP calls so that their discussions remain entirely private.

"Teams will support an option to use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for ad hoc 1:1 Teams VoIP calls, providing an additional option for conducting sensitive online conversations," Microsoft revealed today in the Microsoft 365 roadmap.

Microsoft says that they will allow Microsoft Teams administrators to configure who has access to this feature to support their particular organization's security and compliance policies.

As reported by MSPoweruser, this feature can be enabled by Microsoft Teams administrators for specific users or the entire organization. Users can then enable end-to-end encryption by enabling the 'End-to-end encrypted calls' setting under Settings > Privacy.

Microsoft Teams End-to-end encrypted calls setting Source: MSPoweruser

When end-to-end encryption is enabled, certain Microsoft Teams features will no longer be available, such as recording and transcription.

This feature will be a welcome addition as it allows the sharing of sensitive information, such as passwords, bank accounts, or other confidential information, without fear that they will be stored in recordings.

In October 2020, Zoom began supporting end-to-end encryption for meetings with up to 200 participants for both free and paid users.

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.
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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.

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INTERNET Protocol Terminal

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

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

Additional/Optional Features

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

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

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

In the LimeLight: PBS NC, partners to develop emergency paging system for use over public TV

June 4, 2021

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK — PBS North Carolina, jointly with the North Carolina Department of Informational Technology (NCDIT)’s First Responder Emerging Technologies (FirstTech) program and North Carolina-based Device Solutions Inc., announces the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant awarded by the Department of Homeland Security to continue the development of a new emergency digital paging system over public television.

The emergency digital paging system utilizes digital ATSC 3.0 TV technology to deliver an affordable paging structure to improve situational awareness and response time for first responders across the state of North Carolina. The system will help first responders with increased coverage area and penetration, reduce delay and provide a secure and reliable means for transmitting emergency alerts.

After successfully demonstrating the feasibility of the system during Phase 1 of the project, Device Solutions, with support from PBS North Carolina and NCDIT, was selected to participate in the National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corp program to further develop detailed business model requirements in support of being awarded a follow-on Phase II contract. Over the course of 7 weeks in February and March 2021, Device Solutions interviewed over 100 first responders and emergency communications agencies across the country to understand the needs of first responders and develop an initial design.

“Device Solutions is grateful to have been selected for a Phase II SBIR award for Emergency Digital Paging Over Public Television (eDPPT) and we are thrilled to be working with PBS North Carolina and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology,” says Bob Witter, President of Device Solutions, Inc. “The cooperation and insights we have received from these organizations was a key driver in our Phase I success. We look forward to the continued relationship and successful engineering and testing of a prototype paging system that will improve the situational awareness and safety of our emergency responders.”

Chief Technology Officer at PBS North Carolina, Fred Engel, notes, “This award allows us to continue to explore the many other capabilities of this technology that will serve the public, starting with emergency communications. PBS North Carolina is honored to work with Device Solutions and NCDIT to further our commitment to reliable emergency response and safety for all North Carolinians.”

“It’s very exciting to see how this research will advance the time it takes for dispatch information to reach first responders in the field,” said Red Grasso, North Carolina’s FirstTech program director. “This technology brings a perfect synergy between public television and public safety to benefit our society with a new way to get data and information to first responders.”

“Technology is ingrained in our society, and we have to learn to adapt to the speed in which it changes how we function in our day-to-day lives,” said NCDIT Secretary and State CIO Jim Weaver. “FirstTech’s partnership with PBS NC is a great example of how we can take advantage of changing technologies to serve our communities in a positive way.”

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

New NFPA Standard Offers Firefighters Improved Radio, RSM Communications

By John Facella, P.E.
Monday, March 29, 2021

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) just unveiled its new standard for portable radios used by emergency services in the hazard zone. For the first time, NFPA 1802 (2021 edition), defines a very rugged radio and speaker microphone that are designed for the inherently hostile environment that firefighters, hazardous material (HAZMAT) teams, or other agencies that operate in a hazard zone work in.

The fire service world has changed dramatically since the days of Roy and Johnny in the popular TV series Emergency. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) tanks have gotten lighter and now can last more than 30 minutes. Turnout coats, hoods, helmets and gloves can withstand much higher temperatures, and the now standard 1.75-inch hose lines carry more water than the old 1.5-inch lines.

In the days of Roy and Johnny, there were few portable radios on an emergency scene, they were large clunky devices that usually only the incident commander had, and maybe one for the interior attack team and one for the truck team. Plus, you had to hold the radio in your hand because remote speaker microphone devices were nonexistent. Fast forward to today where both suburban and rural fire departments equip every member with a portable radio to ensure personnel safety.

At the same time, the hazards have changed dramatically. Residential furnishings that were previously made of natural fabrics such as cotton and wool have been replaced with synthetic fabrics made of hydrocarbons, which burn hotter and faster. Buildings that were once constructed out of wood timber now use engineered beams which can fail early and suddenly. As a result of these and other changes, the portable radios previously used by fire and emergency services units that operate regularly in the hazard zone are no longer adequate.

The NFPA 1802 standard defines the required parameters for communications devices that operate in the hazard zone. The committee was established in March of 2013, as a direct result of the tragic line-of-duty deaths (LODD) of San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) Lieutenant Vincent Perez and Firefighter/ Paramedic Anthony Valerio in June 2011. The SFDD’s subsequent internal investigation revealed that the high heat had rendered both men’s remote speaker microphones (RSMs) inoperative, and they could not transmit a mayday alerting others that they were trapped. But this incident was not isolated; there have been numerous other National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) LODD and internal fire department LODD reports citing communications issues. Communications are one of the five most frequent contributing factors that are cited in NIOSH reports.

When the NFPA Electronic Safety Equipment Committee (ESE) was formed to begin the development of the 1802 radio standard in March 2013, there was much interest and participation. Thirty-five Technical Committee (TC) members worked on this effort, along with another 21 committee alternates, and several other non-committee observers from industry and the fire service. NFPA rules require a balanced level of participation. No more than one third of the TC members can come from any one interest classification, such as users, enforcing authorities, manufacturers, special experts and other classifications.

Major city departments participating in the work included Boston; the District of Columbia; Fairfax County, Virginia; Houston; New York City; Scottsdale; and Tulsa. Smaller departments included those from Canada, Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, and Maine. The committee was led by Chairman Robert Athanas and assisted by NFPA Staff Liaison David Trebisacci.

Standard Overview

The technical committee identified three major areas to define this new communications device — ergonomics, feature set and environment — and these areas are outlined below.

It was decided from the beginning that the standard would encompass both the radio and the remote speaker microphone (RSM) that is used by most departments. This is because the RSM is often the item most exposed to the fire environment. The standard would only be concerned with two-way voice devices, hence pagers and data-only devices would not be considered. Finally, the standard would be agnostic to the specific radio frequency and communications techniques used (analog vs. digital modulation, trunking vs. non-trunking). As a result, not only will this new standard be useful for the immediate future no matter the voice technology used, but it may be also useful to other emergency services entities worldwide.

Because the standard is very wide ranging, the summaries here are not all-inclusive. For specific details on the standard, refer to https://www.nfpa.org. The standard can be viewed on line at no cost, but it cannot be copied or downloaded without purchase.

Ergonomics

Emergency incident scenes are very stressful and full of distractions, many of which are life threatening. Multiple researchers have discovered that first responders can get ‘tunnel vision’ when the situation gets bad. As a result, the ease of use of the radio under this new standard was carefully thought through.

Some of the key issues addressed include:

• Radio control knobs and cable connectors must be able to be manipulated by responders with large hands and wearing structural firefighting gloves
• Controls must be designed to reduce inadvertent changes or radio deactivation
• The selector knob for changing channels/talkgroups has 16 positions and hard stops at the beginning and end so that the first and last positions can be programmed for the main dispatch or tactical channel/talkgroup, reducing the inability to be on the correct channel if the user becomes confused.
• The emergency alert button (mayday button) has specific requirements as to location so that it is easy to find
• 1802 Radios and RSMs will include voice announcements of changes to zone, channel/talkpath, MAYDAY button activation, etc.
• If there is radio traffic, the voice announcement is delayed and then played when the radio traffic ceases
• Announcements while the radio is operated in the hazard zone mode are louder

The RSM has a number of important features that increase accessibility and ease of use. Manipulation of the radio’s controls is difficult or impossible if the member is trapped, injured or the radio is worn under the turnout coat or in the coat radio pocket, so some important controls are now available from the RSM. Some key features of the RSM include:

• It is required to have an emergency alert button located at the top
• It can have at least one programmable button. This button could be used for reverting operation back to a home channel/talkgroup or other purposes.
• The connection between the radio and the RSM is monitored, and if an electrical problem is detected with the connecting cable, then various audible and visual alerts are presented to the user.

Feature Set

At minimum, every radio must allow for analog conventional (non-trunked) transmission. This provides a ‘lowest common denominator’ method of transmission among all emergency scene radios. Also, interoperability among all NFPA-1802-certified radios and all NFPA-1802-certified remote speaker microphones is provided by a universal connector. Thus, you can use a brand X radio with a brand Y speaker microphone.

Other features include:

• Visual indicators of battery status are displayed, and an audible alert is emitted when 25% of battery capacity is reached
• Hazard zone operation is different from the non-hazard zone, and the radio defaults to the hazard zone mode when initially powered on
• When in the hazard zone, radio volume is automatically increased. A radio in the hazard zone can be programmed to require two specific actions to power off the radio, to reduce the chances of inadvertent powering down.
• A number of specific things happen when the emergency alert button is depressed, including the initiating radio reverting to the highest transmitter power level.
• Bluetooth technology connections allow for wireless accessories to connect to the radio, such as SCBA microphones/speakers, RSMs, etc.
• The standard requires that the radio goes go through a self-check every time it is turned on and every 5 minutes while being used. A failed self-check is announced by visual and audible alerts.
• Over-temperature events, (both short term and longer term) can now be detected, recorded, and also alerted visually and audibly.

Additionally, the radio will have a data-logging memory that stores up to 2.000 recent user events, up to 3,000 received user IDs, and date/time stamped operating events such as mayday activation. The purpose of this data logging is to provide information for both the fire service and their vendors as to the proper performance of this equipment under stress. It should be pointed out that although new for portable radios, data logging is already a requirement that exists in both SCBAs and PASS devices. Its intent is to not only validate that the device was checked at the beginning of a shift or as part of regular equipment checks, but also to record any changes in the equipment or its functionality, whether intentional or accidental. These events include turning the device on and off and internal electronic temperatures exceeding the device’s limitation.

Environmental and Testing

Speech Quality: The committee’s focus was on a radio that had to provide clear voice transmission and reception. To measure speech intelligibility objectively, the committee chose to use an internationally recognized test method that cellular carriers use called POLQA. As a result, the standard mandates that voice intelligibility for both the radio and the RSM is measured repeatedly before and after every major test, including: heat and flame, vibration, and other tests. The ‘before’ test establishes a benchmark for acceptable operation, and the ‘after’ test checks to ensure minimum voice intelligibility is still available to the firefighter when they need it the most, during or right after a major environmental stress event. The radio and RSM must be rated nonincendive (Class I Division 2). The radio and RSM can optionally be certified as intrinsically safe (IS) rated (Class I Division 1).

The environmental testing for the radios and RSMs is very extensive, in keeping with the difficult physical environment of emergency services work. Here are a few highlights:

• Heat and Immersion Leakage Resistance
• Vibration Test
• Impact Acceleration Resistance Test
• Corrosion Test
• Display Surface Abrasion Test
• High Temperature Functionality Test
• Heat and Flame Test
• Case Integrity Test
• Temperature Stress Test

Clearly, radios and RSMs meeting this standard will have a new level of ease of use, voice quality, and most importantly reliability, providing for improved safety for firefighters.

Results

The committee did not address the provision of audio devices (microphones and earpieces) into SCBA masks. This is the responsibility of the NFPA 1981 committee. When such devices, both wired and wireless, become a feature of 1981, that will materially improve voice intelligibility of interior fire crews.

While the standard was issued only a few months ago, the radio industry has already reacted positively. Several manufacturers were contacted and indicated that they now have plans for introducing NFPA 1802 radios and RSMs in the future.

We all look forward to those announcements.

[...]

John Facella has been a member of the NFPA Electronic Safety Equipment Committee responsible for the development of NFPA 1802 since the committee began its development in 2013. He has also been a long-term member of NFPA 1221, the committee focused on emergency services communications systems. He has a BSEE from Georgia Tech, is a registered professional engineer, served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, and is a life member and current officer of the Radio Club of America (RCA). He has more than 30 years of public-safety radio industry experience working for the two largest manufacturers, as well as a national consulting firm. Facella has also served 38 years as a part-time firefighter/EMT in suburban and rural fire departments in four states. Today, he has a consulting practice and serves on a rural fire department in Maine.

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

TECH

China races to rival the U.S. with its own GPS system — but one analyst says it won’t overtake the U.S. yet

PUBLISHED MON, MAY 31 202110:14 PM EDT
Yen Nee Lee

China is set to become a major player in the “highly lucrative” satellite navigation market, as it seeks to compete with the U.S. government-owned Global Positioning System (GPS), an analyst said Monday.

But China’s homegrown Beidou system is not likely to overtake the GPS system for now, said Craig Singleton, adjunct fellow at the hawkish Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

“China has marked a major step in its race to increase market share in this highly lucrative sector,” Singleton told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia.”

“The completion of the system also reaffirms China’s status as a world power. It represents a major declaration about its technical independence from the West, which carries wide-ranging geopolitical implications,” said Singleton.

Flags of the U.S. and China fly along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 17, 2011.
Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images

More than 120 countries — including Pakistan and Thailand — are using China’s Beidou system for purposes such as monitoring traffic at ports or guiding rescue operations, the analyst said.

And Beijing is counting on its massive Belt and Road Initiative to “convince” more countries to use Beidou, he added.

The Beidou system was completed in June last year. Chinese state media Xinhua said last week that the value of Beidou-related industries will exceed 1 trillion yuan ($157.1 billion) by 2025.

‘Bifurcated world’

Singleton said Beidou’s completion has rekindled concerns among some in the West about the privacy and security of Chinese technology. He explained that some people fear Beijing could use its technology to track individuals, such as dissidents or democracy activists.

Such concerns have come as U.S.-China competition heats up in the technology space. The U.S. under former President Donald Trump introduced export controls on several Chinese tech companies, including telecommunications equipment maker Huawei and top chipmaker SMIC, or Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp.

President Joe Biden has kept many Trump-era restrictions on Chinese companies. Biden is seeking to boost investments in U.S. research and development so that his country can build tech capabilities to compete with China.

For now, China’s Beidou system doesn’t appear to threaten the dominance of GPS, said Singleton.

“At this point, it doesn’t look as if Beidou is going to overcome GPS, but it’s certainly possible that we will see a bifurcated system, bifurcated world between GPS and Beidou in the future,” the analyst said.

— CNBC’s Arjun Kharpal contributed to this report.

FCC Strikes Deal With Carriers on 911 Vertical Location Data

The FCC reached agreements with three major carriers to begin delivering 911 vertical location information within a week. The information will help first responders quickly locate 911 callers in multi-story buildings, which will reduce response times and ultimately save lives, according to the Commission.

To speed up nationwide implementation of vertical location information, the bureau reached settlements with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon that it says resolved the investigations. The Consent Decree requires each company to make a $100,000 settlement payment to the U.S. Treasury within 30 days. They must start providing z-axis location information from wireless callers to 911 call centers within seven days and implement a compliance plan.

The agency adopted rules to improve location information for 911 wireless calls in 2015. Those rules required nationwide wireless providers to deploy dispatchable location or meet certain z-axis location accuracy requirements in the nation’s largest 25 markets by April 3, 2021, and to certify to such deployment by June 2, 2021.

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon asked for more time, based in part on challenges with testing z-axis solutions because of the COVID pandemic. In April, the Enforcement Bureau began an inquiry into these providers’ compliance with the deadlines as well as the current capabilities of z-axis solutions.

The new commitments extend beyond the 25 largest metropolitan areas required under FCC rules and instead assure that vertical location information will be made available to public safety entities nationwide. FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said the settlements also will provide public safety stakeholders with greater visibility into industry progress toward dispatchable location and floor-level accuracy and guidance on receiving and using z-axis information.

“Six years is too long to wait for 911 vertical location information that can save lives,” said Rosenworcel. “These settlements accomplish what has evaded the agency for too long: they ensure that the FCC, public safety, and wireless carriers work together to immediately start delivering this information to first responders without further delay.”

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.

FCC Form 481 Due July 1; New Supply Chain Certification Requirement In Effect

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.

As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, this year’s filing will be the first to feature the new supply chain certification. This certification affirms compliance with the Section 54.9 prohibition on USF support to purchase, obtain, maintain, improve, modify, operate, manage, or otherwise support equipment or services produced or provided companies deemed a threat to national security.

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

Headlines

FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for June Open Meeting

On May 27, the FCC announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the March Open Commission Meeting scheduled for June 17, 2021:

• Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain through the Equipment Authorization and Competitive Bidding Programs a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry seeking comments on steps it could take to secure the nation’s critical communications networks through its equipment authorization and competitive bidding programs. (ET Docket No. 21-232; EA Docket No. 21-233)
• Allowing Earlier Equipment Marketing and Importation Opportunities a Report and Order that would adopt changes to the equipment authorization rules to allow expanded marketing and importation of radio-frequency devices prior to certification, with conditions. (ET Docket No. 20-382)
• Improving the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement section 9201 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which is intended to improve the way the public receives emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios. (PS Docket Nos. 15-94, 15-91)
• Improving Robocall and Spoofing Input from Private Entities a Report and Order to implement Section 10(a) of the TRACED Act by adopting a streamlined process that will allow private entities to alert the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau about suspected unlawful robocalls and spoofed caller ID. (EB Docket No. 20-374)
• Promoting Telehealth for Low-Income Consumers a Second Report and Order that would provide guidance on the administration of the Connected Care Pilot Program and further instructions to program participants. (WC Docket No. 18-213)
• Exploring Spectrum Options for Devices Used to Mark Fishing Equipment a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would satisfy the Commission’s statutory obligation in Section 8416 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to explore whether to authorize devices that can be used to mark fishing equipment for use on Automatic Identification System (AIS) channels consistent with the core purpose of the AIS to prevent maritime accidents. (WT Docket No. 21-230)
• Improving Low Power FM Radio an Order on Reconsideration of a proceeding to modernize the LPFM technical rules. (MB Docket No. 19-193)

Each summary above contains a link to the draft text of each item expected to be considered at this Open Commission Meeting. However, it is possible that changes will be made before the Meeting. One-page cover sheets prepared by the FCC are included in the public drafts to help provide an additional summary.

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

FCC Provides Updated Template for CMRS Providers to Report 911 Live Call Data

On June 1, the FCC issued a Public Notice providing a revised reporting template for Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) providers to use in filing their periodic E911 location accuracy live 911 call data reports as required by the FCC’s rules. This revised template adds a field for CMRS providers to report their use of vertical (z-axis) location technology in live 911 calls.

CMRS providers can access the revised reporting template (in Excel format) and accompanying instructions at https://www.fcc.gov/public-safety-and-homeland-security/policy-and-licensing-division/911- services/general/location-accuracy-indoor-benchmarks. According to the Public Notice, providers should use the revised reporting template for all future live 911 call data reports filed after the date of this Public Notice.

As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, in 2019 the FCC adopted a vertical (z-axis) location accuracy metric and modified the live call reporting rule to require CMRS providers to report on live call use of vertical location technologies.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Cary Mitchell.

FCC Issues Small Entity Compliance Guide for Third Report and Order on Robocall Blocking

On June 1, the FCC issued a Small Entity Compliance Guide covering its Third Report and Order on robocall blocking. The Third Report and Order is the order that enabled terminating voice service providers to block certain calls before they reach consumers’ phones.

As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, the Third Report and Order established a safe harbor for terminating voice service providers that block calls on a default, opt-out, basis using reasonable analytics. Second, it established a safe harbor for voice service providers that block and then cease accepting all traffic from an upstream voice service provider. The safe harbor is only available when the traffic comes from an upstream provider that has been notified by the Commission that it is carrying bad traffic and fails to effectively mitigate such traffic or fails to implement effective measures to prevent new and renewing customers from using its network to originate illegal calls. Finally, the Commission also adopted rules to ensure that callers and other voice service providers can resolve potential erroneous blocking and to require that all voice service providers make all reasonable efforts to ensure that critical calls complete.

The Compliance Guide provides information on the Third Report and Order’s compliance requirements. However, the Guide is expressly not intended to replace or supersede the rules themselves. Carriers with questions about compliance may contact the firm for more information.

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

Law and Regulation

Lifeline COVID-19 Waivers Remain in Effect Through June 30

On May 28, USAC issued a reminder that the existing Lifeline COVID-19 waivers remain in effect until June 30. This does not include the waiver of the FCC’s Lifeline non-usage rule, which expired in May.

Specifically, the waivers governing recertification, reverification, general de-enrollment (other than for nonusage), and income documentation will continue through June 30, 2021, for all applicable Lifeline participants. Additionally, the waiver regarding documentation requirements for subscribers residing in rural areas on Tribal lands will continue through June 30, 2021.

Per USAC, this means that through June 30, 2021:

• Recertification requirements are on hold. USAC will require subscribers to recertify once in calendar year 2021. USAC will provide more information about the recertification process after the waivers lift.
• Reverification requirements are on hold. After the waivers lift, USAC will provide outreach to any affected service providers about next steps for reverification.
• Consumers will continue to have flexibility related to the documentation they can use to demonstrate income eligibility. However, beginning July 1, 2021, documentation submitted to resolve application errors related to a consumer’s eligibility through income must meet Lifeline’s documentation requirements.
• Service providers can continue to begin providing Lifeline service to eligible Lifeline consumers living in rural areas on Tribal lands even before those consumers have submitted certain supporting documentation to complete their Lifeline application. However, service providers cannot claim these subscribers until they have an approved National Verifier application. Beginning July 1, 2021, consumers living in rural areas on Tribal lands must resolve all application errors before their service provider can enroll them in the program.

Carriers with questions about the Lifeline waivers may contact the firm for more information.

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

Sixth Circuit Upholds FCC’s Franchise Fee Cap Order

On May 26, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit largely upheld the FCC’s Third Order relating to cable franchise fees, in which it concluded that most—though not all—cable-related non-cash exactions are franchise fees and therefore subject to its franchise fee cap.

The decision is the latest in a battle that stretches back to 2007, when in its Second Order on cable franchise fees the FCC first interpreted the term “franchise fee” to include all non-cash (or “in kind”) exactions required by a franchise agreement. The court recounted, “[h]istorically some of those exactions were unrelated to cable services, such as a demand by St. Louis that a cable operator contribute 20 percent of its stock to the city. Other exactions were cable-related, such as requirements for free cable service to public buildings. Under the Second Order, the value of those exactions counted toward the franchise-fee cap.” However, the Second Order was reversed and remanded because the FCC had failed to provide an explanation as to why every non-cash exaction counted.

Commissioner Brendan Carr issued the following statement in response to today’s Sixth Circuit decision:

“Today’s Sixth Circuit decision is a good win for every American that wants better, faster, and cheaper Internet service,” Carr said. “For too long, franchising authorities needlessly drove up the cost of building and maintaining the infrastructure needed to eliminate the digital divide. As part of a series of steps to accelerate infrastructure builds and increase competition, the Commission in 2019 cracked down on the outlier conduct that had been slowing down these construction projects and raising the costs of Internet service.

“I am grateful that today’s appellate court decision upholds the key reforms that the 2019 FCC majority put in place. Now is the time to double down on those successful infrastructure reforms, which allowed providers to increase speeds, lower consumers’ monthly bills for broadband, and extend their networks to more Americans.”

BloostonLaw Contacts: Gerry Duffy and Sal Taillefer.

Sen. Thune Proposes Legislation to Target Portion of Auction Proceeds to Rural Broadband

On May 27, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, led U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (DNev.) in introducing the bipartisan Rural Connectivity Advancement Program (RCAP) Act of 2021, legislation that would dedicate a portion of proceeds from congressionally mandated spectrum auctions to be used for the buildout of broadband networks.

If adopted, the bill would:

• Set aside 10 percent of the net proceeds from spectrum auctions mandated by Congress for the buildout of broadband networks;
• Require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to utilize the funds provided by RCAP to address gaps that remain in broadband Internet access service coverage in high-cost rural areas;
• Allow the FCC to use the funds provided by RCAP in a technology-neutral manner to address shortfalls in funding of existing USF High-Cost Programs for the buildout of broadband services;
• Require the FCC 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.

“Access to high-speed broadband services is critical, now more than ever before,” said Thune. “This bipartisan legislation would provide the Federal Communications Commission with the necessary resources to continue bridging the digital divide in rural America. I strongly support finding common-sense ways to effectively and efficiently deliver reliable broadband services to Americans who need it, and our bill is a step in the right direction.”

“Access to quality, high-speed Internet is a necessity in today’s economy,” said Hassan. “That is why I’m glad to join with Senator Thune in introducing this bipartisan bill that will build on my past bipartisan work to expand rural broadband networks and bridge the urban-rural digital divide. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill, and I will continue working across the aisle to ensure that Granite State families and small businesses have the resources that they need to thrive.”

“Expanding rural America’s access to high-speed broadband is critical to making certain all Americans have the capability to compete in today’s digital economy,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation supports increased deployment of reliable broadband in Kansas and across the country by providing additional resources to the FCC to target underserved areas and boost connectivity.”

“Bringing quality broadband services to all corners of Nevada is a priority of mine, and this bipartisan legislation will help us ensure resources for rural areas will be there to connect our communities — boosting small businesses, creating jobs, and making sure our students can access the educational resources they need,” said Cortez Masto. “I’ll continue to work on bipartisan solutions that will close the digital divide in Nevada’s rural areas, and strengthen their economies.”

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Cary Mitchell.

USAC Issues Compliance Reminder for Recipients to Advertise Lifeline Services

On May 28, USAC issued a compliance reminder that “Lifeline service providers are required to advertise the availability of Lifeline program support in a manner reasonably designed to reach eligible consumers within service providers’ study areas.” Along with its reminder, USAC also provided a series of examples of appropriate advertising, including:

• Post notices at public transportation stops and agencies, shelters, and soup kitchens,
• Run public service announcements,
• Share information via advertising kiosks in central locations,
• Provide customer service outreach to potential program participants who have disabilities on a basis equal to that provided participants without disabilities by using telecommunications relay services (TRS), text telephone (TTY), and speech-to-speech (STS) services, and
• Provide outreach materials in braille.

Finally, USAC also noted that service providers should also develop advertising in languages other than English for any sizeable populations in their service areas who speak other languages, and recommended proactive review of material periodically to ensure the outreach is accurate, up-to-date, and includes the necessary information.

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

Industry

USAC Announces Lifeline Website Enhancements

On May 27, USAC announced that it has developed a new “mega menu” structure for on the Lifeline section of usac.org, which went live on the morning of Friday, May 28, 2021. According to the announcement, “[t]he goal of the updated mega menu is to ensure the information is well organized, easy to find, and clear.” Please note that although USAC will temporarily redirect old URLs to the new mega menu for one year, the URLs have changed and eventually bookmarks will no longer function.

The mega menu format was developed through user testing on the website content by USAC to ensure it meets the needs of these stakeholders. After analyzing the user testing, USAC developed a new mega menu structure based on the external feedback.

Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel Announces Open Radio Access Network Showcase

On May 27, Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the agency will hold an Open RAN Solutions Showcase by webcast on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. According to a Press Release, the Showcase will “give both fixed and mobile network operators an opportunity to hear directly from vendors whose interoperable, open interface, standards-based 5G network equipment and services will be ready and available for purchase and installation by January 1, 2022, if not sooner” and “should be of particular interest and value to network operators planning to participate in the Commission’s Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program.”

The Open RAN Solutions Showcase is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 and will be available via webcast on the Commission’s website at www.fcc.gov/live.

“Open RAN can help drive 5G security, innovation and vendor diversity in the United States,” said Rosenworcel. “This Showcase is an opportunity to jump-start U.S. innovation in this critical technology and to build on our strengths in network infrastructure and software. By making information about Open RAN more readily available and by connecting the various stakeholders invested in this technology, we are making sure companies can continue to innovate and we are encouraging network operators to invest in network security. If we do these things right, we have an opportunity to build a bigger market for more secure 5G equipment.”

Deadlines

JUNE 30: STUDY AREA BOUNDARY RECERTIFICATION. In addition to the obligation to submit updated information when study area boundaries change, all ILECs are required to recertify their study area boundary data every two years. The recertification is due this year by June 30. Where the state commission filed the study area boundary data for an ILEC, the state commission should submit the recertification. However, where the state commission did not submit data for the ILEC and the ILEC submitted the study area boundary data, then the ILEC should submit the recertification by June 30.

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

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 of the FCC, 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: FCC FORM 507, LINE COUNT DATA (A-CAM AND ALASKA PLAN RECPIENTS). Sections 54.313(f)(5) and 54.903(a)(1) of the FCC’s rules requires all rate-of-return telecommunications carriers to provide line count information on FCC Form 507 to USAC, the universal service Administrator. Carriers receiving Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support (CAF BLS) must submit this information annually on March 31st of each year, and may update the data on a quarterly basis. Carriers that receive Alternative Connect America Model (A-CAM) I, A-CAM II, or Alaska Plan support are required to file by July 1st of each year. For 2020, the FCC has extended the A-CAM filing deadline until July 31.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Gerry Duffy 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

June J
Jun. 7 – Comments are due on Accessibility Rules.
Jun. 7 – Reply comments are due on 12.2-12.7 GHz Band NPRM.
Jun. 10 – Comments are due on Semiconductor Shortage study.
Jun. 15 – Reply comments are due on Semiconductor Shortage study.
Jun. 16 – 15-Day Access Tariff Filings are due.
Jun. 23 – Petitions to suspend 15-Day Access Tariff Filings are due.
Jun. 23 – Comments are due on Secure Networks Reimbursement Program.
Jun. 24 – 7-Day Tariff Filings are due.
Jun. 28 – Replies to Petitions to Suspend 15-Day Access Tariff Filings are due (NOON ET).
Jun. 28 – Petitions to Suspend 7-Day Tariff Filings are due (NOON ET).
Jun. 30 – STIR/SHAKEN Implementation Certifications are due.
Jun. 30 – Replies to Petitions to Suspend 7-Day Tariff Filings are due (NOON ET).
Jun. 30 – Biannual Study Area Boundary Recertifications are due.

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. 6 – Comments are due on Accessibility Rules.
Jul. 27 – Auction 109 – AM/FM Broadcast Auction begins.
Jul. 31 – Carrier Identification Code (CIC) Report is due.

Alarm Industry Seeks Delay of 3G Sunset

On May 10, the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (“AICC”) filed a Petition for Emergency Relief, asking the FCC to require a ten-month extension of the February 22, 2022 3G service termination of AT&T Mobility LLC and its affiliates. The requested relief is necessary the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant delays in being able to replace 3G alarm signaling radios in customer premises for more than one year. Millions of 3G alarm radios utilize AT&T’s cellular network to transmit warnings of fire, home invasions, medical emergencies and dangerous carbon monoxide levels. The alarm industry has had great difficulty over the past fourteen months accessing customer premises in order to replace the 3G alarm radios ahead of the sunset, because most consumers and businesses are fearful of letting strangers into their homes or offices during COVID. Other obstacles include:

1. Installer unavailability due to illness with COVID, quarantine after COVID exposure, or the need to take care of loved ones.
2. Pandemic-related alarm resource drain, as alarm companies must task available personnel with more urgent situations related to COVID issues.
3. Staffing issues: It has proven difficult to hire and retain the necessary number of installers for the 3G upgrade during the pandemic.
4. Travel restrictions and confusion on the part of facility managers make it difficult to perform alarm maintenance work.
5. The global microchip shortage and supply chain issues further hinder alarm radio replacement efforts.

AICC points out that the obstacles created by the pandemic and world-wide chip set shortage can be addressed by a reasonable extension of AT&T’s 3G service, and points to other examples of emergency measures taken by the FCC in response to COVID. AICC notes that it is continuing a dialog with AT&T toward a negotiated extension, but is concerned that the current deadline is fast approaching so the matter must be resolved in the very near future, with FCC help if necessary.

BloostonLaw Contact: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino

Carrier Groups, DISH Network Raise Concerns Over T-Mobile’s Proposed 3G Sunset

In two recent letters to the FCC — one from the Public Interest Spectrum Coalition (“PISC”), and one from DISH Network — concerns have been raised with regard to T-Mobile’s proposed sunset of its 3G CDMA service. Both letters cite to competitive and public interest concerns regarding T-Mobile’s shutdown of its entire CDMA network (including the Sprint CDMA network it inherited via merger) by January 1, 2022. According to DISH, the shutdown will affect 9 million Boost subscribers, whose devices rely on the CDMA network. DISH further notes that T-Mobile had alluded to a 3-year shutdown runway, which it asserts is significantly longer than the 260 or so days remaining until January 1, 2022.

The PISC, for its part, raised a specific set of concerns that it urged the FCC to consider:

1. the reality of equipment shortages and general disruption in the ability to communicate with and upgrade customers as a result of the pandemic and the recent shut down of the Suez canal, and how these impact the ability to migrate customers;
2. that the majority of Boost customers are particularly vulnerable low-income and Lifeline recipients;
3. the importance of protecting customers on other networks dependent on CDMA roaming, and,
4. the importance of restoring four-firm national competition to the mobile market, without undermining T-Mobile’s ability to compete with Verizon and AT&T.

The PISC is composed of: Public Knowledge, Open Technology Institute at New America, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, Center for Rural Strategies, X-Labs, Greenlining Institute, TURN — The Utility Reform Network, and the Rural Wireless Association.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Cary Mitchell

FCC Issues Over $500 Million in Fines for Misuse of Radio Location Spectrum

On May 20, the FCC fined Air-Tel, LLC and IOU Acquisitions, Inc. $327,290 and $207,290 respectively for providing unlicensed wireless broadband-based GPS services under the guise of providing radar-based location services. The companies also altered their radio equipment to provide these services and to operate outside of the spectrum band for which they are authorized. This case, as are most interference cases, was the result of a complaint about the apparent misuse of spectrum and a station inspection by the FCC’s field office.

Specifically, Air-Tel and IOU hold authorizations to provide Radiolocation Services in the 3300-3650 MHz band. These services are generally radar-based and rely on the propagation properties of radio waves to determine the position of an object for non-navigation purposes. Instead, the FCC found that the companies offered technologically distinct wireless broadband-based GPS services which rely on satellite communications and wireless broadband, not radiolocation. The FCC indicates that the companies altered the settings of wireless equipment both to support this unauthorized service and to operate outside the authorized frequency bands allowed for the equipment. It is important to note that it is illegal to alter radio equipment to operate outside the parameters authorized by the FCC in its equipment authorization, or to use the equipment in a manner that is otherwise inconsistent with its certified use. Doing so creates the risk of causing harmful interference to other licensed operations, and voids the FCC’s equipment authorization for that piece of equipment.

In response to the issuance of the Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture back in 2018, the Companies asserted that they had believed they were not in violation of the FCC’s Rules based upon communications with the FCC’s staff. In response to this contention, the FCC stated that it has repeatedly held that “parties who rely on staff advice or interpretations do so at their own risk.” Thus, alleged conversations with various FCC staff members did not official permission to provide a different service under the Companies’ Radiolocation Service license.

This case illustrates that it is important to always insure that radio operations are compliant with the FCC’s technical/operational rules. If there is any doubt, please contact our office for guidance.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino

FCC Issues Violation Notice for Improper Operation of Signal Booster

The FCC has cited Viega LLC, licensee of Conventional Industrial/Business Pool Service station WQYF702 at McPherson, Kansas, for violation of Rule Section 90.219(c). The violation notice arises out of an Enforcement Bureau investigation of an interference complaint by ADCOM911, Inc. against Viega.

On October 5, 2020, the FCC’s field office investigated interference to ADCOM911’s licensed radio facilities and determined that an interfering 800 MHz signal was coming from a bi-directional amplifier (BDA) located at Viega’s office complex. An on/off test of the equipment confirmed that Viega’s BDA was the cause of the interference. Rule Section 90.219(c) provides in pertinent part that Part 90 licensees who operate signal boosters are responsible for their proper operation, and are responsible for correcting any harmful interference that the signal booster operation may cause to other licensed communications services.

If you operate a signal booster, it is important to ensure that the booster is being operated consistent with the FCC’s Rules and is not causing harmful interference. Should you become aware that the signal booster is causing harmful interference, operation must cease immediately until the matter can be resolved.

Should you receive an inquiry from another licensee or the FCC, please contact our office so that we can assist you in responding to this matter.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino

5.850-5.925 GHz Band Repurposing Rules Effective July 2

The FCC has published in the Federal Register its order revising the rules governing spectrum that had been set aside for intelligent transportation system (ITS) operations. The order repurposes the lower 45 megahertz of the 5.850–5.925 GHz band (5.9 GHz band) for the expansion of unlicensed mid-band spectrum operations, while retaining the upper 30 megahertz of spectrum in the 5.9 GHz band for intelligent transportation system operations. Accordingly, those rules — with the exception of Rule Section 90.372 — will go into effect on July 2.

Specifically, as of the effective date, unlicensed indoor operations will be permitted in the 5.850–5.895 GHz portion of the band, under specified power and other technical limitations that are designed to protect incumbent ITS service and federal radar operations from harmful interference. ITS licensees have a period of one year to transition all operations into the 5.895–5.925 GHz portion of the band, to clear the new swath of unlicensed operations spectrum. Further, the FCC designated cellular vehicle-to-everything (c-v2x) technology as the ITS delivery system once the it adopts a deadline and the transition to the revised ITS band is complete. Pending resolution of the transition of ITS operations to C–V2X, ITS licensees will be able to continue their DSRC-based operations or, alternatively, to seek to deploy C–V2X based operations.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Cary Mitchell

800 MHz Re-Banding Rules Eliminated Effective June 14

As we previously reported, the FCC has issued an order concluding the 800 MHz re-banding proceeding that had originally opened in 2002. With the publication of its order in the Federal Register, the rules associated with the 800 MHz re-banding will be eliminated as of June 14, 2021.

The FCC initiated the 800 MHz re-banding program to alleviate harmful interference to 800 MHz public safety radio systems caused by their proximity in the band to the 800 MHz commercial cellular architecture systems, principally those operated by Sprint. Nearly seventeen years after that 800 MHz Report and Order, the FCC reports that the 800 MHz band reconfiguration program has finally achieved its objective—substantially alleviating the interference risk to public safety in the 800 MHz band.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino.

FCC Seeks Comment on Potential Impact of Semiconductor Shortage

The FCC has issued a Public Notice seeking comment on the impact that the continuing global shortage of semiconductors may have on the U.S. communications sector and on FCC initiatives. Comments are due June 10, 2021 while reply comments are due June 25, 2021.

The FCC is seeking comment on the following questions, among others:

• Has the global semiconductor shortage spread to the communications sector?
• What is the short- and long-term capacity of manufacturers of semiconductors and semiconductor components to keep up with the communication sector’s demand?
• How long is the current shortage expected to last?
• What are the factors impacting the supply of semiconductors and other manufacturing components which are critical to the communications sector?
• What are the impacts of shortages of semiconductors or other critical components on the communications sector, including on consumers, enterprise system users, private network operators (such as critical infrastructure), and service providers?
• What are the impacts of these shortages on the public interest?
• What steps can be taken by the Commission, either working on its own or in concert with Federal partners, to help address these current challenges?

According to the FCC’s News Release, these semiconductor supply chain constraints have been acknowledged by the Administration and by Congress, and the U.S. government is taking steps to address these challenges. The FCC is particularly focused on the impact this shortage could have on the communications industry, agency initiatives, and the nation’s continued advancement in next-generation technologies that are key to national and economic security.

“At the FCC we are pursuing a proactive strategy to help build a more secure, resilient, and next-generation communications supply chain,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “The communications sector is one of the fastest growing segments of the semiconductor industry. These tiny pieces of technology are the basic building blocks of modern communications — including 5G, Wi-Fi, satellites, and more. That is why we are seeking to better understand the current shortage, its consequences for the communications sector, and steps we can take to ensure that FCC priorities and initiatives remain on track.”

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast, Richard Rubino and Sal Taillefer.

FCC Announces First Meeting of the “Ending 911 Fee Diversion Now” Strike Force

The FCC has announced, consistent with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and pursuant to the Don’t Break Up the T-Band Act of 2020, that Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has appointed members to serve on the Ending 9-1-1 Fee Diversion Now Strike Force (911 Strike Force). The 911 Strike Force will hold its first meeting on Thursday, June 3, 2021, beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT). The Office of the Federal Register published Notice of this meeting on May 20, 2021. The meeting will take place via video conference and will be publicly available via the Internet at http://www.fcc.gov/live. During the meeting, the public may submit questions to livequestions@fcc.gov.

The 911 Strike Force is required to study how the federal government can most expeditiously end the diversion of 911 fees and charges by states and taxing jurisdictions (911 fee diversion) for other purposes. In carrying out this study, the 911 Strike Force is required to:

1. determine the effectiveness of any federal laws, including regulations, policies, and practices, or budgetary or jurisdictional constraints regarding how the federal government can most expeditiously end 911 fee diversion;
2. consider whether criminal penalties would further prevent 911 fee diversion; and
3. determine the impacts of 911 fee diversion.

It is anticipated that the 911 Strike Force shall publish on the FCC’s website and submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the findings of the study mandated by Section 902. This report will be due by September 23, 2021 (which is 270 days after Section 902 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 was signed into law).

The 911 Strike Force is composed of representatives of federal departments and agencies as the Commission considers appropriate, in addition to:

1. state attorneys general;
2. states or taxing jurisdictions found not to be engaging in diversion of 911 fees or charges;
3. states or taxing jurisdictions trying to stop the diversion of 911 fees or charges;
4. state 911 administrators;
5. public safety organizations;
6. groups representing the public and consumers; and
7. groups representing public safety answering point professionals.

Members were selected from a diverse mix of organizations to balance the expertise and viewpoints that are necessary to effectively address the issues to be considered by the 911 Strike Force.

For the agenda of its first meeting, the 911 Strike Force will introduce its members, working groups and leadership, review Section 902’s mandates and mission, review the Federal Advisory Committee Act’s (“FACA’s”) procedural requirements, and receive briefings on relevant FCC programs and policies. The agenda may be modified at the discretion of the 911 Strike Force Chair and its Designated Federal Officer.

Pursuant to the FACA, the FCC is responsible for oversight of the 911 Strike Force and its working groups. As a result, FCC staff or Commissioners may participate in or attend meetings or other activities held by both the 911 Strike Force and its working groups. To facilitate these interactions, and in accordance with section 1.1200(a) of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR § 1.1200(a), presentations to the 911 Strike Force, its working groups, or 911 Strike Force-sponsored discussions (e.g., roundtables or workshops), or to FCC staff or Commissioners incidental to and in connection with such 911 Strike Force meetings or discussions, will be treated as exempt presentations for ex parte purposes. This exemption covers presentations from 911 Strike Force members to FCC staff and Commissioners in other settings only to the extent that the 911 Strike Force members are presenting the views of the 911 Strike Force or its working groups, as opposed to an individual member’s own views or that of a member’s organization. The FCC found that this modification of the ex parte rules is in the public interest because it will allow the 911 Strike Force to develop and shape its advice and recommendations to the Commission more efficiently and effectively.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino

FCC Grants Waiver of Channel Bandwidth Limitations in 6525-6875 GHz Band

The FCC has granted a limited request for waiver filed by DRS Global Enterprise Solutions, Inc. (“DRS”) of certain channelization limitations in the 6525-6875 MHz band. The waiver was granted because of the unique factual circumstances facing DRS, and the fact that no reasonable alternative means was available to increase its broadband/wireless backhaul capacity to remote Alaskan villages of the Allakaket and Alatna for the purposes of providing telemedicine, education and emergency services.

The 6525-6875 MHz band (Upper 6 GHz Band) is currently allocated for terrestrial Fixed Services (FS). In 2010, the FCC provided terrestrial FS licensees in the band with authority to operate channels with bandwidths as wide as 30 megahertz, thereby making available an additional source of spectrum for high-capacity microwave links. On December 6, 2019, DRS filed a petition requesting waivers of channel bandwidth limitations in the Upper 6 GHz Band to expand its rural broadband coverage to the remote Alaskan villages of Allakaket and Alatna, Alaska. DRS sought authorization to deploy private operational fixed point-to-point microwave services using wider, 60 megahertz channels across the Upper 6 GHz Band in a narrowly defined area of rural Alaska. In its amended request, DRS specified that it plans to expand connectivity to health clinics in both villages and a school in Alatna. The clinics are operated by the Tanana Chiefs Conference and the school is part of the Yukon-Koyukuk School District. Both of these entities receive federal and state funding to defray the high cost of rural broadband.

The FCC has determined that DRS justified its rule waiver request due to unique factual circumstances. Specifically, DRS demonstrated that for the provision of wireless backhaul to the health clinics and the school in these two remote Alaskan villages, it has no reasonable alternative to using the Upper 6 GHz band with the requested channelization. In reaching this decision, the FCC noted that DRS proposes to use spectrum in the Upper 6 GHz Band in extremely remote locations in Alaska. In this regard, the FCC has previously noted that Alaska carriers face unique circumstances deploying broadband-capable networks in rural Alaska due to Alaska’s large size, varied terrain, harsh climate, isolated populations, limited availability of personnel to construct networks and shortened construction season. In its waiver request, DRS stated that use of landlines as an alternative to achieve its ends is not possible due to terrain. Additionally, the FCC has previously recognized that building fiber to all Alaskan locations is infeasible because much of Alaska is covered by a thick layer of permafrost that not only makes the initial trenching process difficult and costly, but can damage fiber and other buried communications equipment as it undergoes changes over time. Accordingly, requiring DRS to lay landlines or fiber as an alternative to using wireless backhaul for the sites listed in DRS’s Waiver Request would be unduly burdensome.

Further, the FCC noted that requiring DRS to use other spectrum bands would be infeasible or unduly burdensome, given the lengths of the paths in question (33 miles and 42 miles, respectively). DRS argues that because the 11 GHz band has shorter range than the 6 GHz band, use of the 11 GHz band would require space diversity and additional radio equipment. The attendant cost of deployment in the 11 GHz band would therefore be so expensive that it does not represent a reasonable alternative to the Upper 6 GHz band. DRS has also asserted that deployment of the service in the Lower 6 GHz band is not possible, as two earth station licenses located at the Indian Mountain repeater site block all Lower 6 GHz Band spectrum availability. Given that numerous small communities in remote Alaska lack access to adequate broadband service, the FCC concluded that granting these waivers serves the public interest by fostering provision of broadband service in communities in Alaska where it will support education, telemedicine, and emergency services.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino

Take a listen to the incredible fresh voice of a 28-year-old Luciano Pavarotti

1 June 2021, 12:13 | Updated: 2 June 2021, 14:23

The fresh voice of a 28-year-old Luciano Pavarotti. Picture: Luciano Pavarotti/Facebook

By Maddy Shaw Roberts

Even in the early days of his singing career, Luciano Pavarotti’s vocal offerings were utterly effortless.

An instantly recognisable, honeyed voice with an unmatched ‘ping’ as he hits those dizzying heights — beloved Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti is still recognised as one of history’s greatest tenors.

And here’s a look back to one of his earliest performances, in 1964 in Moscow, Russia, when he was just 28 years old (watch below).

The clip, a performance of the Verdi aria “La donna è mobile,” was unearthed and posted by the official Luciano Pavarotti Facebook page, with the caption: “Pavarotti’s skill as one of the greatest tenors of all time can be seen right from the beginning of his career!”

His voice is crisp and deliciously box-fresh. Have a listen...

Amazing Young Pavarotti Sings Verdi: Rigoletto/Act 3 — "La donna è mobile" 1964

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