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This Week's Wireless News Headlines:
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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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What happens if you don't advertise? . . . NOTHING! Click on the image above for more info about advertising in this newsletter. |
HELP SUPPORT THE NEWSLETTER
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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Windows 11 could come to M1 Macs in the futureBy Joshua Hawkins November 23rd, 2021 at 7:42 PM
Qualcomm and Microsoft’s exclusivity deal for Windows on ARM chips is reportedly coming to an end soon. Without that deal in place, we could see official support for Windows 11 on Macs running M1 chips. Recent reports have noted that MediaTek, a company that creates SoCs for smartphones and tablets, wants to create a chip for Windows on ARM PCs. This is noteworthy because up until now, only Qualcomm has created chips for use in Windows ARM PCs. According to XDADevelopers, that might not be a coincidence. Microsoft and Qualcomm exclusivity deal has held Windows on ARM back
Based on the new report, XDA says that Qualcomm and Microsoft have been working together as part of an exclusivity deal. The deal is set to end soon, according to sources familiar with it. It’s unclear when the deal will end exactly, but when it does, it could open up room for new competition to step into the arena. Windows on ARM has been pretty disappointing thus far. In the time that Qualcomm and Microsoft have been working together, most of the systems that they’ve released have been sluggish. This is a stark comparison to the speed and efficiency we’ve seen in Apple’s M1 chips, which use the same style of architecture. If the deal is really about to end, though, we could see more support for Windows on ARM. This would allow vendors like MediaTek, Samsung, and maybe even Apple’s M1 chips to support the operating system. We could see Windows 11 on M1 Macs soon
While Windows 11 can be run on an M1 Mac using a virtual machine like Parallels, Apple doesn’t offer Boot Camp on those systems. That’s because Microsoft only licenses the ARM version of Windows to PC makers. If it starts to receive more support from other vendors, though, Microsoft might open the door for regular consumers to access those licenses. Of course, whether or not Apple supports Boot Camp on M1 Macs is up to the company. The M1 Macs have managed to hit some impressive benchmarks since their release. If we ever hope to see that same kind of performance on Windows, it could be good to combine Microsoft’s OS with Apple’s tech. That might seem like a weird idea, especially considering how most people view Apple and Microsoft as rivals. However, consumers would ultimately win in a world where the two companies decided to work together. For now, though, we’ll have to be content with using Windows via a virtual machine on M1 macs. |
| Source: | BGR.com |
Paging Transmitters 150/900 MHz The RFI High Performance Paging Transmitter is designed for use in campus, city, state and country-wide paging systems. Designed for use where reliable simulcast systems where RF signal overlap coverage is critical.
Built-in custom interface for Prism-IPX ipBSC Base Controller for remote control, management and alarm reporting.
Prism-IPX Systems LLC. 11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022
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The Wireless Messaging News
The Board of Advisor members are people with whom I have developed a special rapport, and have met personally. They are not obligated to support the newsletter in any way, except with advice, and maybe an occasional letter to the editor.
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New malware is capable of evading almost all antivirus productsBy Mayank Sharma — November 23, 2021 Malware bundles eighth different RATs, keyloggers, and information stealers
There’s a new JavaScript downloader on the prowl that not only distributes eight different Remote Access Trojans (RATs), keyloggers and information stealers, but is also able to bypass detection by a majority of security tools, experts have warned. Cybersecurity researchers at HP Wolf Security named the malware RATDispenser, noting that while JavaScript downloaders typically have a lower detection rate than other downloaders, this particular malware is more dangerous since it employs several techniques to evade detection. “It’s particularly concerning to see RATDispenser only being detected by about 11% of antivirus systems, resulting in this stealthy malware successfully deploying on victims’ endpoints in most cases,” noted Patrick Schlapfer, Malware Analyst at HP. Schlapfer adds that RATs and keyloggers assist attackers gain backdoor access to infected computers. The actors then usually use the access to help siphon credentials for user accounts, and increasingly cryptocurrency wallets, and in some cases might even hawk the access on to ransomware operators. The researchers note that the infection chain begins with a user receiving an email containing a malicious obfuscated JavaScript. When it runs, the JavaScript writes a VBScript file, which in turn downloads the malware payload, before deleting itself. Further research revealed that there were at least three different RATDispenser variants over the last three months for a total of 155 samples. While a majority of these samples were droppers, ten were downloaders that communicated over the network to fetch a secondary stage of malware. “The variety in malware families, many of which can be purchased or downloaded freely from underground marketplaces, and the preference of the malware operators to drop their payloads, suggest that the authors of RATDispenser may be operating under a malware-as-a-service business model,” believe the researchers. |
| Source: | Tech Radar |
| PRISM IPX Systems |
With PRISM IPX Systems, Your message is delivered Secure & Encrypted
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| Easy Solutions |
Providing Expert Support and Service Contracts for all Glenayre Paging Systems. The GL3000 is the most prolific paging system in the world and Easy Solutions gladly welcomes you to join us in providing reliable support to the paging industry for many more decades in the future. Easy Solutions provides cost effective computer and wireless solutions at affordable prices. We can help in most any situation with your communications systems. We have many years of experience and a vast network of resources to support the industry, your system and an ever changing completive landscape.
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 Easy Solutions |
GLENAYRE INFRASTRUCTUREI 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
Prism-IPX Systems LLC. 11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022 |
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Paging Data Receiver PDR-4 The PDR-4 is a multi-function paging data receiver that decodes paging messages and outputs them via the serial port, USB or Ethernet connectors. Designed for use with Prism-IPX ECHO software Message Logging Software to receive messages and log the information for proof of transmission over the air, and if the data was error free
Prism-IPX Systems LLC. 11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022 |
Wireless Network Planners
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Facebook Messenger, Instagram Will Not Get End-to-End Encryption Until 2023: ReportMeta earlier said that default E2EE would become available on Instagram and Messenger, "sometime in 2022 at the earliest."By ANI | Updated: 23 November 2021 10:20 IST
Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp's parent company — Meta, does not plan to roll out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default on Messenger and Instagram until 2023. The company merged Messenger and Instagram chats last year, as a part of its plan to create a unified messaging system across all of its platforms. As per The Verge, while messages sent through Messenger and Instagram can be E2EE, that option isn't turned on by default and likely won't be until sometime in 2023. WhatsApp already supports E2EE by default. As per a source, Antigone Davis, Meta's head of safety, attributed the delay to concerns about user safety. Since E2EE means only the sender and recipient will see their conversations, Davis said Meta wants to ensure that this doesn't interfere with the platform's ability to help stop criminal activity. Once E2EE does become available by default, Davis noted that the company will "use a combination of non-encrypted data across our apps, account information and reports from users" to help keep them safe, all while "assisting public safety efforts." In a blog post earlier this year, Meta said that default E2EE would become available on Instagram and Messenger, "sometime in 2022 at the earliest." But now, Davis said that Meta wants to "get this right," so the company plans on delaying the feature's debut until 2023. Also going into effect in 2023 is the UK's Online Safety bill, which will require online platforms to keep children from harm, as well as promptly address abusive content. This may impede Facebook's plans to enable E2EE by default, as the UK's Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has criticised its use in the past. Last year, the US joined the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, and Japan in a call to give local law enforcement backdoor encryption access, which would allow authorities to view encrypted messages and files if a warrant is issued. |
| Source: | Gadgets |
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 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:
Prism-IPX Systems LLC. 11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022 |
Secret Apple trick lets a friend unlock your locked iPhone in secondsBy Sean Keach, The Sun November 24, 2021 2:21pm
If you’ve been locked out of your Apple ID and iPhone, a friend can help you get back in. There’s a special feature called Recovery Contact that lets you nominate people to restore your accounts. If you’ve been hacked or you’ve found yourself unable to get into your account, it’s the perfect solution. It’s a new feature built into iOS 15 – the latest software update for your iPhone. You’ll have to choose a trusted person: a partner, close family member or long-time pal. This person can help you regain control of your account and devices in seconds. But be careful: only choose a Recovery Contact that you absolutely trust. Importantly, you need to set this up before you’ve been hacked or locked out of your account – so don’t wait around.
How to choose a Recovery ContactFirst, make sure you’re using iOS 15. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and make sure the number is version 15 or higher. If you’ve got any updates pending, install them for the latest security fixes. You’ll also need to make sure your Recovery Contact also has an iOS or iPadOS device on iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 or later. This person also needs to using two-factor authentication, and at least 13 years old. Then go to Settings on your device, and choose Apple ID at the top below your name. Go into Password & Security and then choose Account Recovery. From there you can tap Add Recovery Contact to choose someone. You can then send that person a message (which is editable), letting them know they’re your Recovery Contact. Send it and you’re done.
The Contact will need to go into Settings > Apple ID > Password & Security then choose Account Recovery. Barcroft Media via Getty Images How to recover an accountIf you are hacked, you’ll need to get in touch with your Recovery Contact. The Contact will need to go into Settings > Apple ID > Password & Security then choose Account Recovery. They’ll be able to generate a Recovery Code that can be used to reset a compromised device. |
| Source: | NEW YORK POST |
| Leavitt Communications |
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Time for a new TV antennae?by Jennifer Emert
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — TV antennas have come a long way from the days of rabbit ears covered in tinfoil. And with more and more people dropping cable to cut down on expenses, antennas have become increasingly popular. But which one should you buy? Consumer Reports offers some top picks from its latest tests. Consumer Reports recently tested indoor antennas of different shapes and sizes in homes both in the city and in the suburbs. Most models were able to receive dozens of free over-the-air channels. One that did well is the Winegard FlatWave Amped FL5500A for $60 ($110 in Canada). It has a super-thin design you can mount on a wall or a window. And some good news for bargain shoppers: Tests found little correlation between price and performance. One example is the budget model from Naxa NAA-308 for $15 ($80 in Canada), which combines the rabbit ears and loop design of classic antennas with more modern features. No matter which antenna you choose, there are several factors that will have an impact on the number of channels you’ll get. Some you have control over, others you don’t. Where you place your antenna is important. CR suggest placing it as high as you can and preferably close to a window. Other factors, like where you live and what’s around your home, like buildings or trees, can also have an impact on reception. That means you may need to try several models before finding the best antenna for your space. So CR suggests you shop somewhere with free returns and exchanges.
One last tip: CR says to rescan for channels every month or so, because you might pick up some new stations you couldn’t get before. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2021 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization which accepts no advertising. It has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site. For more information visit consumer.org. |
| Source: | WLOS.com |
| BloostonLaw Newsletter |
BloostonLaw wishes our clients a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday. Our offices will be closed Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26.HeadlinesFCC Announces Tentative Agenda for December Open MeetingOn November 23, the FCC issued a Press Release announcing that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the October Open Commission Meeting scheduled for December 14:
Each summary above contains a link to the draft text of each item expected to be considered at this Open 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. Comments Sought on Affordable Connectivity Program; Due Dec. 8On November 18, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comment on implementing the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”). Comments are due December 8, and reply comments are due December 28. As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, the ACP is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law on November 15 by President Biden. The ACP modifies and extends the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) to a longer-term broadband affordability program. The Investment Act accomplishes this by overlaying new ACP requirements on top of EBB Program requirements, as well as by providing additional requirements. The Infrastructure Act, however, retains many of the EBB Program requirements. Specifically, the Infrastructure Act makes significant modifications to the eligibility criteria to be used for the Affordable Connectivity Program, sets out additional consumer protection requirements, reduces the standard benefit amount from $50 per month to $30 per month, imposes a new standard for determining the households that are eligible to receive the enhanced benefit of up to $75 per month, requires providers to allow enrolled households to apply the affordable connectivity benefit to any of the provider’s Internet service offerings, and sets forth additional requirements for providers regarding the promotion of the program. The Public Notice seeks comment on how best to implement these statutory modifications. For example, the Infrastructure Act makes several changes to the ways households can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. In the EBB Program, a household may qualify if it meets the requirements of a provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program, subject to the requirements of the provider’s approved verification process. However, under the Affordable Connectivity Program, eligibility for a provider’s COVID-19 program no longer qualifies a household to receive ACP benefits. Additionally, the Infrastructure Act removes eligibility for households that qualified based on having experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020. Given these changes, the FCC seeks comment on how it should revise the process for determining whether a provider’s “established program” qualifies it for automatic approval to become a participating provider in the Affordable Connectivity Program. In another example, the Infrastructure Act removes the Consolidated Appropriations Act requirement that the EBB Program supported service must have been offered “in the same manner, and on the same terms, as described in any of such provider’s offerings for broadband Internet access service to such household, as on December 1, 2020,” and imposes a new requirement that providers “shall allow an eligible household to apply the affordable connectivity benefit to any Internet service offering of the participating provider, at the same rates and terms available to households that are not eligible households.” As such, the FCC seeks comment on the information and the supporting documentation that should be collected by USAC as part of the election process to help guard against waste, fraud, and abuse, and to ensure that the provider offers supported service through the Affordable Connectivity Program at the same terms available to households not eligible for the program. Carriers interested in filing comments or reply comments may contact the firm for more information. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and John Prendergast. Comment Sought on Procedures for Auction 112; Due Dec. 13On November 19, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comment on the procedures to be used for Auction 112, an auction of construction permits for full power television (FPTV) stations. Bidding for Auction 112 to commence in June 2022. Comments are due December 13, and reply comments are due December 23. Auction 112 will offer 27 construction permits for FPTV stations. A number of the available stations are in smaller Midwest and Rocky Mountain areas. The permits that will be available in Auction 112 are can be found here. The permits that will be available in Auction 112 are for channel allotments contained in the Table of Television Allotments (TV Table) and assigned at the indicated communities for which there currently is not a licensee. Each permit awarded will be for one of the allotted-but-unlicensed channels currently contained in the TV Table. For Auction 112, the FCC proposes to use its simultaneous multiple-round auction format for Auction 112. This type of auction offers every construction permit for bid at the same time and consists of successive bidding rounds in which qualified bidders may place bids on individual construction permits. Bidding will close on all construction permits after the first round in which no bidder submits any new bid, applies a proactive activity rule waiver, or withdraws any provisionally winning bid (if bid withdrawals are permitted in this auction). Each round, a minimum acceptable bid of approximately 10% greater than the provisionally winning bid amount for the construction permit will be available, as well as 8 additional bid options with a bid increment percentage of 5%. In keeping with the usual practice in spectrum auctions, the FCC proposes that applicants be required to submit upfront payments as a prerequisite to becoming qualified to bid. Comment is sought on an appropriate upfront payment for each construction permit being auctioned, taking into account such factors as the efficiency of the auction process and the potential value of similar construction permits. The FCC further proposes that the amount of the upfront payment submitted by an applicant will determine its initial bidding eligibility in bidding units, which are a measure of bidder eligibility and bidding activity. Carriers interested filing comments on the procedures for Auction 112 may contact the firm for more information. BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Cary Mitchell. Law and RegulationFCC Adopts Wireless Incentive Program to Address Digital Divide, Help Rural CarriersAt its November Open Meeting, the FCC adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing “an enhanced competition incentive program to encourage licensees to offer opportunities for small carriers and Tribal Nations to obtain spectrum via lease, partition, or disaggregation.” Comment and reply comment deadlines have not yet been established. According to a Press Release, transactions that qualify for the program would be those that facilitate spectrum use by entities unaffiliated with the licensee wherein the licensee designates at least 50% of the licensed spectrum to an assignee or a lessee through either a small carrier or Tribal Nation transaction or through a rural-focused transaction. The proposed program offers three primary benefits to participants:
The item adopted today proposes waste, fraud, and abuse protections as part of the ECIP, and the FCC will seek comment on other measures in addition to this program, including alternative construction benchmarks for all wireless radio service licensees to promote innovative spectrum use, voluntary mechanisms and incentives to promote spectrum sharing, and flexibility to reaggregate licenses. BloostonLaw Contact: John Prendergast and Cary Mitchell. FCC Announces Additional Program Integrity Measures for Emergency Benefit Program EnrollmentsOn November 22, the FCC issued a Public Notice announces that it is implementing additional measures to strengthen program integrity surrounding the enrollment of households in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). These additional measures come in the wake of an advisory by the FCC’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) raising concerns about potential waste, fraud and abuse with respect to EBB Program enrollments based on the CEP. Specifically, the advisory observed and described certain problems associated with the CEP enrollment process. To combat these issues, households seeking to qualify for the EBB Program through the National Verifier based on the CEP must now identify both the school name and provide official school documentation demonstrating that the household has a child or dependent (referred to on the application as the “benefit qualifying person”) enrolled at the CEP school. Examples of documentation sufficient to satisfy this requirement include a letter from the school confirming the benefit qualifying person’s enrollment at the school, or a report card identifying the benefit qualifying person’s name and the school name. Generic school notices that do not include the benefit qualifying person’s name would not be sufficient to enroll in the EBB Program based on the CEP. EBB Program households that are currently enrolled based on the CEP will be required to confirm their eligibility for the EBB Program. According to the Public Notice, USAC will conduct the necessary outreach to confirm the eligibility of these EBB Program households, and will notify participating service providers of their respective EBB-Program households that will be asked to confirm their eligibility. Impacted EBB-Program households must provide documentation demonstrating that the benefit qualifying person was enrolled in a school that participates in the CEP during the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year. These households may confirm eligibility through the National Verifier via the online portal or by mailing a paper form, and will be required to identify the CEP school name and provide official school documentation demonstrating the benefit qualifying person’s enrollment in that school. Impacted households can also confirm their eligibility based on a non-CEP qualifying program or qualifying income level. Impacted EBB Program households that fail to timely confirm their eligibility will be de-enrolled from the EBB Program. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Sal IndustryFCC Grants Verizon/TracFone Transaction Subject to ConditionsOn November 22, the FCC issued a Press Release announcing that it has voted to approve the transfer of control of TracFone Wireless from América Móvil to Verizon Communications. According to the Press Release, the FCC found that the transaction, as modified by Verizon’s enforceable commitments, will make Verizon and TracFone stronger providers of prepaid and Lifeline services. In approving the transfer, the FCC adopted a number of binding conditions to address potential harms and to ensure the transaction will be in the public interest. Specifically, as described more fully in the order, Verizon must:
The FCC also required Verizon to assume liability for forfeitures, restitution, or other obligations that may be imposed by the Commission or the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) on TracFone. In addition, Verizon will comply with any agreements with the Commission or USAC, including following any compliance plans, or other obligations, agreed to by TracFone, its subsidiaries, or any successors or assigns. FCC To Hold Forum on Online Video Program Accessibility on Dec. 2On November 19, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing a virtual event, the Video Programming Accessibility Forum — Online Closed Captioning on December 2, 2021, from 1:00 pm to 3:45 pm ET. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel will welcome Forum participants, and Senator Ed Markey will deliver keynote remarks. This is a public event and will be streamed live on fcc.gov/live and the FCC’s YouTube channel. The public and interested stakeholders to engage in this discussion by sending questions during the event to livequestions@fcc.gov. According to the Public Notice, the Forum will explore the state of closed captioning availability for online video programming and discuss ways to enhance accessibility, including the Commission’s authority to adopt new rules. The Forum also will explore current and prospective best practices and other existing or possible voluntary efforts that could enhance the availability of closed captioning online. The Forum will include two panels that will feature speakers such as television, cable, and online video programming distributors, academics, and consumer advocates. Panel A will feature Jim Denney, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, Direct-to-Consumer at NBCUniversal; Heather Dowdy, Director of Accessibility at Netflix; Daniel Kocmarek, General Manager, Global Video Supply Chain and Content Operations, Prime Video at Amazon; KR Liu, Head of Brand Accessibility at Google; and Dr. Christian Vogler, Director, Technology Access Program at Gallaudet University. Panel B will feature Zainab Alkebsi, Policy Counsel at National Association of the Deaf; Jacqueline Clary, Vice President & Associate Counsel, Program Network Policy at NCTA — The Internet & Television Association; Blake Reid, Clinical Professor, Samuelson-Glushko Technology Law & Policy Clinic at Colorado Law; and Larry Walke, Associate General Counsel, at the National Association of Broadcasters. DeadlinesDECEMBER 1: FCC FORM 323, BIENNIAL OWNERSHIP REPORT. In odd numbered years, all licensees of commercial AM, FM, and full power television broadcast stations, as well as Licensees of Class A Television and Low Power Television (LPTV) stations, must file FCC Form 323 December 1. The information in each ownership report shall be current as of October 1 of the year in which the ownership report is filed. In the case of organizational structures that include holding companies or other forms of indirect ownership, a separate FCC Form 323 must be filed for each entity in the organizational structure that has an attributable interest in the licensee. If a licensee holds multiple station licenses and the information submitted on the licensee’s ownership report is equally applicable to each such license, the licensee may file a single Form 323 listing all such licenses. Similarly, if a non-licensee holds attributable interests in multiple licensees and the information submitted on that entity’s ownership report is equally applicable to each such licensee and all licenses, that entity may file a single Form 323 listing all such licensees and licenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any entity that both (1) is a licensee and (2) holds attributable interests in one or more licensees must file two ownership reports — one as a licensee and one as a non-licensee. JANUARY 18: Form 855 HAC Compliance Certification. The next Hearing Aid Compatibility regulatory compliance certification, certifying compliance with the FCC’s HAC handset minimums as well as enhanced record retention and website posting requirements for the 2020 calendar year, will be due Monday, January 18, 2022, for all CMRS service providers (including CMRS resellers) that had operations during any portion of 2021. Companies that sold their wireless licenses during the 2021 calendar year will need to file a partial-year HAC compliance certifications if they provided mobile wireless service at any time during the year. Under current FCC rules, at least 66% of a Tier III provider’s handset must meet ratings of M3- or better and T3- or better. The benchmark applicable to Tier III providers will increase from 66% to 85% on April 3, 2023. BloostonLaw has prepared a 2022 HAC Regulatory Compliance Template to facilitate our clients’ compliance with the revised HAC rules. Contact Cary Mitchell if you would like to obtain a copy of the HAC Regulatory Compliance Template. BloostonLaw Contact: Cary Mitchell. JANUARY 31: FCC FORM 555, ANNUAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER CERTIFICATION FORM. All Lifeline Program service providers are required to file the FCC Form 555, except where the National Verifier, state Lifeline administrator, or other entity is responsible. Since January 31 falls on a weekend or holiday this year, Form 555 may be filed by February 1. The FCC Form 555 must be submitted to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) electronically via USAC’s E-File (One Portal). Carriers must also file a copy of their FCC Form 555 in the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System, Docket 14-171, and with their state regulatory commission. The form reports the results of the annual recertification process and non-usage de-enrollments. Recertification results are reported month-by-month based on the subscribers’ anniversary date. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and John Prendergast.
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