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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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The 6 Best Websites to Test Your Internet Speed for FreeBY JACK RYAN PUBLISHED OCTOBER 27, 2021
You no doubt use the Internet every day in some way, shape, or form. Whether it be at home or at work or even reading articles online, the Internet is an ever-present commodity, and as such, your Internet speed is an ever-present concern. So, it’s important that you know how fast your Internet is really going. Fortunately, there is a wealth of online websites and services which will test your Internet connection and speed. Here are six of the best of them. 1. TestMy.net
First to the plate is TestMy.net. TestMy.net aims to differentiate itself from other Internet speed testers by focusing solely on real-world broadband results based in real-world conditions. It does this by making sure it hosts its servers in the same place that many popular websites do. By doing this, TestMy.net ensures that the results that you get with your tests will be as close as possible to those that you experience when actually browsing. TestMy.net’s actual test runs a little differently to some others on this list. Instead of giving you a comprehensive test, TestMy.net asks you to specify what exactly needs testing, be it your download, upload, or latency. A combined test is also possible if you so wish. The actual results are impressive though, giving you averages in comparison to your city, country, and the world. You’ll also see a chart that shows you the change in your speed throughout the test, instead of just the average. This helps to make sure the information you get is as transparent as possible. 2. SpeedSmart
If you’re looking for an Internet speed tester which focuses on accuracy and ease of use, then SpeedSmart might just be the right fit for you. Some Internet speed testers use multithreading to test your Internet Multithreading has a variety of different functions, but in this case, it just means that the tests are giving you the best possible download and upload speeds your Internet is capable of achieving. This isn’t always realistic. Normally, your browsing and downloading won’t be using multithreading in order to speed up its speeds, so why should your tests? SpeedSmart remedies this by making sure that its tests are as close to real-world testing scenarios as possible. The test itself is quick and easy, and gives you a relatively detailed breakdown of what is happening. You can also access SpeedSmart’s Speed Index if you so wish, which will give you helpful information on different providers across the country. 3. Speedtest
Speedtest, also sometimes called Speedtest by Ookla, is an immensely popular Internet speed tester, and for good reason. Speedtest was first created in 2006 and has taken over 35 billion tests since. Speedtest straddles the line between simple to use and feature-rich perfectly. Using the service is easy, all you need to do is click the big button labeled “Go” and the website handles the rest. That isn’t where Speedtest stops being useful, however. You can quickly and easily change the server that Speedtest connects to and the number of connections. Moreover, you can gather information about other people from all around the world. By using Speedtest’s Global Index, you can see how your Internet compares to your country and others around the world with just one click. Speedtest even comes on a wide range of platforms as well, including iOS, Android, and more. 4. Fast
If you’re looking for something simple, and quick to use, then Fast might just be the perfect Internet speed tester for you. True to its name, Fast is probably the quickest Internet speed tester on this list. When you load a webpage, Fast will already begin to work its magic, rapidly testing your download speed. The results are simple, just a straightforward reading of your download speed in megabits per second, but more information is available if you need it as well. Fast is capable of giving you information on your latency and upload speeds if you’re looking for information on that. You can adjust the specifics of how it tests in a variety of ways, including how many parallel connections you want and how long you want the test to last. 5. SpeedOf.Me
SpeedOf.Me is a lightweight website that works on all manner of platforms. If you’re looking for a test you can use consistently between browsers on your desktop and phone, then SpeedOf.Me might just be right for you. SpeedOf.Me functions about how you might expect. All you need to do is click one button if you want to begin, and SpeedOf.Me will start its testing. The graph used looks interesting and updates in real-time, giving you comprehensive analytics of your Internet speed results as you go. The information isn’t the most robust on the list, but it is interesting to look at. There are also options to share your results or to look at previous checks you’ve made to see how your Internet has fared over time. 6. Speedcheck
Finally, we have Speedcheck. Speedcheck is a straightforward, no-frills Internet speed tester for those of you who are looking for something that’s simple while still being comprehensive. Speedcheck does everything that you might come to expect after having made your way through this list. It can give you information on your latency, download speed, upload speed, your IP address, and Internet provider. If you’re looking for slightly more in-depth information, then Speedcheck has you covered there, too, as it gives you more detailed information on your network stability as well. You can see just how your Internet speed varied throughout the test, as well as just how much data the service actually transferred. You Know Your Speed. Now What?It’s clear to see now that checking your Internet speed is an easy and straightforward process. There’s little reason not to do it from time to time, just to see how your current service provider is doing for you. But what can you consider a good result? Many of these services provide analytics, but those can only ever get you so far. It’s more important that you truly know what you’re looking for instead of relying on their results. |
| Source: | MAKEUSEOF.COM |
| Leavitt Communications |
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ARRL Concurs with Two FCC WRC-23 Advisory Committee Draft PositionsARRL has said it agrees with the draft positions of the FCC's World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) Advisory Committee (WAC) on WRC-23 agenda items 1.13 and 9.1 (Topic A). ARRL is represented on the WAC and participating in its work. The FCC International Bureau issued a call for comments earlier this year. With respect to agenda item 1.12, ARRL recommends that the US support "studies and possible consideration of a new allocation to the Earth Exploration-Satellite Service (Active) on a secondary basis within the frequency range of 40 - 50 MHz" for space-borne radar sounders.
"Our support for the draft recommendation is conditioned on explicitly including in the recommendation the need to provide protection and not impose constraints on incumbent services in adjacent frequency bands," ARRL said. "Our expectation is that such studies will identify the capability and adequate means to protect the weak-signal operations of the Amateur Radio Service on the adjacent 50 - 54 MHz band without imposing any restraint on those operations, if the need to use this spectrum for space-borne radar sounders is confirmed." In its remarks, ARRL noted Draft Preliminary Views on WRC-23, WAC-23/034 (13.09.2021) appended to the FCC's Request for Comment that use of 50 - 54 MHz by radio amateurs was recently studied and documented in ITU-Radiocommunication Report M.2478-0, "Spectrum needs for the amateur service in the frequency band 50 - 54 MHz in Region 1 and sharing with mobile, fixed, radiolocation, and broadcasting services." ARRL also expressed its support for the WAC's draft recommendation on Agenda Item 9.1, Topic A, Space Weather Sensors. The agenda item calls on the Conference to consider and approve the Report of the Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau reviewing the results of studies relating to space weather sensors "with a view to describing appropriate recognition and protection ... without placing additional constraints on incumbent services." The WAC draft recommendation is that the view of the US be "that changes to the Radio Regulations are outside the scope of Agenda Item 9.1" and that the US express its support for "conducting the studies called for in Resolution 657 (Rev. WRC-19)." "Completion and consideration of these studies are essential to achieving the desired objective of not placing any additional constraints on incumbent services," ARRL said. ARRL represents the interests of radio amateurs through its participation on World Radiocommunications Conference and FCC advisory committees. |
| Sources: | The ARRL Letter for October 28, 2021 |
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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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With PRISM IPX Systems, Your message is delivered Secure & Encrypted
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Zoom may have just killed off in-person conferences for good
By Mike Moore Host your whole conferences online with Zoom Events
The age of in-person events and company conferences could soon be at an end, if Zoom has anything to do with it. The video conferencing firm has revealed that customers can now host fully-fledged conferences online using its Zoom Events platform. Promising everything needed to run conference-scale virtual events, Zoom says that the new upgrade will help lessen the stress of hosting such online collaboration events, whilst also allowing users to configure and build their event just how they want. Zoom eventsThe company had tested its new release for its own Zoomtopia 2021 conference, where it says it was able to successfully host more than 33,000 global attendees. "Juggling multiple platforms for event hosting and management can be a challenge. That’s why we’re constantly innovating to improve how you host, manage, and report on your virtual experiences with Zoom Events, the only solution you’ll need to host virtual events," Zoom Product Marketing Specialist David Ball wrote in a blog post outlining the new features.
Users will now be able to host events lasting up to five days, and support up to 13 concurrent sessions. When logging in, attendees will be able to converge in a conference lobby, where they can network and view sessions before and during an event. Attendees can also view or search for specific sessions in the lobby or via a new directory, filtering via tracks, and can also monitor their itinerary or build their own schedules by adding sessions. For organisers, the new update means that session and speaker information can be uploaded in bulk, and session videos such as a sizzle reel or preview clip can be included to introduce speakers or prepare attendees for the start of the event. Speakers will also be able to edit their session and bios, although organisers will still have the final sign-off, along with full chat moderation throughout. and the hosting of the entire event can be split by assigning up to 20 event coordinators. After the event, surveys can be sent out to gauge attendee opinion, hopefully helping to make events more interesting and engaging going forward. Recordings of all sessions will also be made and distributed, and organisers can also see in and post-event analytics reports across a number of metrics. Out now, Zoom says that hosting free and paid events is available to users in United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and France. However there are some limits to other countries hosting purely paid or free events for the time being.
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| Easy Solutions |
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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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Major solar flare erupts from the sun, could disrupt Earth’s GPS signals: NASAOctober 29, 2021 19 seconds ago Brendan Taylor
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory has captured a “significant solar flare” erupting from the Sun, which could disrupt GPS signals on Earth as well as supercharge the northern lights. The Sun emitted an X1-class flare on Thursday, the most intense so far, at 11.35 a.m., NASA said in a statement on Friday. “POW! The sun just served up a powerful flare,” the US space agency said in a tweet. According to the US Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), which tracks space weather events, the X1-class flare caused a brief but significant radio blackout across the sunlit side of Earth, centered on South America. According to Spaceweather.com, the flare was caused by a sunspot called AR2887, which is currently positioned in the centre of the sun and facing the Earth. The X1-flare is also expected to hit Earth’s magnetic field on Saturday, according to NASA. Solar flares are high-energy bursts of radiation. While harmful radiation from a flare cannot physically affect humans on the ground, it can disrupt the atmosphere in the layer where GPS and communications signals travel when it is intense enough. It can also boost the Northern Lights on Earth (auroras). According to NASA, the X-class denotes the most intense flares, while the number provides more information about its strength. An X2 is twice as powerful as an X1, an X3 is three times as powerful, and so on. Flares classified as X10 or higher are considered unusually intense. When these powerful flares strike Earth directly, they can be accompanied by a massive eruption of solar particles known as a coronal mass ejection. The X1-class flare on Thursday also “appeared to have coronal mass ejection related signatures,” according to the SWPC. According to SpaceWeather.com, it “created a massive tsunami of plasma that rippled across the entire solar disk: The plasma wave was about 100,000 km tall and moved through the sun’s atmosphere faster than 1.6 million mph”. NOAA forecasters estimate that it is expected to reach Earth with a “60 per cent chance of M-class flares and a 25 per cent chance of another X-flare in the next 24 hours”. M-class flares are medium-sized and can cause brief radio blackouts in Earth’s polar regions, whereas C-class flares are small and have few noticeable effects on Earth. |
| Source: | Insider Paper |
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
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Remote AB Switches ABX-1 switches are often used at remote transmitter sites to convert from old, outdated and unsupported controllers to the new modern Prism-IPX ipBSC base station controllers. Remotely switch to new controllers with GUI commands. ABX-1
ABX-3 switches are widely used for enabling or disabling remote equipment and switching I/O connections between redundant messaging systems. ABX-3
Common Features:
Prism-IPX Systems LLC.
11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022 |
FCC Revokes China Telecom’s Authority to Provide Communications in the U.S.Tuesday, October 26, 2021 The FCC adopted an order ending China Telecom (Americas) ability to provide domestic interstate and international telecommunications services within the United States. The order on revocation and termination directs China Telecom Americas to discontinue any domestic or international services that it provides pursuant to its section 214 authority within 60 days following the release of the order. Promoting national security is an integral part of the commission’s responsibility to advance the public interest, and the action carries out that mission to safeguard the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure from potential security threats, the FCC said. Based in part on the recommendation of the executive branch agencies, the commission found that China Telecom Americas failed to rebut the serious concerns of the executive branch about its continued presence in the United States. In December 2020, the Commission launched a proceeding and established a process that allowed for China Telecom Americas, the executive branch agencies and the public to present any remaining arguments or evidence in the matter. Based on the extensive unclassified record alone, the commission’s public interest analysis found that the present and future public interest, convenience and necessity is no longer served by China Telecom Americas’ retention of its section 214 authority. The order finds that China Telecom Americas, a U.S. subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned enterprise, is subject to exploitation, influence, and control by the Chinese government and is highly likely to be forced to comply with Chinese government requests without sufficient legal procedures subject to independent judicial oversight. Second, given the changed national security environment with respect to China since the commission authorized China Telecom Americas to provide telecommunications services in the United States almost two decades ago, the order found that China Telecom Americas’ ownership and control by the Chinese government raise significant national security and law enforcement risks by providing opportunities for China Telecom Americas, its parent entities, and the Chinese government to access, store, disrupt and/or misroute U.S. communications, which in turn allow them to engage in espionage and other harmful activities against the United States. The order also found that further mitigation would not address these significant national security and law enforcement concerns. The order also found that China Telecom Americas willfully violated two of the five provisions of a 2007 letter of assurances with the executive branch agencies, compliance with which is a condition of its international section 214 authorizations. Finally, the order found that classified evidence submitted by the executive branch agencies further supports the decisions to revoke the domestic authority and revoke and terminate the international authorizations issued to China Telecom Americas, and the determination that further mitigation will not address the substantial national security and law enforcement risks. To assist U.S. customers with transitioning to other mobile service providers as a result of China Telecom Americas’ discontinued services, the FCC will issue a consumer guide after the order is released that explains this action and what other options consumers might consider for mobile services. |
| Source: | Mission Critical Communications |
| Leavitt Communications |
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STOP USE AND INSPECTION
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| Source: | Inside Towers newsletter | Courtesy of the editor of Inside Towers, Jim Fryer. Inside Towers is a daily newsletter by subscription. |
| BloostonLaw Newsletter |
Biden Announces Rosenworcel as Pick for FCC Chair, Sohn for VacancyOn October 26, President Biden announced the nomination of current Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to formally lead the FCC as official Chairwoman, and of Gigi Sohn, former FCC official and well-known name in the industry, to the vacant seat. See the full article below for more information. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Sal Taillefer. HeadlinesPresident Biden Nominates Rosenworcel to FCC Chair, Sohn to VacancyOn October 26, President Biden announced the nomination of current Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to formally lead the FCC as official Chairwoman, and of Gigi Sohn, former FCC official and well-known name in the industry, to the vacant seat. According to the White House press release announcing the nominations:
“I am deeply humbled to be designated as Chair of the Federal Communications Commission by President Biden,” said Rosenworcel. “It is an honor to work with my colleagues on the Commission and the agency’s talented staff to ensure that no matter who you are or where you live, everyone has the connections they need to live, work, and learn in the digital age,” said Rosenworcel. “I also want to congratulate Gigi Sohn on her nomination to serve as a Commissioner at the agency and Alan Davidson on his nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.” Politico reports that these decisions came relatively late in the President’s term: “Of his predecessors, only Jimmy Carter and Richard Nixon waited as late as September of their first year to tap their FCC chair. And unless the Senate confirms Rosenworcel and Sohn by the end of December, Republicans are poised to gain a 2-1 majority on the commission come January.” Fierce Wireless reported back in July that Sohn was, at one point, a front-runner for the Chairwomanship, but apparently lost out due to “Senatorial opposition.” BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and John Prendergast. FCC Releases Rip and Replace Reimbursement Program Application Form User GuideOn October 20, the FCC announced the availability of a FCC Form 5640 Application Request for Funding Allocation User Guide (FCC Form 5640 User Guide) for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program (Reimbursement Program). This program provides for the removal of certain equipment determined by the U.S. Government to pose a security risk, in what is called the “rip and replace” process. The FCC Form 5640 User Guide is available at https://www.fcc.gov/supplychain (the Supply Chain webpage). It is important to note that any information, guidance, or advice provided in these documents is considered informal guidance and should not be considered a final or binding FCC determination by FCC staff. The FCC Form 5640 User Guide provides step-by-step instructions for navigating the online filing portal and completing the FCC Form 5640 Application Request for Funding Allocation. As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, the FCC has also made available on the Supply Chain Webpage, the Excel batch upload templates to assist applicants with completing the location and equipment portions of the FCC Form 5640 Application Request for Funding Allocation, and an updated version of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to reflect additional questions received. The Reimbursement Program application filing window will open on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 12:00 AM ET and close on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11:59 PM ET. BloostonLaw attorneys are available to assist clients interested in participating in the Reimbursement Program. The Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 directed the FCC to establish the $1.9 billion Reimbursement Program to reimburse providers of advanced communications services with ten million or fewer customers for costs incurred in the removal, replacement, and disposal of covered communications equipment or services from their networks that pose a national security risk. Covered communication equipment or services eligible for Reimbursement Program support is limited to the communications equipment or services produced or provided by Huawei Technologies Company (Huawei) or ZTE Corporation (ZTE), that were obtained by providers on or before June 30, 2020. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, Cary Mitchell, and Sal Taillefer. USDA Announces Rules for Next Round of ReConnect Grants, Revised RulesOn October 22, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the next round of funding to be made available through the ReConnect program, applications for which the USDA will begin accepting on November 24. According to a Press Release, the Department plans to make available up to $200 million in ReConnect Program loans, up to $250 million in loan/grant combinations, up to $350 million in grants with a 25 percent matching requirement, and now also up to $350 million in grants with no matching requirement for projects in tribal and “socially vulnerable communities.” Applicants must serve an area without broadband service at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) (download) and 20 Mbps (upload), and commit to building facilities capable of providing broadband service at speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in its proposed service area. This represents a marked increase from the previous round, in which only areas lacking service at 10/1 Mbps were eligible for funding, and funding recipients were only required to deploy 25/3 Mbps service. As in the past, in making funding decisions, USDA will prioritize projects that will serve low-density rural areas with locations lacking Internet access services at speeds of at least 25/3 Mbps service. It will also consider, among other things, the economic needs of the community to be served; the extent which a provider will offer affordable service options; a project’s commitment to strong labor standards; and whether a project is serving tribal lands or is submitted by a local government, Tribal Government, non-profit or cooperative. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Sal Taillefer. Law and RegulationFCC Set to Launch Reassigned Numbers Database on Nov. 1On October 25, the FCC announced the launch of the Reassigned Numbers Database on November 1, 2021, to reduce the number of unwanted calls Americans receive. The database is designed to prevent a consumer from getting unwanted calls intended for someone who previously held their phone number. On launch day, paid subscribers to the database, including callers and caller agents, will be able to determine whether a telephone number has been reassigned from the consumer they intend to reach, allowing them to avoid calling consumers with reassigned numbers who may not wish to receive their call. The Reassigned Numbers Database is available at www.reassigned.us. The FCC will host a webinar at fcc.gov/live to educate callers and caller agents about the Reassigned Numbers Database on launch day. According to the Press Release, the webinar will provide information for callers and caller agents to register for and subscribe to the database. It will also include a demonstration of the database, including an overview of how to submit queries. Additional information can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/events/2021/11/reassigned-numbers-database-webinar-0. “The database’s launch is the culmination of several years of work by the Commission, voice service providers, and callers to reduce the number of unwanted calls consumers receive,” said Patrick Webre, Chief of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau. “This is a win-win for consumers and callers: Not only will consumers receive fewer calls meant for someone else, callers will be better able to reach those they wish to call.” BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, John Prendergast. House Approves Secure Networks BillOn October 20, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Secure Equipment Act (HR 3919) by a vote of 420-4. It moves on to the Senate next. Companion legislation, S 1790, was approved by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee back in August. The Secure Equipment Act, which was introduced by Reps. Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), requires the FCC to establish rules stating that it will no longer review or approve any authorization application for equipment that is on the list of covered communications equipment or services (i.e., the list of communications equipment or services that the FCC determines pose an unacceptable risk to national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons). The FCC opened a docket for this purpose back in June, but has not acted since. “I’ve fought for over a decade to address vulnerabilities in our telecommunications infrastructure that directly impact our national security. Equipment made by Huawei and ZTE, companies linked to the Chinese government, increase the vulnerabilities of our telecommunication systems and put the U.S. at risk. I'm so pleased that the House passed bipartisan, bicameral legislation that Rep. Scalise and I co-authored to prohibit the FCC from issuing licenses for any telecommunications equipment made by Huawei or ZTE,” said Rep. Eshoo. “It was good to see both parties come together to strengthen America’s security against Chinese cyber attacks when the House overwhelmingly passed the Secure Equipment Act that I wrote with Rep. Anna Eshoo. The Secure Equipment Act, H.R. 3919, will prevent China from infiltrating America’s telecommunications networks and threatening the safety and national security of the American people when sending data across the Internet By prohibiting the FCC from issuing any equipment licenses to companies identified as a threat to our national security, this bill prevents compromised Chinese equipment from threatening America’s networks. The Secure Equipment Act sends a strong signal to the Chinese Communist Party that America is committed to securing our networks and protecting the privacy and safety of our citizens. I’m proud to have worked with Rep. Eshoo in writing this important bipartisan legislation, and I look forward to its passage in the Senate as this bill moves one step closer to becoming law,” said Rep. Scalise. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Sal Taillefer. FCC Issues Fourth Wave of Robocall Cease-and-Desist LettersOn October 21, the FCC announced that it has sent cease-and-desist letters to three network providers — Duratel, Primo Dialler, and PZ/Illum Telecommunication — demanding that these providers immediately cease originating illegal robocall campaigns on their networks, many of which originated overseas, and report to the FCC the concrete steps they are implementing to prevent a recurrence of these operations. The FCC issued similar letters to other companies in March, April, and May. According to the Press Release, investigations by the FCC, in conjunction with the industry-led Traceback Consortium, indicate that these companies each transmitted multiple illegal robocall campaigns on their networks. Duratel and PZ/Illum originated substantial numbers of government imposter scam calls including posing as the Social Security Administration, the Federal Reserve, or the Department of Homeland Security. Primo Dialler originated robocalls that threatened utility discontinuation and offered fake credit card rate reductions. The FCC identified the providers based on Industry Traceback Group information, which identifies the providers that receive the most tracebacks over a 60-day period, as well as information from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. “We announced the formation of the agency’s Robocall Response Team with a clear message: bad actors beware,” said Rosenworcel. “These cease-and-desist letters should serve as a warning sign to other entities that believe the FCC has turned a blind eye to this issue. We haven’t. Our latest action makes it clear to companies like these that we will intervene when necessary to protect American consumers. The FCC is putting its full force behind stopping these junk calls.” FCC Revokes China Telecom America’s Authority to Provide Telecommunications Service in USOn October 26, the FCC adopted an order formally ending China Telecom (Americas) Corporation’s ability to provide domestic interstate and international telecommunications services within the United States. The Order on Revocation and Termination directs China Telecom Americas to discontinue any domestic or international services that it provides pursuant to its section 214 authority within sixty days following the release of the order. According to a Press Release, the FCC found that China Telecom Americas “failed to rebut the serious concerns of the Executive Branch about its continued presence in the United States.” Specifically, the FCC found:
To assist U.S. customers with transitioning to other mobile service providers as a result of China Telecom Americas’ discontinued services, the FCC will issue a consumer guide after the Order is released that explains this action and what other options consumers might consider for mobile services. This document will be available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese and made available on the FCC’s website. Additionally, the consumer guide will be sent to news outlets to further raise awareness to China Telecom Americas’ customers. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Gerry Duffy. IndustryT-Mobile Announces Delay of 3G SunsetOn October 22, T-Mobile announced it is extending the sunset date of its CDMA network by three months, from December 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. “Recently it’s become increasingly clear that some of [T-Mobile’s] partners haven’t followed through on their responsibility to help their customers through this shift…” wrote T-Mobile in an unattributed blog post on its website, and “…we want to give those partners who haven’t done the right thing for their customers every opportunity to step up now and do so.” While not naming names in the instant post, T-Mobile’s CEO Mike Sievert has previously remarked, “our friends at DISH have been dragging their feet in getting their customers upgraded to the superior 4G/5G world.” Despite placing heavy emphasis on the need to sunset CDMA technology in order to move on to 5G, T-Mobile noted that, “[t]his decision has no material financial impact to our business and the rapid pace of our 5G buildout will continue.” FCC Announces Third Wave of RDOF Applications Ready for AuthorizationOn October 20, the FCC issued a Press Release announcing that it is ready to authorize $554,150,641 in its third round of funding for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. A list of newly-authorized winning bidders is available here. Together with two prior funding wave announcements, the FCC has now announced over $1 billion in funding to winning bidders for new deployments. The 19 states slated for today’s funding are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. Michigan and Georgia received the most funding in this wave, $188 million and $149 million, respectively. The FCC continues to review the remaining applications that were previously announced as winning bidders. “This is good news for consumers waiting far too long for broadband in parts of the country that have yet to be served,” said Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Broadband is an essential service and during the pandemic we’ve seen just how critical it is for families, schools, hospitals, and businesses to have affordable Internet access. Thanks to the hard work of our dedicated FCC staff who are carefully reviewing applications and working to clean up the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, this program will build new broadband infrastructure in areas that truly need it.” DeadlinesNOVEMBER 1: FCC FORM 499-Q, TELECOMMUNICATIONS REPORTING WORKSHEET. All telecommunications common carriers that expect to contribute more than $10,000 to federal Universal Service Fund (USF) support mechanisms must file this quarterly form. The FCC has modified this form in light of its decision to establish interim measures for USF contribution assessments. The form contains revenue information from the prior quarter plus projections for the next quarter. Form 499-Q relates only to USF contributions. It does not relate to the cost recovery mechanisms for the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), and the shared costs of local number portability (LNP), which are covered in the annual Form 499-A that is due April 1. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and John Prendergast. DECEMBER 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. BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino.
Calendar At-a-Glance
October
November
December
FCC Partially Lifts 4.9 GHz Application Filing FreezeThe FCC has released a public notice that modifies its application freeze on the filing and processing of applications in the 4.9 GHz band that was originally imposed on September 8, 2020. At that time, the freeze was designed to maintain a stable spectrum environment in the band as the FCC considered various changes to its 4.9 GHz band service rules. In that action, the FCC “suspended the acceptance of (1) applications for new licenses authorizing operations of any kind (geographic area or permanent fixed site operations) in the 4.9 GHz band; and (2) applications to modify existing licenses authorizing operations in the 4.9 GHz band, unless otherwise excepted.” The FCC is now partially lifting that freeze in order to allow existing 4.9 GHz band licensees to modify their licenses, whether for permanent fixed sites or geographic areas, as permitted under the rules, and to allow existing 4.9 GHz band licensees to apply for new permanent fixed sites within their existing license areas. To implement this partial thaw, the FCC is removing certain pending applications from the Freeze Public Notice’s list of “affected applications”, and adding those applications to the list of “excepted applications.” The FCC is retaining the freeze on applications for new licenses in the 4.9 GHz band filed by entities that do not already have an existing 4.9 GHz band license. Pending applications that remain subject to the freeze, as well as future applications that are subject to the freeze, will be either dismissed without prejudice, or if accompanied by a waiver request, reviewed pursuant to the FCC’s waiver standard as appropriate. BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino FCC Seeks More Comment on Public Safety Use of 4.9 GHz BandIn response to significant objections to its recent attempt to expand use of the 4.9 GHz band set aside for public safety use, the FCC has released an Order on Reconsideration Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek input on alternative approaches to allow wider use of the band. Comments will be due November 29, 2021 and Reply Comments will be due December 28, 2021. In 2002, the FCC allocated fifty (50) megahertz of spectrum at 4.9 GHz (4940-4990 MHz) for public safety use. Licenses were only available to public safety entities for public safety purposes. Over the years, the FCC has periodically reexamined and sought comment on the best use of the band, in response to changing technology and light use of the band so far. The FCC’s recent action sought to chart a new course in the future of the 4.9 GHz band, by expanding the pool of entities eligible to use the band. Part of this new approach would have permitted one statewide 4.9 GHz band licensee per state to lease some or all of its spectrum rights to third parties, including commercial service providers. This approach was thought to create a mechanism that would increase use of the band, and create an income stream for public safety. However, as a result of controversy surrounding this and other rule changes in 2020, and in response to various petitions for reconsideration, the FCC has deleted the state-by-state leasing framework, in order to avoid fragmentation of the band. The FCC’s interest now is to determine how to advance its original goal to “ensure ‘public safety enjoys maximum access to emerging broadband technologies’ while also increasing overall use of the band through a single, nationwide framework that protects and fosters the growth of, and innovation in, critical operations.” The FCC has also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on the best way to establish such nationwide framework for the band, and that will spur technical innovation, create a more innovative equipment market, lower equipment costs, and promote interoperable communications. The Further Notice explores options to public safety use of the band, including protecting public safety users from harmful interference, collecting more granular licensing data that is consistent and reliable about what spectrum is available and where and how it is being used, and adopting technical standards to promote interoperability. The Further Notice also seeks comment on ways to encourage use of new technologies, including 5G, and dynamic spectrum access systems to facilitate coexistence between public safety and non-public safety uses of the band. Finally, the FCC seeks comment on a range of technical issues, eligibility issues, and other measures intended to increase use of the band. Blooston Law Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino President Biden Nominates Rosenworcel to FCC Chair, Sohn to VacancyOn October 26, President Biden announced the nomination of current Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to formally lead the FCC as official Chairwoman, and of Gigi Sohn, former FCC official and well-known name in the industry, to the vacant seat. According to the White House press release announcing the nominations:
“I am deeply humbled to be designated as Chair of the Federal Communications Commission by President Biden,” said Rosenworcel. “It is an honor to work with my colleagues on the Commission and the agency’s talented staff to ensure that no matter who you are or where you live, everyone has the connections they need to live, work, and learn in the digital age,” said Rosenworcel. “I also want to congratulate Gigi Sohn on her nomination to serve as a Commissioner at the agency and Alan Davidson on his nomination to serve as Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.” Politico reports that these decisions came relatively late in the President’s term: “Of his predecessors, only Jimmy Carter and Richard Nixon waited as late as September of their first year to tap their FCC chair. And unless the Senate confirms Rosenworcel and Sohn by the end of December, Republicans are poised to gain a 2-1 majority on the commission come January.” Fierce Wireless reported back in July that Sohn was, at one point, a front-runner for the Chairwomanship, but apparently lost out due to “Senatorial opposition.” BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and John Prendergast. FCC Seeks Comment on Midland Radio Request for Waiver of GMRS RulesMidland Radio Corporation (Midland), a manufacturer of radio equipment has requested a waiver of the FCC’s Rules governing General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) operations in the 462 MHz band. Comments are due November 12, 2021 and Reply Comments are due November 26, 2021. In particular, Midland has requested that the FCC waive its rules in order to allow (a) digital data transmission from non-handheld radios, (b) the automatic transmission of digital data more than once within a thirty-second period, and (c) the antennas to be a non-integrated part of the GMRS unit. Midland has asserted that a grant of its waiver request is essential to “ensure the protection and safety of life of those that engage in remote, off-road areas, or that travel in areas that have poor CMRS coverage.” This apparently would be achieved by enabling continuous communication by voice and the transmission of text messages and GPS location information. Midland states that it would implement “protective measures” such as only allowing data transmissions when two or more users are active, and implementing a “busy channel lockout,” to minimize interference with other GMRS users. While the FCC is requesting comment on all aspects of the Midland waiver petition, it is particularly seeking comment on whether it should allow Midland’s GMRS radios to transmit 50 milliseconds of data once every 5 to 10 seconds even though the FCC’s rules only allow data to be transmitted up to one second once every thirty seconds. Further, the FCC notes that the Midland waiver petition does not address the power difference between portable radios and mobile radios (5-watt maximum vs. 50-watt maximum, respectively). The FCC therefore seeks comment on whether mobile stations operating at 50 watts should be permitted the data capabilities that Midland seeks, and whether or not the FCC should impose additional power or antenna restrictions on these devices if the rule waiver is granted. Finally, the FCC is seeking comment on Midland’s proposed safeguards to protect other GMRS users from harmful interference if the waiver is granted, and whether or not additional safeguards or conditions might be required. BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino Commissioner Carr Calls for Addition of Chinese Drone Company to National Security Threat ListOn October 19, at a national security event, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr called for commencing the process of adding DJI, a Shenzhen-based drone company that accounts for more than 50 percent of the U.S. drone market, to the FCC’s Covered List. Adding DJI to the Covered List would prohibit federal USF dollars from being used to purchase its equipment. The Press Release notes that the FCC has a proceeding under way examining whether to continue approving equipment from entities on the Covered List for use in the U.S., regardless of whether federal dollars are involved. As we have previously reported, Huawei and four others are already on the Covered List, based on a determination that they pose an unacceptable security risk. “DJI drones and the surveillance technology on board these systems are collecting vast amounts of sensitive data—everything from high-resolution images of critical infrastructure to facial recognition technology and remote sensors that can measure an individual’s body temperature and heart rate,” Commissioner Carr stated. “Security researchers have also found that DJI’s software applications collect large quantities of personal information from the operator’s smartphone that could be exploited by Beijing. Indeed, one former Pentagon official stated that ‘we know that a lot of the information is sent back to China from DJI drones.” BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast, Ben Dickens, Mary Sisak and Richard Rubino FCC Fines Several Companies up to $7,500 for Failing to Make Annual 911 Service Reliability CertificationsThe FCC recently issued a Press Release announcing that eight carriers covered by the FCC’s 911 service reliability rules will pay fines between $3,500 and $7,500 for failing to submit previous years’ annual 911 service reliability certifications. Penalties vary based on factors such as whether the company had similar violations in the past and to what extent the companies were responsive to FCC outreach following their failure to file. In this regard, clients should promptly contact our office if they receive any communication or inquiry from the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau so that we can assist you with a timely response. This is because the FCC can treat a delayed response or a failure to respond as a separate violation which may result in additional penalties. Entities that “[p]rovide[] 911, E911, or NG911 capabilities such as call routing, automatic location information (ALI), automatic number identification (ANI), or the functional equivalent of those capabilities, directly to a public safety answering point (PSAP), statewide default answering point, or appropriate local emergency authority,” or that “[o]perate[] one or more central offices that directly serve a PSAP,” are required to certify that they have taken reasonable measures to provide reliable 911 service with respect to three substantive requirements: (i) 911 circuit diversity; (ii) central office backup power; and (iii) diverse network monitoring by October 15 of each year. In tanking this enforcement action FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stated “When we need to make a call to 911, that call might well be the single most important call of our lives. Given these stakes, we take seriously the responsibilities of all who support 911 services in order to do everything possible to ensure service is available when needed.” Rosenworcel continued that “[t]his should serve as a very clear reminder that compliance with 911 service rules is required.” BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Sal Taillefer. Michigan Obtains Waiver to Share Use of 800 MHz State Public Safety Communications System with Critical Infrastructure ProviderThe FCC has granted the State of Michigan’s (Michigan’s) request for waiver of Rule Section 90.179(a) so that it can share the use of its 800 MHz public safety communications system with Consumer’s Energy, an electric and gas utility provider in the lower peninsula of Michigan. Rule Section 90.179 allows 800 MHz licensees such as Michigan to enter into non-profit, cost sharing arrangements with other entities provided that those entities are eligible to be licensed on public safety channels. Because Consumer’s Energy is not eligible for licensing on public safety spectrum in its own right, it was necessary for Michigan to obtain a waiver. At a high level, Michigan has requested this waiver (and similar waivers in the past) to allow critical infrastructure providers to share Michigan’s 800 MHz frequencies in order to “achieve enhanced coverage, capacity, and interoperability.” In granting this waiver request, the FCC concluded that Michigan had shown good cause for a waiver. Michigan demonstrated that it has adequate spectrum to accommodate the planned sharing of its 800 MHz MPSCS network with Consumer’s Energy. Further, Michigan also demonstrated that Consumer’s Energy will fund the construction of additional infrastructure using 800 MHz Business/Industrial Land Transportation Category frequencies to mitigate its impact on Michigan’s network. In this regard, the FCC concluded that the shared use will improve the ability of public safety agencies in Michigan and Consumer’s Energy to communicate with one another and to coordinate the restoration power during an emergency. Finally, Michigan showed that (1) the sharing arrangement will be on a cost-shared, non-profit basis, thereby conforming to the section 90.179 provisions, and (2) Michigan would retain control over the system. As a result, the FCC found that a grant of the waiver would not undermine or frustrate the purpose of Rule Section 90.179 – which is to ensure adequate public safety communications. BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino FCC Issues Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making to Propose Safeguards to Shield 911 Call Centers from RobocallsThe FCC has issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) to solicit comment on new rules that would shield 911 call centers or Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPS) from disruptive and unwanted, robocalls. Comments are due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register and Reply Comments are due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. If the rules proposed in the FNPRM are adopted, voice service providers would be required to block robocalls made to 911 call center telephone numbers listed on a PSAP Do-Not-Call registry. Additionally, the FCC is also seeking comment and updated information on how it can best fulfill the goal of protecting 911 call centers from these disruptive robocalls in a manner that avoids the potential security risks of making registered 911 call center numbers available to those claiming to be auto dialer operators. Simply put, the FCC wants to keep these number anonymous so that bad players cannot wreak havoc on our public safety 911 communications system. The FCC is also seeking comment on several related questions, including the extent to which autodialed calls and text messages continue to be a problem for 911 call centers, as well as whether the number of unwanted calls and texts has significantly changed as a result of anti-robocall efforts since 2012, when the FCC first took steps to establish a PSAP Do-Not Call registry at the direction of Congress. Finally, the FCC is seeking comment on ways PSAPs can be protected from cyberattacks and other sorts of disruptions beyond those conducted with robocalls. BloostonLaw Contacts: Sal Taillefer and Richard Rubino |
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