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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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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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Bloomberg Police, Republicans, Even a Democrat Pile On Biden FCC PickTodd Shields Tue, April 19, 2022, 3:07 PM
(Bloomberg) — President Joe Biden’s nominee for the Federal Communications Commission is drawing opposition from an unusual array of foes, including a police group, a North Dakota Democrat and former Republican aides working to stymie the president’s agenda. Gigi Sohn, who would give Democrats a majority on the five-member commission and potentially revive net neutrality policies she favors, has yet to get a vote of the full Senate, almost six months after her selection by Biden. The long fight over Sohn has delayed possible new regulations for voice and broadband providers because the FCC remains split 2-to-2 between Republicans and Democrats, said Andrew Jay Schwartzman, a communications lawyer. The delay also is a product of an evenly split Senate, he said. “The new usual is that everything is incredibly partisan,” Schwartzman, senior counselor at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, said in an interview. “Getting a nominee through is ever more difficult.” Selections for the FCC normally don’t receive wide attention. Sohn, 60, a communications lawyer, is well known in Washington after more than two decades of advocacy there, and serving as counselor to the last Democratic FCC majority. She has described herself as “an advocate for universal and affordable access to open and democratic communications networks.” Critics have found fodder in her trail of public comments including tweets critical of Fox News, and her service on boards including that of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which supports strong encryption. Law enforcement groups support strong encryption but want technology companies to comply with subpoenas allowing investigators access to evidence, including the contents of communications. The Fraternal Order of Police said it discerned a “serious animus towards law enforcement officers and the rule of law” from Sohn’s retweets and likes on Twitter. Sohn declined to comment on the criticism but a former FCC public safety chief in a Jan. 4 letter to the Senate panel considering her nomination said Sohn took “no position” on encryption policy while working at the FCC. “On the contrary, she was extremely helpful in bringing tech-savvy professionals before the bureau to provide useful background on both sides of the issue,” Retired Navy Rear Admiral David Simpson said in the letter. “I believe her decisions will balance consumer, citizen and community interests with law enforcement and national security priorities.” Two other former chiefs of public safety at the FCC also wrote to lawmakers in January backing Sohn. The police group on March 11 wrote to nine Democratic senators asking them to oppose Sohn. Because the Senate is split 50-50, a nominee is expected to need all 50 Democratic votes to succeed. Any defection could kill Sohn’s nomination, leaving the White House to name a replacement — and the FCC to languish further without a working majority. Sohn’s nomination received a party-line tie vote in committee. To succeed, she needs a series of floor votes in the Senate that have yet to be scheduled. The body is in recess this week and is to convene next week. Lawmakers receiving a letter from the police group included Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, who each face re-election this year. State groups will settle on endorsements later this year, said Jim Pasco, executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police. The group also wrote to West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, who has become known for resisting White House initiatives. Cortez Masto declined to comment when asked if she supports Sohn. Kelly and Manchin each said they would consider her nomination later. Other groups, too, are focusing on Sohn. The American Accountability Foundation, run by staffers for former President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans, has called on Sohn’s nomination to be withdrawn. The group says it’s “working to ensure that leaders within the federal government reflect the values and concerns of the American people, not the liberal coastal elites and their woke allies in corporate America.” In a tweet the group said blocking Biden nominees and policy is “the reason we get up every morning.” One Country Project, led by two former Democratic U.S. senators — Heidi Heitkamp, of North Dakota, and Joe Donnelly, of Indiana — said it’s launching a six-figure ad campaign opposing Sohn. The group argues Sohn “is the wrong choice for the FCC and rural America.” Ads are to run in states including Arizona, Nevada and West Virginia, the group said. Heitkamp in a blog post said Sohn would “shift attention toward her preferred constituencies in urban areas” when considering broadband expansion. Heitkamp drew a rebuttal from Christopher Mitchell, director of the Community Broadband Networks program at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. “Her group claims Gigi is anti rural while taking Gigi’s comments out of context!,” Mitchell said in a tweet. “Gigi wants to invest in rural America, has criticized programs that failed to do it.” |
| Source: | yahoo! finance |
| Leavitt Communications |
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Apple could be forced to give iPhones USB-C ports if new law passesBy Richard Priday — April 21, 2022 EU's new charger rules could cause more problems for Apple than just iPhones
Apple's Lightning connector is still tipped for the iPhone 14, but future iPhones and other products using proprietary chargers may have to give them up if the European Union gets its way. In the name of reducing e-waste and complexity for customers, the EU has been aiming to make USB-C the standard charger for portable devices for several years. In the latest step forward for the "EU Common charger" legislation, the draft law has been amended to make it apply to larger devices like laptops, tablets and cameras as well as phones like the original plan suggested. If you've heard about this story before, then it's because passing legislation can take an awfully long time. The first draft of the proposed legislation (after an extended consultation) passed in January this year, after several years of talks. The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee introduced the changes mentioned above, which will then go to another vote in the European Parliament in May before discussions begin on implementing the laws at a national level for EU members. In addition, the MEPs want products to have information on charging options and whether there's a power brick included printed on the packaging. It's also requested the European Commission (the executive branch of the EU government) to propose a similar standard for wireless charging by 2026, which could impact things like Apple's MagSafe charging. While this would affect all electronics companies operating in Europe, eyes tend to fall on Apple during these discussions, as it uses unique charging systems like the Lightning port. As you may have expected, Apple isn't keen on the EU's plans. It argues that the plan will hurt the economy and innovation, and no doubt the huge ecosystem of Lightning accessories also factors into Apple's opposition too. Fortunately, outside of iPhones and the basic iPad, Apple already offers USB-C charging on the majority of the products that would be impacted if the EU enacted the rules as they stand. The only notable exceptions are the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro, which can be charged via their USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports but only offers their fastest available speeds via the proprietary MagSafe charging connector. This would allow Apple to meet the requirement while still offering its own proprietary standard, although this dual-port strategy wouldn't work on a much smaller tablet or phone. Apple's AirPods wireless earbuds also use the Lightning port to charge. However, the current position of the EU is that smaller items like smartwatches will not be covered by the new rules, potentially giving Apple some extra wiggle room to keep Lightning going on some products. We are probably still several years off from seeing USB-C become the EU's legally enforced charging standard. In the meantime, we have the iPhone 14 to look forward to. Despite early rumors saying the iPhone 14 Pro models would adopt USB-C, the latest we've heard is that Apple will only implement a new version of the Lightning port with faster data speeds on the Pros. |
| Source: | Tom's Guide |
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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| 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.
Experts in Paging Infrastructure
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 INFRASTRUCTUREService ContractsI 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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ITU Celebrates 2022 World Amateur Radio DayApril 21, 2022
In recognition of World Amateur Radio Day, held on April 18, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) published articles and social media posts highlighting various facets of ham radio. This included an ITU News interview with Philipp Springer, DK6SP, Chair of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 Youth Working Group, and the article, "How to become a radio 'ham' in the digital era," by Nick Sinanis, SV3SJ, ITU Study Group Advisor and head of the ITU radio station, 4U1ITU.
Springer, age 24, earned his ham radio license when he was 9 years old. In his interview with ITU News, he explained the variety of operating techniques and social connections is part of what motivates young people to become active in ham radio in an increasingly digital world. "It's technical parts like experimenting with radio science, soldering, developing, and building electronics, in practice and not just theory," he said. "Secondly, it's [the] social part: we are connecting with other communities, meeting radio operators from all around the world. Lastly, we connect with other cultures: we practice foreign languages, visit other countries, and get on the air at so-called 'expeditions.'" Springer is also featured in an ITU video on YouTube.
In his article, Sinanis explained that "ITU plays a key role in amateur radio by overseeing the standardization and regulatory processes of the radiocommunication sector (ITU-R), with special emphasis on its utility in emergency communications." The ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies, and the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) contributes to the work of the ITU as a Sector Member. World Amateur Radio Day marks the annual anniversary of the IARU, formed in Paris on April 18, 1925. |
| Source: | ARRL |
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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R.H. (Ron) Mercer |
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When will your Mac desktop computer become obsolete?Out with the old and in with the new.By Matt Binder on April 21, 2022
Apple is rumored to be launching a few desktop lines and new models this year and, with that, support for some of the older computers has got to go. Is your Mac about to become obsolete? Or does Apple still consider it to be "vintage?" What does any of this mean?! What about your old iPhone that's barely hanging on. Fret not! Mashable will help break it all down for you and let you know if you should start thinking about upgrading your Mac soon. Obsolete desktop MacsWhen a Mac becomes obsolete, that's the end of the road for that particular Apple product. Apple typically supports products for a minimum of five years from when it was last distributed by the company. Parts, if they are available, can also be obtained by Apple for up to seven years as required by law. However, after that seven-year period, your Mac is totally on its own. Apple will no longer service it or provide parts for that product. Now, note, it's not more than 7 years since you bought it. Apple products are obsolete if it's been more than 7 years since Apple stopped officially selling them. So, even your old Mac probably has a pretty healthy lifespan if you bought it fairly close to launch, as Apple will likely continue selling the model for at least a few years after its release date. But, still, maybe you have an obsolete Mac. Here are some of the desktop models that have recently been put out to pasture.
Apple also lists extremely old lines like the Power Mac, eMac, and even the original Apple computer as obsolete. It should go without saying that these products are no longer supported by the company. Vintage desktop MacsIf your Mac isn't on that list, don't celebrate just yet. You might have what Apple calls a "vintage" Mac. Apple products are considered vintage if they fall between that five and seven year stretch between now and when Apple stopped selling them. This means that these Macs are on their way to being obsolete so perhaps start saving up for a new one.
It can be sad (especially for your wallet) to see your trusty Mac computer become obsolete. Apple discontinues these products because, according to the company, its technologically become out-of-date hardware-wise. And, honestly, since the M1-powered Macs were released, it's true. Apple's own M1 chip is lightyears ahead of these old Intel-powered Macs in speed and processing power. If you see your Mac on this list and are looking for a new, affordable desktop computer, I highly recommend the Mac Mini M1. |
| Source: | mashable |
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 |
Microsoft Just Issued This Urgent Warning for All Windows UsersYOU'LL WANT TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE YOUR DATA IS PROTECTED.By ABBY REINHARD APRIL 20, 2022
Keeping yourself safe online is a daunting task. Cyber scams run rampant, and it seems as if hackers and swindlers just keep getting more creative. Different scams seek to lure you in and steal your information by asking you to act on an urgent message, and it can often be hard to distinguish the legitimate from the not. To make matters worse, you could also be subject to attacks without immediately realizing it. Read on to learn about the major warning Microsoft just issued for all Windows users. Microsoft actively works to keep your operating system safe, but it is not without its flaws.
According to Android Authority, the latest version of Windows, Windows 11, is the most secure, working to keep your information protected at home or at work. But like other computer operating systems, Windows is not immune to attacks from cybercriminals. In fact, over the past three months of 2022, nearly 300 flaws have been discovered on Windows platforms, according to Forbes. While Microsoft has worked to control and patch these flaws, Forbes noted "there is much room for improvement," as yet another serious issue has surfaced this month. If you are a Windows user, Microsoft wants you to heed this warning.
In a "Patch Tuesday" update issued by Microsoft, the company confirmed it had identified nearly 120 vulnerabilities, also known as weaknesses that can be exploited by hackers to gain access to your system. As reported by Forbes, vulnerabilities were found across Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11, and all versions of Windows Server. Two exploits have been given a score of 9.8 out of 10 using the Common Vulnerability Scoring System—which measures the severity of these vulnerabilities. Additionally, Forbes reported that two "zero-day flaws," meaning weaknesses that have been discovered by hackers before the vendor, are already being exploited by cybercriminals. Information is being restricted by Microsoft "to protect users," but four specific threats were cited by Forbes. Two of these threats are of particular concern, as they allow for remote code execution (RCE), which exposes private user data that hackers can then use for ransomware extortion. Here are the steps you need to take to protect yourself.
To best keep your computer and your data safe, your Windows operating system needs to be updated. In the coming weeks, Microsoft will be issuing the April 2022 "Patch Tuesday" update, Forbes said, but you can also do a manual check for the update now. To do so, click the Start menu, then the gear icon or "Settings," then "Windows Update," and "Check For Updates." Microsoft also lists best practices in an article entitled "Prevent malware infection," noting that keeping software updated allows users "to benefit from a host of built-in security enhancements." You will also want to be mindful of the links and attachments you click, which can open malware and lead to a download without your knowledge. Malicious or compromised websites are another way your system can get infected with malware, according to Microsoft. Google has also been a victim of security breaches as of late.
Last week, Google made a similar announcement about multiple new hacks of its Chrome browser. Also reported by Forbes, a total of 11 hacks were confirmed, nine of which were categorized as "high" threats, and two of which were categorized as "medium." Windows users will need to be wary of this warning if they also use Chrome to search the web. These hacks also affected those who use Apple/Mac platforms and the Linux desktop. Just as you update your Windows operating system, you also need to update Chrome. Google is rolling out the update for all three platforms over the coming weeks, and if it is currently available, you may see "Update" highlighted in green in the top right corner of your browser window. To manually check for an update, click the three dots in the top right corner of your browser, click "Help," then "About Google Chrome." The system will bring you to a page to check for updates and instruct you to relaunch Chrome in order to finish updating. |
| Source: | Best Life Online |
| Leavitt Communications |
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The FCC GMRS license fee has finally dropped!By Lex Strickland / April 20, 2022
NEWS – The decrease in the FCC General Mobile Radio Service radio license fee has been rumored for years. I double-confirmed by two phone calls to the FCC today that the fee is officially now $35 for a ten-year license. The fee had been $70 for years. The FCC’s various antiquated webpages do not reflect this change yet. The fee document I’m able to download is dated 2018. I’m also having trouble logging in to the FCC license fee payment webpage. Maybe their site will work properly in a few days? One wonders how many people have skipped paying the license fee due to the difficulty of navigating the FCC’s web pages? They do not make it user-friendly. But it’s official. Effective on April 19, 2022, GMRS radios working at or over 2 watts require licensure, but it just got more affordable. For extra information, the Midland Radio website has useful information on how to use the FCC web pages. See: https://midlandusa.com/blogs/blog/why-do-i-need-a-gmrs-license-how-do-i-get-it
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| Source: | the gadgeteer |
| Inside Towers Newsletter |
Chipmaker Warns Shortage Could Extend into Next Year
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which says it’s the world’s largest contract chipmaker, says the global chip shortage is likely to continue, with tight production capacity for all types of chips. TSMC (NYSE: TSM) expects manufacturers to stock up more than usual on chips and other components after recent events disrupted the global supply chain, Chief Executive C.C. Wei said Thursday during its Q1 2022 quarterly earnings call, according to The Wall Street Journal. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai, a semiconductor production hub, are the latest factors pressuring the global supply chain. TSMC’s suppliers are struggling with labor, component and chip constraints due to the pandemic, the company said. That includes its chipmaking equipment suppliers, which have had trouble delivering tools to TSMC since the beginning of this year, Wei said. The impact appears limited for this year, though the outlook is murky for next year and beyond, according to Wei. The company’s production capacity is “not enough to support our customers,” he said. TSMC’s warnings come even as it forecast revenue to rise by at least nearly 30 percent this year from 2021, and posted both record quarterly revenue and profit in the first quarter. The company counts Apple and Advanced Micro Devices among its biggest customers. In the Q1 quarter, TSMC posted net profit equivalent to about US$7 billion, reports The WSJ. That’s up 45 percent from the same period last year, driven by strong chip demand used in computers, cars and mobile phones. Its revenue increased 36 percent. Demand for automotive chips remains solid, TSMC said, as automakers seek to secure chips that can go into their cars, after running short for over a year. Meanwhile, growth is weakening for chips used in consumer electronics such as smartphones and personal computers, according to TSMC. TSMC is scheduled to debut its most advanced chip-making technology in the second half of this year, reports The WSJ. The first group of customers includes Apple and Intel, analysts said. About half of TSMC’s revenue comes from leading-edge technology chips, according to company data. Apple and Intel didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Owners Must Keep Tower Lighting Updated Until Structure is Dismantled
The FCC issued an order and citation to Massey, Wood and West, Inc. and MWW Realty Corp. concerning several tower lighting violations. The case began on May 12, 2020 when a consumer complained about an unlit tower for antenna structure number 1020743 in Mechanicsville, VA. Finding that no Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) had been issued for the tower, the FCC Operations Center asked the FAA that same day to issue a 30-day NOTAM for the structure. An agent from the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau’s Columbia, MD field office investigated and extended the NOTAM three times. During a visual inspection on November 23, 2020, the agent saw the tower, which was above 200 feet AGL, was located at the ASR coordinates mentioned above. It was painted and had a lighting system installed. But on February 2, 2022, another agent from the field office saw that the lights were not lit after sunset. Commission records indicate that this tower had been used at one time for licensed radio operations. Local property records indicate that Massey, Wood and West, Inc. and MWW Realty Corp. acquired the property and tower in June of 1996. Even though a tower is no longer being used for the transmission of radio energy, the owner is required to maintain the painting and lighting specifications assigned to the tower until the structure is dismantled. The owner must observe the lighting at least once every 24 hours visually or use an automatic properly maintained indicator or alarm system to detect a lighting outage. The owner must notify the FAA of lighting outages and the FCC of any ownership changes. The FCC said in its order the record in this case shows the tower was registered with the Commission by Brook Hill, as its manager. The record also demonstrates that MWW has not maintained the obstruction lighting and has not notified the Commission of the ownership change. The Enforcement Bureau told MWW to provide a copy of the tower sale to Massey, Wood and West, Inc. and/or MWW Realty Corp., including the deed from 1996 conveying the property and the tower and a written statement describing the circumstances surrounding the tower acquisition. It must also provide the FCC with a copy of any such agreements post-1996 and describe the actions MWW has taken to prevent future tower lighting violations and a timeline for when MWW will complete any corrective actions. Not completing all of these actions leaves MWW open to sanctions that may include fines. The base fine for failure to comply with prescribed lighting and/or marking is $10,000. By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief |
| Source: | Inside Towers newsletter | Courtesy of the editor of Inside Towers, Jim Fryer. Inside Towers is a daily newsletter by subscription. |
| BloostonLaw Newsletter |
FCC Reminds RDOF Recipients of ObligationsOn April 15th, the FCC authorized the latest round of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund support. More information can be found in the article below. As a part of that announcement, the FCC also reminded RDOF recipients of their obligations, including annual reporting of location information; service milestones; annual section 54.313 report; annual section 54.314 certification; National Security Supply Chain Proceeding obligations; document retention and compliance audit requirements; ETC obligations; discontinuance of service and/or relinquishment of support requirements; and transfer of control requirements. RDOF recipients with questions about these or other obligations may contact the firm for more information. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Sal Taillefer. HeadlinesFCC Issues Order on 2021 Access Tariff FilingsOn April 15, the FCC issued an Order establishing procedures for the 2022 filing of annual access charge tariffs and Tariff Review Plans (TRPs) for incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) subject to price cap regulation, as well as rate-of-return incumbent LECs subject to sections 61.38 and 61.39 of the FCC’s rules. Per the Order, the following deadlines are established:
As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, new tariff fees are in effect for these filings. Specifically:
In addition, carriers must now submit the tariff filing fee through the new payment system contained in the FCC’s Registration System (CORES). Effective December 15, 2021, the FCC decommissioned and permanently discontinued its old online electronic payment system for regulatory and other fees, Fee Filer, and replaced it with a new payment system contained in CORES. The FCC will only accept funds required for the 2022 annual access charge tariff filing through the CORES payment system. As a reminder, 2022 is the second year of transition for 8YY fees as well. As part of this transition, beginning July 1, 2022, incumbent LECs are required to reduce interstate and intrastate originating end office access service rates for toll free calls by one-half of the maximum rate allowed by the FCC’s rules. Incumbent LECs are also required to reduce intrastate and interstate toll-free database query charges by one-half of the difference between the rate permitted by the rules and the transitional rate of $0.00002 per query. Carriers seeking assistance with their tariff filings may contact the firm for more information. BloostonLaw Contacts: Gerry Duffy and Mary Sisak. Form 481 Filing System Open for 2022 Filing; New Deadline Not Yet AnnouncedOn April 14, USAC announced that all eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) participating in the High Cost and/or Lifeline programs may now access the FCC Form 481 through the USAC E-file/Okta One Portal and begin the annual Form 481 filing process. As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, the July 1 filing deadline has been waived, and the FCC will announce a new filing deadline in the near future. Specifically, the FCC issued a limited waiver of the July 1 deadline for ETCs to file and certify this form, which collects financial and operations information used to validate carrier support, while it awaits Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) approval for the annual data collection by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Carriers will not be able to certify the Form 481 filing until the new deadline is announced; the certify button and bulk certify options will be disabled until then. Among other data, the Form 481 gathers information about a carrier’s holding company, operating companies, affiliates and branding designations (doing-business-as or DBA); ability to function in emergency situations; terrestrial backhaul; Tribal lands engagement; and comparability of voice and broadband service rates in rural and urban areas. (Alaska Plan carriers, which were required to meet a five-year service milestone established in each carrier’s individualized performance plan by the end of 2021, must also file a reasonably comparable rate demonstration tied to this milestone for their wireless affiliates.) The Form 481 also includes a supply chain certification, which requires carriers to certify that no universal service support is being used to purchase, rent, lease, obtain or maintain any equipment or services produced or provided by any company designated by the FCC as posing a national security threat to the integrity of communications networks or the communications supply chain. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, John Prendergast, and Sal Taillefer. FCC Announces Access to Preliminary Serviceable Location Fabric DataOn April 14, the FCC announced that fixed broadband service providers may now access a preliminary version of the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric (Fabric) to assist them in preparing their broadband availability data for the Broadband Data Collection (BDC). This preliminary version of the Fabric will “help fixed service providers with developing processes to prepare their availability data submissions.” As a reminder, Broadband availability data can be submitted in the BDC beginning on June 30, 2022 and are due no later than September 1, 2022. The FCC also provided details on the data sources and elements included in the Fabric, as well as guidance to broadband service providers on how to prepare fixed broadband availability data that conform with the Fabric as part of their biannual BDC filings. Specifically, the Public Notice: (1) provides information for providers of fixed broadband service on how to access the preliminary Fabric; (2) identifies the data sources used in, and elements of, the Fabric; (3) confirms that the Fabric will identify broadband serviceable locations using a unique, FCC-issued identifier (Location ID), a set of latitude/longitude coordinates within the boundaries of each structure, and, where feasible, a street address; and (4) specifies that fixed broadband providers that do not use availability polygons must submit their broadband availability data using the unique Location IDs in the Fabric. A copy of the Public Notice can be found here. Because some of the data sources used to create the Fabric are licensed from third-party vendors (as discussed in greater detail below), eligible fixed broadband service providers must execute a license agreement with CostQuest in order to access the data. CostQuest will send an email to the email address of the certifying individual of each June 2021 Form 477 filing with fixed broadband deployment, requesting that the recipient visit CostQuest’s user support help desk to (1) create user credentials, (2) submit a license request form, and (3) execute the licensing agreement. The invitation email will be sent from support@costquest.zendesk.com, and will provide a link that directs the recipient to the licensing support help desk. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Sal Taillefer. FCC Updates Inventory for Flexible-Use Licenses in 2.5GHz Band for Upcoming Auction 108On April 15, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing the availability of an updated inventory of the county and channel block combinations for the approximately 8,000 new flexible-use geographic overlay licenses for unassigned spectrum in the 2.5 GHz (2496–2690 MHz) band to be auctioned in Auction 108. The original inventory released on March 21, 2022, did not account for all canceled, terminated, or expired licenses that were granted waivers for late-filed renewals. Accordingly, the analysis that resulted in the March 21 inventory incorrectly reduced the geographic service area of certain active licenses because it assumed that those active licenses had their geographic service areas reduced by the canceled, expired, or terminated licenses. Upon further analysis, FCC staff found 19 instances where county/channel block combinations that had been listed in the March 21 inventory in fact had no unassigned spectrum. The updated inventory has been posted on the Auction 108 website at www.fcc.gov/auction/108. These revisions have also been incorporated into the FCC’s mapping tool, which is available under the Education tab on the Auction 108 website. Bidding in Auction 108 is scheduled to begin on July 29, 2022. Short-form applications for Auction 108 may be filed between 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on April 27, 2022, and 6:00 p.m. ET on May 10, 2022. BloostonLaw attorneys are available to assist. BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Cary Mitchell. Law and RegulationFCC Grants Affordable Care Program WaiversOn April 15, the FCC issued an Order acting on petitions for waiver of certain Affordable Care Program (ACP) requirements filed by USTelecom – The Broadband Association, Verizon, AT&T Services, Inc. (AT&T), and Competitive Carriers Association (CCA). Specifically, the FCC granted a limited, 60-day waiver of the “all plans” requirement to Verizon and AT&T, and a limited, 60-day waiver of the non-usage tracking and non-usage de-enrollment rules based on USTelecom’s petition. However, the FCC denied CCA’s petition of the “all plans” requirement. The non-usage rules require that if an ACP subscriber fails to use, for 30 consecutive days, an ACP service that does not require the eligible telecommunications carrier to assess or collect a monthly fee from its subscribers, an eligible telecommunications carrier must provide the subscriber 15 days' notice that the subscriber's failure to use the ACP service within the 15-day notice period will result in service termination for non-usage. The “all plans” rule requires that a participating provider allow an eligible household to apply the affordable connectivity benefit to any residential service plan selected by the eligible household. As we reported in previous editions of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, last month USTelecom, Verizon, AT&T Services, and CCA all filed petitions for waiver of various ACP requirements. Specifically:
Carriers with questions about ACP requirements may contact the firm for more information. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Sal Taillefer. FCC Issues Guidance on State, Local, and Tribal Filing Verification for Broadband Availability DataOn April 14, the FCC issued a Public Notice providing details on the procedures for state, local, and Tribal governmental entities to submit verified broadband availability data through the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection (BDC) system. Specifically, the Public Notice: (1) explains the system and process the FCC will use to authenticate entities purporting to file on behalf of state, local, or Tribal governmental entities; and (2) sets forth procedures for identifying state, local, and Tribal governmental entities with primary responsibility for mapping or tracking broadband Internet access service coverage within their jurisdictions. State, local, and Tribal governmental entities that intend to submit verified broadband availability data may need to take certain steps to meet these requirements before the June 30, 2022 filing window opens. State, local, or Tribal governmental entities with questions about the BDC system may contact the firm for more information. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Sal Taillefer. FCC Issues Small Entity Compliance Guide for Broadband in MTEsOn April 15, the FCC released a Small Entity Compliance Guide in GN Docket No. 17-142, Improving Competitive Broadband Access to Multiple Tenant Environments (MTEs), addressing the Report and Order of February 15, 2022 in that proceeding. As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, the FCC adopted rules to “promote competitive choice of communications services for those living and working in multiple tenant environments, and to address practices that undermine longstanding rules promoting competition in multiple tenant environments.” Specifically, the FCC adopted rules to (1) prohibit providers from entering into certain types of revenue sharing agreements with MTE owners, and (2) require providers to disclose the existence of exclusive marketing arrangements they have with MTE owners in simple, easy-to-understand language. A copy of the Compliance Guide can be found here. The FCC is careful to note, however, that the guide does not replace or supersede the rules themselves, and that it does not anticipate all situations in which the rules might apply. Carriers with questions about the rules may contact the firm for more information. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Sal Taillefer. IndustryFCC Authorizes RDOF Support for an Additional 1,345 Winning BidsOn April 15, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing the authorization of Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (Auction 904) support for the winning bids identified here. For each of the winning bids identified, the FCC reviewed the long-form application information, including the letter(s) of credit and Bankruptcy Code opinion letter(s) from the long-form applicant’s legal counsel and, based on the representations and certifications in the relevant long-form application, formally authorized and obligated support. In the near future, the FCC will post a state-level summary under the “Results” tab on the Auction 904 webpage at https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904/round-results. The summary will provide for each long-form applicant included in this Public Notice: 1) the total support amount over 10 years and total number of locations that the long-form applicant is being authorized for in each state, 2) the total number of locations to which the authorized support recipient must offer the required voice and broadband services for each performance tier and latency in each state, and 3) the eligible census blocks included in the winning bids that are being authorized in each state. The FCC included a summary of the various obligations of authorized Auction 904 support recipients, but caveated that this list is not comprehensive:
RDOF recipients with questions about these or other obligations may contact the firm for more information. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Sal Taillefer. Chairwoman Rosenworcel Supports Job Reclassification of 911 ProfessionalsOn April 13, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) urging it to “use the next available opportunity to review the current employment classification of 911 professionals in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system,” according to a Press Release. The SOC is a federal statistical standard, maintained by OMB, used by federal agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data. A copy of the letter can be found here. “911 operators are among our most essential first responders. Before a whistle at a fire station blows, an ambulance races, or an air horn blares, it is a 911 professional who takes in a call and sets emergency response in motion,” wrote Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “Of course, today’s 911 professionals do far more than answer 911 calls or passively receive information. They provide assistance, guidance, and life-saving advice to 911 callers, particularly in the critical minutes before emergency personnel arrive at the scene. They also actively plan, coordinate, and direct the response activities of emergency personnel, especially when multiple agencies are involved.” DeadlinesMAY 31: FCC FORM 395, EMPLOYMENT REPORT. Common carriers, including wireless carriers, with 16 or more full-time employees must file their annual Common Carrier Employment Reports (FCC Form 395) by May 31. This report tracks carrier compliance with rules requiring recruitment of minority employees. Further, the FCC requires all common carriers to report any employment discrimination complaints they received during the past year. That information is also due on May 31. The FCC encourages carriers to complete the discrimination report requirement by filling out Section V of Form 395, rather than submitting a separate report. BloostonLaw Contact: Richard Rubino. [WAIVED; NEW DEADLINE NOT YET ESTABLISHED] JULY 1: FCC FORM 481 (CARRIER ANNUAL REPORTING DATA COLLECTION FORM). All eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) must report the information required by Section 54.313, which includes information on the ETC’s holding company, operating companies, ETC affiliates and any branding in response to section 54.313(a)(8); its CAF-ICC certification, if applicable; its financial information, if a privately held rate-of-return carrier; and its satellite backhaul certification, if applicable. BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Sal Taillefer. JULY 1: MOBILITY FUND PHASE I ANNUAL REPORT. Winning bidders in Auction 901 that are authorized to receive Mobility Fund Phase I support are required to submit to the FCC an annual report each year on July 1 for the five years following authorization. Each annual report must be submitted to the Office of the Secretary of the FCC, clearly referencing WT Docket No. 10-208; the Universal Service Administrator; and the relevant state commissions, relevant authority in a U.S. Territory, or Tribal governments, as appropriate. The information and certifications required to be included in the annual report are described in Section 54.1009 of the FCC’s rules. BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Sal Taillefer. JULY 31: FCC FORM 507, LINE COUNT DATA (A-CAM AND ALASKA PLAN RECPIENTS). Sections 54.313(f)(5) and 54.903(a)(1) of the FCC’s rules requires all rate-of-return telecommunications carriers to provide line count information on FCC Form 507 to USAC, the universal service Administrator. Carriers receiving Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support (CAF BLS) must submit this information annually on March 31st of each year, and may update the data on a quarterly basis. Carriers that receive Alternative Connect America Model (A-CAM) I, A-CAM II, or Alaska Plan support are required to file by July 1st of each year. For 2020, the FCC has extended the A-CAM filing deadline until July 31. BloostonLaw Contacts: Gerry Duffy and Sal Taillefer. JULY 31: CARRIER IDENTIFICATION CODE (CIC) REPORTS. Carrier Identification Code (CIC) Reports must be filed by the last business day of July (this year, July 31). These reports are required of all carriers who have been assigned a CIC code by NANPA. Failure to file could result in an effort by NANPA to reclaim it, although according to the Guidelines this process is initiated with a letter from NANPA regarding the apparent non-use of the CIC code. The assignee can then respond with an explanation. (Guidelines Section 6.2). The CIC Reporting Requirement is included in the CIC Assignment Guidelines, produced by ATIS. According to section 1.4 of that document: At the direction of the NANPA, the access providers and the entities who are assigned CICs will be requested to provide access and usage information to the NANPA, on a semi-annual basis to ensure effective management of the CIC resource. (Holders of codes may respond to the request at their own election). Access provider and entity reports shall be submitted to NANPA no later than January 31 for the period ending December 31, and no later than July 31 for the period ending June 30. It is also referenced in the NANPA Technical Requirements Document, which states at 7.18.6: CIC holders shall provide a usage report to the NANPA per the industry CIC guidelines ... The NAS shall be capable of accepting CIC usage reports per guideline requirements on January 31 for the period ending December 31 and no later than July 31 for the period ending June 30. These reports may also be mailed and accepted by the NANPA in paper form. Finally, according to the NANPA website, if no local exchange carrier reports access or usage for a given CIC, NANPA is obliged to reclaim it. The semi-annual utilization and access reporting mechanism is described at length in the guidelines. BloostonLaw contacts: Ben Dickens and Gerry Duffy.
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