Wireless News Aggregation |
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Welcome Back To The Wireless |
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I would like to make a list of all readers who are licensed Amateur Radio Operators (Hams). Please click here and give me your name and callsign. This Week's Wireless 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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HELP SUPPORT THE NEWSLETTER
There is not a lot of news about Paging these days but when anything significant comes out, you will probably see it here. I also cover text messaging to other devices and various articles about related technology. |
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Advertiser Index
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Service Monitors and Frequency Standards for Sale
(Images are typical units, not actual photos of items offered for sale here.)
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Leavitt Communications |
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FCC will start kicking voice providers out of its robocall databaseCalls will be blocked if those providers don't boost their anti-spam efforts.
Telecoms slow to adopt anti-robocall measures could soon face stiff punishment in the US. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) now plans to remove seven voice service providers from its Robocall Mitigation Database for failing to comply with required anti-spam efforts, such as implementing STIR/SHAKEN call authentication to prevent spoofing. The companies have 14 days to "show cause" why they shouldn't be removed. If they don't, all their customers will be blocked from making calls. Effectively, their voice businesses are finished. The companies include Akabis, Cloud4, Global UC, Horizon Technology, Morse Communications, Sharon Telephone and SW Arkansas. In all cases, the companies failed to share their anti-robocall plans even after the FCC warned them about violations. The FCC noted that STIR/SHAKEN is necessary for any provider with an IP-based network, and those without IP still have to show that they're mitigating illegal robocalls. The FCC required that all carriers use STIR/SHAKEN by the end of June 2021. Major carriers like AT&T and Verizon (Engadget's former owner) were quick to adopt the technology. Small providers received extensions, but only so long as they detailed how they'd limit robocalls. Removals aren't likely to significantly stem the tide of spam calls. However, the FCC's move (along with a campaign from state attorneys general) could discourage telecoms that either skimp on anti-robocall defenses or knowingly profit from scammers and telemarketers. |
Source: | engadget |
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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Newspapers generally cost A donation of $50.00 would certainly help cover a one-year period. If you are wiling and able, please click on the PayPal Donate button above . |
PRISM IPX Systems |
Thousands of Users Worldwide Depend on Prism IPXOur Customers Trust Us To Make Sure That Their Messages Get Delivered
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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 |
Southern Pinwheel GalaxyMessier 83, a galaxy 15 million lightyears from Earth. Image: CTIO/NOIRLab/DOE/NSF/AURA; Acknowledgment: M. Soraisam (University of Illinois); Image processing: Travis Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage), Mahdi Zamani and Davide de Martin The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy (or Messier 83) is comprised of hundreds of thousands of stars, star clusters, and hundreds of supernova remnants, according to NASA. It’s 15 million light-years from Earth. It took the Dark Energy Camera over 11 hours of exposure to capture the vibrant light emanating from the galaxy. |
Source: | gizmodo |
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 |
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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Telephone: 631-786-9359 | |
wirelessplannerron@gmail.com | |
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USB logos finally make sense, thanks to a redesignFor years it's been obvious that this change was needed.
For years, USB technologies have been an alphabet soup of terminology—when, really, all consumers care about is how fast the USB connection is. But now, finally, a new USB logo scheme solves this problem. The USB Implementors Forum unveiled new logos on Friday for laptop ports, chargers, and cables that actually try to communicate what each one does. It’s a far cry from the nightmare naming scheme that the USB-IF implemented in 2009. It’s worth noting that the names of each specification apparently haven’t changed, but the logos have, and that’s all that matters. USB-IF executives said the new logos were established alongside the new 240W USB-C power specification, which can now charge USB-C powered laptops at the levels required by even some gaming laptops. Now, the various USB specifications are defined by their speed. Charging specifications are defined by their wattage, with logos that actually indicate this. “With the new higher power capabilities enabled by the USB PD 3.1 Specification, which unlocks up to 240W over a USB Type-C cable and connector, USB-IF saw an opportunity to further strengthen and simplify its Certified Logo Program for the end user,” said Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF President and chief operating officer, in a statement. “With our updated logos, consumers can easily identify the USB4 performance and USB Power Delivery capabilities of Certified USB-C cables, which support an ever-expanding ecosystem of consumer electronics from laptops and smartphones to displays and chargers.” Check out the new logos, which will be used on packaging, ports, and device power ports:
The new USB logos clearly communicate not just the speed of the port, but its capabilities. About the only drawback? There’s no obligation for device makers to actually inscribe the logo on their laptops, which could mean a continuation of the confusion around ports. The new USB cable logos also feature clear communication of their speed as well as their charging capabilities. The big question is whether these cables will support Thunderbolt, or DisplayPort, or USB4 — any of the protocols, that is. Finally, there are the charging logos, which again state what the device is capable of. If nothing else, this is a huge step forward for clarity, communicating to the consumer what they’re buying. The only real regret is why this wasn’t implemented years ago. |
Source: | PCWorld |
Brad Dye, Ron Mercer, Allan Angus, and Ira Wiesenfeld are friends and colleagues who work both together and independently, on wireline and wireless communications projects. Click here for a summary of their qualifications and experience. Each one has unique abilities. We would be happy to help you with a project, and maybe save you some time and money. Note: We do not like Patent Trolls, i.e. “a person or company who enforces patent rights against accused infringers in an attempt to collect licensing fees, but does not manufacture products or supply services based upon the patents in question.” We have helped some prominent law firms defend their clients against this annoyance, and would be happy to do some more of this same kind of work. Some people use the title “consultant” when they don't have a real job. We actually do consulting work, and help others based on our many years of experience. “If you would know the road ahead, ask someone who has traveled it.” — Chinese Proverb |
Remote AB Switches ABX-1 switches are often used at remote transmitter sites to convert from old, outdated and unsupported controllers to the new modern Prism-IPX ipBSC base station controllers. Remotely switch to new controllers with GUI commands. ABX-1
ABX-3 switches are widely used for enabling or disabling remote equipment and switching I/O connections between redundant messaging systems. ABX-3
Common Features:
Prism-IPX Systems LLC. 11175 Cicero Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30022 |
Stanford Computer Scientist Answers Coding Questions From TwitterOct 4, 2022 Chris Piech, professor of computer science at Stanford University, answers the Internet's burning questions about coding. Do you need to know math to be good at coding? How many computer languages are there? Are programming and coding the same thing? How do you code A.I.? What is the meaning of the "404" error? Chris answers all these questions and much more! |
Source: | YouTube |
Leavitt Communications |
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Inside Towers Newsletter |
FCC Union Backs Sohn for Commission SeatBy Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), which represents 800 FCC employees, endorsed Gigi Sohn’s nomination as an FCC Commissioner. In a letter to Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA), NTEU National President Anthony Reardon says the union is concerned about the continued vacancy at the agency. NTEU believes Sohn is a “highly qualified nominee,” as a former staff member who knows the agency well. “I feel that any further delay in the confirmation of her nomination threatens to inhibit progress at the FCC to the detriment of both the workforce and the American consumer,” says Reardon. The committee failed to successfully report Sohn’s nomination to the full Senate for a vote. Reardon is urging the committee to do that. “The FCC and its highly trained workforce have earned the priority attention of Congress and the U.S. public to complete this nomination process and get down to business. It is time for the country to allow this Commission and its employees to be fully staffed and functioning,” Reardon says in the letter. The agency has been without a Democratic majority for more than a year and a half. Sohn brings a wealth of experience, from both the Commission and as the head of consumer group Public Knowledge. However detractors, including Republicans on the committee, cite her past criticisms of Fox News, and association with streaming service Locast, which broadcasters successfully sued over copyright issues, Inside Towers reported. The shrinking legislative calendar is an issue as well. If Sohn is confirmed, it will most likely be during the lame duck session, posits Techdirt. If Sohn isn’t confirmed by year’s end she’ll need to be re-nominated in the new year. It’s not clear if the administration would do so, or start the process over with a new candidate. |
Source: | Inside Towers newsletter | Courtesy of the editor of Inside Towers, Jim Fryer. Inside Towers is a daily newsletter by subscription. |
BloostonLaw Newsletter |
FCC Extends Deadlines in Areas Affected by Hurricane IanOn September 29, the FCC issued a Public Notice extending certain Wireless Radio Service deadlines occurring between September 24, 2022 and October 24, 2022 for licensees and applicants affected by Hurricane Ian. For the purposes of this relief, the FCC defines “affected areas” as the State of Florida. The deadlines in question were extended to October 25, 2022. See the full article below for more information. BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Cary Mitchell. HeadlinesFCC Seeks Comment on New Robotexting RulesThe FCC is taking steps to fight back against so-called “robotext” campaigns that have been on the rise in recent years. On September 27, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing new rules on caller ID authentication for text messaging and new blocking requirements. Comment and reply comment deadlines have not yet been established. Specifically, the NPRM proposes and seeks comment on applying existing caller ID authentication standards to text messaging. It also proposes requiring mobile wireless providers to block texts, at the network level, that purport to be from invalid, unallocated, or unused numbers, and numbers on a Do-Not-Originate (DNO) list. Finally, the NPRM also seeks input on other actions the FCC might take to address illegal and unwanted texts, including enhanced consumer education. Providers interested in getting more information on the NPRM may contact the firm for more information. BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Cary Mitchell. FCC Extends Deadlines in Areas Affected by Hurricane IanOn September 29, the FCC issued a Public Notice extending certain deadlines occurring from September 24, 2022, to October 24, 2022 for licensees and applicants affected by Hurricane Ian. For the purposes of this relief, the FCC defines “affected areas” as the State of Florida. A September 30 Public Notice extended this same relief to the State of South Carolina. Specifically, the following deadlines are extended to October 25, 2022:
The FCC also waived Section 1.931(a) of the rules through October 24, 2022, to allow the filing of STA requests for Wireless Radio Services in manners other than electronically on FCC Form 601, e.g., by requesting STAs by telephone call to FCC staff. Affected licensees and applicants must include a certification that the STA or waiver request is in response to Hurricane Ian. Applicants for Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) are advised that facilities meeting the criteria for the replacement tower exception or temporary tower exception under the Commission’s National Environmental Policy Act rules do not have to complete the environmental notification process prior to completing their ASR applications. Operators of facilities that are not subject to an exception may seek waiver or postponement of environmental notification upon an appropriate showing of an emergency situation. BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast, Richard Rubino and Cary Mitchell. Law and RegulationTribal Governments May Now Access Form 481On September 30, USAC announced that Tribal governments may now access the most recent FCC Form 481 filings submitted by telecommunications carriers that serve their lands with support from the Universal Service Fund (USF) High Cost program. According to the announcement, carriers no longer have to file Form 481 separately with Tribal governments. FCC Form 481 collects financial and operations information used to validate carrier support. This includes 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. 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 Contact: Sal Taillefer. IndustryCTIA Files 2022 Annual Wireless Industry SurveyOn September 22, CTIA filed its Annual Wireless Industry Survey with the FCC. In its cover letter, CTIA noted the following highlights from this year’s Survey:
A copy of the report can be found here. FCC Launches DIRS/NORS Outage Information Sharing SystemOn September 30, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing that Federal, state, Tribal nation, territorial, and District of Columbia agencies may begin applying for read-only access to the reports filed in the FCC’s Network Outage Reporting System (NORS) and Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS). As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, this is the outcome of an FCC proceeding to provide access to critical outage and network status information that will improve situational awareness, enhance their ability to respond more rapidly to outages, and to help save lives, while safeguarding the confidentiality of this information. Specifically, the FCC has launched an Outage Information Sharing webpage, available at https://www.fcc.gov/outage-information-sharing, to serve as a central hub from which stakeholders may obtain information, such as forms related to the information sharing framework, user guides, FAQs, and links to the FCC's previously-recorded stakeholder workshop. This also includes links to training materials that agencies may use in satisfying the training obligations for their staff. The Commission’s rules allow Participating Agencies to share NORS and DIRS information with first responders, emergency communications centers, and other local government agencies who play a vital public safety role during crises and have a need to know this information (Downstream Agencies). These Downstream Agencies will not have direct access to the NORS-DIRS databases. Instead, they can request outage reports from Participating Agencies in their jurisdictions. To protect sensitive communications status data, Participating Agencies and Downstream Agencies must preserve the confidentiality of NORS and DIRS filings. The Commission will grant access to NORS and DIRS only after Participating Agencies certify that they will comply with requirements for maintaining the confidentiality of the data and the security of the databases. Participating Agencies will also be responsible for ensuring Downstream Agencies certify that they, too, will maintain the confidentiality of the data they receive. DeadlinesOCTOBER 15: 911 RELIABILITY CERTIFICATION. Covered 911 Service Providers, which are defined as 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 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. Certifications must be made through the FCC’s portal. BloostonLaw Contact: Sal Taillefer. NOVEMBER 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.
Calendar At-a-GlanceOctober November Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, Duffy & Prendergast, LLP is a telecommunications law firm representing rural telecommunications companies, wireless carriers, private radio licensees, cable TV companies, equipment manufacturers and industry associations before the FCC and the courts, as well as state and local government agencies. Our clients range from Fortune 500 companies to small and medium-sized enterprises whose vitality and efficiency depend on the effective deployment of communications. |
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TECHNICIAN'S CORNER |
Apr 23, 2022 In this video I will show you some of the most common mistakes DIYers make when they are connecting or splicing wires together. These mistakes will cause failures over times and could potentially be hazardous depending on the installation. I will also show you the correct ways or more recommended ways of connecting wires together. Tools Used: By: Adam |
Source: | YouTube |
THIS WEEK'S MUSIC VIDEO |
"I’ve Been Blue Since You Went Away”by Papa Charlie McCoy (1930)Tuba Skinny cover in Philly '22 — “I’ve Been Blue Since You Went Away” by Papa Charlie McCoy (1930) |
Source: | YouTube |
Best regards, Newsletter Editor 73 DE K9IQY Licensed since 1957 |
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ZP5TQ Radio Club of Paraguay |
Quarter Century Wireless Association |
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Back To Paging Still The Most Reliable Wireless Protocol For Emergencies! |
American Association of Woodturners |
U.S. Navy Radioman |
U.S. Navy Radioman Second Class Petty Officer |
Boy Scouts of America National Honor Society |
Creator of the Paging Wheel of Fortune |
National Skeet Shooting Association |
Institute Electrical and Electronics Engineers |
American Radio Relay League |
The Radio Club of America |
Life is good! |
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