Welcome Back To

The Wireless
Messaging News

This Week's Wireless Headlines:

• New Ad from Certified Service Centers
• Motorola brings $5-a-month satellite messaging to any phone with new hotspot
• New Ad from SPECTRUM INTEL
• Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone 14
• GPS gets an upgrade: How it affects you, what happens next
  • With recent tech advances, efforts are underway to modernise the Global Position System
• Biden FCC nominee suggested making federal 'truth' commission modeled after South Africa
• INSIDE TOWERS
  • DoD’s Interest Piqued by Cell Phone-to-Satellite Communications
• BLOOSTONLAW TELECOM UPDATE
  • Annual Submarine Cable Capacity Reports Due March 31; Applies to User Carriers as Well
  • FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for March Open Meeting
  • SAC Announces Broadband Deployment Reviews in 2023
  • Treasury Announces Capital Projects Fund Awards
  • DOJ and FTC File Robocall Complaint in District Court
  • Rosenworcel Responds to Congress on Map Data Challenge; Hints at Enforcement Proceedings
  • FCC Tries to Protect MVPDs While Reviewing TEGNA Inc. Ownership Proposal
  • FCC Files Congressional Report Summarizing Interagency Coordination
  • Deadlines
  • BloostonLaw Contacts
  • Calendar At-a-Glance
  • Who Is BloostonLaw
• BLOOSTONLAW PRIVATE USERS UPDATE
  • FINAL REMINDER: FCC Application Filing Fee Increases Effective Thursday, March 2, 2023
  • FCC Conditionally Grants Waiver Request to Allow Ericsson to manufacture and market 3.45/3.7 GHz Multiband Radios
  • FCC to Update Equipment Standards, Including Unlicensed Wireless Devices and Unintentional Radiators
  • CC Releases Federal Register in Connection with New Regulations for 4.9 GHz Band — Sets Comment Deadlines
  • Reps. Stefanik, Khanna, and Gallagher Reintroduce FACT Act
  • Chairwoman Rosenworcel Seeks Information on Wireless Emergency Alerts in More Languages
• TECHNICIAN'S CORNER
• Resistor LED Circuit Design How to design LED circuits
• THIS WEEK'S SPANISH ART
  • Royal Academy’s Spain and the Hispanic World — an expert in Spanish art reviews the exhibition

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.

FREE TO EVERYONE — SUPPORTED BY READERS

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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Advertiser Index

Service Monitors and Frequency Standards for Sale

Motorola Service Monitor

IFR Service Monitor

IFR 500A Service Monitor

(Images are typical units, not actual photos of items offered for sale here.)

50 years experience providing and supporting radio and paging customers worldwide. Call us anytime we can be useful!

			Minitor VI
Leavitt sells and supports most pager brands. We stock Unication G1, G5, Secure and some Elegant pagers. Call or e-mail for price and availability.

SPACE MESSAGING IS THE FUTURE!! —

Motorola brings $5-a-month satellite messaging to any phone with new hotspot

Have a look at Android's first comprehensive satellite texting solution.

RON AMADEO - 2/24/2023, 2:46 PM

Motorola is shipping two big pieces of satellite connectivity hardware to the US.

The launch of the iPhone 14 made satellite messaging the hot new feature in smartphones. You've been able to get big, bulky, ugly satellite phones for years with full satellite calling and messaging, but it turns out if you scope down the feature to only "emergency SOS," and heavily compress everything, you can connect to a satellite from a normal smartphone form factor. Since the iPhone announcement, everyone in Android land has been eager to copy this, and we've seen satellite connectivity announcements from Qualcomm, Samsung, MediaTek, and Huawei and news that some kind of satellite support will be built into Android 14. Mostly these are chip and software announcements—not many companies have been talking about satellite products end users will actually be able to buy—until now.

Bullitt—a British phone manufacturer best known for licensing the heavy machinery "Caterpillar" brand for ruggedized smartphones—is launching what sounds like a full end-to-end solution that will bring satellite messaging to non-iPhone users. It's launching the "Bullitt Satellite Connect" service, an app to connect to it called the "Bullitt Satellite Messenger," and a "Cat S75" smartphone with satellite connectivity. It's teaming up with Motorola to introduce a second satellite messaging phone, the "Motorola Defy 2," and a satellite messaging hotspot called the "Motorola Defy Satellite Link." There's a lot to go over.

The app and service

Satellite service pricing.

First up is the service. Unlike the iPhone, which can only contact emergency services over satellite one way, Bullitt Satellite Connect claims to be a two-way messaging service and "the most advanced mobile satellite messaging platform in the world." Satellite service starts at $4.99 per month, with "other flexible and heavier usage plans" available if you want to be a serious satellite texter. "SOS Assist," which offers "24/7 access to emergency response centers provided by FocusPoint International" is included in the price of every plan and free for the first year even if you just buy the hardware.

The Bullitt Satellite Messenger app. Both the message sender and the message receiver will need to have this installed.

It does not sound like texting over Bullitt Satellite Connect will be entirely seamless. You'll need to use the special Bullitt Satellite Messenger app to send a message over satellite, and the message is not SMS. Like some other proprietary messaging services, Bullitt will forward your message over SMS to your recipient's phone number, so they'll receive it, but to respond, the person you text will need to download the Bullitt Satellite Messenger app. The company notes: "The time to initially connect to the satellite and send a message is around 10 seconds."

One question to ask of any satellite service is where its service is coming from, because there aren't that many satellites out there. Bullitt certainly doesn't have any satellites for its "Satellite Connect" service. The company says it's teaming up with another company called Skylo to get the service up and running, but Skylo is just running the network and doesn't have any satellites either. The press release says Skylo "manages connections to devices over existing licensed GEO satellite constellations, such as Inmarsat and others." There we go—Inmarsat is a real satellite company that has been around since the 1970s. Inmarsat currently has 14 satellites in geostationary orbit—that means they're way higher than the new wave of low-earth-orbit satellites—22,300 miles up. Inmarsat's most recent launch was last week with Space X, and the company currently provides Internet access to planes and boats.

There’s so much hardware

For the fun stuff, we've got two phones and a hotspot to go over. Everything here is getting satellite connectivity via the new MediaTek MT6825 satellite connectivity chip, which includes support for services following the new 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) standard like Bullitt Satellite Connect. The bands are listed in the phone spec sheets as "Satellite: 23/255/256."

The hotspot is the Motorola Defy Satellite Link and, just like a cellular hotspot, will wirelessly connect to any phone to add a new line of service to it. Unlike most hotspots, this connects over Bluetooth, not Wi-Fi, and if you pair the device with your phone and install the Bullitt app, you can start sending satellite messages. There's no cellular or other connectivity.

The form factor is a dead-simple plastic brick on the end of a rugged-looking lanyard. The hotspot has no screen—there are only a few lights and buttons for power, connectivity, and a "check in" feature, along with a covered USB port. With basically no delicate parts, it has an IP68 dust and water-resistance rating, and Motorola says it's "Drop-proof up to a height of 1.8 meters." It has a tiny 600 mAh battery, but with no screen to power, Motorola says that's good enough for "multiple days of use."

The hotspot will be out in April for $99, or there's a $149 bundle that includes a year of Bullitt's "Essentials Messaging service plan," which is "up to 30 two-way messages per month and SOS Assist."

1 / 6 The Motorola Defy 2. The bezels scream "rugged," but that's still a big glass panel on the front.

The new satellite phones, the Motorola Defy 2 and Cat S75, seem to be basically the same phone with only minor differences. The cameras, LED flash, fingerprint reader, and buttons are all in the same place, along with a big red "SOS" button on top to contact emergency services.

Both devices have a 6.5-inch, 120 Hz 2408×1080 LCD, a MediaTek Dimensity 930 SoC, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage (plus a microSD slot), and a 5000 mAh battery. There's 15 W fast charging and wireless Qi charging, along with a 50 MP main camera, an 8 MP wide-angle, and an additional 2 MP camera. Both phones come with Android 12 and will receive what sounds like one of the industry's worst update plans, featuring "two OS updates," plus three years of "quarterly" security updates, and two more years of "emergency" updates if some major security problem happens.

Both phones seem to cover the "Cat" style of "rugged" smartphones, which has never made much sense to me. They scream "rugged" design with their ugly, giant bezels—and there is nothing wrong with ugly, ruggedized phones—but with a front that is still Gorilla Glass and can easily shatter, these don't seem very rugged at all. The LCD being further away from the edges would maybe help the LCD not break, but what breaks when you drop a phone is the glass, and the glass still goes edge to edge. There is a raised rim around the phone that might help if you drop it on a flat surface, but that's it. The other rugged feature is an IP69K dust and water resistance rating, which, besides the usual submersion rating, means the phone can withstand "high-temperature" blasts of water, which is often used in the food industry to sanitize equipment. Not sure how that helps a phone, but it sounds good.

The dueling phones make sense when you see the distribution layout, with each phone sticking to its own side of the world. The Motorola Defy 2 is $599 and will be out in Q2 2023 "from selected operators across North America, Latin America and Canada." The Cat S75 is launching in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for 599 euro / 549 pounds ($632) and is up for preorder right now.

RON AMADEO Ron is the Reviews Editor at Ars Technica, where he specializes in Android OS and Google products. He is always on the hunt for a new gadget and loves to rip things apart to see how they work. EMAIL ron@arstechnica.com // TWITTER @RonAmadeo

Paging Transmitters 150/900 MHz

The RFI High Performance Paging Transmitter is designed for use in campus, city, state and country-wide paging systems. Designed for use where reliable simulcast systems where RF signal overlap coverage is critical.

• Commercial Paging systems.
• Healthcare Paging systems.
• Public Safety Emergency Services Paging systems.
• Demand Response Energy Grid Management.

Built-in custom interface for Prism-IPX ipBSC Base Controller for remote control, management and alarm reporting.

• Use as a stand-alone unit or in wide area network.
• Mix with other transmitter brands in an existing paging network.
• Adjustable from 20-250 watts.
• 110/240 VAC or 48VDC.
• Absolute Delay Correction.
• Remote Diagnostics.
• Configurable alarm thresholds.
• Integrated Isolator.
• Superb Reliability.
• Improved amplifier efficiency.
• Most reliable high-powered paging transmitter available.

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

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

The Wireless Messaging News
Board of Advisors

The Board of Advisor members are people with whom I have developed a special rapport, and have met personally. They are not obligated to support the newsletter in any way, except with advice, and maybe an occasional letter to the editor.

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You can help support The Wireless Messaging News by clicking on the PayPal Donate button above. It is not necessary to be a member of PayPal to use this service.

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Thousands of Users Worldwide Depend on Prism IPX

Our Customers Trust Us To Make Sure That Their Messages Get Delivered

Prism-IPX Systems products include full-featured radio paging systems with VoIP input, IP based transmitter control systems and paging message encryption. Other options include email messaging, remote switch controllers, Off-The-Air paging message decoders and logging systems.

MORE INFO HERE

Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone 14

With iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite to text emergency services when you're out of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. You can also use the Find My app to share your location with people via satellite.

How Emergency SOS via satellite works

Emergency SOS via satellite can help you connect with emergency services under exceptional circumstances when no other means of reaching emergency services are available. If you call or text emergency services and can't connect because you're outside the range of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, your iPhone tries to connect you via satellite to the help that you need.

When you use a satellite connection, the experience is different than sending or receiving a message via cellular. In ideal conditions with a direct view of the sky and the horizon, a message might take 15 seconds to send, and over a minute to send under trees with light or medium foliage. If you're under heavy foliage or surrounded by other obstructions, you might not be able to connect to a satellite. Connection times can also be impacted by your surroundings, the length of your message, and the status and availability of the satellite network.

Emergency SOS via satellite is free for two years after the activation of iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro.

If your iPhone or Apple Watch detects a severe car crash or a hard fall and you're unresponsive, an automatic Crash Detection or Fall Detection notification to emergency services may be communicated by your iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro using Emergency SOS via satellite if you're outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.

Be ready in case of an emergency

If you're going somewhere that might be outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, here are some ways to be prepared.

Try the Emergency SOS via satellite demo

To learn how Emergency SOS via satellite works, try the demo. You need to be outside, on relatively open terrain, with a clear view of the sky. Trees with light foliage might slow down the connection and dense foliage might block it. Hills or mountains, canyons, and tall structures can also block the connection.

If you don't have Location Services turned on for Satellite Connection, you're prompted to turn them on before you start the demo. Open the Settings app. Tap Emergency SOS. Under Emergency SOS via satellite, tap Try Demo, then follow the on-screen instructions. To use the demo, you need to be in a country or region where Emergency SOS via satellite is available. The demo does not call emergency services. Set up the information that you want to share When you use Emergency SOS via satellite, you can share your Medical ID and notify your emergency contacts. You need to have this information set up prior to an emergency. Set up your Medical ID and add emergency contacts in the Health app To share your location via satellite with someone in the Find My app, you need to already be sharing your location with that person in Find My before you're outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Share your location in Find My

Use Emergency SOS via satellite

When you're in a place with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, you can still use your iPhone to text emergency services via satellite connection.

Connect to a satellite If you need to contact emergency services, follow these tips to help connect your iPhone to a satellite: Hold your phone naturally in your hand. You don't need to raise your arm or hold your phone up, but don't put it in a pocket or backpack. Make sure that you're outside with a clear view of the sky and the horizon. Be aware that trees with light foliage might slow down the connection, and dense foliage might block it. Hills or mountains, canyons, and tall structures can also block the connection. In case you need to turn left or right or move to avoid a blocked signal, your iPhone provides guidance—just follow the on-screen instructions. The satellite connection can be maintained even if your phone screen is locked.

Text emergency services via satellite First, try calling the local emergency number1 to reach emergency services. Even if your normal cellular carrier network isn't available, you might be able to make the call. If your call won't connect, you can text emergency services via satellite. Certain local emergency numbers require iOS 16.2 or later to connect to emergency services via satellite2. Tap Emergency Text via Satellite. You can also go to Messages to text the local emergency number, then tap Emergency Services. Tap Report Emergency. Using simple taps, answer the emergency questions to best describe your situation. Choose to notify your emergency contacts that you contacted emergency services, along with your location and the nature of your emergency. To connect to a satellite, follow the on-screen instructions. After you're connected, continue following the on-screen instructions to stay connected while you send your message to emergency services.

Once you’re connected, your iPhone starts a text conversation with emergency responders by sharing critical information like your Medical ID and emergency contact information (if you have set them up), the emergency questionnaire answers, your location (including elevation), and remaining battery life for your iPhone.

You might be asked to respond to additional messages. Only Latin characters (such as English or French) are supported in these messages. This service supports English, American Spanish, Canadian French, French, and German.

Share information with your emergency contacts

If you set up emergency contacts in the Health app, you can choose to notify and share information with them when you text emergency services with Emergency SOS via satellite. When you choose to share this information, your emergency contacts get these messages automatically.

If your emergency contacts use iMessage on iOS 16.1 or later, you can share a live transcript of your conversation with emergency services. This transcript includes: Your answers to the emergency questionnaire A map with your location The messages that you exchange with emergency services If your emergency contacts have a non-Apple device or don't have iOS 16.1 or later, they receive a text message that alerts them about your emergency. In the U.S. and Canada, this message comes from the number 767911. In Europe, this message comes from 767112. The message says, "You're receiving this message because someone you know chose you as an emergency contact and used Emergency SOS via satellite." To receive additional text messages, your emergency contacts need to respond "YES" to the first message within 48 hours. If they respond "NO" or "STOP," they won't receive any more messages about Emergency SOS via satellite notifications (either for the current emergency or future emergencies). If your emergency contact responded "NO" or "STOP," they can receive future messages about Emergency SOS via satellite notifications again by texting "RESTART" to the same number. The additional messages include your name, the time that you contacted emergency services, your location, and the information that you provided about your emergency.

Your emergency contacts can't respond to the messages, other than replying "YES" or "NO" when necessary. They do not need to contact emergency services, because emergency services has already been contacted for the emergency.

Share your location via satellite in Find My

On iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro, you can share your location via satellite when you're somewhere without cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. You can manually update your location every 15 minutes.

Learn how to share your location via satellite

To use Emergency SOS via satellite (or share your location via satellite):

• You need iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro with iOS 16.1 or later.
• You also need to be in a place with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage.
• Emergency SOS via satellite is available in the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, and the U.K.³
• International travelers who visit a country or region where Emergency SOS via satellite is available can use the feature while visiting, except if they bought their phone in China mainland, Hong Kong, or Macao. Emergency SOS via satellite isn't offered on iPhone models purchased in China mainland, Hong Kong, or Macao.
• Satellite connection might not work in places above 62° latitude, such as northern parts of Canada and Alaska.

Emergency SOS via satellite and privacy

When you text with Emergency SOS via satellite, your messages are sent in encrypted form, and decrypted by Apple to be passed along to the relevant emergency services dispatcher, or the emergency relay center. Your messages may be retained by emergency service centers and the relay provider to improve their services, and in compliance with applicable laws.

In order to route your text messages to a local emergency services organization, and to assist responders in reaching you, your location will be shared with Apple and its partners when you use Emergency SOS via satellite.

Locations shared via satellite in Find My are sent in an end-to-end encrypted form and can't be accessed by Apple.

At all times, information collected by Apple will be treated in accordance with Apple’s Privacy Policy.

¹ In the U.S. and Canada, call or text 911. In France, call or text 112, 15, 17, 18, 114, 119, 191, and 196. In Germany, text 112 and 110. In Ireland and the U.K., call or text 999 or 112.

² You need iOS 16.2 to connect to emergency services via satellite when you call or text 15, 17, 18, 114, 119, 191, and 196 in France, 110 in Germany, and 999 in Ireland. The availability of these additional emergency numbers might also depend on your cellular carrier.

³ Including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Corsica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthelemy, the Collectivity of Saint Martin, Saint Pierre & Miquelon, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands, and Scottish Hebrides.

Published Date: December 13, 2022

Providing Expert Support and Service Contracts for all Glenayre Paging Systems.

The GL3000 is the most prolific paging system in the world and Easy Solutions gladly welcomes you to join us in providing reliable support to the paging industry for many more decades in the future.

Easy Solutions provides cost effective computer and wireless solutions at affordable prices. We can help in most any situation with your communications systems. We have many years of experience and a vast network of resources to support the industry, your system and an ever changing completive landscape.

• We treat our customers like family. We don’t just fix problems . . . We recommend and implement better cost-effective solutions.
• We are not just another vendor . . . We are a part of your team. All the advantages of high priced full-time employment without the cost.
• We are not in the Technical Services business . . . We are in the Customer Satisfaction business.

Experts in Paging Infrastructure

• Glenayre, Motorola, Unipage, etc.
• Excellent Service Contracts
• Full Service—Beyond Factory Support
• Making systems More Reliable and MORE PROFITABLE for over 30 years.

Please see our web site for exciting solutions designed specifically for the Wireless Industry. We also maintain a diagnostic lab and provide important repair and replacement parts services for Motorola and Glenayre equipment. Call or  e-mail  us for more information.

Easy Solutions
3220 San Simeon Way
Plano, Texas 75023
Vaughan Bowden
Telephone: 972-898-1119
Telephone: 214-785-8255
Website: www.EasySolutions4You.com
E-mail: vaughan@easysolutions4you.com

GLENAYRE INFRASTRUCTURE

Service Contracts

I would like to recommend Easy Solutions for Support of all Glenayre Paging Equipment. This Texas company is owned and operated by Vaughan Bowden. I have known Vaughan for over 35 years. Without going into a long list of his experience and qualifications, let me just say that he was the V.P. of Engineering at PageNet which was—at that time—the largest paging company in the world. So Vaughan knows Paging.

GTES is no longer offering support contracts. GTES was the original group from Vancouver that was setup to offer support to customers that wanted to continue with the legacy Glenayre support. Many U.S. customers chose not to use this service because of the price and the original requirement to upgrade to version 8.0 software (which required expensive hardware upgrades, etc.). Most contracts ended as of February 2018.

If you are at all concerned about future support of Glenayre products, especially the “king of the hill” the GL3000 paging control terminal, I encourage you to talk to Vaughan about a service contract and please tell him about my recommendation.

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

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

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

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

Paging Data Receiver PDR-4

The PDR-4 is a multi-function paging data receiver that decodes paging messages and outputs them via the serial port, USB or Ethernet connectors.

Designed for use with Prism-IPX ECHO software Message Logging Software to receive messages and log the information for proof of transmission over the air, and if the data was error free.

• Option—decode capcode list or all messages.
• Large capcode capacity.
• Serial, USB and Ethernet output.
• POCSAG or FLEX page decoding, special SA protocols.
• Receivers for paging bands in VHF, UHF, 900 MHz.
• Message activated Alarm Output.
• 8 programmable relay outputs.
• Send notifications of a system problem.

• Synthesized Receiver Tuning.
• Selectivity better than 60 dB.
• Frequencies 148-174, 450-470, 929-932 MHz.
• Image Rejection better than 55 dB.
• Spurious Rejection better than 55 dB.
• Channel Spacing 12.5 or 25 kHz.
• Power 5VDC.
• Receiving Sensitivity 5µV at 1200 bps.

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

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

Wireless Network Planners
Wireless Specialists

R.H. (Ron) Mercer Consultant 217 First Street East Northport, NY 11731
Telephone: 631-786-9359
wirelessplannerron@gmail.com

SPECIAL REPORT

GPS gets an upgrade: How it affects you, what happens next

With recent tech advances, efforts are underway to modernise the Global Position System

Published: February 27, 2023 17:17
Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor and Infographics by Vijith Pulikkal,
Vijith Pulikkal, Assistant Product Manager

On February 21, 2023, the GPS III Space Vehicle 06 (GPS III SV06), launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in January, received "operational acceptance" from the US Space Systems Command (SSC). This pre-launch photo of the satellite was taken inside an assembly/test facility. Image Credit: Twitter @USSF_SSC (US Space Systems Command)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Known as GPS III, the third generation of ground stations and satellites, provides additional navigation signals for both civilian and military users — with a much higher accuracy and availability.
• Some tips on how you can make the most out of GPS III.

It’s a service we almost ignore today. But it's certainly something the great explorers like Amerigo Vespucci or Ferdinand Magellan could only have dreamt off. And it's right there at your fingertips, or your wrist.

A child's smart watch, with GPS tracker. If you use a satellite map, fitness or flight tracker app, they're just some of the examples of how useful GPS (global positioning satellite) system is. Image Credit: Gulf News File

The launch of the first GPS satellite in 1978 has started a “geolocation” revolution, ushering an era of giving us extremely useful tools. They show our way around, with a rather high degree of accuracy and reliability. In the process, they turned manual compasses and lighthouses into postcard-perfect relics of the past.

Now, GPS just got an upgrade. In January, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched the latest GPS Block III satellite in orbit (Space Vehicle 06), named after the daring pilot Amelia Earhart.

Last week, SV06 received "operational acceptance" from the US Space Systems Command (SSC), which then transferred its Satellite Control Authority (SCA) to the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado, according to Inside GNSS, an industry publication.

Billions of GPS users

Today's smartphones are more than just communication devices. They're gaming, banking, geolocation devices too, too. That means there are billions of GPS users like you and me.

The figures are quite mind-boggling: In 2021, there were 3.8 billion smartphones in use worldwide, according to Statista. An additional 1.7 billion were sold in 2022, which brings to the total to 5.5 billion smartphones — each with a tracking chip.

That number is set to jump further, to hit 18.22 billion by 2025. Today's smartphones are more than just communication devices; they're gaming, banking, geolocation gear too.

Smartphones form part of a nebulous number of tracking tools (including fitness watches, pet necklaces, dashcams, glasses, gaming devices, footwear, cars, trucks, bikes, helmets, and other such gear — there are more than 40 types of equipment fitted with tracking devices), numbering an estimated 15 billion in use today.

BRIEF HISTORY: It took 40 years for GPS III, the third-generation service, to start its build-up, with the first satellite flown in 2018. Once completed, it will provide more accurate positioning, navigation, and timing services to users. Image Credit: Vijith Pulikkal - Gulf News

Each receiver gets a signal from the sky for “geolocation" — essentially, the use of IP addresses to identify | track connected devices.

When did GPS start?

The launch of the first GPS satellite took place in 1978, though it took several years for the system to become fully operational and available to civilian users.

So it took 40 years for GPS III, the third-generation service, to start its build-up, with the first satellite flown in 2018. Once completed, it will provide more accurate positioning, navigation, and timing services to users.

The first GPS III satellite, GPS III SV01 "Vespucci," was launched on December 23, 2018. The second GPS III satellite, GPS III SV02 "Magellan," was launched on August 22, 2019.

As of February 2023, a total of six GPS III satellites have been launched and are operational. Four more satellites are yet to be launched to complete GPS III.

Advantages of GPS Block III satellite system

Among the known advantages GPS III offers over its predecessors:

Improved accuracy: The Block III satellites have a more advanced atomic clock and a more powerful signal, which allows for greater accuracy in determining a user's location. For example, the GPS II systems have a 5–10 meter accuracy, but GPS III will have a 1–3 meter accuracy, allowing for an even more accurate "geolocation."

Enhanced cybersecurity: The Block III satellites feature advanced encryption capabilities and improved resistance to jamming and spoofing, which helps to prevent unauthorized access to the system.

Longer lifespan: The Block III satellites are designed to last longer than previous GPS satellites, reducing the frequency of costly replacements.

Increased capacity: The Block III satellites can transmit more signals at once, allowing for greater capacity and supporting more users simultaneously.

Interoperability: The Block III satellites are designed to be compatible with other global navigation systems, such as Europe's Galileo and Russia's GLONASS, enabling better global positioning and navigation capabilities.

Improved signal in difficult environments: The Block III satellites can better penetrate through difficult environments such as urban canyons, forests, and inside buildings.

BILLIONS OF DEVICES: Each GPS receiver gets a signal from the sky for “geolocation" — the use of satellites and IP addresses to identify and track the whereabouts of digital devices. Such devices are not just found in smartphones — they’re also in pet necklaces, watches, dashcams, glasses, gaming devices, footwear, cars, trucks, bikes, helmets, and other such gear… There are more than 40 types of equipment fitted with tracking devices.

How many GPS Block III satellites in service?

There are six GPS Block III satellites already in service (out of the 10 planned). The satellites are named after exploration pioneers: Vespucci, Magellan, Matthew Henson, Sacagawea, Neil Armstrong and Amelia Earhart.

To complete the constellation, the 4 other GPS-III satellites yet to be launched are:

• Sally Ride (May 2024)
• Katherine Johnson (2025)
• Ellison Onizuka (2026)
• Hedy Lamar (2026)

Who builds the GPS III satellites?

According to the US Department of Defence, Block III satellites use Lockheed Martin's A2100M satellite "bus" structure. Each satellite carries eight deployable Joint Incremental Build (JIB) antennas — designed and made by Northrop Grumman Astro Aerospace.

JIB ANTENNAS

• JIB antennas are used to transmit and receive GPS signals to and from Earth-based GPS receivers.
• The GPS III JIB antennas are designed to be more efficient and reliable than previous GPS antennas. They are composed of two types of antennas: the L1/L2 (GPS frequency) and L5 (newer GPS frequency) antennas.
• The L1/L2 antennas are used to transmit and receive signals at the original GPS frequencies, while the L5 antennas are used to transmit and receive signals at a newer, more robust GPS frequency that is less prone to interference and jamming.

The JIB antennas on GPS III satellites feature a more advanced phased-array design, which allows them to transmit and receive signals in multiple directions at once, providing greater coverage and improving the accuracy and reliability of the GPS system.

Tips on how to make the most out of GPS III:

These are some of the ways to make the most out of GPS III capabilities.

• Understand its capabilities: GPS Block III is a next-generation GPS satellite system that offers improved accuracy, better jamming resistance, and longer service life. Users should take the time to understand these capabilities and how they can benefit from them.
• Ensure compatibility: Users should ensure that their devices are compatible with GPS Block III signals to take full advantage of its capabilities. Many modern devices already support GPS Block III, but older devices may need an update or replacement to use it.
• Use multiple constellations: GPS Block III is just one of several satellite navigation systems available, including Russia's GLONASS, Europe's Galileo, China's BeiDou and India's NavIC and Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. Using multiple constellations can provide improved accuracy, reliability, and availability.
• Monitor signal strength / utilise signal strength indicators: GPS Block III offers improved signal strength and better jamming resistance, but users should still be aware of signal strength indicators and use them to optimise performance. Keeping your device in a clear line of sight to the sky can improve signal reception.
• Use augmented reality: Some devices now incorporate augmented reality (AR) features that can overlay GPS data onto a live camera view. This can provide a more intuitive and engaging navigation experience.
• Plan ahead: Plan your routes / destinations ahead of time to optimise the use of GPS Block III. This can help avoid unexpected delays or route changes and ensure the most efficient use of the navigation system.

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:

• RJ45 for A, B and Common connectors.
• Manual push button or use Prism IP commands to switch one or more relays.
• Single or Dual Port Control card for IP or Serial connection.
• Form C relay—control local connection.
• Power Loss Indicator.
• Rear Panel Connector for controlling the switch externally.
• Power Source: 5VDC for ABX-1; 12VDC for ABX-3.

Prism-IPX Systems LLC.

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

Biden FCC nominee suggested making federal 'truth' commission modeled after South Africa

by ALEC SCHEMMEL | The National Desk February 27th 2023, 3:31 PM CST

WASHINGTON (TND) — Gigi Sohn, President Joe Biden's nominee to lead the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), previously called for a "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" as a way to help "elevate" the nation.

Sohn joined the "Elevate Maryland" podcast in June 2020, before that year's major election between Biden and former President Donald Trump. She was there to discuss universal access to the web, but at the end of the podcast, Sohn was asked to name one thing that could help "elevate our country," at which time she laid out her proposal for the commission.

"You know what we need? We need a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We need to do what they did in South Africa," Sohn responded. "I think we need to come to a common understanding of what the truth is."

Sohn was referring to South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which sought to compel nationwide unity and action following the human rights abuses perpetrated there during Apartheid.

Different from the Nürnberg trials that prosecuted Nazis after World War II, South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission was focused on gathering evidence and uncovering information rather than prosecuting individuals for past crimes.

"We need to have a real conversation about race relations in this country, about differences and how we bridge the gap," Sohn insisted during the podcast. "We've lost what is true in this country, about everything. I mean, the fact that there is still significant numbers of people that won't wear a god**** mask in a public place is unbelievable to me. And that's because this president — and it started before him so I'm happy to keep blame on him but it started before him — but there is one party that does not care about the truth. And I think that's the first thing that if — God willing — Joe Biden gets elected, he needs to have a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and people have to come and speak and talk about their experience of what is true and what is not."

Sohn was lauded by the podcast hosts for her answer.

"I love that answer. Love, love, love that answer. Just incredible answer," host Candace Dodson-Reed said.

The show's other host, Tom Coale, joked during Sohn's response that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission could take the country "one step closer" to getting rid of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, a frequent blockade to many liberal policies and initiatives.

"We also have to, you know — we have to really — did you know Mitch McConnell said that the way that we atone for the original sin was by electing Barack Obama? That guy, we got to get rid of that guy," Sohn said while laying out her proposal for the new commission.

"One step closer," Coale interjected smugly.

DoD’s Interest Piqued by Cell Phone-to-Satellite Communications

By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief

The Department of Defense (DoD) is watching the technology race to connect cell phones to satellite networks.

“That capability is exciting to us,” Clare Grason, head of the Pentagon’s commercial satellite communications office, said during a FedInsider webinar. Emerging communications services that connect phones directly to satellites are attractive to military users that operate in locations where there is no cellular network connectivity, according to Grason.

“This would enable the DoD to equip warfighters with smaller, lighter, more capable and inexpensive communication devices,” she said, reported SpaceNews. “Some of the architectures will enable existing smartphones to seamlessly communicate with satellites using cellular spectrum.”

Grason’s office, known as CSCO, is working on a solicitation for direct-to-device satellite communications services to be released later this year. The CSCO is also seeking feedback from military users.

A number of companies have entered the direct-to-cell race, including Iridium, Lynk Global, ASTSpaceMobile, Samsung, Globalstar and others, Inside Towers reported.

Grason said DoD is looking to diversify the types of satellite communications services it buys from the private sector. As early as May, the CSCO plans to award contracts for satcom services provided by low Earth orbit Internet companies. Multiple bids were received in November, said Grason, noted SpaceNews.

LEO satellite communications is a departure from the traditional geosynchronous (GEO) communications satellite services. Grason said military users are demanding low-latency, broadband services from the likes of OneWeb, SpaceX and Amazon. DoD will still continue to rely on GEO services, said Grason.

The U.S. Army is now reviewing proposals for managed satcom services and will conduct a pilot program, according to Grason. “Based on the outcome of that pilot program, the intent is to issue an enduring long-term contract based on the satcom-as-a-service model.” She said service packages can be tailored based on needs and budget constraints.

Selected portions [sometimes more — sometimes less — sometimes the whole updates] of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update and/or the BloostonLaw Private Users Update — newsletters from the Law Offices of Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, Duffy & Prendergast, LLP — are reproduced in this section of The Wireless Messaging News with kind permission from the firm's partners. The firm's contact information is included at the end of this section of the newsletter.

Annual Submarine Cable Capacity Reports Due March 31; Applies to User Carriers as Well

On February 21, the FCC issued a Public Notice reminding cable landing licensees and common carriers to file their annual Circuit Capacity Reports no later than March 31, 2023. The FCC’s rules require (1) any licensee of a submarine cable between the United States and a foreign point and (2) any common carrier with capacity on a submarine cable between the United States and a foreign point to file Circuit Capacity Reports.

Submarine cable landing licensees must file a Cable Operator Report with the available capacity (both lit and unlit capacity) of the cable as of December 31, 2022 and the planned capacity (the intended capacity, both lit and unlit, of the cable two years out from December 31, 2022). Cable landing licensees and common carriers must file a Capacity Holder Report identifying the capacity that they own or hold through an indefeasible right of use (IRU) or an inter-carrier lease (ICL) as of December 31, 2022.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Cary Mitchell and Sal Taillefer.

Headlines

FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for March Open Meeting

On February 23, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing the tentative agenda for its upcoming Open Meeting, currently scheduled for March 16. At the meeting, the FCC will tentatively consider:

• Single Network Future: Supplemental Coverage from Space: a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would propose a new regulatory framework for supplemental coverage from space. Through this proposed framework, satellite operators collaborating with terrestrial providers would be able to operate space stations on currently licensed, flexible-use spectrum to expand coverage to the terrestrial provider’s subscribers. (GN Docket No. 23-65, IB Docket 22-271)
• Ensuring Just and Reasonable Rates for Incarcerated People: a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order, which would begin the FCC’s implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on how the FCC should interpret that Act’s language to ensure just and reasonable rates and charges for incarcerated people’s audio and video communications services. The Order will delegate authority to the Wireline Competition Bureau and the Office of Economics and Analytics to update and restructure their most recent data collection as appropriate to fulfill the requirements of the new statute. (WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375)
• Enhancing Protections Against Illegal Robocalls: a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would close a critical gap in the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication regime, expand robocall mitigation requirements for all providers, adopt more robust enforcement tools, and seek comment on additional steps to further enhance the effectiveness of the STIR/SHAKEN framework. (WC Docket No. 17-97).
• Protecting Consumers with Robotext Blocking: a Report and Order which would require that providers block texts purporting to be from numbers on a reasonable Do-Not-Originate list; and make available a single point of contact for text message blocking complaints. The FCC will also consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which would propose to require further blocking of illegal robotexts; expand Do-Not-Call protections to robotexts; and protect consumers from getting robotexts and robocalls from multiple, unexpected callers when they provide their consent on websites for comparison shopping. (CG Docket Nos. 21-402, 02-278)
• Updating Equipment Testing Standards: a Report and Order which would incorporate standards that are to be used in the testing of equipment to ensure compliance with FCC rules, such as newer American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) standards. Two are updates to existing standards and two are new standards that would be allowed in addition to standards referenced in existing FCC rules. The new/updated standards cover a variety of areas, such as high spectrum band use; unlicensed wireless devices; unintentional radiators; and standards for testing and calibration laboratories. (ET Docket No. 21-363)
• Audio Description DMA Expansion: a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which would propose to expand support for individuals who are blind or visually impaired by expanding audio description requirements to additional market areas. The proposal would help ensure that a greater number of individuals who are blind or visually impaired can be connected, informed, and entertained by television programming. (MB Docket No. 11-43).

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

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and John Prendergast.

USAC Announces Broadband Deployment Reviews in 2023

On February 21, USAC announced that it would soon begin conducting deployment verification reviews for funds with 2022 broadband deployment milestones. No specific date was given.

Specifically, carriers participating in the Original Alternative Connect America Cost Model (ACAM), Revised ACAM, ACAM II and Connect America Fund II Auction (CAF II Auction) funds may be subject to verification reviews following the March 1, 2023, deadline for filing their 2022 broadband deployment data in the High Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal.

According to the announcement, these reviews confirm deployment to a random sample of locations certified in the HUBB, are intended to ensure that carriers receiving CAF payments are bringing high-speed Internet access that meets minimum performance standards to required location counts by relevant milestone deadlines in unserved and underserved communities eligible for support.

USAC will be hosting a webinar from 2-3 p.m. ET on Wed., March 22, 2023, to provide an overview of the verification review process and a discussion of how carriers can prepare. Carriers with questions about the review process may contact the firm for more information.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Sal Taillefer.

Treasury Announces Capital Projects Fund Awards

On February 21, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the approval of high-speed Internet projects in three additional states under the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund: Arizona, Tennessee, and Wyoming. Together, these states will use their funding to connect nearly 190,000 homes and businesses to affordable, high-speed Internet

The Capital Projects Fund (CPF) provides $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund critical capital projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring in response to the public health emergency. In addition to the $10 billion provided by the CPF, many governments are using a portion of their State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF).

The following descriptions summarize the four state’s plans that Treasury approved today:

• Arizona is approved to receive $99.4 million for high-speed Internet infrastructure, which the state estimates will connect an estimated 127,807 households and businesses to high-speed Internet access. Arizona’s award will fund the two high-speed Internet infrastructure programs that aim to provide reliable Internet access to areas of the state lacking adequate service. The Arizona Broadband Development Rural Infrastructure Grant program (ABDG-Rural) is a competitive grant program designed to expand high-speed broadband in the state’s thirteen rural counties. The Arizona Broadband Development Urban Infrastructure Grant program (ABDG-Urban) is a competitive grant program designed to improve and expand broadband infrastructure in the state’s two urban counties. Each of the Internet service providers funded by the program will participate in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program. The plan submitted to Treasury and being approved today represents 52% of the state’s total allocation under the Capital Project Funds program. Arizona submitted plans for the remainder of their Capital Project Funds and these applications are currently under review by Treasury.
• Tennessee is approved to receive $185 million for high-speed Internet infrastructure, which the state estimates will connect an estimated 50,000 households and businesses to high-speed Internet access. Tennessee’s award will fund two high-speed Internet infrastructure programs that aim to provide reliable Internet access in areas of the state lacking adequate service. Tennessee’s Last Mile Connection program is a competitive grant program designed to provide service to remote areas of the state where Internet infrastructure projects would not be feasible without assistance. Tennessee’s Middle Mile Buildout Program is a competitive grant program designed to deploy middle mile infrastructure in rural areas of the state to improve and expand last mile connections. Each of the Internet service providers funded by the program will participate in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program. The plan submitted to Treasury and being approved today represents 86% of the state’s total allocation under the Capital Project Fund program. Tennessee submitted plans for the remainder of their Capital Project Funds and these applications are currently under review by Treasury.
• Wyoming is approved to receive $70.5 million for high-speed Internet infrastructure, which the state estimates will connect an estimated 11,700 households and businesses to high-speed Internet access. Wyoming’s award will fund the Connect Wyoming grant program, a competitive grant program designed to fund last mile broadband infrastructure projects in areas throughout the state that currently lack access to Internet at speeds of 100/20 Mbps to facilitate access to work, education, and health monitoring. Each of the Internet service providers funded by the program will participate in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program. The plan submitted to Treasury and being approved today represents 64% of the state’s total allocation under the CPF program. Wyoming submitted plans for the remainder of their CPF funds and these applications are currently under review by Treasury.

Treasury began announcing state awards in June of last year. To date, 33 states have been approved to invest approximately $4.85 billion of Capital Project Funds in affordable, reliable high-speed Internet, which those states estimate will reach more than 1.4 million locations. Treasury will continue approving state and Tribal plans on a rolling basis.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Sal Taillefer.

Law and Regulation

DOJ and FTC File Robocall Complaint in District Court

On February 17, the Justice Department, together with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced a civil enforcement action against several corporate and individual defendants for alleged violations of the FTC Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) in connection with telemarketing campaigns that have involved millions of illegal robocalls.

According to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, defendant telecommunications service companies Stratics Networks, Inc. and Netlatitude Inc., along with defendant Kurt Hannigan, Netlatitude’s president, violated the TSR by providing substantial assistance and support in the form of technological services to telemarketers that unlawfully called consumers with robocalls delivering prerecorded marketing messages, called numbers listed on the National Do Not Call Registry, and failed to truthfully identify the seller of the goods and services being marketed. These alleged robocalls include numerous “ringless voicemails” delivered to consumers without making their phones ring.

The complaint also brings claims against several additional defendants that allegedly used Stratics Networks, Inc.’s ringless voicemail platform to illegally telemarket credit-card debt relief services. According to the complaint, defendants Tek Ventures, LLC (also doing business as Provident Solutions), Atlas Marketing Partners, Inc., Atlas Investment Ventures, LLC, Eric Petersen and Todd DiRoberto (who are co-owners of those three companies), Kasm, and Kenan Azzeh (owner and director of Kasm) violated the FTC Act by misrepresenting the terms and outcomes of their debt relief services. These defendants also violated the TSR by making those misrepresentations, by failing to clearly and truthfully identify the seller of their services, and by calling consumers with prerecorded messages without first obtaining their consent. The complaint also alleges that defendants Tek Ventures, LLC, Atlas Marketing Partners, Inc., Atlas Investment Ventures, LLC, Eric Petersen, Todd DiRoberto, and two additional defendants — Ace Business Solutions LLC and its owner and director Sandra Barnes — violated the TSR by requesting and receiving payments from their debt relief customers before renegotiating or otherwise altering the terms of those customers’ debts.

The complaint seeks a permanent injunction to prohibit the defendants from future violations, as well as monetary civil penalties and relief to redress injury caused to consumers.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Sal Taillefer.

Rosenworcel Responds to Congress on Map Data Challenge; Hints at Enforcement Proceedings

On February 3, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel sent a letter responding to members of Congress regarding the broadband data collection process. A copy can be found here.

In the letter, the Chairwoman provided an extensive discussion of the steps the FCC has taken in preparing and vetting the Broadband Fabric, which is the primary source of data for the National Broadband Map. In particular, she provided an overview of the mechanisms included in the Broadband Data Collection system that are designed to ensure the integrity of submitted data:

The new [BDC] system was designed with several built-in automated data checks which report, in real time, both “hard” errors that prevent the upload and certification of data as well as “soft” warnings that suggest there may be an issue with a provider’s data. For example, the system uses subscription data reported by service providers as a cross-check against the provider’s availability data and produces errors in certain situations where these data do not align as expected. The built-in checks and verifications will continue as an ongoing part of the BDC.

Chairwoman Rosenworcel also reported that, once the inaugural filing window closed, the FCC began processing and reviewing these data for anomalies, patterns, and other identifiable errors. She further indicated that efforts to intentionally misstate service may be subject to enforcement action and that, “[i]n fact, we already have an investigation underway.”

As we reported in a previous edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, Congress members sent a letter to the Chairwoman stating, “[w]e have heard from constituents, state and local governments, and service providers alike of continuing concerns about the accuracy of the map, ranging from persistent issues with missing or incorrect serviceable locations to potentially overstated claims of coverage by providers.”

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Sal Taillefer.

FCC Tries to Protect MVPDs While Reviewing TEGNA Inc. Ownership Proposal

On February 24, the FCC announced it will hold a formal hearing to consider whether to approve the proposed acquisition of TEGNA Inc., which is the ultimate parent of the licensees of 64 full-power television stations, two full-power radio stations, and other related Commission licenses. The Hearing Designation Order identifies multiple issues to be considered in reviewing the TEGNA ownership change/merger applications, including whether: (1) the proposed transactions are structured in a way that is likely to trigger a rate increase harmful to consumers, as a result of contractual clauses that take immediate effect after the consummation of the Transactions, and (2) the Transactions will reduce or impair localism, including whether they will result in labor reductions at local stations. Of interest to our cable and other MVPD clients, the FCC will specifically focus on whether the TEGNA deal could result in increased retransmission consent fees. The FCC notes that “supra-competitive increases in retransmission consent fees can result in pressure for retail price increases for subscription video services to the detriment of consumers, and therefore, the public interest.”

BloostonLaw Contacts: Cary Mitchell and John Prendergast

Industry

FCC Files Congressional Report Summarizing Interagency Coordination

On February 17, the FCC sent Congress a report summarizing the impact of the Broadband Interagency Coordination Act, which directed the FCC, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take a whole-of-government approach to broadband deployment in the United States. Congress directed the agencies to coordinate specifically on the FCC’s high-cost universal service programs, and programs administered by NTIA and the Rural Utilities Service within USDA.

According to the report, the FCC’s experience with the Interagency Agreement, as well as the record, demonstrate that the Interagency Agreement has significantly facilitated efficient use of federal funds for broadband deployment, and strengthened and improved coordination workstreams, the report said. It also recommended the agencies continue to coordinate, subject to the constraints of the Administrative Procedures Act, to identify and implement standardization in broadband data. Additionally, the report recommends that the agencies enhance the visibility of their coordination efforts under the Interagency Agreement to facilitate greater transparency.

A copy of the report is available here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-391167A1.pdf.

Deadlines

MARCH 1: COPYRIGHT STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT FORM FOR CABLE COMPANIES. This form, plus royalty payment for the second half of last year, is due March 1. The form covers the period July 1 to December 31 and is due to be mailed directly to cable TV operators by the Library of Congress’ Copyright Office.

BloostonLaw Contact: Sal Taillefer

MARCH 1: CPNI ANNUAL CERTIFICATION. Carriers should modify (as necessary) and complete their “Annual Certification of CPNI Compliance” for this year. The certification must be filed with the FCC by March 1. Note that the annual certification should include the following three required Exhibits: (a) a detailed Statement Explaining How the Company’s Operating Procedures Ensure Compliance with The FCC’S CPNI Rules to reflect the Company’s policies and information; (b) a Statement of Actions Taken Against Data Brokers; and (c) a Summary of Customer Complaints Regarding Unauthorized Release of CPNI. A company officer with personal knowledge that the company has established operating procedures adequate to ensure compliance with the rules must execute the Certification, place a copy of the Certification and accompanying Exhibits in the Company’s CPNI Compliance Records, and file the certification with the FCC in the correct fashion. Our clients can send the original to BloostonLaw in time for the firm to make the filing with the FCC by March 1, if desired. BloostonLaw is prepared to help our clients meet this requirement, which we expect will be strictly enforced, by assisting with preparation of their certification filing; reviewing the filing to make sure that the required showings are made; filing the certification with the FCC, and obtaining a proof-of-filing copy for your records. Clients interested in obtaining BloostonLaw's CPNI compliance manual should contact the firm for more information. Note: If you file the CPNI certification, you must also file the FCC Form 499-A Telecom Reporting Worksheet by April 1.

BloostonLaw contacts: Cary Mitchell.

MARCH 1: HUBB LOCATION DATA FILING AND CERTIFICATION. Carriers participating in modernized Connect America Fund (CAF) programs with defined broadband buildout obligations have until March 1 of each year to file deployment data with USAC's High Cost Universal Broadband (HUBB) portal showing where they built out mass-market, high-speed Internet service in the previous calendar year. Carriers that have no locations to upload must certify this fact in the HUBB. Affected programs include: CAF Phase II Model; Alternative Connect America Cost Model (Original A-CAM) and Revised ACAM; ACAM II; Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support (CAF BLS); Rural Broadband Experiments (RBE); Alaska Plan (other than carriers with individualized performance plans that only require them to maintain service at existing levels); CAF Phase II Auction; and Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).

Carriers with 2022 deployment milestones must also complete milestone certifications as part of the annual HUBB filing and will face verification reviews tied to those milestones. Carriers subject to defined deployment milestones must notify the FCC and USAC, and relevant state, U.S. Territory or Tribal governments if applicable, within 10 business days after the applicable deadline if they have failed to meet a milestone. Carriers that miss milestones face increased reporting obligations and potential loss of support. BloostonLaw attorneys have successfully assisted clients in uploading and certifying their HUBB location data, as well as obtain petitions for waiver of the FCC’s rules where necessary.

BloostonLaw Contact: Sal Taillefer.

MARCH 31: ANNUAL SUBMARINE CABLE REPORT. The FCC’s rules require (1) any licensee of a submarine cable between the United States and a foreign point and (2) any common carrier with capacity on a submarine cable between the United States and a foreign point to file Circuit Capacity Reports by March 31 of each year.

Submarine cable landing licensees must file a Cable Operator Report with the available capacity (both lit and unlit capacity) of the cable as of December 31, 2022 and the planned capacity (the intended capacity, both lit and unlit, of the cable two years out from December 31, 2022). Cable landing licensees and common carriers must file a Capacity Holder Report identifying the capacity that they own or hold through an indefeasible right of use (IRU) or an inter-carrier lease (ICL) as of December 31, 2022.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Cary Mitchell and Sal Taillefer.

APRIL 1: FCC FORM 499-A, TELECOMMUNICATIONS REPORTING WORKSHEET. This form must be filed by all contributors to the Universal Service Fund (USF) sup-port mechanisms, the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund, the cost recovery mechanism for the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), and the shared costs of local number portability (LNP). Contributors include every telecommunications carrier that provides interstate, intrastate, and international telecommunications, and certain other entities that provide interstate telecommunications for a fee. Even common carriers that qualify for the de minimis exemption must file Form 499-A. Entities whose universal service contributions will be less than $10,000 qualify for the de minimis exemption. De minimis entities do not have to file the quarterly report (FCC Form 499-Q), which was due February 1, and will again be due May 1. Form 499-Q relates to universal and LNP mechanisms. Form 499-A relates to all of these mechanisms and, hence, applies to all providers of interstate, intrastate, and international telecommunications services. Form 499-A contains revenue information for January 1 through December 31 of the prior calendar year. And Form 499-Q contains revenue information from the prior quarter plus projections for the next quarter. (Note: the revised 499-A and 499-Q forms are now available.) Block 2-B of Form 499-A requires each carrier to designate an agent in the District of Columbia upon whom all notices, process, orders, and decisions by the FCC may be served on behalf of that carrier in proceedings before the FCC. Carriers receiving this newsletter may specify our law firm as their D.C. agent for service of process using the information in our masthead. There is no charge for this service.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Sal Taillefer.

APRIL 1: ANNUAL ACCESS TO ADVANCED SERVICES CERTIFICATION. All providers of telecommunications services and telecommunications carriers subject to Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act are required to file with the FCC an annual certification that (1) states the company has procedures in place to meet the recordkeeping requirements of Part 14 of the Rules; (2) states that the company has in fact kept records for the previous calendar year; (3) contains contact information for the individual or individuals handling customer complaints under Part 14; (4) contains contact information for the company’s designated agent; and (5) is supported by an affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury signed by an officer of the company.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Sal Taillefer.

Law Offices Of Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, & Prendergast, LLP 2120 L St. NW, Suite 825 Washington, D.C. 20037 (202) 659-0830 (202) 828-5568 (fax) — CONTACTS — Benjamin H. Dickens, Jr., 202-828-5510, bhd@bloostonlaw.com John A. Prendergast, 202-828-5540, jap@bloostonlaw.com Richard D. Rubino, 202-828-5519, rdr@bloostonlaw.com D. Cary Mitchell, 202-828-5538, cary@bloostonlaw.com Salvatore Taillefer, Jr., 202-828-5562, sta@bloostonlaw.com This newsletter is not intended to provide legal advice. Those interested in more information should contact the firm.

Calendar At-a-Glance

February
Feb. 27 – Reply comments are due on ACP Transparency Data Collection FNPRM.

March
Mar. 1 – Copyright Statement of Account Form for cable companies is due.
Mar. 1 – Annual CPNI Certification is due.
Mar. 1 – Annual HUBB Deployment Report is due.
Mar. 1 – Second Broadband Data Collection filing is due.
Mar. 3 – Comments on revisions to Part 25 Application Process are due.
Mar. 15 – Informal deadline for challenges to V3 of Broadband Fabric.
Mar. 21 – Reply comments on Digital Discrimination NPRM are due.
Mar. 24 – Reply comments are due on CPNI data breach reporting requirements.
Mar. 31 – Revised tower construction guidance for protection of Northern Long-Eared Bat is effective.
Mar. 31 – FCC Form 525 (Delayed Phasedown CETC Line Counts) is due.
Mar. 31 – FCC Form 508 (ICLS Projected Annual Common Line Requirement) is due.
Mar. 31 – FCC Form 507 (Universal Service Line Count – CAF BLS) is due.
Mar. 31 – Annual Submarine Cable Circuit Reports are due.

April
Apr. 1 – FCC Form 499-A (Annual Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet) is due.
Apr. 1 – Annual Accessibility Certification is due.
Apr. 1 – ICS Provider Annual Reports and Certifications are due.
Apr. 10 – Comments on Full Power/Class A Rule Revisions are due.
Apr. 25 – Reply comments on Full Power/Class A Rule Revisions are due.

Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens, & 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.

FINAL REMINDER: FCC Application Filing Fee Increases Effective Thursday, March 2, 2023

As previously reported in our Private User Update, the Communications Act of 1934, as amended requires the FCC to adjust its schedule of application filing fees in every even-numbered year in order to reflect increases and/or decreases in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) – which, this cycle, reflects an increase of 11.6% in the CPI since the current fee schedule was last adopted in December 2020. As a result, the FCC has adopted a new fee schedule which will raise many, but not all of its various filing fees. The new fee schedule will become effective this coming Thursday, March 2, 2023, which is 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Below is a summary of the revised Schedule of Fees:

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino

FCC Conditionally Grants Waiver Request to Allow Ericsson to manufacture and market 3.45/3.7 GHz Multiband Radios

The FCC has conditionally granted Ericsson’s request for a waiver of Rule Section 27.53(n) which governs out-of-band emissions (OOBE) in the 3.45 GHz Service. Ericsson requests the waiver to allow it to manufacture, market, and sell a multiband base station radio for use by wireless providers that hold licenses in the 3.45, 3.5 and 3.7 GHz Services that would exceed the 3.45 GHz Service OOBE limits in the 3.7-4.0 GHz frequency range. The FCC’s action should make it easier for users to have radios that can take advantage of all three of the “mid-band” spectrum the FCC has recently made available for flexible 5G and other advanced operations, while also bringing down equipment costs.

Background

The 3.45 GHz Service, in the 3.45-3.55 GHz band (3.45 GHz band), together with the Citizens Broadband Radio Service, in the 3.55-3.7 GHz band (3.5 GHz band), and the 3.7 GHz Service, in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band (3.7 GHz band), offer wireless operators 530 megahertz of mid-band spectrum for next generation wireless services, including 5G. In order to ensure effective coexistence across these bands, the Commission adopted base station out-of-band emission (OOBE) limits for each of the three wireless services. These OOBE limits reflect the unique operational environment in and adjacent to each of the three bands. For all three services, the Commission required base stations to limit their conducted power to no greater than -13 dBm/MHz outside of their authorized channel(s). Additionally, base stations in the 3.45 GHz band have further technical limits to minimize the potential for harmful interference.

Action

In granting Ericsson’s petition, the FCC found at the outset that the purpose of Rule Section 27.53(n) would not be served by a strict application of the rule, since the rule’s purpose is to ensure that 3.45 GHz devices can effectively coexist with services that operate in adjacent bands. In this regard, Ericsson stated that its OOBE for the 3.45 GHz band would not exceed the permissible level for the neighboring 3.7-4.0 GHz frequency range. Further, the FCC found that granting a conditional waiver would serve the public interest while at the same time ensuring that adjacent band operations are protected from harmful interference. In particular, the FCC noted that it had previously determined that the public interest would be served by supporting investment, minimizing harmful interference, and aligning with international agreements. Finally, the FCC found that Ericsson had presented unique facts and that applying the requirements of Rule Section 27.53(n) in this case would result in a slower, costlier and less logical deployment of 5G services in the mid-band spectrum. As a result, the FCC imposed the following conditions on Ericsson:

1. Petitioner’s radio when operated in carrier aggregation mode across the 3.5 GHz and 3.7 GHz Services must comply with section 27.53(n)(1) of the Commission’s rules in its entirety, except for the -25 dBm/MHz conducted power limit specified for emissions above 3560 MHz and the -40 dBm/MHz conducted power limit above 3570 MHz, as those limits apply throughout the 3.7 GHz band;
2. Petitioner’s radio must comply with all Commission rules not specifically waived in the Ericsson grant; and
3. when operating as a standalone device in any particular band, the device must meet the technical rules, including OOBE, for that band.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino

FCC to Update Equipment Standards, Including Unlicensed Wireless Devices and Unintentional Radiators

At its March 16 meeting, the FCC will vote on a Report and Order which would incorporate standards that are to be used in the testing of equipment to ensure compliance with FCC rules, such as newer American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) standards. Two are updates to existing standards and two are new standards that would be allowed in addition to standards referenced in existing FCC rules. The new/updated standards cover a variety of areas, such as high spectrum band use; unlicensed wireless devices; unintentional radiators; and standards for testing and calibration laboratories. (ET Docket No. 21-363). Our manufacturer clients should take note of these developments.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino

FCC Releases Federal Register in Connection with New Regulations for 4.9 GHz Band — Sets Comment Deadlines

Last month’s Private User Update, we reported that the FCC adopted a new regulatory framework for the 4.9 GHz (4940-4990 MHz) band in its Seventh Report and Order and Ninth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. With today’s publication of this order and further notice in the Federal Register, the FCC’s Rules will now become effective on March 30, 2023. Comments on the FCC’s proposal in the Ninth Further Notice concerning details for implementing the Band Manager facilitated non-public safety leasing model will be due March 30, 2023 and Reply Comments will be due 30 days thereafter, on April 29, 2023.

The 4.9 GHz band, an underutilized resource that had been set aside for public safety entities in 2002 but only about 2% of eligible public safety entities had pursued the means of using it. Under-investment in the band was blamed, in part, on the high cost of equipment. The FCC’s Seventh Report and Order and Ninth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, establishes a comprehensive and coordinated nationwide approach to managing the band while retaining its locally controlled, public safety nature.

• Management will be centralized in a new nationwide Band Manager.
• The band’s status as a locally controlled public safety band is retained, but the goal is to have more rationalized and coordinated public safety operations on a nationwide level.
• This will enable greater public safety use, including for 5G, and allow the Band Manager to work with public safety licensees to free up new opportunities for expanded use.
• Expanded operations will encompass both primary public safety use and, subject to coordination by the Band Manager, secondary non-public safety use, the latter of which will be subject to preemption by public safety operations.
• The Band Manager will manage leasing to non-public safety entities.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast, Richard Rubino and Cary Mitchell

Reps. Stefanik, Khanna, and Gallagher Reintroduce FACT Act

On February 3, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) reintroduced the bipartisan Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency (FACT) Act. According to a press release, this bill would require the FCC to publish a list of companies who hold FCC authorizations, licenses, or other grants of authority and have any ownership by foreign adversarial governments, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and Cuba. Depending on what further regulatory actions may eventually be taken by Congress and the FCC with regard to Foreign Adversary involvement in licensed wireless services, our clients using commercial radio services for all or part of their wireless communications needs could be affected.

“I’m working to shine a light on the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party and our other foreign adversaries,” Stefanik said. “Allowing companies owned by China and our other foreign adversaries to have access to our critical infrastructure is playing with fire, and we must have transparency over the influence they can have over the lives of American citizens.”

“It’s critical for our national security that we understand the influence that foreign governments wield over our telecommunications infrastructure,” said Rep. Khanna. “This is a common-sense bipartisan bill to help us get the facts about which companies operating here in America are owned in part by countries like China.”

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and John Prendergast.

Chairwoman Rosenworcel Seeks Information on Wireless Emergency Alerts in More Languages

In order to obtain information regarding how emergency alerts can support more languages beyond the English and Spanish language alerts that are provided today, Chairwoman Rosenworcel sent letters to nine of the nation’s largest wireless carriers. Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messages provide geographically targeted, text-like messages to mobile devices alerting consumers of imminent threats to safety in their area. The FCC notes that since the program became operational in 2012, it has been used more than 70,000 times to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, or other critical situations.

In making her request, Chairwoman Rosenworcel noted that “Mobile phones are central to our lives—they are with us all the time and they have become a fundamental part of public safety communications.” Chairwoman Rosenworcel continued that “[t]oday, Wireless Emergency Alerts supports messages only in English and Spanish. That means many non-English speakers in the United States continue to lack crucial information about imminent dangers and other emergencies. I believe that language should not be a barrier to getting critical information that could save lives. I also want to thank New York Attorney General Letitia James for her attention to this important issue.”

Below is a representative sample of the five questions posed by Chairwoman Rosenworcel to the various carriers:

• What is your company’s current practice to ensure that WEA messages are accessible to as many language communities as possible?
• Today, mobile devices offer users the ability to change the default language on their devices to a language of their choice. How can these kinds of device settings be leveraged to reach more people with WEAs? For example, could your networks allow alert originators to send a signal that would direct mobile devices to display pre-installed, pre-scripted WEA alerts in the default language selected by the user?
• To the extent that your networks can allow mobile devices to display pre-installed, pre-scripted WEA alerts, could mobile devices couple pre-scripted messages with the context-specific information elements in WEAs (such as geographic area for which the alert is relevant or the time the alert is active), so that alert originators can send pre-scripted multilingual alerts while also capturing the most critical information unique to each emergency?
• Can machine translation technologies that are available today be used in emergency communications for translating multilingual alert messages into the most commonly spoken languages in the U.S.? If not, what steps remain to make that a reality?
• Are there other ways to enhance WEA’s accessibility for those who are not proficient in either English or Spanish?

Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s letters requested a response by the end of February.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Richard Rubino

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Royal Academy’s Spain and the Hispanic World — an expert in Spanish art reviews the exhibition

Published: February 27, 2023 7.05am EST

The Provinces of Spain: Castile, by Sorolla, (1912-13). The Hispanic Society of America, New York/Royal Academy

Author
	Valerie Fraser Professor of Philosophy and Art History, University of Essex
Disclosure statement Valerie Fraser does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Partners University of Essex provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.

The Royal Academy’s first big show of 2023 is unusual. As well as presenting an impressive collection from Spain and the Hispanic world (around 150 items covering over 4,000 years, including paintings, sculptures, maps, books and manuscripts), it also tells the story of the collection’s source — the Hispanic Society.

Archer Milton Huntington (1890). Courtesy of The Hispanic Society of America

The Society’s founder, Archer M Huntington, was born in 1870 to a wealthy American railroad magnate. His parents took him on extended trips to Europe where he discovered the delights of art in the museums of London and Paris.

These travels did not include Spain, but the young Huntington quickly developed his own private passion when, at the age of 12, he bought a book about Spanish gypsies. He never looked back.

He learned Spanish, read widely about Spain’s history and culture and by the age of 20 decided that he would open a museum of Hispanic material. This became Huntington’s life’s work, first with an extensive library and, gradually, a wide collection of art and artifacts.

In 1904 he bought land in upper Manhattan and oversaw the construction of the Hispanic Society building. By his death in 1955, Huntington’s collection comprised around 350,000 items.

Huntington was respected not just as a wealthy enthusiast but as a genuine Hispanic studies expert. In his early twenties he took lessons in Arabic (considered very unusual at the time), recognising the significance of Arabic culture in medieval and early modern Spain.

What’s on show?

The Royal Academy show is a fascinating if inevitably abbreviated summary of Huntington’s interests.

The earliest works are earthenware pots from the Bell Beaker culture that originated around 2700BC in present day Portugal. Nearby is a display of Celtiberian gold and silver jewellery dating from over 2,000 years later, from the north of Spain. It includes two long coiled silver bracelets with stamped and punched designs and an elegant gold and silver torque.

Alhambra Silk, Nasrid, Granada, (circa 1400). On loan from. The Hispanic Society of America, New York/Royal Academy

Then, continuing this high speed journey through time — and in a vivid demonstration of the Iberian peninsula’s position as crossroads between the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Africa — there are examples of how successive ruling powers left their mark.

From the second century AD there are Roman marble sculptures and a striking mosaic head of Medusa. From the sixth century, richly decorated Visigothic metalwork. From the Islamic presence, colourful glazed ceramics and weavings including a spectacular silk shawl from circa 1400.

The works displayed demonstrate how, during the medieval and early modern era, the Iberian Peninsula was an extraordinary cultural melting pot. This resulted in cross fertilisation between Muslim, Jewish and Christian arts and crafts.

The exhibition then moves on to the period of Christian Spanish power both within the peninsula and across the Atlantic to the Americas — the “Hispanic” world of the show’s title.

Portugal and Portuguese colonial territories were not part of Huntington’s collecting, but he acquired some wonderful works from Spanish America.

As with objects that illustrate the rich cultural mix of the Iberian Peninsula, a selection of pottery, paintings, sculptures, weavings and elaborately carved and painted chests are exhibited, where indigenous American materials, styles and iconography are blended with that of the invading Spaniards.

Though in some cases the craftsmen were working under duress, the care and expertise suggests a pride in their cultural traditions. These objects were a means of preserving traditional skills and knowledge.

Map of Tequaltiche, Teocaltiche, Jalisco, Mexico, (1584). The Hispanic Society of America, New York/Royal Academy

In the splendid Map of Tequaltiche from Zacatecas of 1584 (commissioned by Spanish officials as part of the extensive fact-finding Relaciones Geográficas) the artist has included details of the landscape with the ruler of the village and his two sons. They are seated on top of a steep hill, presiding over other local settlements.

Significantly, in the lower left, the artist also represents a bloody battle between the local Caxcan people and the invaders. Two of the Spaniards have been beheaded and several others wounded.

Treasured Spanish paintings

The show includes paintings by artists of the Spanish golden age, including El Greco, Zurbarán and Velázquez. But there are also surprises, such as a remarkable still life by the lesser known Marcos Correa, from about 1670.

The paintings are few and take no pride of place over the other material. This is not just a decision of the curators — it reflects the status of paintings within Huntington’s collection.

The Duchess of Alba by Francisco de Goya y Lucientes, (1797). The Hispanic Society of America, New York/Royal Academy

Despite his profound knowledge of Spanish art, Huntington made a point of not buying paintings in Spain. He did not want to be what he termed “a plunderer” of Spain’s own heritage. The works in his collection were mostly family heirlooms or purchased at auction.

Pride of place among Spanish artists is given to Francisco Goya, to whose work the grand octagonal central hall is dedicated.

Here is perhaps the most eye-catching painting in the Hispanic Society’s collection and the image used on the promotional material for the Royal Academy show: the portrait of the Duchess of Alba of 1797. Works by Spanish contemporaries of Huntington such as Sorolla are also on show.

In 1911 Huntington commissioned Sorolla to paint a large mural to be installed in a purpose-built gallery at the Hispanic Society. Titled Vision of Spain, this series of 14 large panels depicts life in the different regions of Spain for which Sorolla spent nine years travelling around the country sketching the landscape, the peoples and their customs and cultures.

A large sketch for the mural of Castille is included in the final room of the exhibition. The panoramic view stretches from the Cantabrian coast, through the districts of Asturias, Old Castille and León, ending up in Toledo in New Castille. A fitting end to a remarkable exhibition that so vividly illustrates Huntington’s lifelong passion for Spain and the Hispanic world.

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