Telecom Alert - FCC Chairman Announces Modernization Proposal; Massachusetts Contract with Verizon; FCC Denies Paging Application for Review; Beyond Telecom Law Blog Post - Vol. XVI, Issue 30
FCC Chairman Announces Modernization Proposal
Last week, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced two proposals to modernize the FCC’s processes. The first proposal would be to fully convert the Universal Licensing System (ULS) from paper to electronic. The vast majority of ULS filings are already submitted electronically. The second proposal is to streamline hearing proceedings by providing for more written hearings. Through written hearings, parties submit their testimony in writing, rather than appearing in person. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4239).
Massachusetts Contract with Verizon
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has authorized Verizon to offer services to public safety entities through the state’s public safety wireless agreement. This is the first multi-vendor procurement deal for state and local public safety in the country. Verizon issued a press release stating that Verizon is “committed to supporting interoperability and open technology standards with other wireless providers who provide public safety products and solutions.” While Massachusetts opted-in to FirstNet, this does not mandate that all local public safety agencies use FirstNet.
FCC Denies Paging License Application for Review
Last week, the Commission issued an Order denying an application for review regarding Part 22 paging licenses. The licensee Charles E. Bade, filed requests for extension of time to meet the construction requirements for five Part 22 geographic area paging licenses. In the requests, the licensee cited delays in gaining regulatory approvals from Canada. In the Order, the Commission explained that they had instructed bidders that sites north of Line A would need to clear Canadian coordination. In this specific case, the licensee’s applications failed Canadian coordination. The licensee filed a second round of applications, two of which passed Canadian coordination. The others were dismissed when the licensee did not file amendments. For more information, please contact Greg Kunkle (kunkle@khlaw.com; 202.434.4178).
Beyond Telecom Law Blog: “Four States Legislate to Streamline Small Cell Deployment Bringing Total to 28 – Part I: Nebraska”
KH Senior Counsel Mike Fitch has penned a series of articles outlining the key provisions of new state legislation regarding the deployment of wireless small cell equipment in public right-of-way (ROW) on the Beyond Telecom Law Blog. Please read the first article in the series, featuring Nebraska. The rest of the series will be posted throughout the week.
Send Us Your Feedback
We welcome your feedback on topics of interest that you would like to see covered in our Telecom Business Alert. To make suggestions, please e-mail telecomalert@khlaw.com.
Keller and Heckman LLP's Telecom Business Alert is a complimentary weekly electronic update created by the Telecommunications Practice Group of Keller and Heckman LLP. All articles, videos, and quotations are on topics of general interest and do not constitute legal advice for particularized facts. Keller and Heckman LLP's Telecom Business Alert © 2019. All rights reserved. Articles may be copied with attribution. To sign up for our weekly alert, please send us an email at telecomalert@khlaw.com and provide us with your name and email. Please follow us on Twitter at @KHtelecom.