Telecom Business Alert -- Vol. IX Issue 36
FCC Issues Enforcement Advisory for Narrowbanding
Last week, the Enforcement Bureau released yet another Enforcement Advisory reminding Private Land Mobile radio Licensees and manufacturers of equipment operating in the 150-174 MHz (VHF) and 421-470 MHz (UHF) bands that their systems must comply with the narrowband mandate by January 1, 2013. Penalties for non-compliance may include license cancellations and/or monetary forfeitures of up to $16,000 for a single violation. While reiterating its commitment to enforcement of the narrowbanding rules, the Commission has taken a flexible approach to some waiver requests and recently granted several waivers. For assistance in filing the required narrowband applications or waiver request, please contact Greg Kunkle (kunkle@khlaw.com; 202.434.4178) or Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4296).
FCC Extends STA Availability for D Block
The FCC issued an Order on Reconsideration granting NTIA's petition that the Commission accept Special Temporary Authority (STA) requests for operations spanning the existing public safety broadband spectrum and the 700 MHz D Block (758-763 MHz/788-793 MHz or "10x10 MHz operations"). In its prior order, the FCC limited STA operations to the existing public safety broadband spectrum ("5x5 MHz operations") to avoid additional encumbrances to the D Block prior licensing to FirstNet. In this order, the FCC states that STA operations on a 10x10 MHz basis are more consistent with the system FirstNet will operate. The extended STA operations in the D Block will facilitate the eventual integration of the STA systems into the nationwide network and provide valuable information to assist FirstNet's deployment. For additional information, please contact Greg Kunkle (kunkle@khlaw.com; 202.434.4178).
International Bureau Designates Contacts for Hurricane Isaac
Last week, the International Bureau issued a Public Notice to address emergency communications needs of Land Mobile and Microwave Licensees as well as Satellite Earth Station Operators in response to Hurricane Isaac. The Bureau designated representatives to be available 24/7 to assist with emergency STA requests or other communications needs. Applicants and Licensees seeking licensing assistance related to Hurricane Isaac may submit requests by letter, email or telephone. Please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4296) with inquiries and licensing requests.
State Dept to Oppose ITU Proposals for Internet Regulation
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) will host the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) at the end of the year to add provisions for Internet regulation to the International Telecommunications Regulations (ITRs). Currently, Internet operations are not subject to the ITRs or the ITU. At the WCIT, the U.S. State Department will advocate continued Internet freedom and oppose any plans calling for the ITU to control the flow of content, impose technology standards or otherwise exercise any control over the public Internet For more information please contact Doug Jarrett (Jarrett@khlaw.com; 202.434.4180).
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