Telecom Business Alert -- Vol. X Issue 26
FirstNet Negotiates First Spectrum Lease Agreement
FirstNet successfully negotiated the first of seven spectrum lease agreements, pending approval by its board, with the Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System Authority (LA-RICS). LA-RICS is one of the National Telecommunications & Information Administration’s (NTIA) suspended public safety broadband network infrastructure grantees. NTIA suspended the broadband stimulus projects in May 2012 fearing waste after grantees received millions of dollars from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). Once executed, the LA-RICS agreement calls for the grantee to request NTIA to lift its suspension within 15 days, and comply with the award conditions of an amended BTOP grant. FirstNet will be responsible for submitting the appropriate FCC-required filings and making sure LA-RICS complies with the Communications Act and all applicable policies and rules directly related to the FirstNet Spectrum. For more information, please contact Greg Kunkle (kunkle@khlaw.com; 202.434.4178).
Deadline Extended for Reply Comments on Proposal to Open More 5 GHz Spectrum to Unlicensed Use
The FCC has extended the reply comment date for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking of Part 15 of the FCC’s Rules to July 24. The NPRM proposes to modify technical requirements for Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices in the 5 GHz band to ensure the devices to not cause harmful interference. The NPRM also proposes to make available an additional 195 MHz of spectrum in the 5.35-5.47 GHz and 5.85-5.925 GHz bands for U-NII use.. For more information, please contact Wes Wright (wright@khlaw.com; 202.434.4296).
EWA Recommends Separate FCC Application Processing Queue
The Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) requested the FCC to create a temporary processing queue for Part 90 applications for frequencies above 470 MHz in light of extended application processing times. Many Part 90 applications for channels below 470 MHz (and non-commercial paging systems at 929-930 MHz) are eligible for CTA after ten business days have passed from the submission of an application. Currently, FCC processing speed is very unpredictable, ranging from a few days to well over five months. Based on Keller and Heckman’s experience, EWA’s proposal should be given due consideration by the FCC. For more information, please contact Tim Doughty (doughty@khlaw.com; 202.434.4271).
OET Announces Public Test of LS Telecom AG’s TV Band Database System
The FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) announced that on June 24 it will commence a 45-day public trial of LS telecom AG’s TV Band White Space database system. The limited trial allows the public to access and test the database to ensure it correctly identifies available TV Band channels for unlicensed radio transmitting devices, properly registers protected radio transmitting facilities, and provides protection to authorized services and registered facilities. Parties may participate in the trial by accessing LS telecom’s database test facility by clicking here. For more information, please contact Greg Kunkle (kunkle@khlaw.com; 202.434.4178).
Hot Topics in HR Privacy and Data Security: Webinar Recording Available
On June 11, Keller and Heckman attorneys were joined by attorneys from Mackrell member firms Akerman (Florida), Bergman Dacey Goldsmith (Los Angeles), and Nexsen Pruet (Carolinas) in presenting a complimentary webinar on key privacy and data security issues. A recording of the audio and accompanying slideshow is now available here. For more information on specific topics covered, please contact the respective speaker in the slideshow.
Send Us Your Feedback
In an attempt to address in our weekly Telecom Business Alert the issues of most importance to the clients and friends of Keller and Heckman LLP, we invite you to submit suggestions on topics of interest to you. To make suggestions, please send an e-mail to TelecomAlert@khlaw.com.
Keller and Heckman LLP's Telecom Business Alert is a complimentary weekly electronic update created by the Telecommunications and the Business Counseling and Transactional practice groups of Keller and Heckman LLP.
To sign up for our weekly alert, please send us an email at TelecomAlert@khlaw.com and provide us with your name and email.