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Wishing a safe and happy weekend for all readers of The Wireless Messaging News.

No newsletter last week. Sorry, it was rough week.

10 paid iPhone apps on sale for free today

By Zach Epstein on BGR.com
Oct 21, 2016 at 12:30 PM

Too long to list them here.

This link will take you there .

Now on to more news and views.

Wayne County, Illinois

Emergency Radio Communications Wireless Messaging Critical Messaging Telemetry Paging Wi-Fi

Wireless Messaging

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.

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Emergency communication system to be tested Oct. 26

October 18, 2016

Washington University in St. Louis will test its emergency communication system at 12:05 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26. These tests are to ensure that the university can effectively communicate with the community in an emergency. The test will take place unless there is the potential for severe weather that day or some other emergency is occurring at that time.

For this test, WUSTLAlerts will send emails to @wustl.edu addresses and text messages to cellphones. Emails will come from WUSTLAlerts@wustl.edu and voice calls from 314-935-9000. Please respond as quickly as possible per the instructions, as that will help the university gauge the effectiveness of the system.

The Oct. 26 drill will include testing of the university’s yellow Alertus beacons, which are located in various large gathering spaces, common areas and classrooms. Also to be tested will be the university’s desktop pop-ups on computers that have the software installed; indoor public address systems and Voice Over Fire Alarm systems; cable TV override on the Danforth Campus; the WUSTL App; and the RSS feed to the emergency website.

Washington University also will notify the community of the test via the emergency hotline (314-935-9000 locally or toll-free 888-234-2863) and emergency website .

In the event of an actual emergency, the emergency website and hotline will be updated regularly to provide information to the university community.

Washington University community members are strongly encouraged to enter or update their contact information via HRMS and WebSTAC/SIS. The university uses the information in HRMS and WebSTAC/SIS to contact individuals when necessary in an emergency.

Community members who already have updated their contact information but have more than one cellphone or pager number are encouraged to log in and include all numbers in their HRMS or WebSTAC/SIS profile.

If you wish to opt out of certain personal methods of communications, such as personal cellphone or home phone, you can go to https://connect.wustl.edu/selfservice/SECURE/Profile.aspx . On this site, one can also see what information is currently being fed into the WUSTLAlerts system. Some contact points, such as campus phone, email and work cell, cannot be opted out of due to the updated university policy.

Students, faculty and staff also are encouraged to visit emergency.wustl.edu and learn more about how to prepare for and respond to severe weather and other emergencies.

“Having knowledge of what to do or where to go in case of emergencies when at home or at WUSTL is crucial for the safety of the Washington University community,” said Ty Davisson, director of Washington University emergency management.

For more information about the drill, email emergency management at WashUready@wustl.edu

Source:

WashingtonUniversityinSt.Louis

Be sure your infrastructure is up and running with the ProTek Flex Site Monitor from PageTek.

ProTek Flex—reliable, adaptable, expandable, affordable—and no surprises.

PageTek.net
919-518-1828

Enhancing Mobile Alert Response

sales@wirelessmessaging.com
800-373-1466
2630 National Dr., Garland, TX 75041

New Products

OMNI Messaging Server

• Combines Nurse Call Monitoring and Browser Based Messaging
• Combines Radio Paging with Smartphone and E-mail Integration
• Embedded System with 2 RS-232 Ports and Ethernet
• Browser Based Messaging and Configuration
• Smartphone Alert Notification Using Low-Latency Communication Protocols
• TAP, COMP2, Scope, WaveWare, SNPP, PET and SIP Input Protocols
• PIN Based Routing to Multiple Remote Paging Systems
• 2W, 5W Radio Paging

MARS (Mobile Alert Response System)

• Combines Paging Protocol Monitoring and Wireless Sensor Monitoring (Inovonics and Bluetooth LE)
• Improves Mobile Response Team Productivity using Smartphone App
• Low-Latency Alerts using Pagers, Smartphones, Corridor Lights, Digital Displays and Annunciation Panels
• Automated E-mail Based Alert Response and System Status Reports
• Linux Based Embedded System with Ethernet and USB Ports
• Browser Based Configuration

STG (SIP to TAP Gateway)

• Monitors SIP protocol (engineered for Rauland Responder V nurse call)
• Outputs TAP protocol to Ethernet and Serial Port Paging Systems
• Linux Based Embedded System
• Browser Based Configuration

A Problem

The Motorola Nucleus II Paging Base Station is a great paging transmitter. The Nucleus I, however, had some problems.

One of the best features of this product was its modular construction. Most of the Nucleus' component parts were in plug-in modules that were field replaceable making maintenance much easier.

One issue was (and still is) that two of the modules had to always be kept together. They are called the “matched pair.”

Motorola used some tricks to keep people in the field from trying to match unmatched pairs, and force them to send SCM and Exciter modules back to the factory for calibrating them with precision laboratory equipment.

The serial numbers have to match in the Nucleus programing software or you can't transmit. Specifically the 4-level alignment ID parameter contained in the SCM has to match the Exciter ID parameter.

Even if someone could modify the programing software to “fudge” these parameters, that would not let them use unmatched modules effectively without recalibrating them to exact factory specifications.

So now that there is no longer a Motorola factory laboratory to send them to, what do we do?

I hope someone can help us resolve this serious problem for users of the Nucleus paging transmitter.

Please let me know if you can help. [ click here ]

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
• Contracts for Glenayre and other Systems starting at $100
• 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.

Microspace Communications Introduces New DataBridge IP Satellite Solution

Low Cost, High Reliability IP Connectivity for Business Critical Networks

Raleigh NC, October 04, 2016 — Microspace Communications has just announced availability of its new 2-way satellite service called VELOCITY DataBridge. VELOCITY DataBridge is a revolutionary, next generation satellite service that sets a new standard for communications cost, performance, and convenience. It features unprecedented affordability highlighted by inexpensive hardware and low monthly operational costs.

It’s a perfect solution for applications like M2M, SCADA, VOIP and IoT. The service utilizes miniature satellite antennas and an integrated IP modem and router to offer connectivity no matter when—or where—you need it. VELOCITY DataBridge offers strong performance anywhere in the continental U.S., Mexico as well as the Caribbean Islands.

According to Greg Hurt, VP, Sales and Marketing at Microspace, “In addition to its market disruptive pricing, network management and monitoring are key features of the service. Microspace’s fully redundant, advanced monitoring and control provides a true enterprise level service with 24/7 visibility of every site within the network.”

VELOCITY DataBridge operates on the powerful Eutelsat 117 West satellite and Eutelsat was instrumental in development of the platform. For additional information: http://velocitydatabridge.com/

Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAL Digital, WRAZ-TV, WRAZ Digital, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WCMC-FM, WCMCHD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, CBC New Media Group and Wolfpack Sports Properties (a joint venture with Learfield) in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality and Bull Durham Beer Co. in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Project and Diamond View office buildings in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC.

Contact Information:
Greg Hurt
Microspace Communications Corporation
http://www.microspace.com
+1 919 850 4561

Kansas City

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Incyte Capital Holdings LLC
Dallas, Texas

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Montreal, Quebec

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2,100 Part 22 Paging Licenses Canceled for Lack of Service

Monday, October 17, 2016

More than 2,100 Part 22 paging licenses terminated automatically Nov. 3, 2015, the FCC said in an order denying construction deadline extension requests from Intelligent Transportation & Monitoring Wireless, Skybridge Spectrum Foundation and V2G.

The entities filed on Nov. 3, 2015, to extend the five-year construction deadline for 2,132 Part 22 economic-area paging licenses for an additional five years to Nov. 3, 2020. The paging licensees were the winning bidders in Auction 87 with most authorized to provide service in the 35 and 43 MHz paging bands, several authorized to provide service in the 931 MHz paging band, and seven authorized to provide service in the 929 MHz paging band.

The FCC said that the licensees did not provide actual service in their licensed areas, and this failure was not caused by circumstances beyond their control. Extensions would not serve the underlying purpose of the construction and coverage requirements, and licensees did not show unique or unusual circumstances that would warrant waiver of the construction deadlines, the commission said.

“The claimed due diligence, conceptual plans and other factors described in licensees filings are voluntary business decisions that do not support an extension of the construction deadlines, and allowing licensees to continue to hold the paging licenses without constructing facilities or providing any actual service would undermine the purpose of the commission’s rules and Section 309(j) of the Communications Act,” the order said.

The full order is here .

Repair and Refurbishment Services

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www.pssirl.com

PSSI is the industry leader in reverse logistics, our services include depot repair, product returns management, RMA and RTV management, product audit, test, refurbishment, re-kitting and value recovery.

IARU Region 2 Emergency Communications Workshop Covers Wide Range of Topics

10/17/2016

The second IARU Region 2 ( IARU-R2 ) Emergency Communications Workshop on October 11 focused on international issues facing Amateur Radio in emergencies and disasters. ARRL and IARU Region 2 sponsored the workshop, held in Viña del Mar, Chile, in conjunction with the IARU Region 2 General Assembly . ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager and IARU Area B Emergency Coordinator Mike Corey, KI1U, and IARU Region 2 Emergency Coordinator Dr Cesar Pio Santos, HR2P, co-chaired the event. Region 2 President Reinaldo Leandro, YV5AM, represented the IARU-R2 Executive Committee. Presentation topics reiterated and expanded upon themes discussed at the first Region 2 Emergency Communications Workshop, held in Mexico in 2013, and raised some new issues.

“The IARU Region 2 Emergency Communications Workshop provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Amateurs involved in emergency communications in the region to come together, share ideas, network, and improve response capability within their respective national societies,” Corey and Pio Santos said in a joint news release.

Attendees came from countries within and outside of Region 2, including Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, Honduras, India, Trinidad and Tobago, US, Canada, and Mexico.

Andre Hansen, K6AH, presented on the use of AREDN during disasters.

Workshop speakers represented national societies and organizations with an international scope, including the Federación Mexicana de Radioexperimentadores ( FMRE ), the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network ( SATERN ), the International Telecommunication Union ( ITU ), the Radio Club de Chile ( RCC ), Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network ( AREDN ), and the Radio Club Venezolano ( RCV ).

Topics covered the use of Winlink , SATERN support for Salvation Army disaster response, the role of the International Telecommunication Union ( ITU ), developing operator and communication skills, AREDN mesh networking technology for disaster response, and emergency communication response in Venezuela.

Among the workshop’s conclusions:

• There continues to be a need for greater public education on the value of Amateur Radio. Specific ideas discussed included availability of print material and social media presence for IARU Region 2 emergency activities.
• Events such as the Nepal and Ecuador earthquakes and the Philippines typhoon demonstrated the need for cached Amateur Radio equipment that can be deployed to support emergency communications activities. The IARU should consider approaching the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with a plan to provide such resources to the ITU cached telecommunications equipment program.
• The availability of platforms such as Google Hangouts, Skype, and similar virtual meeting programs make it possible to connect those in IARU Region 2 involved with Amateur Radio emergency communications. This could allow for coordination, training, and preparedness networking. Additionally it may provide a means for youth participation in virtual emergency communications workshops.
• Exercises such as Cascadia Rising and Pacific Endeavor and events such as the Nepal earthquake, Ecuador earthquake, and Hurricane Matthew demonstrate the unique ability of radio amateurs to work together across political boundaries. Cross-border and multinational exercises provide a way to practice our response capability to be prepared for large scale disasters. The IARU Region 2 Emergency Coordinators should work together to develop a protocol to design, implement, evaluate and report on such exercises.
• Traditional modes of Amateur Radio communication, such as voice and CW, are vital to our ability to provide emergency communications in IARU Region 2. We must encourage the development of operator skills through on air activity and continued training. Additionally, due to new and emerging communications needs, we must encourage the wide use of new technologies — radio e-mail such as Winlink , mesh networking protocols such as the Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network ( AREDN ), weak-signal modes, and improved health-and-welfare messaging — in order to meet the needs of served agencies.
• Work should continue on the IARU Emergency Telecommunications Guide , ensuring that it is relevant and useful to radio amateurs through regular updates and improvements.

IARU Region 2 Emergency Coordinators will explore the possibility of an online emergency communication resource library available to IARU Region 2 member societies and Amateur Radio emergency communication participants.

IARU Region 2 Area D Director Marco Gudiel, TG9AGD, asks a question during the ITU presentation.

Corey and Pio Santos said the workshop met its goals of sharing information on Amateur Radio response to emergencies in the region; increasing the capacity for Region 2 radio amateurs to respond to large-scale, multinational communication emergencies; providing an opportunity for national-level Amateur Radio emergency communications leaders to network and increase the level of cooperation and collaboration within the IARU Region 2, and building upon topics and discussions from the first workshop in 2013 and about specific events in the interim.

Workshop presentations and additional material will be available on the IARU Region 2 website. A third emergency communications workshop has not yet been scheduled.

Specialists in sales and service of equipment from these leading manufacturers, as well as other two-way radio and paging products:

	Motorola SOLUTIONS
	Motorola MOBILITY

Disaster-Proven Paging for Public Safety

Paging system designs in the United States typically use a voice radio-style infrastructure. These systems are primarily designed for outdoor mobile coverage with modest indoor coverage. Before Narrowbanding, coverage wasn’t good, but what they have now is not acceptable! The high power, high tower approach also makes the system vulnerable. If one base station fails, a large area loses their paging service immediately!

Almost every technology went from analog to digital except fire paging. So it’s time to think about digital paging! The Disaster-Proven Paging Solution (DiCal) from Swissphone offers improved coverage, higher reliability and flexibility beyond anything that traditional analog or digital paging systems can provide. 

Swissphone is the No. 1 supplier for digital paging solutions worldwide. The Swiss company has built paging networks for public safety organizations all over the world. Swissphone has more than 1 million pagers in the field running for years and years due to their renowned high quality.

DiCal is the digital paging system developed and manufactured by Swissphone. It is designed to meet the specific needs of public safety organizations. Fire and EMS rely on these types of networks to improve incident response time. DiCal systems are designed and engineered to provide maximum indoor paging coverage across an entire county. In a disaster situation, when one or several connections in a simulcast solution are disrupted or interrupted, the radio network automatically switches to fall back operating mode. Full functionality is preserved at all times. This new system is the next level of what we know as “Simulcast Paging” here in the U.S.

Swissphone offers high-quality pagers, very robust and waterproof. Swissphone offers the best sensitivity in the industry, and battery autonomy of up to three months. First responder may choose between a smart s.QUAD pager, which is able to connect with a smartphone and the Hurricane DUO pager, the only digital pager who offers text-to-voice functionality.

Bluetooth technology makes it possible to connect the s.QUAD with a compatible smartphone, and ultimately with various s.ONE software solutions from Swissphone. Thanks to Bluetooth pairing, the s.QUAD combines the reliability of an independent paging system with the benefits of commercial cellular network. Dispatched team members can respond back to the call, directly from the pager. The alert message is sent to the pager via paging and cellular at the same time. This hybrid solution makes the alert faster and more secure. Paging ensures alerting even if the commercial network fails or is overloaded.

Swissphone sets new standards in paging:

Paging Network

• It’s much faster to send individual and stacked pages digitally than with analog voice.
• If you want better indoor coverage, you put sites closer together at lower heights.
• A self-healing system that also remains reliable in various disaster situations.
• Place base station where you need them, without the usage of an expensive backhaul network.
• Protect victim confidentiality and prevent unauthorized use of public safety communications, with integrated encryption service.

Pager

• Reliable message reception, thanks to the best sensitivity in the industry.
• Ruggedized and waterproof, IP67 and 6 1/2-feet drop test-certified products.
• Battery autonomy of up to three months, with a standard AA battery.
• Bluetooth enables the new s.QUAD pager to respond back to the dispatch center or fire chief.

Dispatching:

• Two-way CAD interfaces will make dispatching much easier.
• The new s.ONE solution enables the dispatcher or fire chiefs to view the availability of relief forces.
• A graphical screen shows how many of the dispatched team members have responded to the call.

Swissphone provides a proven solution at an affordable cost. Do you want to learn more?
Visit: www.swissphone.com or call 800-596-1914.

Samsung To Exchange Galaxy Note 7s At Some Canadian Airports

October 21, 2016
Written By Cory McNutt
Android Headlines

The problem with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is not going away. Although, the issue now is just that with the device but also with the returns procedure. Samsung had two chances to launch the Galaxy Note 7 and both ended in a recall. The first recall was in anticipation of a new and improved version of the device. The second recall is to clean the Galaxy Note 7 off the street and get them all back to Samsung for proper recycling. It is this second recall that is causing such issues with the public as many users do not want to relinquish their beloved Galaxy Note 7.

There were 39,000 Galaxy Note 7 devices distributed to Canada and reports are saying that 70-percent of them have been returned and that consumers had problems with four of them overheating. Since then, the Galaxy Note 7 has been banned from flying on an aircraft and it now seems as though Samsung has decided to set up kiosks at Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal airports in an effort to collect the remaining Note 7s. It cannot be more convenient as Samsung Canada will take your Note 7 onsite, and help owners get a loaner device and/or credit their account. If you are required to hand over your device, the airline representative should call Samsung at 1-855-747-6520.

As a recalled product, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act makes it mandatory that all Galaxy Note 7s and their replacements must be returned. There can be no redistribution of the device; sales of the Galaxy Note 7 are prohibited, as are any giveaways. Even with governmental orders to return the device, some people have the attitude that it won’t happen to them. There is no doubt, except for the ‘catching fire thing’ the Galaxy Note 7 was a beautiful device and one that is hard to give up for something which a consumer might consider to be lesser, even a Galaxy S7 Edge. There is just something about its size and the S-Pen that makes it a unique smartphone experience.

Samsung has tried everything to entice owners to trade their Note 7 in, especially for a Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge. Less than a week ago they offered a $100 CAD bill credit if they purchased a Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge and they already were offering a $25 credit during the first recall, just for the inconvenience.

Friday, October 21, 2016		Volume 4 | Issue 207

Senator Pushes Samsung on Lithium Battery Safety, Possibly Others

October 21, 2016

Senator Richard Blumenthal

Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal wants to get to the bottom of the lithium-ion battery issue in the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Samsung stopped selling some 1.9 million of the devices after the batteries in several of the Note 7s caught fire, even when the phone was turned off.

Blumenthal’s questions go beyond the specific battery Samsung uses and could extend to other smartphones and other consumer electronic devices that employ lithium-ion batteries. The Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security tells the electronics company in a letter he wants to gather information to “identify what steps need to be taken to ensure all electronic manufacturers can better guarantee the safety of lithium-ion batteries that are so commonly used in consumer products today.”

He asks who specifically makes the original and replacement batteries, how they are tested and “your understanding” of how the “defective” batteries passed safety testing. “Have you been able to conclude whether the issue is due to a flaw in the lithium-ion battery’s configuration, design, components, manufacturing, or something else?” asks the Senator.

Samsung has its own lab for testing, Inside Towers has reported. Blumenthal asks whether the manufacturer has “subjected the faulty batteries” to “more stringent standards, conducted any special independent testing,” or sought more accreditation for its own test labs since the defect came to light.

The Samsung situation is “one of the largest recalls of a consumer product related to a faulty lithium-ion battery,” according to Blumenthal.

By the Senator’s count, as of October 19, when the letter was written, Samsung reported 96 incidents of batteries overheating in the U.S., including 13 burns and 47 cases of property damage. He also asked the company who it considers liable for damages from a recalled device and what damages Samsung is offering customers “who may have suffered personal injury, property damage, or both.”

Wireless Communication Solutions

USB Paging Encoder

• Single channel up to eight zones
• Connects to Linux computer via USB
• Programmable timeouts and batch sizes
• Supports 2-tone, 5/6-tone, POCSAG 512/1200/2400, GOLAY
• Supports Tone Only, Voice, Numeric, and Alphanumeric
• PURC or direct connect
• Pictured version mounts in 5.25" drive bay
• Other mounting options available
• Available as a daughter board for our embedded Internet Paging Terminal (IPT)

Paging Data Receiver (PDR)

• Frequency agile—only one receiver to stock
• USB or RS-232 interface
• Two contact closures
• End-user programmable w/o requiring special hardware
• 16 capcodes
• POCSAG
• Eight contact closure version also available
• Product customization available

Other products

Please see our web site for other products including Internet Messaging Gateways, Unified Messaging Servers, test equipment, and Paging Terminals.

Contact

Hark Technologies 717 Old Trolley Rd Ste 6 #163 Summerville, SC 29485

Tel: 843-821-6888

Fax: 843-821-6894

E-mail: sales@harktech.com CLICK

Web: http://www.harktech.com CLICK

SEE WEB FOR COMPLETE LIST:

www.preferredwireless.com/equipment

Rick McMichael
Preferred Wireless, Inc.
Telephone: 888-429-4171
(If you are calling from outside of the USA, please use: 314-575-8425)
rickm@preferredwireless.com

Selected portions 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 with the firm’s permission.

Headlines

FCC Releases ‘Fact Sheet’ on Business Data Service Proposal

On October 7, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler circulated proposed rules to reform Business Data Service regulation (BDS), also known as Special Access. According to a release from the Chairman’s office, the proposed Order “provides a new framework for this market that strikes a balance between targeted regulation for legacy TDM (DS1 and DS3) services … and lighter-touch regulation of packet-based services…”

Specifically, a downward productivity price adjustment called the “X factor” will be implemented for price cap legacy TDM services, which is intended to account for “efficiency gains offset by inflation.” In light of the fact that price caps have not been adjusted in over ten years, the Order proposes the following reforms:

• Updating price caps with a one-time downward adjustment of 11%, phased in over 3 years, beginning in July 2017(specifically, 3% in year one, 4% in year two, and 4% in year three).
• Reducing price caps going forward by an annual X factor reduction of 3%, offset by inflation, beginning in July 2017, in addition to the one-time adjustment above.
• Applying “Phase I” pricing rules to all price cap LECs, which allow contract negotiations for service at rates that may, for example, be below the price cap filed in tariffs at the FCC.
• Mandating certain terms and conditions based on the findings in the FCC’s May 2, 2016 Tariff Investigation Order, including barring new “all-or-nothing” plans that force users to make all of their purchases under one plan rather than split them among more tailored and cost-effective options and reducing penalties for early termination or failure to purchase a set minimum amount of capacity.

Regarding packet-based services, the proposed “light-touch” approach includes:

• Reaffirming that packet-based BDS is largely a “telecommunications service,” as are TDM-based services (which is to say providers, including packet-based Ethernet providers, are common carriers and as such need to deal on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms).
• No “ex ante” (based on forecasts rather than actual results) pricing regulation.
• The Complaint process will be expedited by certain requirements:
  • wholesale rates are presumptively unreasonable if they exceed retail rates for like services;
  • greater scrutiny when there is evidence of rates that are materially higher than those charged by the same provider for the same circuit in nearby buildings with competition;
  • greater scrutiny when there is evidence of rates for low-bandwidth Ethernet service that are materially higher than rates for the nearest-bandwidth TDM rates;
  • rates of new entrants and parties with smaller market shares are unlikely to be questioned;
  • staff-supervised mediation is required prior to the filing of a complaint, which will expedite adjudication; and
  • non-disclosure agreements barring disclosure of information related to the provision of BDS to the FCC are prohibited. (The full scope of this prohibition will not be known until the full order is released)

The Order also proposes uniform forbearance for all packet-based and circuit-based BDS providers delivering speeds in excess of 45 Mbps (DS3) from certain portions of Title II, including dominant carrier and tariffing requirements.

Finally, the proposed Order includes a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on how best to collect accurate data on market developments and what administrable means can be developed, if necessary, to deal with any concerns that may emerge with respect to pricing for packet-based BDS.

FCC Issues Order on Access Charge Tariff Filings Introducing Broadband-only Loop Service

On October 6, the FCC released an Order establishing procedures for the filing of access charge tariffs and Tariff Review Plans (TRPs) for incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) subject to rate-of-return regulation (rate-of-return LECs) that elect to offer broadband-only loop service beginning January 3, 2017, whether on a tariffed or detariffed basis. This includes rate-of-return LECs subject to either section 61.38 or section 61.39 of the Commission’s rules, whether they elect model-based support or Connect America Fund Broadband Loop Support (CAF BLS). The Order also makes available revised TRP worksheets to support any necessary rate revisions reflected in rate-of-return LEC interstate access service tariffs.

As an initial matter, the Order establishes the following effective dates and filing dates:

The Order also addresses various cost allocation issues associated with Broadband-only Loop. Carriers electing to receive model-based support must remove the Common Line and Consumer Broadband-only Loop services from rate-of-return regulation. Those services are now subject to specific rate caps and no cost justification is required. Rate-of-return LECs electing model-based support that participate in the NECA traffic-sensitive tariff will not have the option of changing their participation in the traffic-sensitive tariff outside the regular election process. Carriers that elect to receive support through CAF BLS and participate in the NECA common line tariff that propose to offer Broadband-only Loop service may include the Consumer Broadband-only Loop rate in the NECA common line tariff, or may elect to detariff the service, or tariff it themselves. These carriers may elect whether or not to participate in the NECA common line and traffic-sensitive tariff and pooling processes by March 1, 2017. All rate-of-return LECs must remove the costs of Consumer Broadband-only Loops from the special access category whether they elect to detariff or to tariff the broadband-only service.

FCC Releases Fact Sheet on Proposed Broadband CPNI Order

On October 6, the FCC’s Chairman Tom Wheeler circulated a proposed Order “to give consumers the tools they need to choose how their Internet service provider (ISP) uses and shares their personal data.” Under the proposed rules, an ISP would be required to notify consumers about what types of information they are collecting, specify how and for what purposes that information can be used and shared, and identify the types of entities with which the ISP shares the information.

ISPs must provide this information when a customer signs up for service, and update customers when the ISP’s privacy policy changes in significant ways. In addition, the information must be persistently available on the ISP’s website or mobile app.

The type of customer consent required for ISPs to use and share their customers’ personal information is calibrated to the sensitivity of the information:

• Opt-In: ISPs would have to obtain affirmative permission from consumers to use and share sensitive information, including geo-location; children’s information; health information; financial information; Social Security numbers; web browsing history; app usage history; and the content of communications.
• Opt-out: All other individually identifiable customer information — for example, service tier information used to market an alarm system — would be considered non-sensitive and the use or sharing of that information would be subject to opt-out, consistent with customer expectations.

The proposed Order also prohibits “take-it-or-leave-it” offers, introduces heightened scrutiny for “pay-for-privacy” programs, and requires ISPs to take measures to protect customer data. The proposed Order will also include data breach notification requirements, triggered from an ISP’s determination that an unauthorized disclosure of a customer’s personal information has occurred, unless the ISP establishes that no harm is reasonably likely to occur. In the event of a reportable breach, providers would be required to notify:

• Affected customers of breaches of their data as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after discovery;
• The Commission of any breach of customer data no later than 7 business days after discovery; and
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service of any breaches affecting more than 5,000 customers no later than 7 business days after discovery of the breach.

As the proposed Order circulates among the other four Commissioners, there are a number of issues that remain hotly disputed. Small providers are seeking exemptions or size-based rules to mitigate the impacts of security rules that appear designed primarily for larger carriers. These include relief from rules requiring the development and implementation of “privacy dashboards” to allow customers to change their privacy preferences online, and from requirements that small carriers monitor the privacy practices of their much larger vendors and participate in the CPNI training of vendor employees. Smaller carriers are also opposing proposals to expand the definition of CPNI to include customer names, addresses and telephone numbers.

Telephone company and paging clients should note that the proposed Order may be contemplating the “harmonization” of CPNI rules for all carriers. In practice, this means that the CPNI rules governing voice and paging carriers are likely to be increased to correspond with the new rules governing ISPs.

BloostonLaw will be updating its CPNI Manual if and when the proposed Order is adopted and becomes available.

Law & Regulation

Comcast to Pay $2.3 Million to Settle Cramming Investigation

On October 11, the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau announced that Comcast Corporation will pay a $2.3 million fine to resolve an investigation into whether the company wrongfully charged cable TV customers for services and equipment that those customers never authorized. The company also agreed to adopt processes and procedures designed to obtain affirmative informed consent from customers prior to charging them for any new services or equipment; send customers an order confirmation separate from any other bill, clearly and conspicuously describing newly added products and their associated charges; and to offer to customers, at no cost, the ability to block the addition of new services or equipment to their accounts.

According to a News Release, the FCC received numerous complaints from consumers alleging that Comcast added charges to their bills for unordered services or products, such as premium channels, set-top boxes, or digital video recorders (DVRs). In some complaints, subscribers claimed that they were billed despite specifically declining service or equipment upgrades offered by Comcast. In others, customers claimed that they had no knowledge of the unauthorized charges until they received unordered equipment in the mail, obtained notifications of unrequested account changes by email, or conducted a review of their monthly bills. Consumers described expending significant time and energy to attempt to remove the unauthorized charges from their bills and obtain refunds.

Under the FCC’s rules, a cable provider is prohibited from charging its subscribers for services or equipment they did not affirmatively request, a practice known as “negative option billing.” The rules also prohibit a similar practice by telecommunications carriers when unauthorized charges are placed on customers’ phone bills, an abuse known as “cramming.”

FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for October Open Meeting

On October 6, the FCC announced that the following items are tentatively on the agenda for the October Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 27, 2016:

• a Report and Order that applies the privacy requirements of the Communications Act to broadband Internet access service providers and other telecommunications services to provide broadband customers with the tools they need to make informed decisions about the use and sharing of their information by their broadband providers. (WC Docket No.16-106).
• four Memorandum Opinions and Orders that dismiss and deny Petitions for Reconsideration of four Forfeiture Orders issued by the Commission for the deceptive marketing of prepaid calling cards.

The Open Meeting is currently scheduled to commence at 10:30 a.m. EST, and will be webcast live at
www.fcc.gov/live .

Wireline Bureau Releases Information on Legacy USF Deployment Obligations

On October 6, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) posted information regarding the mandatory deployment obligations that will apply to rate-of-return carriers who remain on legacy universal service support mechanisms. Specifically, carriers may select one of two methods for determining their deployment obligation that must be fulfilled over a five-year period (2017-2021). The deployment obligation under each method for each study area is available at: https://transition.fcc.gov/wcb/SacBuildoutSheetDisplay.xlsx . At a later date, the Bureau will issue a public notice with information regarding how each carrier will indicate which method it is selecting to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

Specifically, each carrier can choose to have its deployment obligation determined by one of two methods: the applicable CAF-BLS amount divided by (1) the average cost of providing 10/1 Mbps service, based on the weighted average cost per loop of carriers that have deployed 10/1 Mbps service to 95 percent or more of the locations in their study area, or 150 percent of the weighted average cost per loop of companies with similar density and level of deployment, whichever is greater, or (2) the Alternative Connect America Cost Model’s calculation of the cost per location of providing 10/1 Mbps service in the unserved census blocks in the carrier’s study area.

Industry

FCC to Resume Forward Incentive Auction

The FCC has announced that the last round of bidding for Stage 2 of the Reverse Auction will be Round 53 – which will conclude Thursday at 11:00 AM Eastern Time. Following the close of Round 53, the FCC will post the new broadcast spectrum clearing costs. We expect the FCC to announce the bidding schedule for Stage 2 of the Forward Auction on Friday and for the Forward Auction to resume with Stage 2 on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 (which is three business days after the FCC’s Friday announcement of the bidding schedule). The auction had to go to Stage 2 when it failed to raise even half of the cost of clearing the broadcasters from the original 10 channels of spectrum that were for sale in Stage 1.

Deadlines

OCTOBER 15: 911 RELIABILITY CERTIFICATION. The Commission’s rules require Covered 911 Service Providers to take “reasonable measures” to provide reliable service with respect to 911 circuit diversity, central office backup power, and diverse network monitoring, as evidenced by an annual certification of compliance with specified best practices or reasonable alternative measures. The Reliability Certification requires covered providers to demonstrate meeting the requirements of the Annual Reliability Certification, which for 100% percent of the Covered 911 Service Provider’s critical 911 circuits, central offices that directly serve public safety answering points (PSAPs), and independently monitored 911 service areas.

NOVEMBER 1: FCC FORM 499-Q, TELECOMMUNICATIONS REPORTING WORKSHEET. All telecommunications common carriers that expect to contribute more than $10,000 to federal Universal Service Fund (USF) support mechanisms must file this quarterly form. The FCC has modified this form in light of its decision to establish interim measures for USF contribution assessments. The form contains revenue information from the prior quarter plus projections for the next quarter. Form 499-Q relates only to USF contributions. It does not relate to the cost recovery mechanisms for the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), and the shared costs of local number portability (LNP), which are covered in the annual Form 499-A that is due April 1.

Calendar At-A-Glance

October
Oct. 26 – Comments are due on 700 MHz Public Safety FNPRM.
Oct. 15 – 911 Reliability Certification.

November
Nov. 1 – FCC Form 499-Q (Quarterly Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet) is due.
Nov. 7 – Deadline to inform CenturyLink of served census blocks in CAF Phase I deployment plan.
Nov. 10 – Reply comments are due on 700 MHz Public Safety FNPRM.
Nov. 14 – Form Three of the ETRS is due.
Nov. 22 – Comments are due on PLMRS NPRM.

December
Dec. 2 – Deadline to File Notice of Forbearance Election for Lifeline Broadband Support.
Dec. 19 – Deadline for 15-Day Tariff Filings.
Dec. 27 – Deadline for 7-Day Tariff Filings.
Dec. 27 – Deadline for Petitions re: 15-Day Tariff Filings.
Dec. 29 – Deadline for Petitions re: 7-Day Tariff Filings (noon, EST).
Dec. 30 – Deadline for Replies to Petitions re: 15-Day Tariff Filings (noon, EST).
Dec. 30 – Deadline for Replies to Petitions re: 7-Day Tariff Filings (noon, EST).
Dec. 20 – Form 323 (Biennial Ownership Report) is due.
Dec. 22 – Reply comments are due on PLMRS NPRM.

Stage 2 of Forward Incentive Auction Closes after One Bidding Round

Stage 2 of the FCC’s Incentive Auction opened and closed today, after just one (1) round of forward auction bidding. This unexpected turn of events means that the FCC will further reduce its clearing target from 114 megahertz (yielding 90 megahertz, or 9 license blocks, for forward bidding) to 104 megahertz (yielding 80 megahertz for forward bidding). The Incentive auction will transition back to reverse auction bidding by broadcasters in Stage 3.

The Stage 2 clearing costs were set at $54.5 billion when reverse auction bidding at the 114 megahertz clearing target ended last week. However, forward auction proceeds in Stage 2 only reached $21.5 billion after Stage 2 Round 1 bidding this morning; and with at least one bidder reducing demand as the FCC reduced the amount of spectrum available, demand remained flat.

The FCC expects to release a public notice next week announcing details about the next stage, including the clearing target for Stage 3, and the time and date at which bidding in Stage 3 of the reverse auction will begin.

Headlines

FCC Updates A-CAM FAQ

On October 19, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) indicated that the FCC has provided additional answers submitted through its Frequently Asked Questions program regarding the A-CAM model election. These questions came from the Rate-of-Return Reform Q&A Webinar that was held on October 6.

Highlights from the FAQ include:

• The FCC expects it will conduct a rulemaking in year 8 (which would be 2024) to determine how support will be determined after the end of the 10-year period.
• A-CAM support does not get phased out or removed if an unsubsidized competitor enters the market at some future date. The presence of an unsubsidized competitor was determined prior to making the offer.
• All ETCs that receive high-cost support (whether A-CAM support or HCLS and CAF-BLS support) must continue to file Form 481s. Once the Bureau has received Paperwork Reduction Act approval of the broadband location reporting portal, ETCs will no longer have to file updates to their 5-year plans.
• A location is a housing unit or small business that would typically subscribe to mass market “best efforts” residential broadband Internet access service. Carriers may not count as “locations” undeveloped land lacking any housing unit, as defined by the U.S. Census, or subdivisions where homes are planned for the future. If and when a home is built at a future date, the carrier could then at that time count that location towards its deployment obligation.

The full document for Part II of the FAQ, as well as the webinar itself and Part I of the FAQ, can be found here .

Failure to Pay Regulatory Fees Leads to Revocation of FCC Authorizations, including 214 Authority

The FCC has issued an Order revoking any authorizations held by LDC Telecommunications, Inc. for failure to pay delinquent regulatory fees to the FCC as required by Section 9 of the Communications Act. In this case, LDC was delinquent on its regulatory fees for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2014 in the aggregate amount of $3,736.74. The FCC sent LDC a demand letter for payment in October 2014, which was ignored. Thereafter, the FCC transferred the debt to the US Treasury for collection. As of July 1, 2016, the FCC’s records showed that the regulatory fees still had not been paid. As a result, the FCC issued an Order to Pay or to Show Cause. This order gave LDC with 60 days to (a) make full payment on the outstanding regulatory fees (including penalties and interests) and file evidence with the Enforcement Bureau which documented the payment or (b) show cause why the payment was inapplicable to it or should otherwise be deferred or waived. As with the FCC’s prior communications, LDC did not respond. Accordingly, the FCC has now revoked any FCC authorizations held by LDC.

It is important to remember that the FCC does not take the failure to pay regulatory fees lightly. The FCC has several tools at its disposal, including the redlight system, the Debt Collection Act as well as revocation of FCC issued authorizations, whether these authorizations be wireless, Satellite, domestic 214, international 214, cable, etc. As can be seen from this case, while revocation is a last resort, the FCC is willing to take this drastic measure, and the delinquent licensee is still on the hook for any financial obligations to the FCC or the federal government.

CCA Suggests Small Carrier Considerations for Internet Privacy Rules

On October 13, the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) met with Wireline Competition Bureau staffers to discuss the upcoming Internet Privacy rules that the FCC will consider at this month’s Open Meeting. Specifically, the CCA supports additional relief for small carriers from the rules such as:

• Defining a small carrier as 250,000 subscribers or less;
• Creating a 2-year window for small carriers to implement the privacy rules;
• Additional time to notify consumers, the FCC, and/or the FBI of harmful data breaches; and
• Additional flexibility with regard to prescriptive notice or format rules attached to privacy policies and consumer communications.

As we reported in last week’s edition of the BloostonLaw Telecom Update, the FCC’s Chairman Tom Wheeler circulated a proposed Order “to give consumers the tools they need to choose how their Internet service provider (ISP) uses and shares their personal data.” Under the proposed rules, an ISP would be required to notify consumers about what types of information they are collecting, specify how and for what purposes that information can be used and shared, and identify the types of entities with which the ISP shares the information.

Small providers are seeking exemptions or size-based rules to mitigate the impacts of security rules that appear designed primarily for larger carriers. These include relief from rules requiring the development and implementation of “privacy dashboards” to allow customers to change their privacy preferences online, and from requirements that small carriers monitor the privacy practices of their much larger vendors and participate in the CPNI training of vendor employees. Smaller carriers are also opposing proposals to expand the definition of CPNI to include customer names, addresses and telephone numbers.

Telephone company and paging clients should note that the proposed Order may be contemplating the “harmonization” of CPNI rules for all carriers. In practice, this means that the CPNI rules governing voice and paging carriers are likely to be increased to correspond with the new rules governing ISPs.

Carriers interested in expressing their concerns to the FCC should contact the firm to set up a meeting.

Law & Regulation

USAC Releases Template Language for December 2 Lifeline Consumer Outreach Material

As we reported earlier this month, the FCC announced that it had published the Office of Management and Budget’s approval of its 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order in the Federal Register, establishing effective dates for the new rules governing broadband Lifeline support. Specifically, beginning December 2, Lifeline subscribers will have the choice of applying the Lifeline benefit to certain broadband service offerings. In anticipation, the Universal Service Administrative Company released a template to assist service providers in explaining the December 2 changes to their subscribers:

You will be able to apply your monthly Lifeline discount towards internet service. If you would like to switch to an internet plan, ask your telephone company or internet provider if a Lifeline Program cell phone data plan or home internet service is available in your area.

For a list of companies in your state, visit the Companies Near Me page.

You can still choose phone service.

You can continue to apply your monthly Lifeline discount to your home or cell phone, but you can only receive a discount on ONE option – phone or internet. Some companies may give you the option to apply the discount to a service bundle, such as home phone and home internet service.

The full template is available here . It also explains changes to eligibility criteria, the benefit port freeze period, rolling recertification and minimum service standards.

T-Mobile Settles Inadequate Disclosure Investigation for $48 Million

The FCC Enforcement Bureau today announced that T-Mobile had agreed to pay a fine and to provide benefits to consumers totaling at least $48 million to resolve an ongoing investigation into whether the company had adequately disclosed speed and data restrictions for subscribers with “unlimited” data plans.

In an investigation following the receipt of complaints from T-Mobile and MetroPCS customers, the FCC found that T-Mobile (which owns MetroPCS) had a policy to restrict data speeds after unlimited data customers had reached a monthly data threshold. In particular, under its “Top 3 Percent Policy,” T-Mobile “de-prioritized” its “heavy” data users during times of network contention or congestion, depriving users of the advertised speeds of their data plan. This de-prioritization policy would apply if an unlimited customer used more than 17 GB of data in a given month.

The FCC said that advertisements and other disclosures may have led T-Mobile’s unlimited data plan customers to expect that they were buying better and faster service than what they actually received. The Commission’s 2010 Open Internet transparency rules require broadband Internet providers to give accurate and sufficient information to consumers about their Internet services to enable informed choices.

“Consumers should not have to guess whether so-called ‘unlimited’ data plans contain key restrictions, like speed constraints, data caps, and other material limitations,” said FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Travis LeBlanc. “When broadband providers are accurate, honest and upfront in their ads and disclosures, consumers aren’t surprised and they get what they’ve paid for. With today’s settlement, T-Mobile has stepped up to the plate to ensure that its customers have the full information they need to decide whether ‘unlimited’ data plans are right for them.”

The negotiated settlement includes $48 million in total financial commitments from T-Mobile. This includes a $7.5 million fine, in addition to $35.5 million in consumer benefits offered to T-Mobile and Metro PCS customers with “unlimited” plans and at least $5 million in services and equipment to American schools to bridge the homework gap facing today’s students. Eligible subscribers will be offered discounts on accessories and additional data.

Under the settlement, T-Mobile is also required to update and improve its disclosures regarding its “unlimited” plans. The company may either: (1) provide clear and conspicuous disclosures about all restrictions on the amount and speed of data provided for “unlimited” data plans; (2) cease the use of the term “unlimited” to label such plans; (3) exclude “unlimited” data plan customers from the “Top 3 Percent Policy” or any similar practice; or (4) limit any speed reductions for “unlimited” data plan customers to the minimum speed advertised for that plan.

Under the $35.5 million consumer benefit program, eligible T-Mobile and MetroPCS customers will be offered both:

• Discounts of 20 percent off (up to $20) of the regular price for any in-stock accessory.
• 4 GB of additional data if they have a mobile Internet data line — specifically T-Mobile’s “Simple Choice MINT” plan — or a tablet plan under the MetroPCS brand.

Eligible T-Mobile and MetroPCS customers will receive notice about these benefits by December 15, 2016. Consumers can obtain more information on the companies’ websites: www.T-Mobile.com/customerbenefit and www.MetroPCS.com/customerbenefit .

The FCC settlement also requires T-Mobile to spend at least $5 million dollars — plus any unredeemed funds from the consumer benefit program — to address the “homework gap” in low-income school districts. T-Mobile will provide free devices, such as tablets, to eligible public schools that students may take home and use for school work. They will also provide mobile broadband to the devices at a reduced cost to the schools, and at no cost to the students or their families. T-Mobile is expected to start the program in October 2017 and enroll 5,000 students per quarter over four years, totaling up to 80,000 students.

This is the FCC’s second action addressing disclosures for “unlimited” data plans that are subject to fixed data thresholds and speed reductions. In June 2015, the Commission proposed a $100 million fine against AT&T Mobility for misleading its customers about “unlimited” mobile data plans.

Industry

Speculation Arises on Possible Clinton FCC

On October 18, Politico released an article speculating on potential candidates for the FCC under a Clinton administration. “Among the names is Susan Ness, a top Clinton fundraiser who previously served as an FCC commissioner under President Bill Clinton; Karen Kornbluh, an executive at audience measurement firm Nielsen with deep Democratic ties; and Phil Verveer, an FCC official and longtime friend of the Clintons.

Others include Alec Ross, a former digital adviser to Hillary Clinton at the State Department; Daniel Sepulveda, an ambassador who's leading efforts at State on internet freedom issues; Blair Levin, a former FCC official and architect of the National Broadband Plan; Catherine Sandoval, a commissioner on the California Public Utilities Commission; and Phil Weiser, a University of Colorado law professor who advised the National Economic Council under President Barack Obama.”

According to the article, almost everyone on the list is part of the Clinton campaign, as well as a donor. Sources reportedly told Politico that the list is not a formal list of potential commissioners.

FCC to Host Broadband Health Mapping Webinar

On October 17, the FCC announced that its Connect2Health Task Force and the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs jointly-hosted webinar “to further explore the potential of the recently launched Mapping Broadband Health in America platform for the public sector.” The webinar will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2016.

According to the Public Notice, Mapping Broadband Health in America (available at www.fcc.gov/health/maps ), is a web-based mapping platform created by the Connect2Health Task Force to drive “more efficient, data-driven decision making at the intersection of broadband and health.” The system allows users to generate customized, county-level maps that display broadband access, adoption and speed data alongside various health outcomes, access and quality measures (e.g., obesity, diabetes, and physician access) in urban and rural areas. The mapping platform can be used by both public and private sectors and local communities to identify gaps and opportunities in connected health.

The webinar will be available via WebEx. Registration should be handled here: https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/events/2016/11/mapping-connected-health-county-county .

Deadlines

NOVEMBER 1: FCC FORM 499-Q, TELECOMMUNICATIONS REPORTING WORKSHEET. All telecommunications common carriers that expect to contribute more than $10,000 to federal Universal Service Fund (USF) support mechanisms must file this quarterly form. The FCC has modified this form in light of its decision to establish interim measures for USF contribution assessments. The form contains revenue information from the prior quarter plus projections for the next quarter. Form 499-Q relates only to USF contributions. It does not relate to the cost recovery mechanisms for the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), and the shared costs of local number portability (LNP), which are covered in the annual Form 499-A that is due April 1.

Calendar At-A-Glance

October
Oct. 26 – Comments are due on 700 MHz Public Safety FNPRM.

November
Nov. 1 – FCC Form 499-Q (Quarterly Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet) is due.
Nov. 7 – Deadline to inform CenturyLink of served census blocks in CAF Phase I deployment plan.
Nov. 10 – Reply comments are due on 700 MHz Public Safety FNPRM.
Nov. 14 – Form Three of the ETRS is due.
Nov. 22 – Comments are due on PLMRS NPRM.

December
Dec. 2 – Deadline to File Notice of Forbearance Election for Lifeline Broadband Support.
Dec. 19 – Deadline for 15-Day Tariff Filings.
Dec. 27 – Deadline for 7-Day Tariff Filings.
Dec. 27 – Deadline for Petitions re: 15-Day Tariff Filings.
Dec. 29 – Deadline for Petitions re: 7-Day Tariff Filings (noon, EST).
Dec. 30 – Deadline for Replies to Petitions re: 15-Day Tariff Filings (noon, EST).
Dec. 30 – Deadline for Replies to Petitions re: 7-Day Tariff Filings (noon, EST).
Dec. 20 – Form 323 (Biennial Ownership Report) is due.
Dec. 22 – Reply comments are due on PLMRS NPRM.

Brad Dye, Ron Mercer, Allan Angus, Vic Jackson, 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.

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“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

10/20/2016

Demonstrators, including Israeli and Palestinian activists, take part in a protest on Wednesday near the West Bank city of Jericho in support of peace.

Source: