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

I received a comment from Burch Falkner about his humorous obituary notice of “Ronald Rat.” Now that I look at it again, I can see how some could have misinterpreted the news headline from the February 24^th issue as an obituary notice of Burch. I am sorry for that, and I can assure you Burch is alive and well, and that he should not be confused as a Rat. He is really a nice guy.

I still haven't heard back from Frank Hackett. I certainly hope he didn't take offense at my humorous sarcasm.

OK Frank, I would buy a used car from you.

There . . . that should make him feel better.

They say that Abraham Lincoln told jokes frequently, and I'll bet it got him in trouble sometimes too.

Wayne County, Illinois

Emergency Radio Communications Wireless Messaging Critical Messaging Two-way Radio Technology Telemetry Science Paging Wi-Fi

Wireless Messaging

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.

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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Still The Most Reliable Protocol For Wireless Messaging!

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With Claims of C.I.A. Hacking, How to Protect Your Devices

Tech Fix

By BRIAN X. CHEN
March 8, 2017

Want to protect against surveillance through your iPhones, Android devices, Wi-Fi routers and Samsung televisions? Update, update, update. WikiLeaks this week published a trove of documents that appears to detail how the Central Intelligence Agency successfully hacked a wide variety of tech products, including iPhones, Android devices, Wi-Fi routers and Samsung televisions. That’s just about every major category of consumer electronics. So what does that mean for you if you own one — or several — of these gadgets? For many people, it may mean nothing at all. The thousands of pages of documents refer to programs that attacked outdated versions of the software systems running on devices, and many security vulnerabilities have since been patched.

On the other hand, many people may still use outdated software on their devices. And although the C.I.A. designed these tools to spy on terrorists in the interest of national security, the hacking tools may have ended up in the hands of a whole range of entities.

The fallout may also end up being broader. WikiLeaks, which released documents covering 2013 to 2016, has said its initial publication was just the first installment in a bigger cache of secret C.I.A. material.

So even if you aren’t worried about what WikiLeaks revealed about the C.I.A. right now for yourself, here are some tips for protecting your cellphones, televisions and internet routers.

What you can do if you’re on Android

Hundreds of millions of Android users still use devices based on older versions of the Google-made mobile operating system. The WikiLeaks document collection, which includes 7,818 web pages and 943 attachments, showed that the Android devices targeted by the hacking programs were mostly running a version of Android 4.0.

Today, about 30 percent of Android users, or at least 420 million people, are on a variant of Android 4.0, according to Google. The company said it was investigating reports of the security issues described in the WikiLeaks documents.

With the limited information we have now, the best thing people can do is to stop procrastinating on updating their software.

“The one thing that people can and should be doing is keeping their apps and phones as up-to-date as possible,” said Kurt Opsahl, deputy executive director for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights nonprofit.

For owners of older devices, getting the latest software updates may not be easy. Many older Android handsets, like the Samsung Galaxy S3, are unable to download the latest version of the Android software. If you are in that boat, it’s a good time to purchase a new smartphone — such as the Google Pixel — which is running the latest Android software.

Other than ensuring that you have the latest operating system, Google recommends that Android users protect their devices with lock screens and PIN codes, and to enable a setting called Verify Apps, which scans apps downloaded from outside of Google’s app store for malware.

What you can do on an iPhone

Many iPhone owners are far more up-to-date with their mobile software than Android device owners. So only a minority of iPhone users have devices with the versions of the Apple iOS operating system that the WikiLeaks documents mention.

Specifically, the WikiLeaks documents referred to exploits working on versions of iOS up to 8.2. About 79 percent of Apple users are running iOS 10, the latest version of the system, and only 5 percent are running a version older than iOS 9, according to Apple.

In raw numbers, with more than one billion iOS devices sold worldwide, that amounts to at least 50 million people running the outdated software.

For those worried about their iPhone security, the advice is generally the same here as for Android owners: iPhone and iPad users should make sure to be running the latest operating system, iOS 10. Apple said on Tuesday that many of the security issues described in the WikiLeaks documents had already been patched in the latest version of its software and that it was working to address remaining vulnerabilities.

Not all Apple devices can get the latest operating system. Apple’s iOS 10 is compatible with iPhones as far back as the iPhone 5 released in 2012, and with iPads as old as the iPad Air and iPad Mini 2 released in 2013. If you are using anything older than those, it’s a good time to buy a new device for the stronger security.

What you can do with your Samsung TV

With Samsung televisions, the situation is less clear. The documents mentioned programs attacking smart TVs in Samsung’s F8000 series, which include microphones for voice controls. Samsung said it was looking into the WikiLeaks reports, and noted that software updates with the latest security enhancements are automatically downloaded on its televisions. The company did not immediately comment on whether any vulnerabilities had been patched.

The documents published by WikiLeaks disclosed that a tool called Weeping Angel puts the target TV in a “fake off” mode. Then, with the owner believing the TV is turned off, the set secretly records conversations in the room and sends them over the internet to a C.I.A. server computer.

Smart TVs are part of a proliferating category of “internet of things” devices that have raised security concerns because many of the companies that make them do not have strong backgrounds in information security. In a recent column I wrote about defending a smart home from cyberattacks, experts recommended strengthening Wi-Fi settings and regularly auditing smart home devices for software updates, among other tips.

That advice might not be sufficient for addressing privacy concerns around Samsung’s smart TVs, because the Weeping Angel hack continues to control the television even when it appears to be turned off.

Craig Spiezle, executive director of the Online Trust Alliance, a nonprofit privacy group, said the WikiLeaks revelations could spur action that he sees as lacking from makers of connected devices.

“I see this as a wake-up call for the industry to build better security and for consumers of these devices to rethink what they have and, in some cases, disconnect their connectivity,” Mr. Spiezle said.

What to do with your router

The WikiLeaks documents also described methods of injecting malware into routers offered by Asian manufacturers like Huawei, ZTE and Mercury.

In general, it is wise for everyone to regularly check routers for so-called firmware updates to make sure they get the latest security enhancements.

Depending on which router you own, downloading the latest firmware update isn’t very intuitive because it usually requires logging into the router. More modern routers like Eero and Google Wifi include mobile apps that help you download the latest updates automatically, so consider one of those if you are worried.

What to do with your computer

The WikiLeaks documents mentioned attacks on Linux, Windows and Apple computers. Personal computers have always been the most vulnerable devices we own, so this tip is fairly obvious: Make sure to install the latest operating system updates and use antivirus software. And as always, stay on guard for suspicious websites that may be serving malware.

Source:

The New York Times

Enhancing Mobile Alert Response

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• 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 ]

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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.

Carriers Offer Privacy Plan for 9-1-1 Indoor Location Database

Wednesday, March 01, 2017

The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau requested comment on the privacy and security plan for the National Emergency Address Database (NEAD) submitted Feb. 3 by NEAD and national wireless carriers AT&T, T-Mobile USA, Sprint and Verizon.

The NEAD, which is being developed to identify the dispatchable location of wireless 9-1-1 callers when the caller is indoors, is a database that will use media access control (MAC) address information of fixed indoor access points to locate nearby wireless devices. NEAD is a non-profit entity established by CTIA that will oversee development and operation of the NEAD platform and serve as the NEAD administrator.

In a 2015 order adopting rules requiring wireless carriers to improve 9-1-1 location accuracy for emergency calls from mobile devices, the FCC required the nationwide commercial providers to develop a detailed privacy and security plan for the NEAD and to submit it for FCC approval.

The plan states that information in the NEAD on wireless access points will generally come from three sources: service provider records of wireless access points, including MAC address, Bluetooth public device address (BT-PDA) and location information; records from large enterprise systems, such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, of wireless access points, including MAC address, BT-PDA and location information; and “eventually, individual consumers, who will be able voluntarily to input information about their wireless access points not otherwise provided to the NEAD along with information necessary for verification.”

The Plan describes the consumer privacy protections that will be incorporated into the operation of the NEAD platform. It also describes “comprehensive controls” to support the security and resiliency of the NEAD platform.

The commission is asking for comment on the adequacy of the proposed privacy and security measures. In addition, the plan addresses personnel management and training and provides that the NEAD platform will undergo privacy and cybersecurity risk assessments on at least an annual basis.

West Safety Services will develop and operate NEAD.

Comments are due March 20, and reply comments are due March 30. The full order is here.

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Google's big Hangouts revamp: Now you get separate Meet and Chat apps

Google splits Hangouts video-conferencing and chat capabilities into two distinct meeting and collaboration apps.

By Liam Tung | March 10, 2017 — 11:13 GMT (03:13 PST) | Topic: Enterprise Software

The new Meet app lets up to 30 people join a video conference, compared with a Hangouts cap of 10 participants. Image: Google

After years of uncertainty about who the Hangouts comms platform was aimed at, Google has decided it's definitely for the enterprise, launching two team-focused Hangouts apps, Meet and Chat.

The apps, announced by Google on Thursday, split Hangouts' functionality into distinct video and chat products. While Meet takes on Hangouts' video-conferencing features, Chats is a dedicated messaging app for teams.

The new apps may help straighten out Google's historically confusing strategy on messaging, both within Hangouts features and other messaging apps with overlapping capabilities.

Google has been working on resolving this situation. The company revealed at the launch of its consumer apps, Duo and Allo, that Hangouts in future would be developed for business users with a focus on group collaboration and enterprise productivity.

While Hangouts wasn't received well by consumers, it did have better success in the enterprise due to its integration with Google's Apps suite, such as Gmail, Drive and Calendar, according to Google.

The company reiterated its plan to focus Hangouts on "enterprise use cases" when it announced in January that it was retiring the Google+ Hangouts API, cutting off third-party consumer apps that integrated with it.

The new Meet app lets up to 30 people join a video conference, compared with a Hangouts cap of 10 participants. To start a meeting, users share a link with participants who can join from that link or from Calendar.

Meet is integrated with Google's G Suite business apps, and for G Suite enterprise customers, it also offers a dial-in number for occasions where users face data connection issues.

Hangouts Meet may sound familiar because Google quietly unveiled the iOS Meet app in late February.

The Hangouts Chat for group messaging is Google's take on Slack, which Microsoft is also aiming for with its Teams app that launches next week. It's currently available through Google's early-adopter program.

Hangouts Chat offers project-based rooms with threaded conversations, in addition to one-to-one messaging, and supports sharing photos, videos and content from Drive and Docs.

Chat also features the @meet chatbot to help schedule team meetings with Hangouts Meet and Google Calendar. The bot can, for example, check participants' calendars and select a slot that's free for everyone.

Google is also allowing third-party applications to integrate with the Chat app. Early partners include Asana, Box, Prosperworks and Zendesk.

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.

Friday, March 10, 2017	Volume 5 | Issue 49

CCA Urges FCC to Streamline Deployment With Reduced Siting Fees

The Competitive Carriers Association is pressing the FCC to take several steps to clear the way for next-generation broadband deployment. Those include reducing siting delays; tying siting fees to actual review and maintenance costs and educating state and local governments about the benefits of next-gen wireless service.

“Competitive carriers play a critical role in ensuring consumers, especially those in rural areas, have access to high-speed mobile broadband services, and depend on sound infrastructure policy to achieve this important goal,” said CCA President/CEO Steven Berry in comments filed with the FCC on a Mobilitie petition to streamline small cell deployment. “Unfortunately, CCA members’ experiences with some federal, state and local authorities have, more often than not, been laden with unreasonable delays, poor communication, inflated fees, or disregard for ‘shot clocks’ and review timelines. Delays and unreasonable costs waste resources that could otherwise go directly to deploying mobile broadband services.”

FCC Chairman Pai and Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Michael O’Rielly this week identified the actions they’re ready to take during a Senate hearing. Berry said “getting this right will have a big impact on bringing new and better connectivity—not to mention jobs and economic opportunities—to the areas that need it most.”

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 [sometimes more, sometimes less] 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.

Form 477 Filing Interface Reopened; Data Now Due March 24

On March 7, the FCC issued a Public Notice announcing that its FCC’s Form 477 filing interface has been reopened, and the new filing deadline for Form 477 data as of Dec. 31, 2016 is March 24, 2017. According to the Public Notice, filers who submitted their Form 477 filings prior to the closing of the site on Feb. 22, 2017 do not need to take any further action; those filings remain in “Submitted” status. In addition, filers who started the filing process prior to the closing of the site do not need to re-upload any files or re-enter any records provided previously and should see those data after logging in to the interface.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, John Prendergast, and Sal Taillefer.

Headlines

FCC Releases Broadband Privacy Stay Order

On March 2, the FCC released the Broadband Privacy Stay Order it adopted late in the day on March 1, which temporarily blocks the rules adopted in the Broadband Privacy Order of November 2016 from going into effect on March 2. Specifically, the Broadband Privacy Stay Order stayed all rules scheduled to become effective on March 2 until the FCC is able to act on Petitions for Reconsideration of the Broadband Privacy Order. Therefore, the only rule actually stayed is the Reasonable Data Security requirement.

The Reasonable Data Security requirement obligates every BIAS provider and other telecommunications carrier to take “reasonable measures to protect customer PI from unauthorized use, disclosure, or access.” To comply with this requirement, a provider must adopt security practices “appropriately calibrated to the nature and scope of its activities, the sensitivity of the underlying data, the size of the provider, and technical feasibility.” While the FCC did not prescribe specific minimum requirements, it directed providers to look to NIST Cybersecurity Framework, FTC best practices guidance, FTC enforcement actions, and state laws on data privacy for inspiration.

Rules that were effective before March 2 remain effective. This includes the prohibition on conditioning offers to provide BIAS on a customer’s agreement to waive privacy rights, and the privacy policy notice requirements. All rules scheduled to become effective upon OMB approval are also unaffected by the stay, but the FCC anticipates being able to act on the Petitions for Reconsideration before OMB approval is received. This includes the customer approval requirements for the use and disclosure of CPNI requirements, and the data breach notification requirements.

Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) is expected to introduce a resolution that would use the Congressional Review Act to roll back the FCC's broadband privacy rules as early as today. At this time, however, specifics are not available.

In a press release, the FCC heralded the stay as “a step towards ensuring that consumers have uniform online privacy protections.” In her dissent, Commissioner Clyburn said, “With a stroke of the proverbial pen, the Federal Communications Commission—the same agency that should be the “cop on the beat” when it comes to ensuring appropriate consumer protections—is leaving broadband customers without assurances that their providers will keep their data secure.”

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, Mary Sisak, and Sal Taillefer.

FCC Releases CAF Phase II Weights Order

On March 2, the FCC released the Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration (“RO&O”) that it adopted on February 23, in which it established bidding weights to compare bids across performance tiers in the upcoming CAF Phase II Auction. These weights account for the value of higher speeds, higher usage allowances, and low latency. The formula used to rank bidders purportedly balances these performance goals with the need to reach as many consumers as possible within the FCC’s budget for rural universal service support.

Weights are positive values that will be added to a particular bid-price-to-reserve price ratio to arrive at a score. Mathematically, S = 100 x B/R + T + L, where S is the bid’s score, B is the current bid price, R is the reserve price, T is the weight assigned to the bid’s associated tier of service, and L is the weight assigned to the bid’s associated latency. Because the Phase II auction will be a reverse auction, higher service tiers will accordingly have lower weights. Specifically:

The FCC further stated that it intends, after further notice and comment, to:

1. specify what evidence or other information must be submitted;
2. establish the conditions for when such information must be submitted;
3. adopt the applicable standards that bidders must demonstrate;
4. set procedures for reviewing and validating the submitted information, and
5. adopt any additional penalties if capabilities are misrepresented.

The FCC also declined to adopt state-based preferences or ceilings in the Connect America Phase II auction, but did decide to reserve funding in the Remote Areas Fund for any state that did not receive support equal to the funding declined in the statewide election process, subject to the following conditions: once the results of the Phase II auction are available, the FCC will prioritize bids in the Remote Areas Fund auction that are placed in such declined states until it has awarded enough support to make up the difference between the total Phase II declined support and the total support that was awarded in the state by the Phase II auction, to the extent possible based on bids placed, remaining eligible areas, and budget available. To ensure that support is targeted to commercially reasonable bids, only bids that are at or below the reserve price would be eligible for this preference. Any implementation details will be adopted when the FCC finalizes the procedures for the Remote Areas Fund auction after observing the outcome of the Phase II auction.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Mary Sisak.

Chairman Pai Nominated to a Second Term by President Trump

On March 7, President Donald Trump re-nominated sitting Chairman Ajit Pai to a second term at the Federal Communications Commission. The Chairman’s current term technically expired in June of 2016, and so upon Senate confirmation his new five-year term would be retroactive to July 1, 2016.

“I am deeply honored to have been nominated by President Trump to serve a second term on the Federal Communications Commission," Chairman Pai said in a statement. "If I am fortunate to be confirmed by the Senate, I will continue to work with my colleagues to connect all Americans with digital opportunity, foster innovation, protect consumers, promote public safety, and make the FCC more open and transparent to the American people.”

President Trump withdrew the re-nomination of former Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, leaving two seats on the FCC completely open for his nomination. Because the FCC is currently 2-1 in favor of Republicans, President Trump can only nominate one more Republican at most.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Gerry Duffy.

Law & Regulation

FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for March Open Meeting

On March 2, the FCC announced the following items are tentatively on the agenda for the March Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 23, 2017. In accordance with Chairman Pai’s announcement that items would be made available to the public before they are voted upon, the FCC has posted a link to each document to be considered.

• Advanced Methods to Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls — a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry that would enable voice service providers to better protect subscribers from illegal and fraudulent robocalls. (CG Docket No. 17-59)
• Promoting Technological Solutions to Combat Contraband Wireless Device Use in Correctional Facilities — a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would adopt rules to facilitate the deployment of technologies used to combat contraband wireless devices in correctional facilities, while seeking comment on additional proposals and solutions. (GN Docket No. 13-111)
• Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Video Relay Service — a Report and Order, Notice of Inquiry, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Order that would enhance service quality and propose a new provider compensation plan for video relay services. (CG Docket Nos. 10-51 and 03-123)
• Cellular Service Reform — a Second Report and Order, Report and Order, and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would facilitate mobile broadband deployment, including LTE, promote greater spectrum efficiency, and reduce regulatory burdens and costs. (WT Docket Nos. 12-40, 10-112, 16-138)
• Part 43 Reporting Requirements for U.S. Providers of International Services — a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes to (1) eliminate the Traffic and Revenue Reports and (2) streamline the Circuit Capacity Reports. (IB Docket Nos. 17-55 and 16-131)
• Channel Sharing by Stations Outside the Broadcast Television Spectrum Incentive Auction Context — a Report and Order that would authorize channel sharing outside the context of the incentive auction and thus permit stations with auction-related channel sharing agreements to continue to operate if their auction-related agreements expire or otherwise terminate. (GN Docket No. 12-268; MB Docket No. 03-185; MB Docket No. 15-137).

As always, the FCC’s Open Meeting will be webcast live at www.fcc.gov/live at the time noted above.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens and Gerry Duffy.

FCC Initiates Docket on Methods to Eliminate Robocalls

On March 2, the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau issued a Public Notice officially announcing the opening of CG Docket No. 17-59, which is captioned “Advanced Methods to Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls.” Presentations in this docket are subject to “permit-but-disclose” ex parte rules; persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within two business days after the presentation.

BloostonLaw Contacts: John Prendergast and Sal Taillefer.

Industry

FCC Releases Form 477 Data on Fixed Broadband Deployment as of June 30

On March 3, the FCC’s the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) released data on fixed broadband deployment as of June 30, 2016 (including any revisions made by filers before February 10, 2017). Users can download data on the census blocks where providers report offering fixed broadband services to at least part of the block. These data tables also indicate the technology used to offer the service and the maximum advertised download and upload speeds for both consumer and business services.

A description of the fields in the fixed broadband deployment data and an explanation of the modifications made to the data prior to its release are available on the Explanations of the Broadband Deployment Data webpage at www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/explanation-broadband-deployment-data Unless otherwise noted there, the data have been released as filed.

Coverage area shapefiles showing mobile broadband network deployment as of June 30, 2016 will be made available at a later date.

Deadlines

MARCH 24: FCC FORM 477, LOCAL COMPETITION & BROADBAND REPORTING FORM. This annual form is due March 1 and September 1 annually. The FCC requires facilities-based wired, terrestrial fixed wireless, and satellite broadband service providers to report on FCC Form 477 the number of broadband subscribers they have in each census tract they serve. The Census Bureau changed the boundaries of some census tracts as part of the 2010 Census.

Specifically, three types of entities must file this form:

1. Facilities-based Providers of Broadband Connections to End User Locations: Entities that are facilities-based providers of broadband connections — which are wired “lines” or wireless “channels” that enable the end user to receive information from and/or send information to the Internet at information transfer rates exceeding 200 kbps in at least one direction — must complete and file the applicable portions of this form for each state in which the entity provides one or more such connections to end user locations. For the purposes of Form 477, an entity is a “facilities-based” provider of broadband connections to end user locations if it owns the portion of the physical facility that terminates at the end user location, if it obtains unbundled network elements (UNEs), special access lines, or other leased facilities that terminate at the end user location and provisions/equips them as broadband, or if it provisions/equips a broadband wireless channel to the end user location over licensed or unlicensed spectrum. Such entities include incumbent and competitive local exchange carriers (LECs), cable system operators, fixed wireless service providers (including “wireless ISPs”), terrestrial and satellite mobile wireless service providers, BRS providers, electric utilities, municipalities, and other entities. (Such entities do not include equipment suppliers unless the equipment supplier uses the equipment to provision a broadband connection that it offers to the public for sale. Such entities also do not include providers of fixed wireless services (e.g., “Wi-Fi” and other wireless ethernet, or wireless local area network, applications) that only enable local distribution and sharing of a premises broadband facility.)
2. Providers of Wired or Fixed Wireless Local Telephone Services: Incumbent and competitive LECs must complete and file the applicable portions of the form for each state in which they provide local exchange service to one or more end user customers (which may include “dial-up” ISPs).
3. Providers of Mobile Telephony Services: Facilities-based providers of mobile telephony services must complete and file the applicable portions of this form for each state in which they serve one or more mobile telephony subscribers. A mobile telephony service is a real-time, two-way switched voice service that is interconnected with the public switched network using an in-network switching facility that enables the provider to reuse frequencies and accomplish seamless handoff of subscriber calls. A mobile telephony service provider is considered “facilities-based” if it serves a subscriber using spectrum for which the entity holds a license that it manages, or for which it has obtained the right to use via lease or other arrangement with a Band Manager.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Ben Dickens, Gerry Duffy, and Mary Sisak.

MARCH 31: INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT CAPACITY REPORT. No later than March 31, all U.S. international carriers that owned or leased bare capacity on a submarine cable between the United States and any foreign point on December 31, 2016 and any person or entity that held a submarine cable landing license on December 31, 2016 must file a Circuit Capacity Report to provide information about the submarine cable capacity it holds. Additionally, cable landing licensees must file information on the Circuit Capacity Report about the amount of available and planned capacity on the submarine cable for which they have a license. Any U.S. International Carrier that owned or leased bare capacity on a terrestrial or satellite facility as of December 31, 2016 must file a Circuit Capacity Report showing its active common carrier circuits for the provision of service to an end-user or resale carrier, including active circuits used by itself or its affiliates. Any satellite licensee that is not a U.S. International Carrier and that owns circuits between the United States and any foreign point as of December 31, 2016 of the reporting period must file a Circuit Capacity Report showing its active circuits sold or leased to any customer, including itself or its affiliates, other than a carrier authorized by the FCC to provide U.S. international common carrier services.

BloostonLaw Contacts: Gerry Duffy.

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 the 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: Hal Mordkofsky, Ben Dickens, and Gerry Duffy.

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: Gerry Duffy, Mary Sisak, Sal Taillefer.

Calendar At-A-Glance

March
Mar. 10 – Comments are due on TCPA “Prior Express Consent” Declaratory Ruling.
Mar. 13 – Comments are due on TCPA Revocation of Consent Petition.
Mar. 15 – Reply comments are due on Eighth Annual Report to Congress on State Collection and Distribution of 911 and Enhanced 911 Fees and Charges
Mar. 20 – Reply comments are due on Dormant Proceeding Termination Public Notice.
Mar. 24 – FCC Form 477 (Local Competition & Broadband Reporting) is due.
Mar. 27 – Reply comments are due on TCPA “Prior Express Consent” Declaratory Ruling.
Mar. 28 – Reply comments are due on TCPA Revocation of Consent Petition.
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 – International Circuit Capacity Report is due.

April
Apr. 1 – FCC Form 499-A (Annual Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet) is due.
Apr. 1 – Annual Accessibility Certification is due.

May
May 1 – FCC Form 499-Q (Quarterly Telecommunications Reporting Worksheet) is due.
May 4 – Comments on Regulatory Flexibility Act Rule Review and Elimination Proceeding are due.
May 31 – FCC Form 395 (Annual Employment Report) is due.

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.

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.

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“If you would know the road ahead, ask someone who has traveled it.”
— Chinese Proverb

Wireless Network Planners
Wireless Specialists

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

Almost
“Is Paging Going Away?” by Jim Nelson Click here for English. Click here for German. (Berlin Revision: November 8, 2016) Click here for French. Volunteers needed for translations into other languages.

The Blues

“When all the original blues guys are gone, you start to realize that someone has to tend to the tradition. I recognize that I have some responsibility to keep the music alive, and it's a pretty honorable position to be in.”

—Eric Clapton

Weary Blues — California Feetwarmers
Playing For Change
Live Outside

Published on Feb 9, 2017 We are proud to release an all new video from our Live Outside series featuring the song, “Weary Blues,” performed live in Los Angeles by the California Feetwarmers. When life has you down, the music will always be here to lift you up!! Turn it up, pass it around, and together we change the world, one heart and one song at a time.