Simple Trunking Rules Adopted               

EWA is pleased that the Commission opted to keep technical details and requirements out of the rules, relying instead on consensus agreements supported by all certified frequency advisory committees.  EWA was also pleased that the FCC confirmed that exclusive use analyses must consider the potential for interference to and from propose and incumbent systems.  To do otherwise would corrupt the intent of the trunking rules and placed incumbent systems at a potential spectrum disadvantage.  MORE

Use Public Safety Spectrum - Please              

It's not personal, but if public safety spectrum is available for use by a public safety entity, even if it is discovered to be available after an application is on file at the FCC, it's best to use that spectrum in lieu of reaching across the aisle for Industrial/Business spectrum.  MORE 

Pending EWA Comments              

Later this week, EWA will be filing comments associated with the enforcement of rules associated with system construction requirements and discontinuance of service. These comments will be filed in a proceeding concerned with MC/LM's application to assign 216/218 MHz Automated Maritime Telecommunication Service (AMTS) licenses to Choctaw Holdings, LLC.  MORE 

Accessing Sprint Vacated Channels - Coordinators Back On Board              

After a few "letters of encouragement" were issued by the FCC to those frequency coordinators that were unable to resolve instances of mutual exclusivity resulting from higher demand than actual Sprint vacated spectrum could accommodate, the seven affected frequency advisory committees (including EWA) met recently and agreed to adhere to application submittal processes that had been adopted earlier in an MOU. Recent instances of application mutual exclusivity for Sprint 800 MHz channels actually resulted in the FCC dismissing such applications. 

Wheeler Nominated to Head FCC            

Asked at a recent industry function whether "Tom Wheeler will be good for our industry," EWA's Mark Crosby didn't hesitate with his endorsement, noting that "Mr. Wheeler is very familiar with the wireless industry and has a solid business background that will be beneficial."  MORE 

No Breaks for Public Safety Expired Licenses           

The FCC has dismissed requests from two public safety agencies that had requested the reinstatement of their expired licenses.  The City of Lewiston, Maine filed its request for reinstatement six months after their license had expired. The FCC denied the application, which will require the City of Lewiston to start all over again.  MORE 

Temple University Flunks "FCC Licensing 101"