FCC Wireless Bureau released separate orders Thurs. that require ...
FCC Wireless Bureau released separate orders Thurs. that require Nextel and AT&T Wireless, which have requested Enhanced 911 Phase 2 implementation waivers, to provide more information related to Phase 2 location technology testing. Nextel in Nov. had asked Commission…
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for waiver of implementation of E911 Phase 2 services in advance of Oct. 1 deadline for making certain location-based information was available to public safety answering points. Nextel had sought waiver of implementation deadline to deploy its handset-based assisted GPS technology. Carrier has told FCC that field trials had shown that technology was only accurate E911 Phase 2 technology available to it. FCC order said Nextel didn’t describe field trials it had carried out, including results. Order sets out questions it wants answered as part of agency’s “ongoing evaluation” of readiness of E911 technologies. Information FCC is seeking includes: (1) List of all tests and studies of E911 Phase 2 location technologies Nextel conducted, including field testing, lab trials, feasibility studies to ascertain whether certain technologies complied with FCC requirements. (2) Results of tests and studies, including accuracy and reliability levels demonstrated in each test. (3) Current and expected availability of each location technology solution tested. (4) Publicly announced plans by Nextel to change air interface standards to CDMA from existing iDEN standard and how those changes would affect E911 Phase 2 deployment. Bureau said it would make that information available to public. Wireless Bureau is seeking similar information from AT&T Wireless, which also has waiver request pending. In separate order on AT&T, bureau also denied carrier’s request that certain information on tests and field evaluations be kept confidential. Bureau said AT&T didn’t meet procedural requirements for confidentiality and didn’t demonstrate by “preponderance of the evidence that the materials in question were entitled to confidential treatment.” Information sought from AT&T Wireless included data supporting its selection of mobile-assisted network location system technology for Phase 2 for its TDMA network. Other details carrier is ordered to provide include: (1) Information on what Phase 2 location technology solution AT&T plans to use for analog wireless phones and test results. (2) “Further information” on planned rollout of GSM network, including timeline, planned discontinuance of service on TDMA network, how GSM network would comply with Phase 2.