PTC-220 Reports Steady Progress in System Buildout, Though Some Issues Remain
PTC-220 continues to make progress on building out a positive train control system serving major freight railroads using 220 MHz spectrum, the group said in a report to the FCC. Since the last report in May (see 1305030039) “PTC-220’s member…
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railroads have continued to build new or prepare existing base station sites and install base station radios,” PTC-220 said. “Despite substantial progress on radio deployments, other delays related to some of the non-RF components required for the launch of a fully operational PTC service have made it unrealistic to expect nationwide PTC service by the end of the year,” the group said. “By year end, PTC-220 plans to file substantial service showings and/or requests for extension of the FCC’s current December 31, 2015 substantial service deadlines, as needed, for its 220 MHz licenses.” Among issues that remain is spectrum, the group said. PTC-220 has sufficient spectrum in most areas. “The most immediate concern” is the need for additional spectrum in the New York/Newark area, “where PTC-220 has received recent requests from commuter railroads for additional PTC spectrum,” the group said. “PTC-220 is acquiring additional spectrum through the secondary market in Philadelphia, New York/Newark and New Jersey to help address this spectrum shortfall and to provide additional spectrum for PTC-220.” PTC-220’s members are Class I freight railroads BNSF Railway, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Railway, CSX Transportation, Kansas City Southern Railway, Norfolk Southern Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. The report was posted in docket 08-256.