Thirty-four nations at the World Radiocommunication Conference support maintaining the current UHF spectrum allocation for broadcast TV, said the North American Broadcasters Association in a news release Wednesday. “A large and diverse group of countries continue to recognize the importance of broadcasting as an instrument of freedom of expression and the most effective and efficient means of using spectrum to deliver educational and emergency information to an entire population,” said NABA. “Despite some pre-emptive efforts from the wireless industry to spin the facts, only a handful of countries actually support reallocation.” The WRC is ongoing in Geneva, with FCC and other officials (see 1511030062).
Thirty-four nations at the World Radiocommunication Conference support maintaining the current UHF spectrum allocation for broadcast TV, said the North American Broadcasters Association in a news release Wednesday. “A large and diverse group of countries continue to recognize the importance of broadcasting as an instrument of freedom of expression and the most effective and efficient means of using spectrum to deliver educational and emergency information to an entire population,” said NABA. “Despite some pre-emptive efforts from the wireless industry to spin the facts, only a handful of countries actually support reallocation.” The WRC is ongoing in Geneva, with FCC and other officials (see 1511030062).
Comcast promotes Lynn Charytan to executive vice president-general counsel, Comcast Cable ... National Governors Association hires Scott Pattison, National Association of State Budget Officers, as executive director-CEO, effective Dec. 1 ... Financial Services Roundtable hires Murray Kenyon, ex-NSA, as senior vice president, and Heather Hogsett, ex-National Governors Association, as vice president-technology and risk strategy, both to Bits team, expanding group's work on cybersecurity, technology and other issues ... Neal Cohen, ex-Orbital ATK, and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority agreed he won't be considered anymore to be general manager, WMATA said ... FirstNet hires as regional tribal government liaisons Margaret Muhr, ex-Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians emergency official, and Adam Geisler, La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians.
CTIA released a request for proposal seeking a vendor for its 911 National Emergency Address Database platform. The NEAD platform responds to a January FCC order updating wireless location accuracy rules (see 1501290066). NEAD will put together a national database of access points, including Wi-Fi hot spots, and beacon location information that will enable wireless operators to deliver a “dispatchable” location that will help 911 call centers respond to emergencies, CTIA said in a Friday news release. CTIA also picked the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions as NEAD project manager. “Through the NEAD platform and by using technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, first responders will see improved indoor location to help save lives,” said NEAD Vice President Thomas Sawanobori, who's also CTIA chief technology officer. “Our partnerships with ATIS and platform providers, along with member companies and public safety stakeholders, will enable dispatchable location in accordance with the FCC’s aggressive timelines.”
CTIA released a request for proposal seeking a vendor for its 911 National Emergency Address Database platform. The NEAD platform responds to a January FCC order updating wireless location accuracy rules (see 1501290066). NEAD will put together a national database of access points, including Wi-Fi hot spots, and beacon location information that will enable wireless operators to deliver a “dispatchable” location that will help 911 call centers respond to emergencies, CTIA said in a Friday news release. CTIA also picked the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions as NEAD project manager. “Through the NEAD platform and by using technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, first responders will see improved indoor location to help save lives,” said NEAD Vice President Thomas Sawanobori, who's also CTIA chief technology officer. “Our partnerships with ATIS and platform providers, along with member companies and public safety stakeholders, will enable dispatchable location in accordance with the FCC’s aggressive timelines.”
The FCC plans at its Nov. 19 meeting to take up an NPRM on expanding wireless emergency alerts, said a notice Thursday from the agency. The FCC will also take up a report and order and NPRM aimed at updating its cellphone hearing aid compatibility (HAC) rules. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler called attention to both in a blog post, noting that November marks his second anniversary as chairman.
The FCC plans at its Nov. 19 meeting to take up an NPRM on expanding wireless emergency alerts, said a notice Thursday from the agency. The FCC will also take up a report and order and NPRM aimed at updating its cellphone hearing aid compatibility (HAC) rules. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler called attention to both in a blog post, noting that November marks his second anniversary as chairman.
The FCC plans at its Nov. 19 meeting to take up an NPRM on expanding wireless emergency alerts, said a notice Thursday from the agency. The FCC will also take up a report and order and NPRM aimed at updating its cellphone hearing aid compatibility (HAC) rules. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler called attention to both in a blog post, noting that November marks his second anniversary as chairman.
One of two telecom-related resolutions on the agenda for the NARUC meeting Nov. 8-11 in Austin is expected to be controversial, but both should generate discussion, said a number of state commissioners. The first resolution is to preserve competition on government-subsidized networks. Nebraska Public Service Commissioners Crystal Rhoades and Tim Schram are the sponsors. The second resolution is for NARUC to endorse the FCC Task Force on Optimal Public Safety Answering Point Architecture Working Group 3’s recently released report. Washington Utilities and Transportation Commissioner Philip Jones, who chaired the working group, helped write the report and sponsored the resolution.
One of two telecom-related resolutions on the agenda for the NARUC meeting Nov. 8-11 in Austin is expected to be controversial, but both should generate discussion, said a number of state commissioners. The first resolution is to preserve competition on government-subsidized networks. Nebraska Public Service Commissioners Crystal Rhoades and Tim Schram are the sponsors. The second resolution is for NARUC to endorse the FCC Task Force on Optimal Public Safety Answering Point Architecture Working Group 3’s recently released report. Washington Utilities and Transportation Commissioner Philip Jones, who chaired the working group, helped write the report and sponsored the resolution.