Squawk Box

FCC limbo may be a blessing in disguise

Donald Jackson — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:02:17 +0000

Yesterday’s announcement that the nomination hearing for Julius Genachowski—President Barack Obama’s choice to be the new permanent chairman of the FCC—has been postponed means we’ll be waiting until at least June before the leadership for the communications agency is determined and meaningful decisions can be made.

For those who haven’t been keeping score on the 8th floor, here’s a quick update:

On the Republican side, Kevin Martin and Deborah Taylor Tate are gone, and Robert McDowell’s term is set to expire soon (although he can stick around for another year if no one takes his place). On the Democratic side, Interim Chairman Michael Copps will stay on the commission, but Jonathan Adelstein will become the administrator for the Rural Utilities Services. Genachowski would complete Adelstein’s term, and Obama recently announced plans to nominate Mignon Clyburn—a South Carolina state regulator and daughter of House majority whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.)—as an FCC commissioner.

Reportedly, Genachowski’s nomination hearing was postponed until after the Memorial Day recess, because Republicans want to have nominees from their party considered at the same time. To date, no Republican nominee has been named.

During this time, the FCC essentially has postponed all decisions not involving the digital-television transition. While this was largely expected to occur through the first quarter with a new administration, the idea that this state of limbo likely will continue through the mid-year seems ludicrous to many.

But is it a bad thing for the first-responder community? Not necessarily, according to some Beltway sources. Certainly there are some issues that need to be addressed, but many have noted that the lack of a fully constituted FCC has given public safety a chance to catch its collective breath and try to reach consensus internally on several matters, including the future of public safety’s broadband spectrum in the 700 MHz band.

Hopefully, future reflections on this period will reveal that it was time well spent.

Don’t miss today’s webinar

Glenn Bischoff — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:32:20 +0000

At 2 p.m. EST/11 a.m. PST today (April 28), I wil be moderating a webinar on the topic of mobile broadband data for first responders. I will be joined by Steve Jennings, chief information officer for Harris County (Texas) and Jon Fullinwider, chief information officer (retired) for Los Angeles County. The webinar, which is sponsored by Motorola, will examine the evolution of data networks used in the public-safety sector, and provide insight as to the future evolution and the opportunities it will bring. I hope you’ll be able to particpate. To do so, click here.

Art imitating life

Glenn Bischoff — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:32:59 +0000

My favorite television program is NCIS, an acronym that stands for naval criminal investigation service. Two of the investigators are techno geeks who possess impressive degrees from even more impressive institutions. Their combination of intellect and quick wit makes them a cross between Albert Einstein and Jason Bourne.

They do have one habit that’s quite annoying, at least from the perspective of their boss, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs: they have a tendency to speak in techno geek, and the typically stern Gibbs — no dummy himself — constantly reminds them to relay their discoveries to him in terms the erstwhile navy gunnery sergeant can grasp.

Yesterday, Juliette Kayyem, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intergovernmental Programs, offered similar advice to the roughly 400 attendees of the National Conference on Emergency Communications in Chicago, which is being presented by the DHS Office of Emergency Communications. Kayyem reminded attendees that while they might not see themselves as politicians, they need the support and authorization of policymakers for the communications projects they are contemplating. She advised, “Talk to them in English.”

It’s advice that would bring a smile to the face of Agent Gibbs.

Buzzing along

Glenn Bischoff — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:24:07 +0000

You can always tell a good party by the buzz. I don’t mean the kind that one gets when too many adult beverages have been quaffed. Rather, I’m writing of the buzz one feels when one walks into a room.

At one point in my career I worked in the convention and trade-show sector. The mantra was, if you want to put on a great party for a thousand people, put it into a room that holds 500. Instant buzz.

Yesterday, I stopped by the National Emergency Communications Conference, which the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Communications conveniently placed in Chicago, where I work. Roughly 400 public-safety communications officials were gathered, some from as far away as Guam. After introductory remarks by OEC Director Chris Essid, the group — which was scattered among numerous large, round banquet tables — was asked to talk among themselves and trade ideas.

This is where the rubber meets the road at any event. It’s how you can tell whether people want to be at the event, or have to be there. If it’s the former, they go through the motions. If it’s the latter, they engage. Yesterday they engaged.

The buzz in the room was noticeable — it sounded as if dozens of cell phones set on vibrate mode all went off at the same time. One of Essid’s stated goals for the OEC’s National Emergency Communications Plan is to break down the silos that have retarded progress toward interoperable communications. By that measure, yesterday was a good day.

IWCE: In-building coverage welcomes new tech

Mary Rose Roberts — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:57:14 +0000

In-building-coverage technologies will be addressed during “In-building wireless best practices,” at IWCE on March 18. Among other topics, the session is expected to discuss systems emerging technologies used to improve in-building coverage.

The session is expected to address RF distribution practices, with special focus on fiber optic technology and applications. In addition, panelists will discuss the advanced Distributed Antenna System (DAS) technologies and practices, including how a shared DAS can provide ubiquitous wireless coverage for all wireless service providers—independent of the wireless protocols—using a single, fiber-based wireless network.

Our magazine continues to cover in-building wireless coverage topics, and I’m interested to learn about the newest DAS system. I believe enterprises and first-responders alike can benefit from the technology. At the session, Kang Yueh, DAS chief engineer for Crown Castle International, and George Lamb, operations and support vice president for Nextivity, will discuss cellular DAS systems primarily and new products for that market, said Jack Daniel, the session’s third panelist and president of The Jack Daniel Co. He said that, while some of their discussions may include reference to public safety, it will be minimal. Instead, the session will introduce most of the audience to system definitions and products they don’t normally deal with that is focused on private radio services, such as public safety and utilities.

Daniel said he intends to drive the discussion of the legality of installing cellular BDAs, how these products and system relate to public safety, how fiber use is the new technology and where it applies, and the potential of new business for the audience in cellular system design and installation. He also will discuss new national DAS codes for public safety.

“I suspect most will have never heard of the DAS manufacturers, as they use TX RX Systems type brand BDAs. This is logical, as they often need UHF, VHF, 700 bands in addition to 800 MHz, and the market is too small and unique for DAS manufacturers to give more than lip service to,” Daniel said. “I think it’s a great presentation and will be new material for the audience.”

Why IWCE?

Donald Jackson — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:02:53 +0000

It’s hard to believe that the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) will begin in three weeks for those of us who are attending the College of Technology sessions early in the week. Even more difficult to believe is that this will be my sixth IWCE to attend.

What amazes about IWCE is the variety of people who attend: public-safety personnel, information-technology professionals, utility-company representatives, radio-shop dealers and, of course, the myriad vendors that offer products and services to the various sectors. Everyone has a story, and they come from very different perspectives—some public-safety communicators and large vendors feel constrained by giant government bureaucracies, while many small dealers and vendors embrace their entrepreneurial existence but acknowledge that it can be lonely at times.

But regardless of the perspective, everyone at the show is trying to deliver the best possible communications to folks on the “front lines”—be it public safety, utilities, transportation or government—via a solution that provides the optimal fit for the end-user entity from a technical, operational and financial basis.

And, unlike many trade shows, an unusually high percentage of decision makers attend IWCE, which means the conversation and debate on communications topics will be especially relevant and informative, whether it’s in educational sessions or on the show floor. Sure, attendees like to fit in some fun when they can—and there’s no better place for that than Las Vegas—but most are looking for knowledge and relationships that can give them an edge as they try to deliver better communications solutions. During this tough economy, I bet attendees will be even more focused on this purpose.

In a time of tight budgets and even tighter staffing levels, it might be difficult for many to find the time and money to make the trip to IWCE, but doing so will prove to be money well spent. After all, these are times when everyone is trying to get more done with fewer resources, and being at IWCE can help arm decision-makers with the resources, knowledge and contacts necessary to achieve this challenging mission.

Copps talks about better communication, future, D Block

Donald Jackson — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:02:26 +0000

Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps yesterday conducted his first press briefing, during which he noted the need to “open the lines of communication” within the agency. Copps said he plans to make sure that all commissioners—not just the chairman’s office—have a better understanding about the projects and issues the FCC is pursuing. In addition, Copps said he is encouraging greater communication between FCC bureaus.

Exactly how long Copps will serve as acting chairman remains a mystery. At some point, President Barack Obama is expected to appoint longtime friend Julius Genachowski as his permanent choice to head the FCC. When asked if he had been given any indication how long his tenure as chairman might last, Copps said, “No, I have not.”

While the FCC currently is focused on the DTV transition, Copps said there are “other pressing issues that can’t be ignored forever,” specifically noting the need to resolve the 700 MHz D Block situation on behalf of public safety.

Is GPS better for golf than 911?

Donald Jackson — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:00:52 +0000

While flipping through the Golf Channel, I constantly see infomercials regarding the latest and greatest in GPS rangefinders. Through the miracle of satellite GPS technology, the infomercial tells me that these handheld devices—usually costing between $200 and $500—would be able to tell me how far my ball is from the front of the green, from the pin and from the back of the green. Some gizmos even say how far I am from a hazard such as water or a bunker.

As someone who plays golf once or twice per year, this information would not be especially valuable to me—it’s rare that I can duplicate my swing enough to hit the ball a consistent length with any club. However, for good golfers, this tool would be extremely useful in making proper club selection

What bothers me about these infomercials is that they claim these devices can pinpoint the yardage between the golfer and the pin. As someone who has listened to multiple representatives of the commercial wireless industry state that the best that today’s 911-location technologies can do is estimate location within a 150-meter radius 95% of the time, the idea that these handhelds give precise yardage counts all the time boggles my mind, especially if the golf device is using the same GPS technology that is included in almost every cell phone today.

I don’t know the technical details of these golf devices, so maybe the claims are overblown or there are other technologies used to augment the basic GPS location to establish greater accuracy. Certainly GPS works better in open areas like golf courses, where there tend to be few buildings to obstruct the connection to the satellite. But I can’t help but wonder: If the emergency-response market was as lucrative as the retail golf market, would first-responder agencies know the location of a wireless 911 caller within a yard?

I know the economics may say otherwise, but it seems like we should be able to do better with 911 location.

Meanwhile, this darkly ironic scenario keeps gnawing at me: A solo golfer has a heart attack while on the course. He dials 911 but his condition prevents him from speaking. Emergency response is dispatched, but wireless E-911 accuracy is so limited that it’s tough to figure out which hole the golfer’s playing, much less the exact location where he collapsed. After losing valuable time, the medics finally find the golfer, too late. Next to the body is a cell phone, a golf club and his golf bag—with a GPS rangefinder trumpeting the exact location of the golfer, down to the yard.

Hopefully, this never happens, but it would seem dark like a dark perversion of location-based-service priorities. If I’m the heart-attack victim in this situation, I’d rather have the better location technology in my phone, so the medics could find me quicker—even if I had selected the wrong club for the next shot.

DTV delay still an issue for public safety

Donald Jackson — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:53:38 +0000

Yesterday, media outlets throughout the country trumpeted stories that the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday “killed” legislation calling for a four-month delay in the transition to digital television (DTV), which is currently set to occur on Feb. 17—an event that will free valuable 700 MHz spectrum for use by public-safety users and commercial operators.

While the House did not pass the bill, it is far from dead, according to Beltway sources. The House simply failed to secure the two-thirds majority needed for quick passage. Instead, the bill likely is expected to be considered again next under normal rules that require only a simple majority for passage. Since a majority of the House voted for the first bill, passage under the normal rules is expected.

For public safety, the ideal outcome would be that the Feb. 17 transition date remain in place, allowing public-safety agencies to use the spectrum as soon as possible. But it’s clear that a legislation to implement a delay will pass, making the wording of such a law critical, because that can determine the actual impact of the legislation on first-responder networks.

Language in the current proposal provides television stations with the option to make the transition whenever they would want during the four-month period. Thus, stations wanting to save the expense of transmitting two signals—and many do, given the tough economy—may clear the spectrum on Feb. 17, as planned.

With these television stations clearing the spectrum, the public safety licensees would be allowed to use the frequencies immediately, right? Not so fast. The wording in the Senate bill passed last week indicated that public-safety users—even those with licenses already in hand—would have to wait for the FCC to approve their use of the spectrum, ensuring that no interference harm would occur to incumbent users (broadcasters) in the band.

This wording had public-safety officials concerned, as another round of FCC approvals could prevent agencies from using their licensed spectrum as quickly as they would like, even if the local TV broadcasters have vacated the frequencies.

Leaders of three key public-safety organizations—the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, the International Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Fire Chiefs—have written letters to lawmakers asking that this language be changed to let first-responder agencies use the spectrum as soon as TV broadcasters clear it. Beltway sources indicate this language was changed in the revised Senate bill that was passed yesterday and is expected to be considered by the House next week.

For public safety’s sake, hopefully this revamped language will be part any final law that is passed.

McEwen should be left in the game

Glenn Bischoff — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:32:18 +0000

I’m really not a football fan. It is much too violent and barbaric a game for my tastes. I prefer baseball, a tough, yet civilized, contest. (If you don’t think baseball players are tough, you’ve never taken a fastball in the ribs or a foul tip to the collarbone.) So, I will continue my time-honored tradition this weekend of going to a movie on Super Bowl Sunday.

Nevertheless, I know enough about the gridiron and its combatants to know that a team’s fortunes typically depend on whether the quarterback plays well or the game plan is effective. Quite often, one is dependent on the other. I’ve been thinking about this since the FCC issued draft rules for the reauction of the commercial D Block spectrum in the 700 MHz band, which would be paired with public-safety spectrum to form the backbone for a high-speed network for first responders. These rules would require the formation of a new board for the Public Safety Spectrum Trust, the licensee that holds the public-safety airwaves in the band.

That means Harlin McEwen, the current PSST chairman would be out—which would be a mistake. (Disclaimer: McEwen is a member of the UC editorial council and occasionally writes for our print edition.) Certainly, he has his critics. Politics are a factor in this. So too, I believe, are McEwen’s intimidating presence and considerable fortitude and conviction. But from the press box, it appears that he has done a solid job with a game plan that was flawed from the beginning. For example, the PSST board is too large to be effective and the organization was unfunded, leaving it in the awkward position of having to take controversial loans from its advisor Cyren Call. (To be fair, it is exceedingly difficult to craft an effective game plan when no playbook exists, which is exactly the position the FCC found itself in when it approved the public/private partnership plan for this network.)

Say what you will about McEwen, but I have never met anyone whose loyalty towards and passion for public-safety communications exceeds his. Just as no coach would yank his starting quarterback in a big game after an interception—or even two—McEwen deserves to stay in this game until the final gun.