http://blog.urgentcomm.com/squawkbox From the editors of Urgent Communications Fri, 08 May 2009 18:02:17 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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 ... http://blog.urgentcomm.com/squawkbox/2009/05/08/fcc-limbo-may-be-a-blessing-in-disguise/ 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. ... http://blog.urgentcomm.com/squawkbox/2009/04/28/dont-miss-todays-webinar/ 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 ... http://blog.urgentcomm.com/squawkbox/2009/04/24/art-imitating-life/ 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 ... http://blog.urgentcomm.com/squawkbox/2009/04/23/buzzing-along/ 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. ... http://blog.urgentcomm.com/squawkbox/2009/03/09/iwce-in-building-coverage-welcomes-new-tech/ 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 ... http://blog.urgentcomm.com/squawkbox/2009/03/02/why-iwce/ 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 ... http://blog.urgentcomm.com/squawkbox/2009/02/12/copps-talks-about-better-communication-future-d-block/ 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 ... http://blog.urgentcomm.com/squawkbox/2009/02/06/is-gps-better-for-golf-than-911/ 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 ... http://blog.urgentcomm.com/squawkbox/2009/01/30/dtv-delay-still-an-issue-for-public-safety/ 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, ... http://blog.urgentcomm.com/squawkbox/2009/01/28/mcewen-should-be-left-in-the-game/