As part of its Learn Everything About Reverse-Auctions Now Program (LEARN), the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) held a workshop to discuss technical aspects of the 600 MHz band plan that will result from the broadcast television incentive auction. The FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the broadcast television incentive auction in October, 2012.
For more information about the broadcast television incentive auction, visit: http://www.fcc.gov/learn.
Accessibility Information. To request information in accessible formats (computer diskettes,
large print, audio recording, and Braille), send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the FCC’s consumer
and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY). This document can
also be downloaded in Word and Portable Document Format (PDF) at: http://www.fcc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Cecilia Sulhoff, WTB, at (202) 418-0587 or Cecilia.Sulhoff@fcc.gov.
Commission Meeting Room, FCC Headquarters, 445 12th Street SW, Washington D.C. 2055
Bill shock is the sudden and unexpected appearance of overage charges on wireless bills. Cramming is the practice of placing unauthorized, misleading or deceptive charges on telephone bills. The workshop educated consumers about how to protect themselves from both of these problems, and included a discussion of policies addressing these issues.
Panel discussions included experts from industry, consumer organizations, and the states. Topics included usage alerts, specific consumer experiences, differences between the wireline and wireless consumer experience, and potential regulatory fixes. The program concluded with a discussion on industry measures to help consumers, and included an opportunity for consumers to ask questions.
AGENDA
9:00 a.m.-9:05 a.m.—Welcoming Remarks
Kris Monteith, Acting Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
9:05 a.m.-9:15 a.m.—Define Bill Shock and How It Occurs
Michael Carowitz, Acting Deputy Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
9:15 a.m.-9-25 a.m.—Voluntary Industry Code
Michael Carowitz, Acting Deputy Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
Chris Guttman-McCabe, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, CTIA: The Wireless Association
9:25 a.m.-10:05 a.m.—Panel: Bill Shock—What Consumers Can Do To Protect Themselves, Industry Efforts
Moderator
Michael Carowitz, Acting Deputy Chief, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission
Panelists
Dave Charles, Director of Legal Affairs, T-Mobile
Kimberly N. Darrin, Director, Public Policy, AT&T Services, Inc.
Delara Derakhshani, Policy Counsel, Consumers Union
On January 18, 2013, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski issued the Gigabit City Challenge, challenging broadband Internet providers and local and state governments to bring at least one gigabit-speed Internet community to all 50 states by 2015. Communities and providers across the nation are deploying gigabit broadband networks and leveraging these new capabilities to drive innovation, grow their economy, and benefit schools, health care systems, and anchor institutions.
To help communities achieve this goal, Chairman Genachowski announced that the Commission would host workshops designed to analyze successful gigabit network deployments, and to provide information on how industry, local, and state leaders can meet the goals of the Gigabit City Challenge.
On March 27, 2013, the Wireline Competition Bureau hosted the first of these workshops. The goal of this workshop was to explore how current gigabit communities deployed their networks, the economic and social benefits that accrue to gigabit communities, ways communities can aggregate demand in order to make a gigabit network deployment more economically appealing, and how communities can leverage their assets to incent an ultra-fast network. The workshop was free and open to the public and was held in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters, located at 445 12th Street, SW, Room TW-C305, Washington, DC 20554.
Room TW-C305, 445 12th Street S.W., Washington, DC
On December 10, 2012, Chairman Julius Genachowski announced the formation of an agencywide Technology Transitions Policy Task Force to "provide recommendations to modernize the Commission's policies." The Chairman instructed the Task Force to provide recommendations to "empower and protect consumers, promote competition, and ensure network resiliency and reliability." As part of the data-driven and transparent review that the Chairman has required, the Task Force announces today the first in a series of workshops. The first workshop will gather data and analysis to establish a factual baseline understanding of these transitions.
The first workshop was held on Monday, March 18, 2013, in the Commission Meeting Room (TW-C305), 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20554. This workshop solicited data and analysis on three critical ongoing transitions: the evolution in network protocols, including from TDM to IP; the replacement of copper networks with fiber; and the shift from wireline services toward greater use of wireless services. The workshop analyzed the American landscape in a granular way by gathering data on disparities between rural and urban areas and business and residential services. The workshop also focused on the experiences of different demographic groups, including different generations, as well as challenges faced by people with disabilities. Panelists also described underlying network technologies and identified the advantages and limitations that various technologies present in different contexts. Finally, the workshop sought input on the factors driving the market's transition to new technologies.
For further information, contact Rebekah Goodheart at 202-418-1438, or via e-mail at rebekah.goodheart@fcc.gov.
The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology hosted a workshop on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, in the Commission Meeting Room at the FCC Headquarters Building in Washington, DC. In December 2012, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would make 100 MHz of spectrum available for shared small cell use in the 3550-3650 MHz band (3.5 GHz Band). The workshop explored the concepts and proposals raised in the NPRM.
The goal of the workshop was to bring together top innovators and thinkers in the small cell,
database management, and spectrum sharing fields to discuss technological developments. The workshop
explored small technology in the context of the 3.5 GHz Band as well as database and dynamic
spectrum sharing technologies that could be utilized to manage access to the Band.
To request information in accessible formats (computer diskettes, large print, audio recording, and Braille), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY). This document can also be downloaded in Word and Portable Document Format (PDF) at: http://www.fcc.gov.
For additional information about the workshop contact: Paul Powell at (202) 418-1613 or by e-mail: paul.powell@fcc.gov.
Presentations
Panel #1: Small Cell Technology, Network Design, and the 3.5 GHz Band
This Network Resiliency workshop featured presentations from engineering faculty, industry researchers and network engineers addressing topics relevant to the Commission’s ongoing examination of network resiliency in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other major storms.
FCC Commission Meeting Room (TW-C305), 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554
Due to inclement weather, the Senior Digital Literacy Day scheduled for October 30 has been canceled. We hope to reschedule this event for a later date. Please check fcc.gov for updates.
Seniors, and those who work with or care for them, are invited to attend and learn about how high speed Internet service can benefit older Americans. Speakers will emphasize the safe and secure on-line practices. There will be interactive demonstrations of mobile phones, tablets, iPads, desktops and e-readers, as well as user-friendly computer programs that can benefit seniors. Representatives from the FCC, communications companies, and non-profit organizations will make presentations and answer questions.
The event is open to the public; however, admittance is limited to 140 attendees. Pre-registration is highly recommended. To pre-register for the event, please contact Susan Fisenne at Susan.Fisenne@fcc.gov or by phone at 202-418-2502.
Location: FCC Commission Meeting Room (TW-C305), 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.
The closest Metro stops are the Smithsonian and the L'Enfant Plaza stops. There is also a public parking garage adjacent to the main entrance of the FCC on 12th Street. Attendees should arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time to go through security. Government-issued identification is required to go through security and be admitted to the building.
Audio/video coverage of the seminar will be broadcast live with open captioning over the Internet on the FCC's web page at www.fcc.gov/live. The webcast is free and does not require pre-registration.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please include a description of the accommodation you will need. Individuals making such requests must include their contact information for FCC staff members who may need to contact them for more information. Requests should be made as early as possible. Please send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau: 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (TTY).
For more event information, contact Anthony Butler at Anthony.Butler@fcc.gov or 202-418-2372.
As part of its Learning Everything About Reverse-Auctions Now Program (LEARN), the Commission announced details for its October 26, 2012 workshop on the FCC’s recently released incentive auction NPRM. The workshop provided information about issues raised in the NPRM that are particularly relevant to broadcasters considering participating in the auction, including proposed auction designs, the mechanics of participation, and station eligibility. It also focused on issues of interest to broadcasters that may choose not to participate, including proposed band plans and possible approaches to repacking. This workshop was part of the FCC’s commitment to an open and transparent process to ensure that the proposals in the NPRM are understood by all relevant stakeholders, so that they can engage effectively in the public comment process and make informed decisions about participating in the auction.
The FCC’s Public Safety Homeland Security Bureau will host a workshop that will focus on the upcoming CSRIC test bed and issues related to improving indoor location accuracy.
Consumers are increasingly relying exclusively on mobile wireless communications, and many wireless calls are now made indoors. Nevertheless, during an emergency, wireless carriers are oftentimes unable to provide a 911 call center with precise location information when the 911 call is placed indoors.
Recognizing this critical public safety concern, the FCC tasked the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) with evaluating the performance and viability of location technologies in their ability to support indoor environments for E911 services. To meet this objective, various members of the CSRIC will conduct testing to evaluate location technologies for improving indoor E911 services.
445 12th St., SW., Commission Meeting Room, Washington, DC 20554
The FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau will host an educational workshop on the Section 106 process required for the construction of all new communications towers and for the collocation of communications gear on other structures. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Eastern in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC. The FCC will not webcast the workshop at this time.
The workshop will provide guidance to its licensees and their consultants, and for those who construct communications facilities for FCC licensees, on the Section 106 process required by the National Historic Preservation Act and by the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for Review of Effects on Historic Properties for Certain Undertakings Approved by the Federal Communications Commission. Among the topics to be discussed are improvements to the submittal of documentation to the FCC, State Historic Preservation Offices, and to Indian Tribes. A particular focus will be the effects of communications projects on historic and Tribal landscapes and on Tribal religious and cultural properties. Presentations will be made by FCC staff and staff from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, National Park Service, and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Offices.
This workshop is open to the public. All attendees are advised to arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of the workshop to allow time to go through our security process. Attendees are required to pre-register by submitting their name and company affiliation sending an email to Jim Swartz (james.swartz@fcc.gov) in order to expedite the check-in process.
To request information in accessible formats (computer diskettes, large print, audio recording, and Braille), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY). This document can also be downloaded in Word and Portable Document Format (PDF) at: http://www.fcc.gov.
For additional Information contact: Steve DelSordo at (202) 418-1986 or by e-mail: stephen.delsordo@fcc.gov.
Commission’s fourth floor South Conference Room (4B-516)
On November 18, 2011, the Commission released the USF/ICC Transformation Order, which comprehensively reforms and modernizes the universal service and intercarrier compensation systems. In the Order, the Commission adopted a framework for providing ongoing support to areas served by price cap carriers, including areas where broadband service is not currently provided, known as Connect America Phase II. Specifically, the Commission will provide ongoing support to these areas through "a combination of a forward-looking cost model and competitive bidding."
The Wireline Competition Bureau held a Connect America Phase II Cost Model Workshop that discussed the design and mechanics of one model that estimates the cost of providing service to the entire nation, submitted into the record by the ABC Coalition.
On November 18, 2011, the Commission released the USF/ICC Transformation Order, which comprehensively reforms and modernizes the universal service and intercarrier compensation systems. In the Order, the Commission adopted a framework for providing ongoing support to areas served by price cap carriers, including areas where broadband service is not currently provided, known as Connect America Phase II. Specifically, the Commission will provide ongoing support to these areas through "a combination of a forward-looking cost model and competitive bidding."
The Wireline Competition Bureau held a Connect America Phase II Cost Model Workshop that discussed the design and mechanics of one model that estimates the cost of providing service to the entire nation, submitted into the record by the ABC Coalition.
September 06, 2012 8:30am - September 07, 2012 5:30pm
FCC Commission Meeting Room and Training Rooms | TW-C305, 445 12th Street S.W., Washington, DC
Day 1 - September 6, 2012
Day 2 - September 7, 2012
On September 6th and 7th, 2012 the FCC's Accessibility and Innovation Initiative (A&I) held the "Developing with Accessibility," event at the FCC’s headquarters. The event was designed to spur increased collaboration on accessibility solutions among developers from industry, consumer, and government sectors. The event encouraged the use of accessibility APIs (application programming interfaces), as well as publicly available data sets, in order to build accessible apps for mobile phones and websites. One of the key objectives was to promote the concept and practice of developing applications within accepted accessibility guidelines, thereby maximizing their usability for everyone, including people with disabilities.
The event offered training on development topics, in-person collaboration on programming projects, and professional networking among developers. The event was collaborative in electronic spaces before, during, and after the event. Rather than limit this to accomplishments that can be achieved during a single, in-person event, this Developer event was not intended to be an end in itself, but will instead serve as an organizing opportunity to create mechanisms for ongoing collaboration among developers who are interested in building accessible technology solutions.
It was also a goal of the A&I to make smart use of new media tools to create electronic spaces for such collaboration. We encourage others to also activate online collaboration spaces associated with this effort. To this end, we suggest use of hashtag, #DevAcc as a tag that facilitates searching and coordination of the upcoming events on the web, Facebook, Twitter, & other new media outlets.
On August 1, 2012, the FCC will conduct public online “screensharing” demonstrations of the database it has developed to host the online public inspection file for television broadcast stations. The FCC will demonstrate the interface to be used by television stations to file documents required to be placed in the online database. The screensharing demonstration will be available online only and will provide high resolution views of the application screens and cover the material presented during the July 17, 2012 demonstration.
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EDT
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To join the online event
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1. Go to https://fccevents.webex.com/fccevents/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=995570017
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: fcc123
4. Click "Join Now".
The database has been developed in connection with the FCC’s recent Order requiring television broadcast stations to post their public inspection files online in a central, Commission-hosted database. These rules go into effect August 2, 2012. The screensharing demonstration is part of the commitment made by the Commission to test the online public file and educate the public regarding its use. The demonstration will inform broadcasters and others of the design and content of the online file, how stations will upload information to the file, how file sharing tools like Dropbox and Box can be used for uploading, and other ways in which the FCC is working to facilitate access to its public databases.
Persons interested in participating may do so by visiting www.fcc.gov/events/demonstrations-online-public-inspection-file-interface, prior to the Monday or Tuesday session, and clicking the link for the appropriate session online and teleconference information. The online demonstration will provide access to an Internet site for viewing; the audio portion of the demonstration will be conducted by teleconference. Parties must join the call before the scheduled start time. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice) or (202) 418-0432 (TTY).
To the extent any participant submits information during the demonstration on which the participant intends the Commission to rely in the online public file proceeding, such information should be filed in the rulemaking docket in ECFS, as required under 47 C.F.R. § 1.1206.
For additional information, contact John Norton, john.norton@fcc.gov, (202) 418-7037, or Kim Matthews, kim.matthews@fcc.gov, (202) 418-2154, of the Media Bureau, Policy Division, or Greg Elin, greg.elin@fcc.gov, (202) 418-2210, of the Office of the Managing Director. For press inquiries, contact Tom Horan, thomas.horan@fcc.gov, (202) 418-2486.
Commission Meeting Room, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC
Preview Application
Broadcasters may preview the application at https://stationaccess.fcc.gov Follow the login instructions on the sign in page.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 Demo
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EDT
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To join the online event
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1. Go to https://fccevents.webex.com/fccevents/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=995570017
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: fcc123
4. Click "Join Now".
On July 17, 2012, the FCC conducted a public demonstration of the database it has developed to host the online public inspection file for television broadcast stations. The FCC demonstrated the interface to be used by stations to file documents required to be placed in the online database.
The database has been developed in connection with the FCC’s recent Order requiring television broadcast stations to post their public inspection files online in a central, Commission-hosted database. These rules go into effect August 2, 2012. The demonstration is part of the commitment made by the Commission to test the online public file and educate the public regarding its use. The demonstration informed broadcasters and others of the design and content of the online file, how stations will upload information to the file, how file sharing tools like Dropbox and Box can be used for uploading, and other ways in which the FCC is working to facilitate access to its public databases.
To the extent any participant submited information during the demonstration on which the participant intends the Commission to rely in the online public file proceeding, such information should be filed in the rulemaking docket in ECFS, as required under 47 C.F.R. § 1.1206.
For additional information, contact John Norton, john.norton@fcc.gov, (202) 418-7037, or Kim Matthews, kim.matthews@fcc.gov, (202) 418-2154, of the Media Bureau, Policy Division, or Greg Elin, greg.elin@fcc.gov, (202) 418-2210, of the Office of the Managing Director. For press inquiries, contact Janice Wise, janice.wise@fcc.gov, 202 418-8165.
Screenshot - New TV Station Profile Page (public view)
Screenshot - List of Public Files that Stations Upload (public view)
Screenshot - Top Level Political File Folders (public view)
Screenshot - Auto-included EEO Filings from CDBS Database (broadcaster view)
Screenshot - Drag and Drop Filing in the Browser (broadcaster view)
Commission Meeting Room, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington
The FCC's Technological Advisory Council held a forum on future of wireless band plans on Monday, July 16, 2012. This forum served to launch a continuing dialogue between the Commission and key industry stakeholders and explored the technological issues affecting band plan design. The forum included discussions on the impact of developments in filter technology on band planning, LTE trends and their implications for future band plans, and network operator perspectives on band plan design.
Commission Meeting Room, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC
The FCC's Office of Communications Business Opportunities ("OCBO") hosted this Supplier Diversity Conference and Workshop focused on government and private sector business opportunities for small, minority and women-owned businesses.
OCBO invited representatives from private industry, specifically telecommunications and technology firms from across the country, and several government agencies to discuss their organizations' contracting procedures and provide insight on how small businesses should navigate the procurement process generally.
For future questions and updates on this event please contact OCBO at (202) 418- 0990, or via email at Karen.Beverly@fcc.gov
445 12th St., SW, Commission Meeting Room, Washington, DC
On June 1, 2012, the Commission announced details for its June 25, 2012 repacking cost workshop. The focus of this workshop was the design of the Commission’s program to reimburse the costs that some broadcasters are likely to incur as a result of channel reassignments in connection with the repacking authorized by the 2012 Spectrum Act. The Act established a $1.75 billion TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund from which the Commission is to reimburse those costs when the broadcast spectrum is repacked following the FCC’s first incentive auction. Panelists discussed the categories of costs that they believe the FCC should consider when designing the program. They also discussed possible models and lessons learned from similar programs that paid the relocation expenses of spectrum incumbents that were assigned new frequencies.
445 12 th Street, SW, Room TW-C305, Washington, DC 20554
The FCC hosted this inaugural session of the M-Enabling Global Briefing Tour at FCC headquarters. The M-Enabling Global Briefing Tour is a project of the G3ict – the Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs. The tour will move to Beijing, Milan and then Moscow, and then return to Washington, D.C. June 5-6, 2013, for a full M-Enabling Summit. The full agenda is at: http://g3ict.org/events/schedule/event_agenda/p/eventId_310/id_agenda.
445 12th St., SW, Commission Meeting Room, Washington, DC
On May 1, 2012, the Commission announced details for its May 22, 2012 channel sharing workshop. The focus of the workshop was on how broadcasters are approaching the financial and strategic opportunities presented by channel sharing. Panelists discussed the practical business and operational challenges and potential solutions that broadcasters who are considering channel sharing are facing. The discussion was followed by audience questions and comments.
Panelists
John Cunney, Head of Telecom Media Technology Practice, Santander, former
Vice President, Patrick Communications
Eric De Silva, Partner, Wiley Rein
John Hane, Counsel, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Lonna Thompson, Executive Vice President and COO, Association of Public
Television Stations
Agenda
10:00 – 10:15 Welcoming Remarks and Overview, Bill Lake, Chief, Media Bureau
10:15 – 11:00 Panel Discussion, Rebecca Hanson, Media Bureau, Moderator
445 12th St., SW, Commission Meeting Room, Washington, DC
The focus of the forum was how pending FM translator applicants from the 2003 Auction 83 window and pending and prospective FM translator modification applicants will be processed, in accordance with changes implemented by the Commission in the LPFM proceeding (MM Docket 99-25). Time was provided for audience questions and comments.
Panelists
Peter Doyle, Division Chief, Audio Division, Media Bureau
Jim Bradshaw, Deputy Chief, Engineering, Audio Division, Media Bureau
Tom Hutton, Deputy Chief, Legal, Audio Division, Media Bureau
Kelly Donohue, Assistant Chief, Audio Division, Media Bureau
Agenda
2:00 – 2:05 p.m. Opening Remarks and Overview
2:05 – 2:10 p.m. Summary of 4th Report and Order
2:10 – 2:15 p.m. Summary of 5th Report and Order
2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Discussion of the LPFM Grid Tool, FM Translator
445 12th St., SW., Commission Meeting Room, Washington, DC
The FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, in cooperation with the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), hosted a workshop focusing on collocations of wireless and broadband antennas on wireless and other communications towers (e.g. AM Radio towers) and structures (e.g. water towers) on Tuesday May 1, 2012, in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC.
The workshop provided an overview of wireless collocations that augment mobile broadband and wireless services in cities and communities. The workshop helped inform municipal leaders, planners and interested members of the public how wireless collocations can provide benefits and economic opportunities by expanding mobile broadband, wireless data coverage, and aiding first responders.
Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St, SW, Washington, D.C., 20554
The purpose of this workshop was to collect additional input on topic areas which the Interoperability Board has determined are relevant to the development of minimum technical requirements to ensure a nationwide level of interoperability for the nationwide public safety broadband network.
Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC.
As part of the Commission’s efforts to enhance the use of spectrum for mobile broadband, the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology, in conjunction with the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Office of Strategic Planning hosted a workshop on "Spectrum Efficiency and Receiver Performance." The workshop was held on Monday, March 12, 2012 and Tuesday, March 13, 2012, in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC.
The role of receivers in enabling access to spectrum for new services implicates federal stakeholders, as well as the private sector. Receiver performance issues have often arisen as a conflict between legacy stakeholders and new entrants where deployment of new technologies and services threatens to adversely impact an incumbent or place restrictions on the new entrant. Past examples include interference issues between new cellular radio systems and public safety radio systems, satellite digital radio systems and proposed terrestrial data services, unlicensed WiFi systems and FAA weather radar systems, and ancillary terrestrial service on mobile satellite spectrum and GPS. The resolution of such matters has historically required a public process involving regulators, stakeholders and other parties. Because such discussions sometime begin upon the introduction of a new service or technology, full deployment of such new services could be hindered. New approaches to spectrum management focusing on spectrum efficiency and receiver performance may enable more assured deployment of new services and reduce the necessity for the involvement of regulators.
This two-day workshop discussed the characteristics of receivers and how their performance can affect the efficient use of spectrum and opportunities for the creation of new services. Key topics included current practices for receiver design, case studies involving interference due to receiver characteristics, and approaches for promoting interference avoidance and efficient use of spectrum, given the current receiver base and potential future deployments. The workshop included perspectives from licensees, equipment manufacturers, component providers, and other interested parties.
Session 1: Introduction – Role of Receivers in Spectrum Efficiency
Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC.
As part of the Commission’s efforts to enhance the use of spectrum for mobile broadband, the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology, in conjunction with the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the Office of Strategic Planning hosted a workshop on "Spectrum Efficiency and Receiver Performance." The workshop was held on Monday, March 12, 2012 and Tuesday, March 13, 2012, in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC.
The role of receivers in enabling access to spectrum for new services implicates federal stakeholders, as well as the private sector. Receiver performance issues have often arisen as a conflict between legacy stakeholders and new entrants where deployment of new technologies and services threatens to adversely impact an incumbent or place restrictions on the new entrant. Past examples include interference issues between new cellular radio systems and public safety radio systems, satellite digital radio systems and proposed terrestrial data services, unlicensed WiFi systems and FAA weather radar systems, and ancillary terrestrial service on mobile satellite spectrum and GPS. The resolution of such matters has historically required a public process involving regulators, stakeholders and other parties. Because such discussions sometime begin upon the introduction of a new service or technology, full deployment of such new services could be hindered. New approaches to spectrum management focusing on spectrum efficiency and receiver performance may enable more assured deployment of new services and reduce the necessity for the involvement of regulators.
This two-day workshop discussed the characteristics of receivers and how their performance can affect the efficient use of spectrum and opportunities for the creation of new services. Key topics included current practices for receiver design, case studies involving interference due to receiver characteristics, and approaches for promoting interference avoidance and efficient use of spectrum, given the current receiver base and potential future deployments. The workshop included perspectives from licensees, equipment manufacturers, component providers, and other interested parties.
Presentations
Session 1: Introduction – Role of Receivers in Spectrum Efficiency
Walter E. Reed Washington Convention Center 801 Mt Vernon Place NW Washington, District of Columbia 20001
On February 15, 2012, OCBO and the E-Business Now Consortium, the Small Business Administration, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, and the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will jointly host a series of workshops on broadband tools for small businesses. E-Business Now was created to ensure that small businesses develop the skills necessary to compete in today’s rapidly evolving digital marketplace.
The FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, in cooperation with the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), presented an informational forum on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC.
The forum provided an overview of distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell technologies that augment mobile broadband and wireless services. The forum discussed uses of these technologies in both outdoor and indoor public spaces, including hospitals, business and historical districts, campuses, and transit systems. Panelists explored DAS and small cell equipment needs and business models, how these solutions benefit communities by expanding mobile broadband and wireless data coverage, and case studies in successful deployment.
For more information regarding the forum, you can contact Don Johnson at (202) 418-7444 or by e-mail: donald.johnson@fcc.gov.
Presentations
Panel #1: DAS and Small Cell Technologies
Allen Dixon Business Development Manager, Corning Mobile Access, Inc.
Norine Luker Senior Director, Utility Administration, NextG Networks, Inc.
Stephen Garcia Senior Manager of Land Use - External Affairs, Crown Castle USA
Alex Gamota Vice President, DAS Real Estate, American Tower Corporation
James P. Seymour, Ph. D. Senior Director of Radio Access Network Strategy, Wireless CTO Organization, Alcatel-Lucent
Panel #2: DAS and Small Cell: Broadband Uses in the Public Space
Joseph Mullin Vice President, Engineering and Operations, InSite Wireless, LLC
Panel #3: Outdoor DAS: Augmenting Mobile Broadband in Cities and Communities
Philadelphia, PA: Robert Sutton Divisional Deputy City Solicitor, Philadelphia, PA Robert Delsman Senior Vice President, Network Real Estate and Government Affairs, NextG Networks, Inc. Christopher Sinclair Senior Director, Network Real Estate, NextG Networks, Inc.
Paradise Valley, AZ: Mary Hamway Vice Mayor, Paradise Valley, AZ Stephen Garcia Senior Manager of Land Use - External Affairs, Crown Castle USA
Charlotte, NC: Kruti Desai Engineer, Right of Way Use Manager, Charlotte, NC Karmen Rajamani Southeast Regional Director, ATC Outdoor DAS, LLC
FCC Commission Meeting Room, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington DC
The Federal Communications Commission held two workshops to examine the transition from the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to new technologies. Circuit-switched wireline voice technology has created a high standard for reliability, accessibility, and ubiquity. Consumers will continue to expect and demand these qualities, even as they shift from PSTN services to services provided over different networks. The transition away from the PSTN is already occurring, and is likely to accelerate. Through these workshops, the Commission will seek input on the technical, economic, and policy issues that must be addressed to minimize disruption during this transition, and to protect consumers, public safety, competition, and other important interests
On December 8, 2011, the FCC’s Office of Communications Business Opportunities (OCBO) hosted its third annual “Capitalization Strategies Workshop” for small and diverse businesses involved in the media and telecommunications industries. As a special feature of the workshop, OCBO offered small business participants one-on-one mentoring sessions with financial experts to evaluate strategic plans and funding needs.
On Wednesday, December 7 the FCC, the Wireless Internet Institute (W2i) and Global Initiative for Inclusive Information and Communications Technology (G3itc) co-hosted an international event entitled the Broadband Adoption and Persons with Disabilities Inquiry Workshop.
The workshop included stakeholders and policymakers from the broadband industry and the disability community. The discussion focused on ways to measure broadband deployment and adoption by persons with disabilities across the globe; social, economic and cultural barriers to broadband deployment and adoption; and outreach and marketing of broadband to people with disabilities. Attendees were given the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the sessions.
FCC Commission Meeting Room, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC
The FCC is holding two workshops to examine the transition from the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to new technologies. Circuit-switched wireline voice technology has created a high standard for reliability, accessibility, and ubiquity. Consumers will continue to expect and demand these qualities, even as they shift from PSTN services to services provided over different networks. The transition away from the PSTN is already occurring, and is likely to accelerate. Through these workshops, the Commission will seek input on the technical, economic, and policy issues that must be addressed to minimize disruption during this transition, and to protect consumers, public safety, competition, and other important interests
Commission Meeting Room (TW-C305), 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554
This workshop and webinar covered the recent PSHSB White Paper entitled, "The Role of Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture in Emergency Communications and Recommended Next Steps."
The first panel focused on how enabling the use of deployable aerial communications architecture (DACA) can help ensure that critical communications are available within the first few hours after a catastrophic event for a period of between 72 and 96 hours. The second panel addressed the types of technologies that are available for DACA and how they can serve the need for immediate communications after a major disaster, when terrestrial communications may not be available. The final panel considered technical issues associated with the deployment of DACA for emergency communications, including interference concerns.
Commission Meeting Room, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC
On Sept. 26, the FCC announced the creation of the Rural Call Completion Task Force to investigate and address the growing problem of calls to rural customers that are being delayed or that fail to connect. The Release noted that the Task Force would hold a workshop on October 18 to identify specific causes of the problem and to discuss potential solutions with key stakeholders. The Agenda for the workshop follows.
9:15 am Opening Remarks
9:30 – 10:30 am Panel One: Rural Call Completion Problems - Causes and Effects
Moderator:
Jeff Goldthorp, Associate Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security
Discussion Topics:
Analysis of symptoms and scope of problem based upon data collected
Effects on customers
Possible causes, including roles of least-cost routing, wireless call quality,
IP-based technology interoperability, and incidence of intentional call blocking
Panelists:
Robert Gnapp, NECA
Fritz Hendricks, Onvoy Voice Services
Denny Law, Golden West Telecommunications
Dave Lewis, ANPI / Zone Telecom
Kim Meola, AT&T Services, Inc.
Dale Merten, Toledo Telephone
Tami Spocogee, PAETEC
10:30 – 10:45 am Question and Answer Session with Panel
10:45 – 11:00 am Break
11:00 – 12:00 pm Panel Two: How Can Rural Call Completion Problems be Addressed
(by Invitation Only from OECD) 445 12th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20554
OECD Metrics Workshop will be held at the FCC in Washington, DC on October 12th and 13th, 2011 by invitation only from OECD. If you have any questions contact Sam.PALTRIDGE@oecd.org.
445 12 th Street, SW, Room TW-C305, Washington, DC 20554
Roundtable Discussion: Introducing the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) to the Next Generation of Communications
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau hosted a roundtable discussion to enable interested parties to identify ways to bring the DIRS into the next generation of communications. The format of the roundtable was a facilitated discussion led by Commission staff. During the roundtable, staff solicited input from attendees on issues such as:
The value of information currently provided by DIRS to communications restoration efforts during disasters;
Ways to increase voluntary participation in DIRS;
Extending DIRS to obtain more detailed data about the effects of a disaster on broadband communications services;
Adding information from over the top voice and video service providers; and
What, if any, additional information from DIRS participants might be beneficial to the restoration process.
Commission Meeting Room, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC
The Chairman's Accessibility & Innovation Initiative (A&I Initiative) invited Dr. Alan Gregerman to come to the FCC for this two-hour brown bag lunch. Innovation for accessibility communications for persons with disabilities was the main topic, including discussion with others who are interested in increasing innovation in the Commission and in the market place.
Alan Gregerman is the New York Times best selling author of Lessons Learned in the Sandbox, and Surrounded by Geniuses.
Dr. Gregerman is the president and chief innovation officer of Venture Works, Inc., a consulting firm that helps Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and organizations develop winning strategies and create new products, services, ventures and new ways of doing business. He has tons of clients. He is an internationally known expert on strategy, innovation and differentiation, and has been nicknamed "the Robin Williams of business consulting." He often gives classes/lectures and provides consultation services to companies on how to improve innovation.
Commission Meeting Room (TW-C305), 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554
This workshop and webinar will cover issues pending in two open FCC proceedings.
The first two panels of the workshop will address the proposed extension of outage reporting to interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers and broadband Internet service providers (ISPs). Panelists will examine the various ways in which public safety agencies and the critical infrastructure industries rely on communications, and how outages of interconnected VoIP and broadband Internet service providers could affect their vital work. The discussion will also explore the processes and methods by which information about outages can be made available to the FCC so as to minimize burden on filers, while ensuring the filing of complete information. The workshop also will examine metrics and thresholds that have been proposed as triggers for outage reporting.
The final panel of the workshop will address the issues regarding the reliability and continuity of communications networks, including broadband. The discussion will examine more generally what the FCC's role has been and should be in promoting reliability, resiliency and continuity of communications services; explore issues of ensuring continuity of communications services during major disasters; and examine the state of reliability and resiliency standards for broadband communications networks services.
FCC’s PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU ANNOUNCES AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 WORKSHOP/WEBINAR ON PROPOSED EXTENSION OF OUTAGE REPORTING AND ON NETWORK RELIABILITY AND CONTINUITY Read the Public Notice: Word | Acrobat | Plain Text
FCC’s PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU TO HOLD WORKSHOP/WEBINAR ON PROPOSED EXTENSION OF OUTAGE REPORTING TO INTERCONNECTED VOIP AND BROADBAND ISPs AND NETWORK RELIABILITY AND CONTINUITY Read the Public Notice: Word | Acrobat | Plain Text
The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau in consultation with Federal Trade Commission staff held a public education forum featuring representatives of telecommunications carriers, technology companies, consumer advocacy groups and academia on June 28, 2011, exploring how consumers can be both smart and secure when realizing the benefits of Location Based Services (LBS). Topics included: how LBS works; benefits and risks of LBS; consumer DOs and DON’Ts; industry best practices; and what parents should know about location tracking when their children use mobile devices. See the Public Notice for more information.
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