This week’s email blast with the news recap is late, and it is late because I was waiting to verify that what I had learned about the NTIA freezing the LTE portion of the LA-RICS project was accurate.
An article published by Urgent Communications as breaking news today says that LA-RICS is looking to the State of California and to the Feds for assistance to get the project back on track. The NTIA has suspended the product until April 13, 2015 when they expect LA-RICS to have come up with a plan that can be approved by both the City and County of Los Angeles, the two major jurisdictions that have voted to halt the project within the County. From my perspective there were a number of mistakes made by a number of different people and groups which lead up to the problem which is that the Fire Fighters union believes that towers placed at their fire stations for the LTE system will cause cancer and other illnesses and they have riled up the citizens near the fire stations as well.
The result is that I believe,if the Board of Supervisors and the City Council of LA voted to stop work because of health concerns they are, in fact, breaking a Federal law which mandates that cell sites cannot be precluded because of perceived health risks. They can be stopped by the permitting process for aesthetics, or height restrictions or some other valid reason but not for perceived health hazards to anyone. The fact of the matter is that there is no danger at all to the fire fighters and if, as I have heard it rumored, the Union has stated that the problem will go away if the fire fighters are paid hazard duty pay that is all of the more reason that this project should not have been stopped. As I said, that is rumor and speculation but the law is the law.
I have presented and given testimony at 100’s of cell tower and communications tower hearings about the placement of the towers, and the subject of RF hazards does still come up because there are “experts” out there who will say anything if they are paid enough money. In reality, the height of the antennas above the fire stations and the sheriff’s stations will mitigate any RF exposure issues, if there were any, which I am convinced there are not. It is unfortunate no outreach was done with the fire fighters who, by the way, use two-way radios every day of their duty lives, because the system they are fighting is one will make their jobs easier, and safer, and could result in saving their lives or the lives of the citizens they serve. I hope LA-RICS gets back on track and soon! This is a holiday week-end, 3 days for some and 2 for others, but I hope that each of you will have a great week-end no matter what you are doing. Andy
Los Angeles officials halt public-safety LTE network, clouding FirstNet’s progress – Tech Investor News via Google Alerts Apr 2 21:15 The Los Angeles City Council voted to halt the construction of a massive 700 MHz LTE network that was intended to cover 4,000 square miles and …
Los Angeles officials halt public-safety LTE network, clouding FirstNet’s progress – FierceWireless via Google Alerts Apr 2 18:35 According to various media reports, opponents of the network raised a …
FCC approves new net neutrality rules – USA TODAY – newlaunchcars.info via Google Alerts Apr 3 16:21 Fcc approves net neutrality rules, reclassifies broadband, It’ good day …
It’s Almost Lawsuit Season: Broadband Trade Groups Prepping Their Legal Arguments Against Net … – The Consumerist via Google Alerts Apr 3 15:15 The FCC voted on the Open Internet Order net neutrality about six weeks ago. But nobody ever accused the wheels of bureaucracy of turning …
FirstNet: Deploying a Resilient Broadband Network for the Nation’s First Responders – Department of Commerce via Google Alerts Apr 2 21:15 FirstNet: Deploying a Resilient Broadband Network for the Nation’s First Responders. . Image. First Responder Network Authority · FirstNet: …
Global public safety mobile broadband telecommunication market in public sector will grow at … – WhaTech via Google Alerts Apr 1 11:15 Public safety mobile broadband is the introduction of next-generation wireless broadband technology that equips people with real-time data, video, …
LA Pumps the Breaks on FirstNet Work – CivSource via Google Alerts Mar 31 20:30 The work is part of Los Angeles deployment plans for FirstNet, the dedicated emergency responders network. The county has until the end of …
Planned Field Office Closures Draws Scrutiny – Radio World via Google Alerts Mar 31 14:40 The FCC maintains the agency can uphold its commitment to the public to respond to problems with public safety communications even with closures …
Public Safety Broadband Stakeholder Meeting – Tennessee Public Safety Broadband via Google Alerts Mar 31 00:25 APCO’s Annual Public Safety Broadband Summit Mon May 4, 2015 8:00 AM – Tue May 5, 2015 4:00 …
Verizon tells Congress to rein in FCC’s power over Internet providers – Ars Technica via Google Alerts Mar 30 13:00 Verizon is mad about the FCC’s decision to reclassify broadband as a …
NIST, NTIA, DOD Agree to Facilitate Testing and Evaluation of Wireless Spectrum-Sharing Methods – FirstNet via Google Alerts Mar 27 03:10 NIST, NTIA and DOD’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) signed the agreement on March 11, 2015, committing to …
Net Neutrality, Part I: Did the FCC Miss the Mark? – Author Marc Tayer | Televisionaries Book via Google Alerts Apr 3 12:50 The FCC finally has control over broadband Internet Service Providers …
Bill calls for GPS alternative – The Hill via Google Alerts Apr 3 12:45 “This would help first responders and law enforcement more effectively …
Thousands comment on proposed drone regulations – PCWorld via Google Alerts Apr 3 02:00 The White House has tasked the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to come up drone privacy rules, but earlier this week …
The White Space Black Hole – AT&T Public Policy Blog via Google Alerts Apr 3 00:45 In 2008, in the wake of the 700 MHz auction, Google held a conference call to reveal its plans for Wi-Fi on steroids a broadband wireless service to …
FCC To Hold Workshop on 9-1-1 Apps – National Public Safety Telecommunications Council – NPSTC via Google Alerts Apr 2 22:20 The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau announced today that it plans to hold a workshop May 8 on mobile apps that can help people …
Report On Recent Developments In Internet Domain Name Policy – Mondaq News Alerts via Google Alerts Apr 2 18:00 … and Information Administration (NTIA), and David Gross, the former U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy of the …
Pepro unveils new 60-foot deployable tower at IWCE 2015 – Urgent Communications via Google Alerts Apr 2 16:21 … and integrators that are interested in participating the deployment of the FirstNet public-safety LTE system, according to Pepro CEO Victor Garmong.
Broadband Providers Sue Fcc To Stop Net Neutrality Regulations – Best Guides Online via Google Alerts Apr 2 10:21 Fcc strikes net neutrality war: run internet , Wheeler tried to allay the fears of broadband providers. he said the fcc’s proposal will exclude certain …
National Telecommunications and Information Administration Seeks Comment on Multistakeholder … – ACM’s Tech Policy Weblog via Google Alerts Apr 2 03:25 The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) …
Thousands call on Congress to overturn net neutrality rules – Computerworld Singapore via Google Alerts Apr 2 00:50 In November, Obama called on the FCC to pass net neutrality rules that reclassified broadband as a regulated common carrier. He also noted then …
Alcatel-Lucent 700 MHz – ManualShelf via Google Alerts Apr 1 18:12 Alcatel-Lucent 700 MHz. Broadband Brochure. 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8. www.alcatel-lucent.com. Alcatel, Lucent, Alcatel-Lucent and the Alcatel-Lucent logo …
U.S. Cellular to expand LTE network cover 98% of its customers by end of 2015 – FierceWireless via Google Alerts Apr 1 14:00 Through a partnership with King Street Wireless, U.S. Cellular has been expanding its LTE network via its 700 MHz A Block spectrum. As of the end of …
Free calls for spectrum rebalancing in France via 700 MHz sale – Total Telecom Apr 1 12:03 Arcep aims to issue call for applications for forthcoming auction in July; France’s smallest mobile network operator asks for sub-1 GHz spectrum cap.
Welcome to Day 2 of the British APCO Annual Exhibition and Professional Development Workshops! – Bapco Journal via Google Alerts Apr 1 04:20 Last night saw the UK’s public safety communications industry gather together at the British APCO annual dinner in Manchester for an evening of fun …
FirstNet – Google+ via Google Alerts Mar 31 21:21 #FirstNet. First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). 4 days ago …
FCC Explains Decisions on Broadband, Net Neutrality – Government Technology News Mar 31 16:15 The FCC explained its recent rulings on municipal broadband and network neutrality in a specialized briefing for state and local governments on Monday, March 30. The hour-long presentation detailed the FCC’s rationale and authority in vacating state restrictions on broadband and its controversial decision to regulate Internet access using Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. Focus was placed on how those decisions could potentially affect local regions in the country. Daniel Kahn,…
Come Get Some! FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler Says Net Neutrality Rules Will – Weblog.ws via Google Alerts Mar 31 08:55 Not everyone is happy with the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to reclassify broadband Internet service as a utility under Title II of …
MissionCritical Communications, Radio Resource International, and Public Safety Report – 74.63.161 via Google Alerts Mar 30 21:25 FCC to Consider 3 GHz Spectrum Sharing at April Open Meeting (3/30/15) The FCC will consider a report and order and further notice of proposed …
FCC To Consider Privacy Protections For Broadband Users – MediaPost Communications via Google Alerts Mar 30 17:55 Specifically, the FCC said in its net neutrality order that it will apply Section 222 of the Telecommunications Act to broadband providers. That provision …
Obama Backs Net Neutrality Wants Broadband Regulated As A – The Works via Google Alerts Mar 30 16:55 Fcc pushes obama net neutrality | zdnet, Fcc pushes back against obama on net neutrality. summary: the us regulator has pushed back against the us …
AT&T expects to start deploying 2.3 GHz WCS spectrum for LTE this summer – FierceWireless via Google Alerts Mar 30 14:00 The 2.3 GHz deployment will proceed differently than AT&T’s 700 MHz deployment for LTE, Keathley said. AT&T used its 700 MHz holdings to deploy …
FCC will vote next month on plan to share valuable 3.5GHz spectrum – InfoWorld Mar 30 09:01 The U.S. Federal Communications Commission will vote April 17 on a spectrum-sharing plan for a band that could serve the military, mobile service providers and individuals. The CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) would open up frequencies from 3550-3700MHz to three classes of users, including owners of new mobile devices who could use the service like they do Wi-Fi. The FCC vote comes after several rounds of study and public comment on the proposal for more than two years. [ Take it from top business leaders: Let in the smartphones, tablets, and laptops . Find out how in InfoWorld’s special report. | Keep up…
Wireless Body Area Network | IEEE 802.15.6 WBAN basics – RF Wireless World via Google Alerts Mar 30 08:05 The standard defines PHY and MAC layers. There are three different physical layers supported viz. Narrow Band, HBC (Human Body Communication) …
Deep dive on Obama’s new Broadband Opportunity Council – WRAL Tech Wire via Google Alerts Mar 30 07:40 “At NTIA, we have seen firsthand how essential broadband is to schools, public safety, health care, businesses and most other sectors of society, said …
Comcast Wins Suit Vs Fcc Rules On Internet – President Day via Google Alerts Mar 30 06:50 Trade group, Texas broadband co. are 1st to sue over net neutrality; FCC …
How This Federal Data Breach Law Could Actually Hurt Consumers – Huffington Post Mar 27 08:30 With each passing brand name mega-breach–Home Depot, Target, JPMorgan Chase, Anthem–it becomes ever more urgent for government and industry to get on the same page about how to protect consumers. Sadly, not all laws are created equal, and there are few better examples of this homespun truth than a would-be federal law currently wending its way through Congress. And not to put too fine a point on it, the Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015, in its current form, has a long way to go before it should become the law of the land. The Data Security and…