APCO files 700MHz Reply Comments

DHS Announces 2009 Grant Guidance for over $3 Billion in Preparedness Grant Programs
The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency today released Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Application Guidance for 14 federal grant programs, totaling more than $3 billion available in federal funding to assist state and local governments in strengthening community preparedness. This includes the Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP) - $48.6 million for planning, training, exercises and equipment to states, territories, local and tribal governments to carry out initiatives identified in Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans, and improve interoperable emergency communications for responding to natural disasters and acts of terrorism.

FCC Releases Vacated Spectrum Search Engine - AFC Accepting Applications November 7
The FCC today released the much anticipated public notice on Sprint/Nextel vacated spectrum. AFC will start accepting applications on November 07 for the vacated spectrum frequencies.

APCO Files Comments on National Public Safety Broadband Network
On November 3, APCO filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission, along with a number of entities, concerning implementation of a nationwide, broadband, interoperable public safety network in the 700 MHz band.

FCC Grants Sprint Waiver for 800 MHz Interleaved Band
The FCC granted a waiver to Sprint allowing it to relinquish its non-border spectrum holdings in the 800 MHz Interleaved Band, Expansion Band, and Guard Band (collectively, Mid-Band) in stages, tied to the progress towards completion of rebanding achieved by 800 MHz NPSPAC licensees in each NPSPAC Public Safety Region. The FCC also required that regardless of the pace of rebanding progress, Sprint must relinquish all of its non-border spectrum in the Interleaved Band by March 31, 2010. Finally, the FCC adapted its previously established procedures for licensing the vacated spectrum to public safety and critical infrastructure industry (CII) entities to conform to this staged approach.

FCC Issues Order Implementing NET 911 Act
The Federal Communications Commission adopted rules implementing certain key provisions of the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008 (NET 911 Act), which was enacted on July 23, 2008. The FCC issued rules that give interconnected VoIP providers rights of access to any and all capabilities necessary to provide 911 and E911 service from entities that own or control those capabilities. The FCC also took steps to ensure that the nation's E911 network remains secure as an expanded number of entities are granted rights to access this system.

APCO and NENA file joint comments on Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Requirements

APCO Files Comments on Revisions to Rules Authorizing the Operation of Low Power Auxiliary Stations in the 698-806 MHz Band

NHTSA and NTIA Unveil Grant Program to Help States Upgrade 9-1-1 Services
The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today announced a proposal to make available more than $40 million in grants to help states and territories improve their 9-1-1 call centers. The grants were authorized by the ENHANCE 911 Act.

All states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories are eligible for the grants. Among other things, the funds will be used to implement technologies to deliver wireless 9-1-1 calls with automatic location information.

The joint proposal, published in today's Federal Register, spells out details of the proposed grant program, including the application and administrative requirements of the proposed rule. The funds will be awarded in fiscal year 2009. Interested parties will have 60 days to comment on the proposal.

Go to http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-23266_PI.pdf to see the proposed grant regulations.

FCC Adopts 700 NPRM
The FCC adopted a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) that proposes licensing the 700 MHz D Block spectrum as part of a revised 700 MHz Public/Private partnership that will maximize the public safety and commercial benefits of a nationwide, interoperable broadband network in the 700 MHz band. Members are encouraged to submit their own comments for the Notice.

APCO Highlights Importance of National Broadband Public Safety Network in Hearing Testimony Today

Richard Mirgon to Testify Before the House Homeland Security Committee Hearing on 700 MHz
On September 16, the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response will hold a hearing on "Interoperability in the Next Administration: Assessing the Derailed 700 MHz D-block Public Safety Spectrum Auction." 

FCC ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 25TH OPEN MEETING
The FCC will consider a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addressing the D Block and a nationwide interoperable broadband public safety network in the 700 MHz Band during the next open meeting.

DHS’ Ready Campaign Reminds Americans to “Get Prepared” as Tropical Storm Hanna Moves Toward the U.S. with Tropical Storms Ike and Josephine Behind It
As Gustav continues inland, Tropical Storms Hanna, Ike and Josephine serve as stark reminders of the need for Americans to be prepared. The Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign encourages citizens to get an emergency supply kit, make an emergency plan, and be informed about what to do if these Tropical Storms gain strength, turn into hurricanes, and head in their direction. As seen with Gustav, hurricanes and tropical storms also produce tornadoes, flooding and power outages that affect citizens for hours or even days after the initial storm has passed. Ready wants to make sure citizens are on alert and listening to what local authorities are advising them to do.

Ready’s Web site, www.ready.gov, is a free resource where individuals can find an emergency supply checklist, download an emergency plan and link to local information.

FCC Seeks Comment on Implementation of NET 911 Improvement Act
9-1-1 service is critical to our nation’s ability to respond to a host of crises. The New and Emerging Technologies (NET) 911 Improvement Act of 2008 (NET 911 Act), signed into law on July 23, 2008, is designed to "promote and enhance public safety by facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 9-1-1 and E9-1-1 services, encourage the Nation’s transition to a national IP-enabled emergency network, and improve 911 and enhanced 911 (E911) access to those with disabilities." This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) marks the FCC's first step towards implementing this new legislation.

DHS Released the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP)
The NECP defines three goals that establish a minimum level of interoperable communications and a deadline for federal, state, local and tribal authorities:

1.  By 2010, 90 percent of all high-risk urban areas designated within the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) can demonstrate response-level emergency communications within one hour for routine events involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies.
2. By 2011, 75 percent of non-UASI jurisdictions can demonstrate response-level emergency communications within one hour for routine events involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies.
3. By 2013, 75 percent of all jurisdictions can demonstrate response-level emergency communications within three hours of a significant event, as outlined in the department's national planning scenarios.

Click here to view APCO's position on the NECP.

APCO APPLAUDS ADMINISTRATION FOR SIGNING OF VOIP 9-1-1 BILL

APCO International applauded the Administration for signing the compromise bill requiring Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers to provide 9-1-1 service, including enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) service, to their subscribers. The New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvements Act of 2008 (H.R. 3403) was passed by Congress in June and signed into law by the President today.

"The President's action today was one more critical step we are taking to preserve the safety of our citizens, residents and visitors by ensuring that all of the communications technologies they use to seek assistance in an emergency are as robust as they can be," APCO International President Willis Carter said.

APCO STRESSES FUNDING AS KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF THE NECP
In testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International stressed the importance of full funding for interoperable emergency communications grant programs and the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) in order for the goals of the NECP to be successful.

"The NECP is a good first step, but a great deal of work still has to be done to meet the goals of the plan," Mirgon said in his testimony. "The federal government has developed many plans over the past several years, but no matter how good a plan is, unless it gets the full backing of Congress to appropriate the necessary funds, the plan will most likely collect dust and wither away."

FCC EXTENDS 800 MHZ REBANDING NEGOTIATION FOR U.S.-MEXICO BORDER
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) extends the mandatory negotiation periods for Wave 4 NPSPAC (Stage 2) and non-NPSPAC (Stage 1) licensees in the U.S.-Mexico border region until October 1, 2008, and postpones the beginning of the mediation period for such licensees until October 2, 2008.