SDR Forum extends deadline for interoperability comments 

The Software Defined Radio (SDR) Forum has extended to Feb. 23, 2005, the deadline for comments pertaining to a request for information (RFI) the group issued in November...

MDC, XGate certified for Dataradio 

Mentor Engineering today announced its Mobile Data Computer (MDC) and XGate middleware products recently were certified for the Dataradio private wireless data network...

Powell makes resignation plans official; analyst says Abernathy next 

By Donny Jackson

FCC Chairman Michael Powell today confirmed multiple news reports by issuing a statement that he will resign from the agency effective some time in March, while an analyst’s report indicates fellow Republican Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy will make a similar announcement as early as next week...

Reports: Powell to resign from FCC 

By Donny Jackson

FCC Chairman Michael Powell will resign today, according to reports from multiple news sources...

Supreme Court hears arguments in tower case 

Supreme Court justices yesterday heard oral arguments in a case that could pave the way for wireless operators to secure tower sites much more easily, but most observers indicate the high court likely will not make such a ruling...

FCC creates web site for 800 MHz users 

The Federal Communications Commission will launch a web site dedicated to keeping 800 MHz users updated on the status of the rebanding effort designed to mitigate interference in the band, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Chief John Muleta said today...

No votes at next week’s FCC meeting 

The Federal Communications Commission’s meeting scheduled for next Thursday will not include any items for consideration, according to the agenda released yesterday afternoon...

NTIA sets schedule for spectrum-clearing actions 

Officials for the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies yesterday were notified officially of their obligation to clear spectrum, so the FCC can auction the airwaves to commercial users...

APCO, CSAA pursue third-party data interoperability  

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) yesterday announced plans to jointly develop a program designed to enable efficient and accurate data exchanges between public-safety answering points (PSAPs) and alarm companies...

President signs PSAP-upgrade legislation 

President Bush has signed a bill that promises to accelerate the deployment and upgrade of public-safety answering points nationwide to comply with the FCC's Phase II requirements...

Convergence names government-relations executive 

Convergence Communications has appointed Tim Daniel as its president of government relations...

800 MHz Transition Administrator wants feedback by Jan. 12 

Senate approves E-911 funding bill 

By Donny Jackson

In its final action before adjourning for the year, the U.S. Senate last night passed a telecom-legislation package that included language for increased E-911 funding and the creation of a spectrum relocation trust fund...

House passes 700 MHz resolution with intelligence legislation 

By Donny Jackson

The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday voted 336-75 to approve sweeping intelligence-reform legislation...

800 MHz order published in Federal Register 

By Donny Jackson

More than three months after being approved by the FCC, the agency’s order calling for Nextel Communications to contribute $4.8 billion worth of cash and spectrum to reband 800 MHz users was published yesterday in the Federal Register...