Policy & Law Commentary

Fantasy is one thing, reality quite another

My parents used to tell me stories about having to go the local tavern to watch a sporting event on the tube, because the tavern owners were the only ones who could afford to buy a set. I worry that the same situation will play out regarding NG-911; that is, only PSAPs in large metropolitan areas will be able to leverage the technology.

More isn’t merrier

As 800 MHz rebanding moves along, an issue that many expected to crop up during the transition has reared its ugly head — more interference.

FCC technology chief clarifies 700 MHz video points

More cell sites — not more spectrum — is the driving factor when determining maximum data throughput per device at the edge of a cell in a broadband wireless network, such as the one proposed by the FCC in the 700 MHz band for first-responder use. That’s what Jon Peha wants to make clear.

Ex-FCC engineering chief supports public-safety funding, pre-emptive roaming; not D Block

Ed Thomas compared developing a plan to make an interoperable nationwide network for public safety to “pursuit of the Holy Grail.” He believes the current FCC proposal is one that will work.

Understand the turf

Success and failure often are separated by a razor-thin line. It seems as if the public-safety sector is walking that line right now. It should be very careful of its next steps.

An FCC decision no one can argue with

We don’t often write columns about people. Today, however, I’m going to share a few thoughts about Patrick Halley, the National Emergency Number Association’s government affairs director.

Point-of-sale laws could be a license to raid

Of the states that are supporting POS collection of 911 surcharge fees, five of them were among those identified last year as 911 fund raiders. That strikes me as being analogous to handing the fox the keys to the henhouse.

Yet another reason to love Wal-Mart

Unlike post-paid phones, there traditionally has been no way to collect 911 surcharge fees from prepaid phone users. This is a huge problem for the 911 sector, because prepaid wireless phones currently account for about 20% of the market.

Public safety will need more spectrum, now or later

Just like mobile applications and services are catching on in the enterprise, it’s not difficult to believe public safety continually will find more ways to increase safety and productivity using LTE services. Bring hospitals and utilities in the mix, and usage will jump significantly.

Priority-roaming proposal littered with economic questions

It may not be easy, but a technical foundation for priority roaming should be achievable. What may be less certain is whether the financial aspects of such an arrangement can be determined at a level granular enough to allow both sides of the equation — the roaming public-safety agency and the commercial network operator — to evaluate whether the economics will work for them.

Fantasy is one thing, reality quite another

More isn’t merrier

FCC technology chief clarifies 700 MHz video points

Ex-FCC engineering chief supports public-safety funding, pre-emptive roaming; not D Block

Understand the turf

An FCC decision no one can argue with

Point-of-sale laws could be a license to raid

Yet another reason to love Wal-Mart

Public safety will need more spectrum, now or later

Priority-roaming proposal littered with economic questions

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