4.9 GHz Band Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Last week, FCC staff at the UTC Critical Infrastructure Industries (CII) Policy Summit indicated that a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the 4.9 GHz band proceeding is expected before the end of 2015.  This follows the Commission’s June 2012 Fourth Report and Order and Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.  In response to that Notice, the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council recommended a plan by which electric utilities, oil and gas companies and other CII companies be eligible to share the 4.9 GHz band on a co-primary basis with public safety.

FirstNet Board and Committee Meetings Announced

On October 1, FirstNet will hold two public meetings of its four Board Committees: Governance and Personnel; Finance; Technology; and Consultation and Outreach.  An open meeting of the full Board will be held on October 2, 2015.  Details on the meeting times and location were published in the Federal Register on September 17.  

911 Reliability Certifications

The initial annual certification of compliance with the FCC’s 911 Reliability Rules is due October 15. The rules apply to all covered 911 service providers.  Covered providers must audit and monitor all critical 911 circuits to mitigate the risk of 911 call failure and file an annual certification of compliance.

Reminder: Annual FCC Regulatory Fees

Licensees of certain facilities such as Satellite Earth Stations are required to make annual regulatory fee payments.  The regulatory fees for the fiscal year 2015 will be due this Thursday, September 24.