NG-911 Funding

The National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators (NASNA) published a white paper last week, discussing various funding models states can implement to support the deployment of Next Generation 911 (NG-911) networks and services NASNA reviewed 19 different funding models and determined that four could meet future NG-911funding needs in different states, including: (1) keeping the current funding model (assessing fixed monthly fees on voice services) but expanding the funding base to include prepaid wireless and other services; (2) creating a general sales tax; (3) attaching a fee to health insurance plans; and (4) funding 911 services through a state Universal Service Fund. 

FCC IT Transition

Last week, the Commission transitioned to a new IT system.  The Commission’s online databases, such as the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), were down from September 3 through September 8, although some databases such as the Universal Licensing System (ULS) were down until September 10.  The Commission extended non-ECFS filing deadlines to September 11, 2015.  Additionally, the Tower Construction Notification System (TCNS) did not issue notices from September 2 through September 11; those notices will be issued this week, September 16 through September 18. 

Dark Fiber Expansions

At the Tower and Small Cell Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada, last week, Tower Cloud, Inc. announced that it signed an agreement to acquire more than 1,300 miles of dark fiber, to serve various cell towers.  The acquisition will make Tower Cloud one of the largest high-speed providers in the southeastern region of the United States.  Tower Cloud plans to expand its dark fiber network throughout Florida, including two military bases.