The FCC's Enforcement Bureau has issued a heavily redacted "Notice of Apparent Liability" to Google in the amount of $25,000. As part of its Street View project, Google apparently collected data from Wi-Fi networks throughout the United States and around the world. The purpose of this Wi-Fi data collection initiative was to capture information about Wi-Fi networks that the Company could use to help establish users’ locations and provide location-based services.
The $25,000 fine surely this is pocket change to a giant like this. But the charges the Bureau makes are pretty serious. The Commission contends that the company gathered “payload” data, the content of Internet communications that was not needed for its location database project. This payload data included e-mail and text messages, passwords, Internet usage history, and other highly sensitive personal information." The release goes on to claim that "for many months, Google deliberately impeded and delayed the Bureau’s investigation by failing to respond to requests for material information and to provide certifications and verifications of its responses."
Stayed tuned to FCC FORMS for the latest on this case
You can view the release here: http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db0416/DA-12-592A1.pdf
FCC forms is a public safety license consulting and application preparation company
http://www.fccforms.com
Story by David Smith
david@fccforms.com
**STORY UPDATE**
The FCC released a sort of safety drill for Wi-Fi networks. It can be viewed here:
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db0417/DOC-313634A1.pdf
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Are my radios compliant with narrowband regulations?
If your not sure whether your radios are capable of the new narrowband emission standards This quick guide can help.Before a radio can be sold it has to be "type accepted" by the FCC. So here's what to look for.
The next section of this guide will go over the steps to uncover information about your hand helds, base station, repeater, or mobile transmitter. There is a wealth of information hidden in the numbers on the back.
STEP 1) Look on the back of your radio. You will notice a sticker. If you look closely you will see there is an FCC id number
Write down the FCC ID number. It should be the first number just above the model number.
STEP 2) Now that you have your FCC ID number you can go to the FCC's website here http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/ - Enter the number from the back of your radio. Be careful to enter as pictured below:
Step 3) On the results page you'll notice a "check" next to the model that matches your radio. Its under the heading "Display Grant" Click on it (as pictured below)
Step 4) You will see that your frequency range, emission designators and power levels are all represented.
Even the relevant rule part that governs your radio (Note anything less than 12.5 kilohertz is narrowband complaint) See below for an example.
If you need more information you can always contact me at david@fccforms.com or visit us on the web at http://www.fccforms.com.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
TDMA and Public Safety coordination problems
On February 3rd the Public Safety Communication Council (PSCC) sent a letter to the FCC discussing interference issues with Time division multiple access (TDMA) systems. Particularly in the VHF bands(150 MHZ - 173 MHZ). PSCC contends that more data needs to be gathered about the interference potential posed to analog systems. In the interim PSCC coordinators say that,"no applications utilizing TDMA emissions in the VHF band will be deemed coordinated and recommended for licensing having an ERP greater than 10 watts for any fixed location. This limitation includes sites classified as FX1, including those fitting the 6.1 meter category.."
This appears to complicate the FCC mandated conversion to new narrowband by years end. In other words, a public safety entity, such as a police department switching over to MotoTRBO would have to comply with this 10 watt limit for VHF. Even if its an existing license. PSCC intends to revisit this issue by May of 2012.
Stay tuned to this blog.
Dave
david@fccforms.com
http://www.fccforms.com
This appears to complicate the FCC mandated conversion to new narrowband by years end. In other words, a public safety entity, such as a police department switching over to MotoTRBO would have to comply with this 10 watt limit for VHF. Even if its an existing license. PSCC intends to revisit this issue by May of 2012.
Stay tuned to this blog.
Dave
david@fccforms.com
http://www.fccforms.com
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Narrowbanding - A look back and the way forward
By January 1st, 2013 all licensees between 150 MHz - 512 MHz must be operating at a bandwidth not to exceed 12.5 KHz. The Mandate is not new, in fact the process began back in 1991.
By 1996 the FCC had required that all equipment manufacturers produce new radios that were narrowband capable. By 2003 the Commission had imposed deadlines for the new narrowband migration. Essentially all non-public safety entities by January 1st 2013, and all public safety entities by January 1st 2018. In 2004 the FCC accelerated the push for public safety to comply with the narrowbanding deadline. Making it the same as non-public safety entities (January 1st, 2013).
From what we have been hearing the evidence would suggest that the FCC is going to be flooded with hundreds of waiver requests, particularly by public safety, asking for an extension of the narrowbanding deadline. Recently Federal Communications Commission sought public comment on more than two dozen that it has already received. With the deadline looming at the end of this year is there a chance the Commission may relax the deadline?A query of the FCC database reveals that nearly 180,000 licenses still need to be converted.
Watch our blog for updates on the FCC and more.
Dave
fccforms.com
By 1996 the FCC had required that all equipment manufacturers produce new radios that were narrowband capable. By 2003 the Commission had imposed deadlines for the new narrowband migration. Essentially all non-public safety entities by January 1st 2013, and all public safety entities by January 1st 2018. In 2004 the FCC accelerated the push for public safety to comply with the narrowbanding deadline. Making it the same as non-public safety entities (January 1st, 2013).
From what we have been hearing the evidence would suggest that the FCC is going to be flooded with hundreds of waiver requests, particularly by public safety, asking for an extension of the narrowbanding deadline. Recently Federal Communications Commission sought public comment on more than two dozen that it has already received. With the deadline looming at the end of this year is there a chance the Commission may relax the deadline?A query of the FCC database reveals that nearly 180,000 licenses still need to be converted.
Watch our blog for updates on the FCC and more.
Dave
fccforms.com
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
FCC seeks comment on narrowband deadline waivers
On Friday the FCC sent out a release (WT Docket 99-87) seeking public comments on narrowband deadline waivers filed by about 21 public safety entities. One has to wonder whether or not a declaratory ruling is on the horizon. APCO, a public safety coordinator serving fire and police, appear to be in favor of an extension of the deadline. Their comments can be viewed here.
In November of last year a bill was introduced in the house seeking a two year extension. Thus far there have been no co-sponsores and it does not appear to have progressed beyond committie.
If you wish to weigh in on this the Commission directs these comments here:
Electronic Filers: File comments electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ or the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Filers should follow the instructions provided on the website for submitting comments.
In November of last year a bill was introduced in the house seeking a two year extension. Thus far there have been no co-sponsores and it does not appear to have progressed beyond committie.
If you wish to weigh in on this the Commission directs these comments here:
Electronic Filers: File comments electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ or the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Filers should follow the instructions provided on the website for submitting comments.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
FCC Narrowbanding Reminder
The FCC released a reminder today to all public safety and private wireless licensees about the looming narrowband compliance deadline. We are now less than 1 year away from the deadline that requires everything operating from 150 MHz up 512 MHz to convert to narrowband operation.
The release can be viewed here
For more visit us at fccforms.com
Related articles:
FCC NARROWBAND MANDATE
EMISSION DESIGNATORS
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Lightsquared Pushes FCC says GPS Not Protected
Lightsquared filed a Petition on Tuesday pushing the FCC to "resolve the regulatory
status of unlicensed commercial" GPS systems. After having pledged to resolve potential interference to the GPS industry in January the company appears to be doing a 180. In this current petition they are arguing that GPS systems be afforded no protection. View the petition in its entirety here.
status of unlicensed commercial" GPS systems. After having pledged to resolve potential interference to the GPS industry in January the company appears to be doing a 180. In this current petition they are arguing that GPS systems be afforded no protection. View the petition in its entirety here.
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