The FCC asked for input on the need, use and Rules for in-band cellular boosters.  Here is a report on two of the comments.  Click this Link HERE.

Commissioner Robert McDowell issued a statement today on learning of the passing of former FCC Commissioner James H Quello.  The Tribute is behind this link HERE.  Current FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski posted his commenst HERE, and other Commissioners also added their condolances on the FCC Web site.

In a 68 page report, with additional tabs for recommendations and highlights, the Government Accountability Office issued its report on the way they see  how the FCC operates- and what can be done about it. With recommendations on issues such as transparency, efficiency and communications with stakeholders the GAO concludes the Commission needs to simplify many of its processes.  You can find the report at the GAO site HERE, look for the January 19, 2010 “FCC MANAGEMENT” report.  You can also read a sumarized news story HERE.

IN an EXCLUSIVE with MISSION CRITICAL Magazine, Ira Keltz , Deputy Chief of Office of Engineering and Technology at the FCC answered specific questions regarding the narrowbanding process that is required before Midnight, December 31, 2012.  This is a MUST READ for any licensee operating in the VHF and UHF Bands.  Read it now by clicking this link HERE!

The FCC’s office of Engineering Technology has announced they are accepting proposals from entities seeking to be designated as the TV Band device database managers.  This new spectrum white-space was created by the Commission reallocating TV channels in the recent switch from analog to digital TV mode.  Channels are now being made available for unlicensed use of these bands by devices that can access a database of registered users in an area in order to use them in an orderly fashion and not interfere with other systems and licensed facilities.

The FCC has adopted an Order to prohibit the further sale

of 700 MHz devices, such as wireless microphones, in order

to clear this spectrum for new Public Safety and consumer

device systems.  The complete FCC Public Notice is behind

this link HERE.The New Rules are found HERE and HERE.

The Rules concerning COnsumer disclosures for wireless

microphones is HERE.

Among other things the FCC is working to make more satellite channels available to assist the recovery efforts in Hati.  The entire FCC Press release in PDF format can be found HERE.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has asked Congress for additional time to study the issue of nationwide Broadband spectrum. The link to the story in Broadcasting Magazine is HERE. The original request was to have input by February, he now asks for a one month extension; till mid-March.

 The FCC intends to initiate a Notice of Proposed Rile Making (NPRM) on the subject of signal boosters-those devices intended to receive a channel, or portion of the RF spectrum and retransmit or “Boost” the signal, usually to fill in a shadowed area or perhaps bring outside signals in to a re-enforced or hardened building that is impervious to RF.  This will be an interesting subject to follow and you can start with this Urgent Magazine story that is foundHERE

The long awaited FCC Public Notice to clarify issues surrounding the upcomming January 1, 2013 narrowbanding deadline has been released.  To obtain a PDF version of the Public Notice, click HERE.  It is very important that every licensee read and comply with this doocument.