3.5 GHz Band

In a blog post last week, FCC Wireless Bureau Chief Jon Wilkins and the Chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology Julius Knapp announced that eight entities filed proposals to become certified Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) Administrators and Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) operators.  The SAS and ESC systems will facilitate access to the FCC’s new Citizens Broadband Radio Service to be implemented in the 3.5 GHz band.  The SAS will maximize the number of users able to operate within a given area at a given time, while the ESC is the technological solution that will enable new commercial use in coastal areas while protecting important federal radar operations.

Tower Safety 

OSHA recently announced it plans to revise its rules governing communication tower safety, including fall protection and RF exposures, beginning with a July 2016 small business panel review of draft changes.

Connecticut Pole Attachment Dispute

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) will hold a technical meeting on June 1 to discuss a pole attachment dispute between Comcast of Connecticut, Inc. and The United Illuminating Company (UI).  Comcast requested PURA assistance, claiming UI has imposed new requirements to handle overlash requests.

Internet of Things Comment Deadline Extended

In April, The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a Notice and Request for Public Comment initiating an inquiry into the Internet of Things (IoT).  NTIA is seeking input on the potential benefits and challenges of IoT and what role, if any, the Federal Government should play.  Earlier this month, NTIA extended the Comment due date to June 2, 2016.