proposal

Tougher E911 from FCC

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 20:01:37 -0400

The FCC has voted to tighten the standards for E911 performance by requiring carriers to report their results on a community-by-community basis, rather than averaging results across a state. The change is expected to initially show that there is wide disparity between accuracy in different communities, though the intended result is improved E911 performance across the board. Carriers aren't in favor, though public-service agencies are already coming out in favor of the proposal.

For more on new rules for E911:
Read the complete article at WirelessWeek.

Google proposes new spectrum plans

Mon, 28 May 2007 20:01:38 -0400

New wireless service providers would have an easier time finding pieces of the spectrum if a proposal by Google reaches fruition. The Google proposal, detailed in an FCC filing last week, would open a secondary auction for spectrum in a model similar to the Google AdWords mechanism. In the Google proposal, a large wireless company winning an FCC auction for spectrum would be able to offer pieces of its allotment to smaller companies to provide new or restricted services. If accepted, the proposal might allow for smaller, more innovative firms to bring new services to market faster than if they had to win the FCC auction.

For more on the Google proposal:
- read the report from NetworkWorld

Related Articles:
Google has an eye on VoIP. Report
Google buys video-conferencing software. Report
Is Google going after Cisco/WebEx? Report

FCC quashes in-flight calls, says yes to WiFi

Sun, 08 Apr 2007 20:01:36 -0400

There aren't a lot of luxuries left in air travel, but time away from incessant cell-phone calling is one of them. It's a luxury that had seemed in jeopardy, but the FCC has come to the rescue of peace-seeking air travelers by saying that it will not consider a proposal to allow cell phone calls from airplanes in flight. The proposal, which had been a possibility since 2004, was discarded because of concerns about interference with terrestrial cell phone conversation rather than worries over the strangulation of cell-phone wielding seatmates. Regardless of the rationale, many air travelers have heaved a sigh of relief, while others are bemoaning the waste of time in the air. Those concerned about the effects on productivity can call the FCC--just not from a cell phone on an airplane.

For more on the FCC decision:
- Read the whole story at CIO-Today.com
- Or read about WiFi coming to U.S. flights at DailyTechRag