Vote No on HR1002 - Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011

On October 27th, NATOA, along with its national local government association partners, sent a letter to every member of the US House of Representatives asking that they oppose the “Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011” (HR 1002).  The bill, which is expected to be voted on the week of October 31st, would severely limit state and local taxing authority over wireless goods and services.  NATOA strongly urges its members to contact their Representatives and tell them to vote “NO” on HR 1002.  Click here to read the letter.   

FCC DAS Forum Announced

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU ANNOUNCES FORUM:
AUGMENTING MOBILE BROADBAND IN YOUR COMMUNITY –
AN OVERVIEW OF DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA SYSTEMS AND SMALL CELL SOLUTIONS

The FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, in cooperation with the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), will present an informational forum on distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cell solutions on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC.  The event will begin at 9:30 AM.  

The forum will provide an overview of DAS and small cell technologies that augment mobile broadband and wireless services.  The forum will discuss uses of these technologies in both outdoor and indoor public spaces, including hospitals, business and historical districts, campuses, and transit systems.  Panelists will explore DAS and small cell equipment needs and business models, how these solutions benefit communities by expanding mobile broadband and wireless data coverage, and case studies in successful deployment.  

Accessibility Information.  To request information in accessible formats (computer diskettes, large print, audio recording, and Braille), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the FCC’s Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY).  This document can also be downloaded in Word and Portable Document Format (PDF) at: http://www.fcc.gov.  

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau contact:  Don Johnson at (202) 418-7444 or by e-mail:  donald.johnson@fcc.gov.

Oral Argument Held in City of Arlington, TX v. FCC

Oral argument was heard June 8, 2011 in the case of City of Arlington, TX v. Federal Communications Commission.  The case challenges the FCC’s authority to issue its November 2009 tower siting order, which imposed timeframes within which localities must take action on tower siting applications.  A decision is expected by the end of the year.

NTIA Releases BTOP Program Overview Report

On December 14, 2010, the NTIA released a report that provides a great overview of the BTOP program.  You can read the full report, “The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program: Expanding Broadband Access and Adoption in Communities Across America,” at this link.