At The FCC

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.

NATOA Files Comments with FCC re: Philadelphia Ordinance

NATOA, along with the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities, and The United States Conference of Mayors, filed comments with the FCC in support of the City of Philadelphia and its recently enacted ordinance imposing reasonable restrictions on the placement of satellite dish antennas.  In supporting the ordinance, the associations emphasized the role that local governments play in protecting the quality of life in their communities.  Click HERE to read the comments.

FCC Releases Staff Report on AT&T/T-Mobile Merger

The FCC has released a staff report on the proposed AT&T/T-Mobile merger that concludes the merger would result in significant job losses and eliminate a major wireless competitor.  AT&T has withdrawn its application to acquire T-Mobile and has strongly voiced its opposition to the report’s release.

Click HERE to read the report.

Reply Comments Filed in FCC NOI ROW Proceeding

On September 30, NATOA, along with its national association partners, filed reply comments in the FCC’s Notice of Inquiry regarding local rights-of-way management and wireless facilities siting practices.  The associations strongly argue that there is no factual or evidentiary basis for the FCC taking any action on these issues.  Rather, the associations assert the Commission should examine other issues that may be hindering broadband deployment and adoption, such as the cost and quality of services; digital literacy; and industry’s efforts to block municipal networks. 

Click here to read the comments in their entirety.  

NATOA President-Elect to Serve on FCC Diversity Committee

Tony Perez, NATOA’s President-Elect, has been invited to serve on the FCC’s Federal Advisory Committee on Diversity in the Digital Age (the “Diversity Committee”). Perez is the Director of the Office of Cable Communications, Department of Information Technology for the City of Seattle, WA.