The following is a list of steps to get you started:

• Perform an inventory of all the radios in your system(s) and record the make & model numbers.
• Determine how much of your equipment is already narrowband compliant and what radios will need to be reprogrammed or replaced.
• Work out a budget to purchase any new equipment that might be needed and to cover the cost of modifying your FCC license(s).
• Coverage could be reduced after switching to narrowband. A knowledgeable radio dealer/engineering firm will be able to tell you if you need to add new transmitter locations or different equipment in order to retain your existing coverage.
• Figure out a “plan of attack” as to how and when you’re going to transition the system.
• Make sure you have a valid FCC radio license for your system. If not, you are operating illegally and need to take immediate steps to obtain a license. Please contact EWA for assistance.
• Is the information on your FCC radio license current and up-to-date? Does your mailing address and contact information need to be changed? Are the coordinates for your transmitter location correct? Now would be the time to make any necessary changes while you’re switching the emissions designator. Call EWA for with any questions or to obtain a price quote.

The time to act is NOW. The longer you wait, the more you risk getting caught up in the mad rush that will undoubtedly come in 2012. You also risk possibly losing your FCC radio license if it has not been modified to narrowband operations by the deadline date. Click HERE to download our one page worksheet that you can use to submit your narrowband migration applications to EWA. And, as always, feel free to contact EWA with any questions you may have!

Important Dates to Remember:

• 1/1/2011 New 25 kHz wideband applications no longer accepted
• 1/1/2011 Modifications to expand contours of 25 kHz systems no longer accepted
• 1/1/2011 Manufacturers no longer build or import 25 kHz only equipment
• 1/1/2011 New 12.5 KHz equipment certification must also include 6.25 KHz equivalent mode
• 1/1/2013 Mandatory B/ILT 12.5 kHz conversion
• 1/1/2013 Mandatory PS 12.5 kHz conversion

• Eligibility for the vacated spectrum
• An overview of the Commission’s Vacated Channel Search Engine (VCSE)
• Application procedures
• Pre-coordination and certification requirements
• Sprint Nextel’s continued operations and notification
• EWA’s role in frequency coordination and certification
• Questions and Answers

As background, on December 29, 2008, the FCC released its Public Notice concerning the identification and the coordination procedures of the 854-854.5 MHz band channels that are now available to Public Safety applicants. EWA is now accepting applications for coordination and certification of these frequencies. If you have any questions concerning the teleconference or EWA’s processing of public safety applications, please contact Ms. Ila R. Dudley, Vice President Spectrum Management, at 800.482. 8282 or ila.dudley@enterprisewireless.org.
We look forward to your participation.

Submit your applications and requests for vacated spectrum capacity directly to Ms. Ila R. Dudley, Vice President Spectrum Management, at 800.482.8282 or ila.dudley@enterprisewireless.org.

Click HERE to review a copy of the FCC’s 800 MHz Public Safety Public Notice DA 08-2810.

What is CPNI?

SearchNetworking.com defines CPNI as follows:

In the United States, CPNI (Customer Proprietary Network Information) is information that telecommunications services such as local, long distance, and wireless telephone companies acquire about their subscribers. It includes not only what services they use but their amount and type of usage. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 together with clarifications from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) generally prohibits the use of that information without customer permission, even for the purpose of marketing the customers other services . In the case of customers who switch to other service providers, the original service provider is prohibited from using the information to try to get the customer back. CPNI includes such information as optional services subscribed to, current charges, directory assistance charges, usage data, and calling patterns.

The CPNI rules do not prohibit the gathering and publishing of aggregate customer information nor the use of customer information for the purpose of creating directories.

CMRS & tax exempt licensees = $60.00 FCC application fee only (tax exempt applicants must provide a copy of their IRS 501C letter.)

Governmental Entities are exempt from all FCC fees.

Attention CMRS licensees

The FCC highly recommends using their online Fee Filer to submit payment electronically. Payments can be made via credit card or electronic debit from a bank account. If you need technical assistance using the FCC Fee Filer, you can contact the Commission’s Financial Operations Help Desk at (877) 480-3201, select Option 4. Additionally, inquiries can be emailed to the FCC at arinquiries@fcc.gov. You must have an FCC Registration Number [FRN] in order to use the online Fee Filer.

Payments can also be mailed to the FCC. Payments made by check, money order or credit card should be mailed along with the Fee Filer-produced Remittance Voucher Form 159-E. To find out the mailing address for your particular type of payment, to make a payment via Wire Transfer or for further information regarding payment methods or the 2008 Regulatory Fees, please visit the FCC Regulatory Fees website.

The FCC has not provided a form for making this election, but has simply advised licensees to submit their notifications by filing a letter through the normal ECFS electronic filing system under PS Docket No. 08-146.

All CMRS licensees, even those that elect not to participate must familiarize themselves with the CMAS requirements regarding notification to existing and new subscribers about the operator’s ability to transmit emergency messages.

Participation in CMAS is entirely voluntary; no CMRS licensee is obligated to implement the technical capability to deliver emergency messages. Licensees electing to participate may later withdraw and those choosing not to participate now may change their election later. For more information, please visit the FCC’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau website.

EWA/LAO
122 Baltimore Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325

The telephone numbers have remained the same: Phone – 800.886.4222; Fax – 717.337.9157.