The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) certified Key Bridge Wireless’ spectrum access system (SAS) and said the company can begin its initial commercial deployment of the system in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band.

The FCC denied a request from USTelecom — The Broadband Association to give broadband service providers an additional 90 days to file their annual 9-1-1 reliability certifications.

Nokia announced that it has successfully completed its first 5G standalone (SA) call on a live network with China Unicom and is expected to achieve full deployment of numerous software solutions with the operator several weeks ahead of schedule.

Hughes Network Systems announced its participation in the winning consortium, led by the U.K. government and Bharti Enterprises, that will acquire OneWeb out of bankruptcy.

The Utilities Technology Council (UTC), joined by the American Public Power Association and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, filed a petition for review with the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to overturn the FCC’s April 2020 decision that opened up the 6 GHz spectrum band to unlicensed use.

The FCC began its first auction of licenses for prime, mid-band spectrum suitable for 5G with Auction 105 for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spectrum.

The Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) announced the July 14 passing of Joseph B. Vestal, a former officer, executive committee member and member of the EWA board of directors. Vestal’s accomplishments included the founding of FleetTalk Management Services after a long and influential management career with Motorola, including a pioneering role in development of the 800/900 MHz SMR industry.

The FCC began integrating portions of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, enacted in March, into its existing supply chain rulemaking proceeding. In that proceeding, the commission in November unanimously adopted a ban on the use of Universal Service Fund (USF) support to purchase, obtain or maintain any equipment or services from companies posing a national security threat to communications networks or the communications supply chain.

The FCC proposed modernizing and improving its rules for programs that help first responders and other emergency personnel communicate during disasters. The proposed updates would help ensure that these programs meet the needs of emergency personnel as technology advances.

In a 9-1-1 indoor location accuracy order adopted July 16, the FCC affirmed the 2021 and 2023 Z-axis requirements the commission established last year, rejecting a proposal to weaken them. The commission added a new requirement that nationwide wireless providers deploy Z-axis technology nationwide by April 2025, while affording non-nationwide wireless providers an additional year to do so within their service areas.