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.

Flylogix and Cambridge Consultants announced a collaboration that will exploit Iridium’s satellite communications to safely control unmanned aerial systems (UAS) from a central control hub. This will enable Flylogix to move from local drone piloting at the airfield to centrally controlled operations, increasing the resilience of their services to offshore installations.

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.

The Radio Club of America (RCA) announced its 2020 award recipients and fellows who will be celebrated at RCA’s 111th banquet and awards presentation Nov. 20 in Pittsburgh.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Switzerland Federal Office of Civil Aviation reached an agreement on harmonizing domestic and international safety standards for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The agreement builds on U.S and Swiss efforts to ensure the fastest growing and broadest segment of aviation is integrated safely, efficiently and seamlessly around the world.

As mandated by Congress, the FCC released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to auction the T-band 470 – 512 MHz spectrum. The notice outlines licensing and operating rules, along with a band plan and technical rules, although the NPRM seeks comments on many issues such as where T-band licensees might move and what to do about industrial/business (I/B) licensees also operating in the spectrum.

The FCC qualified 271 entities to participate in the 3.5 GHz auction of Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) priority access licenses (PALs). Seventy-seven applications did not qualify to participate in the auction, set to begin July 23.