The FCC granted Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) modification applications for permanent authority to operate 228 positive train control (PTC) wireless radio base stations under Automated Maritime Telecommunications System (AMTS) licenses WRAN721 and WRAN723.1.

AT&T filed an amicus curiae brief in a privacy lawsuit against the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet), arguing that the FirstNet national public-safety broadband network (NPSBN) is not subject to a government privacy law because it is operated and maintained by a private entity.

The FCC is seeking entities authorized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to send alerts using the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to participate in an upcoming targeted test of the wireless emergency alert (WEA) system.

Several recent FCC proposals have the potential to change the industry in big ways. The latest action on 900 MHz sets up a realignment process we haven’t experienced since 800 MHz rebanding began more than a decade ago. The biggest difference will be the process the FCC uses to relocate incumbents, and hopefully, the length of time it takes to complete the initiative.

Industry feedback on the FCC’s proposal to realign the 900 MHz band to allow for broadband services was varied, with large incumbent utilities opposing the proposal and others supporting the realignment only with tight interference protections and voluntary incumbent relocation.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) through which all wireless emergency alerts (WEA) are authenticated, validated and delivered to participating commercial mobile service providers, announced that IPAWS will not be ready to support certain improvements to WEA as of June 10, as previously expected.

Executives from New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and consulting form Trott Communications Group urged the FCC to update the Part 22 paging and radiotelephone service rules to provide greater flexibility and promote more intensive use of the band.

The FCC proposed changes to its Part 87 aviation radio service rules to support the deployment of more advanced avionics technology, increase efficient use of aeronautical spectrum and improve aviation safety.

The FCC sent a notice of unlicensed operation and harmful interference to a New York man. Joseph Foster has 10 days to respond in writing.

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) negotiated a 900 MHz spectrum swap arrangement with pdvWireless, following an FCC proposal to realign the spectrum band for broadband operations.