national public safety telecommunications council

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials | American Radio Relay League | Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies | Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials – International | Forestry Conservation Communications Association

| International Association of Chiefs of Police | International Association of Emergency Managers | International Association of Fire Chiefs | International Municipal Signal Association | National Association of State Chief Information Officers | National Association of

State Emergency Medical Services Officials | National Association of State Foresters | National Association of State Telecommunications Directors | National Sheriffs’ Association

June 2008 Governing Board Minutes,

National Public Safety Telecommunications Council

Committee and Governing Board Meetings June 16-18, 2008

Arlington, Virginia

Monday, June 16, 2008

Opening Remarks, Ralph Haller, Chair, NPSTC

Ralph Haller, Chair, NPSTC, welcomed NPSTC’s Governing Board and Participants to the quarterly Governing Board meeting, held on June 16-18, in Arlington, Virginia. Mr. Haller welcomed special guests Jennifer Wharram, Industry Canada; Tom Black, Public Safety Canada; Jeff Cohen, Senior Legal Counsel to the Bureau Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Chris Essid, Office of Emergency Communications (OEC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Tom Chirhart, Office of Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC); Leslie Taylor, National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA); Lance Craver, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and Victoria Velez, FCC.

Mr. Haller welcomed representatives of the Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) attending the NPSTC meetings, and recognized Vincent Stile, past NPSTC Chair and current Chair Emeritus, for his valuable guidance and leadership during the 3 years he chaired NPSTC. Mr. Haller also acknowledged Wayne Leland, Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA), and Paul Hoppes, National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD), who have recently retired, thanking them for their strong participation in NPSTC.

Following the roll call, Mr. Haller called for a motion to approve the agenda and the minutes of the February Governing Board meeting. Paul Leary, Forestry Conservation Communications Association (FCCA) moved to approve the agenda, and George Carbonell, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) seconded. Approved. Chief Leary, FCCA, moved to approve the minutes of the February Governing Board meeting; Lloyd Mitchell, National Association of State Foresters (NASF) seconded. Approved.

Chief Harlin McEwen, representing the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), issued a special welcome to the new IACP alternate, Captain Eddie Reyes, Alexandria (VA) Police Department. The NPSTC Governing Board was pleased to welcome 30 first-time attendees to the June meeting, with 115 attending in person, and 21 attendees participating on the conference bridge.

FCC Update, Jeff Cohen, Senior Legal Counsel to the Bureau Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, FCC

700 MHz: Mr. Cohen noted the welcome presence of a number of representatives from the FCC attending the meeting. He announced the FCC had just released the Public Notice seeking comment on NPSTC’s Petition to Initiate Rulemaking on 700 MHz narrowband issues. Comments are due July 16 and reply comments July 31. If this first procedure is granted, the FCC would then initiate a Petition for Rulemaking.

Mr. Cohen provided an overview of the 700 MHz Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), with comments due June 20 and reply comments on July 7. The key themes the FCC envisions and on which it seeks comment include the following. The D Block licensee would enable construction of a state of the art, interoperable broadband network that would span the 5 MHz of the paired public safety spectrum and the 5 MHz of the paired D Block licensee. This would permit public safety to take advantage of innovative, commercial off-the-shelf technology while the D Block licensee would gain additional spectrum for its users on a secondary basis. This innovative approach was developed to enhance interoperability for public safety across the nation.

The FCC is seeking comment on whether the public-private partnership should be retained or if the FCC should auction the D Block independent of obligation. If the public-private partnership is retained, the FCC asks who is to be considered an eligible user of the public safety spectrum and whether there should there be any restrictions on the public safety licensee’s ability to incur debt or enter into contracts. The FCC also asks for comment on whether FCC oversight should be required; whether the existing license should be rescinded and new partners sought; what the system and technical requirements for a shared network and cost estimates are; and the definition of priority access and population benchmarks for building out the network.

Regional Planning Committee (RPC) Plans: Mr. Cohen reported that the FCC is up to date on its review of the RPC plans. Four plans have been approved, a number have comments, and the remaining require more information from the regions in question.

800 MHz: The FCC will be issuing orders in the very near future on the waiver requests filed.

9-1-1 and Location Accuracy: The FCC adopted an order that requires wireless carriers to comply with the existing E9-1-1 Phase 2 wireless location accuracy requirement at the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) service area level. Challenges filed in court resulted in the federal court in Washington, D.C. staying the FCC’s order while it considers the merits of the challenges. The FCC also has an initiative to explore how to address the use of non-service initialized handsets. Apparently many of the non-registered handsets have been used to make fraudulent 9-1-1 calls. The FCC has issued a Notice of Inquiry with comments due on June 30 and reply comments on July 31.

VoIP 9-1-1: The companion bills on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in the House and Senate have been reconciled. The FCC expects Congress to pass the legislation, which would require the FCC to issue a rulemaking that would allow VoIP service providers the same kind of access that wireless carriers have. It would require the FCC to submit a report within 1 year and annually thereafter to report on the status of state fee collection, and would require the NTIA to issue a report on how VoIP could migrate to a national IP-enabled emergency network. The FCC would also need to develop best practices for 9-1-1.

National Emergency Communications Plan, Chris Essid, Director, Office of Emergency Communications (OEC)

Mr. Essid said he was pleased to report that as of April 18, 2008, all 56 Statewide Communications Interoperability Plans (SCIPs) were approved, noting that for the first time in

June 2008 Governing Board Meeting Minutes,

history the nation has a plan for interoperability. At the first meeting in California sponsored by DHS, the National Governors Association, and NPSTC, there were 8 plans; a year later, 56 SCIPs have been approved. OEC will continue to support the enhancement and implementation of the SCIPs through technical assistance, guidance documents, and the Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Plan (IECGP). The states are now moving from the planning phase to the implementation phase.

The National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) has been developed to promote the ability of emergency response providers and relevant government officials to continue to communicate in the event of natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. This is a national plan, not a federal plan, but rather a strategy for local, state, tribal, and federal agencies to communicate. These initiatives will be implemented nationally and simultaneously in the states. The NECP that will set national goals and objectives to improve interoperability, operability, and continuity of communications goes to Congress in July.

The IECGP will be a valuable resource for states implementing their SCIPs, authorizing at least $1.6 billion from FY 2008-2012. Mr. Essid said that originally the statewide plans were going to support the national plan, but because the SCIPs were complete before the national plan was written, the national plan has been written to support the elements of the statewide planning. The legislation specifies that grants will be made to states and territories to carry out initiatives that support governance, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) development, and training and exercises because those were the gaps in the SCIPs. OEC expects that this money targeted at these underserved areas will have dramatic results.

The National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG) is a pocket-sized collection of spectrum reference materials for field personnel responsible for federal emergency response that will be used for spectrum coordination in response to emergency situations. The guide provides regulations and guidelines for national interoperability, including tables of nationwide interoperability channels, common communications references, and tables of commonly used frequencies including rail and aviation frequencies. The NIFOG was published in September 2007 with a revised version issued in March 2008. Marilyn Ward, Executive Director, NPSTC, said that the NIFOG was added to NPSTC’s website when it was issued and that it has been downloaded 28,000 times.

Lance Valcour, Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group (CITIG), thanked Mr. Essid for the assistance that DHS has provided to Canada and for the willingness of DHS to share ideas and assist Canada.

Office of Interoperability & Compatibility (OIC) Update, Tom Chirhart, Spectrum Manager

Mr. Chirhart reported on OIC, which is incorporated in DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate, Command, Control, and Interoperability Division, with a mission is to transform new and promising concepts into real operational capabilities. OIC works with emergency responders and with federal partners such as FEMA with a focus on research and development, testing and evaluation, technical tools, and development of best practices. OIC employs a practitioner-driven approach in its technology development.

One of OIC’s major projects is the development of the multi-band radio, Radio Over Wireless Broadband (ROW-B). OIC is working with the Institute for Telecommunications Sciences (ITS) to research how to connect existing land mobile systems with broadband technologies. First responders are using bridging systems that increasingly use IP technology. OIC supports a VoIP Working Group with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).


During the last year, OIC has conducted vocoder testing, as a result of firefighter identification of distortion using digital radios in the presence of noise on the fireground. OIC has partnered with the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and supported NTIA testing to determine if the vocoder was the problem. A report was issued by NTIA last week is available on NPSTC’s website at www.npstc.org.

Regulatory Update, John Logan, NPSTC Regulatory Advisor

Mr. Logan reported that the Commission re-examined the narrowband transition planned to move channels from 12.5 kHz to 6.25 kHz efficiency standards. Originally the FCC said it would examine the technology and the market before establishing a date for 6.25 kHz transition. The city of New York and the state of California filed Petitions for Reconsideration to seek comment on the transition schedule and the challenges it presents. In an order issued in May, 2008, the Commission agreed to that petition.

Mr. Logan also noted that a year ago the FCC was examining next actions regarding the spectrum at 1.9-2.1 GHz. The Commission received a proposal from M2Z suggesting that the Commission not auction that spectrum but license it to M2Z, which would provide “free” access to public safety. The decision is still pending. NPSTC has been approached by various interests regarding the band, which may lead to further discussion about the disposition of the spectrum.

Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS), Lance Craver, Program Manager, FEMA

Lance Craver, FEMA, Program Manager, briefed on the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), an emergency alerting system (EAS). FEMA and the IPAWS Program Management Office are working with public and private sectors to integrate warning systems to allow authorized officials to effectively address and warn the public and state and local emergency operations centers via phone, cell phone, pagers, computers, and other personal communications devices. IPAWS was generated by a 2006 Executive Order to create a more comprehensive alerting system and update the previous alerting system, which is based on 15-year old technology. IPAWS uses not only audio, but text and as many means possible to save more lives and property, incorporating American Sign Language, Braille, and foreign languages in an earlier pilot program used during hurricane season in the Gulf States. FEMA has increased the number of Primary Entry Point stations from 36 to 63, enabling warnings to be delivered to 85 percent of the American public, up from 70 percent.

FEMA will assume the aggregator gateway role for the nationwide cellular mobile alert system, authenticating alerts sent by government officials and working with DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate and the FCC to develop, test, and integrate the technical solutions as the aggregator becomes operational.

Spectrum Management Committee, David Buchanan, Chair, and Stu Overby, Vice Chair

NTIA Federal Spectrum Management Report, Leslie Taylor, Project Manager, Strategic Spectrum Division

Ms. Taylor spoke on NTIA initiatives to improve federal spectrum management. The initiatives are based on NTIA’s recognition that current spectrum management is outmoded and must be revised to support new spectrum-efficient technologies. In March 2008, NTIA completed the Federal Strategic Spectrum Plan (FSSP) that provides a strategic vision to meet future spectrum needs and focuses on implementing dynamic spectrum access. The FSSP comprises a study of a federal-state public safety interoperability demonstration, technical reports on technologies,


http://www.npstc.org/

modeling, interference analysis to improve spectrum efficiency, and studies on international processes and barriers to U.S. technology.

NTIA envisions automated application processing and coordination, with the spectrum environment factored early in planning of systems as well as national, international, regional, local, and non-U.S. regulations. Wireless devices increasingly will integrate regulations and govern behavior according to operating location. Adaptation of devices will enhance spectrum management as devices become more intelligent. The key goals of the FSSP, which can be found at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/reports/2008/FederalState gicSpectrumPlan2008.pdf, include the following tasks:

• Revamp the Federal Spectrum Management System.

• Increase efficiency through standardized and updated technical tools.

• Integrate spectrum management into agency strategic and capital planning processes.

• Establish incentives for more efficient use of spectrum, such as economic incentives. [For example, the United Kingdom requires agencies including the Ministry of Defense to pay fees for spectrum, which encourages more efficiency in spectrum use.]

• Encourage spectrum sharing among federal and non-federal entities.

Ms. Taylor said that NTIA needs input from public safety to learn how NTIA can support spectrum needs for that community and to facilitate sharing of spectrum/infrastructure between local, state, tribal, and federal entities. NTIA is also examining the creation of model Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to streamline the process of sharing. NTIA is also facilitating a technology testbed to examine dynamic access sensor capabilities in a land mobile radio environment to test non-federal and federal systems operating in the same frequencies.

Industry Canada, Jennifer Wharram, Spectrum Engineering Branch

Ms. Wharram briefed on a number of subjects covering spectrum management in Canada, Canada - U.S. Considerations, IC’s role in public safety radio communication, spectrum used by public safety in Canada, radio interoperability, and public safety and radio frequency spectrum in Canada. Ms. Wharram also responded to a Q and A session following her briefing.

Frequency planning in Canada begins with international planning based on frequencies set at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) level. Allocations define permitted use; IC then develops appropriate legislation, regulations, policies, and standards so that the spectrum is used to best serve Canadian interests and needs. Licensing is carried out in accordance with policy and technical rules, as the FCC’s Part 90 in the U.S. In Canada, frequencies are assigned in two ways—first come, first served, or through competitive process, which occurs only if demand exceeds supply. The competitive process is accomplished either through comparative review or auction.

IC headquarters are in Ottawa, and include five regional offices, 20 district offices, and 14 branch or sub offices. Regional and district offices are responsible for licensing, the management and monitoring of spectrum, and interference concerns. For more information, visit the website at www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum/.

Border Coordination: Eighty percent of Canada’s population lives on the U.S./Canada border, requiring cross border coordination to avoid interference on either side of the border. Originally


http://www.ntia.doc.gov/reports/2008/FederalState%20gicSpectrumPlan2008.pdf

http://www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum/

signed in 1962 and revised in 1965, Arrangement A between the FCC and IC, developed under the Above 30 MHz Coordination Agreement, covers many VHF and UHF bands. This is a first come, first served (FCFS) arrangement, meaning there is no channel plan or reserved frequencies. When a request is received, the country wishing to install a station within the coordination zone provides station information to the other country. This technical information is analyzed and a determination is made with respect to the potential for harmful interference to existing radio stations. Only existing stations can be protected from potential interference. IC also employs other bilateral coordination approaches, including the Block and Zone approach in which each country has specific spectrum for their primary use in specific areas. Coordination is not usually required to use the primary use spectrum. IC also relies on a licensee to licensee approach with technical provisions, mostly in cellular arrangements.

During 1 year, under Arrangement A, IC processes approximately 10,000 requests from the U.S. and sends 5,000 Canadian requests to the U.S. The average processing time is 35 days. Ms. Wharram noted that the treaty has worked for over 40 years with over 15,000 transactions a year along the very long border between Canada and the U.S. It has been flexible enough to accommodate changes such as refarming, new technologies, new uses, increased demand for VHF and UHF, and movement of users. The treaty also covers other approaches such as block and zone. There is no remuneration to IC for frequency coordination. Each proposal is reviewed on an individual basis, analysis is based on sound engineering practices, and only existing Canadian users are protected. Ms. Wharram said the Canadian online database is a good first step for U.S. agencies on the border seeking assistance. The database provides Canadian station locations, coordinates, and frequency and call sign information. http://www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum/.

Public Safety Spectrum: IC works with public safety in Canada, consulting with them to make the best use of spectrum, designating frequencies, and creating standards and guidelines. IC defines public safety services that involve safety of life and property, within a hierarchy of three categories, Category 1: police, fire, and EMS; Category 2: forestry, public works, public transit, dangerous chemical clean-up, customs and other agencies contributing to public safety; and Category 3: other government agencies and certain non-government agencies.

• VHF and UHF: Ms. Wharran said there was no national band plan for VHF originally, with the first plan published in 2004. The VHF band plan is not perfectly aligned with the U.S. and the band is used by many different types of licensees in addition to public safety. Public safety uses VHF heavily but does not have designated channels. The band will continue to be used in this manner in the foreseeable future. The UHF band, also heavily used by public safety, is organized a bit better. In Canada, refarming or narrowbanding applies only to VHF and UHF in 138-174 MHz and 406.1-430 MHz and 450-470 MHz. Refarming will only occur in areas of high spectrum congestion.

• 700 MHz: IC’s 700 MHz consultation was published in January 2008 and received 28 comments. The designation and band plan are strongly supported; the transition plan met with general agreement; and, regarding wideband options, most supported the aggregation of the narrowband channels, using blocks B and C in areas where there is no broadband. There was concern that the use of narrowband voice is not limited. The consultation only addresses narrowband and wideband portions, not broadband.

• 800 MHz: Canada is not rebanding in 800 MHz because there is no specific designation of the services in the band. The department released a new spectrum utilization policy on 4.9 GHz in June 2006. There is not much occurring in the band yet, as the focus is on 700 MHz and the community is waiting to see what new technology may be available.


http://www.ic.gc.ca/spectrum/

Regarding interoperability challenges, IC issued a consultation paper on radio interoperability guidelines, directed towards first responders, to define radio interoperability and terminology and outline different levels of radio interoperability. IC has received 19 responses and will release a decision this fall.

Questions and Answers

Mr. Buchanan presented questions from the attendees to Ms. Wharram.

Mr. Buchanan: Is there any co-channel coordination criteria used in analysis that will allow public safety in the U.S. to address these issues upfront? Ms. Wharram: Each spectrum management officer has their own methods, but their tools are standardized. They use terrain-based propagation model similar to Longley-Rice and 3 Arc second data for terrain information. Regarding signal strength, there are trigger values that are considered in light of other factors such as the type of applicant.

Mr. Buchanan: How were the current harmful interference levels determined? Have you considered a less conservative model for interference values to allow additional sharing of spectrum? Ms. Wharram: The model Canada uses is probably the most accurate. Longley-Rice and Predict are the only two terrain-based models that predict how the signal acts in an environment.

Mr. Buchanan: The U.S. models predict desired/undesired signal strengths; if the model predicts less than a determined amount, than it is presumed it won’t cause interference. U.S. candidates would like to predict better how proposals will be received in Canada. Ms. Wharram: Decisions are based on individual considerations based on the spectrum manager’s knowledge of the area and a starting point based on the trigger value. Agencies in the U.S. should also consult the Canadian database.

Mr. Buchanan: Are Federal Strategic Spectrum Plan (FSSP), meetings open to the public? Ms. Wharram: The RABC is an association of associations, but said she is not sure how open their meetings are, suggesting those interested consult the RABC website. RABC responds to IC consultations as NPSTC comments on FCC notices. IC meets with groups like the IAFC, IACP, and CITIG several times a year to interface with public safety as much as they can. All regions have their own meetings as well. Three times a year IC has an internal engineering meeting.

Mr. Buchanan: Is the database on the IC website? Can it be downloaded? Ms. Wharram: Spectrum Direct has all the database information used internally with the exception of secure material such as military information.

Brian Marenco, FCC, thanked Ms. Wharram for presenting at the NPSTC meeting, noting that the collaboration between IC and the FCC is excellent and valuable. The FCC is working on a Public Notice to help applicants on border, with a link to the IC database. He suggested that a station will probably pass if the signal level is below minus 1.16 dbm at the Canadian station. Mr. Valcour added his appreciation for Industry Canada, noting that IC has been attending Chiefs of Police meetings for years seeking public safety input to guide IC decisions.

For more information, contact [email protected] .

470-512 MHz Working Group, Ralph Haller

Dave Eierman, Motorola, presented on the current Part 90 Rules for TV/DTV versus Land Mobile Radio (LMR) spacing. The TV/LMR rules are written for analog television. Approximately 30 years


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ago, there were 50 dB spacing tables for co-channels, adjacent, base, control and mobile stations, with a 50-mile radius around 11 cities while mobiles could operate about 30 miles away from the base station. In the 1980s, New York City was changed to 40 dB spacing, providing 10 dB less protection to the television stations. The tables were applied to 700 MHz. The issue considered by the Working Group is the following: If the 40 dB tables were applied at UHF; could the area that public safety, critical infrastructure, and business/industrial has in the 10 other metro areas be expanded.

Applying the 40 dB tables, for co-channels, the 50-mile radius could be increased by 20 to 30 miles, but this would also allow DTV to move closer to LMR metro centers. For adjacent channel spacing, nothing would really change. The Working Group recommends that NPSTC prepare Petitions for Rulemaking to the FCC proposing new technical standards for land mobile/DTV operation in the 470-512 MHz band. Preliminary analysis shows approximately a 20 percent benefit for 10 of 11 cities by modifying the spacing rules. To view Mr. Eierman’s slides, visit NPSTC’s Meetings page.

700 MHz Advocacy Working Group, Dave Buchanan and Stu Overby

Mr. Buchanan reported that NPSTC followed the principles below in drafting a response to the FCC’s FNRPM on 700 MHz. The response:

• Reaffirms NPSTC support for the public/private partnership, the nationwide interoperable broadband network, and the Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST).

• Addresses the need for public safety grade design, not another commercial network. • Suggests using auction dollars to help fund the network, phasing in some public safety

grade features, and clarifying defined vs. negotiable elements to help enable a viable business plan.

• Requests additional flexibility for regional participation coordinated with and authorized by PSST.

• Recommends additional funding and schedule extension for narrowband relocations. • Provides detailed technical responses based on the NPSTC Broadband Statements of

Requirements (SoR).

In other work focused on the 700 MHz band, Mr. Overby reported that the Working Group has addressed the issue of potential interference from secondary uses including LPTV and auxiliary uses. During the quarter, the Working Group analyzed these issues and found that in addition to the potential for interference through LPTV, there were an unknown number of microphones, licensed and unlicensed. The Working Group developed a brochure to increase awareness of the potential interference issue and a package of materials, including a template letter that agencies intending to implement in 700 MHz can use to notify LPTV stations. Working in coordination with NPSTC’s Outreach Committee, the Working Group has already provided informational brochures and engaged in discussions with the National Regional Planning Council (NRPC) to reach out to the RPCs. The Working Group has also developed a draft letter to the FCC recommending a rulemaking proceeding on the marketing, sale, and coordination of wireless spectrum microphones in public safety spectrum. Users would be subject to the risk of forfeitures for unauthorized use of wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band. A draft letter to the FCC has been distributed to the Governing Board for approval.

800 MHz Reconfiguration Working Group, David Buchanan


Mr. Buchanan reported that the Transition Administrator (TA) has initiated a pilot with Region 43 in Washington State to learn what information the TA will need to do frequency assignments. Implementation for National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) moves are occurring. The TA is also working to assist regions in tracking implementation, through high-level project management assistance. Bob Gurss, Association of Public Safety Communications Officials – International (APCO), reported that FCC orders on the waivers will be issued tomorrow.

Border Issues Working Group, George Carbonell

Reporting on behalf of Mr. Carbonell, Mr. Buchanan said that the Working Group has been gathering information on the U.S. Canada Above 30 MHz Coordination Agreement. He noted that Ms. Wharram’s presentation was helpful, and will allow development of specific ideas and recommendations. The Working Group will be investigating issues with Mexico and has also been contacted by Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands for assistance.

Sean O’Hara, State of New York, reported that the State of New York will be looking for NPSTC support on issues regarding Wave 4 800 MHz rebanding on the border. All of the 800 MHz channels will be channelized at 12.5 kHz, which means giving up a 25 kHz channel in exchange for a 12.5 channel. New York is deploying 4-slot TDMA technology and is already meeting the spectrum efficiency guidelines. The effect of the channelization will create coverage impacts for New York’s state system. Mr. Buchanan said he would address this in the Committee and also take the issue back to the TA.

Wireless Alerting Working Group, Jim Weichman

Reporting on behalf of Mr. Weichman, Mr. Buchanan reported that a draft letter requesting assistance to identify spectrum in the 900 MHz band for public safety paging has been submitted to the Governing Board. Following approval, the Working Group will send the letter to the FCC. Mr. Logan and Mr. Weichman will arrange for an ex parte meeting to discuss the issue with the FCC. The Working Group is also working to educate DHS on paging as a valuable public safety resource.

New Items for Governing Board Approval Action Item: Affirm the direction of NPSTC’s response to the 700 MHz NPRM. Discussion: Chief Leary expressed concerns on behalf of FCCA, specifically the need to include coverage of wilderness areas. Chief McEwen said that satellite should be available to provide some service in these areas. Chief Leary agreed, but said he would like to include language that provisions will be made to address those needs. Mr. Haller asked for a motion to affirm the direction of the draft response, modified by Chief Leary’s request. Chief Leary so moved, Mr. Carbonell seconded. Approved.

Action Item: Approve creation of a new Airborne Video Working Group. Draft the charter to address strategies and spectrum for public safety airborne-to-ground video operations. Draft action items for the proposed Working Group include tasks to define the issue, including any partial solutions in use and shortfall to public safety requirements; to determine solution options; and to develop recommendations to the FCC for Governing Board approval. Don Root will serve as Chair and the Working Group is seeking volunteers. Mr. Overby, Mr. Stile, and Mr. O’Hara volunteered to serve on the Working Group.

Mr. Carbonell so moved; Alan Caldwell, IAFC, seconded. Approved.


Status of Previous Action Items

Action Item: Prepare Petitions for Rulemaking for the FCC proposing new technical standards for land mobile/DTV operation in the 470-512 MHz band. Status: Remains open. List of relevant TV stations updated; preliminary analysis shows approximately a 20 percent benefit for 10 of 11 cities by modifying spacing rules. The Working Group will finalize the analysis and develop the petition to be submitted to the Governing Board electronically.

Action Item: Develop draft position and comments for Board approval in response to FCC NPRM regarding the D block re-auction. Status: Remains open. The Spectrum Management and Technology Committees with NPSTC counsel jointly developed draft comments for Executive Committee review and approval to be filed with FCC by the June 20 deadline.

Action Item: Develop LPTV issue summary report. Status: Close item; task accomplished. NPSTC foldout brochure developed from LPTV information package to use in raising awareness of issue.

Action Item: Develop notification templates agencies can use to notify secondary LPTV stations of need to move and notify the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) of the need to prevent broadcast auxiliary operations. Status: Close original item; but recommend further outreach through the Outreach Committee.

Chief Leary moved to approve the above action items; Tom Abernethy, Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) seconded. Approved.

Action Item: Contact the FCC Lab and ask that they no longer certify wireless microphones capable of operation in the 60-69 TV Channels. Status: Remains open. Draft letter to FCC developed for legal review and Board approval.

Richard Reynolds, NASTD, moved to approve the above letter; Kevin McGinnis, National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials (NASEMSO) seconded. Approved.

Action Item: Close duplicative action item on wireless microphones.

Mr. Carbonell so moved; Mr. Reynolds seconded. Approved.

Action Item: Alert Broadcast Auxiliary equipment vendors of need to stop marketing equipment on 63, 64, 68, 69; develop vendor list and joint template letter; and coordinate actions with FCC PS/HLS and Media Bureaus. Status: Remains open. Potential FCC rulemaking may also provide an opportunity to pursue.

Action Item: Recommend to NTIA that translators moving out of 700 MHz be given priority to receive funding from the existing $10 million digital translator fund. Status: Remains open. No resolution to date from informal calls; next step is to draft letter to NTIA.

Action Item: Consider other possible uses for the B Block and then prepare communications with the FCC. Status: Remains open. Options presented at February meeting; on hold pending D block resolution.

Action Item: Collect a list of frequencies unavailable to the U.S. users in the border area. Examine treaty with Canada on Above Line A concerns. Status: Combine actions into an overarching action item.


Chief Leary so moved; Doug Aiken, International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA), seconded. Approved.

Action Item: Approve 900 MHz recommendation to FCC on two-way paging spectrum.

Chief Aiken so moved; Mr. Caldwell seconded. Approved.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Outreach Committee Meeting, Bill Brownlow, Chair

Reporting for Bill Brownlow, Charley Bryson described the activities of this new NPSTC Committee, comprising three Working Groups, Editorial Review, Volunteer Coordination, and Website Review. The mission of the Outreach Committee is to engage new participants, educating them on the structure of NPSTC and on how their participation will make a difference. The Committee is seeking volunteers to participate both in the Committee and in direct outreach by spending time in the NPSTC booth, sharing their expertise, contacts, and input at conferences.

Mr. Bryson reported that NPSTC had almost 713,000 website hits from January 2008 until May. The site has added new hot topics buttons on the home page, and new pages for the PSST Advisory Committee, LPTV, COML, and Channel Naming. New pages are in progress for the In Building and Technical Resources Working Groups as well.

Regional and Broadband (formerly PSST Liaison) Committee, Don Root, Chair, and Ron Mayworm, Vice Chair

700 MHz Narrowband Relocation Working Group, Chair, Don Root

Mr. Root reported that the Working Group has been quantifying the costs for agencies affected by the relocation required by the changes in the 700 MHz band plan, necessitated by the FCC’s 700 MHz Report and Order of last August. There are strong concerns that it will not be possible to fund this relocation with the $10 million originally allotted for this task. Approximately 50 700 MHz systems are up and running currently, including a large number of vehicular repeaters, a category that was not factored into the original cost estimate.

700 MHz Itinerant Channel Naming Working Group, John Powell, Chair, and Charley Bryson, Vice Chair

Mr. Powell said the Working Group has developed a summary report on the 6.25 kHz and 12.5 kHz channels at either end of the 700 MHz band and their potential use. Since the last meeting, two issues have changed the climate somewhat. The IAFC Digital Noise Working Group has researched the intelligibility of the vocoder on the fireground, which raises questions on use of the channels, as there are no analog channels in the 700 MHz band outside of these. The FCC has also issued a notice on changes to these channels, proposing to raise the power level to 3 watts, which would help the fireground operations issues.

Additionally, Mr. Powell reported that there has been some concern expressed on the channel names because the proposed names are similar to the interoperability channels. It is important not to confuse the itinerant channels with the interoperability channels, for which the rules are entirely different. The Working Group is open to suggestions on appropriate naming to avoid that confusion. Mr. Root suggested alpha suffixes rather than numeric suffixes to immediately distinguish the two types of channels.


District Chair Reports

Northeast Region, Jay Groce: Reporting for Mr. Groce, Mr. Reynolds reported that Region 36, Western Pennsylvania, has convened after 6 years, and is working on their plan. Region 20, Maryland and Northern Virginia, has submitted their plan. Bette Rinehart, National Planning Assistance and Coordination (NPAC) Vice Chair, reported that Regions 30 and 8 have filed plans pending at the FCC. Region 31, North Carolina, expects to finalize their plan by September for submission to adjacent regions.

Gulf Coast, John Johnson: Reporting for Mr. Johnson, Mr. Mayworm reported that the FCC list of regional chairs is current. The plan for Region 39, Tennessee, has been approved. Region 1, Alabama, has its plan up for comment, as well as Region 51, Houston.

North Central, Bill Carter: Reporting for Mr. Carter, Maribel Martinez-Bradwell reported she received updated information at this meeting that will be added to updates.

West Coast, Mark Schroeder: Reporting for Mr. Schroeder, Mr. Root reported that the tasking to update the contact list has been accomplished by the NRPC, and will be added to the NPSTC spreadsheet. Region 5’s, Southern California, plan has been updated. Ms. Rinehart reported that Region 43, Washington State, has been approved.

Mr. Carbonell, Region 19, raised two issues about the Computer Assisted Pre-coordination and Resource Database System (CAPRAD) repack. First, the RPC discovered that Westchester County received 50 percent more spectrum than the adjacent Fairfield County in Connecticut. Westchester County wanted 25 kHz while Region 19 is working in 12.5 kHz. Second, when CAPRAD was developed, the state license was not to be touched, but the Region has learned the state licenses were put into the repacking process. Mr. O’Hara said that the state channels were put up for pack because the NRPC requested that be done, but they can be used or not depending on the needs of the RPC. The state channels were added because it allows states to equitably and impartially assign channels, but the state license is not bound by CAPRAD. Regarding the 12.5 versus 25 kHz issue, the repack attempts to find home for “orphan” channels. Because Region 19 is the only one in that area doing 12.5, orphans moved into adjacent counties. In response to a question from Mr. Carbonell, Mr. Cohen added that if Region 19 was to re-do their plan without CAPRAD, they would have to file an amended plan.

Mr. Cohen noted that the FCC wants to urge regions to file plans and seeks the support of the public safety community to help those regions move forward. The FCC can not act on plans where concurrences from adjacent regions have not been received.

National Planning Assistance and Coordination (NPAC) Working Group, Ron Mayworm, Chair, and Bette Rinehart, Vice Chair

Mr. Mayworm reported that the Working Group was tasked to develop a mission statement, develop and update the dispute resolution process, and update the National Coordination Committee (NCC) reports that apply to regional planning. The mission statement is a three-part statement that will be distributed through the RPC listserv to obtain input and approval by September 15, 2008. The Dispute Resolution Process based on earlier documents created in the National Planning Oversight Coordination (NPOC) has been edited and will be distributed via the listserv as well. The NCC documents, the 700 MHz regional plan template, the guidelines, and six appendices, have been modified to reflect updated information. The Working Group proposes they be distributed to RPCs for their review and posting now, and updated as needed.


Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST), Harlin McEwen, Chair, PSST

Chief McEwen said the PSST is at a critical period, the first stage of which will culminate as comments are made to the FCC on Friday, June 20. NPSTC and NPSTC’s member organizations are in the process of crafting response comments. Chief McEwen said he was concerned that if the public safety community is not in agreement on the need for the public safety private broadband network, the community may lose this opportunity. He said the community needs to come to consensus on this critical issue and to articulate how to make this happen. The comments will be very helpful in guiding the FCC as they craft rules for the next auction.

Regulatory Update, Bette Rinehart

Ms. Rinehart reported that the FCC has finalized changes to the 800 MHz band to facilitate rebanding on the Canadian border, and, by August, in Mexico. The spectrum at 806-809/851-854 has been designated as the new NPSPAC band. Non-public safety will be relocated to other spectrum while non-NPSAC public safety will be relocated to spectrum immediately adjacent to NPSPAC if possible. They will remain in that band if there is not enough spectrum available to relocate them, but will be changed to 25 kHz channels. Once that is completed, the U.S. primary NPSPAC moves down to the new NPSPAC band. U.S. secondary [licensed on Canadian band] NPSPAC will move to the new band and become primary.

The new dividing line between Canadian border region 2 and 3 is now the Pennsylvania and Ohio border. Effective August 12, 2008, licensees who want to negotiate a Planning Funding Agreement must file by October 2; the TA must provide a more detailed region-by-region timetable by October 12.

As noted by Mr. Cohen, the FCC released its public notice in response to NPSTC’s petition to initiate rulemaking on 700 MHz narrowband issues. Mr. Root reported on a request from Mr. Schroeder who asked him to request an amendment to the FCC notice to include the same operational mode, asking for the shared use of analog for additional fireground frequencies. The request is based on the field testing of the vocoder. He said the portable communications infrastructure would be used to support fire communications. He feels the recommendation of four pools of six channels for deployed trunked infrastructure or airborne flyover package would not be sufficient in large metropolitan areas or high levels of activity by mobile agencies. Mr. Cohen said the point of the proceeding now is a decision whether or not to initiate a rulemaking. The greater detail is not necessary to that decision, but if comments are submitted, that would become part of the rulemaking.

NRPC Update, Richard Reynolds, Vice Chair, NRPC

Mr. Reynolds reported that Alan Bull, Chair, NRPC, who suffered an aortic aneurysm while at work in the 9-1-1 center, is recovering from emergency open heart surgery. The NRPC met in Arlington, Virginia, in April, with 27 of the 55 regions represented; finalized the bylaws, charter, and mission statement; and set up a technical committee. NRPC is funded for all training and activities through the Texas Sheriffs Association. The main goal is to achieve full completion of all 700 plans and the NRPC can use funding to help regions write their plans. NRPC will be filing comments on the 700 MHz NPRM, but only on issues that affect the RPCs, and several of the regions are also filing individually. The NRPC is trying to fund more RPC attendance at NPSTC meetings. The same four district representatives who serve NPSTC also serve that role on the NRPC.


Mr. Buchanan asked if NPSTC and the NRPC could coordinate helping regions write their plans. NRPC can fund ancillary expenses, such as travel, renting facilities for meeting, copying, conference calls, webinars, etc. but cannot fund someone to actually write the plan. Mr. Reynolds said there are many good plans already written and these can be tailored to other regions. The NRPC is also happy to coordinate with NPSTC. Mr. Buchanan suggested NPSTC could help with outreach efforts to communicate that those resources are available to the RPCs. Willis Carter, APCO, said that APCO approved a grant for assistance to the regions last week.

Ms. Ward reported that Mr. Bull has communicated that the NRPC seeks to become a member of the NPSTC Governing Board. Chief McEwen has also talked to Mr. Bull, noting that the governance structure NRPC has created is an excellent step towards accomplishing that goal.

New Items for Governing Board Approval

Action Item: Change name of PSST Liaison Committee to the Regional and Broadband Liaison Committee to more accurately reflect the scope of activities.

Mr. Carbonell so moved; Mr. Abernethy seconded. Approved.

Action Item: Direct the Executive Director to engage in discussions with the NRPC with a goal of adding NRPC to the NPSTC Governing Board.

Chief Leary so moved; Mr. Carbonell seconded. Approved, with Mr. Reynolds abstaining as Vice Chair of NRPC.


Action Item: Develop mission statement for NPAC Working Group. Status: A 3-part statement will be distributed to all RPCs through the RPC listserv to obtain feedback by the September NPSTC meeting

Action Item: Edit NPAC Dispute Resolution Process documents. Status: The NPAC Dispute Resolution Draft, Notice of Petition to NPAC, and Process Flow Charts will be distributed to all RPCs through the RPC listserv to obtain feedback by the September NPSTC meeting.

Action Item: Revise NCC documents. Status: The 700 MHz regional plan template, the guidelines, and six appendices have been modified to reflect updated information. The Working Group proposes they be distributed to RPCs for their review and posting now, and updated as the FCC acts on the interoperability petition.

Action Item: District Chairs to update POCs. Status: Open.

Action Item: CAPRAD resort. Status: Closed; complete.

Action Item: Assist with the development of the 700 MHz narrowband relocation plan. Status: Open.

Action Item: Assist with the implementation of the narrowband relocation. Status: Open.

Action Item: Develop mission and charter for the Itinerant Channel Naming Working Group. Status: Open.


Action Item: Develop Itinerant Channel naming methodology. Status: Open.

Mr. Carbonell moved to approve the closing of the action items requested above. Mr. Mitchell, seconded. Approved.

Interoperability Committee, John Powell, Chair, and Ralph Haller, Vice Chair

Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) Working Group, Don Root

Mr. Root reported on the status of National Interoperability Information eXchange (NIIX). NIIX has been operating for 1 year, providing the states virtual secure communities for sharing documents and for supporting their statewide planning documents. NIIX use has expanded with almost 1,000 registered users and 55 communities currently meeting and sharing documents in this repository. There are groups from DHS using NIIX now, and NPSTC has had inquiries from other federal agencies seeking to use it to work with their state constituents.

Ms. Ward said NPSTC would be happy to offer the NIIX functionality to any organizations within NPSTC who would like to set up their own communities to share and store documents. These communities are completely secure and only open to members the community coordinator allows to join.

EMS Working Group, Kevin McGinnis

Mr. McGinnis reported that the Working Group is reviewing a white paper on potential technologies with implications for bandwidth that might be used in the medical field in the future that is under review. The Working Group expects to submit a draft to the Governing Board by September 2008.

ESF2 Working Group, Don Root

Mr. Root reported that the Working Group’s mission and vision were submitted for approval on June 17, 2008. “Emergency Support Function #2 (ESF-2) supports the restoration of communications infrastructure, facilitates the recovery of systems and applications from cyber attacks, and coordinates federal communications support to response efforts during incidents requiring a coordinated federal response. The mission of this Working Group is to serve as a forum for the discussion of communications restoration needs at the local, tribal, state, and federal levels following a major event or incident as defined in the National Response Plan.”

Interoperability Channel Naming Working Group, Don Root Mr. Root reported on the status of the standardization process undertaken by APCO. Joe Gallelli, APCO, reported that APCO’s Standards Development Committee has initiated the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process to move the Channel Naming Report into a voluntary standard. The Channel Naming Report can be found on the NPSTC website, with supplemental material that describes a shortened naming system for radios that do not support eight characters. Mr. Carbonell noted that the effort is to be a collaborative effort of APCO, IMSA, and AAHSTO. Communications Leader (COML) Training Overview, John Powell Mr. Powell provided an overview on a new training curriculum developed for COML training, DHS has approved a training curriculum, which can be supported by grant funds, and which must be


taught by a certified instructor. Fielding this training is a priority for DHS. As soon as the federal catalogue number is assigned to the course, OEC or OIC will send a letter to the State Administrative Agency (SAAs) in each state, granting approval for grant dollars to be used for training and providing a list of instructors. The certifications will probably reside with the state. All of the positions in the Communications Unit have a task book, which Mr. Powell will make available on NPSTC’s website. Bill Carrow, APCO, COML Working Group, reported that ‘train the trainer’ trainings will occur at APCO’s conference in Kansas City, Missouri, as well as training in Seattle, Washington, next week, increasing the number of certified COML trainers available. An article on the role of the COML and the history that led to the development of the role and communications unit, authored by Mr. Powell, is the feature article in the June NPSTC newsletter. Detailed materials on the COML are available on the NPSTC website. Software Defined Radio Working Group, Fred Frantz/John Powell Peter Tenhula, Shared Spectrum Company (SSC), reported by teleconference from the SDR Forum meeting in Portland, Oregon, on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) XG [next generation] and follow-on programs on Cognitive Radio (CR) for tactical and public safety communications. Mr. Tenhula said that CR is ideal for spectrum-constrained systems and applications, such as broadband, aerial video links, and robotic systems. SSC has developed software-defined, cognitive radios that sense and detect available spectrum through user-defined policies that can do the following: • Increase link range by selecting the “best” frequency that minimizes propagation loss. • Improve the capacity of wireless systems, by enabling robust spectrum pooling with peers,

and providing high communication availability and reliability. • Avoid intended/unintended interferers. • Obtain access to additional spectrum (efficiently and safely use encumbered spectrum;

“lease” from other spectrum owners; licensees lease spectrum to third parties).

The DARPA XG program hosted a final demo at Yuma Proving Ground on June 5, 2008. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is sponsoring a project entitled, Policy-Based Spectrum Access Control and Management for Multi-band Cognitive Radio Systems for Public Safety Communications, with Phase 1 to be completed in December 2008. The goals include the need to establish trust in CR devices by addressing concerns about CR technologies such as interference, device integrity, security, and authentication. The program seeks to demonstrate in lab and field tests how an end-to-end, multi-band CR system can be tailored, safely managed, and effectively controlled, and to show the benefits of dynamic spectrum and bandwidth access.

New Items for Governing Board Approval Mr. Powell reported that he has three applicants for the role of Interoperability Committee Vice Chair, who are each investigating budget and travel approval issues before committing to the role. Action Item: Approve the ESF2 mission statement, charter, and membership. Mr. Carbonell so moved; Mr. Dura seconded. Approved.



Action Item: Update the NPSTC Common Channel Naming Document with the proposed changes approved by the Governing Board at February 2008 meeting. Status: NPSTC’s Narrowband Petition was filed with the Commission in February 2008 and a Notice seeking further guidance published by the FCC on June 16, 2008. The naming document moved forward to APCO for ANSI standardization on June 17, 2008. Action Item: Update Interagency and Law Enforcement Interoperability Channels. Status: NTIA is working on resolution of updates for interagency and law enforcement interoperability channels. NTIA will provide NPSTC the information when the resolution is completed. An inquiry was submitted to NTIA on June 16. Action Item: Develop a white paper on potential technologies with implications for bandwidth that might be used in the medical field in the future. Status: Draft has been developed to be presented in September 2008. Action Item: Provide input into the regional planning process to ensure better coordination for local agencies to acquire needed resources when systems are damaged in disasters such as fires. Status: Open. The P25 User Group has also identified this as a need to address. Action Item: Work with Mr. Gurss to provide information on the state and local use of federal channels. The action item will be consolidated with the above NTIA action item. Status: A Help Wanted was published in the e-bulletin in April. Mr. Gurss said a draft report is still in process. Action Item: Maintain SDR Support. Status: Ongoing. A major presentation by SDR-based equipment providers is anticipated at the Seattle meeting in September. Action Item: NPSTC recommended that Congress provide grant–supported certification and training for NIMS/ICS Communications Unit personnel. Status: Training curriculum has been completed and approved by DHS, with beta and initial two training classes already held in the last several weeks. COML Training rollout is one of the top three priorities for OEC. Wednesday, June 18, 2008 Technology Committee, Tom Sorley, Chair, and Andy Thiessen, Vice Chair Next Generation Digital Band (NXDN™), Icom and Kenwood Joint Digital 6.25 kHz Technology, Rodney Grim, Icom America Mr. Grim reported on Next Generation Digital Band (NXDN™), a joint digital technology developed by Icom and Kenwood to provide 6.25 kHz modulation in response to the FCC’s desire to move to narrowband, eventually reaching 6.25 kHz. The four main benefits of this digital technology are: • Regulatory compliance. • Improved voice information transfer at range. The technology has been demonstrated to

provide better performance in multi-path conditions. The lack of “white noise” and static reduces operator fatigue.

• Better integration of signaling features than analog and new features not available in analog. These are built in and include 800-950 BPS control data, NEMA GPS compatibility; transport latitude, longitude; and limited telemetry.

• Significantly better spectrum efficiency.


NXDN™ uses-off-the shelf technology, incorporates many features in analog, and provides backward compatibility. To view the technical aspects of the presentation, visit NPSTC’s Meetings page. Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) in U.S., Warren Havens, President, Telesaurus LLCs and Spectrum Skybridge Foundation, Roger Dowling Mr. Havens and Mr. Dowling presented on Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) technology and legal issues surrounding the use of TETRA, a standard widely used around the world, but not in the U.S. and on the technology itself. TETRA comprises a suite of open digital trunked radio standards defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) to meet the needs of Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) users. TETRA is an interoperability standard that allows equipment from multiple vendors to interoperate with each other. TETRA has contracts in countries around the world in every geographic area excluding the U.S. Almost 50 percent of all contracts are with public safety. The cost of the technology is one-third that of P25 according to Mr. Havens, who noted that TETRA is not in the U.S. because Motorola, which uses the P25 standard in its equipment, holds the U.S. patents for TETRA and will not license them for the sale and use in the U.S. Under U.S. Statute 28 USC 1498, established in World War I, no one that holds U.S. patents can block any U.S. federal or state agency from purchase and use of anything made with a U.S. patent. TETRA has a petition based on this statute and on a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision to facilitate the use of TETRA in the U.S. Mr. Dowling described the TETRA technology, which was originally designed for public safety. The radio system is a four slot TDMA system with a call set up time of less than 300 milliseconds. It provides extremely secure communication and encryption at a number of levels for authentication of the user and system. The TETRA association defines the interoperability component and provides independent testing of commercial products from many different manufacturers that ensures the systems are fully interoperable. TETRA defines interoperability as the assurance that a radio from Manufacturer A can talk to one from Manufacturer B either directly or via an infrastructure from Manufacturer C. Mr. Powell said that TETRA is fine in the right environment, but that the U.S. is not the right place for it in light of U.S. interoperability issues. The operational issues are quite different, he said, noting the dense populations in Europe, versus some of the sparse, scattered communities in the U.S. Additionally U.S. agencies make procurement decisions independently versus procurement in Europe where state agencies purchase equipment. Regarding the issue of cost, Mr. Powell said since TETRA is a cellular-based system, cost comparisons need to include the added infrastructure and backhaul required for TETRA. Mr. Havens disagreed with this analysis, but suggested that a side-by-side comparison would be valuable. Mr. Sorley agreed that such a comparison would be valuable if TETRA is interested in collaborating with Mr. Powell. Brian Fontes, NENA, noted that NPSTC is a “technology agnostic” organization and does not advocate for or against any particular technology. Action Item: Examine comparisons and facilitate in-depth discussions to increase the level of knowledge on this alternate technology. Amateur Radio Working Group, Tom Abernethy


Mr. Abernethy reported that the public safety amateur radio best practices white paper will be presented at the September NPSTC meeting. The white paper covers the beneficial interface between the amateur radio community and public safety, addressing technical and operational issues. The paper when complete will be placed on the NPSTC website for vetting and presented at the September Governing Board meeting for approval. The Working Group will again offer ham radio testing in Seattle at the September meeting. In-Building Coverage Working Group, Stu Overby, Chair, and Jack Daniel, Vice Chair Mr. Overby reported on the development of an In-Tunnel supplement to the white paper on In-Building Best Practices. The Working Group has assembled a number of interested volunteers, who have held several teleconferences, drafted an outline, and initiated the writing of various sections of the supplement. Following approval by the Working Group, the supplement will be placed on the NPSTC website for vetting. It will be presented at the September meeting for Governing Board approval. Mr. Haller said the FCC developed Part 15 rules 20 years ago for tunnel radio so that signal is not lost in tunnels, suggesting that the Working Group research that information as well. Work also continues on model codes through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC) to develop national level model codes that should be published in 2009 and 2010. Chief Aiken reported that the Report of Proposals on in-building issues has been issued by NFPA. Comments are due by August 29, 2008. The comments will be reviewed by the committee, which will publish the comments, followed by NFPA approval the following September. The report has two components—one on two-way radio communication enhancement systems and one on testing and maintenance to determine if a system placed in a building actually works. This material is on the NFPA website. Mr. Overby suggested the Working Group review the NFPA Report and develop draft comments. Technology Education Working Group, Steve Devine, Chair, and Bob Shapiro, Vice Chair Mr. Devine reported that the Working Group is beginning to issue its first deliverables on technology education, which will be issued to the Governing Board for approval in the near future. The mission of the Working Group is to identify technology topics of interest to NPSTC participants and the communications community at large. The Working Group will facilitate the development and delivery of appropriate training materials to address those topics up to and including creating publications, marketing plans, seminars, and/or other methods of ensuring educational benefits. Training public safety is not the goal of the Working Group; rather disseminating technical information is the priority. The first deliverables cover the following topics: • Timeline and history of 700 MHz proceeding. • 4.9 GHz – 5.9 GHz potential/ Network Testbed and Intelligent Transportation System

integration issues in Pinellas County, Florida. • Next Generation 911 issues, impact to public safety and implementation

concerns/opportunities. • LMR 101. • FCC Electronic Comment Filing System Tutorial.

In addition to developing educational materials, the Working Group is in the process of organizing a NPSTC Website Technical Repository, with the goal of creating a chronological history of


issues; for example, the backbone on 700 MHz will highlight regulatory changes, industry impact, etc. Review of work products will occur first in the Technology Committee, then through the Governing Board. As these products are living documents, they will be updated as needed on the NPSTC Technical Repository. The intent is for NPSTC’s member organizations to distribute materials through their organizations, and the Working Group hopes to work with NPSTC’s Outreach Committee to facilitate that effort. The Working Group seeks input on future topics that should be addressed. The next product in development will address education and outreach on the National Unified Goal (NUG) for Traffic Incident Management (TIM) at the request Mr. McGinnis. IAFC Digital Problem Working Group Update, Charles Werner Chief Werner, Charlottesville (VA) Fire Department, reported that the Digital Project (formerly Digital Problem) Working Group, created by IAFC to investigate the intelligibility of digital communications on the fireground, has issued a best practices presentation on the IAFC website with suggestions on how to deal with the issue operationally. The intent of the final report is to alert the fire service that noise on the fireground can interfere with intelligible radio communications. The report provides background on the issue; the steps the Digital Project Working Group took to investigate the problem in an objective, laboratory setting; the results of the testing and corresponding analysis and recommendations; and best operational practices. The strongest message of the report is the importance of training on communications equipment. The NIST testing is a scientific study of nine background noise environments. It is not designed to be pass or fail because there is currently no standard against which to measure performance. This communications issue needs to be addressed on a systems basis, looking at all the equipment, including the radio, PASS system, etc. to ensure that a new technology introduced to a firefighter’s equipment doesn’t interfere with other devices. The Working Group immediately identified as a next step the need to do more testing on radio accessories, more testing with other agencies, and to expand to auxiliary public agencies. The IAFC report to be issued soon will add context to the already-issued NTIA technical report. Broadband Working Group, Andy Thiessen/Joe Ross Mr. Thiessen reported on the APCO Project 25 Interface Committee (APIC) Broadband Task Force which is working to develop a standard for 4.9 GHz. The technical analysis in 4.9 GHz is complete, but it was accomplished before the broadband network in 700 MHz was proposed. Accordingly, the Broadband Working Group would like to revisit the requirements document in light of the changes in 700 MHz. The P34 User Needs Committee will convene a meeting of users to review the requirements document and make any changes they deem necessary. Mr. Powell said that a small cadre has been attending P34 meetings for some time, but the group needs to expand to include more public safety users to vet discussions of these standards-setting efforts. The process of developing standards is a slow one and educated users are critical to the process. He encouraged users and manufacturers to become involved in the process. Mr. Thiessen said the Working Group had identified 30 users to begin the process as soon as funding is in place. Mr. Thiessen said the Broadband Working Group very much appreciated the opportunity to participate in the response to the 700 MHz NPRM. At the last NPSTC meeting, the Working Group reported they would begin to develop a 700 MHz Broadband Device Requirement Plan for


the SoR. Depending on the response to the FCC’s NRPM, the plan is to organize requirements gathering to provide a more flexible feedback mechanism, with more public safety involvement and more time for public safety to provide input. Mr. Logan announced that any assistance to NPSTC’s response to the FCC NPRM will be gratefully accepted. It must be submitted by Thursday so the Governing Board can approve the filing for submission on Friday, June 20, 2008. Mr. Buchanan thanked Mr. Logan, Mr. Thiessen, Mr. Olbrich, and Mr. Overby for many hours of work on this filing. Radio Over Wireless Broadband (ROW-B) Presentation, Luke Klein-Berndt, OIC; Bill Jenkins, Clarity Communications; and Emil Olbrich, ITS Mr. Klein-Berndt and Mr. Olbrich introduced a demonstration of ROW-B technology. The project will integrate new broadband technologies with existing public safety two-way radio systems, including the integration of location information. Many agencies use LMR and separate wireless broadband systems, but because LMR and broadband systems serve specific and different needs, they were not designed to communicate with each other. The lack of interoperability between these two systems may compromise emergency response operations. OIC launched the ROW-B pilot project to field test the integration of new broadband Push to Talk (PTT) technology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications with existing LMR systems. ROW-B uses a new implementation profile known as the Bridging Systems Interface (BSI), developed by OIC and NIST OLES, that uses standard IP/ISP messaging as a common medium. ROW-B integrates broadband data applications, including real-time location mapping and location-based group calls. OIC’s intent is to determine the value added to public safety telecommunications. The demonstration showcased how different devices and operating systems can communicate through ROW-B—including laptop, PTT radio, cell phone, wireless, wired-in command console, and the bridging system interface. The talk group or contact list is set up centrally from the agency. Talk group functionality is defined in a virtual mode. It includes the ability for the user to create an ad hoc talk group independent of the dispatcher. An example of ROW-B use demonstrated a hypothetical incident at an airport, where the dispatcher clicks on the address, zooms into the map, identifies users in area, and initiates a geo-call to those in the area, creating an ad hoc talk group for those on the scene. As different agencies come into that geographic area, they can automatically tune in to the frequency. The PTT connection is very fast and the connection very clear. The goal for the set-up time to join the talk group is 450 milliseconds; this version of ROW-B is currently at 1 second set-up time. Mr. Thiessen said ROW-B is not to be considered a replacement for LMR, but a way to connect disparate networks; for example, he suggested the BSI interface can connect a local network to the 700 MHz network. Chief McEwen noted that the PSST feels this is exactly the kind of research public safety needs.


Action Item: Develop white paper on how the amateur community can provide operational assistance and interface with public safety. Status: White paper will go on the web for review and to solicit comments, back to the Working Group, then to voting by Governing Board at September meeting.


Action Item: Begin process for finalization of device requirements for public safety. Status: Working Group has not proceeded with next steps for device requirements yet pending responses to the 700 MHz NPRM, which will dictate how work will move forward. Working Group will organize device requirements work through user initiation of the work, with participants involved from the beginning.

Action Item: Track NFPA proposal on nationwide model codes and develop NPSTC comments for Board approval. Status: Per information Doug Aiken provided at the February NPSTC meeting, the NFPA proposal is due for release in mid- to late-June with comments due sometime in August.

Action Item: Create an in-tunnel supplement best practices paper. Status: Assembled Working Group, held teleconference, provided introduction, and discussed reason for project. Reviewed draft outline and obtained suggestions for additional areas. Added sections on spectrum environment, transit environment considerations, dynamic range, interference scenarios, including intermodulation, cross band, commercial/public safety, and regulatory considerations. Expect to have draft to present in September.

Action Item: Provide an article summarizing Technical Education Working Group topics for the June newsletter. Status: Closed. This is an ongoing, quarterly submission.

Action Item: Create work products on issues for review and publishing by next meeting. Mr. Sorley suggested adding FCC 101 and Project 25 history background to the list of topics. Status: Closed. This is becoming an ongoing task.

Action Item: Work with NPSTC Support to develop platform for technical knowledge repository on NPSTC website. Status: Closed. Technical knowledge repository is in process. Ms. Rinehart is working on 700 MHz documents, slides, and presentations over the last 10 years to develop 8-10 slide decks. The domain is ready, waiting for the content. Action Item: Populate website and categorize topics with documents on pertinent issues. Status: Closed. This will be an ongoing task. Preliminary products have been developed for 700 MHz, 4.9/5.9, Next Generation 911, LMR, and ECFS. The Working Group will suggest different dissemination means for different products, as appropriate, and will solicit distribution methods. Action Item: Recommend Governing Board members approach their constituents and identify any technology issues that have been underserved or require more attention. Status: Closed. Received one additional topic from Mr. McGinnis who asked the WG to publicize the goals relating to communications through National Unified Goal (NUG) for Traffic Incident Management (TIM). Action Item: Develop target topics of needed education and then create a work plan from those topics. Status: Closed.

Chief Leary moved to approve the closing of the recommended action items and adapt two as recurring tasks as recommended by the Committee. Mr. Caldwell seconded. Approved.

Governing Board General Business

DeMello Award: Mr. Haller said he was pleased to announce the 2008 Dick DeMello award winner, Chief Charles Werner, who has demonstrated the highest dedication to public safety.


Chief Werner said he was totally caught off guard by this honor and very grateful for the recognition in such a dedicated group as NPSTC. He said he has learned the importance of collaboration from his experiences. Over the past 30 years, Chief Werner said he remembered the days when agencies didn’t talk to each other and sent conflicting messages to Congress. Those fractured messages provided a reason for legislators not to support public safety, he said, adding that he commends the willingness of the member agencies of NPSTC to deliver that unified message.

Proposed 2009 NPSTC Meeting Schedule: It was proposed that the Governing Board will meet on February 9-11, 2009, in San Diego, California; May 18-20 in Arlington, Virginia; September 14-16, in Denver, Colorado; and November 17-19, in Arlington, Virginia. Ms. Ward said there is a conflict in May with the IACP’s Law Enforcement Information Management conference.

Action Item: Mr. Mitchell moved to instruct the Support Office to set up the proposed meetings and investigate changing the May meeting to May 12-14, 2009. Mr. Caldwell seconded. Approved. Mr. Carter asked a question about the structure and length of the meetings, noting that in the past, the Committee work was accomplished on Monday afternoon and Tuesday, followed by a Wednesday morning meeting for official Governing Board voting. The meeting structure was changed to avoid duplication of presentations made in Committee on Governing Board day. Additionally Monday morning has become a very busy time for Working Groups to meet and accomplish work before the Committee meetings started. Mr. Haller announced that the agendas will no longer include specific times designating Working Group meetings. It is very difficult to predict how much time will be needed for Working Group discussions and presentations. In the future, the agenda will include the beginning times for Committees only, with a list of the Working Groups and presenters in the order they will present. Action Item: Instruct the Support Office to investigate the potential of a 2-day meeting, still allowing for Working Group days as needed. A show of hands indicated the desire to work on Tuesday and Wednesday and travel on Monday.

Consent Agenda Items: Mr. Haller asked for review and feedback on the following policy items through a Consent Agenda previously sent to the Governing Board for their review.

The Consent Agenda included NPSTC policies for adopting a Consent Agenda, voting via ballot, recognition of service, conference booth volunteer staffing, and an endorsement of the statement below from the SAFECOM Practitioner Action Team (PAT), “We support radio practices that minimize or eliminate coded substitutions for English.” One item, NPSTC Officer Job Descriptions, was pulled from the agenda to modify the original language. The item will be edited and submitted for an electronic vote. Chief Leary moved to approve consent for all items; Chief McEwen seconded. Approved. New Business: Captain Reyes announced that the IACP will be hosting South American Policing Forum conference in Brazil, inviting the Governing Board and participants to attend to share technology projects. Adjournment



The next Governing Board Meeting will be held at Renaissance Seattle Hotel, September 15-17, 2008, followed by the BWI Airport Marriott on November 18-20, 2008. Mr. Haller thanked the Governing Board, NPSTC Participants, and the Support Office for their participation and hard work, and adjourned the meeting. He noted that the Governing Board is extremely appreciative of the effort people make to volunteer their time and efforts. NPSTC is an important vehicle for developing consensus on sometimes highly divergent views in support of public safety. Chief Leary moved to adjourn the meeting; Sheriff Fitzgerald seconded. The meeting was adjourned.

Meeting Attendees Tom Abernethy Governing Board -Alternate ARRL PO Box 73 Accokeek MD 20607 301-292-6263 [email protected] Doug Aiken NPSTC Vice Chair IMSA 9 Bentley Road Moultonborough NH 3254 603.528.9111 [email protected] Jason Barbour NENA 4350 N. Fairfax Drive, 750 Arlington VA 22203 703.812.4600 [email protected] Klaus Bender Jeanne Benfaida FCC-PSHSB-Policy 445 12th St SW Room 7-A843 Washington DC 20554 202-418-0799 [email protected] Tom Black Sen Tech Pol Analyst Public Safety Canada 269 Laurier Ave W Ottawa ON k2p2k8 613- 949-3995 [email protected] Judith Brackin Deputy Director Chester County PA 601 Westtown Rd West Chester Pa 19390 610-344-5047 [email protected]

Bill Brownlow Telecomm Manager AASHTO 444 N. Capitol St. NW Washington DC 20001 (202) 624-5817 [email protected] Charles Bryson Director RCC Consultants 2809 Emerywood Parkway 505 Richmond VA 23294 804) 301-1123 [email protected] David Buchanan Chair Spectrum Committee 11009 Hawkridge Rd Yucaipa CA 92399 909-633-9336 [email protected] Christine Butts NPSTC Administrator NPSTC Support Office 205 Sunningdale Dr Lexington SC 29072 803)360-0116 [email protected] Alan Caldwell Senior Adviser IAFC 4025 Fair Ridge Drive Fairfax VA 22033 703-273-4809 [email protected] George Carbonell Trans Radio Supvr AASHTO/ConnDOT 280 West St Rocky Hill CT 6067 860-258-0376 [email protected]

Bill Carrow 2nd Vice President APCO 351 N. Williamson Blvd Daytona Bch FL 32114-1112 302- 659-2340 [email protected] Willis Carter President APCO International 1144 Texas Avenue Shreveport la 71101 318-675-2200 [email protected] Stephen Carter VP, Engineering QUALCOMM Inc. 5775 Morehouse Drive San Diego CA 92121 858-658-2315 [email protected] Tom Chirhart Program Manager DHS OEC Washington DC 20528 202-254-6063 [email protected] Jeff Cohen Senior Legal Counsel FCC - PS&HS Bureau 445 12th St SW Room 7-A843 Washington DC 20554 202-418-0799 [email protected] Jean Ann Collins Deputy Division Chief FCC, PSHSB, CSAD 445 12th St., SW, Room 7-A363 Washington DC 20554 202-418-2792 [email protected]


Richard M. Comerford IAEM 13110 Lake Mary Jane Road Orlando, Florida 32832 (407) 207-8881 Mark Crosby President & CEO Enterprise Wireless 8484 Westpark Dr., Suite 630 McLean VA 22102 7035285115 [email protected] Roger Dowling Director Sepura plc Radio House, St Andrews Road Cambridge CB4 1GR 01223 876000 [email protected] Dennis Dura Manager, EP&R ARRL 225 Main Street Newington CT 6111 860-594-0222 [email protected] David Eierman Principal Staff Engr Motorola 7031 Columbia Gateway Dr, 3FLR Columbia MD 21046 410-760-09873 [email protected] Jeanne Elder Support Office NPSTC Support Office 3830 West Radcliff Avenue Denver CO 80236 303-758-2399 [email protected] Robert Epper Highlands Consulting Group LLC 8191 Southpark Lane, Unit 205 Littleton CO 80120 303-649-1842 [email protected] Daniel Esposito Clarity CSI 2640 White Oak Cr. Aurora IL 60502 630-499-1234 [email protected]

Chris Essid Director OIC 245 Murray Lane, Bldg 450 Washington DC 20528 Len Fatica PdM ALcatel-Lucent 31 Dellenbaugh Loop Pataskala OH 43062 740-927-1598 [email protected] Richard Finn Superintendent York Regional Police 17250 Yonge Street Newmarket ON L3Y 4W5 (905) 830-0303 x7900 [email protected] Chris Fischer President-Elect APCO PO Box 98993 Des Moines WA 98198 206-878-0962 [email protected] Paul Fitzgerald Sheriff NSA 1315 S B Avenue Nevada IA 50201 515-382-7456 [email protected] Brian Fontes Executive Director NENA 4350 N Fairfax Ste 750 Arlington VA 22203 800-332-3911 [email protected] Paul Frew Government Affairs Motorola Canada 8133 Warden Avenue Markham ON L6G 1B3 905 948 5474 [email protected] Richard Frye President FRYE-COMM CONSULTING 1515 Sunny Hill Ave Williamstown NJ 8094 856.629.8205 [email protected]

Parrinello Gaetano Netware Wireless Joe Galleli Strategic Planner Zetron 477 Seminole Woods Blvd Geneva FL 32732 407 474 4377 [email protected] Jeff Goldthorp Chief - CSAD FCC 445 12th St. SW Washington DC 20554 202-418-1096 [email protected] Rodney Grim Tech Support Mgr ICOM America Inc 2380 116th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98004 425-576-6317 [email protected] Jay Groce East Coast RPC Region 28 601 Westtown Rd West Chester PA 19382 610-344-5084 [email protected] Robert Gurss Dir., Legal/Govt APCO 1725 DeSales St, NW #808 Washington dc 20036 202-833-3800 [email protected] Carl Guse NRPC Technical Chair State of Wisconsin POB 7912 Madison WI 53707-7912 608-266-2497 [email protected] Ralph Haller Chair NPSTC 122 Baltimore Street Gettysburg PA 17325 717-338-1505 [email protected]


Joe Hanna President Directions 6805 Clear Springs Circle Garland TX 75044 214-673-5478 [email protected] Warren Havens President Telesaurus LLCs & Spectrum Skybridge Foundation 2649 Benvenue Ave Berkeley CA 510-841-2220 [email protected] Taylor Heard Acting Dep Director DHS - OEC [email protected] Charlie Hoffman Telecom Specialist NTIA 1212 New York, Ave., NW Washington DC 20005-6171 202-482-3456 [email protected] Ernest Hoffmeister Technology Fellow Tyco Electronics 221 Jefferson Ridge Parkway Lynchburg VA 24121 434-455-9555 [email protected] Mark Hoppe Consultant Blue Wing Services P.O. Box 16318 St. Pau; MN 55105 651-699--985 [email protected] Paul Hoppes Governing Board NASTD 110 South 7th Stre., 3rd Floor Richmond VA 23219 804-371-5580 [email protected] Michael Hutton Governing Board Member AFWA 122 Baltimore ST Gettysburg PA 17325 (717) 479-3858 [email protected]

Al Ittner Spectrum Manager Motorola 1301 E. Algonquin Rd. Schaumburg IL 60196 847-576-3536 [email protected] Bill Jenkins VP Product Management Clarity Comm Sys 2640 White Oak Circle Aurora IL 60502 630-299-1234 x114 [email protected] Walter Johnston PS/HSB FCC 445 12 Street SW Washington DC 22202 202-418-0807 [email protected] Mark Jones Noblis Ken Keane Partner Duane Morris LLP 505 9th Street NW Suite 1000 Washington DC 20004 202-776-5243 [email protected] David Knutson Executive VP Cyren Call 7601 Lewinsville Rd McLean VA 22102 703-622-3401 [email protected] Bill Lane Chief Engineer FCC 445 12th St. SW Washington DC 20554 202-418-0676 [email protected] Terry LaValley Radio Tech. Manager State of Vermont 103 South Main Street Waterbury Vt 5676 802-241-5215 [email protected]

Paul Leary Governing Board FCCA 709 Central Street Franklin NH 03235-2023 603-934-0055 [email protected] Cuong Luu DHS OEC Jill Lyon VP & Gen Counsel Utilities Telecom Cl 1901 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington DC 20006 202.872.0030 [email protected] William Maheu Sr Director Qualcomm 5775 Morehouse Drive, BB-290D San Diego CA 92121 858-651-6552 [email protected] Brian Marenco Electronics Engineer FCC-PS/HSB Washington DC [email protected] Maribel Martinez-Bradwell Support Office NPSTC 38 Dussault Drive Latham NY 12110 518-506-4373 [email protected] Andy Maxymillian Consultant Blue Wing Services, 235 Summer Hill Drive Gilbertsville PA 19525 610-473-2171 [email protected] Ronald Mayworm Radio System Engineer City of Bryan P. O. Box 1585 Bryan TX 77806 979-209-5475 [email protected]


Matt McCreary NPSTC Outreach Coordinator Support Office 3121 Natoma Way Orlando FL 32825 4075951077 [email protected] Harlin McEwen Governing Board IACP 422 Winthrop Drive Ithaca NY 14850 607-257-1522 [email protected] Gene McGahey ICC State of Colorado 1580 Logan St., Suite 200 Denver CO 80203 303-803-5177 [email protected] Kevin McGinnis Program Advisor NASEMSO 57 Central Street Hallowell ME 4347 207-512-0975 [email protected] Smith McRae Business Development JPS Communications 43341 Royal Burkedale St South Riding VA 20152 703-819-7571 [email protected] Richard Mirgon 1st VP APCO Intl. 351 N Williamson Blvd Daytona Beach FL 32114 [email protected] Lloyd Mitchell Governing Board NASF 113 Forestry Commission Drive Florence SC 29501 843.992 2368 [email protected] Larry Nyberg Standards Mgt Motorola 1301 E Algonquin (SH2-F2), Schaumburg IL 60196 847-576-7827 [email protected]

Sean O'Hara Syracuse Research 6225 Running Ridge Road North Syracuse NY 13212 315-452-8152 [email protected] Emil Olbrich Consultant NIST-OLES 325 Broadway Boulder CO 80305 303-497-4950 [email protected] Stuart Overby Sr. Director, Spectrum Motorola 1301 East Algonquin Rd., SH-2 Schaumburg IL 60010 847-576-2952 [email protected] Raymond Pache Director Global Sale Calamp Dataradio 6160 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Atlanta GA 30328 770392 0002 ext 2011 [email protected] Jay Paull Cyren Call 7601 Lewinsville Rd McLean VA 22102 703-760-0470 [email protected] Bob Pavlak Project Manager OCTO 441 4th St. NW Washington DC 20001 301-357-0527 [email protected] Norman Pearl CTO Mobile Data CalAmp-Dataradio 200-5500 Royalmount Ave Montreal QC H4P 1H7 514-737-0020 x242 [email protected] John Powell Chair Interoperability Committee 790 Washington St Ste 909 Denver CO 80203 510-410-2858 [email protected]

Ronald Prater Corner Alliance 202-339-0288 [email protected] Steve Precker Program Manager G&H International 1100 New York Ave, NW #250 Washington DC 20005 202-955-9517 [email protected] Eddie Reyes Captain Alexandria Police Dept 2003 Mill Road Alexandria VA 22314 703-838-6360 [email protected] Richard Reynolds Governing Board NASTD 801 Silver Lake Blvd Dover DE 19904-2407 302-739-9648 [email protected] Bette Rinehart Regulatory Affairs Motorola 28 Twin Lakes Drive Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0654 [email protected] Don Root Committee Chair Regional & Broadband Comm 5555 Overland Ave., Ste. 5105 San Diego CA 92123-1250 858-694-3903 [email protected] Joe Ross Televate 703-405-1467 [email protected] Robert Shapiro LMR Engineer LCC Intl., Inc. 740 East Campbell Rd, #620 Richardson TX 75081 214-292-0212 [email protected]


Douglas Sharp Tech Solution Mgr Ericsson 6210 Spine Road Boulder CO 80301 303-473-6833 [email protected] Jackie Siegel Technical Editor NPSTC Support Office 15 Saint Raphael Laguna Niguel CA 92677 301-461-3683 [email protected] Tracy Simmons Branch Chief FCC/PSHSB 445 12th St. SW Washington DC 20554 717-338-2657 [email protected] Ralph Slattery IOP Manager Sepura plc Radio House, St Andrews Road Cambridge CB4 1GR +44 1223 876000 [email protected] Tom Sorley Technology Committee City of Houston 611 Walker Street, Ste. 901 Houston TX 77002 832-393-9611 [email protected] Bob Speidel Manager, Regulatory Tyco Electronics P.O. Box 2000 Lynchburg VA 24551 434-455-9465 [email protected] Don Speights President STi DHS OEC 462 Severn Rd. Severna Park MD 21146 202-315-8970 [email protected]

Vincent Stile Past Chair/Chair Emeritus NPSTC 44 Kent Lane Centereach NY 11720 518-474-9112 [email protected] David Stone Northrop Grumman 202 Watson Way Ste 192 Cedar Park TX 78613 512-413-2828 david.stone.ngc.com Paul Szoc Governing Board IMSA 7 River St Keene NH 3431 603-352-8768 [email protected] Leslie Taylor Project Manager NTIA 1212 New York Ave, NW Ste 600 Washington DC 20005 202-482-4214 [email protected] Andy Thiessen Electronics Engineer NIST-OLES 325 Broadway Boulder CO 80305 303-497-4950 [email protected] Alan Tilles SRGPE 11921 Rockville Pike Rockville MD 20852 301-231-0930 [email protected] Lance Valcour Associate Member CITIG 1200 Montreal Road Ottawa ON K1A OR6 613-371-7808 [email protected] Victoria Velez Dep Div Chief, PCOOD FCC/PSHSB 445 12th Street, SW Washington DC 20554 202-418-7009 [email protected]

Michael Walker Business Development Northrop Grumman 525 Saint Francis Road Baltimore MD 21286 410.365.2600 [email protected] Marilyn Ward Executive Director NPSTC Support Office 318 Palmer Drive Lexington SC 29072 803-960-4339 [email protected] Jim Weichman 800 MHz System Manager City of Richmond 3516 N Hopkins Road Richmond VA 23324 804-646-5141 [email protected]



Sandra Wendelken Editor Mission Critical Com 7108 S. Alton Way, Building H Centennial CO 80112 303-792-2390 [email protected] Charles Werner Governing Board IAFC

203 Ridge St Charlottesville VA 22902 434-970-3323 [email protected] Jennifer Wharram Spectrum Engineering Industry Canada 300 Slate Street Ottawa Ontario CA K1A0c8 613-990-4721 [email protected] Rob Zanger Program Manager US DOJ 12801 Fair Lakes Parkway Fairfax VA 22181 2025982072 [email protected]


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