Today: Congressional Wi-Fi Caucus Launch, NTIA and NHTSA Release NG911 Cost Estimate Study, FCC Environmental Compliance And Historic Preservation Workshop
Congressional Wi-Fi Caucus Launch
Congressmen Jerry McNerney (CA-09) and Bob Latta (OH-05) announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Wi-Fi Caucus to open a dialogue about appropriate policy solutions that can address today’s pressing concerns. The launch is an effort to provide a much-needed forum for Members of Congress and staff to learn about Wi-Fi-related issues affecting their constituents. The Congressional Wi-Fi Caucus will focus its efforts on Wi-Fi in relation to a number of issues, including 5G, cybersecurity, internet-of-things (IoT), smart cities, spectrum optimization, autonomous vehicles, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and more. As the use and integration of Wi-Fi is likely to become more prevalent, there is a need for informed policy decisions so that Wi-Fi can continue to yield benefits for innovation and job creation and contribute to our nation’s economic growth and global leadership.
NTIA and NHTSA Release NG911 Cost Estimate Study
The study was administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and estimates the cost estimate range for NG911 deployment is between $9.5 and 12.7 billion.
Recognizing the need for comprehensive 911 system funding reform in order to help 911 evolve to support the technology needs of both the public and first responders, Congress directed NHTSA and NTIA to complete a study to assess the costs, service requirements and specifications needed to implement NG911 across the country. The study was requested through the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Throughout 2017 and 2018, the project addressed various aspects of funding NG911, including how costs would be broken out geographically, the needs for NG911 services of persons with disabilities and the impact of PSAP access to broadband.
The National 911 Program worked with a team of emergency communications, technology and economic theory consulting experts to gather and analyze information from the 911 stakeholder community. The team used publicly available data and sought input from vendors, associations and PSAPs to develop accurate estimates of the costs to implement and sustain NG911 throughout the country
FCC Environmental Compliance And Historic Preservation Workshop
The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announced the agenda for its annual workshop on the environmental compliance and historic preservation review process required for the construction of wireless communications facilities. The two-day workshop will be held on October 11 and 12, 2018. The training will include information relevant to the construction of new communications towers and the collocation of communications equipment on existing towers and other structures. At the workshop, FCC experts on the environmental review process and other speakers will provide information to FCC licensees, those who construct or manage communications facilities for FCC licensees, and consultants on a range of topics related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the FCC’s implementing regulations and related agreements. Recent changes to the FCC’s rules and procedures on environmental compliance and historic preservation requirements will be covered on the first day. Working with Tribes with respect to the NHPA and complying with Endangered Species Act requirements will also be covered. The second day of the workshop will address public safety-related issues and other topics.
