Meeting Minutes for May 11, 1999

Web Page: www.wwcic.org

Bulletin Board Phone Number: 206-621-9773

Information Line Phone Number: 206-559-1067

George Bisso called the meeting to order at 9:35.   The minutes of the April 13, 1999 meeting were reviewed and approved.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Checking Account Balance:  $2,626.48

Savings Account Balance:           $1,728.63

  Reminder:  If you have not paid your dues for 1999, please do so. 

OLD BUSINESS

  Nextel IX to SMR.    Jerry Noe provided an update.  Basically, there is not much change in the situation.  Nextel is still working on the problem.  On an item of interest, Jerry mentioned that Nextel is working with Microsoft on a system of radio/computer integration for internet connection.

  IX to Canadian Ferries by NOAA WX Channel.  The interference went away before it could be identified.  The source was suspected to be a retransmittal of the weather channel 162.475 MHz.

  1999 WWCIC/WCTC Meeting.  A draft list of topics for discussion was reviewed and revised.  Topics were listed in order of priority.  Shirley will be sending out a final list in the next few days as well as an agenda.

NEW BUSINESS

  Interference to KIRO Radio.  George reported that KIRO remote 161.64 MHz on Queen Anne Hill is receiving interference from Canadian weather station operations on 161.65MHz from Mayne Island.  It must be an atmospheric ducting phenomenon and only occurs in the afternoon. 

  NAB Conference.  George mentioned some highlights of the April NAB Conference in Las Vegas.  FCC was challenged by the radio broadcast engineers about low power FM.  They agreed on the general concept but not the way FCC is implementing it.

  Establishment of Public Service Radio Pool.  Dennis Rainier inquired if everyone had a copy of the FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on establishment of public service radio pool in the private mobile frequencies below 800 MHz (FCC 99-52 dated March 25, 1999).   The Seattle Office did not receive a copy from HQ; however, Shirley will download from the FCC website and email everyone a copy.  The proposed rulemaking was initiated to evaluate the impact of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 on FCC's auction authority for wireless telecommunications services and seeks comment on how amendments to Section 309(j) affect FCC's determinations of what services are auctionable.  It also seeks comment on the scope of the Act's exemption from competitive bidding for licenses issued for public safety radio and a proposal to establish a new radio service pool for use by utility companies, petroleum and natural gas companies, and railroads, and on implementation of Section 337(c) which provides for licensing of unassigned frequencies to entities seeking to provide public safety services.

  UHF Transmitters.  George is in need of two 406-420 MHz UHF transmitters for Neah Bay weather transmitter--10 watts or greater.

  FCC Items of Interest.  Dennis Anderson reported on the following FCC issues.   Most FCC documents can be found on FCC's web site:  http:/www.fcc.gov.  If you would like a copy, please contact Shirley Perry.

·        FCC Headquarters Move.  The Washington DC offices are in the process of relocating to "The Portals".  Some disruptions in services may be experienced.

·        WTB Waives Limitations on Payments.  WTB waived limitations on settlements reached among parties in contested cases in order to prevent "greenmail."  WTB waives these rules for a 90-day period to permit parties to resolve certain contested proceedings by seeking dismissal or withdrawal of pending applications, petitions, pleadings, and informal objections.  (Public Notice DA 99-745)

·        220 MHz Licenses.  WTB contitionally granted 23 Phase II 220 MHz licenses and announced it is prepared to grant four additional Phase II 220 MHz licenses after final payment is made.  (Public Notice DA 99-746)

·        Assignment of Dialing Code (N11).  On March 8, 1999, the U.S. Dept of Transportation filed a petition for assignment of a nationwide standard abbreviated dialing number (N11).  It proposes that state and local governments use the abbreviated dialing number to deliver travel-related information to the public.  (Public Notice DA 99-761)

·        Public Safety National Coordination Committee.  FCC has established subject Committee to advise on a variety of issues relating to the use of 24 MHz of spectrum in the 764-776/794-806 MHz bands allocated to public safety.  (Public Notice DA 99-643)

·        ULS Used For 900 MHz SMR.  On April 19, WTB will begin use of the Universal Licensing System (ULS) for licensing activity relating to MTA licenses in the 900 MHz SMR service that were initially awarded in Auction No. 7.  (Public Notice DA 99-650)

·        ULS Demonstrations.  WTB will conduct additional interactive demonstrations of ULS and is seeking feedback from those interested in attending.  (Public Notice DA 99-564)

·        Responsibilities of Paging Licensees.  PCIA has asked that WTB clarify certain matters regarding renewal of licenses in Part 22.  (Public Notice DA 99-575)

·        Unified Policy for Returning Applications.  WTB announced a unified policy for dismissing and returning applications and dismissing pleadings associated with applications in Parts 13, 17 22, 24, 26, 27, 80, 87, 90, 95, 97, and 101 to take effect May 1, 1999.  (Public Notice DA 99-385)

·        Amendment of Parts 2 and 95.   NPRM 99-66 proposes the allocation of 402-405 MHz to establish a medical implant communications service.

The meeting adjourned at 11:00.

Shirley Perry

Secretary-Treasurer

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