WirelessPulse-Comsearch E-News - December 2005

Comsearch's quarterly e-newsletter for professionals in the wireless industry.

Our engineers use the latest technology in the dynamic wireless market and consistently publish up-to-date information through white papers, case studies and informative articles. With the publication of WirelessPulse, we are able to pass along this information to you, our valued clients and prospects.

WirelessPulse features three industry news sections, the first with our "Feature Article" - in-depth analysis on industry trends, "Case Corner" - featuring relevant industry case studies and "Regulatory Rap" - featuring extensive spectrum management news. We have added "What's New at Comsearch! " so that we can keep you informed of what's going on at Comsearch.

In the December 2005 Issue

FEATURE ARTICLE
What’s New in the Millimeter Wave Bands?
by Joe Marzin
Technical Director, Comsearch

CASE CORNER
Top 10 FCC Filing Pitfalls
by Rich Hibbeler
Manager, FCC Licensing Group, Comsearch

REGULATORY RAP
Spectrum Management News

WHAT'S NEW AT COMSEARCH!

FEATURE ARTICLE

What’s New in the Millimeter Wave Bands?

Remember all the activity in the late 90’s in the upper frequency (millimeter wave) bands that involved everything from high capacity point-to-point links, to promises of Broadband Wireless access for everyone using cutting-edge point-to-multipoint technologies? There were claims of fiber-like capacities using large swaths of spectrum. Companies acquired upwards of 500 MHz to 1 GHz of spectrum in major markets through auctions and acquisitions. There were companies like Winstar, Teligent, Advanced Radio Telecom, etc. working to offer wireless solutions to replace our leased lines from the telephone companies. Each of the millimeter wave bands (18, 23, 24, 28/31 or LMDS, and 39 GHz) has their own nuances and special rules. This article delves into one of the bands that promised to be instrumental in providing new wireless solutions, the 39 GHz band.

39 GHz brief history
Officially from 38600 to 40000 MHz, the 39 GHz band was originally available by simply filing an FCC application for the area you wanted to serve and specifying which channel pair you planned to use. That’s right, no CMAs, REAGs, or EAs, the applicant specified its own rectangular area, filed an application and was granted a frequency pair to use within that area. But all good things must come to an end, so the FCC then decided to auction the 14 channel pairs in the band by Economic Area (EAs) in order to garner revenue from these users. The auction bidders had to take into account that there could be incumbent rectangular-area licensees that already served the major city in many of the markets. Many of the bidders were existing rectangular-area licensees that decided to fill-out the remaining portion of their market, but others won markets that were heavily encumbered by another licensee.

Who are all these 39 GHz licensees?
Major license holders back in the day included Winstar, Advanced Radio Telecom, AT&T, Nextlink, TRW, etc. Companies like Winstar deployed many hundreds of links in the band, mostly in urban areas, connecting hub-site buildings to other prospective customer buildings. However, the customer base did not support the business case and many of these early users of the band are non-existent today. The major license holders today are IDT Spectrum, First Avenue Networks, AT&T, Northrop Grumman and XO Communications. Many of these newer entities acquired the license assets of predecessor companies and are now embarking on more profitable business scenarios.

What is being planned today?
The 39 GHz band remains a viable option for high-capacity point-to-point or point-to-multipoint links that can be used for a number of different applications such as fiber extensions, carrier backhaul, corporate campus connectivity, and redundant networks. Some of the companies are focusing on just a couple of these applications for their own business plans, but others are looking to make their licenses available to others through spectrum leasing agreements that are now permissible by the FCC. The spectrum leasing initiative has made the 39 GHz band more accessible to other users such as WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers), universities, and other companies.

What kind of links can be implemented?
The rules for the 39 GHz band, covered under FCC Part 101, allow for 14 channel pairs of 50 MHz bandwidth in each direction and are very flexible in terms of usage within your licensed frequency pair. The entire 50 MHz channel may be used for a system of OC-3 (155 Mbps) radio links, or it can be subdivided as needed to provide lower capacity connections using smaller bandwidth radios (10 or 20 MHz, for example). The radios available today are very compact with an integrated antenna and provide more interfaces such as 100 Mbps Ethernet in addition to the typical T1 and DS-3 interfaces.

The link ranges achievable in this band are dependant on the region of the country (rain region), the radio link budget, and the link performance objective. The table below shows sample link ranges achievable for three different radio capacities in New York City. Although typically limited to a few miles, these links are very reliable for short range, high capacity applications.

How does Spectrum Leasing work in this band?
Licensees are permitted to lease their 39 GHz spectrum to others either on a link by link basis or by area. So, if wireless internet company X needs a connection from their wireless hub to a fiber POP or other hub site, they can simply enter into a lease agreement with a licensee that covers that area and obtain the right to use the frequency pair. The term of the agreement can be any time period mutually agreed up until the expiration date of the 39 GHz license. It can, of course, be renewed beyond that time upon successful license renewal.

The entity wishing to lease (the lessee) must provide the link details to the licensee (site locations, radio & antenna types, etc.) and the licensee can determine if they have a channel pair that will accommodate them. Assuming a channel is available, the lessee can work to implement the link in a fairly short time frame of days rather than weeks. The 39 GHz licensee must file a spectrum leasing application (FCC Form 603-T), but the process is intended to be quicker and less burdensome than the full FCC licensing process. The lessee is typically responsible for properly implementing and maintaining the operation of the link in compliance with FCC rules.

Is Frequency Coordination required?
Yes and No. According to FCC rules, it depends on whether the planned link is within 16 km of the market boundary which, remember, is either a rectangular area or an EA. So, if the link is well within the market area, greater than 16 km from the boundary, there is no frequency coordination requirement. However, if it is near the boundary, or near the boundary of another licensee’s rectangular area boundary, then coordination is required. However, even if frequency coordination is required the FCC allows a shortened 10-day period and you are typically only coordinating with one other entity. The map in Figure 3 shows a case of where frequency coordination may be necessary.

What can Comsearch do for you at 39 GHz?
Comsearch maintains a database of all 39 GHz licensees and their license areas, both the legacy rectangular areas and the EA markets for each of the 14 channel pairs. We can determine who the licensee is in your area if you are interested in pursuing a spectrum lease opportunity.

Comsearch also provides services to some of the licensees and lessees such as interference analysis / frequency assignments, frequency coordination, link design, FCC Form 603 filings, and power flux density calculations for national border areas. Comsearch’s iQ.link software with its sophisticated interference analysis capabilities is used to ensure that multiple links can co-exist in an area without causing interference.

Summary
With all of its nuances and history, the 39 GHz band is still alive and accessible. There are many applications for which the band is a viable alternative and it should be considered as one of the tools in your wireless network toolbox.

CASE CORNER

Top 10 FCC Filing Pitfalls
by Rich Hibbeler
Manager, FCC Licensing Group, Comsearch

You have planned your microwave system to the very last detail. You have acquired your sites and you know where you will put your facilities and antennas. You have done your path loss reliability calculations. The microwave frequency coordination has been done and is even ahead of schedule. You have ordered the radios, antennas, waveguide, and other pertinent telecommunications equipment. Everything is ready to go. Your deadline date to operate is still months away. All you have left to do is apply for a license at the FCC and you are good to go. Filing for your FCC application should be a piece of cake right?

Unfortunately for many applicants, it is a piece of the proverbial fruit cake that seems to get recycled every year and is not that good if you dare to eat it. Applying for a license from the FCC to operate has caused many a gray hair and loss of sleep to even the most knowledgeable applicant.

Fortunately, with a little information at your disposal, you can avoid many of the FCC filing pitfalls and turn the fruit cake into a chocolate cake.

Comsearch has filed tens of thousands of applications on behalf of our clients. Based on our experience, here are the top 10 FCC filing pitfalls that you should know about:

1. An FAA study is required for your tower

Any tower over 200 feet will require an FAA study and subsequent FCC tower registration before you can file your FCC application. Also, any tower that is within 8 km of an airport or heliport that fails the glide-slope calculation will require an FAA study and FCC tower registration. Typically, it takes the FAA approximately 2 months to make a determination of “no-hazard”. Comsearch can prepare and submit FAA Form 7460 for you.

Once the FAA has completed their study, you can, with the letter of determination, go online at the FCC to register the tower. The tower registration number is provided to you automatically as soon as you register the tower. Once you have the tower registration number, you can file your FCC application for that transmit site.

Receive sites do not require a tower registration number. Also, antennas that are mounted on buildings do not require an FAA study and FCC tower registration provided that the pole they are mounted on is not higher than 20 feet above the height of the building. Utility poles also do not require an FAA/FCC registration.

2. FAA/FCC tower registration coordinates and recent survey coordinates do not match

This is one of the most common errors that occur when filing an FCC application. Many times the tower you are on was studied years ago, but with the advent of more accurate survey instrumentation (ex. GPS), the same tower surveyed today is not within FCC tolerance. The FCC allows a one second tolerance on the latitude and longitude, and 3 feet on the ground elevation between data you are applying for and the tower registration data.

Differences that are greater than the tolerance must be reconciled. One of the difficulties in reconciling the two sets of data is if you are leasing tower space and the tower owner has other users besides you on the tower. He may be reluctant to modify his tower coordinates based on your surveyed coordinates. All of this can act to delay the FCC filing process.

What to do? Notify the tower owner of the discrepancy and work together to determine the correct coordinates and correct them if necessary. Again, to have the tower re-studied at the FAA is an approximately 2 month process.

We have seen differences in older tower coordinates and recently surveyed coordinates of greater than 15 seconds on the latitude and longitude. In these instances, the tower owner must understand that he is ultimately responsible for the coordinates of his tower, and that the FAA keeps his tower coordinates in their database for air traffic.

3. Surveyed coordinates and ground elevation do not match existing license

This is another very common pitfall. Although this can generally be overcome, there are a few things to be aware of. If you are making a major change to the licensed coordinates or ground elevation, you must be sure to include frequency coordination for every path coming off of the call sign.

Many times the applicant may just be working on modifying one of five paths on the call sign, or adding an additional path to the call sign. If you are making a major change to the coordinates or ground elevation, the FCC will return your application if you have not included frequency coordination for the other paths on the call sign, even though those changes may only be “as-built”. You may also have to fill in any missing information from your license for those other paths.

4. Areas not eligible for conditional authorization

Under FCC Rule 101.31, you may have the ability to operate your path immediately after filing an application and prior to obtaining a grant from the FCC, provided you meet certain conditions. This is called operating under conditional authorization.

There are certain areas in the country as well as certain frequency bands that you cannot operate on under conditional authorization. As a result, you will have to wait until the FCC grants your application before you can operate. Typically, if you are in one of these areas of the country or in one of the certain frequency bands, the FCC processing time can be significantly increased.

You cannot operate under conditional authorization if you are located in one of the quiet zones identified in FCC Rule 1.924 unless you receive clearance from the quiet zone entity and attach the clearance letter to your application. If you do not attach the clearance letter to the application, you must wait 20 days before you can operate the path. Quiet zone areas of concern involve all paths located in Puerto Rico below 15 GHz, areas around Green Bank, West Virginia, and 18 GHz paths located in and around Denver, CO and Washington, DC. Other areas you cannot operate under conditional authorization include those areas identified in §101.31 in the 10 GHz band.

Also, if you are within 56 km of the Canadian or Mexican border, you cannot operate your path under conditional authorization. Typically the FCC will not entertain an STA request to circumvent the licensing process when you are within 56 km of the border. This can extend licensing process up to 4 to 6 months.

5. Frequency bands not eligible for conditional authorization

In addition to certain areas, there are certain frequency bands you cannot operate in under conditional authorization. This includes the 23 GHz band and portions of the 10 GHz band that lie within regions in the country identified in §101.31. Also, as already noted, 18 GHz paths in areas defined in 1.924 (Washington, DC and Denver, CO) are not eligible for conditional authorization.

There are certain frequencies in the 23 GHz band that are footnoted in §101.147, which you can operate on under conditional authorization, but you must meet the conditions of FCC Rule 101.147(s). Comsearch can coordinate your path on those frequencies to operate under conditional authorization, provided your EIRP is 55 dBm or lower.

Again, the FCC typically will not entertain an STA request to operate in these bands just to circumvent the licensing process. Typically, in these band segments that require NTIA approval before the FCC will grant the license, it can take 4 to 6 months to process the application.

6. Paths that require a waiver of the FCC Rules

Any path that requires waiver of the FCC Rules and Regulations cannot operate under conditional authorization. Depending on the complexity of the waiver request, or if there is no historical precedence of the FCC granting the waiver, all can act to delay the processing of your application and ultimately your ability to timely operate the path.

The following is a discussion of the most common types of waivers that are filed:

1. 6 GHz paths that are within 2 degrees of geo-stationary satellite orbit require a waiver of FCC Rule 101.145. Generally speaking, if your path has an east-west direction, you may be within 2 degrees of the geo-stationary satellite orbit in the westerly direction. The FCC routinely grants the waiver request provided you do not exceed the EIRP listed in §101.145. You must provide the orbital calculation from your coordinator as an attachment with the waiver request. The waiver should specify that you are not exceeding the EIRP limit, and that there were no other alternate tower locations for your path. There is significant historical precedence for the FCC granting this waiver. Typical processing time for this waiver request is 2 to 3 months.
   
   
2. You need a 3DS3 (30 MHz) radio in the lower 6 GHz band, but all the available channels are taken up. Your coordinator moves you to the 6.7 GHz band, but this band, per FCC rule, only accommodates a maximum 10 MHz channel. This will require a waiver of FCC Rules 101.147 and 101.109(c). There is also historical precedence for the FCC granting this waiver request, but it is somewhat more complex. Your coordinator must certify that there were no lower 6 GHz channels available, and you must attach an 11 GHz path reliability study that would indicate a lack of path reliability, typically less than 99.999%. As a result, if you have a short path, you may want to consider using 11 GHz before filing a waiver for a 30 MHz channel in the upper 6 GHz band. The FCC will take a hard look at short paths that request this type of waiver. Generally, if your path length is over 17 km, the FCC will grant this waiver request.
   
   
3. Using equipment that is no longer FCC compliant. The FCC periodically changes or updates their rules and regulations concerning telecommunications equipment that may be used. Nowhere is this more evident than in the 23 GHz band. The 23 GHz band has been rechannelized and gone through a change in the frequency stability for analog radios. As a result, when re-coordinating older 23 GHz paths, special attention needs to be paid to the new rule requirements. This may result in having to re-tune the frequencies you are currently operating on. Another band of concern is the 6 GHz band. There are still many older 6 GHz radios in operation that do not meet the FCC Rule 101.141 concerning the microwave modulation. The problem occurs when you make a major change to the license and lose your “grandfathered” privileges. Even with a waiver request, the FCC routinely rejects these applications. We see these types of requests more often when an applicant allows his FCC call sign to expire. Then when the applicant re-applies, the FCC dismisses his application. Comsearch will notify you before coordination begins if the equipment you are using is non-compliant.

7. Failure to file Completion of Construction

Pursuant to FCC Rule 101.63, applicants must be in operation within 18 months from the initial date of grant. Pursuant to FCC Rule 1.946(d), applicants must file a notice of completion of construction within 15 days of the 18 month deadline. Our experience shows that many applicants are unaware of this rule requirement. Failure to file the required notification can result in a dismissal of the call sign altogether, or dismissal of the path that was filed on that application. As part of its FCC filing service, Comsearch notifies the applicant via email when the application has been granted and of the need to file the required completion of construction. Comsearch can also file the required notification on your behalf.

8. FCC Account is “Red-Lighted”

The FCC has created a new Red Light Display System (RLD) to enable entities doing business with the FCC to determine if they have any outstanding delinquent debt. The RLD enables you to check the status of your account by individual FRNs, and links other FRNs sharing the same TIN when determining whether there are outstanding delinquent debts. The RLD is now operational at http://www.fcc.gov/redlight/.

This is important because if you owe the FCC money, they will accept and process your application, and then maybe a month later when a processor gets hold of your application, they will automatically dismiss your application if you are red-lighted. All this can happen after you have paid the initial filing fees at the FCC when you submitted your applications. You may be due a refund of the filing fees if you are red-lighted, but it is harder to get the filing fee money back from the FCC than it was for them to take it.

9. FCC registration number and password not filed

If you wish to conduct business with the FCC, you must first register through the FCC's COmmission REgistration System (CORES) through https://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do. Upon registration, you will be assigned an FCC Registration Number (FRN). This number will be used to uniquely identify you in all transactions with the FCC.
Upon registering your Federal Taxpayer ID, the FCC will automatically create a 10 digit FCC registration number for you to use when submitting applications. At the time you register your Federal Tax ID, you will also create a password. It is with the FCC FRN # and password that you can file applications at the FCC ULS website.

Many times, an applicant may already have an existing FCC registration number and not be aware of it. If you have forgotten your password, or if the person who was listed as the contact for the FCC FRN # has left the company, you can have the password reset by calling 1-888-225-5322, option 2, or by going online at e-support http://esupport.fcc.gov/index.htm.

10. Failure to amend returned applications in a timely manner

The FCC may return your application with a request for additional information. One common pitfall is filing your FCC application and simply “forgetting about it”. If the FCC returns your application, they will give you 60 days to amend the application to send them the requested information, or they will dismiss your application without prejudice. Any correspondence the FCC sends you is important and must be acted on, if applicable. You can periodically check the status of your application, or review any or all of your licenses at the FCC by going to the FCC ULS website at http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/.

CONCLUSION

With a little advanced information, you can avoid many of the common FCC filing pitfalls and make your FCC filing process a hastle-free one.

Enjoy your chocolate cake!

Comsearch has over 30 years of experience in filing applications at the FCC. We have submitted thousands of FCC applications and have extensive knowledge of the FCC Rules and Regulations. We work closely with the FCC staff, and routinely visit them in their Gettysburg, PA office. All of this assists us in making the FCC filing process a smooth one for our customers. We file the applications, pay the fees, track the applications, notify via email when the application is granted and file the required completion of construction.

REGULATORY RAP
Spectrum Management News

MICROWAVE

FCC releases EIGHTH REPORT AND ORDER (FCC 05-172, Docket No. 00-258, released 9/29/05), Amendment of Part 2 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Spectrum Below 3 GHz for Mobile and Fixed Services to Support the Introduction of New Advanced Wireless Services, including Third Generation Wireless Systems  - The FCC allocates the 2155-2160 MHz band for Fixed and Mobile services and designate the 2155-2175 MHz band for AWS use.  The FCC also seeks comment on relocation procedures for Fixed Microwave Service (FS) operations in the 2160-2175 MHz band and for Broadband Radio Service (BRS) in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band. FCC-05-172A1.pdf   FCC-05-172A1.doc

FCC Reports on the Competitive Market Conditions of Commercial Mobile Services - The FCC adopted its Tenth Annual Report to Congress on the state of competition in the mobile telephone - or Commercial Mobile Radio Services (CMRS) – industry (FCC No. 05-173). FCC-05-173A1.pdf  FCC-05-173A2.pdf

FCC Launches New Web Site Explaining its Broadcast Obscenity, Indecency and Profanity Rules, Complaint Procedures and Enforcement Actions. DOC-261529A1.pdf

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Matter of Consumer Protection in the Broadband Era - Comment and Reply Comment Dates Established  (DA No 05-2725, Dkt No 05-271). DA-05-2725A1.pdf

ITU Adopts New Fees for Satellite Filings. DOC-261656A1.pdf

FCC Reminds Communications Providers How to Contact Agency for Emergency Assistance after Normal Business Hours. DOC-261917A1.pdf

FCC Releases Statistics of Communications Common Carriers – Report includes data on telecommunications costs, revenues, prices, and usage.
DOC-262086A1.pdf

FCC Releases New Telephone Subscribership Report - Report presents statistics based on the Current Population Survey (CPS) conducted by the Census Bureau in July 2005.  The report also shows subscribership levels by state, income level, race, age, household size, and employment status. DOC-262084A1.pdf

Joint FCC/NARUC Task Force on VOIP 911 Enforcement Launches Web Site. DOC-262170A1.pdf

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Reminds Cellular Licensees of Analog Reporting Requirement(DA No 05-3015)- Reports to be filed by February 20, 2006. DA-05-3015A1.pdf

SATELLITE

International Bureau Reissues Procedures for Emergency Communications in Areas Affected by Hurricanes Wilma, Katrina and Rita
The International Bureau Reissues Procedures to Provide Emergency Communications in Areas Affected by Hurricanes Wilma, Katrina, and Rita. The International Bureau previously announced procedures to help emergency communications services initiate, resume, and maintain operations in the areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Special Temporary Authority (Satellite Earth and Space Stations): Emergency requests for special temporary authority (STA) related to Hurricanes Wilma, Katrina and/ or Rita may be submitted by letter, e- mail or, if necessary, by telephone. Applicants also may file requests electronically through the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS). All requests should provide the technical parameters of the proposed operation and a contact point. The Bureau will handle all STA requests on an expedited basis. Consistent with Section 309(c)(2)(G) of the Communications Act, the Bureau may grant STAs for up to 30 days.

To ensure that the Bureau has a complete record of the action, applicants who do not file through the IBFS should follow-up the initial request with an electronic version submitted through the IBFS as soon as possible. In this filing, operators should note in the first description field on the electronic STA form that this is a "Hurricane Wilma-, Hurricane Katrina- and/ or Hurricane Rita-related STA request" and the date the initial request was granted.

Satellite earth and space station operators who were previously granted Hurricane Katrina and/ or Hurricane Rita-related STAs are encouraged to evaluate whether they will need to continue operations beyond the term of the initial STA granted. If such additional authority is required, the operator is strongly encouraged to contact the International Bureau as soon as possible to initiate such a request for additional authority. As with the initial STA request, an extension may also be submitted through the IBFS system, by letter, e-mail, or, if necessary, by telephone.

Intelsat – Panamsat Merger Moving Forward
The Intelsat-Panamsat merger took its first step toward completion in late October when Panamsat shareholders approved the deal, Intelsat CEO David McGlade said during a Nov. 10 conference call with investors. The merger still faces government regulatory and anti-trust scrutiny. "The approval process at the Federal Communications Commission is underway," McGlade said. "The initial comment period has begun and we expect comments and replies to be completed in December." McGlade also noted the U.S. Department of Justice made a request for additional information. "This was expected and is common in major transactions. We remain comfortable that all approvals will be received and the transaction will be completed sometime in the second or third quarter of next year."

FCC grants Assignment of Space Station and Earth Station Licenses from Rainbow DBS to Echostar
The FCC granted a consolidated application for consent to assign from Rainbow DBS to EchoStar authority to operate a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) space station at the 61.5º W.L. orbital location on 11 odd numbered channels from 1-21. They also granted the the license to operate the associated earth station facility in Black Hawk, South Dakota.

FCC Announces International Space Regulatory Workshop to Be Held December 12 – 15, 2005
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in cooperation with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Satellite Industry Association (SIA) will host an International Space Regulatory Workshop designed to provide intensive training on satellite coordination and licensing. The four day workshop is free to all attendees, and advanced registration is recommended.

Topics to be covered: The FCC satellite licensing process; International Radio Regulations and requirements of the ITU Rules of Procedures; and ITU satellite notification, coordination and registration process. FCC News Media Contact: Jacki Ponti, jacki.ponti@fcc.gov

What's New at Comsearch!

Comsearch extends best wishes to all of our clients, partners and colleagues for a wonderful Holiday Season and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

New 1.7 GHz and 2.1 GHz AWS AuctionPlanner™ Available From Comsearch.
In 2006, the FCC will auction the spectrum in the 1.7 GHz and 2.1 GHz AWS bands. Comsearch has developed an AuctionPlanner product to provide a complete spectrum analysis for bidders in an easy-to-use format. Comsearch will provide statistical data using our proprietary databases combined with other datasets as necessary and available. Contact us at 800-318-1234 or customersupport@comsearch.com for more information.

Comsearch Selected, for the 9th Year in a Row, to Serve as the Official Spectrum Manager for CTIA Wireless 2006 in Las Vegas, NV, April 5-7, 2006
Comsearch has developed a spectrum management process that efficiently addresses the interference and coordination issues for temporary wireless demonstrations. Using our frequency analysis software, iQ·clear®, and engineering expertise, Comsearch is able to coordinate with PCS licensees in the area, analyze potential interference and coordinate frequencies with microwave incumbents, coordinate frequencies between exhibitors and monitor for on-site interference. Click here for more information on Comsearch’s Frequency Coordination for Trade Shows.

Comsearch Presents “Harnessing Your Wireless Environment: Problems Solved and Lessons Learned” at the ASHE (American Society for Healthcare Engineering) 2006
International Conference and Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design and Construction™ (PDC) in San Diego, CA on February 28. The explosion of wireless in healthcare makes the hospital one of the most complicated RF environments known. Mark Gibson, Senior Director, Business Development for Comsearch will provide insight on recognizing characteristics of interference, determining mitigation strategies, and envisioning wireless as a utility to be designed and actively managed. For more information on the ASHE PDC Conference and Exhibition, February 26 – March 1, click here.

Comsearch Article on Managing Wireless Spectrum in Hospitals Gets Published in AAMI IT Horizons, January 2006 Issue
"Managing your Wireless Spectrum", written by Mark Gibson, Senior Director, Business Development for Comsearch, identifies steps and strategies for making wireless work in your hospital. Radio frequency spectrum is the lifeblood of the wireless revolution in healthcare. But as more and more wireless technologies and systems are introduced and rolled out in the hospital, proper management of this fundamental resource has never been more important. This article discusses causes of interference in the hospital, ways to mitigate it, and describes processes hospitals can use to manage their valuable wireless resource. Click here for magazine index.

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