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Federal Appeals Court Order Sprint to Vacate the Interleaved Channels by June 26
The ruling upheld an FCC order that requires Sprint Nextel to vacate interleaved channels on the 800 megahertz band by June 26. "One “paramount” reason for rebanding was to abate interference experienced by public agencies." the court opinion said. "If Nextel completely vacates its general category channels on June 26, there is reason to believe it will immediately reduce interference experienced by public safety licensees already operating in that portion of the band."

FCC NOTICE SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON FRAUDULENT 911 CALLS MADE FROM NON-SERVICE INITIALIZED WIRELESS PHONES
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted a Petition for a Notice of Inquiry filed by the public safety community regarding the number of fraudulent 911 calls made from wireless non-service initialized (NSI) phones. The petitioners state that these calls often are taking valuable resources and time away from individuals and families who truly are in need of emergency assistance when they dial 911.

APCO REITERATES SUPPORT FOR A NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK TO IMPROVE FIRST RESPONDER COMMUNICATIONS House Panel To hold Hearing on the 700 MHz Auction
APCO International reiterated their support for a public/private national broadband public safety network following the “Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission – the 700 MHz Auction” hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

“APCO International believes a public-private partnership between the D block and public safety is currently the most viable option for funding and deployment of a national interoperable broadband network for public safety,” APCO International President Willis Carter said. “The FCC should move with all deliberative speed while ensuring that public safety needs are addressed.”

Go to Committee on House Energy and Commerce web site to view written testimony and archived webcast of the hearing.

Senate Adopt April As 9-1-1 Education Month
The U.S. Senate endorsed April as National 9-1-1 Education Month. The resolution, sponsored by Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus Co-Chairs: Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), puts Congress behind a national effort by the Coalition for 9-1-1 Education, an alliance of 8 national organizations dedicated to advancing public safety communications who have joined together to advance 9-1-1 education.

Senate Passes the "IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 2007" (S. 248)
On February 27, the Senate finally cleared the VoIP 9-1-1 bill and now the House and Senate needs to work out the difference between the Senate and House version of the "911 Modernization and Public Safety Act of 2007".