Media & Events

As the leading national association for business enterprise wireless users and the manufacturers, resellers and communication sales and service providers that serve the land mobile radio industry, the Enterprise Wireless Alliance is dedicated to delivering to its members news, information and events that can support their businesses. 

In addition, EWA offers opportunities to the media to tell stories about the use of wireless communications in businesses across the United States. Please see EWA's Press Kit to learn more.

To learn more about the Enterprise Wireless Alliance, please see the 2016 Annual Report.

Recent News

FCC Denies AEP Waiver Request

09/13/2017

In an Order adopted August 30, the FCC denied the waiver requests submitted by American Electric Power Service Corporation (AEP) to modify its 800 MHz licenses to add frequencies currently available only to public safety eligible entities as well as for access to 800 MHz Expansion Band frequencies in an area not declared complete.

FCC Denies Bristol Meyers Waiver Request

09/13/2017

Writing that it seeks to protect “the amount of spectrum set aside for current and future” Airport Terminal Use (ATU) operations, the FCC denied the Request for Waiver filed by Bristol-Myers Squibb in an Order released September 6. The FCC did not find compelling Bristol-Myer’s willingness to accept secondary status as the pharmaceutical company proposes to operate in centralized trunked mode.

LMCC to Discuss Chinese Devices in December Meeting

09/13/2017

In a meeting planned for December 6, the Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC) will, among other topics, address the increased use of Asian products that are not type-accepted, may be programmed to virtually any channel below 480 MHz, and which are accompanied by advisories that FCC licensing is not necessary. Because of the danger of interference and unauthorized and unlicensed use of spectrum, EWA will propose that the LMCC aggressively seek FCC action in addition to promoting industry awareness. 

FCC Adopts PRS Reorganization and Rule Update

09/13/2017

New rules governing the Personal Radio Services (PRS) become effective September 28. PRS provides for a range of wireless devices that are used by the public for communication and includes walkie-talkies, radio controlled model toys, medical implant devices and Personal Locator Beacons, among others. In addition to an “update of the rules to reflect modern practices, the Commission enhanced the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) to allow new digital applications, allot additional interstitial channels and extend the license term from five to ten years.

Revised California Hands-Free Law Passes

09/13/2017

On August 31, the California Senate passed the revision of the State’s hands-free legislation. The bill is now on its way to the Governor to sign. The amendment, which has been making its way through the legislature since this past May removes the terms “SMR device” and “two-way messaging devices” as examples of electronic devices prohibited from being used while driving. 

Enforcement Actions

09/13/2017

Global Paratransit Fined for Not Operating in Narrowband
The FCC has imposed what is believed to be the first fine to a licensee for operating a wideband system in non-compliance with the January 1, 2013, 150-470 MHz narrowbanding deadline. On September 11, the FCC adopted a Forfeiture Order imposing a fine of $13,000 against Global Paratransit for failing to operate its private land mobile radio station on a narrowband basis, failing to transmit its call sign, and failing to respond to a Commission Notice of Violation (NOV). The Commission issued the NOV in May of 2016.

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