Friday fragments - news from around the web

NZ spectrum annual report. Radio Spectrum Management, part of the New Zealand Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, has released its 2012-13 annual report and 2013-16 business outlook report. Highlights for 2012-13 include: progress on arrangements for the switchover to digital television; consultation on conditions for the allocation of the 700 MHz spectrum; updated the Requirements for Approved Radio Examiners (PIB 45) and Operator Certificate and Callsign Rules (PIB 46); registered 10,400 instruments and 1561 new spectrum licences and granted 1483 new radio licences; and rolled out the Australia/New Zealand single regulatory compliance mark (RCM).

FirstNet releases technical rules. The US FCC has adopted ‘technical service rules’ to govern the spectrum that will be used for deployment of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). In a statement, the FCC says the “rules, which include power limits and other technical parameters for operating in this spectrum band, will provide a foundation for FirstNet’s operations, help avoid harmful interference to spectrum users in adjacent bands, and expedite the availability of equipment for use on the public safety network, thereby fostering competition and innovation in the marketplace”.

Balloons for emergency comms. Various government agencies in the USA, such as FEMA and the FCC, are looking at the potential use of balloons to loft communications equipment above disaster areas to provide emergency communications. Known as Deployable Aerial Communications Architecture (DACA), such systems could be crucial in the early response to disaster and, with long loiter times, could be a cost-effective way of providing comms in locations with difficult terrain.

Less than three weeks until Comms Connect. There are now just under three weeks to go until the Comms Connect conference and exhibition commences in Melbourne. With over 80 exhibitors and dozens of top-level speakers, the event promises to be the biggest and best yet. It’s not too late to register - full details are available on the Comms Connect website.