WASHINGTON-Verizon Wireless has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission for a waiver of the priority access service rule, telling regulators equipment and software used in CDMA mobile phone systems are currently not capable of delivering the emergency service with the five priorities required by the agency.
Verizon Wireless, according to the FCC, said it has been working with the National Communications System to provide priority access service in a way that meets homeland security communications requirements for officials and key personnel in national security and emergency response leadership positions. To do so, however, Verizon Wireless said a rule waiver is needed for a proposed two-step rollout of wireless priority access.
Under the Verizon Wireless plan, the first phase of wireless priority access implementation would have a single priority level for all National Security and Emergency Preparedness users. The second phase would provide the five PAS priority levels. Those levels are (1) executive leadership and policy-makers; (2) disaster response/military command and control; (3) public health, safety and law enforcement command; (4) public services/utilities and public welfare; and (5) disaster recovery.
The FCC said Verizon Wireless indicated it can deploy the second phase of PAS by 2007. The NCS and Department of Defense support Verizon Wireless’ waiver petition. Sprint PCS is the other major CDMA mobile-phone provider.
T-Mobile USA Inc., a GSM carrier, provides nationwide PAS. Another GSM carrier, No. 1 Cingular Wireless L.L.C., also provides priority access service. In addition, Nextel Communications Inc., which uses iDEN technology, has a contract to provide priority access service.
PAS was given a greater priority after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacks on U.S. soil.
Comments and reply comments are due on Verizon Wireless’ waiver request by June 24 and June 31, respectively.
