The Wireless Bureau sought comment on a request for waiver and ti...
The Wireless Bureau sought comment on a request for waiver and time extension filed by PTC-220 for 12 Part 90 220 MHz licenses it hopes to use for new system to bolster rail safety. The company said in an…
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October filing it needed more time to “develop and introduce narrowband technology that will allow for the efficient and intensive use of the spectrum, including the deployment of ‘positive train control’ technology.” Once put in place, “positive train control technology will allow PTC-220 to monitor train activity, prevent collisions, and enhance public safety,” it said. The technology must undergo additional testing and must still be approved by the Federal Railroad Administration, said PTC-220, a joint venture of Ekanet, a subsidiary of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railway. The system would cover much of the nation’s rail system, an industry official said Monday. The FRA supports the time extension, the official said. FCC rules require that a 220 MHz economic area or regional licensee construct a sufficient number of base stations to provide coverage to at least two- thirds of the population of its license area within ten years of the grant of its initial authorization. PTC-220 asked for an additional five years. Comments are due Jan. 23, replies Feb. 9.