AT&T Inc. has announced that it has won a $1.6 billion contract to provide Royal Dutch Shell Plc., the Netherlands-based oil and gas giant, with advanced telecommunications services. The five-year agreement will see AT&T providing, managing, and maintaining Shell’s worldwide communications infrastructure, while looking after its global mobility needs.AT&T says that … [Read more...]
Radio Free Europe Accuses Kazakhstan of Deliberate Interference
Radio Free Europe has issued a statement on a “very disturbing” case that smacks of “deliberate interference” by the Kazakh government , Internet users have been prevented for more than five weeks from accessing the Kazakh-language website of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Access to the Kazakh site was interrupted on April 11 and has continued despite RFE/RL’s repeated … [Read more...]
A Second Look at the FCC Dynamic Frequency Selection Certification Issues
Both manufacturers and test labs must decide on the proper test procedures for DFS products. Since July 20, 2006, systems operating under FCC Part 15.407, specifically in the 5250- to 5350-MHz and the 5470- to 5725-MHz bands, are required to support Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) before the products can be certified. As part of the approval process, the FCC must carry out a … [Read more...]
In-Flight Cell Phone Ban Approved by Congressional Committee
H.R. 5788 received approval via voice vote by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and can now move on to consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would make permanent the long-standing ban on onboard use of cell phones by the Federal Aviation Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. Cell phone calls have long been prohibited … [Read more...]
FCC Releases Test Results on Possible Interference in the 2155- to 2180-MHz Band
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a study completed last month by its Office of Engineering and Technology. One of the ongoing goals of FCC policy has been to expand broadband access to more citizens—especially in impoverished or rural areas. Any auction of this particular band would be conducted with the proviso that the winning bidder would be obligated … [Read more...]
Industry Canada Issues Technical Changes for Radiotelephone Systems
The Spectrum Management and Telecommunications division of Industry Canada has issued “Technical Requirements for Cellular Telephones Operating in the Bands of 824 – 849 MHz and 869 – 894 MHz.” This document, referred to as Issue 7 of SRSP (Spectrum Radio System Plan) includes a number of changes intended to bring about better coverage and higher throughput for mobile data … [Read more...]
EM Waves as Art
While some people want to ward off electromagnetic waves, others claim to see their aesthetic potential and are determined to embrace them as art. A group of European artists have opened a display of works in the German city of Dortmund that will run through June 29 at the PHOENIX Halle venue in Dortmund-Hörde. Waves: the Art of the Electromagnetic Society includes more than 30 … [Read more...]
IEEE Publishes Guide for the Application of SPDs for Lower Power AC Power Circuits
The IEEE Guide for the Application of Surge-Protective Devices for Low Voltage (1000 V or Less) AC Power Circuits (C62.92-2007) provides specifiers and users of surge-protective devices (SPDs) about the application considerations associated with power distribution systems within North America. This guide applies to SPDs to be connected to the local side of the service entrance … [Read more...]
Great Britain Confirms Plans for Largest Spectrum Offering to Date
British telecom regulator Ofcom has confirmed plans for the country's largest spectrum offering to date. Ofcom will release the spectrum in the 2010- to 2025-MHz and 2500- to 2690-MHz frequency bands (commonly termed the 2.6 GHz band) on a technology and service neutral basis. Would-be bidders can decide the best use for the spectrum within minimum technical specifications to … [Read more...]
RF-Based Cancer Treatment Said to Kill Malignancies Without Toxic Side Effects
Media sources from television's 60 Minutes and techie periodical Wired to professional tomes such as the Journal of Nanobiotechnology have reported on a unique, targeted cancer treatment that is said to destroy malignant cells while leaving healthy cells intact. Kanzius RF therapy was developed by a retired radio and TV engineer, John Kanzius. Unlike treatments such as … [Read more...]
