FCC continues to work with frequency coordinators on recently imp...

FCC continues to work with frequency coordinators on recently implemented universal licensing system (ULS) under which coordinators have complained they haven’t been able to file applications electronically. Some land mobile radio service licensees have contended system implementation issues have caused delays for frequency coordinators and that more rigorous beta testing could have avoided problems. “Both groups might have to change their program a little bit to make this thing work,” one FCC official said. “We're trying to work with the frequency coordinators.” Assn. of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) officials said no public certified frequency coordinator had been able to submit application electronically since ULS system went online last fall (CD Feb 6 p3). APCO also is concerned that large number of applications are returned to filers for simple errors. FCC official said agency had discussions throughout last year with frequency coordinators, including timing of phased-in approach for starting ULS for land mobile applications. Second phase of ULS began operating in Oct. for public certified frequency coordinators, followed by industrial and business frequency coordinators in Dec. When asked earlier in year if deployment targets gave coordinators enough time to modify their systems, FCC official said, “there wasn’t any resistance to the time frames that we established.” On testing issue, she said: “We were for testing but the coordinators weren’t ready to send us any files.” First phase of ULS deployment of land mobile licensees involved Nextel, so one class of licensees already was filing earlier in year without problems, official said. “Our goal is to have everything on data entered within 5 business days of receipt. Now we are working on 10 days,” she acknowledged. Many of frequency coordinators have been successful in testing in last few weeks as they approach deadline for making electronic filing within 6 months of ULS deployment date for particular group of licensees, official said. FCC has asked coordinators if they need extension of this 6-month date and hadn’t received word that more time was needed, she said. On applications returned for simple errors, for example, agency is trying to work with companies “to efficiently process these transactions during the transition period.” Applications returned as result of minor errors, such as missing zip codes, emerged during transition with other licensee groups and were worked out, official said. In regularly scheduled meetings with frequency coordinators, coordinating bodies have aired concerns and discussed with agency how to address problems, FCC official said.