PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 DA 08-1578 Released: July 2, 2008 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON REQUEST FOR WAIVER BY EDELWEISS, LLC OF PART 80 RULES TO ALLOW CERTIFICATION OF PERSONAL/VESSEL RADAR BEACON TRANSPONDERS WT Docket No. 08-124 Comment Date: July 17, 2008 Reply Date: July 28, 2008 On March 17, 2008, Edelweiss, LLC (Edelweiss) filed a request for waiver of Section 80.1101 f the Commission’s Rules1 to permit equipment certification for its “Personal Radar Beacon” (PRB) and “Vessel Radar Beacon” (VRB). These proposed devices will be used to help pinpoint survivors during search and rescue operations by acting as an “active reflector” of 9.2-9.5 GHz band radar signals. Edelweiss states that its PRB and VRB would bring the benefits of radar beacon transponder technology to small boats and pleasure craft by offering a smaller, more economical alternative to existing transponders. The PRB and VRB do not meet the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) technical standards in Section 80.1011. Specifically, the devices’ battery life is eight hours (compared to ninety-six hours for a GMDSS SART), their power is 160 milliwatts (compared to 400 milliwatts), their antenna bandwidth is ±3 dB (compared to ±2 dB), and their range is no more than two nautical miles (compared to five nautical miles). Edelweiss argues that its PRB and VRB should not be required to meet the GMDSS SART standards because the devices are intended to assist in locating individuals and small boats in coastal and offshore waters, rather than lifeboats on the high seas. Consequently, Edelweiss requests a waiver of Section 80.1011 to permit the certification and use of the PRB and VRB. Commenters are requested to address the merits of the PRB and VRB separately. Procedural Matters Comments on the request are due no later than July 17, 2008. Reply comments are due no later than July 28, 2008. All filings should reference the docket number of this proceeding, WT 08-124. This proceeding has been designated as a “permit-but-disclose” proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules.2 Parties making oral ex parte presentations in this proceeding are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentation must contain the presentation’s substance and not merely list 1 47 C.F.R. § 80.1011. 2 See 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.1200(a), 1.1206. the subjects discussed.3 More than a one- or two-sentence description of the views and arguments presented is generally required.4 The request is available for public inspection and copying in the Commission's Reference Center, Room CY-A257, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20554. Copies of the Request also may be obtained via the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) by entering the docket number, WT 08-124. Copies of the request are also available from Best Copy and Printing, Inc., telephone (800) 378-3160, facsimile (301) 816-0169, e-mail FCC@BCPIWEB.com. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) or by filing paper copies. See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 Fed. Reg. 24121 (1998). Comments filed through the ECFS can be sent as an electronic file via the Internet to http:// www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. Generally, only one copy of an electronic submission must be filed. If multiple docket or rulemaking numbers appear in the caption of this proceeding, however, commenters must transmit one electronic copy of the comments to each docket or rulemaking number referenced in the caption. In completing the transmittal screen, commenters should include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket or rulemaking number. Parties may also submit an electronic comment by Internet e-mail. To get filing instructions for e-mail comments, commenters should send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and should include the following words in the body of the message, “get form.” A sample form and directions will be sent in reply. Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and four copies of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, commenters must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking number. Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by first- class or overnight U.S. Postal Service mail (although we continue to experience delays in receiving U.S. Postal Service mail). The Commission's contractor will receive hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for the Commission's Secretary at 236 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Suite 110, Washington, D.C. 20002. -The filing hours at this location are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. -All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. -Any envelopes must be disposed of before entering the building. -Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. -U.S. Postal Service first-class mail, Express Mail, and Priority Mail should be addressed to 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20554. -All filings must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. Parties shall send one copy of their comments and reply comments to Best Copy and Printing, Inc., Portals II, 445 12th Street, S.W., Room CY-B402, Washington, D.C. 20554, (800) 378-3160, e-mail FCC@BCPIWEB.com. Comments filed in response to this Public Notice will be available for public inspection and copying during business hours in the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street S.W., Room CY-A257, Washington, D.C. 20554, and via the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System 3 See Commission Emphasizes the Public’s Responsibilities in Permit-But-Disclose Proceedings, Public Notice, 15 FCC Rcd 19945 (2000). 4 See 47 C.F.R. § 1.1206(b)(2). Other rules pertaining to oral and written presentations are also set forth in Section 1.1206(b). See 47 C.F.R. § 1.1206(b). (ECFS) by entering the docket number, WT 08-124. The comments may also be purchased from Best Copy and Printing, Inc., telephone (800) 378-3160, facsimile (301) 816-0169, e-mail FCC@BCPIWEB.com. Alternate formats of this Public Notice (computer diskette, large print, audio recording, and Braille) are available to persons with disabilities by contacting Brian Millin at (202) 418-7426 (voice), (202) 418- 7365 (TTY), or send an e-mail to access@fcc.gov. For further information, contact Mr. Jim Shaffer of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Mobility Division, at (202) 418-0687, james.shaffer@fcc.gov. Action by the Deputy Chief, Mobility Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. - FCC -