FCC Considering Proposal to End Modification of IT devices

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The FCC is considering a proposal to require manufacturers to lock down computing devices (routers, PCs, phones) to prevent modification if they have a "modular wireless radio"[1][2] or a device with an "electronic label"[3]. 

The proposed rules would likely:

FCC_considering_end_modification_IT_Devices
  • Restrict installation of alternative operating systems on your PC, like GNU/Linux, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, etc.
  • Prevent research into advanced wireless technologies, like mesh networking and bufferbloat fixes
  • Ban installation of custom firmware on your Android phone Discourage the development of alternative free and open source WiFi firmware, like OpenWrt Infringe upon the ability of amateur radio operators to create high powered mesh networks to assist emergency personnel in a disaster.
  • Prevent resellers from installing firmware on routers, such as for retail WiFi hotspots or VPNs, without agreeing to any condition a manufacturer so chooses.

The FCC is asking for comments on this proposal, hence any interested parties should contact the FCC to advise if the issues with this proposal and either stop or shape the changes.

Comment deadline extended to October 9.

More information - https://libreplanet.org/

£6bn Radio Replacement Emergency Staff May Put Lives at Risk

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A £6 billion project to replace radios used by the 999 services with a system that uses the 4G mobile phone network has been condemned as ‘reckless’ and ‘short-sighted’ amid fears it could put lives at risk.

The UK Home Office is planning to overhaul communications for emergency teams within two years. But police chiefs, crime tsars and industry experts say that the project is being rushed through to save money. 

A report by UK Newspaper - The Mail on Sunday can reveal that:

  • Civil servants are insisting that police forces start moving to the new system by next year – even before there is full coverage across the country, despite warnings by Chief Constables.
  • The public will be left struggling to call 999 in a disaster, as they will be using the same 4G networks as emergency services, who will take priority.
  • Police insiders are concerned that the new system may not work on the London Underground, as was required after 7/7.

Full Story - 
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3199561/6-billion-plan-new-999-radios-puts-lives-risk.html#ixzz3ixk4fmyM

Amateur Ham Radio Communications for Hospitals

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In Mississippi, a George County hospital director wants to tap into amateur radio technology in order to assist in emergency communication 

George Regional Health System assistant safety director is a recently licensed Amateur / Ham Radio Operator Harold Murphy (KG5HGT), achieving his Technician licence in April 2015, and has recently upgraded to a General Licence.

Amateur_Radio_Ham_Communication_Hospitals

Murphy said he knows the importance of alternative communications during major disasters, as he has worked as a safety professional in several states and experienced almost everything that mother nature send. 

His experiences include devastation from snowstorms, floods, hail, earthquakes, fires, mudslides, ice storms and tornadoes. He also weathered hurricanes Katrina and Ivan.

“Throughout all of my experiences, one thing stands out — the integral piece in the response process: communication”
— Harold Murphy (KG5HGT)