Project MONICA:  The Spectrum Committee hosted a presentation on MONICA [Management of Networked IoT Wearables – Very Large-Scale Demonstration of Cultural and Societal Applications] in August.  MONICA is a project being conducted in Europe to demonstrate and test the use of IoT devices for security and crowd safety during large events such as outdoor concerts and sporting events.  Spectrum requirements are still being determined.

T-Band:  Legislation entitled Don't Break Up the T-Band Act (H.R. 5085) to resolve the T-Band issue was introduced by Rep. Elliott Engel (D-NY) on February 26.  Coalition members have continued to meet with members of Congress and H.R. 5085 now has bi-partisan co-sponsorship from 19 additional representatives.  The latest three cosponsors declared their support during July.  Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) introduced legislation in the Senate that will ensure public safety's continued access to the T-Band spectrum.  This legislation serves as a companion to the Don't Break Up the T-Band Act.

FCC Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on 4.9 GHz:  NPSTC approved and submitted reply comments to the FCC on August 6.  The reply comments address the lack of any interest in the band by commercial carriers in the initial round of comments and also provide additional insight on sharing of the band and other issues as addressed by some commenters.  Previously, on July 6, NPSTC filed first round comments that addressed the numerous policy and technical issues the FCC raised in its Public Notice.  The NPSTC comments seek to set the record straight with a more accurate picture of current and potential usage in the 4.9 GHz band.  The Commission's stated calculation that no more than 3.5% of the potential licensees use the band has apparently created the misimpression that very little of the band's capacity is in use.  NPSTC comments examined the 3.5% calculation and presented more relevant statistics and sample use cases on existing public safety operations in the band.  The comments also addressed emerging technologies used in public safety such as UAS, robotics, and public safety IoT, for which 4.9 GHz would be beneficial.

Globalstar, Inc. Petition to FCC:  NPSTC reviewed the comments filed by others in response to the Globalstar petition.  The comments provide a mix of support for, and opposition to, the Globalstar petition.