To the Editor,
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a broad review of all its regulations with an eye toward eliminating burdensome rules. The FCC’s announcement can be found here: FCC Opens ‘In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete’ Docket | Federal Communications Commission
Because this is a review of all FCC regulations, it includes Title 47, Section 1.924(a) of the Code of Federal Regulations (47 CFR 1.924(a)), which establishes the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ). As you know, there has been a lot of reporting lately about ongoing disputes between local governments and the NRQZ. This review of FCC regulations represents an opportunity for concerned citizens to share their views on this issue.
As you know, local impacts include degraded cellular telephone coverage inside the zone and restrictions imposed by the NRQZ on radio communications by local agencies, which hampers their ability to communicate with first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs, among others. Taken together, this poses a hazard to the safety and well-being of local citizens. Other users of radio spectrum inside the NRQZ are also impacted, including amateur radio operators, many of whom are a vital backup to local agencies for emergency communications.
This is a rare opportunity for West Virginians who have opinions about the NRQZ, positive or negative, to tell the federal government what they think. However, the time to do so is short. The deadline for submission of public comments to the FCC is April 11. Because the Examiner has previously reported on the issue, I believe the paper may be interested in getting the word out about the opportunity for public comment.
Although I am personally interested in the NRQZ and amateur radio, it’s important to stress that this review involves all FCC regulations, meaning citizens can weigh in on any FCC rule (there are hundreds, if not thousands) including those involving commercial broadcasting, wireless communications, Internet access, etc.
The FCC docket number is 25-133 and the link to submitting an electronic filing online is here: ECFS – Docket Details The FCC public notice about this regulatory review can be downloaded at FCC Opens ‘In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete’ Docket | Federal Communications Commission and has filing instructions for those who want to submit comments on paper via the U.S. Postal Service or other means.
Rob Hanley
Potomac Overlook