VoiceStream submitted reply comments to FCC Fri. in advance of De...

System had issued request for proposals following Sept. 11 attacks on wireless PAS system that could be activated soon in Washington, N.Y.C. and Salt Lake City, with broader system covering more cities in works on longer timeline. Verizon Wireless rescinded its waiver petition for PAS at FCC earlier this month, saying instead it was working on industrywide solution (CD Dec 17 p1). VoiceStream’s request for partial waiver still is pending at Commission. It has told FCC it could roll out PAS capability that lined up priority call for next available slot in system when radio or network resources were busy. VoiceStream told FCC in Dec. 20 filing that “if its request is denied, VoiceStream will be precluded from providing priority access service at the Winter Olympics and its ability to begin providing priority access services in Washington and New York City will be delayed.” Carrier said: “VoiceStream submits that neither the public interest nor the national security would be served by such an outcome.” In reply comments, VoiceStream stressed that its waiver would be in force for only short time. Handsets needed to implement system that VoiceStream plans for PAS, technology called Enhanced Multilevel Precedence and Presumption, won’t be available for several months, VoiceStream said. That technology will comply “fully” with existing FCC PAS rules. To meet needs of NCS for immediate service, VoiceStream said it must use alternative system for Olympics.