Engineers Group Concerned About Closure of FCC Field Offices

The Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers (AFCCE) asked the FCC to seek comment on a proposed order, allegedly circulated by the FCC Enforcement Bureau, to close more than half the regional enforcement offices (see 1503110054). The group also asked the FCC to release a consultant report that recommended the office closures. The field offices are the FCC’s “eyes and ears,” the group said. “The ubiquitous presence of field offices and agents uniquely positions the Commission to resolve interference and unauthorized radio transmission cases,” it said. “Many of these cases involve safety-of-life services.” Increased spectrum sharing makes the field staff even more critical, AFCCE said.