IP: When the FCC Knocks on Your Door

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

------ Forwarded Message
From: Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne () warpspeed com>


[Note:  This comment comes from reader Benn Kobb.  Benn is quite
correct on these points.  I also have discussed this matter with FCC
officials about a year ago and asked that they take the initiative to
put out an advisory circular on the problem.  Alas, nothing has been
done and the confusion continues.  DLH]

At 14:58 -0700 5/16/02, Bennett Kobb wrote:
> From: Bennett Kobb <bkobb () ieee org>
> To: dewayne () warpspeed com
> Subject: Re: [Dewayne-Net] When the FCC Knocks on Your Door
> Date: Thu, 16 May 2002 14:58:07 -0700
> MIME-Version: 1.0
>
> On Thursday, May 16, 2002, at 03:51 PM, Dewayne Hendricks wrote:
>
> >  >This is an accurate article on the subject for a change.  DLH]
> Perhaps it is better than most. But there are at least two issues
> that may confuse WISPs that the article did not go into.
>
> The first issue is the belief that as long as the WISP has measured
> its equipment such that it does not exceed some values in Part 15
> rules, the equipment configuration, whatever it is, is OK.
>
> The system could be 100% Pringles/coat hangers/wet noodle antennas,
> but our calculations show that it meets FCC specs, so we're in good
> standing, goes the argument.
>
> The other argument is that our equipment may be homebrew, but FCC
> rules permit us to use just about anything we want as long as it's
> in small quantities and/or is not marketed. It's a "kit" and
> therefore we don't need to buy certified radios.
>
> These kinds of prevalent beliefs are crying out for clear,
> unambiguous public notices and guidance from the FCC, which they are
> not releasing on their own initiative.
>
> My conversations with some FCC policymakers suggest to me that they
> are even eager for a so-called "meltdown," to help demonstrate that
> unlicensed spectrum is an inevitable failure and a waste of salable
> spectrum inventory.
>
> Benn


------ End of Forwarded Message

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