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CERTIFIED MAIL-RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
August 11, 2010
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
(Address withheld)
RE: EB-10-GB-0073
Radio frequency interference
Dear Ms. (name withheld):
The Federal Communications Commission has received a complaint that a
device in your residence is causing harmful radio interference to an
operator in the Amateur Radio Service. The complainant is:
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
(Address withheld)
The Federal Communications Commission has the responsibility to require
that such problems be rectified within a reasonable time if the
interference is caused by faulty consumer equipment. Under Commission
rules, certain types of equipment are classified as "unintentional
radiators." These devices generate radio frequency energy but do not
intentionally radiate it. Examples include computers, radio receivers and
television sets. Other types of consumer devices are classified as
"incidental radiators." These devices do not intentionally generate any
radio-frequency energy but may create it as an incidental part of its
intended operation. Common examples are aquarium heaters, certain portable
telephones, alarm control panels, fluorescent light ballasts, doorbell
control circuits and so forth. Some of those devices are imported and do
not comply with Commission certification standards, and thereby result in
interference to other radio services. You may have one of those devices.
If the device is an approved one, it should have a silver FCC label on the
unit showing a certification number. Even an approved device, however, can
only be operated legally if it is not causing harmful interference to a
licensed radio service. The device can also be defective resulting in a
shock or fire hazard.
To help you better understand your responsibilities under Commission
rules, here are the most important rules relating to radio and television
interference from incidental radiators:
Title 47, CFR Section 15.5 General conditions of operation.
(b) Operation of an intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiator is
subject to the conditions that no harmful interference is caused and that
interference must be accepted that may be caused by the operation of an
authorized radio station, by another intentional or unintentional
radiator, by industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment, or by an
incidental radiator.
(c) The operator of the radio frequency device shall be required to cease
operating the device upon notification by a Commission representative that
the device is causing harmful interference. Operation shall not resume
until the condition causing the harmful interference has been corrected.
Title 47, CFR Section 15.13 Incidental radiators.
Manufacturers of these devices shall employ good engineering practices to
minimize the risk of harmful interference.
Title 47, CFR Section 15.15 General technical requirements.
(c) Parties responsible for equipment compliance should note that the
limits specified in this part will not prevent harmful interference under
all circumstances. Since the operators of Part 15 devices are required to
cease operation should harmful interference occur to authorized users of
the radio frequency spectrum, the parties responsible for equipment
compliance are encouraged to employ the minimum field strength necessary
for communications, to provide greater attenuation of unwanted emissions
than required by these regulations, and to advise the user as to how to
resolve harmful interference problems (for example, see Sec. 15.105(b)).
The complainant has attempted unsuccessfully to resolve this problem and
as a result the matter has been referred to our office. The Commission
prefers that those responsible for the proper operation of equipment
assume their responsibilities fairly. This means that you should resolve
the interference caused by the device and make necessary corrections
within a reasonable time.
While the Commission has confidence that most people are able to resolve
these issues voluntarily, the Commission wants to make you aware that this
unresolved problem may be a violation of Commission rules and could result
in a monetary forfeiture (fine) for each occurrence. At this stage, the
Commission encourages the parties to resolve this problem without
Commission intervention; but if necessary to facilitate resolution, the
Commission may investigate possible rules violations and address
appropriate remedies.
Please advise this office and (name withheld) as to what steps you are
taking to correct this reported interference problem. You may contact this
office at: 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325. The Commission
expects that most cases can be resolved within 30 days of the time they
are first reported. Please feel free to call me at 717-338-2577 if you
have any questions about this matter.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Smith, Esq.
Special Counsel
Enforcement Bureau
cc: Atlanta Field Office
South Central Regional Director