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


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