FCC Enforcement: Cell phone Jammers


The Enforcement Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission has issued a
"Citation" to Grand Trades Co., (www.grandtrades.net), for selling
unauthorized radio frequency devices-specifically wireless devices and cell
phone jammers, and long range cordless telephones. The jamming devices are
a double no-no. First, they are unauthorized intentional radiators, and
hence violate the FCC's marketing rules, and second, they could never be
authorized as it is forbidden under the Communications Act for any person to
"willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio
communications." In addition to jamming devices, Grand Trades' site sold
a "long-range" cordless telephone (the Senao Model 358), which appears to
operate in the amateur 2 and 1 ¼ meter bands with a base station power in
excess of 4 watts. These are clearly not cordless phones conforming to the
authorized bands and emission limits of Part 15.



The citation is a warning. No fine has been levied, but the FCC may impose a
fine of up to $11,000 for each violation or continuing violation that occurs
after the date the citation is issued. The citation was issued after a
letter of inquiry in March garnered the response that the company was based
outside of the U. S., did not hold inventory in the U. S., nor did it direct
business to the US. The company's web site, however, appeared to recommend
some of its models to the North American market. It seems highly likely the
FCC is going to pay close attention to this matter because of the high
potential for interference to authorized communications that the offered
equipment appears to hold.



In addition to taking liberties with radio regulations, Grand Trades Co.
also appears to give short shift to tax laws, making the offer of a reduced
value invoice to enable its European customers evade VAT (value added
taxes).



On-line reference: FCC DA 05-1622,
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_publi...-05-1622A1.pdf

From e-NewsBreaks Conformity's Online Newsletter Thu Jun 30 12:14:38 2005