WASHINGTON�Many of us are in the business are wondering just how the FCC plans to keep up with the various jammers, bootleggers, pirates, those causing interference on purpose (or accidentally) in the wake of recently announced field office closings.� Are �tiger teams� really going to suffice?
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Let me give you a perfect example of what I�m talking about.� A recent article in rcrwireless.com�described a situation in which the Sprint network received interference from a Mr. Jian Chang. �The�Federal Communications Commission�on Aug. 19 issued a citation to Jian Chang for operating a device from a home in Queens, N.Y., that was interfering with Sprint�s local cellular network.
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�According todocuments from the FCC�s New York Enforcement Bureau, Sprint complained to the FCC about the interference affecting operations in the 1900 MHz band on March 10.
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�FCC officials �confirmed by direction finding techniques that radio emissions in the 1900 MHz band were emanating from a Part 15 device operated under the direct or indirect control of Mr. Chang by virtue of the fact that the device was confirmed to be in a property owned by him…The device at this location is injecting noise into the Sprint network and degrading or blocking service to Sprint�s customers. Mr. Chang refused to allow inspection of the offending device.��
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The unfortunate reality, whether tiger teams work or not, is that FCC agents don�t get the respect they deserve, and don�t really have any executive authority (to my knowledge) to break down someone�s door in order to shut down the offending equipment.
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�As Chang didn�t allow authorities to see what type of device he was using and how he was causing interference, it�s not clear exactly what was impacting Sprint�s network.
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�From the FCC documents: �The agents requested Mr. Chang�s assistance in locating the source of the interference and requested his permission to examine any possible radio sources within his residence. Mr. Chang refused to assist the agents and refused to allow the inspection of any offending transmitter.
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�If Chang keeps violating the rules, the FCC said he could face up to $16,000 in daily fines.�
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Best of luck with that one.� I hope they can squeeze something out of this guy.�
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