RFI
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: [RFI] ARRL to FCC..

To: rfi@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [RFI] ARRL to FCC..
From: Ward Silver <hwardsil@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:10:24 -0500
List-post: <rfi@contesting.com">mailto:rfi@contesting.com>
I think Kim has it right here, contrasting PROACTIVE with REACTIVE. When we identify screwed-up equipment like ballasts and wireless cameras and that sort of thing with a very specific problem and tied to specific models and manufacturers, it's straightforward for the FCC to deal with the problem in a limited and bounded way, and they usually do. That's why documented evidence is so important in supporting any kind of regulatory action. But just railing against classes of devices creating interference is going to go nowhere at the agency level, regardless of what the regulations may say or imply.

You must clearly understand what Ward was told. It punts to "no additional funding for PROACTIVE 
RFI enforcement," NOT "no funds for RFI enforcement."  The > FCC has finding only 
for reactive RFI enforcement, not proactive RFI enforcement. Do the have authority? Yes. Do they have 
the ability to exercise it in
proactive manner? No.

What's the solution? Funding and spending authority. Kim N5OP

Exactly. The FCC currently has no congressional mandate to go out and aggressively hassle importers about interference-related issues. There is no reason or incentive for them to pick a fight with industry lobbyists over interference to us. We will be far better off to continue to make well-documented cases contesting specific types and instances of interference in order to support the general case when an opportunity presents itself to do so. That is why it's important to support spectrum defense efforts and why the ARRL Lab's traceable, calibrated work on RFI is so valuable. A solid technical case was the foundation for the ARRL being able to prevail on the merits of the BPL case.

There will eventually be some recognition by both industry and regulators that the RF spectrum is not an infinite ocean into which electromagnetic pollution can be harmlessly dumped. That day is not here yet - it usually takes some kind of spectacular incident to get and hold the necessary attention to achieve a response. In the meantime, document problems and solutions, educate your representatives (and neighbors) about the technical issues and the need for regulatory oversight, and support organizations such as the ARRL in their efforts to develop and sustain the necessary body of technical work.

73, Ward N0AX
_______________________________________________
RFI mailing list
RFI@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rfi

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>