Issue 4
Providing information and fielding questions for wireless manufacturers are some of the many activities that we perform at ACB. Packets provides an overview of just a small portion of the communiqués that run in and out of our office.
DECT Allowed in US – April 2005: Will TCBs Be Approving These Devices?The device will be required to comply with the new UPCS rules in FCC 04-219. If compliant, TCB approval is permitted. Back to Top
Changes In Advanced Cell Phones and Other Composite Devices:Q: If a device such as an advanced cell phone has been approved as a composite device: 1) One Grant for Part 22/24 2) One Grant for 15.247 - Bluetooth 3) One Grant for a PC Peripheral Device, and the manufacturer makes small changes that do not affect the radio portion of the device, but may require retesting of the PC peripheral portion, can the manufacturer optionally perform a DoC on the PC peripheral portion if they adjust their labeling to include the DoC label and the manual to include the information of 2.1077?
Q: A composite device contains two low power transmitters (15.209 and 15.231), but the basic device has only the 15.209 transmitter. Other models have both 15.209 and 15.231 transmitters. Is it possible to have the series approved under one FCC ID (to cover devices with just the 15.209 transmitter and devices with both 15.209 and 15.231 transmitters)? If not, is it possible to have one FCC ID for the 15.209 transmitter and one for the 15.231 transmitter - a model in the series that has both transmitters would be labeled with both FCC IDs ?
A: The referenced family may not be approved under one FCC ID. In order to cover models with just the 15.209 transmitter and devices with both 15.209 and 15.231 transmitters, two FCCID numbers must be obtained for the two models since they are not electrically identical (see Sections 2.907-2.908). A composite filing using one FCCID number filed on two application form 731's, is needed for the two-transmitter version, and a different FCCID number filed as a single transmitter on one form 731 is needed for the one-transmitter version. It is not acceptable to have one FCC ID for the 15.209 transmitter and one for the 15.231 transmitter, and then put two FCCID numbers on the model that has both transmitters in one enclosure, unless the individual transmitters are certified as modules. If this approach is taken, the manufacturer is responsible for verifying that the co-located modules will comply with radiated emissions limits when both transmitters are operating simultaneously.
Q: If a product is an 802.11 a/b/g product where manufacture may disable 802.11a function by software, can one FCC ID cover 802.11a/b/g and 802.11b/g? The possible scenarios are (final device is being approved as a whole, and not using modular approval): 1. Multiple TX boards (802.11a and 802.11b/g) are inserted into a device which is designed to accept multiple boards. The device may be sold with both boards, or one missing (i.e. 802.11a removed). 2. Assume all circuitry is contained on the main motherboard, and that the motherboard is always fully populated, but with functionality controlled via the particular software installed. 3. Assume all circuitry is contained on the main motherboard, and the motherboard is fully populated for the 802.11 a/b/g version, but partially depopulated for the 802.11 b/g version.
A: In scenarios 1 and 3, due to depopulation of transmitter components, one FCC Identifier is not possible since the different versions will not be electrically identical. In scenario 2, one identifier would be allowed since the device is fully populated and the version implemented via software. Back to Top
FCC: Michael Powell resigns as Chair of the FCCMichael Powell submitted his resignation to the President, stepping down from the Chair position of the FCC. During his tenure, the 41 year old son of outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell, opposed tight regulation of telecommunications but was involved in assessing unprecedented fines against broadcast indecency. Many changes were heralded under his term, which was viewed by some as controversial and aggressive. Certainly, the expansion of wireless devices proceeded at an aggressive pace. Back to Top Industry CanadaRadio Standards Update • RSS-212 will become a procedure - RSP-212 - First Quarter 2005 • Medical Devices – RSS-243 Medical implants - Released July, 2004 (Scheduled to be revised in 2005) • MSLD (Maritime Survivor Locator Device) – RSS-187 – 1st Quarter 2005 • Fixed Wireless Access in the 953-960 MHz band – RSS-194 – Late 2005 • PCS – 3G – RSS-133 – Mid 2005; – RSS-132 – Mid 2005 • RSS-102 “new issue” (Attempt to harmonize with North American and International requirements)– 1st Quarter 2005 • RSS 310 – All Certification Exempt Equipment – 1st Quarter 2005 • RSS-210 Issue 6 (New Format) – 1st Quarter 2005 • RSS-210 Issue 6 (to include the 5 GHz WRC rules) – 1nd or 2nd Quarter 2005 (depends on the release of 5 GHz Policy) • Mobile Earth Stations “revision” – RSS-170 – revision on hold for the first part of 2005. • RSS 119 Issue 7 - 3rd Quarter 2005 • RSS GEN Issue 1 (New General Requirements and Information for the Certification of Radiocommunications Equipment) - 1st Quarter 2005
Reopening of Land Mobile Spectrum in the 900 MHz BandThe land mobile spectrum in the band 896-901 MHz and 935-940 MHz (900 MHz band) for the area encompassed by Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe Area is now open and available again. Unassigned spectrum in this band was placed in reserve status in November 1998 and set aside exclusively to meet the needs of public safety systems. The release of the 900 MHz reservation will allow for the introduction of new services or systems and where necessary provide added capacity to existing systems. Back to Top
Bidding Opens for Residual Wireless Spectrum in the 2300 MHz and 3500 MHz Bands
DFS Cut-off Date ExtensionDA No. 05-175 – Public Notice released 1/26/05 – OET Clarifies Equipment Authorization Policy for Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) Devices Operating in the 5 GHz Band: OET will not apply the January 20, 2005 cut-off date for applications for certification of U-NII equipment operating in the 5.25 – 5.35 GHz band for a period of sixty (60) days. Back to Top
3G Advanced Wireless Services“The Federal Communications Commission formally notified the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce that the Commission intends to auction licenses for certain Advanced Wireless Services – also called “3G” – as early as June 2006.” Back to Top
Part 90 Narrowbanding (Refarming Bands) Effective Date StayedSee http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-292A1.pdf, specifically clause # 60. The January 1, 2005 deadline is stayed and the above requirement will not go into effect at this time.
FCC 04-292, a Third Memorandum Opinion and Order impacted the equipment authorization of Part 90 narrow banding (refarming bands – 150-174 MHz and 421 – 512 MHz) devices. Under the Part 90 regulations, which would have gone into effect after December 31, 2004, equipment authorization applications for devices in these bands would have been required to meet the efficiency standard of 90.203(j)(4) and the listing of a maximum 25 kHz bandwidth channel on the grant for equipment authorization would have been prohibited. Back to Top
New C63.5-2004 and C63.22-2004 Now AvailableC63.5-2004, Antenna Calibration (replacing in its entirety the 1988 & 1998 editions) and the new C63.22-2004, Guide for Automated Emission Measurement, were published on Monday, December 20, 2004. Print versions should be available on or about January 10, 2005. Back to Top
Revisions to Part 11 of the FCC Rules – Emergency Alert Systems (amendments effective February 7, 2005)The Federal Communications Commission has adopted revisions to the Part 11 rules governing the Emergency Alert System (EAS) that will allow wireless cable television systems to provide EAS alerts to their subscribers in a more efficient manner. Wireless cable system operators will now be able to install equipment that provides a means to switch all programmed channels to a predesignated channel that carries an EAS alert in lieu of installing an EAS decoder for each and every system channel. Accordingly, upon receipt of an EAS alert, subscribers’ equipment will automatically be tuned to the channel carrying the EAS message. Back to Top
INTERNATIONAL NEWS:Europe Revised EMC Directive:The long awaited revised EMC Directive has been released. There are many subtle, and many not-so-subtle changes to the Directive that will be enacted. There are many interesting changes to the new directive, including clarifications and guidance on “fixed installations” (one-of-a-kind) that reduce the burden on manufacturers. The Directive is not in force, however, until early 2007.
Link to current information from EMC Info Day in Brussels: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/electr_equipment/emc/revision/workshop.htm
Singapore - ANSI is preparing to apply to NIST/NVCASE program for extension of ANSI scope of recognition as accreditation body to cover the Regulations/Requirements defined by IDA from Singapore to accredited telecommunication certification bodies. This will allow ANSI-accredited TCBs to perform Singapore Certification and expands the MRA basis for exchange and recognition of Certification marks.
Hong Kong – The signing of exchange letters with Hong Kong to start the implementation of Phase II of the APEC MRA is expected in the near future.
Korea – The FCC met with MIC of Korea and agreed in principle to the text of exchange letters to implement Phase I of the APEC Tel MRA. Training for Korea regulations scheduled for May 2005.
Japan – The FCC met with MIC in Japan to negotiate a Telcom MRA based on the APEC Tel MRA for both Phase I and Phase II. Back to Top
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