FCC Proposes Changing Rules for Approval, Certification of Radiofrequency Devices
The FCC sought comment on proposed changes to rules for its evaluation and approval of radiofrequency devices, in a Tuesday NPRM approved by the full commission. Comment deadlines will be released in an upcoming Federal Register notice.
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“The manner in which today’s RF equipment is designed, manufactured, and marketed -- as well as the sheer number of such devices that need to be authorized -- warrant modifications to the rules that specify the equipment subject to our equipment authorization procedures and responsibilities of the various stakeholders,” the FCC said. “We have identified additional changes that will enable us to meet the challenges of an RF equipment ecosystem that has significantly expanded since the Commission last comprehensively reviewed its equipment authorization procedures more than fifteen years ago.”
The NPRM proposes that the agency combine two separate product approval programs, the declaration of conformity and verification, into one product self-approval program. It also proposes to codify and clarify provisions for certification of modular transmitters “including those in products used for our licensed radio services -- and for radios where the RF parameters are controlled by software.” The NPRM proposes the consolidation of rules under the equipment authorization provisions of Part 2 rules. It seeks to codify existing practices protecting the confidentiality of market-sensitive information and to codify and expand existing guidance for electronic labeling. The NPRM would terminate a requirement that companies file FCC Form 740 with Customs and Border Protection authorities for RF devices imported into the U.S.
Commissioner Mike O’Rielly said that the NPRM is a step toward the implementation of the E-Label Act, enacted by Congress to facilitate the optional use of electronic labels, instead of physical ones, on RF devices. “Having spent a considerable amount of time on this particular issue, including working with its lead proponent, the Telecommunications Industry Association, I am pleased to see proposals to update rules to meet the real world needs of electronic device manufacturers,” O’Rielly said. “Without sacrificing important functions of our equipment authorization process, e-labels can provide a mechanism to facilitate device shipping, design... and reduce costs.”
With the growth of the IoT, “we are on the brink of a whole new world of connected wireless devices,” said Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. “I ... hope we can update our policies with dispatch. If we do, we can put ourselves on course for less red tape for new services, more innovation, and a speedier path to the possibilities of the Internet of Things.”