FCC Proposes Fine Against WISPs for Interfering With FAA Radar

Wireless and WinPR. The companies used unlicensed national information infrastructure (U-NII) devices for point-to-point communication operating in the 5.25-5.35 GHz and 5.47-5.725 GHz bands, the FCC said. Doppler radar uses the 5.60-5.65 GHz band. “The companies apparently misconfigured the devices by turning off a required feature that would have prevented the devices from causing interference to the FAA terminal doppler weather radar station at San Juan International Airport,” the agency said: “Interference to these weather radar stations, which are used to detect wind shear and other dangerous weather conditions, is potentially life threatening.” The WISPs didn’t comment. “Operators of U-NII devices must ensure certified devices are installed, configured, and operated in accordance with the Commission’s rules,” the FCC advisory said: “Proper operation of U-NII devices is particularly important when they are situated near terminal doppler weather radar stations and especially in the context of U-NII devices operated outdoors by" WISPs. The Wireless ISP Association said none of the companies is a member. “This is still a serious matter with potentially severe public safety consequences,” emailed President Claude Aiken: “WISPA has for several years educated its members on compliance with FCC rules, particularly the [Doppler radar] interference rules. We strongly encourage our members to stay in full compliance with all FCC rules.”