Remel, Inc. and its corporate parent, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc were fined $30,000 by the Federal Comunications Commission this past week for operating a base repeater on 462.575 MHz. This frequency is part of the General Mobile Radios Service (GMRS) and licensed under part 95. The company admitted that the frequency was in use without a license since 2002. However, Remel, Inc. had apparently ceased operation sometime in 2012 due to enforcement notice of inquiry. This prompted the company to file for a Special Temporary Authorization.
In determining the amount in fines to be levied the Commission states, "Given the totality of the circumstances, ...., we conclude that a significant upward adjustment of the base forfeiture is warranted. In this regard, we are particularly mindful that the apparent unlawful operation in this case continued for more than nine years... In fact, the duration of the unauthorized operation is almost double the relevant five - year license term, and under current rules, the Companies were not even eligible to obtain a GMRS license." The FCC also took into consideration "Thermo Fisher’s status as a multi-billion dollar global enterprise".
Thermo Fisher's has a reported revenue of over $12.5 billion for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012, and has 39,000 employees.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
Narrowbanding Update - FCC Action
December 21st, 2012 came and the world did not come to end. Take that Mayan calendar!!!
The FCC's January 1st, 2013 narrowbanding deadline has also come and gone. The world may not have come to an end, but that does not mean the FCC is finished yet. The Commission has promised to release a public notice in April that will detail their enforcement plans. We have been told that this will include an audit letter to all existing licensees who do not appear to have complied with this mandate. By way of background, the mandate stated that operators whose frequencies fall between 150- 470 MHz are required to convert their wideband equipment over to 11.25 KHz equivalent technology.
Below are a list of frequently asked questions about the migration to this new narrowband technology and what were up against:
Q: What if I did not convert my radios over to 11.25 KHz equivalent technology?
A: The FCC will expect you to cease operations or be covered by a granted waiver.
Q: Can I get into trouble if I am still operating above 11.25 KHz bandwidth?
A: Yes, the FCC has already released an enforcement advisory detailing fines of up to $112,500 (see DA 12-1386 8-22-12)
Q: Can I still modify my license?
A: Yes, the FCC is still allowing these modifications, but its not clear for how long.
Q: Will the FCC reimburs the cost of buying new radios?
A: No, but there were a few grants that were offered to public safety entities early on.
Q: Are all licenses or services included in this requirement.
A: No, GMRS, FRS, MURS and the Amateur Ham bands are all exempt. This covers only part 90. Some paging frequencies are also exempted.
Q: How many licenses are still not narrowbanded?
A: Close to 30% at least on paper, appear to be non-compliant
Q: Is there an easy way to modify my license?
A: Yes, the Commission modified the Universal License System (ULS) to allow licensees to easily access and make fee exempt modifications for narrowbanding. Look for the Narrowband only login. If you have your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and your password, its a snap!
Stay tuned for more information about this and more about the FCC or contact
David Smith
FCC FORMS
david@fccforms.com
The FCC's January 1st, 2013 narrowbanding deadline has also come and gone. The world may not have come to an end, but that does not mean the FCC is finished yet. The Commission has promised to release a public notice in April that will detail their enforcement plans. We have been told that this will include an audit letter to all existing licensees who do not appear to have complied with this mandate. By way of background, the mandate stated that operators whose frequencies fall between 150- 470 MHz are required to convert their wideband equipment over to 11.25 KHz equivalent technology.
Below are a list of frequently asked questions about the migration to this new narrowband technology and what were up against:
Q: What if I did not convert my radios over to 11.25 KHz equivalent technology?
A: The FCC will expect you to cease operations or be covered by a granted waiver.
Q: Can I get into trouble if I am still operating above 11.25 KHz bandwidth?
A: Yes, the FCC has already released an enforcement advisory detailing fines of up to $112,500 (see DA 12-1386 8-22-12)
Q: Can I still modify my license?
A: Yes, the FCC is still allowing these modifications, but its not clear for how long.
Q: Will the FCC reimburs the cost of buying new radios?
A: No, but there were a few grants that were offered to public safety entities early on.
Q: Are all licenses or services included in this requirement.
A: No, GMRS, FRS, MURS and the Amateur Ham bands are all exempt. This covers only part 90. Some paging frequencies are also exempted.
Q: How many licenses are still not narrowbanded?
A: Close to 30% at least on paper, appear to be non-compliant
Q: Is there an easy way to modify my license?
A: Yes, the Commission modified the Universal License System (ULS) to allow licensees to easily access and make fee exempt modifications for narrowbanding. Look for the Narrowband only login. If you have your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and your password, its a snap!
Stay tuned for more information about this and more about the FCC or contact
David Smith
FCC FORMS
david@fccforms.com
Friday, January 4, 2013
Narrowbanding Deadline Post Mortem
Now that the narrowbanding deadline has come and gone many are asking "What now?". We contacted Mr. Roberto Mussenden of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, and Mr. Andy Leimer of the Office of Engineering and Technology for answers. Our inquiry was then forwarded to Scott Stone, Deputy Chief, Mobility Division. According to Stone the FCC will not be cancelling licenses anytime soon. The Commission is in fact allowing applications for the narrowband conversions to still be filed, even at this late date. One word of warning however, If the FCC later determines that the licensee did not actually narrowband until after January 1, the licensee could be subject to enforcement action for improper wideband operation.
Rest assured that there will be some "sacrificial lambs" for those who have not complied. The Commission is likely to take action to determine the narrowbanding status of stations that do not appear to be narrowband-compliant. The exact process and timing has not yet been decided.
.....More to come
Rest assured that there will be some "sacrificial lambs" for those who have not complied. The Commission is likely to take action to determine the narrowbanding status of stations that do not appear to be narrowband-compliant. The exact process and timing has not yet been decided.
.....More to come
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