Commission Launches Cell Booster Rulemaking
The FCC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on a proposal it let consumers use fixed and mobile consumer signal boosters, subject to restrictions designed to mitigate the risk of harmful interference. The commission, as expected (CD April 4 p5), approved the rulemaking on circulation in advance of Thursday’s meeting. “Although by one measure, 99.6 percent of the nation’s population is served by one or more mobile voice providers, and more than 98 percent of the nation’s population can now receive ‘advanced’ or ‘3G’ wireless services, coverage gaps exist within and at the fringes of those service areas and continue to pose a problem … particularly in rural areas,” the NPRM said. “Signal boosters are part of the solution to addressing coverage gaps in rural areas."
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Cell boosters are not without risks, the notice said. “Malfunctioning, poorly designed, or improperly installed signal boosters … may harm consumers by blocking calls, including E-911 and other emergency calls, and decreasing network coverage and capacity,” it said. “The regulatory framework proposed in this NPRM seeks to create appropriate incentives for carriers and manufacturers to collaboratively develop robust signal boosters that do not harm wireless networks."
CTIA expressed caution as the FCC moves forward on final rules. Some of its key members have expressed concerns in various meetings at the agency in recent months. “We remain concerned that poorly manufactured or improperly installed boosters can do much more harm than good for both consumers and public safety officials,” CTIA Assistant Vice President Brian Josef said in a written statement. “The record is full of examples of such harm.” Public Knowledge said the FCC should move forward. “Signal boosters in the home, when designed to avoid interference, will contribute to improving wireless coverage,” the group said. “Consumers should have the right to purchase a signal booster of their choice, without being tethered to any particular service."
The FCC approved the NPRM 5-0, with only Commissioner Mignon Clyburn issuing a separate statement. “These devices have demonstrated they can help address the coverage gaps that exist within the wireless service areas in both rural and urban environments,” she said, encouraging carriers and others work out consensus on various technical issues. “As we have seen in other proceedings, such as the one involving E911 location accuracy standards, industry collaboration tends to serve the interests of consumers better than litigation.” Comments will be due 45 days after the NPRM is published in the Federal Register, replies in 75 days.