Staying on top of FCC regulations: how the latest changes

Staying on top of FCC regulations: how thelatest changes affect in-building coverage

Kevin PersingRegional Sales Manager,Axell Wireless

Agenda

Our agenda for the next hour:

• Introduction

• A necessary change

• How to obtain your FCC registration number

• Concerns, conclusion and recommendations

• Q&A

Who are we?

A global developer and manufacturer of DAS and wirelesscoverage solutions

Part of Cobham plc – a global technology giant with $3B annualrevenue

Providing solutions for cellular,public safety and rail applications

Our history spans 40 years

Our focus is quality andtechnological innovation

Where are we?

Customers in over 150 countries

Including 170 mobile operatorsacross the globe

16 offices worldwide

Circa 250 employees

Latest ABI research reveals…

• Axell Wireless is no.1in the world for‘Innovation’ when itcomes to in-buildingwireless

• We are now rankedno.3 globally overall

• Our market sharecontinues to grow

Agenda


• Introduction




• Q&A

A necessary change

• Class B – band selective amplifiers, amplify all channels within the bandpass window. Including wanted and un-wanted channels

• It requires system integrators and installers to consider the potentialadverse effects of the increased noise floor on PLMR systems, andestablish additional emission limits to reduce the interference potentialof signal boosters

• Fire code enforcement for public safety radio coverage adding BDA’s isa concern for the macro system

• Registration of Class B products is neededto know “where” to look when problemsarise. Potential fines exist of $100,000per violation

The FCC NPRM

• Starting March 1, 2014, all Industrial SignalBoosters sold and marketed in the United Statesmust meet the FCC’s new rules

• The process has changed for amplifier certifications, soall prior certifications became invalid. This created delays inFCC approvals

• Added additional emphasis on the integrity of installedsystems and the installer qualifications

• Created technical qualifiers for the signal boosters to publicsafety grade compliant

Public safety signal boosters(Part 90)

• FCC distinguishes between two classes of signal boosters:– Class A signal boosters – channel-selective. Must have pass-band per channel no larger

than 75 KHZ (sufficient to accommodate group delay requirements )– Class B signal boosters – Block or band selective boosters

• Axell and any Brand X Band Pass repeaters are Class B signal boosters

• Axell digital repeaters can be classified as either Class A or Class B dependingon the bandwidth of the selected digital filter

• Most Axell VHF and UHF and some 700/800 digital repeaters are Channelselective and considered Class A – Limit noise impact to the macro

• Axell band-selective product, BSR 3308, is a Class B

• Axell D-MBR – 700/800 product could be either based on how the amplifiersare configured

Labelling of public safety signal boosters

Public Safety – Deployment rules ofsignal boosters (S.B) Part 90.219(d)

• The installer is held accountable for the deployment rules

• Signal booster must not be used to extend PLMRS stationsnormal operating range

• ERP per channel not to exceed 5 W

• Class B – Signal booster must be deployed only in fixed locationsas of 1.11.2014

• Class B – Signal booster must be registered in the FCC database

• Good engineering practice must be used to avoid interferences

Public Safety – Deployment rules ofsignal boosters (S.B) cont. Part 90.219(d)

• In general ERP of intermod should not exceed -30dbm in 10khz BW

• ERP of noise must not exceed -43 dBM in 10 kHz BW

• ERP of noise 1 MHZ outside the pass band must not exceed -70 dBM in10 KHZ BW

• Require system integrators and installers to consider the potentialadverse effects of the increased noise floor on PLMR systems andestablish additional emission limits to reduce the interference potentialof signal boosters

• The pass of Class B - Signal booster must not encompass bothcellular and public safety except for indoor DAS

Agenda


• Introduction




• Q&A

Registration System for Class BSignal Boosters

On February 20, 2013, the FCC released a Report and Order that includeda requirement for new and existing Class B signal boosters to be registeredwith the FCC:• Creates a permanent record of all Class B signal boosters• Licensees can search online for signal booster installations

Licensees and signal booster operators are required to register existingClass B signal booster installations with the FCC by November 1, 2014.

After November 1, 2014, operation of an existing, unregistered Class Bsignal booster will be unauthorized and subject to enforcement action.

Any new Class B signal booster installed after November 1, 2014 must beregistered prior to operation.

Obtaining your FCC RegistrationNumber (FRN)

Register to obtain an FCC Registration Number (FRN):https://apps.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do

FRN Registration Page

FRN Number

FCC Class B Registration

Login to the Registration site:https://signalboosters.fcc.gov/signal-boosters/

Agenda


• Introduction


• The various FCC parts dealing with signal boosters



• Q&A

Concerns, conclusions andrecommendations

• Who is responsible?1. Integrator?2. Building Owner?3. Licensee?

• How did the FCC notify people of the change?

• How will enforcement work post November 2014?1. When?2. How?

• Cellular Signal boosters:– The rules for consumer boosters are significantly changed– For industrial boosters Axell must only attach the proper labels –

Installers need to confirm compliance

• Part 90 Signal Boosters– Must Register ALL Class B by November 2014 or face potential Fines

(up to $100,000 per location)– Make sure that all installed boosters after January 2014 meet the

labeling requirements

Concerns, conclusions andrecommendations

Thank you – any questions?

Please contact Kevin PersingRegional Sales Manager

[email protected]

Documents

Staying on top of FCC regulations: how the latest changes