Source: http://www.fcc.gov/print/node/48602
Timestamp: 2014-04-17 18:55:46
Document Index: 498169028

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 15', 'art 15', 'art 15', 'art 15', 'art 15', 'art 15', 'art 15', 'art 15']

Part 15 TV Bands Devices
‘April 22, 2013
DA 13-808
Third Memorandum Opinion and Order
FCC 12-36
Part 15 TV Bands Device
1. Objectives of the Proceeding
In the Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order (Second Report and Order)in this proceeding, the FCC adopted rules that allow unlicensed radio transmitters to operate in the broadcast television spectrum at locations where that spectrum is not being used by licensed services. This unused TV spectrum is often termed “white spaces.” In the subsequent Second Memorandum Opinion and Order and Third Memorandum Opinion and Order, the Commission made certain modifications to the rules adopted in the Second Report and Order. The devices that operate under these rules are called TV bands devices or TVBDs. The FCC’s actions in this proceeding made a significant amount of spectrum available for new and innovative products and services, including broadband data and other services for businesses and consumers. These actions created opportunities for small businesses to develop new types of communication devices and services. The rules adopted include many safeguards to prevent harmful interference to incumbent communications services. Moreover, the FCC will closely oversee the development and introduction of these devices to the market and will take whatever actions may be necessary to avoid, and if necessary correct, any interference that may occur. Further, the FCC will consider in the future any changes to the rules that may be appropriate to provide greater flexibility for development of this technology and better protect against harmful interference to incumbent communications services.
A copy of the Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order is available athttp://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-260A1.pdf [4] (23 FCC Rcd 16807 (2008))
A copy of the Second Memorandum Opinion and Order is available athttp://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-10-174A1.pdf [5] (25 FCC Rcd 18661 (2010))
A copy of the Third Memorandum Opinion and Order is available athttp://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-12-36A1.pdf [6] (27 FCC Rcd 3692 (2012))
Part 15 of the FCC rules contains the technical requirements for radio frequency (RF) devices that may be operated without an individual license. The requirements include radiated and power line conducted emission limits for intentional and unintentional radiators.
Intentional radiators are devices that intentionally generate and emit RF energy, i.e., transmitters. Examples of Part 15 intentional radiators include cordless telephones, remote control transmitters, remote utility meter readers, and wireless local area networking equipment. Part 15 intentional radiators must be certified by the FCC or a designated Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) before they can be imported into or marketed within the United States.
Unintentional radiators are devices that intentionally generate, but do not intentionally emit, RF energy. Examples of Part 15 unintentional radiators include radio receivers, computers and TV interface devices such as DVD players, cable and satellite boxes. Most unintentional radiators can be authorized through a self-approval process in which the manufacturer has the equipment tested to ensure it complies with the Part 15 rules, but does not have to obtain certification through the FCC or a TCB. However, scanning receivers and radar detectors are required to be certified before they can be imported into or marketed within the United States.
3. What is a TV bands device?
A TV bands device (TVBD) is a Part 15 intentional radiator that operates on an unoccupied TV channel in the range of channels 2-51, excluding channels 3-4 and 37. There are two categories of TV bands devices: fixed and personal/portable.
4. What is a fixed TVBD?
A fixed TVBD transmits and receives at a specified fixed location. Fixed TVBDs can be used to provide services such as