[SFDXA] FCC Targets Online Retailer in Citation

[Bill]

    FCC Targets Online Retailer in Citation

une 7, 2013 --- The FCC this week cited an Omaha, Nebraska-based online 
retailer for marketing unauthorized RF devices --- including 10 and 12 
meter amplifiers capable of putting out up to 8200 W --- in violation of 
FCC rules. An FCC /Citation and Order/ 
<http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2013/db0606/DA-13-1316A1.pdf> 
dated June 6 orders Enterprise Group Inc, doing business as ePowerAmps 
<http://www.epoweramps.com>, to immediately stop advertising, marketing 
and selling "all unauthorized radio frequency devices, specifically 
modified Citizens Band (CB) radios and non-certified radio frequency 
(RF) amplifiers for use in the 10-12 meter bands." The FCC said 
continuing to engage in such conduct could subject the retailer to 
substantial fines and seizure of equipment.

Responding to the citation's release, ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, said 
it's reassuring to see evidence of the FCC's continuing commitment to 
enforcement relating to Amateur Radio. "It is gratifying to see the 
Commission's Enforcement Bureau taking action against flagrant 
violators," he commented. The Amateur Radio community has long 
complained about interference, mainly on 10 meters, from unlicensed 
CBers and and so-called "HFers." The FCC once banned the sale of 
amplifiers capable of operating above 24 MHz, a move that some 
considered misguided and punitive to Amateur Radio licensees.

The FCC /C&O/ described ePowerAmps as "an online retailer of CB and 
amateur radios, linear amplifiers, and radio accessories, which 
specializes in the 'customization of radios.'" Responding in April to a 
complaint, an agent from the Commission's Kansas City office observed on 
ePowerAmps' website "illegally modified CB radios being offered for sale 
in the United States." The FCC said the retailer also offered offer 
various modifications and upgrades for 35 makes and models of 
FCC-certified CB radios. These included swapping out the original final 
amplifier for a higher-powered replacement. Other mods expanded the 
authorized frequency range of a CB to include what it called the "26 MHz 
range and the upper 27 MHz range." Linear amplifiers offered for sale 
varied between 120 W and 8200 W and ranged in price from around $140 to 
nearly $2600, the Commission said, adding none of the 50 linears offered 
for sale appear to have FCC certification.

The FCC called on ePowerAmps to confirm "in writing" that it has stopped 
marketing unauthorized RF devices and to provide certain information to 
the commission within 30 days of the /C&O/. The information request, 
contained in a non-public appendix to the /C&O/, seeks to determine 
ePowerAmps' "external RF power amplifier suppliers and sales, as well as 
the disposition of its illegal inventory," the Commission said. The FCC 
gave the retailer 30 days to respond to the /C&O/ and even to challenge 
the FCC's findings.