[TrunkCom] Warning on use of Flashing Cellular Antenna Displays

[Marcel]

DA # 02-401
Media Contact: John Winston
(202) 418-7450
February 21, 2002

Warning on use of Flashing Cellular Antenna Displays

 There are a variety of accessory antennas available for cellular
telephones.  One popular antenna accessory includes a flashing light on
the tip of the antenna.  The antenna accessories themselves are
harmless, but the vendor-operated display devices used to demonstrate
them can cause interference to licensed radio services.

Flashing Cellular Antenna Display units are used to show what the
accessory looks like when it is activated.  In the past year there has
been an increase in the use of Flashing Cellular Antenna Displays.
These display units send radio signals through several accessory
antennas to make them flash.  The radio signals from the Antenna Display
units cause interference on cellular frequency bands.  This interference
is harmful to cellular communications and poses a threat to other
services in near by frequency bands.

Devices that use radio frequency energy, such as these display units,
require approval from the FCC prior to marketing or use.  FCC approved
devices can be identified by a permanently attached label stating
compliance with FCC Part 15 requirements.  At this time there are no FCC
approved Flashing Cellular Antenna Displays.

 Vendors operating Flashing Cellular Antenna Displays are advised to
turn off these devices immediately.  Operators of Flashing Cellular
Antenna Displays are in violation of Section 302 of the Communications
Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. � 302.  These displays are not FCC
certified and exceed the permitted emission levels under part 15 of the
Commission�s Rules.   The use, marketing or importation of these
displays is a violation of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.
The FCC is currently investigating over two dozen cases of interference
caused by these unapproved devices.

Parties in violation of these provisions may be subject to the penalties
contained within Sections 501-510 of the Communications Act, 47 U.S.C.
�� 501- 510. Fines for a first offense can range as high as $10,000 for
each violation or imprisonment for up to one year. The radio equipment
can also be seized and forfeited to the U.S. Government.
 Enforcement Bureau contact Brett Greenwalt at (202) 418-1303.
-FCC-


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