FCC Votes to Ease Import, Marketing Rules for Wireless Devices

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FCC Commissioners voted to update the agency’s equipment authorization rules to enable expanded marketing and the importation of wireless RF devices prior to certification. They say the updates will enable manufacturers to better gauge consumer interest and prepare for product launches, as well as shorten time to market.

The rules govern devices consumers use every day such as cell phones, wireless headphones and WiFi routers. The agency says they’re meant to assure all spectrum users that devices comply with the Commission’s technical rules and operate without causing harmful RF interference.  

Current rules actually hinder innovation, according to FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “New sales models and assessment tools have emerged that rely on individual interest to fund products, optimize production, and match imports to anticipated sales,” she said during Thursday’s 4-0 vote. “In these situations, our well-intentioned rules actually act as a barrier to innovation. In fact, they can reward traditional companies with access to greater resources while leaving new ones on the outside looking in.”

FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks agreed, saying: “The internet has allowed consumers to learn about new products at an early stage and play a role in bringing that product to market. Direct-to-consumer sales and conditional pre-orders have become common practice, even more so during the pandemic.” He noted the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter raised $5.4 billion dollars in pre-orders and launched over 500,000 projects in less than ten years.

Starks and Rosenworcel said the adopted changes update the agency’s rules and should remove obstacles for small businesses and start-ups; the goal is to encourage new devices and applications.

Under the revised rules, this early-stage flexibility will allow limited marketing and pre-sale of wireless devices to consumers. That’s only so long as the devices are not actually provided to consumers until the devices achieve compliance with FCC equipment authorization requirements and consumers are told about the conditions of the sale. The rule changes also will allow limited pre-authorization importation of RF devices into the U.S. for certain pre-sale activities, such as packaging and shipping to retailers.

By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief

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