The FCC notified a Tennessee resident that her amplified television antenna is causing harmful interference to an AT&T cell network. The Enforcement Bureau told her to immediately stop using the device, or face a possible fine of more than $22,000 a day.
The case began last May, when the carrier complained to the Commission about RF interference to its cell network operating on the 700 MHz band. It uses the band to provide wireless service to business and residential customers. AT&T told the agency the interference appeared to be coming from Judy Pate’s residence on Johnson Frazier Cemetery Road in Knoxville.
AT&T first sent a written notice to Pate. It then contacted the bureau after Pate didn’t correct the problem. The bureau then sent a warning letter to Pate, advising her a device on her property was causing harmful interference to licensed communications. Harmful interference to wireless providers, such as AT&T, is particularly problematic in that it can interfere with 911 service, according to the Commission. The letter notified her that continued operation of the device was a violation of federal law and could subject her to penalties.
She agreed to turn off the antenna so the carrier could determine if it was the interference source. Using on/off tests, an AT&T representative confirmed that her amplified TV antenna, used to boost signals, was the cause of the interference. AT&T told the agency that despite the confirmation, Pate continued using the antenna.
Last December, agents from the bureau’s Atlanta Field Office went to Knoxville to investigate. Using direction-finding techniques, the agents identified a strong signal near 706 MHz emanating from Pate‘s home.
According to the Commission’s rules, “operation of an . . . unintentional radiator that is not in accordance with the regulations in this part must be licensed.” An amplified television antenna is an unintentional radiator because it sends RF signals by conduction through wiring to a television and is not intended to emit RF energy by radiation or induction.
In a citation and order, the bureau told Pate to confirm in writing within 30 days that she’s taken action to correct the harmful interference, and provide a timeline for any pending correction action. Failure to respond in writing, or providing an incomplete, misleading or inaccurate response may subject her to additional sanctions. She can also respond by teleconference or visit the Atlanta Field Office within the 30-day deadline. In addition to the fine mentioned above, the FCC can also impose a penalty of up to $165,159 for any single act or failure to act.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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