NEWS
Report No. CI 98-6        COMPLIANCE & INFORMATION ACTION       April 27, 1998 
   
       FCC INSPECTION PROGRAM REDUCES NUMBER OF NEW YORK CITY TAXI
           CABS FOUND OPERATING CB RADIOS ON ILLEGAL CHANNELS

     The FCC Compliance and Information Bureau announced today that an inspection 
program of New York City taxicabs has reduced the number of cab drivers illegally using
CB radios on amateur radio band frequencies.

     Following receipt of numerous  complaints that New York City taxis were interfering
with amateur "ham radio" bands, (10 Meter Radio Band), agents from the Bureau's New
York field office began an investigation in early January, and verified that cab drivers were
not using CB radios on designated CB channels, but were using amateur radio frequencies. 

     In cooperation with the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)
which governs all taxi cabs, FCC investigators began to make periodic, random inspections
of cab drivers' CB radios at the TLC taxi inspection facility in Woodside, NY, where all
New York City taxi cabs undergo an inspection once every four months. At first, FCC
investigators found that nearly every taxi CB radio inspected had been modified to operate
out of the legal CB band and in the amateur radio band.  Verbal warnings were issued to all
those found to be in violation and a warning letter was sent to their homes. 

     After 2-3 months of random FCC inspections, evidence of CB frequency violations
began decreasing dramatically. Current inspections indicate that only one out of every 10
New York  cabs operating CB radios are transmitting on improper channels. The FCC
reported that amateur radio operators have stated that taxi cab operation intrusions into the
amateur 10 meter radio band appear to have disappeared. 

     In addition to the FCC inspections, the TLC conducted a mailout campaign to all taxi
owners advising them of FCC regulations related to CB operations. During the inspections
the FCC agents explained to each cab driver why they were operating illegally,  how they
were interfering with amateur radio users, and what the proper frequency is for legal CB
channel transmissions.  Since the beginning of the inspection program, the CB radios in
approximately 100 taxis were checked. TLC rules permit taxi drivers to have CB radios in
their cabs as long as they meet FCC regulations. 
- FCC - 

News Media Contact: David Fiske (202) 418-0500
CIB Contact: John Winston (202) 418-1100