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If you need the complete document, download the WordPerfect version or Adobe Acrobat version, if available. ***************************************************************** Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) Amendment of Parts 2, 15, 18 and Other)ET Docket No. 97-94 Parts of the Commission's Rules to Simplify ) and Streamline the Equipment Authorization) Process for Radio Frequency Equipment) REPORT AND ORDER (Proceeding Terminated) Adopted: April 2, 1998 Released: April 16, 1998 By the Commission: Commissioner Ness issuing a statement I. INTRODUCTION 1. By this action, the Commission is amending Parts 2, 15, 18 and other parts of its rules to simplify the equipment authorization processes, deregulate the authorization requirements for certain types of equipment, and begin implementation of an electronic filing system for equipment authorization applications. These actions will greatly reduce the complexity and burden of the Commission's equipment authorization requirements so that products can be introduced to the market more rapidly. The number of applications required to be filed with the Commission will be reduced from about 3500 to approximately 1800 annually, significantly reducing paperwork requirements on manufacturers. The provision for electronic filing of applications should also substantially reduce the application processing time. We expect that this action will result in savings of at least $100 million to manufacturers of the products covered by the changes. We believe these actions will greatly benefit both large and small manufacturers and encourage the development of innovative products that best meet consumers' needs. We recognize that additional steps may be appropriate to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our equipment authorization program. We plan to adopt a Notice of Proposed Rule Making in the very near future to allow organizations other than the FCC to certify equipment. The notice will also propose to implement international mutual recognition agreements on testing and approval of telecommunications and electronic products. These actions will reduce the burden of product approval processes domestically as well as internationally. II. BACKGROUND 2. Section 302 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, authorizes the Commission to make reasonable regulations, consistent with the public interest, governing the interference potential of equipment which emits radio frequency energy. The purpose of this section is to ensure that radio transmitters and other electronic devices meet certain standards to control interference before they reach the market. The Commission carries out its responsibilities under Section 302 in two ways. First, the Commission establishes technical regulations for transmitters and other equipment to minimize their potential for causing interference to radio services. Second, the Commission administers an authorization program to ensure that equipment reaching the market complies with the technical requirements. The authorization program requires that equipment be tested either by the manufacturer or at a private test laboratory to ensure that it complies with the technical requirements. For a large number of devices, once the equipment has been tested and found to comply, it may be marketed without any approval from the Commission. However, for certain equipment which poses a greater risk of interference, the Commission requires the submission of an application which must be reviewed and approved before the equipment can be marketed. The Commission may request a sample of a device to confirm it complies with the applicable technical requirements, but that is only done in a very small number of cases. 3. On March 13, 1997, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (Notice) in the above captioned proceeding. The Notice proposed to amend Parts 2, 15, 18 and other rule parts to: 1) simplify our existing equipment authorization processes; 2) deregulate the equipment authorization requirements for certain types of equipment; and 3) provide for electronic filing of applications for equipment authorization. The proposals were designed to reduce the burden of the equipment authorization program on manufacturers. 4. A total of 18 parties filed comments, and 7 filed reply comments in this proceeding. With one exception, the comments were highly supportive of the Commission's proposal. A list of parties submitting comments is contained in Appendix B. The parties generally supported the proposals contained in the Notice and suggested various modifications. Accordingly, we are adopting many of the proposed changes to simplify the authorization process and relax the equipment authorization requirements for certain devices, as well as making the rule changes necessary to implement an electronic filing system for applications. III. DISCUSSION Simplification of Existing Equipment Authorization Processes 5. There are currently five different equipment authorization procedures specified in Subpart J of Part 2 of the Commission's Rules. The following is a brief description of each procedure: Type acceptance calls for the manufacturer or importer to submit a written application for review and approval by the Commission. The application must include a complete technical description of the product and a test report showing compliance with the technical requirements. The type acceptance procedure has traditionally been applied to radio transmitters that are used in authorized radio services, such as commercial and private mobile radio services. Certification is similar to type acceptance. The manufacturer or importer must submit a written application that includes a technical description of the product and a test report showing compliance with the Commission s technical standards. Certification has traditionally been used for low power, unlicensed consumer devices that operate under Parts 15 and 18 of the rules. Notification requires submittal of a written application, but no test report is required unless specifically requested by the Commission. Notification has been used for a variety of products that demonstrated a good record of compliance, but the Commission found it appropriate to maintain some degree of oversight. Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a relatively new self-approval procedure that was established in connection with the Commission's deregulation of the certification requirements for personal computer equipment. The DoC procedure calls for the manufacturer or importer to test the equipment to determine compliance with the FCC standards. The laboratory performing the measurements must be accredited by either the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). A copy of the declaration of conformity, listing the party responsible for compliance, must be included in the literature furnished with the product. Verification is also a manufacturer self-approval procedure, but unlike the DoC procedure does not require use of an accredited test laboratory and does not require a declaration of compliance to be supplied with the equipment. Verification has been used primarily for certain non-consumer devices operating under Parts 15 and 18 of the rules, such as business computers and industrial heating and welding equipment that use radio frequency energy. 6. In order to reduce the complexity of having so many authorization procedures, we proposed to reduce the number to three, which we believe to be the minimum necessary for an effective program. Specifically, we proposed to eliminate the notification procedure, and to combine the type acceptance procedure with certification. We proposed to retain the two self-authorization procedures, verification and declaration of conformity, although we requested comments on the possibility of combining them. Elimination of the Notification Procedure 7. Uniden, Motorola and Rockwell supported eliminating the notification procedure. Uniden stated that no useful purpose exists for the continuation of this procedure, and devices currently subject to notification should be placed under verification or DoC. Rockwell stated that deletion of the notification procedure would save manufacturers and the Commission valuable time and resources. It argues that it would eliminate the cost of applications and decrease the time-to-market for products by eliminating the delays caused by submitting applications to the Commission. 8. The notification procedure requires the filing of an application form with the Commission, but it does not require the submittal of any measurement results. This procedure provides us with a record of the equipment being marketed, but we do not review any test data to confirm the compliance of the equipment. We do not believe that the benefits of the notification procedure outweigh the cost to manufacturers resulting from delays in getting their products to market. We also do not believe that processing notification applications is an efficient use of the Commission's resources. Accordingly, we are eliminating the notification procedure as proposed in the Notice. Equipment currently under the notification procedure will be placed in the less stringent DoC or verification procedure, as discussed below. Combining of Type Acceptance and Certification 9. Uniden generally supported our proposal to combine the type acceptance procedure with the certification procedure. Rockwell had some concerns about the organization of the combined rules and proposed its own version. However, Motorola opposed our proposal. It stated that the marginal benefits from such an approach are unlikely to outweigh the potential for confusion from the change. 10. As we stated in the Notice, the current certification and type acceptance procedures are very similar, in that both require the filing of an application form and technical report, and the filing procedure is the same for both. The primary difference is that certain technical information filed with the application is different. In light of this, we believe that it is more efficient to combine them into a single category. We understand Motorola's concern about making changes to procedures which have been in existence for a long time. However, we note that Motorola has a thorough understanding of the current system, which other parties may not, due to the large number of filings it has made with the Commission. As we have found in our dealings with the public, parties that are less familiar with the equipment authorization program frequently are confused by the multiple authorization procedures currently contained in the rules. Having a single procedure for equipment that must be authorized by the Commission will make the rules more understandable and thereby promote compliance. Moreover, we note that the term "certification" is generally used worldwide for a system requiring a third-party product approval. Accordingly, we are simplifying the rules by combining the type acceptance and certification procedures into a single procedure called "certification". We have implemented the suggestions of Rockwell to clarify the rules. Retention of Verification and Declaration of Conformity as Separate Processes 11. We requested comments in the Notice about the possibility of combining the Declaration of Conformity and verification procedures. ITI, Ericsson, HP, Motorola, TIA and Rockwell all supported keeping separate verification and Declaration of Conformity (DoC) procedures. NEMA supported replacing the verification procedure with DoC only if the procedure were simplified, and accredited labs are not required. 12. We believe there is merit to retaining verification and DoC as separate procedures. Verification is clearly appropriate for equipment that has an excellent record of compliance, where the measurement methods are well known and understood, and where it is relatively easy to determine the party responsible for compliance. The Declaration of Conformity procedure provides added safeguards that are necessary to ensure compliance for certain products that have a greater potential for causing interference or where issues about the proper measurement method may arise. Manufacturers support the availability of two different self- approval procedures that can be applied as appropriate to particular classes of equipment. Accordingly, we are making no changes to the verification and DoC procedures. Relaxation of the Equipment Authorization Requirements for Certain Devices 13. In the Notice, we proposed to deregulate the equipment authorization requirements for certain devices. Specifically, we proposed to relax the requirements for certain Part 15 unintentional radiators from certification or notification to the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) procedure. We also proposed to relax the requirements for Part 18 consumer ISM (industrial, scientific and medical) equipment from certification to the DoC procedure, and to relax the requirements for certain other transmitters operating under Parts 5, 73, 74, 78, 80, 87 and 101 of the rules. 14. The majority of comments supported the Commission's proposal to relax the authorization requirements for various devices. Some of the comments concerned specific devices, which will be discussed later. However, Metricom opposed increasing the number of devices subject to self-authorization. Metricom stated that the proposals are contrary to the public interest and Congress' intent in Section 302(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Act"). It states that prior Commission review of applications remains essential to preventing harmful interference from equipment that does not strictly adhere to the Commission's Rules. Metricom also states that the Commission should not remove itself from the equipment authorization process because manufacturers are often confused as to the requirements and procedures to which they must adhere. 15. Section 302(a) of the Act states, "The Commission may, consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity, make reasonable regulations . . . governing the interference potential of devices which in their operation are capable of emitting radio frequency energy . . . in sufficient degree to cause harmful interference to radio communications . . ." Section 302(a) of the Act is not intended to require a Commission approval for every type of radio frequency equipment before it can be imported or marketed in the United States. Rather, it gives the Commission authority to make reasonable regulations governing the interference potential or radio frequency devices, consistent with the public interest. We believe that the public interest is best served by eliminating the unnecessary delays and higher costs of marketing equipment caused by overly burdensome regulations. Manufacturers' self approval for certain equipment is an appropriate way of controlling interference without overly burdening manufacturers. Finally, we note that the Notice did not propose to change the technical standards governing radio frequency devices; only the methods of authorizing certain devices. Part 15 devices 16. The current Part 15 rules require TV interface devices and certain receivers to be authorized through the certification procedure. Other receivers and Cable System Terminal Devices (CSTDs) are required to be authorized through the notification procedure. The Notice proposed to change the authorization requirement for TV interface devices and receivers, except scanning receivers, to DoC. The Notice also proposed to change the authorization requirement for CSTDs from notification to certification. Comments received in response to the Notice reflected wide-ranging views on the issues presented. 17. VCRs and many receivers are widely deployed, mass-marketed consumer devices. VCRs that do not comply with the technical standards have the potential for causing interference to television reception, because they generate a signal on television frequencies. In addition, we have occasionally found receivers on the market that do not comply with the rules. We note that both VCRs and receivers require measurements of radio emissions that require considerable skill. For these reasons, we believe that the authorization process for VCRs and receivers should be relaxed to the DoC procedure, rather than verification. However, for the time being we will continue to allow receivers that are contained in a transceiver subject to certification to be authorized under the verification procedure. We will for now also provide the option of obtaining a grant of certification for VCRs and receivers. Any laboratory accredited to perform DoC testing of personal computers and peripherals may perform DoC testing of VCRs and receivers, since the ANSI C63.4-1992 measurement procedure is used for testing all of these devices. We note that there are already many laboratories accredited to perform such testing. 18. The Notice proposed to tighten the authorization requirement for CSTDs from notification to certification. We proposed that action in recognition of the fact that there is a large market for "pirate" cable boxes, which allow the viewing of scrambled cable channels without payment to the cable provider. In its comments, Time Warner agreed with the Commission's proposal, and requested that we impose special requirements for applications for CSTDs. Specifically, Time Warner requested that 1) applicants detail the features designed to prevent unauthorized reception of programming, 2) applicants detail the steps to ensure the distribution by legitimate distributors only, 3) CSTD grants not become final for 60 days after the public notice of grant, 4) parties who have engaged in theft of service within the past ten years be denied FCC authorization, and 5) the Commission establish an expedited procedure to revoke CSTD authorizations for parties who have engaged in theft of service. In their reply comments, NCTA and NextLevel generally agreed with Time Warner, although they objected to the 60 day period for grants to become final and expressed concern that a requirement to describe the features designed to prevent unauthorized reception of programming could require revealing proprietary information. 19. While we recognize that cable signal theft is a serious concern, upon review we believe that attempts to address this problem through our equipment authorization program would likely create substantial administrative burdens and delays in the availability of cable system terminal devices. For example, additional time and resources would be required to review the design of equipment to ensure that it includes features to prevent unauthorized reception of programming. We would need to investigate the planned distribution of the equipment and whether the applicant has been involved in criminal activity. Further, we would need to take administrative actions such as setting aside or revoking grants of equipment authorization. At the same time, it is not clear that such actions would have any significant effect on cable theft. Parties intending to distribute such equipment would simply not apply for equipment authorization or simply misrepresent the equipment in their applications. We believe that our proper focus with regard to CSTDs should be on compliance with our radio emissions standards. Accordingly, we are relaxing the equipment authorization requirement for CSTDs to the DoC procedure, consistent with the requirements for receivers and VCRs. Part 18 devices 20. The Notice proposed to change the authorization requirement for Part 18 consumer ISM (industrial, scientific, medical) equipment from certification to DoC. NEMA and GE both supported this change. However, GE opposed the requirement to include a compliance statement with radio frequency (RF) light bulbs, arguing that there is usually no package insert, there is no room to include a compliance statement on the package, and no problems have arisen from a lack of this information in the past. NEMA requested that the compliance statements be short and that manufacturers be allowed to print them on the package. NEMA also requested that we consider modifying or deleting the requirements for information to the user contained in Section 18.213. 21. Part 18 consumer ISM equipment has had a reasonably good record of compliance with the FCC requirements. However, these devices could easily cause interference if they did not conform with our standards because significant radio energy can be radiated into the airwaves. We also note that the measurement of radio emissions from these products requires considerable skill. We believe that relaxing the authorization requirement to the DoC procedure is appropriate, because it relieves manufacturers of the burden of obtaining an approval, but still provides a degree of certainty that the equipment will comply with the standards. We will, for now, allow the option of obtaining certification. We recognize that there are currently no laboratories accredited specifically for Part 18 testing, but we are working with the appropriate organizations to establish such accreditation provisions. We note that there are certain similarities between Part 15 and Part 18 compliance testing. Therefore, until such time as an accreditation procedure is established for Part 18 testing, we will accept measurement results from a laboratory accredited for Part 15 testing for the purpose of a Part 18 DoC. 22. We believe that a compliance statement and a label are necessary to allow identification of equipment that has been tested for compliance, and for identification of the responsible party. Accordingly, we are adopting a requirement for a short compliance statement and simple label on the device. We will require Part 18 equipment authorized under the DoC procedure to be labelled with the FCC logo, as we currently require for Part 15 equipment authorized under the DoC procedure. The FCC logo was selected to be a recognizable indicator that the device complies with the FCC standards, similar to the use of the "UL" logo to show compliance with Underwriters Laboratory standards, or the "CE" logo to indicate compliance with European standards. We decline to change the requirements contained in Section 18.213 since they serve a useful purpose in informing users of the interference potential of the device and any maintenance that may be required for continued compliance with the rules. Finally, we are taking this opportunity to remove the provisions of Section 18.205 requiring the filing of a description of the measurement facility used for testing Part 18 equipment. This is merely an editorial change, because Section 2.948 already requires the same information. Licensed transmitters 23. In the Notice, we proposed to change the authorization procedure from notification to either verification or DoC for transmitters operating in licensed services as listed:  wildlife tracking and ocean buoys operating under Part 5  Part 101 point-to-point microwave transmitters  Part 73 AM transmitters, FM transmitters, television transmitters, and antenna phase monitors  Part 74 Auxiliary Broadcast aural STLs, aural intercity relays, aural STL boosters, aural intercity relay boosters, TV STLs, TV intercity relays, TV translator relays and TV microwave boosters  Part 78 Cable Television Relay fixed transmitters  Part 80 INMARSAT equipment  Part 87 406 MHz emergency locator transmitters 24. Uniden agreed with the proposed changes. Alcatel and the Section agreed with the proposal to move Part 101 fixed service microwave transmitters from notification to DoC, but objected to the requirement to use an accredited laboratory. We did not receive any other specific comments on these proposed changes. 25. We continue to believe that the authorization requirements for these transmitters may be relaxed, due to the excellent record of compliance compiled thus far. While we initially proposed DoC for certain Part 74 , 78 and 101 transmitters in the Notice, we now believe that verification would be more appropriate. These transmitters are operated under the terms of a license. Therefore, we can locate and contact a licensee to resolve any interference problems that may develop. In addition, there is currently no laboratory accreditation program for laboratories testing Part 74, 78 and 101 transmitters. Because, the measurements required for these transmitters are significantly different from those required for Part 15 equipment, it would not be reasonable to require a Part 15 accredited laboratory to perform the measurements. Changing the authorization requirement to DoC for these transmitters would therefore be of no benefit until such time as a laboratory accreditation program for them is established. Moreover, we believe that the manufacturers of these transmitters are capable of performing the necessary measurements to ensure compliance of the equipment. Therefore, we are eliminating the notification requirement for all transmitters on the list delineated above, including those under Parts 74, 78 and 101, and replacing it with a verification requirement. We will continue to monitor the compliance of this equipment, and may revisit our decision to eliminate the authorization requirements if significant compliance problems develop. Authorization changes for other devices 26. In the Notice, we requested comments on whether there are other devices not covered above for which the authorization requirements could be relaxed. Motorola requested that we move Family Radio Service transmitters operating under Part 95 from certification to DoC, because the equipment is low powered and is based on established designs. The Family Radio Service is a relatively new service, established only in 1996. We do not feel that there has been sufficient time to demonstrate a history of compliance which would warrant relaxing the authorization requirements for the equipment used in the service. Accordingly, we decline to place Family Radio Service transmitters under DoC at this time. 27. Ericsson requested that Part 22 and Part 90 analog base stations be subject to verification, and that Part 22 and Part 90 analog mobile equipment be subject to DoC since the test procedures are widely known and the equipment has an excellent record of compliance. We have concerns about deregulating the equipment authorization requirements for Part 22 and Part 90 transmitters due to the need to ensure compliance with recent changes to the technical rules. For example, Part 90 equipment is subject to new technical requirements as a result of spectrum refarming. Also, certain Part 22 and Part 90 mobile and portable transmitters are subject to recently adopted requirements for routine evaluation for RF exposure. We therefore do not believe that verification is appropriate for the base stations, nor do we believe DoC is appropriate for the mobile stations. However, we will monitor the situation and, if appropriate, will consider relaxing the equipment authorization requirements for the aforementioned equipment in the future. 28. Ford suggested that we move remote keyless entry and passive antitheft devices from certification to DoC since there is a long and successful history of compliance. However,we have concerns about keyless entry transmitters used on automobiles. They are widely deployed, and therefore have a high potential for causing interference if they do not comply with the technical standards. While we do not believe it is appropriate to relax the authorization requirements for keyless entry and passive antitheft devices at this time, we will reevaluate this finding in the future. Electronic Filing 29. The Notice proposed that the Commission adopt an electronic filing system for equipment authorization applications. Uniden, ITI, Metricom, Ericsson, Motorola, TIA and Rockwell all supported the concept, but had some concerns about its implementation. Ericsson, TIA and Rockwell expressed concern about the amount of data that would have to be transmitted for one application. Several parties were also concerned about how the confidentiality of filings could be maintained, and whether the Commission would mandate electronic filing, which could be a burden for some parties. 30. We believe that the implementation of an electronic filing system will significantly reduce the processing time of equipment authorization applications. Such a system will eliminate the delays associated with filing applications in Pittsburgh, transporting them to the FCC Laboratory and manually logging them in. Also, an electronic system will allow parallel processing of applications, so the administrative and technical reviews can be done simultaneously, thus further reducing the processing time. 31. The Commission has hired a contractor to do the programming of the electronic filing system. Testing of the system began in March, 1998, and we expect that it will soon be fully operational. We have worked closely with industry to resolve the concerns about confidentiality and the amount of data required for each application. We have determined that the data required for applications can be transmitted in an acceptable time using a modem, and in a significantly shorter time if a higher speed Internet connection is employed. The system will use the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol to encrypt the data transmitted over the Internet. Information on pending applications can only be accessed over the Internet when the FCC ID and the application submission number, provided to the applicant at the time of filing, are known. The exhibits to applications, such as photographs and manuals, can only be accessed by personnel inside the FCC. Exhibits that are marked as confidential can only be accessed by the application processing staff. We believe these features adequately address the confidentiality concerns raised by the industry. 32. The system will be initially designed to handle both paper and electronic filings. However, we believe that permanently maintaining a dual processing system for both paper and electronically filed applications would be inefficient. The extra time required to process paper applications would offset some of the speed gains resulting from implementing the electronic filing system. We do not believe it is an undue burden on applicants to require applications to be filed electronically, because the equipment required to do so is widely available. Accordingly, we will require all equipment authorization applications to be filed electronically one year after the effective date of these rules. Prior to that date, we will accept both paper and electronically filed applications while manufacturers become familiar with the new system. We will be amenable to consideration of waiver requests from small businesses that find it a hardship to file applications electronically. As proposed in the Notice, we are adding a new paragraph to Section 2.911 indicating that the electronic equivalent of a signature will be accepted in electronically filed applications. IV. OTHER MATTERS Filing fees 33. In the Notice, we proposed to keep the filing fee for equipment used in licensed services at $450, while the fee for all other certified equipment under Parts 15 and 18 would remain at $895. TIA agreed with this fee structure. However, in its reply comments, NextLevel objected to the fee increase that would apply to Cable System Terminal Devices (CSTDs) if they were placed under certification. NextLevel recommended a flat fee of $450 for all equipment subject to certification. 34. The filing fees for equipment are set at a level based upon the amount of time that is necessary to review applications. Applications for certification of equipment under Parts 15 and 18 often require greater review time in comparison to applications for equipment under other rule parts. Consequently, there is a higher fee for those applications. As noted above, we have declined to require certification for CSTDs, so NextLevel's concern about the application fee for these devices is now moot. We see no reason to change the current fee of $450 for transmitters used in licensed services. Accordingly, we will set the filing fees as proposed in the Notice. Radio equipment list 35. The Notice proposed to eliminate the Radio Equipment List, since the information in the list is available through other sources. Uniden supported the proposal. Section and Alcatel supported it, provided the Commission does not make any changes to the frequency coordination procedures in Section 101.103(d)(2)(ii). However, Metricom opposed the elimination of the Radio Equipment List because that would make it more difficult to locate the manufacturer of interference-causing equipment. 36. Information on transmitters that have been approved is available electronically from the FCC Internet site and the Public Access Link (PAL) system. In addition, inquiries can be made by telephone to the "status desk" at the Commission's Laboratory. The Commission also releases monthly Public Notices announcing the grants of applications. Because this information is available from various sources, we do not see a need to continue the Radio Equipment List. We disagree with Metricom that elimination of the list will make it more difficult to locate the manufacturer of equipment which has caused interference, since the information is readily available. We are not making any changes to Section 101.103(d)(2)(ii) of the rules, which addresses the concerns of the Section and Alcatel. Submission of samples 37. Parties marketing equipment are required to supply a sample to the Commission for testing within 60 days of a request by the Commission. However, in cases involving harmful interference or safety of life, a sample must be supplied within 14 days. The Notice proposed to decrease the time limit to 14 days in all cases, and to require parties to supply a voucher which the Commission could use to obtain a sample at a retail outlet. 38. Motorola and Metricom supported a 14 day time limit. Metricom stated it would reduce the time noncomplying equipment is in the marketplace. NEMA and Uniden also supported a 14 day time limit, provided flexibility is given in the event there is difficulty meeting the deadline. However, ITI and CEMA opposed the 14 day limit. CEMA stated that 60 days is not unreasonable, since a sample may not be in production, and it may take significantly longer than 14 days to locate, retrieve and provide a sample to the FCC. ITI stated that 60 days is too long, but 14 days is not enough since in larger companies the group which receives the sample request may not be the same one which is responsible for providing the sample. ITI therefore recommends a 30 day time limit. Motorola objected to the proposed requirement to supply vouchers for obtaining samples. It believes that retailers will be reluctant to honor a form of voucher which is rarely seen. As an alternative, Motorola suggests adding a requirement that grantees of equipment authorizations must reimburse the Commission for purchases of a certain number of samples within a certain time period after issuance of a grant. 39. We believe that 60 days, or even 30 days, is more time than necessary for supplying a sample in most cases, and could therefore result in noncompliant equipment remaining on the market for a longer period of time. Accordingly, we are adopting a 14 day time limit for supplying test samples to the Commission as proposed in the Notice. We recognize that 14 days may not be sufficient in some cases when there are difficulties in supplying a sample. We will continue to consider extensions of time upon submission of a showing of good cause in those cases, as the rules currently allow. We decline to establish a procedure for vouchers or reimbursement of sample purchase costs at this time, due to the complexities involved. Transfers of control 40. The Notice proposed to clarify the rules that apply to corporate mergers, buyouts and acquisitions involving grantees of equipment authorization. We proposed to combine Sections 2.929, 2.934 and 2.935 of the rules to clarify when an equipment authorization may be assigned or transferred to another party, and when new applications must be filed. Motorola stated that the proposed rule is an improvement in cases involving the sale of a company's assets. However, Motorola objected to the note in the proposed rule requiring the filing of a new application when a second party manufactures its equipment under a different name. It stated that the change would impose a burden on licensing and manufacturing arrangements. 41. Prior to 1989, the Commission's rules required the filing of a new application whenever a change was made to the trade name under which equipment is marketed. In 1989, the Commission eliminated that requirement. However, it appears that Section 2.929 was inadvertently not updated at that time to reflect that change. We are adopting the revised rule on transfers and assignments proposed in the Notice, but we are eliminating the reference to filing a new application for name changes. Transition provisions 42. The changes adopted here simplify and streamline the equipment authorization procedures. Since they are deregulatory in nature, only a short transition period is necessary. Accordingly, we are making the rules effective 90 (ninety) days after publication in the Federal Register. However, in order to allow manufacturers to obtain the maximum benefit from the changes, equipment may be authorized under the relaxed procedures (i.e. - Declaration of Conformity or verification) effective 60 (sixty) days after publication in the Federal Register. V. ORDERING CLAUSES 43. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that Parts 0, 1, 2, 5, 15, 18, 21, 22, 24, 26, 73, 74, 78, 80, 87, 90, 95, 97 and 101 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations ARE AMENDED as specified in Appendix A effective 90 days after publication in the Federal Register. This action is taken pursuant to Sections 4(i), 301, 302, 303(e), 303(f), 303(r), 304 and 307 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 154(i), 301, 302, 303(e), 303(f), 303(r), 304 and 307. 44. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission's Office of Public Affairs, Reference Operations Division, SHALL SEND a copy of this Report and Order, including the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis in Appendix C, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. 45. For further information regarding this Report and Order, contact Hugh L. Van Tuyl, (202) 418-7506, or Julius P. Knapp, (202) 418-2468, Office of Engineering and Technology. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Magalie Roman Salas Secretary APPENDIX A FINAL RULES Part 0 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 0 - COMMISSION ORGANIZATION 1. The authority citation for Part 0 continues to read as follows: Authority: Secs. 5, 48 Stat. 1068, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 155. 2. Section 0.31, paragraph (j) is amended by changing the term "type approval and acceptance, and certification" to "approval". 3. Section 0.401, paragraph (a)(2) is amended by correcting the address to "Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Authorization Division, 7435 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21046". 4. Section 0.406, paragraph (b)(3) is amended by changing the term "type acceptance and type approval" to "authorization". 5. Section 0.433 is deleted. 6. Section 0.453, paragraph (k) is amended by deleting the term "(Type accepted, type approved, certified and notified)". 7. Section 0.455, paragraph (e)(3) is amended by deleting the term "(type accepted, type approval, certification, or advance approval of subscription television systems)". 8. Section 0.457, paragraph (d)(1)(ii) is amended by deleting the term "(type accepted, type approval, certification, or advance approval of subscription television systems)". Part 1 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 1 - PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE 9. The authority citation for Part 1 continues to read as follows: Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 503(b)(5); 5 U.S.C. 552 and 21 U.S.C. 853a, unless otherwise noted. 10. Section 1.77, paragraph (g) is amended by changing the term "type approval and type acceptance" to "certification", and correcting the reference "subpart F" to "subpart J". 11. Section 1.1103 is revised to read as follows: Section 1.1103 Schedule of charges for equipment authorization, experimental radio services, ship inspections and international telecommunications settlements. Action FCC Form No. Fee Amount Payment Type Code Address 1. Certification: a. Receivers (except TV and FM) 731 350 EEC Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358315 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5315 b. Devices under Parts 11, 15 and 18 (except receivers). 731 895 EGC Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358315 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5315 c. All other devices 731 450 EFT Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358315 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5315 d. Modifications and Class II Permissive Changes 731 45 EAC Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358315 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5315 e. Request for Confidentiality 731 or 159 & Corres. 130 EBC Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358315 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5315 2. Advance Approval for Subscription TV System 159 & Corres. 2,740 EIS Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358315 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5315 a. Request for Confidentiality 159 & Corres. 130 EBS Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358315 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5315 3. Assignment of Applicant Code a. New applicants for all application types except Subscription TV 159 & Corres. 45 EAG Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358315 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5315 4. Experimental Radio Service a. New Station Authorization 442 45 EAE Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358320 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5320 b. Modification of Authorization 442 45 EAE Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358320 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5320 c. Renewal of Station Authorization 405 45 EAE Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358320 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5320 d. Assignment or Transfer of Control 702 or 703 45 EAE Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358320 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5320 e. Special Temporary Authority 159 & Corres. 45 EAE Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358320 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5320 f. Additional fee required for any of the above applications that request confidentiality 159 & Corres. 45 EAE Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Approval Services, P.O. Box 358320 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5320 5. Ship Inspections a. Passenger Vessel Under Title III, Part III 801 390 FCS Federal Communications Commission, P.O. Box 358110 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5110 b. Oceangoing Vessel Under Title III, Part II 801 755 FFS Federal Communications Commission, P.O. Box 358110 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5110 c. Vessels Under the Great Lakes Agreement 801 110 FDS Federal Communications Commission, P.O. Box 358110 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5110 d. Vessels Under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention 801 660 FES Federal Communications Commission, P.O. Box 358110 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5110 e. Temporary Waiver of Inspection 159 & Corres. 75 FBS Federal Communications Commission, P.O. Box 358110 Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5110 6. International Telecommunications Settlements Administrative Fee for Collections (per line item) 99 2 IAT Licensees will be billed. Part 2 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 2 - FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS AND RADIO TREATY MATTERS; GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS 12. The authority citation for Part 2 continues to read as follows: AUTHORITY: Sections 4, 302, 303, and 307 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 154, 154(i), 302, 303, 303(r), and 307, unless otherwise noted. 13. Section 2.803, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as follows: Section 2.803 Marketing of Radio Frequency Devices Prior to Equipment Authorization. (a) * * * (1) In the case of a device subject to certification, such device has been authorized by the Commission in accordance with the rules in this chapter and is properly identified and labelled as required by  2.925 and other relevant sections in this chapter; or * * * * * 14. Section 2.901, paragraphs (a) is amended by changing the term "type acceptance, certification, registration or notification" to "certification or registration". Paragraph (b) is amended by changing the term "type acceptance, certification or notification" to "certification". 15. Section 2.904 is deleted. 16. Section 2.905 is deleted. 17. Section 2.907, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows: Section 2.907 Certification (a) Certification is an equipment authorization issued by the Commission, based on representations and test data submitted by the applicant. * * * * * 18. Section 2.911 is amended by adding a new paragraph (g) as follows: Section 2.911 Written application required * * * * * (g) "Signed," as used in this section, means an original handwritten signature; however, the Office of Engineering and Technology may allow signature by any symbol executed or adopted by the applicant with the intent that such symbol be a signature, including symbols formed by computer-generated electronic impulses. 19. Section 2.913 is amended by revising paragraph (b) and addding a new paragraph (c) as follows: Section 2.913 Submittal of equipment authorization application or information to the Commission. (a) * * * (b) Any information or equipment samples requested by the Commission pursuant to the provisions of subpart J of this part shall, unless otherwise directed, be submitted to the Federal Communications Commission, Equipment Authorization Division, 7435 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, Maryland 21046. (c) Effective [insert one year plus 90 days after publication in Federal Register], all applications for equipment authorization must be filed electronically. The Commission will be amenable to consideration of waiver requests from small businesses that find it a hardship to file applications electronically. Information on the procedures for electronically filing equipment authorization applications can be obtained from the address in paragraph (b) of this section. 20. Section 2.915, paragraphs (a) and (c) are revised to read as follows: Section 2.915 Grant of application (a) The Commission will grant an application for certification if it finds from an examination of the application and supporting data, or other matter which is may officially notice, that: * * * * * (c) Certification shall not attach to any equipment, nor shall any equipment authorization be deemed effective, until the application has been granted. 21. Section 2.924 is amended by deleting the reference to Section 2.1001(b)(1). 22. Section 2.929 is revised to read as follows: Section 2.929 Changes in Name, Address, Ownership or Control of Grantee (a) An equipment authorization issued by the Commission may not be assigned, exchanged or in any other way transferred to a second party, except as provided in this section. (b) The grantee of an equipment authorization may license or otherwise authorize a second party to manufacture the equipment covered by the grant of the equipment authorization provided: (1) The equipment manufactured by such second party bears the FCC Identifier as is set out in the grant of the equipment authorization. Note: Any change in the FCC Identifier desired as a result of such production or marketing agreement will require the filing of a new application for an equipment authorization as specified in Section 2.933. (2) The grantee of the equipment authorization shall continue to be responsible to the Commission for the equipment produced pursuant to such an agreement. (c) Whenever there is a change in the name and/or address of the grantee of an equipment authorization, written notice of such change(s) shall be submitted to the Commission within 30 days after the grantee starts using the new name and/or address. (d) In the case of transactions affecting the grantee, such as a transfer of control or sale to another company, mergers, or transfer of manufacturing rights, notice must be given to the Commission in writing within 60 days after the consummation of the transaction. Depending on the circumstances in each case, the Commission may require new applications for equipment authorization. In reaching a decision the Commission will consider whether the acquiring party can adequately ensure and accept responsibility for continued compliance with the regulations. In general, new applications for each device will not be required. A single application for equipment authorization may be filed covering all the affected equipment. 23. Section 2.931 is revised to read as follows: Section 2.931 Responsibility of the grantee. In accepting a grant of an equipment authorization, the grantee warrants that each unit of equipment marketed under such grant and bearing the identification specified in the grant will conform to the unit that was measured and that the data (design and rated operational characteristics) filed with the application for certification continues to be representative of the equipment being produced under such grant within the variation that can be expected due to quantity production and testing on a statistical basis. 24. Section 2.932 is amended to read as follows: Section 2.932 Modification of equipment. (a) A new application for an equipment authorization shall be filed whenever there is a change in the design, circuitry or construction of an equipment or device for which an equipment authorization has been issued, except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (d). (b) Permissive changes may be made in certificated equipment, and equipment that was authorized under the former type acceptance procedure, pursuant to  2.1043. (c) Permissive changes may be made in equipment that was authorized under the former notification procedure without submittal of information to the Commission, unless the equipment is currently subject to authorization under the certification procedure. However, the grantee shall submit information documenting continued compliance with the pertinent requirements upon request. (d) All requests for permissive changes submitted to the Commission must be accompanied by the anti-drug abuse certification required under  1.2002 of this chapter. 25. Section 2.933 is revised to read as follows: Section 2.933 Change in identification of equipment. (a) A new application for equipment authorization shall be filed whenever there is a change in the FCC Identifier for the equipment with or without a change in design, circuitry or construction. However, a change in the model/type number or trade name performed in accordance with the provisions in  2.924 of this chapter is not considered to be a change in identification and does not require additional authorization from the Commission. (b) An application filed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section where no change in design, circuitry or construction is involved, need not be accompanied by a resubmission of equipment or measurement or test data customarily required with a new application, unless specifically requested by the Commission. In lieu thereof, the applicant shall attach a statement setting out: (1) The original identification used on the equipment prior to the change in identification. (2) The date of the original grant of the equipment authorization. (3) How the equipment bearing the modified identification differs from the original equipment. (4) Whether the original test results continue to be representative of and applicable to the equipment bearing the changed identification. (5) The photographs required by  2.1033(b)(7) or  2.1033(c)(12) showing the exterior appearance of the equipment, including the operating controls available to the user and the identification label. Photographs of the construction, the component placement on the chassis, and the chassis assembly are not required to be submitted unless specifically requested by the Commission. (c) If the change in the FCC Identifier also involves a change in design or circuitry which falls outside the purview of a permissive change described in  2.1043, a complete application shall be filed pursuant to  2.911. 26. Section 2.934 is deleted. 27. Section 2.935 is deleted. 28. Section 2.938 is amended by revising paragraph (c), to read as follows: Section 2.938 Retention of records. * * * * * (c) The records listed in paragraph (a) of this section shall be retained for one year for equipment subject to authorization under the certification procedure or former type acceptance procedure, or for two years for equipment subject to authorization under any other procedure, after the manufacture of said equipment has been permanently discontinued, or until the conclusion of an investigation or a proceeding if the responsible party (or, under paragraph (b) of this section, the manufacturer) is officially notified that an investigation or any other administrative proceeding involving its equipment has been instituted. * * * * * 29. Section 2.943, paragraph (a) is amended by deleting the reference to type acceptance and notification. 30. Section 2.946 is revised to read as follows: Section 2.946 Penalty for failure to provide test samples and data. (a) Any responsible party, as defined in  2.909, or any party who markets equipment subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall provide test sample(s) or data upon request by the Commission. Failure to comply with such a request within 14 days may be cause for forfeiture, pursuant to  1.80 of this chapter, or other administrative sanctions such as suspending action on any applications for equipment authorization submitted by such party while the matter is being resolved. (b) The Commission may consider extensions of time upon submission of a showing of good cause. 31. Section 2.948, paragraph (a)(2) is amended by deleting the reference to notification. 32. The title "Notification" preceding Section 2.971 is deleted, 33. Section 2.971 is deleted. 34. Section 2.973 is deleted. 35. Section 2.975 is deleted. 36. Section 2.977 is deleted. 37. The title "Type Acceptance" preceding Section 2.981 is deleted. 38. Section 2.981 is deleted. 39. Section 2.983 is deleted. 40. Section 2.985 is renumbered as Section 2.1046, and the reference to Section 2.983(d)(5) in paragraph (a) is changed to reference Section 2.1033(c)(8). 41. Section 2.987 is renumbered as Section 2.1047, and the reference to Section 2.989 in paragraph (c) is changed to reference Section 2.1049. 42. Section 2.989 is renumbered as Section 2.1049. 43. Section 2.991 is renumbered as Section 2.1051, and the reference to Section 2.989 is changed to reference Section 2.1049. 44. Section 2.993 is renumbered as Section 2.1053, and the reference to Section 2.989 is changed to reference Section 2.1049.. 45. Section 2.995 is renumbered as Section 2.1055. 46. Section 2.997 is renumbered as Section 2.1057, and the references to Sections 2.991 and 2.993 in paragraph (a) are changed to reference Sections 2.1051 and 2.1053. 47. Section 2.999 is deleted. 48. Section 2.1001 is deleted. 49. Section 2.1005 is deleted. 50. Section 2.1033 is revised to read as follows: Section 2.1033 Application for Certification (a) An application for certification shall be filed on FCC Form 731 with all questions answered. Items that do not apply shall be so noted. (b) Applications for equipment operating under Parts 11, 15 and 18 of the rules shall be accompanied by a technical report containing the following information: (1) The full name and mailing address of the manufacturer of the device and the applicant for certification. (2) FCC identifier. (3) A copy of the installation and operating instructions to be furnished the user. A draft copy of the instructions may be submitted if the actual document is not available. The actual document shall be furnished to the FCC when it becomes available. (4) A brief description of the circuit functions of the device along with a statement describing how the device operates. This statement should contain a description of the ground system and antenna, if any, used with the device. (5) A block diagram showing the frequency of all oscillators in the device. The signal path and frequency shall be indicated at each block. The tuning range(s) and intermediate frequency(ies) shall be indicated at each block. A schematic diagram is also required for intentional radiators. (6) A report of measurements showing compliance with the pertinent FCC technical requirements. This report shall identify the test procedure used (e.g., specify the FCC test procedure, or industry test procedure that was used), the date the measurements were made, the location where the measurements were made, and the device that was tested (model and serial number, if available). The report shall include sample calculations showing how the measurement results were converted for comparison with the technical requirements. (7) A sufficient number of photographs to clearly show the exterior appearance, the construction, the component placement on the chassis, and the chassis assembly. The exterior views shall show the overall appearance, the antenna used with the device (if any), the controls available to the user, and the required identification label in sufficient detail so that the name and FCC identifier can be read. In lieu of a photograph of the label, a sample label (or facsimile thereof) may be submitted together with a sketch showing where this label will be placed on the equipment. Photographs shall be of size A4 (21 cm x 29.7 cm) or 8 x 10 inches (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm). Smaller photographs may be submitted provided they are sharp and clear, show the necessary detail, and are mounted on A4 (21 cm x 29.7 cm) or 8.5 x 11 inch (21.6 cm x 27.9 cm) paper. A sample label or facsimile together with the sketch showing the placement of this label shall be on the same size paper. (8) If the equipment for which certification is being sought must be tested with peripheral or accessory devices connected or installed, a brief description of those peripherals or accessories. The peripheral or accessory devices shall be unmodified, commercially available equipment. (9) For equipment subject to the provisions of Part 15 of this chapter, the application shall indicate if the equipment is being authorized pursuant to the transition provisions in section 15.37 of this chapter. (10) Applications for the certification of direct sequence spread spectrum transmitters under Part 15 shall be accompanied by an exhibit demonstrating compliance with the processing gain provisions of 15.247(e) of this chapter. Applications for the certification of frequency hopping transmitters under Part 15 shall be accompanied by an exhibit describing compliance of the associated receiver or receivers with Section 15.247(a)(1) of this chapter. (11) Applications for the certification of scanning receivers shall include a statement describing the methods used to comply with the design requirements of  15.121(a) of this chapter or the marketing requirements of  15.121(b) of this chapter. (c) Applications for equipment other than that operating under Parts 15 and 18 of the rules shall be accompanied by a technical report containing the following information: (1) The full name and mailing address of the manufacturer of the device and the applicant for certification. (2) FCC identifier. (3) A copy of the installation and operating instructions to be furnished the user. A draft copy of the instructions may be submitted if the actual document is not available. The actual document shall be furnished to the FCC when it becomes available. (4) Type or types of emission. (5) Frequency range. (6) Range of operating power values or specific operating power levels, and description of any means provided for variation of operating power. (7) Maximum power rating as defined in the applicable part(s) of the rules. (8) The dc voltages applied to and dc currents into the several elements of the final radio frequency amplifying device for normal operation over the power range. (9) Tune-up procedure over the power range, or at specific operating power levels. (10) A schematic diagram and a description of all circuitry and devices provided for determining and stabilizing frequency, for suppression of spurious radiation, for limiting modulation, and for limiting power. (11) A photograph or drawing of the equipment identification plate or label showing the information to be placed thereon. (12) Photographs (8'' x 10'') of the equipment of sufficient clarity to reveal equipment construction and layout, including meters, if any, and labels for controls and meters and sufficient views of the internal construction to define component placement and chassis assembly. Insofar as these requirements are met by photographs or drawings contained in instruction manuals supplied with the certification request, additional photographs are necessary only to complete the required showing. (13) For equipment employing digital modulation techniques, a detailed description of the modulation system to be used, including the response characteristics (frequency, phase and amplitude) of any filters provided, and a description of the modulating wavetrain, shall be submitted for the maximum rated conditions under which the equipment will be operated. (14) The data required by Sections 2.1046 through 2.1057, inclusive, measured in accordance with the procedures set out in Section 2.1041. (15) The application for certification of an external radio frequency power amplifier under Part 97 of this chapter need not be accompanied by the data required by Paragraph (b)(14) of this section. In lieu thereof, measurements shall be submitted to show compliance with the technical specifications in Subpart C of Part 97 of this chapter and such information as required by Section 2.1060 of this part. (16) An application for certification of an AM broadcast stereophonic exciter-generator intended for interfacing with existing certified, or formerly type accepted or notified transmitters must include measurements made on a complete stereophonic transmitter. The instruction book must include complete specifications and circuit requirements for interconnecting with existing transmitters. The instruction book must also provide a full description of the equipment and measurement procedures to monitor modulation and to verify that the combination of stereo exciter-generator and transmitter meet the emission limitations of section 73.44. (17) A single application may be filed for a composite system that incorporates devices subject to certification under multiple rule parts, however, the appropriate fee must be included for each device. Separate applications must be filed if different FCC Identifiers will be used for each device. 51. Section 2.1041 is revised to read as follows: Section 2.1041 Measurement Procedures For equipment operating under Parts 15 and 18, the measurement procedures are specified in the rules governing the particular device for which certification is requested. For equipment operating in the authorized radio services, measurements are required as specified in  2.1046, 2.1047, 2.1049, 2.1051, 2.1053, 2.1055 and 2.1057. See also  2.947. 52. Section 2.1043 is amended to read as follows: Section 2.1043 Changes in certificated equipment. (a) Changes to the basic frequency determining and stabilizing circuitry (including clock or data rates), frequency multiplication stages, basic modulator circuit or maximum power or field strength ratings shall not be performed without application for and authorization of a new grant of certification. Variations in electrical or mechanical construction, other than these indicated items, are permitted provided the variations either do not affect the characteristics required to be reported to the Commission or the variations are made in compliance with the other provisions of this section. (b) Two classes of permissive changes may be made in certificated equipment without requiring a new application for and grant of certification. Neither class of change shall result in a change in identification. (1) A Class I permissive change includes those modifications in the equipment which do not degrade the characteristics reported by the manufacturer and accepted by the Commission when certification is granted. No filing with the Commission is required for a Class I permissive change. (2) A Class II permissive change includes those modifications which degrade the performance characteristics as reported to the Commission at the time of the initial certification. Such degraded performance must still meet the minimum requirements of the applicable rules. When a Class II permissive change is made by the grantee, the grantee shall supply the Commission with complete information and the results of tests of the characteristics affected by such change. The modified equipment shall not be marketed under the existing grant of certification prior to acknowledgement by the Commission that the change is acceptable. (3) Except as specified below, permissive changes, as detailed above, shall be made only by the holder of the grant of certification. Changes by any party other than the grantee require a new application for and grant of certification. (c) A grantee desiring to make a change other than a permissive change shall file an application on FCC Form 731 accompanied by the required fees. The grantee shall attach a description of the change(s) to be made and a statement indicating whether the change(s) will be made in all units (including previous production) or will be made only in those units produced after the change is authorized. (d) A modification which results in a change in the identification of a device with or without change in circuitry requires a new application for, and grant of certification. If the changes affect the characteristics required to be reported, a complete application shall be filed. If the characteristics required to be reported are not changed the abbreviated procedure of section 2.933 may be used. (e) Equipment that has been certificated or formerly type accepted for use in the Amateur Radio Service pursuant to the requirements of Part 97 of this chapter may be modified without regard to the conditions specified in Paragraph (b) of this section, provided the following conditions are met: (1) Any person performing such modifications on equipment used under Part 97 of this chapter must possess a valid amateur radio operator license of the class required for the use of the equipment being modified. (2) Modifications made pursuant to this paragraph are limited to equipment used at licensed amateur radio stations. (3) Modifications specified or performed by equipment manufacturers or suppliers must be in accordance with the requirements set forth in Paragraph (b) of this section. (4) Modifications specified or performed by licensees in the Amateur Radio Service on equipment other than that at specific licensed amateur radio stations must be in accordance with the requirements set forth in Paragraph (b) of this section. (5) The station licensee shall be responsible for ensuring that modified equipment used at his station will comply with the applicable technical standards in Part 97 of this chapter. (f) For equipment other than that operating under Parts 15 or 18, when a Class II permissive change is made by other than the grantee of certification, the information and data specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be supplied by the person making the change. The modified equipment shall not be operated under an authorization of the Commission prior to acknowledgement by the Commission that the change is acceptable. (g) The interconnection of a certificated or formerly type accepted AM broadcast stereophonic exciter-generator with a certificated or formerly type accepted AM broadcast transmitter in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and upon completion of measurements showing that the modified transmitter meets the emission limitation requirements of section 73.44 is defined as a Class I permissive change for compliance with this section. (h) The interconnection of a multiplexing exciter with a certificated or formerly type accepted AM broadcast transmitter in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions without electrical or mechanical modification of the transmitter circuits and completion of equipment performance measurements showing the transmitter meets the minimum performance requirements applicable thereto is defined as a Class I permissive change for compliance with this section. (i) The addition of TV broadcast subcarrier generators to a certificated or formerly type accepted TV broadcast transmitter or the addition of FM broadcast subcarrier generators to a type accepted FM broadcast transmitter, provided the transmitter exciter is designed for subcarrier operation without mechanical or electrical alterations to the exciter or other transmitter circuits. (j) The addition of TV broadcast stereophonic generators to a certificated or formerly type accepted TV broadcast transmitter or the addition of FM broadcast stereophonic generators to a certificated or formerly type accepted FM broadcast transmitter, provided the transmitter exciter is designed for stereophonic sound operation without mechanical or electrical alterations to the exciter or other transmitter circuits. (k) The addition of subscription TV encoding equipment for which the FCC has granted advance approval under the provisions of Section 2.1400 in Subpart M and Section 73.644(c) of Part 73 to a certificated or formerly type accepted transmitter is considered a Class I permissive change. (l) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, broadcast licensees or permittees are permitted to modify certificated or formerly type accepted equipment pursuant to Section 73.1690 of the FCC's Rules. 53. A new Section 2.1060 is added to read as follows: Section 2.1060 Equipment for use in the Amateur Radio Service. (a) The general provisions of  2.925, 2.1031, 2.1033, 2.1041, 2.1043, 2.1051, 2.1053 and 2.1057 shall apply to applications for, and grants of, certification for equipment operated under the requirements of Part 97 of this chapter, the Amateur Radio Service. (b) When performing the tests specified in  2.1051 and 2.1053 of this part, the center of the transmitted bandwidth shall be within the operating frequency band by an amount equal to 50 percent of the bandwidth utilized for the tests. In addition, said tests shall be made on at least one frequency in each of the bands within which the equipment is capable of tuning. (c) Any supplier of an external radio frequency power amplifier kit as defined by  97.3(a)(17) of this chapter shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Assembly of one unit of a specific type shall be made in exact accordance with the instructions being supplied with the product being marketed. If all of the necessary components are not normally furnished with the kit, assembly shall be made using the recommended components. (2) The measurement data required for certification shall be obtained for this unit and submitted with the certification application. Unless otherwise requested, it is not necessary to submit this unit with the application. (3) A copy of the exact instructions which will be provided for assembly of the equipment shall be provided in addition to other material required by section 2.1033 of this part. (4) The identification label required by  2.925 of this part shall be permanently affixed to the assembled unit and shall be of sufficient size so as to be easily read. The following information shall be shown on the label: (Name of Grantee of Certification) FCC ID: (The number assigned to the equipment by the grantor) This amplifier can be expected to comply with part 97 of the FCC Regulations when assembled and aligned in strict accordance with the instruction manual using components with the kit or an exact equivalent thereof. ------------------------------------------------------- (Title and signature of responsible representative of Grantee) Statement of Compliance I state that I have constructed this equipment in accordance with the instruction manual and using the parts furnished by the supplier of this kit. ------------------------------------------------------ (Signature) (Date) ------------------------------------------------------- (Amateur call sign) (Class of license) ------------------------------------------------------- (Expiration date of license) To be signed by the person responsible for proper assembly of kit.) (5) If requested, an unassembled unit shall be provided for assembly and test by the Commission. Shipping charges to and from the Commission's Laboratory shall be borne by the applicant. (d) Certification of external radio frequency power amplifiers and amplifier kits may be denied when denial serves the public interest, convenience and necessity by preventing the use of these amplifiers in services other than the Amateur Radio Service. Other uses of these amplifiers, such as in the Citizens Band Radio Service, are prohibited ( 95.411 of this chapter). Examples of features which may result in the denial of certification are contained in  97.317 of this chapter. Part 5 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 5--EXPERIMENTAL RADIO SERVICES (OTHER THAN BROADCAST) 54. The authority citation for Part 5 continues to read as follows: Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303. Interpret or apply sec. 301, 48 Stat. 1081, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 301. 55. Section 5.108, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "verified". 56. Section 5.109 is revised to read as follows: Section 5.109 Acceptability of transmitters for licensing. All transmitters used at stations licensed for wildlife and ocean buoy tracking and telemetering operations pursuant to  5.108 shall be verified pursuant to subpart J of part 2 of this chapter. Part 15 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: Part 15 -- RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES 57. The authority citation for Part 15 continues to read as follows: AUTHORITY: Sec. 4, 302, 303, 304, 307 and 624A of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154, 302, 303, 304, 307 and 544A. 58. Section 15.19, paragraph (a) introductory text is amended by deleting the reference to notification. 59. Section 15.25, paragraph (b) introductory text is amended by replacing the term "notified" with "authorized under the Declaration of Conformity procedure". 60. Section 15.25, paragraph (b)(2) is amended by changing the term "notification" with "Declaration of Conformity". Paragraph (c) is amended by deleting the words "or notification". 61. Section 15.31, paragraphs (b) is amended by deleting the term "notification or". Paragraph (f)(3) is amended by changing the term "notification" to "Declaration of Conformity". 62. Section 15.35, paragraph (c) is amended by changing the term "notification" to "Declaration of Conformity". 63. Section 15.101, paragraphs (a) and (b) are revised to read as follows: Section 15.101 Equipment authorization of unintentional radiators. (a) Except as otherwise exempted in  15.23, 15.103, and 15.113, unintentional radiators shall be authorized prior to the initiation of marketing, as follows: Type of device Equipment authorization required TV broadcast receiver.................................... Verification FM broadcast receiver................................... Verification CB receiver.................................................... Declaration of Conformity or Certification Superregenerative receiver............................. Declaration of Conformity or Certification Scanning receiver.......................................... Certification All other receivers subject to part 15............ Declaration of Conformity or Certification TV interface device....................................... Declaration of Conformity or Certification Cable system terminal device........................ Declaration of Conformity Stand-alone cable input selector switch......... Verification Class B personal computers and peripherals.. Declaration of Conformity or Certification. CPU boards and internal power supplies used with Class B personal computers Declaration of Conformity or Certification. Class B personal computers assembled using authorized CPU boards or power supplies. Declaration of Conformity Class B external switching power supplies.... Verification. Other Class B digital devices & peripherals.. Verification. Class A digital devices, peripherals & external switching power supplies. Verification. All other devices........................................... Verification Note: Where the above table indicates more than one category of authorization for a device, the party responsible for compliance has the option to select the type of authorization. (b) Only those receivers that operate (tune) within the frequency range of 30-960 MHz and CB receivers are subject to the authorizations shown in paragraph (a) of this section. However, receivers indicated as being subject to Declaration of Conformity that are contained within a transceiver, the transmitter portion of which is subject to certification, shall be authorized under the verification procedure. Receivers operating above 960 MHz or below 30 MHz, except for CB receivers, are exempt from complying with the technical provisions of this part but are subject to  15.5. * * * * * 64. Section 15.214, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the last sentence to read, "The application shall include a fee for certification of each type of transmitter and for certification, if appropriate, for each type of receiver included in the system." Part 18 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 18--INDUSTRIAL, SCIENTIFIC, AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT 65. The authority citation for Part 18 continues to read as follows: Authority: 47 U.S.C. 4, 301, 302, 303, 304, 307. 66. Section 18.203, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows: Section 18.203 Equipment authorization. (a) Consumer ISM equipment, unless otherwise specified, must be authorized under either the Declaration of Conformity or certification procedure prior to use or marketing. An application for certification shall be filed with the Commission on an FCC Form 731, pursuant to the relevant sections in part 2, subpart J of this chapter and shall also be accompanied by: (1) A description of measurement facilities pursuant to  2.948, or reference to such information already on file with the Commission. (2) A technical report pursuant to  18.207 and 18.311. * * * * * 67. Section 18.205 is deleted. 68. Section 18.207, paragraph (a) is amended by changing " 18.205" to " 2.948" in the first sentence. 69. Section 18.209 is revised to read as follows: Section 18.209 Identification of authorized equipment. (a) Each device for which a grant of equipment authorization is issued under this part shall be identified pursuant to the applicable provisions of subpart J of part 2 of this chapter. Changes in the identification of authorized equipment may be made pursuant to  2.933 of part 2 of this chapter. FCC Identifiers as described in  2.925 and 2.926 of this chapter shall not be used on equipment subject to verification or Declaration of Conformity. (b) Devices authorized under the Declaration of Conformity procedure shall be labelled with the logo shown below. The label shall not be a stick-on, paper label. It shall be permanently affixed to the product and shall be readily visible to the purchaser at the time of purchase, as described in  2.925(d) of this chapter. ``Permanently affixed'' means that the label is etched, engraved, stamped, silkscreened, indelibly printed, or otherwise permanently marked on a permanently attached part of the equipment or on a nameplate of metal, plastic, or other material fastened to the equipment by welding, riveting, or a permanent adhesive. The label must be designed to last the expected lifetime of the equipment in the environment in which the equipment may be operated and must not be readily detachable. 70. A new Section 18.212 is added to read as follows: Section 18.212 Compliance information (a) Equipment authorized under the Declaration of Conformity procedure shall include the following compliance information in lieu of the information required by  2.1077. (1) Identification of the product, e.g., name and model number (2) A statement similar to the following: This device complies with Part 18 of the FCC Rules (3) The name and address of the responsible party as defined in  2.909 of the rules. This party must be located within the United States. (b) The compliance information may be placed in the instruction manual, on a separate sheet, or on the packaging. There is no specific format for this information. Part 21 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 21--DOMESTIC PUBLIC FIXED RADIO SERVICES 71. The authority section for Part 21 continues to read as follows: Authority: Secs. 1, 2, 4, 201-205, 208, 215, 218, 303, 307, 313, 403, 404, 410, 602, 48 Stat. as amended, 1064, 1066, 1070-1073, 1076, 1077, 1080, 1082, 1083, 1087, 1094, 1098, 1102; 47 U.S.C. 151, 154, 201-205, 208, 215, 218, 303, 307, 313, 314, 403, 404, 602; 47 U.S.C. 552, 554. 72. Section 21.42, paragraph (c)(1)(i) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated", and deleting the term "type notified". 73. Section 21.120, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". Paragraphs (b) and (c) are amended by changing the term "type acceptance or notification" to "certification" and removing the last sentence in each of paragraphs (b) and (c). 74. Section 21.907, paragraphs (c) and (d) are amended by changing the term "type- accepted" to "certificated". Part 22 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 22--PUBLIC MOBILE SERVICES 75. The authority section for Part 22 continues to read as follows: Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, unless otherwise noted. 76. Section 22.99, the definition of emission mask is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 77. Section 22.377, the title, introductory text, paragraphs (a), (b) and (d) are amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification" and the term "type accepted" to "certificated". Paragraph (c) is deleted, and paragraph (d) is redesignated as paragraph (c). 78. Section 22.379 is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". Part 24 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 24--PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES 79. The authority section for Part 24 continues to read as follows: Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 309 and 332. 80. Section 24.51, paragraphs (a) and (d) are amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". All of paragraph (b) and the last sentence of paragraph (c) are deleted, and paragraphs (c) and (d) are redesignated as paragraphs (b) and (c). Part 26 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 26--GENERAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE 81. The authority section for Part 26 continues to read as follows: Authority: 47 U.S.C. Sections 154, 301, 302, 303, 309 and 332, unless otherwise noted. 82. Section 26.51, paragraphs (a) and (d) are amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". Paragraph (b) and the last sentence of paragraph (c) are deleted, and paragraphs (c) and (d) are redesignated as paragraphs (b) and (c). Part 73 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 73--RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES 83. The authority section for Part 73 continues to read as follows: Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334. 84. Section 73.53, paragraph (a), paragraph (b) introductory text and paragraph (b)(10) are revised to read as follows: Section 73.53 Requirements for authorization of antenna monitors. (a) Antenna monitors shall be verified for compliance with the technical requirements in this section. The procedure for verification is specified in subpart J of part 2 of the FCC's Rules. (b) An antenna monitor shall meet the following specifications: * * * * * (10) Complete and correct schematic diagrams and operating instructions shall be retained by the party responsible for verification of the equipment and submitted to the FCC upon request. For the purpose of equipment authorization, these diagrams and instructions shall be considered as part of the monitor. * * * * * 85. Section 73.1660 is revised to read as follows: Section 73.1660 Acceptability of broadcast transmitters. (a) An AM, FM or TV transmitter shall be verified for compliance with the requirements of this part following the procedures described in Part 2 of the FCC Rules. (b) A permittee or licensee planning to modify a transmitter which has been approved by the FCC or verified for compliance must follow the requirements contained in  73.1690. (c) * * * (d) AM stereophonic exciter-generators for interfacing with approved or verified AM transmitters may be certified upon request from any manufacturer in accordance with the procedures described in part 2 of the FCC Rules. Broadcast licensees may modify their certified AM stereophonic exciter-generators in accordance with  73.1690. (e) Additional rules covering certification and verification, modification of authorized transmitters, and withdrawal of a grant of authorization are contained in part 2 of the FCC Rules. 86. Section 73.1665, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows: Section 73.1665 Main transmitters. * * * * * (c) A licensee may, without further authority or notification to the FCC, replace an existing main transmitter or install additional main transmitter(s) for use with the authorized antenna if the replacement or additional transmitter(s) has been verified for compliance. Within 10 days after commencement of regular use of the replacement or additional transmitter(s), equipment performance measurements, as prescribed for the type of station are to be completed. Note: Pending the availability of AM broadcast transmitters that are approved or verified for use in the 1605-1705 kHz band, transmitters that are approved or verified for use in the 535-1605 kHz band may be utilized in the 1605-1705 kHz band if it is shown that the requirements of  73.44 have been met. Verification or FCC approval of the transmitter will supersede the applicability of this note. 87. Part 74 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 74--EXPERIMENTAL RADIO, AUXILIARY, SPECIAL BROADCAST AND OTHER PROGRAM DISTRIBUTIONAL SERVICES 88. The authority section for Part 74 continues to read as follows: Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, as amended, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 554. 89. Section 74.402, paragraph (h) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 90. Section 74.451, title, paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (f) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated" and the term "type acceptance" to "certification". The last sentence of paragraph (c) is deleted. 91. Section 74.452, paragraphs (b) and (d) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" with "certificated". 92. Section 74.462, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to certificated, and paragraph (b), footnote 4 is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated" and the term "Radio Equipment List" to "database". 93. Section 74.550 is revised to read as follows: Section 74.550 Equipment authorization. Each authorization for aural broadcast STL, ICR, and booster stations shall require the use of equipment which has been certificated or verified. Equipment which has not been approved under the equipment authorization program and which was in service prior to July 1, 1993, may be retained solely for temporary uses necessary to restore or maintain regular service provided by approved equipment, because the main or primary unit has failed or requires servicing. Such temporary uses may not interfere with or impede the establishment of other aural broadcast auxiliary links and may not occur during more than 720 cumulative hours per year. Should interference occur, the licensee must take all steps necessary to eliminate it, up to and including cessation of operation of the auxiliary transmitter. All unapproved equipment retained for temporary use must have been in the possession of the licensee prior to July 1, 1993, and may not be obtained from other sources. Equipment designed exclusively for fixed operation shall be authorized under the verification procedure. The equipment authorization procedures are contained in subpart J of part 2 of the Rules. Note: Consistent with the note to  74.502(a), grandfathered equipment in the 942-944 MHz band and STL/ICR users of these frequencies in Puerto Rico are also required to come into compliance by July 1, 1993. The backup provisions described above apply to these stations also. 94. Section 74.632, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "authorized as required". 95. Section 74.651, paragraph (a)(1) is amended by changing the term "type accepted or notified" to "authorized". 96. Section 74.655 is revised to read as follows: Section 74.655 Authorization of equipment. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), all transmitting equipment first marketed for use under this subpart or placed into service after October 1, 1981, must be authorized under the certification or verification procedure, as detailed in paragraph (f) of this section. Equipment which is used at a station licensed prior to October 1, 1985, which has not been authorized as detailed in paragraph (f) of this section, may continue to be used by the licensee or its successors or assignees, provided that if operation of such equipment causes harmful interference due to its failure to comply with the technical standards set forth in this subpart, the FCC may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such corrective action as is necessary to eliminate the interference. However, such equipment may not be further marketed or reused under Part 74 after October 1, 1985. Transmitters designed for use in the 31.0 to 31.3 GHz band shall be authorized under the verification procedure. (b) Certification or verification is not required for transmitters used in conjunction with TV pickup stations operating with a peak output power not greater than 250 mW. Pickup stations operating in excess of 250 mW licensed pursuant to applications accepted for filing prior to October 1, 1980 may continue operation subject to periodic renewal. If operation of such equipment causes harmful interference the FCC may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such corrective action as is necessary to eliminate the interference. (c) The license of a TV auxiliary station may replace transmitting equipment with authorized equipment, as detailed under paragraph (f) of this section, without prior FCC approval, provided the proposed changes will not depart from any of the terms of the station or system authorization or the Commission's technical rules governing this service, and also provided that any changes made to authorized transmitting equipment is in compliance with the provisions of Part 2 of the FCC Rules concerning modifications to authorized equipment. (d) Any manufacturer of a transmitter to be used in this service may authorize the equipment under the certification or verification procedure, as appropriate, following the procedures set forth in Subpart J of Part 2 of the FCC Rules. (e) An applicant for a TV broadcast auxiliary station may also authorize an individual transmitter, as specified in paragraph (f) of this section, by following the procedures set forth in Subpart J of Part 2 of the FCC Rules and Regulations (f) Transmitters designed to be used exclusively for a TV STL station, a TV intercity relay station, a TV translator relay station, or a TV microwave booster station, shall be authorized under verification. All other transmitters will be authorized under the certification procedure. 97. Section 74.735, paragraph (f) amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 98. Section 74.750, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "listed in the FCC's list of equipment type accepted" to "certificated". Paragraphs (b), (c), (e), (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(3), (e)(4) and (g) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated" and the term "type acceptance" to "certification". The last two sentences of paragraph (e)(1) are deleted. 99. Section 74.751, paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 100. Section 74.851, title, paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated" and the term "type acceptance" to "certification". The last sentence of paragraph (c) is deleted. 101. Section 74.852, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 102. Section 74.861, paragraph (b) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated", and the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 103. Section 74.938 is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated", and the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 104. Section 74.939, paragraph (j) is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 105. Section 74.950, paragraph (f) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 106. Section 74.951, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 107. Section 74.952, introductory text and paragraph (a) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated", and the term "type acceptance" to "certification". The introductory text is redesignated as paragraph (a), and paragraph (a) is redesignated as paragraph (b). 108. Section 74.1235(e) is amended by changing the term "type-accepted" to "certificated". 109. Section 74.1250 is revised to read as follows: Section 74.1250 Transmitters and associated equipment. (a) FM translator and booster transmitting apparatus, and exciters employed to provide a locally generated and modulated input signal to translator and booster equipment, used by stations authorized under the provisions of this subpart must be certificated upon the request of any manufacturer of transmitters in accordance with this section and subpart J of part 2 of this chapter. In addition, FM translator and booster stations may use FM broadcast transmitting apparatus verified or approved under the provisions of part 73 of this chapter. (b) Transmitting antennas, antennas used to receive signals to be rebroadcast, and transmission lines are not subject to the requirement for certification. (c) The following requirements must be met before translator, booster or exciter equipment will be certificated in accordance with this section: * * * * * 110. Section 74.1251, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated", and " 2.1001" to "Part 2". Paragraph (b) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" with "certificated". Part 78 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 78--CABLE TELEVISION RELAY SERVICE 111. The authority section for Part 78 continues to read as follows: Authority: Secs. 2, 3, 4, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 48 Stat., as amended, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1081, 1082, 1083, 1084, 1085; 47 U.S.C. 152, 153, 154, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309. 112. Section 78.107 is amended by deleting paragraph (a) and redesignating paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) as paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d). The new paragraphs (a) and (a)(2) are revised to read as follows: Section 78.107 Equipment and installation. (a) Applications for new cable television relay stations, other than fixed stations, will not be accepted unless the equipment specified therein has been certificated. In the case of fixed stations, the equipment must be authorized under verification procedure for use pursuant to the provisions of this subpart. Transmitters designed for use in the 31.0 to 31.3 GHz band shall be authorized under the verification procedure. (1) * * * (2) Neither certification nor verification is required for the following transmitters: * * * * * 113. The Alphabetical Index to Part 78 is amended by deleting the entry for "Equipment list, Type accepted", and changing the entry for "Type accepted equipment" to "Certificated equipment". Part 80 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 80--STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES 114. The authority citation for Part 80 continues to read as follows: Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, unless otherwise noted. Interpret or apply 48 Stat. 1064-1068, 1081-1105, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 151-155, 301-609; 3 UST 3450, 3 UST 4726, 12 UST 2377. 115. Section 80.29, paragraph (a) table is amended by changing the term "type-accepted" to "authorized". 116. Section 80.43 is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "authorized". 117. Section 80.203 is amended as follows: a. Paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated" in the first sentence, changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification" in the second sentence, and changing the term "type accepted or type approved" to "authorized" in the last sentence. b. Paragraphs (d), (f), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l) and (m)(2) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated" and changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". c. Paragraph (k) is amended by deleting the last sentence. 118. Section 80.205, paragraph (a), note 11 is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "approved". 119. Section 80.207, paragraph (d), notes 2 and 5 are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "approved". 120. Section 80.209, paragraph (a)(1)(ii), (a)(1)(iii) and (a)(1)(iv) are amended by changing the terms "type accepted or type approved" and "type approved" to "approved". Paragraph (a), note 1 is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "approval". Paragraph (a), note 2 is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "approved". 121. Section 80.215, footnote 8 is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 122. Section 80.221, paragraph (d) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 123. Section 80.251, paragraphs (a) and (b) are amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification", and the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 124. Section 80.253, paragraph (a), notes 1 and 2 are amended by changing the terms "type accepted or type approved" and "type accepted or type approval" to "approved". 125. Section 80.255, paragraph (a), notes 1 and 2 are amended by changing the terms "type accepted or type approved" to "approved". 126. Section 80.259, paragraphs (a), (a)(1) and (a)(2) are amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification" and "type approved" to "approved". 127. Section 80.265 is amended as follows: a. Paragraph (b)(1), table footnotes 1, 2, and 3 are amended by changing the terms "type accepted or type approved" and "type approved" to "approved". b. Paragraph (c)(1), table footnote 1 is amended by changing the term "type approved" to "approved". c. Paragraph (e)(2) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 128. Section 80.267, paragraph (a)(1), table footnotes 1 and 2 are amended by changing the term "type accepted or type approved" to "approved". 129. Section 80.271, paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". Paragraph (e) is amended by changing the term "Radio Equipment List" to "database". 130. Section 80.605, paragraph (b) is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 131. Section 80.812 is amended by changing the term "of a type accepted" to "certificated". 132. Section 80.814 is amended by changing the term "of a type accepted" to "certificated". 133. Section 80.829, paragraph (b) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 134. Section 80.831, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 135. Section 80.833, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 136. Section 80.836, paragraph (c)(3)(i) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 137. Section 80.856 is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 138. Section 80.873, paragraph (d)(3) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 139. Section 80.874, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 140. Section 80.911, paragraph (c) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 141. Section 80.1053, paragraph (c) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated", and changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 142. Section 80.1059, paragraph (e) is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 143. Section 80.1061, paragraphs (c) and (d) are amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 144. Section 80.1103, paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) are amended by changing the terms "type accepted" to "certificated", "type acceptance" to "certification", "notified" to "verified", and "notification" to "verification". Part 87 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 87--AVIATION SERVICES 145. The authority citation for Part 87 continues to read as follows: Authority: 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, unless otherwise noted. Interpret or apply 48 Stat. 1064-1068, 1081-1105, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 151-156, 301-609. 146. Section 87.39 is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 147. Section 87.131, notes 5 and 7 are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated", and changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 148. Section 87.133, paragraph (a), note 3 is amended by changing the terms "type accepted or type approved" to "approved". Notes 4 and 5 are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "approved". Note 11 is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 149. Section 87.137, paragraph (a), notes 3 and 15 are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "approved". Note 4 is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "approval". 150. Section 87.139, paragraph (g) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "approved". 151. Section 87.145 is revised to read as follows: Section 87.145 Acceptability of transmitters for licensing. (a) Each transmitter must be certificated for use in these services, except as listed in paragraph (c) of this section. However, aircraft stations which transmit on maritime mobile frequencies must use transmitters certificated for use in ship stations in accordance with part 80 of this chapter. Certification under part 80 is not required for aircraft earth stations transmitting on maritime mobile-satellite frequencies. Such stations must be certificated under part 87. (b) Some radio equipment installed on air carrier aircraft must meet the requirements of the Commission and the requirements of the FAA. The FAA requirements may be obtained from the FAA, Aircraft Maintenance Division, 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591. (c) The equipment listed below is exempted from certification. The operation of transmitters which have not been certificated must not result in harmful interference due to the failure of those transmitters to comply with technical standards of this subpart. (1) Development or Civil Air Patrol transmitters. (2) Flight test station transmitters for limited periods where justified. (3) U.S. Government transmitters furnished in the performance of a U.S. Government contract if the use of certificated equipment would increase the cost of the contract or if the transmitter will be incorporated in the finished product. However, such equipment must meet the technical standards contained in this subpart. (4) ELTs verified in accordance with  87.147(e). (5) Signal generators when used as radionavigation land test stations (MTF). (d) Aircraft earth stations must correct their transmit frequencies for Doppler effect relative to the satellite. The transmitted signal may not deviate more than 335 Hz from the desired transmit frequency. (This is a root sum square error which assumes zero error for the received ground earth station signal and includes the AES transmit/receive frequency reference error and the AES automatic frequency control residual errors.) The applicant must attest that the equipment provides adequate Doppler effect compensation and where applicable, that measurements have been made that demonstrate compliance. Submission of data demonstrating compliance is not required unless requested by the Commission. 152. Section 87.147 is revised to read as follows: Section 87.147 Authorization of equipment. (a) Certification may be requested by following the procedures in part 2 of this chapter. Aircraft transmitters must meet the requirements over an ambient temperature range of -20 degrees to +50 degrees Celsius. (b) ELTs manufactured after October 1, 1988, must meet the output power characteristics contained in  87.141(i) when tested in accordance with the Signal Enhancement Test contained in subpart N, part 2 of this chapter. A report of the measurements must be submitted with each application for certification. ELTs that meet the output power characteristics of the section must have a permanent label prominently displayed on the outer casing state, ``Meets FCC Rule for improved satellite detection.'' This label, however, must not be placed on the equipment without authorization to do so by the Commission. Application for such authorization may be made either by submission of a new application for certification accompanied by the required fee and all information and test data required by parts 2 and 87 of this chapter or, for ELTs approved prior to October 1, 1988, a letter requesting such authorization, including appropriate test data and a showing that all units produced under the original equipment authorization comply with the requirements of this paragraph without change to the original circuitry. (c) An applicant for a station license may request certification for an individual transmitter by following the procedure in part 2 of this chapter. Such a transmitter will be individually certified and so noted on the station license. (d) An applicant for certification of equipment intended for transmission in any of the frequency bands listed in paragraph (d)(3) of this section must notify the FAA of the filing of a certification application. The letter of notification must be mailed to: FAA, Spectrum Engineering Division, 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591 no later than the date of filing of the application with the Commission. (1) * * * (2) The certification application must include a copy of the notification letter to the FAA. The Commission will not act for 21 days after receipt of the application to afford the FAA an opportunity to comment. If the FAA objects to the application for equipment authorization, it should mail its objection with a showing that the equipment is incompatible with the National Airspace System to: Office of Engineering and Technology Laboratory, Authorization and Evaluation Division, 7435 Oakland Mills Rd., Columbia, MD 21046. If the Commission receives such an objection, the Commission will consider the FAA showing before taking final action on the application. (3) * * * (e) Verification reports for ELTs capable of operating on the frequency 406.025 MHz must include sufficient documentation to show that the ELT meets the requirements of  87.199(a). A letter notifying the FAA of the ELT verification must be mailed to: FAA, Spectrum Engineering Division, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591. 153. Section 87.189, paragraph (b) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 154. Section 87.199, paragraphs (c) and (d) are revised to read as follows: Section 87.199 Special requirements for 406.025 MHz ELTs. * * * * * (c) Prior to verification of a 406.025 MHz ELT, the ELT must be certified by a test facility recognized by one of the COSPAS/SARSAT Partners that the equipment satisfies the design characteristics associated with the COSPAS/SARSAT document COSPAS/SARSAT 406 MHz Distress Beacon Type Approval Standard (C/S T.007). Additionally, an independent test facility must certify that the ELT complies with the electrical and environmental standards associated with the RTCA Recommended Standards. (d) The procedures for verification are contained in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter. * * * * * Part 90 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 90--PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES 155. The authority citation for Part 90 continues to read as follows: Authority: Secs. 4, 251-2, 303, 309, and 332, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 251-2, 303, 309 and 332, unless otherwise noted. 156. Section 90.5, paragraph (c) is amended by changing the term "type acceptance and type approval" to "certification". 157. Section 90.17, paragraph (e)(4) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 158. Section 90.19, paragraphs (f)(5)(i), (g)(3) and (g)(6) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 159. Section 90.21, paragraph (e)(4) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 160. Section 90.23, paragraph (e)(3) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 161. Section 90.25, paragraph (e)(3) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 162. Section 90.65, paragraph (c)(11) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 163. Section 90.103, paragraphs (c)(23) and (c)(24) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 164. Section 90.129, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows: Section 90.129 Supplemental information to be routinely submitted with applications. * * * * * (b) Description of any equipment proposed to be used if it is not approved for use under this part. * * * * * 165. Section 90.203 is revised to read as follows: Section 90.203 Type acceptance required. (a) Except as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, each transmitter utilized for operation under this part and each transmitter marketed as set forth in  2.803 (of part 2) must be of a type which is certificated for use under this part; or, be of a type which has been certificated by the Commission for use under this part in accordance with the procedures in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. (1) (reserved) (2) Any manufacturer of radio transmitting equipment (including signal boosters) to be used in these services may request certification for such equipment following the procedures set forth in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter. Certification for an individual transmitter or signal booster also may be requested by an applicant for a station authorization by following the procedure set forth in part 2 of this chapter. Such equipment if approved will be enumerated on the station authorization. (b) Certification is not required for the following: * * * * * (c) Radiolocation transmitters for use in public safety and land transportation applications marketed prior to January 1, 1974, must meet the applicable technical standards in this part, pursuant to  2.803 of this chapter. * * * * * (e) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, transmitters designed to operate above 25 MHz shall not be certificated for use under this part if the operator can program and transmit on frequencies, other than those programmed by the manufacturer, service or maintenance personnel, using the equipment's external operation controls. (f) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, transmitters designed to operate above 25 MHz that have been approved prior to January 15, 1988, and that permit the operator, by using external controls, to program the transmitter's operating frequencies, shall not be manufactured in, or imported into the United States after March 15, 1988. Marketing of these transmitters shall not be permitted after March 15, 1989. * * * * * (h) * * * (1) * * * (2) The part 90 certification limits the use of the equipment to operations only under  90.423. * * * * * (j) * * * (1) Prior to August 1, 1996, certification will be granted for equipment with channel bandwidths up to 25 kHz. (2) On or after August 1, 1996, certification will only be granted for equipment with the following channel bandwidths: * * * * * (3) On or after August 1, 1996, requests for part 90 certification of transmitters designed to operate on frequencies in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz bands must include a certification that the equipment meets a spectrum efficiency standard of one voice channel per 12.5 kHz of channel bandwidth. If the equipment is capable of transmitting data and has an overall bandwidth of 6.25 kHz or more, the equipment must be capable of supporting a minimum data rate of 4800 bits per second per 6.25 kHz of bandwidth. (4) On or after January 1, 2005, except for hand-held transmitters with an output power of two watts or less, certification will only be granted for equipment with the following channel bandwidths: * * * * * (5) On or after January 1, 2005, requests for part 90 certification of transmitters designed to operate on frequencies in the 150-174 MHz and 421-512 MHz bands must include a certification that the equipment meets a spectrum efficiency standard of one voice channel per 6.25 kHz of channel bandwidth. If the equipment is capable of transmitting data and has an overall bandwidth of 6.25 kHz or more, the equipment must be capable of supporting a minimum data rate of 4800 bits per second per 6.25 kHz of bandwidth. (6) The Commission's Equipment Authorization Division will not accept applications for modification or permissive changes of certification grants for single bandwidth mode transmitters designed to operate on channel bandwidths wider than 12.5 kHz granted prior to August 1, 1996, except under the following conditions: (i) Transmitters that have the inherent capability for multi-mode or narrowband operation allowed in paragraphs (j)(2) and (j)(4) of this section, may have their grant of certification modified upon demonstrating that the original unit complies with the technical requirements for operation. * * * * * (7) Transmitters designed for one-way paging operations will be certificated with a 25 kHz channel bandwidth. 166. Section 90.211, paragraph (b) is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 167. Section 90.219, paragraph (e) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 168. Section 90.237, paragraphs (c) and (g) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 169. Section 90.241, paragraph (c)(12) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 170. Section 90.269, paragraph (a)(2) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". Part 95 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 95--PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES 171. The authority citation for Part 95 continues to read as follows: Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303. 172. Section 95.117, paragraph (a)(4) is amended by changing the term "type-accepted" to "certificated". 173. Section 95.129, paragraphs (a), (b)(1) and (b)(2) are amended by changing the term "type-accepted" to "certificated". 174. Section 95.133, paragraphs (a) and (b) are amended by changing the term "type- accepted" to "certificated". 175. Section 95.209, paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (b) and (d) are amended by changing the term "type-accepted" to "certificated", changing the term "type-acceptance" to "certification" and deleting the references to "type approved". 176. Section 95.221, paragraph (b) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 177. Section 95.222, paragraph (b)(2) is amended by changing the term "type-accepted" to "certificated". 178. Section 95.225, paragraph (a)(2) is amended by changing the term "type-accepted" to "certificated". 179. Section 95.409, paragraphs (a) and (b) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated", and the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 180. Section 95.411, paragraph (a) introductory text is amended by changing the term "type-accepted" to "certificated". 181. Section 95.425, paragraph (b)(2) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 182. Section 95.428, paragraph (a)(2) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 183. Section 95.601 is amended by changing the term "type acceptance or type certification" to "certification". 184. Section 95.603, the title is amended by deleting the words "Type acceptance or", and paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (e) are amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 185. Section 95.605 is revised to read as follows: Section 95.605 Certification procedures. Any entity may request certification for its transmitter when the transmitter is used in the GMRS, R/C, CB, IVDS, LPRS, or FRS following the procedures in part 2 of this chapter. 186. Section 95.607, introductory text and paragraph (a) are revised by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated", and the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 187. Section 95.635, the table in paragraph (b) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "authorized". 188. The heading before Section 95.645 is revised to read "CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS". 189. Section 95.645, paragraph (b) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 190. Section 95.653, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 191. Section 95.655, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated", and the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 192. The heading before Section 95.655 is revised to read "ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CB TRANSMITTERS." 193. Section 95.669, paragraph (a)(1) is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". 194. Section 95.851, title and text are amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification", and the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 195. Section 95.857, paragraph (c) is amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". Part 97 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 97--AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE 196. The authority citation for Part 97 continues to read as follows: Authority: 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303. Interpret or apply 48 Stat. 1064-1068, 1081-1105, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 151-155, 301-609, unless otherwise noted. 197. Section 97.315, title, paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) are amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification", and the term "type accepted" to "certificated". Paragraph (c), first sentence is deleted, and the term "on this list" is changed to "in the Commission's database". 198. Section 97.317, title, paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) are amended by changing the term "type acceptance" to "certification". Part 101 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows: PART 101--FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES 199. The authority citation for Part 101 continues to read as follows: Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303. 200. Section 101.61, paragraph (c)(1)(i) is amended by changing the term "type-accepted (or type-notified)" to "certificated or verified." 201. Section 101.107, paragraph (a), footnote 4 is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "authorized". 202. Section 101.133, paragraph (a) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 203. Section 101.139 is revised as follows: Section 101.139 Authorization of transmitters. (a) Except for transmitters used at developmental stations or for fixed point-to-point operation pursuant to subparts H and I of this part, each transmitter must be a type which has been certificated by the Commission for use under the applicable rules of this part. Transmitters used in the private operational fixed and common carrier fixed point-to-point microwave services under subparts H and I of this part must be of a type that has been verified for compliance. Transmitters designed for use in the 31.0 to 31.3 GHz band will be authorized under the verification procedure. (b) Any manufacturer of a transmitter to be produced for use under the rules of this part may request certification or obtain verification by following the applicable procedures set forth in part 2 of this chapter. (c) Certification for an individual transmitter may also be requested by an applicant for a station authorization, pursuant to the procedures set forth in part 2 of this chapter. (d) A transmitter presently shown on an instrument of authorization, which operates on an assigned frequency in the 890-940 MHz band and has not been certificated, may continue to be used by the licensee without certification provided such transmitter continues otherwise to comply with the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission. (e) Certification or verification is not required for portable transmitters operating with peak output power not greater than 250 mW. If operation of such equipment causes harmful interference the FCC may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such corrective action as is necessary to eliminate the interference. * * * * * 204. Section 101.141, paragraph (a)(2) is amended by changing the term "type accepted" to "certificated". 205. Section 101.151, paragraph (e) is amended by changing the term "type-accepted" to "certificated". APPENDIX B LIST OF COMMENTING PARTIES Comments Alcatel Network Systems, Inc. (Alcatel) AMP Incorporated (AMP) Ericsson, Inc. (Ericsson) Fixed Point-to-Point Communications Section, Network Equipment Division of the Telecommunications Industry Association (Section) Ford Motor Company (Ford) GE Lighting (GE) Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) Metricom, Inc. (Metricom) Motorola, Inc. (Motorola) National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Telecommunications Industry Association Technical and Regulatory Reform Task Force (TIA) The Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA) Time Warner Cable (Time Warner) Uniden America Corporation (Uniden) Late Filed Comments Rockwell International Corporation (Rockwell) Reply Comments Alcatel Network Systems, Inc. (Alcatel) Ericsson, Inc. (Ericsson) Fixed Point-to-Point Communications Section, Network Equipment Division of the Telecommunications Industry Association (Section) Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) Metricom, Inc. (Metricom) National Cable Television Association (NCTA) NextLevel Systems, Inc. (NextLevel) APPENDIX C FINAL REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act ("RFA"), an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis ("IRFA") was incorporated in "Amendment of Parts 2, 15, 18 and Other Parts of the Commission's Rules to Simplify and Streamline the Equipment Authorization Process for Radio Frequency Equipment", Notice of Proposed Rule Making ("Notice"), in ET Docket No. 97-94. The Commission sought written public comment on the proposals in the Notice, including comment on the IRFA. The Commission's Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis ("FRFA") in this Report and Order conforms to the RFA. I. Need For and Objective of the Rules. The Commission is amending Parts 2, 15, 18 and other parts of its rules to simplify the equipment authorization processes, deregulate the equipment authorization requirements for certain types of equipment, and begin implementation of an electronic filing system for equipment authorization applications. These actions will greatly reduce the complexity and burden of the Commission's equipment authorization requirements. They will also improve the efficiency of the equipment authorization process so that products can be introduced to the market more rapidly. They will reduce the number of applications required to be filed with the Commission annually from about 3500 to approximately 1800, significantly reducing paperwork requirements on manufacturers. We expect that this action will result in savings of at least $100 million to manufacturers of the products covered by the changes. The provision for electronic filing of applications should significantly reduce the current applications time. We believe these actions will greatly benefit both large and small manufacturers and encourage the development of innovative products that best meet consumer's needs. II. Summary of Significant Issues Raised by Public Comments in Response to the IRFA. In the IRFA we stated that proposals in this proceeding would result in a significant decrease in equipment authorization applications that must be filed with the Commission. We believe that small entities will benefit from these proposals because in many cases they will no longer be required to file applications with the Commission. Also, small entities will benefit from the simpler regulations and streamlined process for equipment that continues to require authorization by the FCC. We solicited comments regarding these conclusions. No comments were submitted directly in response to the IRFA. III. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which the Rules Will Apply. The RFA generally defines small entity as having the same meaning as the terms "small business" "small organization," and "small governmental jurisdictions." In addition, the term "small business" is the same meaning as the term "small business concern" under the Small Business Act ("SBA"), 15 U.S.C.  632, unless the Commission has developed one or more definitions that are appropriate to its activities. Under the SBA, a "small business concern" is one that (1) is independently owned and operated; (2) is not dominant in its field of operation; and (3) meets any individual criteria established by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Commission has not developed a definition of small entities applicable to RF Equipment manufacturers. Therefore, the applicable definition of small entity is the definition under the SBA rules applicable to manufacturers of "Radio and Television Broadcasting and Communications Equipment." According to the SBA's regulation, an RF manufacturer must have 750 or fewer employees in order to qualify as a small business. Census Bureau data indicates that there are 858 companies in the United States that manufacture radio and television broadcasting and communications equipment, and that 778 of these firms have fewer than 750 employees and would classified as small entities. We believe that many of the companies that manufacture RF equipment may qualify as small entities. IV. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other Compliance Requirements. There are currently five different equipment authorization procedures. They are type acceptance, certification, notification, verification and Declaration of Conformity (DoC). We are proposing to eliminate the notification procedure, and to combine the type acceptance procedure with the certification procedure. Equipment currently under the notification procedure will be placed in the less stringent DoC or verification procedure, as appropriate. Both verification and DoC are self-authorization procedures, which allow equipment to be marketed without approval from the FCC once it has been tested and found to comply with the FCC rules. However, the DoC procedure has an additional requirement to test the equipment at an accredited laboratory, which provides a higher degree of confidence that a device will be measured correctly. It also has additional requirements for labelling and information supplied with the product, which allows the Commission to more easily locate the manufacturer in the event the equipment causes interference. Applications for equipment authorization will be required to be filed electronically one year after the effective date of the rules. The equipment required to file will typically consist of a personal computer with an internet connection, a document scanner, a digital camera and software to convert data to the proper format. The equipment is readily available, or applicants can contract with others (e.g. - equipment testing laboratories) who have the equipment. V. Steps Taken to Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered. Simplification of equipment authorization categories The Commission requested comments on its proposal to eliminate the notification category of equipment authorization, and to combine the type acceptance with the certification category of authorization. It also requested comments on whether to combine the DoC and verification procedures. There was no opposition to eliminating the notification procedure, but the Commission received comments concerning combining type acceptance with certification. Motorola stated that the change could be a source of confusion, and Rockwell had concerns that the structure of the proposed rules could be improved. The Commission believes that having three different authorization procedures for equipment requiring approval is an even greater source of confusion than the proposal, particularly for small entities which may not be familiar with the rules. Accordingly, the Commission is eliminating the notification procedure, and combining type acceptance and certification into a single procedure called "certification" for equipment requiring an approval. The structure of the proposed rules is being modified as recommend by Rockwell to make them simpler for both large and small entities to understand. The comments did not support combining the DoC and verification procedures. The DoC procedure is relatively new, and the Commission has expended resources educating small entities about it, so making changes to it at this point would cause confusion. Also, since there is a need to maintain a higher degree of confidence that certain equipment complies with standards to reduce the potential for causing harmful interference, the Commission believes it is necessary to keep the DoC procedure separate from the verification procedure. Deregulation of equipment authorization requirements The Commission proposed to relax the authorization requirement for equipment operating under various parts of the rules. The comments generally supported relaxing the requirements, and several parties supported even further relaxation than the Commission proposed. Rockwell requested that we place most Part 15 receivers under verification, and CEMA requested that we place VCRs under verification. Ford recommended that we move certain Part 15 low power transmitters to DoC and Motorola recommended that we move Part 95 Family Radio Service transmitters to DoC. Finally, Ericsson requested that certain Part 22 and Part 90 transmitters be moved to DoC or verification. The further relaxation in the authorization requirements proposed in the comments would reduce the burden on small entities manufacturing those devices. However, in relaxing the authorization requirements for equipment, the Commission must also consider whether there is an increased likelihood of harmful interference being caused. The Commission has carefully considered the requests made in the comments, and is concerned that relaxing the authorization requirement for these devices beyond what was proposed would result in too great a risk of interference to communication services. The authorization requirements selected by the Commission for each type of equipment are believed to be the least burdensome necessary to minimize the risk of interference, and will therefore have the least impact on small entities. Electronic Filing The Commission proposed to implement an electronic filing system for equipment authorization applications. It also solicited comments on whether the system should be mandatory or whether paper applications should continue to be accepted. The comments supported developing an electronic filing system, but some parties expressed concern about whether the Commission would mandate electronic filing, which could be burdensome for some entities. The Commission believes that the implementation of an electronic filing system will significantly reduce the processing time of equipment authorization applications. Such a system would eliminate the delays associated with filing applications in Pittsburgh, transporting them to the Commission's Laboratory and manually logging them in. It would also allow parallel processing of applications, so the administrative and technical reviews can be done simultaneously, thus further reducing the processing time. Such a system will benefit small entities by reducing the costs caused by delays in marketing new equipment. We have decided to make the system mandatory, since the equipment required to electronically file applications is readily available. However, we will continue to accept paper applications for a period of one year to minimize the impact on small entities. VI. Report to Congress. The Commission shall send a copy of this Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, along with this First Report and Order, in a report to Congress pursuant to the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, 5 U.S.C.  801(a)(1)(A). A copy of this FRFA will also be published in the Federal Register, see 5 U.S.C.  604(b), and will be sent to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. Separate Statement of Commissioner Susan Ness Re: Amendment of Parts 2, 15, 18 and Other Parts of the Commission's Rules to Simplify and Streamline the Equipment Authorization Process for Radio Frequency Equipment Our predecessor agency, the Federal Radio Commission, was established in 1927. The raison d'etre for that commission was the need to prevent harmful interference to services using the airwaves. Managing the spectrum to prevent interference remains one of this agency's most important priorities today. In the digital age, an extraordinary number of devices have the potential to improve the quality of life. Many of these same devices also have the potential to cause harmful interference. This interference may degrade consumers' radio and TV reception, or it may jeopardize air traffic control systems, police and fire communications, or other services essential to public safety. That's why we have technical specifications for intentional and unintentional radiators -- to ensure that new products can continue to be designed without jeopardizing radio communications. How can we best ensure compliance with these rules -- without unnecessarily impeding the flow of useful products into the marketplace? That's what this item is about. In the past, we have liberalized equipment authorization procedures for products which were determined to present minimal risk of causing harmful interference. We are extending that liberalization today. A proceeding is already on the drawing board to take that process a step further -- to allow other organizations, instead of the Commission, to certify products. I strongly support reducing unnecessary paperwork and delays. But we must not diminish our commitment to prevent harmful interference to authorized radio communications. Whatever our equipment authorization procedures, there will remain a danger that some products will not be designed to minimize the danger of interference. And there will also remain a problem of individuals who construct or operate transmitting devices with disregard for our rules. Our responsibility to prevent harmful interference can only be fulfilled if we are prepared to follow through with credible enforcement. I sincerely hope that agency resources that are freed up, by today's order and by the third-party certification rulemaking, will be redirected to enforcement activities, so that instances of harmful interference can be swiftly remedied.