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CERTIFIED MAIL-RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
February 15, 2012
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
(Address withheld)
RE: Radio frequency interference
EB-12-GB-0069
Dear (Name withheld):
The Federal Communications Commission has received a complaint of harmful
radio interference apparently caused by an XBox 360 that is being operated
from your residence. This interference has been reported by a licensed
operator in the Amateur Radio Service. The complainant is:
(Name withheld)
(Address withheld)
(Address withheld)
The Commission has the responsibility to require that such problems be
rectified within a reasonable time if the interference is caused by faulty
consumer equipment. Under FCC rules, such equipment is classified as an
"unintentional radiator." These devices intentionally generate
radio-frequency energy and but do intentionally radiate the energy as part
of their normal intended operation. Under FCC rules, however, such devices
must not cause harmful interference. If and when interference does
occur, the burden falls on the device operator to correct it, and if
necessary, cease operation of the device, whenever such interference
occurs.
Please also be advised that some of these devices are imported and do not
comply with Commission certification standards, and thereby result in
interference to other radio services. You may have one of those devices.
If the device is an approved one, it should have a silver FCC label on the
unit showing a certification number. Even an approved device, however, can
only be operated legally if it is not causing harmful interference to a
licensed radio service. The device can also be defective resulting in a
possible shock or fire hazard.
To help you better understand your responsibilities under FCC rules, here
are the most important rules relating to radio and television interference
from unintentional radiators:
Title 47, CFR Section 15.5 General conditions of operation.
(b) Operation of an intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiator is
subject to the conditions that no harmful interference is caused and that
interference must be accepted that may be caused by the operation of an
authorized radio station, by another intentional or unintentional
radiator, by industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment, or by an
incidental radiator.
(c) The operator of the radio frequency device shall be required to cease
operating the device upon notification by a Commission representative that
the device is causing harmful interference. Operation shall not resume
until the condition causing the harmful interference has been corrected.
Title 47, CFR Section 15.15 General technical requirements.
(c) Parties responsible for equipment compliance should note that the
limits specified in this part will not prevent harmful interference under
all circumstances. Since the operators of Part 15 devices are required to
cease operation should harmful interference occur to authorized users of
the radio frequency spectrum, the parties responsible for equipment
compliance are encouraged to employ the minimum field strength necessary
for communications, to provide greater attenuation of unwanted emissions
than required by these regulations, and to advise the user as to how to
resolve harmful interference problems (for example, see Sec. 15.105(b)).
The Commission prefers that those responsible for the proper operation of
equipment assume their responsibilities fairly. This means that you should
resolve the interference caused by the device and make necessary
corrections within a reasonable time.
While the Commission has confidence that most people are able to resolve
these issues voluntarily, the Commission wants to make you aware that this
unresolved problem may be a violation of FCC rules and could result in a
monetary forfeiture (fine) for each occurrence. At this stage, the
Commission encourages the parties to resolve this problem without
Commission intervention; but if necessary to facilitate resolution, the
Commission may investigate possible rules violations and address
appropriate remedies.
Please advise the licensee and this office as to what steps you are taking
to correct this reported interference problem. Your response should be
sent to the following address: 1270 Fairfield Road, Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania 17325 and should reference the listed case number. The
Commission expects that most cases can be resolved within 30 days of the
time they are first reported. Please feel free to call me at 717-338-2577
if you have any questions about this matter.
Sincerely,
Laura L. Smith, Esq.
Special Counsel
Enforcement Bureau
cc: Seattle Field Office
Western Regional Director