![]() ![]() Wilson Electronics, a major booster maker, applauded the move. "When the new rules go into effect, you will be able to purchase a booster with additional safeguards that protect wireless networks from interference." "If a wireless provider or the FCC asks you to turn off your signal booster because it is causing interference to a wireless network, you must turn off your booster and leave it off until the interference problem can be resolved," the FAQ states. Carriers need to set up a system for doing so by March 1, 2014. Currently, there are no mechanisms for customers to register their existing boosters with carriers. The FCC updated its FAQ on the topic and clarified what people with cell phone boosters now need to be concerned with. Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ), AT&T Mobility (NYSE:T), Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) and T-Mobile USA have all agreed that boosters with the label will be automatically approved and carriers are giving blanket consent to use them, though they still need to be registered with carriers. Further, consumer boosters sold after March 1, 2014, will be marked with a label showing they meet the new standard, according to The Verge. Tellingly, the new rules received the seal of approval from CTIA, the Rural Telecommunications Group and the Competitive Carriers Association.Ĭonsumer boosters can be used on most mainstream wireless bands, including cellular, PCS, AWS-1, 700 MHz and ESMR (after rebanding). ![]() In addition, operators maintained that finding and fixing interference caused by these boosters is extremely difficult. In the past, the CTIA and wireless carriers have tried to ban the sale or use of cell phone boosters, arguing the devices can cause substantial interference in their networks and result in dropped calls and blocked calls, including 911 calls. The new development is a marked shift from past battles over boosters. Under the agency's new regime, boosters for consumers must adhere to what the FCC is calling its Network Protection Standard, which most carriers are agreeing to. Boosters amplify signals between wireless devices and wireless networks. In its order, the FCC crated new, stringent technical rules for how booster makers need to manufacture the devices. However, the 2 million wireless customers with existing boosters who have been using the devices to improve their mobile signals will need to register with and get permission from their carriers to continue to use the gadgets. The FCC also managed to get the nation's wireless carriers to agree to the new rules. The FCC on Wednesday approved new rules for cell phone boosters, giving booster makers a major win after years of acrimonious debate over the issue.
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