FCC

1.  Are boosters legal?   

Although we cannot speak for ALL boosters, zBoost and boosters from Wi-Ex are legal and use patented technology to monitor, adjust and power down to avoid harmfully interfering with the carrier networks. 

2.  What does the April 6, 2011 FCC ruling mean?

The FCC has recently (April 6, 2011) released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). Pulled directly from the Executive Summary:

          “In our NPRM, we propose to authorize individuals to use fixed and mobile consumer signal 
            boosters by rule under Part 95 subject to the requirements listed in Table 1 below."

3.  If boosters are legal, then why is the FCC proposing new rules?

The FCC’s rules for boosters were written when the technology for personal, consumer boosters was not  feasible – they required professional installation and were cost prohibitive.  Now that they are affordable and easy to install like zBoost, the FCC wants to facilitate their benefits to more consumers, while ensuring that all boosters incorporate automatic protection to the carrier networks. This facilitation will  minimize disruptions that some boosters have caused).

4. Does Wi-Ex Already comply with these requirements in Table 1?

Yes we do – we have foreseen this issue and have always innovated technology to protect the carrier network. 

5. Is there a simple way to describe how Wi-Ex does this?

• Our technology constantly monitors both UL & DL of each band we boost
  - The UL boost is limited by DL power level (protects “near” BTS from noise rise)
  - Oscillation is avoided by monitoring and maintaining the isolation (antenna separation due to 
          installation).  Additional  margin is included which maximizes data transfer speed.
  - The power output is dynamically limited to maintain a “clean” signal instead of a “loud” and 
    distorted signal
  • The system shuts down for uncorrectable conditions
  • We use simple visual indicators to aid troubleshooting (LED goes red or flashes)
  • No known and authentic cases of interference

   

  TABLE 1: FCC Proposed Requirements for Signal Booster Manufacturers

  Requirements	zBoost from Wi-Ex
  Comply with technical parameters (e.g., power and unwanted emission limits) for the applicable spectrum band, and RF exposure requirements for the type of device (i.e., fixed or mobile)
  Automatically self-monitor operations and shut down if not in compliance with our technical rules
  Power down, or shut down, automatically when a device is not needed, such as when the device approaches the base station with which it is communicating
  Market and label consumer signal boosters in a way that provides consumers with clear information specifying the legal use of the devices
  Upon notification, immediately cease operation in the event the device causes harmful interference to wireless network operations
  Coordinate frequency selection and power levels with the applicable wireless carrier(s) prior to operation