Phase One Approval for SDF Contraband Interdiction System
On October 3, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) issued a Public Notice (DA 24-1033) approving the Contraband Interdiction System (CIS) certification application filed by SDF, Inc. in GN Docket No. 13-111.
The approval covers phase one of the Commission's two-phase CIS certification framework established under 47 CFR Section 20.23. This authorization allows SDF, Inc. to market and sell its certified system to correctional facilities or eligible service providers and to commence phase two on-site testing at individual correctional facilities.
Two-Phase CIS Authorization Framework
Under the framework adopted in the Commission's Second Report and Order, qualifying requests to disable contraband wireless devices in correctional facilities require a certified CIS and a two-stage qualification process:
Following WTB phase one approval, applicants may begin site-specific phase two testing. Once phase two testing and self-certification are completed without unaddressed objections, Designated Correctional Facility Officials (DCFOs) may submit qualifying requests to wireless carriers to disable detected contraband devices.
- Phase One: Applicants submit applications to the Bureau demonstrating the legal and technical qualifications of their interdiction systems, including an adaptable test plan.
- Phase Two: Applicants execute on-site testing at specific correctional facilities and file self-certifications in ECFS confirming successful live testing.
Technical Evaluation and Equipment Authorizations
The Bureau determined that SDF's application satisfied the legal and technical requirements set forth in Commission rules and guidance. SDF demonstrated appropriate equipment authorizations for all radio transmitters utilized in the CIS.
According to regulatory filings, SDF was formerly a subsidiary of Septier Communications Ltd., with equipment previously authorized under FCC ID 2BDKO-SEPTIER. As of April 2024, SDF's equipment operates under FCC ID 2BFW7-SDF. In an ex parte filing dated October 1, 2024, SDF also notified the Commission that ownership of SDF was transferred to Oren Pelleg on September 22, 2024.
SDF's application demonstrated robust system methodology to locate devices strictly within correctional facilities, safeguards to protect collected data, mechanisms to ensure emergency 911 calls are not disrupted, and an adaptable statistical test plan for site-specific deployments.
Conditions of Approval
The Bureau's approval of SDF's Phase One CIS application is subject to four core regulatory conditions:
- Testing and operation of the certified CIS must conform strictly to the descriptions in SDF's approved application.
- Phase two self-certifications and any subsequent qualifying disabling requests must be based on data collected from real-time, live testing in deployed facility areas in accordance with the approved test plan.
- The CIS must maintain high accuracy in distinguishing contraband from non-contraband devices and identifying devices physically inside the facility perimeter.
- Marketing and sales of the approved CIS are strictly restricted to correctional facilities or entities providing contraband interdiction services to those facilities.