Interference Investigation in Golden, Colorado
On November 17, 2006, the Federal Communications Commission's Enforcement Bureau issued an Official Citation (Citation No. C20073280002, File No. EB-06-DV-397) to John Elway Pontiac, Buick, GMC, West, located in Golden, Colorado.
The enforcement action followed a complaint received by the Denver District Office on October 17, 2006. The complaint reported signal interference affecting KCNC-TV's 2 GHz Electronic News Gathering (ENG) Channel 5 (2059–2076 MHz), licensed to CBS Television Stations, Inc., at its receive site in Golden, Colorado.
Findings and Rule Violations
On October 18 and 19, 2006, an FCC agent investigated the interference source and traced the emissions to a cluster of two wireless cameras monitoring the west premise of the car dealership. The investigation revealed that the device was emitting an unstable spurious signal ranging between 2059 MHz and 2063 MHz, while operating at a fundamental frequency of approximately 2400 MHz.
Under Section 15.5(b) of the FCC's rules, the operation of intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiators is subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused. On October 19, 2006, the FCC agent inspected the equipment, and a security technician removed the offending unit from service.
- Affected Frequency: 2059–2076 MHz (KCNC-TV ENG Channel 5)
- Spurious Signal Range: 2059–2063 MHz
- Fundamental Frequency: Approximately 2400 MHz
- Rule Cited: 47 C.F.R. § 15.5(b)
Regulatory Notice and Procedural Rights
The Citation warns that further violations of the Communications Act or FCC rules may subject the party to monetary forfeitures, equipment seizure under in rem forfeiture proceedings, or criminal penalties. The dealership was granted 14 days from the date of the citation to request an interview at the Denver District Office in Lakewood, Colorado, or submit a written statement describing corrective actions taken.