Interference Complaint and Laboratory Testing
In December 2009, the Federal Communications Commission's Enforcement Bureau received a complaint alleging that the SecurityMan SM-302T wireless camera was causing harmful interference to U.S. Cellular's licensed PCS network operating in the 1850-1865 MHz band.
After observing the device marketed on the company's website, Enforcement Bureau staff purchased an SM-302T unit and sent it to the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) Laboratory for technical evaluation. Laboratory tests confirmed that the device exceeded the radiated emission limits specified in Sections 15.209 and 15.249(d) of the Commission's rules for emissions outside the 902-928 MHz operational band.
- Device Tested: SecurityMan SM-302T (Factory Model AT202-900)
- Certified FCC ID: TW4-AT202-900M
- Authorized Operating Frequency: 906–924 MHz
- Target of Interference: U.S. Cellular PCS operations in the 1850–1865 MHz band
Importer Liability and Regulatory Violations
In response to an Enforcement Bureau Letter of Inquiry issued on March 18, 2010, SecurityMan stated that it imports and distributes the device but does not engineer the internal circuit boards, stating that the manufacturing factory was responsible for obtaining FCC certification and testing reports.
The Enforcement Bureau determined that despite factory testing claims, SecurityMan remains legally liable as an importer and distributor. Marketing devices that fail to comply with FCC technical standards violates Section 302(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 2.803(a)(1) of the Commission's rules.
- Communications Act Violation: Section 302(b) (47 U.S.C. § 302a(b))
- Commission Rules Violation: 47 C.F.R. § 2.803(a)(1)
- Technical Standards Breached: 47 C.F.R. § 15.209 and 47 C.F.R. § 15.249(d)
Enforcement Notice and Response Requirements
The Los Angeles Office of the Enforcement Bureau released Citation DA 11-408 (File No. EB-10-LA-0097, Citation No. C201132900004) on March 3, 2011, directing SecurityMan to take immediate steps to come into compliance.
SecurityMan was given 30 days from the release date to submit a written statement outlining corrective measures or schedule a personal interview at the FCC Los Angeles Office in Cerritos, California. The Commission noted that future violations could lead to monetary forfeitures of up to $16,000 per violation per day (up to $112,500 for a single act), equipment seizure, or criminal penalties.
- Citation Number: C201132900004
- File Number: EB-10-LA-0097
- Response Window: 30 days from March 3, 2011
- Action Authority: District Director, Los Angeles Office, Western Region, Enforcement Bureau