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No, they're illegal because FCC regulations specifically ban any device that interferes with other transmissions, _especially_ transmissions over reserved frequ
by TallGuyShort 17y ago
No, they're illegal because FCC regulations specifically ban any device that interferes with other transmissions, _especially_ transmissions over reserved frequencies. By the letter of the law, this is actually kind of a gray area, IMO. I think if it does get nailed down, it will only be because the cell phone companies retaliate against users because of some license agreement loop-hole. I'm not sure how the FCC actually stands on the issue of in-your-home, but as long as the device doesn't transmit a disruptive signal outside of the house, I think the MagicJack people are in the right here.
(full disclosure: I'm not a lawyer, but an amateur radio enthusiast - so I've read a fair bit about the issue)
- wglb 17y agoInteresting point. I know there are exceptions to licensing for certain services--as is noted elsewhere in this thread the FM transmitters for mp3 players and the like, but I was under the impression that was specifically included by the regulations. What is interesting is whether that applies to any frequency.
- karzeem 17y agoMy high school radio station's transmissions could only reach to the near side of the school parking lot, and I'm pretty sure that was to avoid having to deal with the FCC. Isn't this pretty much the same thing? If your transmission peters out at a small radius, I think the FCC doesn't get involved.