*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 22343.doc* PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th St., S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 DA 02- 2798 October 23, 2002 Extension of Filing Deadline for Registering Ground Penetrating Radars and Wall Imaging Systems for Inclusion under the Waiver Order Through this Public Notice, the Commission’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) is extending until November 15, 2002, the filing deadline for the registration of ground penetrating radar (GPR) systems and wall imaging systems. We recognize that some users of these devices may not be aware of the earlier requirement to register their uncertified equipment and believe that additional time should be provided. GPRs and wall imaging systems that are not registered by November 15, 2002, or that have not been authorized by the Commission under its certification procedure may not be legally operated. On February 12, 2002, the Commission adopted a First Report and Order amending Part 15 of its rules to permit the marketing and operation of products incorporating ultra- wideband (UWB) technology. Several categories of UWB devices were permitted under the regulations including GPRs and wall imaging systems. GPRs are radar devices that are designed to obtain the images of buried objects or to determine the physical properties within the ground. Wall imaging systems are functionally identical to GPRs except that they are used to detect these features within walls or ceilings. GPRs and wall imaging systems have been used for many years to perform critical safety services. On July 12, 2002, the Commission’s OET adopted an Order establishing a waiver procedure that permits the continued operation of existing GPRs and wall- imaging devices. Eligible users may continue to operate these devices under a waiver of the Part 15 regulations provided the products were purchased prior to July 15, 2002, and there continues to be no evidence of harmful interference to the authorized radio services. In order to be included under the provisions of the waiver, parties operating the GPRs or wall imaging systems were required to register their products with the Commission by no later than October 15, 2002. That deadline is extended until November 15, 2002. The waiver procedure provides a means to bring legacy equipment into compliance without imposing a significant burden on users. It permits the accommodation of existing products while ensuring that the authorized radio services are protected from harmful interference and that all new equipment complies with the appropriate standards. These actions will help ensure that critical public safety services and other public benefits provided by GPRs and wall imaging systems are not disrupted. Action by Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology on October 23, 2002 Order (DA 02- 2798). Staff Contact: John Reed at (202) 418- 2455, e- mail: jreed@ fcc. gov. 1