FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION ENFORCEMENT BUREAU SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Dallas Office 9330 LBJ Freeway, #1170 Dallas, Texas 75243 November 24, 2009 End Zone Athletics, Inc Arlington, Texas NOTICE OF UNAUTHORIZED OPERATION AND INTERFERENCE TO LICENSED RADIO STATIONS Case Number: EB-09-DL-0063 Document Number: W201032500003 On August 13, 2009, in response to an interference complaint from T-Mobile USA Inc., an agent from this office confirmed by direction finding techniques that radio signals, including those on frequency 1853 MHz, were emanating from your building in Arlington, Texas. T-Mobile USA Inc. has a license to provide personal communications services in the 1850-1865 MHz and 1930-1945 MHz bands. Although the owner of End Zone Athletics, Inc. refused to allow an inspection of your radio transmitting equipment, he admitted to the agent that two “cell to tower jammers” were in use in your building. The owner had the two devices turned off, at which point the interfering signal ceased. Persons operating or using radio transmitters must be licensed or authorized by the FCC, pursuant to Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.1 In addition, radio transmitting equipment must comply with FCC rules.2 Section 333 of the Act prohibits willful or malicious interference with any radio communications of any station licensed or authorized by or under the Act or operated by the United States Government.3 In addition, Section 302(b) of the Act, and Section 2.803(a) of the Commission’s rules, prohibit the manufacture, importation, marketing, sale or operation of devices deliberately designed to jam or disrupt wireless communications.4 The Commission has issued two Public Notices specifically stating that the sale and use of transmitters designed to prevent, jam or interfere with the operation of cellular and personal communications service (“PCS”) telephones is unlawful.5 Section 303(n) of the Act 1 47 U.S.C. § 301. The only exception to this licensing requirement is for certain transmitters using or operating at a power level that complies with the standards established in Part 15 of the Commission's rules. 47 C.F.R. §§ 15.1 et seq. 2 47 C.F.R. Part 2, Subpart J. 3 47 U.S.C. § 333. 4 47 U.S.C. § 302a(b); 47 C.F.R. § 2.803(a). 5 See Office of Engineering and Technology and Compliance and Information Bureau Warn Against the Manufacture, Importation, Marketing or Operation of Transmitters Designed to Prevent or Otherwise Interfere with Cellular Radio Communications. DA 99-2150, released October 12, 1999; Sale or Use of Transmitters Designed to Prevent, Jam or Interfere with Cell Phone Communications is Prohibited in the United States. DA 05-1776, released June 27, 2005. also authorizes agents of the Commission to inspect all radio installations to determine compliance with Commission rules.6 The operation of the devices utilized by you constitutes a violation of Sections 333, 302(b), and 301 of the Act, as described above.7 Such operation may subject you to substantial monetary forfeitures, in rem arrest action against the offending radio equipment, and criminal sanctions including imprisonment.8 Because unauthorized operation creates a danger of interference to important radio communications services, and may subject the operator to severe penalties, this notice emphasizes the importance of complying strictly with these legal requirements. OPERATION OF THIS PROHIBITED RADIO TRANSMITTING DEVICE MUST NOT RESUME. You may respond with any information you believe relevant to this warning within (10) days from the date of this warning. Your response should be sent to the address in the letterhead and reference the listed case number. Under the Privacy Act of 1974, we are informing you that the Commission’s staff will use all relevant material information before it to determine what, if any, enforcement action is required to ensure your compliance with FCC Rules.9 This will include any information that you disclose in your reply. Sincerely, James D. Wells District Director Dallas Office South Central Region Attachments: Excerpts from the Communications Act of 1934, As Amended Enforcement Bureau, "Inspection Fact Sheet", March 2005 6 47 U.S.C. § 303(n). 7 47 U.S.C. §§ 301, 302a(b), 333. 8 See 47 U.S.C. §§ 401, 501, 503, 510. 9 5 U.S.C. § 552a(e)(3).