80_FR_47051 80 FR 46900 - Equipment Authorization and Electronic Labeling for Wireless Devices

80 FR 46900 - Equipment Authorization and Electronic Labeling for Wireless Devices

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 151 (August 6, 2015)

Page Range46900-46928
FR Document2015-18402

This document proposes updates to the rules that govern the evaluation and approval of RF devices. The Commission last comprehensively reviewed its equipment authorization procedures more than fifteen years ago. The RF equipment ecosystem has significantly expanded in that time, and the manner in which today's RF equipment is now designed, manufactured, and marketed--as well as the sheer number of devices subject to authorization--warrant the proposed rule modifications.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 151 (Thursday, August 6, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 151 (Thursday, August 6, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46900-46928]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18402]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 0, 2, 15, and 18

[ET Docket No. 15-170; RM-11673; FCC 15-92]


Equipment Authorization and Electronic Labeling for Wireless 
Devices

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This document proposes updates to the rules that govern the 
evaluation and approval of RF devices. The Commission last 
comprehensively reviewed its equipment authorization procedures more 
than fifteen years ago. The RF equipment ecosystem has significantly 
expanded in that time, and the manner in which today's RF equipment is 
now designed, manufactured, and marketed--as well as the sheer number 
of devices subject to authorization--warrant the proposed rule 
modifications.

DATES: Comments must be filed on or before September 8, 2015, and reply 
comments must be filed on or before September 21, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Butler, Office of Engineering 
and Technology, (202) 418-2702, email: [email protected]., TTY (202) 
418-2989.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by ET Docket No. 15-170; 
RM-11673, by any of the following methods:
     Federal Communications Commission's Web site: http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs//. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

[[Page 46901]]

     Mail: Brian Butler, Office of Engineering and Technology, 
Room 7-A267, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554.
     People with Disabilities: Contact the FCC to request 
reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language 
interpreters, CART, etc.) by email: [email protected] or phone: 202-418-
0530 or TTY: 888-835-5322.
    Pursuant to sections 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's rules, 47 
CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments and reply 
comments on or before the dates indicated on the first page of this 
document. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic 
Comment Filing System (ECFS). See Electronic Filing of Documents in 
Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998).
     Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically 
using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/.
     Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must 
file an original and one copy of each filing. If more than one docket 
or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, filers 
must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or 
rulemaking number.
     Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by 
commercial overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. 
Postal Service mail. All filings must be addressed to the Commission's 
Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
     All hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings 
for the Commission's Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 
445 12th St. SW., Room TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554. The filing hours 
are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together 
with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be 
disposed of before entering the building.
     Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service 
Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton 
Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.
     U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority 
mail must be addressed to 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554.
    People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible 
formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic 
files, audio format), send an email to [email protected] or call the 
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 888-
835-5322 (tty). For detailed instructions for submitting comments and 
additional information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section of this document.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission Notice 
of Proposed Rule Making, ET Docket No. 15-170, FCC 15-92, adopted July 
17, 2015, and released July 21, 2015. The full text of this document is 
available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in 
the FCC Reference Center (Room CY-A257), 445 12th Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20554. The full text may also be downloaded at: 
www.fcc.gov.

Synopsis

    1. The telecommunications sector depends on the variety and utility 
of radiofrequency (RF) devices. The purpose of this Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (NPRM) is to update the rules that govern the evaluation and 
approval of RF devices. The proposals build on actions the Commission 
recently took to modify its equipment authorization processing rules.
    2. The Commission proposed to combine two separate product approval 
programs--Declaration of Conformity and verification--into one product 
self-approval program. It also proposed to revise and clarify the rules 
that govern equipment certification, including those specifying when 
device changes necessitate a new FCC ID. These revisions would codify 
the current practices related to certification of modular transmitters 
for licensed services as well as the filing requirements for RF devices 
that incorporate multiple certified modular transmitters. They would 
also replace requirements that apply only to devices specifically 
classified as ``software defined radios'' (SDRs) with broadly 
applicable rules, based in part on the current Commission practices 
regarding software control of radio parameters, and would eliminate 
restrictions on hardware modifications of SDR devices.
    3. The Commission also proposed to codify procedures related to 
electronic labeling, streamline the rules for the measurement 
procedures that are used to demonstrate device compliance, and codify 
existing practices that protect the confidentiality of market-sensitive 
information. It proposed to eliminate unnecessary or duplicative rules 
and consolidate rules from various specific rule parts into the 
equipment authorization rules in part 2 of the Commission's rules and 
to discontinue the requirement that importers file information 
associated with FCC Form 740 with Customs and Border Protection for RF 
devices that are imported into the United States. Finally, the 
Commission sought comment on how to codify any filing or notification 
requirements that may be necessitated by the adoption of these 
proposals.
    4. The Commission found that its proposals would better align its 
equipment authorization procedures with the current state of equipment 
development, design, and manufacturing practices, thus promoting 
significant cost savings, reducing the burdens, and avoiding any 
unnecessary delay associated with the equipment authorization process. 
It invited commenters to discuss the costs and benefits of the rule 
changes proposed in the NPRM, and provide relevant supporting data, 
along with additional suggestions for enhancing the benefits or 
reducing the costs associated with the proposals.

Background

    5. The Commission ensures compliance with its technical rules 
through the equipment authorization program for RF devices, which is 
codified in part 2 of the Commission's rules. Additionally, RF devices 
must comply with the Commission's technical and equipment authorization 
requirements before they can be imported to or marketed in the United 
States. The current RF equipment authorization procedures have evolved 
over the course of more than 40 years.
    6. The NPRM is informed by the evolution of the RF device 
ecosystem. The development of highly integrated circuitry, software-
based designs and new production procedures has resulted in the use of 
substantially more complex RF transmitters in increasingly compact 
devices. The transmitters may operate individually or simultaneously 
using multiple transmission modes. Certain of the transmitters may 
operate under rules for the various licensed radio services, while 
others operate under the unlicensed device rules, all within a single 
product. Such devices may be too small to fit a permanently attached 
label that includes the compliance information, particularly in the 
case where a finished product includes multiple modular transmitters 
with each one required to display certain information such as an FCC 
ID.

Unifying Self-Approval Procedures

    7. Currently, RF devices must be authorized in accordance with one 
of three procedures specified in subpart J of part 2-certification, 
Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and verification. DoC and verification 
are self-approval procedures in which the responsible

[[Page 46902]]

party is required to take specific actions to ensure that its equipment 
complies with the Commission's rules. Unlike certification, these 
procedures do not require submittal of an application to the FCC or a 
Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) and do not require the 
explicit grant of certification. Also, unlike a certified device, such 
equipment does not have an FCC ID, and is not listed in an FCC 
database. Under DoC, the responsible party must use a recognized 
accredited test laboratory when testing devices and include a 
compliance information statement with the product that identifies the 
product and a responsible party within the United States. Verification 
does not require the use of FCC-recognized test laboratories or the 
provision of a compliance information statement with the product.
    8. The number and variety of devices subject to DoC has grown 
significantly since the Commission last investigated the possibility of 
combining the DoC and verification procedures, and there are now 
comprehensive and widely used measurement procedures, significant 
testing expertise and capabilities for devices subject to DoC, and a 
greater comfort with the use of self-approval procedures. At the same 
time, the development of highly integrated circuits to implement 
functions which were previously performed by discrete components has 
resulted in lower typical RF emissions from such devices. The 
Commission found little benefit in maintaining two distinct procedures 
or in maintaining the rigor of the Declaration of Conformity procedure 
given these changes, and recognized the potential for reducing costs 
for manufacturers. It tentatively concluded that a single process would 
simplify the equipment authorization requirements and reduce confusion 
as to which process may apply to any given device, while continuing to 
adequately ensure compliance with the rules, and sought comment on the 
proposed rule revisions.
    9. The Commission proposed to incorporate certain elements of the 
existing Suppliers Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) process now used 
for Telephone Network Terminal Equipment into the new single process, 
which would apply to all equipment currently subject to the DoC and 
verification procedures. Under this proposal, the responsible party for 
equipment subject to rules other than part 68 would test equipment for 
compliance to specified standards or requirements and certify 
compliance to the public, by way of a statement supplied with the 
product, without securing an independent third-party review or approval 
of compliance. Unlike the existing part 68 SDoC rules, the Commission 
did not propose to require that the RF devices be registered in any 
database. The use of accredited testing facilities would not be 
required under our proposal. The NPRM sought comment on use of the 
specific term ``Supplier's Declaration of Conformity'' or ``SDoC'' for 
this new process.
    10. The Commission proposed to modify its rules to remove the 
ambiguous reference to ``tak[ing] necessary steps'' as a potential 
alternative to testing. It also proposed to consolidate the existing 
Sec.  2.1073, ``Responsibilities,'' into an expanded Sec.  2.909, 
``Responsible party;'' and to consolidate existing Sec.  2.1075, which 
addresses records retention, into a revised Sec.  2.938 that would 
apply broadly to all equipment subject to our equipment authorization 
procedures. It proposed to otherwise retain the other DoC rules (i.e. 
those within Sec. Sec.  2.1071 through 2.1077) and to apply them to the 
new approval procedure, and sought comment on proposed revisions to 
Sec.  2.1077 that would require all equipment to include a compliance 
statement with the product literature that identifies for consumers who 
is responsible for the device's compliance with the Commission's 
technical regulations. The NPRM also asked whether the Commission 
should require the compliance statement to include additional 
information when equipment has been modified, but is nevertheless still 
subject to the self-approval process.
    11. The proposed rules would no longer require the use of a 
specific logo (Sec. Sec.  15.19(b) and 18.209). In lieu of the logo 
requirement, the NPRM proposed to expand use of the statement of 
compliance with the part 15 rules that currently applies to devices 
subject to verification and certification (Sec.  15.19(a)) to include 
its use as part of the new procedure. It asked questions about the 
impact of such an approach, including reliance on the logo as a mark of 
device approval, use of the logo on a voluntary basis, and potential 
effect on the identification of unauthorized devices. Under parts 15 
and 18 of the rules, a responsible party can opt for the certification 
process in lieu of required DoC for the approval of certain 
unintentional radiators (e.g., Class B personal computers and 
peripheral devices). The NPRM asked whether the Commission should allow 
devices that would be subject to the new SDoC requirements to 
optionally be certified.
A. Updating Certification Procedures
    12. Certification differs from the other equipment authorization 
processes in that a grant of certification signifies that a Commission-
qualified party other than the manufacturer or compliance testing 
laboratory has found that the equipment can be marketed in compliance 
with the technical and administrative requirements of the rule part(s) 
under which it will be operated. The procedure also requires submission 
of compliance information to a TCB as a part of the approval process, 
and the grant of certification and associated FCC ID is published on 
the Commission's public Web site. The Commission recently streamlined 
its certification procedures by modifying the rules associated with the 
TCB review of certification applications. The NPRM focuses on 
simplifying and clarifying the procedures related to the filing of 
certification applications.
    13. Traditionally, most certifications were granted for complete 
devices (i.e. devices that do not require additional equipment to be 
capable of functioning). Increasingly, devices such as personal 
computers, mobile wireless devices, and utility meters embody complex 
designs and incorporate numerous previously certified modular 
transmitters made by other manufacturers. Modular transmitters are not 
intended for standalone use, and can be designed to broadly comply with 
the applicable Commission rules, or be certified for operation and/or 
installation in a host device based on compliance with certain specific 
conditions. In some cases, the compliance of an end product that 
incorporates certified modular transmitters may be based upon the 
original testing of the certified modular transmitters. In other cases, 
particularly where the new host device or end product has significant 
characteristics different from the original host device, further 
testing may be needed to ensure compliance of the new device or 
product. Additionally, manufacturers are increasingly designing 
transmitters that use software to set the operating parameters. Such 
RF-controlling software can allow adjustment of individual parameters 
or enable a device to operate in different modes, and the manufacturer 
may provide software upgrades in the field to enable new capabilities. 
We need to be assured that such devices only operate consistent with 
their certification. Also, software may be designed to only be modified 
by the grantee of certification or may be designed to permit third 
parties to enable new functions or frequency bands. Such trends are 
testing

[[Page 46903]]

the limits of the Commission's existing certification rules, and formed 
the basis for the NPRM's proposals.
    14. The Commission proposed to better accommodate these 
developments by amending its basic certification rule to acknowledge 
that certification may be obtained for three types of RF devices: a 
device capable of independent operation, (currently addressed by our 
certification rules), a modular transmitter that is designed for 
installation into a host device or as a peripheral to another device, 
and a host device consisting of one or more modular transmitters 
certified by other parties. Additionally, the Commission proposed to 
permit certification of a group of related devices that are certified 
under a single FCC ID. It also proposed to streamline certain 
application procedures to reduce the need to file new applications in 
many cases.
a. Modular Transmitters
    15. The Commission proposed to broadly apply the current rule 
governing certification of modular transmitters that operate in part 15 
unlicensed spectrum allocations to all RF devices regulated by the 
Commission. This change would acknowledge the increasing reliance on 
modular transmitters in RF devices designed for use in licensed radio 
services. The Commission's proposed part 2 rule provisions are 
consistent with this existing guidance in KDB Publication 996369. The 
proposed new rules would broadly apply to modular transmitters used in 
any RF device and would also maintain certain specific requirements 
that are currently only applicable to modular transmitters used in 
unlicensed devices.
    16. The Commission proposed to retain the concept of a ``limited 
modular approval,'' under which the manufacturer demonstrates in the 
certification application that the transmitter will comply with our 
rules only under specific circumstances. The Commission proposed to 
incorporate the part 15 rules and the guidance in KDB Publication 
996369 for limited modular approvals into the revised part 2 rule. In 
light of the comprehensive RF exposure rules that apply to all devices, 
the Commission also proposed to no longer specify a unique RF exposure 
requirement for modular transmitters. It also proposed to eliminate the 
rule provision that permits authorization of modular transmitters that 
are ``split'' into the ``radio front end'' (the radio elements) and the 
``transmitter control element'' (the hardware on which the software 
that controls the radio operation resides), based on its determination 
that such a device configuration has not been widely implemented. 
Additionally, the Commission proposed to permit certification of 
modular transmitters that consist of a single chip which has been 
tested to demonstrate compliance in a typical installation provided 
that the grantee includes detailed instructions for integration into 
other RF devices (i.e. host devices) to ensure that the ultimate 
configuration is consistent with the significant parameters for which 
it was tested. The Commission sought comment on all of these proposals.
    17. The Commission anticipated the possible development of devices 
that are nothing more than physical platforms (form factors) into which 
individual modular transmitter components can be inserted in an almost 
limitless variety of combinations. The Commission proposed that an 
applicant for certification of a modular device or a form factor that 
includes its own RF characteristics provide design guidelines, 
interface specifications, and authentication requirements that would 
guarantee that a module can operate on the form factor only with other 
modules whose collective RF emissions meet the rules' requirements. The 
Commission sought comment on whether this regulatory regime would 
enable the development of this kind of product while ensuring 
compliance with the rules--including those related to interference, RF 
exposure, and hearing aid compatibility.
b. Devices With Software-Based Capabilities
    18. The SDR rules were intended to allow manufacturers to obtain 
approval for changes to the RF operating parameters of a radio 
resulting from software changes without the need to physically re-label 
a device with a new FCC ID number in the field. For a device to be 
certified as an SDR, in addition to demonstrating that the device 
complies with the applicable technical requirements, the applicant must 
also demonstrate that the device contains security features to prevent 
the loading of software that would allow the radio to operate in 
violation of the Commission's rules. The applicant generally has the 
option of whether to declare a device an SDR. Once the grantee of a 
device that is classified as an SDR makes any hardware modifications 
that require approval, the rules do not permit any subsequent software 
changes absent the filing of an application to obtain a new FCC ID.
    19. The Commission found that the existing SDR rules have proven to 
be insufficiently flexible to meet the growing use of software-defined 
control elements in RF devices, and proposed to simplify the rules by 
removing the SDR designation from grants of certification and 
incorporating any necessary requirements for software control of RF 
parameters and software security for all devices in the general 
certification rules and guidance.
    20. The proposals would modify the SDR-related requirements in part 
2 of its rules based in part on the current Commission practices 
regarding software configuration control. To minimize the potential for 
unauthorized modification to the software that controls the RF 
parameters of the device, grantees would have to implement well-defined 
measures to ensure that certified equipment is not capable of operating 
with RF-controlling software for which it has not been approved. All 
manufacturers of devices that have software-based control of RF 
parameters would have to provide specific information about the 
software capabilities of their devices. The Commission proposed to 
require that an applicant for certification explicitly describe the RF 
device's capabilities for software configuration and upgradeability in 
the application for certification. This description would include all 
frequency bands, power levels, modulation types, or other modes of 
operation for which the device is designed to operate, including modes 
not enabled in the device as initially marketed. Also, an applicant for 
certification would have to specify which parties will be authorized to 
make software changes (e.g., the grantee, wireless service provider, 
other authorized parties) and the software controls that are provided 
to prevent unauthorized parties from enabling different modes of 
operation. This information would be included as part of the 
operational description information required in the application for 
certification. The Commission sought comment on these proposals.
2. Changes to Certified Equipment
    21. Under the current rules, the grantee of an equipment 
authorization may market devices having different model/type numbers or 
trade names without additional authorization from the Commission, 
provided that the devices are ``electrically identical'' and the 
equipment bears an FCC ID validated by a grant of certification. The 
Commission identified the concept of electrically identical as not 
appropriate to modern radio designs, discussed how

[[Page 46904]]

strict application of this concept can result in outcomes that 
unnecessarily burden manufacturers and constrain design flexibilities, 
and proposed revisions to the rules.
    22. Section 2.1043 categorizes three broad classes of permissive 
changes: Class I (changes are equipment modifications that do not 
degrade the characteristics associated with the initial grant of 
certification); Class II (changes that do degrade these performance 
characteristics); and Class III (modifications to devices originally 
specifically certified as SDRs). The NPRM noted that the proposal to 
eliminate an SDR-specific certification would eliminate the need to 
maintain the Class III category. For Class II changes (as well as Class 
III), the grantee can file an abbreviated application for certification 
under the same FCC ID. A change that falls outside the permissive 
change definitions requires a new FCC ID issued in conjunction with a 
new grant of certification based on a complete certification 
application.
    23. The current rules require a grantee to obtain a new approval 
with a different FCC ID and label its equipment accordingly when minor 
electrical component changes are made that have no effect on the 
overall functionality or compliance of the device. Because modern 
equipment is often designed using chips with a high level of integrated 
functions and with the capability to use software to control and/or add 
functions that modify the RF parameters reported at the time of 
certification, a device may add a completely new set of RF operating 
parameters from the already approved device and still be ``electrically 
identical'' under the rules and, thus, can be authorized under one FCC 
ID. The NPRM proposed to replace the ``electrically identical'' 
benchmark with a new standard that considers how the device differs 
from what was evaluated at the time of equipment certification and 
whether those differences could affect how the modified device complies 
with our rules. The Commission sought comment on two proposed broad 
categories of changes--those that do not require a new FCC ID and those 
that do. Under this regime, a manufacturer or other responsible party 
would evaluate the scope of changes and potentially test its modified 
device to determine the applicable change category.
    24. The Commission proposed that certain changes in layout, 
included components, operating software, or variations in overall 
electrical or mechanical constructions that do not substantially change 
the overall function of the device do not require a new FCC ID. Within 
this category, the Commission proposed to retain a distinction between 
changes that may be made without an additional filing and those changes 
that require an application for certification. The Commission proposed 
to continue to permit Class I permissive changes for those changes that 
do not degrade the device parameters normally reported in an equipment 
authorization application (including a decrease in the fundamental 
emissions that does not increase spurious emissions; an improved 
spurious emission performance; minor variations in the enclosure or 
components; and software changes that do not affect RF parameters). The 
Commission emphasized that such changes could not cause the fundamental 
emissions to increase, the spurious emissions to deteriorate, RF 
exposure to increase or HAC ratings to change. Based on the negligible 
risk that these types of minor changes would make the device 
noncompliant with the rules, the Commission proposed that the 
manufacturer or responsible party perform the modifications without 
notifying the Commission or a TCB. The Commission also asked if there 
were other circumstances that may be covered by the proposed Class I 
permissive change procedures.
    25. The Commission also proposed to modify its rules for Class II 
permissive changes that maintain the same FCC ID, but are, nonetheless, 
subject to filing and approval requirements. It proposed to permit 
changes that would increase the fundamental emissions or degrade 
spurious emissions or other parameters reported to the Commission from 
what was evaluated at the time of certification, as long as rules 
compliance is maintained and the overall layout, major frequency 
determining components and circuitry, or function of the device have 
not changed. Under this proposal, any modification to component layout 
must have the same device circuit design as that approved initially, 
and the replaced components for RF determining functions must have 
similar capabilities. The Commission envisioned that parties would make 
these types of changes to enable new capabilities such as new frequency 
bands or transmission formats mostly through software changes. 
Application of this standard would allow for component changes, 
including depopulating certain components like power amplifiers from 
the RF section of a device, without requiring a new FCC ID.
    26. When the grantee adds such capabilities through software 
changes it would be required to demonstrate the device controls that 
would prevent unauthorized software modifications by filing an 
application for certification, as a permissive change, under the same 
FCC ID. Such applications would need to clearly identify the changes 
made to the device and any revisions of the operational description 
associated with such changes, and demonstrate the modified device's 
compliance with the rules. If the grantee of a certified modular 
transmitter wants to use the transmitter in a manner for which it has 
not been approved, the grantee would have to also obtain a new grant of 
certification under the same FCC ID by filing an application with data 
that demonstrates compliance with all pertinent technical standards. 
The Commission also asked whether there other circumstances where 
changes would be allowed under the same FCC ID with the grant of a new 
certification.
    27. The NPRM proposed to permit a group of devices that are 
essentially similar, based upon the overall design of the devices, 
their functions, components and layout, to be authorized as a ``family 
of products'' under the same FCC ID without having to obtain distinct 
approval from a TCB for each device. The Commission proposed to permit 
a manufacturer to determine what constitutes a family of products. It 
asked about appropriate review and oversight mechanisms, and proposed 
that a manufacturer include in its initial filing or updated filing 
specific information about the variations in the products within a 
family, and identify any variations due to removal of some components. 
It asked whether it should also require the manufacturer to specify 
different model numbers for each variation of the product.
    28. The Commission concluded that certain device modifications 
(such as major changes in the design, layout or replacement of the 
components) would be substantial enough to require a new FCC ID that 
has been validated by a new grant of certification. The Commission 
proposed to revise Sec.  2.1043 and remove the ``electrically 
identical'' definition from Sec.  2.924 of the rules, and to add rules 
that address the modular transmitters, software-defined radio, and 
device change matters discussed. The Commission sought comment on these 
proposals.
3. Responsible Parties for Certified Equipment
    29. The grantee of certification is responsible for the compliance 
of the certified equipment. When another party modifies a device 
through either hardware or software changes without

[[Page 46905]]

the authority of the original grantee, or incorporates a certified 
device into another host device, that party becomes responsible for the 
modified device's compliance and must obtain a new FCC ID for its 
product. When a party other than the grantee of certification modifies 
a device under the authority of the original grantee, the party must 
obtain a new certification under either the original FCC ID with the 
original grantee's approval, or with a new FCC ID. The NPRM proposed to 
clarify the parties responsible for ensuring the compliance of devices 
in different scenarios, and to make sure that all devices requiring 
authorization have been properly tested for compliance and have a 
clearly-identified responsible party.
a. End Products Incorporating Certified Modular Transmitters
    30. Modular transmitters are certified as compliant with the 
Commission's rules based upon specific data about the intended device 
configuration and use that are provided by the grantee in its 
certification application. Limitations on the grant may be required to 
ensure that a particular host device, modular transmitter, or 
combination of modular transmitters used in an end product complies 
with the rules. Complications can arise when a certified modular 
transmitter has not been certified for use with a specific host device 
or it is being used in a manner that was not evaluated at the time it 
was certified. The Commission proposed to continue to apply the general 
principle that a party that creates an end product is responsible for 
the compliance of the end product it creates, and to establish rules 
for two general scenarios involving end products that incorporate 
certified modular transmitters.
    31. The NPRM outlined the following proposal for when the 
installation of a certified modular transmitter installed would not 
require a certification application: The Commission proposed to codify 
existing guidance, under which the party installing a certified modular 
transmitter (or multiple certified transmitters) into a device must 
follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer(s) concerning the 
installation of the modular transmitter(s), the type and layout of the 
transmit antenna(s), and any other steps that must be taken to ensure 
the compliance of the end product. A party using a certified modular 
transmitter in the authorized configuration, must first confirm that 
the host device was manufactured in compliance with its own equipment 
authorization and it must also ensure that the end product is of a type 
that has been tested for use under the modular transmitter's 
certification(s). If the host device already contains transmitters 
which may not have been certified separately, or the party is 
installing multiple certified modular transmitters, then each 
transmitter must have been certified for use in such a combination and 
the modular transmitters may only be installed in an approved 
configuration. If a certified modular transmitter is installed in a 
host and if the modular transmitter is installed in compliance with all 
of the conditions tested and established as part of certified modular 
transmitter's grant of certification, then a new certification would 
not be required for the resulting end product. The Commission further 
proposed to clarify that the installer is responsible for ensuring that 
the host device complies with the rules and was properly authorized 
prior to the installation of the modular transmitter. It also asked 
whether there are other conditions which should not require a new grant 
of certification.
    32. The NPRM outlined the following proposal for governing the 
installation of a certified modular transmitter that would require 
additional certification application(s): Consistent with the 
Commission's current guidance, when the certified modular transmitter 
or the combination of certified modular transmitters would result in a 
configuration that is not consistent with any of the modular 
transmitters' certifications; or host device-specific tests are 
required, the installer would have to ensure that the end product is 
tested to demonstrate compliance with all applicable technical 
requirements. Such tests must be conducted with the installed 
configuration of certified modular transmitters including any host-
based non-certified modular transmitters and the grant of certification 
of certified modular transmitter (or the host, when applicable) must be 
updated accordingly.
    33. The Commission proposed to codify two filing options to ensure 
that an end product is properly authorized in compliance with its 
rules. First, the installer could apply for a grant of certification 
for the complete end product (i.e. the host device and the certified 
transmitter(s)). Under this scenario, if the installing party has 
obtained the consent of the original certified modular transmitter 
grantee(s), then its application could reference the test data 
associated with the modular transmitter(s)' current certification, and 
provide supplemental test data as necessary. The original grantee of 
certification would continue to be responsible for compliance of its 
certified modular transmitter(s) and the end product manufacturer would 
be responsible for compliance of the additional capabilities of the 
certified modular transmitter(s) approved under the new FCC ID and for 
the end product.
    34. Under the second scenario, the grantee(s) of the certified 
modular transmitter(s) could modify the original grant(s) of 
certification to allow for such an integration into a host device under 
the original FCC ID(s). In this case, the original grantee of the 
certified modular transmitter would submit a new certification 
application with any supplemental data necessary to demonstrate that 
the previously certified modular transmitter or that certain 
combinations of modular transmitters would comply with the rules when 
appropriately installed in the specific host device. Depending on the 
nature and scope of the modifications, the original grantee would 
either retain the existing FCC ID for the certified modular transmitter 
and submit a new certification application pursuant to Sec.  2.1043, or 
it would submit a new certification application pursuant to Sec.  
2.1033 and receive a new FCC ID.
    35. This NPRM also seeks comment on how to address certified 
modular transmitters that are sold directly to consumers to be 
integrated into host devices or independently combined. The NPRM noted 
that application of the proposed rules would make the consumer, acting 
as the integrator, the responsible party for these end products, and 
identified practical difficulties with such an approach. It proposed to 
designate the certified modular transmitter grantee or the host 
provider as responsible for the end products that are intended for 
assembly by consumers, and asked whether it should place limits or 
conditions on grants of certification when equipment may be directly 
sold to consumers for assembly or integration. The Commission suggested 
that such conditions could require detailed instructions to the end 
user for proper installation and use of the device, as well as the 
inclusion of certain electrical or mechanical locks to limit authorized 
operation. It asked if there were other conditions that would help 
ensure compliant operation in such cases.
    36. The NPRM addressed a specific scenario that may occur when a 
modular transmitter's authorized parameters may be modified via 
hardware or software changes, resulting in the filing of a permissive 
change application for certification for the modular transmitter. Under 
the

[[Page 46906]]

Commission's proposal, when certifications have already been granted 
for end products that reference the original modular transmitter 
certification, then the existing certification for the end product 
would remain valid without further action. It sought comment on ways 
both manufacturers of certified end products and the FCC can better 
distinguish among the different versions of certified modular 
transmitters that may be incorporated into their products from that 
point forward, and asked if anything, short of requiring a permissive 
change application for certification of the end product, should be done 
to track whether authorized version(s) of certified modular 
transmitters have been incorporated in end products. The Commission 
also asked how it could ensure that the manufacturer of the end product 
is using the version of the certified modular transmitter which was 
approved with the original filing and whether it should continue to 
rely on the manufacturers of end products to make sure that their 
products continue to comply if there are variations in the certified 
modular transmitters.
    37. The Commission recognized that adoption of its proposals could 
require parties to perform additional compliance testing on the end 
product with one or a combination of modular transmitters installed. 
However, it tentatively concluded that such costs would be outweighed 
by the benefits of more clearly defining responsibilities prior to 
certification and marketing products, which, in turn would better 
ensure compliance with the Commission's rules. The Commission also 
sought comment on whether the proposal represented the least burdensome 
and most efficient way to meet these goals.
b. Modification of Certified Equipment by Third Parties
    38. The Commission proposed to eliminate exceptions to the 
principle that certified devices could not be modified by third parties 
unless the third party receives its own certification. It proposed to 
revise Sec.  2.909(d), which allows a new party that performs device 
modifications without the consent of the original grantee to become 
responsible for the compliance by labeling the device with a statement 
indicating it was modified, with the requirement that the party obtain 
a new grant of certification. It would have to specify a new FCC ID 
unless the consent of the original is obtained. The Commission asked 
whether the new procedure should also apply to parties that currently 
market devices with modified certification labels.
    39. The Commission proposed, for certified device operating under 
all rule parts, to require that any party making changes without the 
authorization of the original grantee of certification must obtain a 
new grant of certification and a new FCC ID. This would codify a 
uniform application process for instances where parties other than the 
original grantee wish to make changes to certified devices, and would 
remove the current distinctions in Sec.  2.1043(d) and (f) of the 
rules.
    40. The Commission also proposed that an application from a third 
party that would result in a new FCC ID for a previously-approved 
device must include documentation substantiating that the original 
grantee has given permission for the new applicant to reference its 
original filing, and asked what documentation should be considered 
sufficient for this purpose. It proposed to require the submission of a 
new application without references to the original grant of 
certification when changes are made without the original grantee's 
approval.
    41. The Commission also proposed to permit third-party RF-
controlling software modifications to previously certified devices 
under the same procedures that currently apply to grantee modifications 
of SDRs. The Commission also proposed to incorporate the technical 
requirements currently specified in the current SDR rule (which was 
proposed to be deleted) into its broadly applicable application 
processing rule.
c. Repaired and Refurbished Devices
    42. The Commission proposed to formally adopt its current practice 
whereby a third party that repairs or refurbishes certified equipment 
to the device's original specification does not need to submit an 
application for certification if the equipment continues to operate as 
specified in its current grant. If a party does not return the 
equipment to its original specification, it would be considered to be a 
modification to a certified device. Third parties that repair or 
refurbish certified equipment to the device's original specification 
without the grantee's permission would have to file an application for 
certification or take other action to ensure that the Commission could 
readily identify the third party and confirm that the repair would not 
constitute an impermissible modification. The Commission further 
proposed that activities routinely performed by users or personnel at 
retail stores, such as battery pack replacement and hard drive and 
memory installation, would not be considered modifications of the 
device's grant of certification. It asked whether there were other 
types of refurbishing services (such as repair of broken controls) that 
would make its proposed requirements unduly onerous.
d. Imported Equipment
    43. The Commission's rules currently prohibit the importation of 
devices that require an authorization, and for which no specific 
authorization has been obtained. Under the current rules, the importer 
of a certified device is not the party responsible for compliance with 
its rules. The Commission proposed to require that all applications for 
certification include the contact information of a party located in the 
United States that is responsible for compliance, and asked whether 
there were other options (including rules amendments) that would 
provide it with jurisdiction over the party responsible for the 
compliance of the equipment. The Commission also addressed the entry 
into U.S. markets of non-compliant devices when a foreign-based entity 
markets and ships a device directly to a United States customer without 
an intervening importer. It asked if it should consider the company 
that ships a non-compliant device into the U.S. as an importer under 
FCC rules, and questioned whether it should treat the United States 
customer who orders a non-compliant device as an importer in violation 
of its rules. The Commission proposed to enforce its importation rules 
against both the seller and the buyer.
4. Information Included With Applications for Certification
    44. The Commission proposed to streamline Sec.  2.1033 of the rules 
by combining the duplicative information requirements listed in the two 
sections of the rule that list the information that must be included 
with applications for certification and reorganizing the information 
required only in specific rule parts or for specific types of operation 
into a more logical structure. The Commission also proposed to modify 
its requirements for submission of device's operational description to 
include information about software used to control RF parameters and 
security to ensure unauthorized modification. It proposed to allow a 
third party that makes changes to certified devices or files 
applications that rely on pre-existing certifications to reference 
portions of the original grant of certification that are consistent 
with the device as integrated in its end product. The Commission 
further proposed to

[[Page 46907]]

permit the new responsible parties to refer to test data submitted in 
the original grantee's filing, and sought comment on what additional 
portions of the original grant of certification the applicant would it 
be appropriate to incorporate by reference into the new application for 
certification. The Commission also asked if there are any portions of 
the application that the new responsible party always be required to 
submit, how to codify such requirements, and whether there are certain 
parts of the original application that the new responsible parties 
could refer to without the grantee's permission.
    45. The Commission proposed to stop allowing filing of applications 
for certification or acceptance of requests to update documentation in 
their application file when such actions are not required, except as 
allowed under our permissive change rules. The Commission recognized 
that there may be interest in continuing to allow this practice. It 
asked questions about how it would codify rule to support such filings, 
including how to define the scope of permitted modifications and the 
role of TCBs and Commission oversight under such provisions.
5. Confidentiality of Certification Applications
    46. A TCB is required to upload all the information associated with 
a certification application to the Commission's Equipment Authorization 
System (EAS). When an equipment certification is granted in EAS, all 
application material is generally made available on the FCC Web site. 
Commencement of marketing can only begin after the grant of equipment 
certification and associated materials have been published on our Web 
site. Some of this information may be held confidential, under the 
Commission's current rules and procedures as described in the NPRM. The 
Commission proposed to modify these rules and procedures.
    47. Short-term confidentiality allows for the preparation for 
marketing of devices without disclosure of sensitive information to the 
public prior to actual sale, and is typically requested for information 
that will become discoverable once sales commence and the product and 
its related literature can be physically examined--e.g. external 
photos, internal photos, and user manuals. The Commission proposed to 
codify the short-term confidentiality procedure for the types of 
information described in the Commission's June 15, 2004 public notice, 
DA 04-1705, concerning short-term confidentiality requests. It would 
grant short-term confidentiality upon the applicant's request for 45 
days or an earlier date if specified by the applicant, which may be 
extended with serial requests to a maximum of 180 days. The applicant 
would not need to provide a specific justification for its request. The 
Commission would immediately end the short-term confidentially period 
if the device is marketed to the public or otherwise publicized by the 
applicant or by an entity acting on the applicant's behalf prior to the 
expiration of this period. The Commission may nevertheless reveal the 
information at any time if a request for inspection is filed and 
granted under Sec.  0.461 of the rules, our general provision that 
governs the release of information not routinely available for public 
inspection.
    48. The Commission proposed to require an applicant to identify the 
specific exhibits associated with an application for certification for 
which short-term confidentiality is requested, and not to grant 
confidentiality for information such as test reports and test set-up 
information that demonstrates that the product complies with the 
Commission's technical rules. However, it asked whether there would be 
benefits in making all application exhibits automatically considered 
part of a short-term confidentiality request, and asked whether 45 days 
with extensions up to 180 days total is the proper length of time to 
allow short-term confidentiality. Furthermore, the Commission also 
proposed to codify its current policy that the applicant must give 
notice to the TCB issuing the grant of certification prior to the 
device being marketed to the public or otherwise publicized so that the 
short-term confidentiality period may be immediately terminated. The 
Commission asked whether, as an alternative proposal, short-term 
confidentiality should automatically be granted for some or all 
exhibits without being specifically requested by the applicant, and, if 
so, which application exhibits should be given short-term 
confidentiality.
    49. Long-term confidentiality is intended to safeguard trade 
secrets, is intended for information that is not readily discoverable 
upon release of the device, and can last indefinitely. Long-term 
confidentiality is governed by Sec. Sec.  0.457(d) and 0.459 of the 
rules, which provides for information to be held confidential by the 
Commission unless a request for inspection is filed and granted per 
Sec.  0.461 of the rules, and requires a specific application seeking 
that material be given long-term confidential treatment. The Commission 
proposed to provide long-term confidentiality automatically (i.e. 
without specific justification), based on the fact that the vast 
majority of equipment authorization applications are accompanied by 
requests for long-term confidentiality for certain types of exhibits 
and that the requests are regularly granted, for the following types of 
exhibits: (1) Schematics, (2) block diagrams, (3) operational 
descriptions, and (4) parts list/tune-up information. It asked whether 
some of the exhibits should not be automatically be given long-term 
confidential treatment, and whether other exhibits beyond those listed 
be given long-term confidentiality. The Commission noted that its 
proposal is consistent with the process reform goal 5.42 in the FCC 
staff report in GN Docket 14-25.
    50. Finally, the Commission stated that it believes that its 
proposals for short- and long-term confidentiality would comply with 
its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the 
Trade Secrets Act, and sought comment on that conclusion.
6. Timeframe for Requesting Review of Certification Grants
    51. The Commission proposed to adopt rules to specify that the 
``release date'' for the grant of a certification is the date that the 
grant is published on the Commission's Web site. It stated that it 
believes that the date that the grant is published on its Web site is 
the appropriate public notice date as it is the date that the grant of 
the certification becomes known to the public and is the effective date 
of the certification grant. While this release date should be the date 
that will appear on any electronic or hard copies of the grant, the 
Commission proposed to specify the date of publication on our Web site 
to avoid any confusion should a mistake or other circumstance occur in 
which the dates do not match.
    52. The Commission stated that its proposals regarding 
confidentiality could affect the ability of parties to contest a 
certification grant, and asked whether the information that is always 
made immediately available provides notice to the public of the 
substance of a final Commission action that is adequate to determine 
whether and how to contest a grant. It asked whether, if it adopts the 
proposal to codify the current practice for granting short-term 
confidentiality, to require the applicant requesting confidentiality 
place a summary or a redacted version of the exhibits for which they 
are requesting short-term confidential treatment on our Web site at the 
time of the grant. The Commission also asked about issuance of a 
``provisional'' certification grant for

[[Page 46908]]

a device which otherwise is deemed to meet all the certification 
requirements that could be used for legal importation and distribution 
through the supply chain of devices prior to sale. When the device is 
sold to the public, the final certification grant would be made public, 
and that would constitute the public notice date. It asked if a 
different consideration should hold for determining the start of the 
thirty-day period in which the Commission can set aside an action on 
its own motion. Lastly, the Commission proposed that it could specify 
that a provisional grant constitutes a ``grant'' for purposes of its 
importation rules. It sought comment on all of these proposals, as well 
as any other options it should consider.
B. Updating Procedures Applicable to Both Certification and Self-
Approval
1. Labeling
    53. The Commission proposed to amend its regulations to comply with 
the provisions of the Enhance Labeling, Accessing, and Branding of 
Electronic Licenses Act (E-LABEL Act), which requires it to make 
regulations (or take other appropriate action) ``to allow manufacturers 
of radiofrequency devices with display the option to use electronic 
labeling for the equipment in place of affixing physical labels to the 
equipment.'' In addition, the Commission proposed to amend its labeling 
regulations to address devices that are too small to be legibly labeled 
with an FCC ID. The NPRM discussed rules that impose different labeling 
requirements on radio devices, including Sec.  2.925, Sec.  15.19, and 
other rule sections that require warning labels or other information to 
be attached to particular types of devices. It also discussed how the 
Commission's rules and guidance already permit electronic labeling in 
certain circumstances, including per KDB Publication 784748.
    54. Consistent with the E-LABEL Act, the Commission proposed to add 
a new rule to codify electronic labeling procedures. The rule would 
generally allow a radiofrequency device with an integrated electronic 
display to electronically display any labels required by our rules. 
This would include the FCC ID, as well as any warning statements or 
other information that our rules require to be placed on a physical 
label on the device. The rule would require that this electronic 
labeling information be secured in order to prevent modification by a 
third party. The NPRM discussed how the proposal is consistent with a 
2012 petition for rulemaking filed by the Telecommunications Industry 
Association (TIA) asking the Commission to permit the use of electronic 
labels as a substitute for physical labels, and concluded that the 
proposed rules would effectively satisfy TIA's request and thus makes 
the rulemaking petition moot.
    55. The Commission noted that the E-LABEL Act applies to devices 
that have ``the capability to digitally display required labeling and 
regulatory information,'' and proposed that if a device cannot display 
the labeling and regulatory information to the intended recipient in a 
manner that effects its purpose, it would not be considered to be 
capable of ``digitally displaying the required labeling and regulatory 
information'' as required by E-LABEL Act. The Commission proposed that 
the user be provided with prominent instructions on how to access the 
required labeling and regulatory information, in either the packaging 
material or another easily accessible format, at the time of purchase, 
and that these instructions be available on the product-related Web 
site, if one exists. The Commission also proposed that accessing the 
labeling and regulatory information not require any special codes or 
permissions. Furthermore, the Commission proposed that accessing the 
labeling and regulatory information should require no more than three 
steps. The Commission's proposal would not allow other forms of 
electronic labeling such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags 
or Quick Response (QR) codes to substitute for the on-screen 
information display, or otherwise permit displays that require the use 
of special accessories, supplemental software, or similar plug-ins. 
When the labeling information is electronically displayed, it must be 
clearly legible without the aid of magnification. The Commission also 
proposed to continue to require that devices that rely on a wireless or 
remote connection and have no display have a physical label, and stated 
that it believes this conclusion is consistent with the explicit terms 
of the E-LABEL Act which specifically refers to devices with an 
electronic display. It asked whether, alternatively, it should allow 
such devices to use an electronic label that is accessible via the 
connected smartphone, web interface, or other network connection, and 
if so, what additional requirements on how the labeling requirement is 
implemented would be needed. The Commission asked whether there are any 
additional requirements that it should include in the rule to make the 
labeling and regulatory information more accessible
    56. To provide information prior to purchase, to avoid a hazard or 
when devices are imported, the Commission proposed that devices 
displaying labeling and regulatory information electronically must also 
place this information either on the product packaging or on a 
(removable) physical label placed on the device at the time of 
importation, marketing, and sales. The Commission tentatively concluded 
that its proposal would comply with the E-LABEL Act because devices 
with electronic displays are not usually capable of electronically 
providing this information in an effective manner when the devices are 
typically inside packaging and uncharged. The devices therefore do not 
have ``the capability to digitally display required labeling and 
regulatory information'' in the context for which the requirement 
exists. The Commission sought comment on this proposal.
    57. The Commission stated that its proposed rules were not intended 
to change existing requirements to place warning statements or other 
information on device packaging or in user manuals or make information 
available at the point of sale, and tentatively concluded that such 
requirements are outside the scope of the E-LABEL Act. The Commission 
did not propose to require parties to display any information that is 
not already required by the rules as part of an electronic label, nor 
to eliminate the ability of manufacturers to continue to physically 
label devices if they wish to do so. It also sought comment on the 
costs and benefits of its proposals.
    58. The NPRM discussed other labeling rules that ensure that 
important safety-of-life information or warnings about illegal use of 
equipment is made prominently available to users of equipment, such as 
those contained in Sec. Sec.  15.121, 87.147, and 95.1402 of rules. The 
Commission asked whether provision of these types of warning statements 
using an electronic display would provide the information to the 
intended recipient in an ``effective'' manner when safety or illegal 
activity is at issue, or would the size and/or makeup of displays on 
these devices make visual communication of these warnings ineffective. 
It asked whether continuing to require physical labels for these 
warnings would be consistent with the E-LABEL Act and, if so, which 
physical labeling requirements the Commission should maintain.
    59. The Commission also addressed how the FCC ID may be 
communicated for small devices. The Commission current rules requires 
that the FCC ID on the label of a certified device be large enough to 
be readily legible, but does not specify what the device

[[Page 46909]]

manufacturer should do if the device is too small to display a legible 
label. It proposed to codify the guidance in KDB Publication 784748, 
which states that the FCC ID may be placed in the device user manual if 
the device is too small for the FCC ID to be readable (smaller than 4-6 
point font size).
    60. The Commission proposed to eliminate the requirement for part 
15 devices to be labeled with the FCC logo, and observed that doing so 
would make a pending request by the Information Technology Industry 
Council (ITI) moot. The Commission stated that it intends for its 
labeling rules to match the equipment authorization rules that it 
ultimately adopts, and invited commenters, in discussing other elements 
of its proposals, to identify the implications for device labeling and 
propose any further rule modifications that may be necessary.
    61. The Commission proposed to move the existing rule concerning 
labeling of modular transmitters from part 15 to part 2 of its rules. 
It also sought comment on how its proposed modifications to the rules 
governing modular transmitters would affect our labeling requirements 
and on alternative approaches that would still accomplish the goal of 
providing sufficient identification of a certified modular transmitter. 
For example, the NPRM asked if a modified label should be allowed to be 
placed on the host device that reads ``contains FCC ID xxxyyy changed 
from FCC ID aaabbb.''
2. Measurement Procedures
    62. The Commission proposed to modify Sec.  2.947(a)(3) to 
specifically reference the advisory information available in its online 
KDB publications. The Commission noted that devices increasingly have 
to demonstrate compliance with service-specific procedures described in 
other parts of our rules, stated that it intends to consolidate 
references to measurement procedures into part 2, to the extent 
practicable, and asked if, until this consolidation can occur, it 
should further modify Sec.  2.947 to state that other rule parts may 
specify additional measurement procedures.
    63. The Commission made further proposals related to the 
measurement procedures for RF devices operating under the part 15 rules 
described in Sec. Sec.  15.31, 15.32, 15.33, and 15.35; and the part 18 
rules as described in Sec.  18.311, with Sec.  18.309. The Commission 
proposed to revise these sections in a manner that references 
procedures that will be published by OET as KDB Publications and to 
provide clarifying text. The Commission asked about further 
consolidating these rules to simply cross-reference Sec.  2.947.
    64. The Commission also sought comment on whether the measurement 
procedures specified in Sec.  15.31(a)(3) and (4) (referencing ANSI 
C63.4-2014 and ANSI C63.10-2013) are sufficient to address compliance 
testing for devices subject to the part 15 requirements, such that it 
could remove specific measurement procedures in Sec.  15.31-15.35. It 
proposed to modify Sec.  15.35 to clarify the measurement detector 
functions and bandwidth requirements and to replace an old reference to 
CISPR Publication 16 in Sec.  15.35 with an updated reference to the 
measurement instrumentation procedures in ANSI C63.4-2014. It proposed 
to eliminate the note associated with Sec.  15.35(a) that affords 
specific treatment of certain pulse modulated devices and instead rely 
on the emission measuring instrumentation specifications in ANSI C63.4-
2014. It proposed to introduce measurement procedures for the 
certification of composite systems in the part 2 rules that are similar 
to those contained in Sec. Sec.  15.31(h) and 15.31(k), while retaining 
certain specific requirements in the part 15 rules. The Commission 
asked whether there are alternatives to its proposed rules for 
measurement procedures that would better promote clarity and 
accommodate future technological developments and sought comment on the 
relative costs and benefits its proposals and any alternatives.
    65. The Commission noted the ongoing development of a new standard, 
ANSI C63.26, by ANSI-ASC C63, and asked whether references to the 
applicable measurement procedures in ANSI C63.26 could potentially 
replace measurement procedures in part 2 for RF power output, 
modulation characteristics, occupied bandwidth, spurious emissions at 
antenna terminals, field strength of spurious radiation, frequency 
stability, and frequency spectrum. It asked if references to part 2 
(and, by extension, ANSI C63.26) could replace the specific measurement 
procedures and details that are presently contained in many of the 
individual service rules and whether the measurement procedures in part 
2 would need to be changed in order to clarify these procedures. It 
asked parties to take the ANSI C63.26 standards development into 
account when drafting their comments and asked if there are any other 
actions that will help it reference the best and most up-to-date 
standards for making measurements on equipment used in the Commission's 
licensed radio services.
3. Rule Consolidation and Modification
    66. The Commission proposed to delete Sec.  2.1043(g) through (l) 
because these provisions address changes to previously approved 
broadcast equipment that are no longer necessary because such equipment 
is now subject to verification. It proposed to add a new paragraph to 
Sec.  2.1043 advising that parties may modify previously-approved 
broadcast transmitters, provided the modified transmitter complies with 
our authorization procedures or is otherwise shown to comply with the 
part 73 rules. It proposed to state that a previously approved 
broadcast transmitter that was later modified must either be labeled 
with a statement indicating that it was modified after approval, or the 
original FCC ID number must be permanently covered or removed. The 
Commission proposed to retain these provisions in Sec.  2.1043(e) (re-
designated as Sec.  2.1043(h)) because they provide a means for non-
manufacturer amateur radio users to modify equipment that had 
previously been certified or type accepted, and sought comment on 
whether the rule should be amended for clarity or consistency between 
parts 2 and 97 of the rules.
    67. The Commission proposed to delete Sec.  2.813 of the rules, 
because there are no provisions in part 27 comparable to the former 
part 74 rules that this rule was written to govern. It also proposed to 
delete Sec.  15.239(d) of the rules, which permits an educational 
institution to conduct experimentation in the 88-108 MHz band using a 
custom-built telemetry intentional radiator after submission of an 
operational description. It observed that the Commission's general 
experimental licensing rules provide an effective means for such 
experimentation.
C. Importation Rules
    68. Subpart K of part 2 of the rules sets out the conditions under 
which RF devices that are capable of causing harmful interference to 
radio communications may be imported into the United States. The 
Commission identified several proposals to lessen or eliminate the 
filing burdens associated with the importation rules, as described.
1. Importation Declaration
    69. The Commission proposed to eliminate Sec. Sec.  2.1205 and 
2.1203(b) to remove filing requirements that are now associated with 
FCC Form 740, and to discontinue that form. Section 2.1203 of the 
Commission's rules states that no RF device may be imported unless the 
importer or ultimate consignee (or their

[[Page 46910]]

designated customs broker) declares that the device meets the 
conditions of entry set forth in our importation rules subpart. Section 
2.1205 provides two ways to make this declaration: An electronic FCC 
declaration submitted to CBP in addition to the electronic entry 
summary required by CBP; and FCC Form 740, attached to the CBP-required 
entry papers. The NPRM discussed how compliance with the importation 
rules is implicitly addressed by the information already required by 
CBP, and how the Commission believes that by modifying its importation 
rules and procedures in this manner it will be able to reduce 
substantial administrative burdens while retaining sufficient 
enforcement tools to ensure that parties continue to comply with the 
Commission's equipment authorization and importation requirements. It 
sought comment on these proposals, as well as on additional rule 
modifications that would support its goals.
    70. The Commission asked commenters to consider its proposals in 
light of the potential use of provisional grants. It asked whether 
there are there additional steps, such as self-certification or 
required recordkeeping that would be necessary to ensure that parties 
continue to comply with the Commission's overall part 2 importation, 
and how such considerations would be affected if the Commission were to 
require the identification of a domestic responsible party.
2. Modification of Customs Bonded Warehouse Requirement
    71. The Commission proposed to remove the explicit bonded warehouse 
requirement in Sec.  2.1201(c). It discussed how the issuance of 
provisional grants of certification (as discussed above) could reduce 
or eliminate the need for using bonded warehouses and, if so, whether 
it would effectively meet manufacturers' importation and marketing 
needs. The Commission asked whether it should retain the option to use 
a bonded warehouse for any imported devices which are unauthorized and 
that have not received such provisional approval; and, if not, what it 
should do to ensure that unauthorized devices are not widely 
distributed.
3. Increasing the Number of Trade Show Devices
    72. The Commission proposed to modify Sec.  2.1204(a)(4) by 
increasing the number of devices that can be imported for demonstration 
purposes at a trade show from 200 to 400 for devices that are used in 
licensed services and from 10 to 400 for other products, thus applying 
a single limit to all types of devices for trade show demonstration 
purposes. It stated that it believes the current limit is insufficient 
to accommodate the needs of modern trade shows and conventions, and 
that the increased limit will reduce the administrative burden on both 
manufacturers and importers. It sought comment on the proposal, and the 
relative costs and benefits.
4. Excluded Devices
    73. The Commission proposed to remove the list of battery-powered 
unintentional radiators that are exempt from complying with the 
importation conditions contained in Sec.  2.1202(a), based on its 
belief that the examples are outdated and that such devices are now 
significantly more sophisticated and often contain circuitry that 
increases the risk of harmful interference.
5. Devices Imported for Personal Use
    74. The Commission proposed to expand its exception on devices 
imported for personal use by modifying its existing personal use 
exception for up to three devices to encompass devices that use both 
licensed and unlicensed frequencies. It asked if there are targeted 
exceptions within the Commission's existing rules that should also be 
updated or removed. It asked whether the three-device limit is still 
appropriate, and if a different limit would provide adequate protection 
against harmful interference without unduly restricting individuals' 
personal use importation.
D. Updating and Modifying Rule Sections
    75. The Commission proposed to comprehensively reorganize and 
simplify part 2, Subpart J of the rules as shown in the proposed rule 
section, and to make modifications to other related rule sections, to 
account for the proposals in the NPRM. It recognized that there are 
many additional references to the equipment authorization procedures 
throughout the Commission's rules, and proposed to make the necessary 
conforming revisions, such as updating specific rule section cross-
references, modifying outdated terminology. The Commission listed in a 
separate appendix of the NPRM, these rule sections by number, and 
invited commenters to identify any additional rules that would require 
such revisions.
E. Transition Period
    76. The Commission proposed to make any rule changes adopted as a 
result of the NPRM effective immediately upon their publication in the 
Federal Register, but to permit manufacturers to continue to self-
approve products using the existing DoC or verification procedures for 
up to one year from the effective date of the rules if they so choose.
Incorporation by Reference
    77. The OFR recently revised the regulations to require that 
agencies must discuss in the preamble of the rule ways that the 
materials the agency incorporates by reference are reasonably available 
to interested persons and how interested parties can obtain the 
materials. In addition, the preamble of the rule must summarize the 
material. 1 CFR 51.5(b). In accordance with OFR's requirements, the 
discussion in this section summarizes ANSI standards. Copies of the 
standards are also available for purchase from these organizations: The 
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), 3916 Ranchero 
Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, 1-800-699-9277, http://www.techstreet.com/ieee; and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 West 
43rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, (212) 642-4900, http://webstore.ansi.org/ansidocstore.
    78. (1) ANSI C63.4-2014: ``American National Standard for Methods 
of Measurement of Radio-Noise Emissions from Low-Voltage Electrical and 
Electronic Equipment in the Range of 9 kHz to 40 GHz,'' ANSI approved 
June 13, 2014, Section 4 IBR proposed for Sec.  15.35(a).
    79. This standard, ANSI C63.4-2014, contains methods, 
instrumentation, and facilities for measurement of radiofrequency (RF) 
signals and noise emitted from electrical and electronic devices in the 
frequency range of 9 kHz to 40 GHz, as usable, for example, for 
compliance testing to U.S. (47 CFR part 15) and Industry Canada (ICES-
003) regulatory requirements.
    80. (2) ANSI C63.10-2013, ``American National Standard of 
Procedures for Compliance Testing of Unlicensed Wireless Devices,'' 
ANSI approved June 27, 2013, Section 5.7 IBR proposed for Sec.  
15.31(m) and Section 5.5 IBR proposed for Sec.  15.33(a).
    81. This standard, ANSI C63.10-2013, contains standard methods and 
instrumentation and test facilities requirements for measurement of 
radio frequency (RF) signals and noise emitted from unlicensed wireless 
devices (also called unlicensed transmitters, intentional radiators, 
and license-exempt transmitters) operating in the frequency range 9 kHz 
to 231 GHz.

[[Page 46911]]

    Section 15.38 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 15.38, would 
likewise be updated to reflect these incorporations by reference.

Procedural Matters

F. Ex Parte Rules--Permit-But-Disclose
    82. The proceeding this NPRM initiates shall be treated as a 
``permit-but-disclose'' proceeding in accordance with the Commission's 
ex parte rules. Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy 
of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral 
presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a 
different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons 
making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda 
summarizing the presentation must (1) list all persons attending or 
otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte 
presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data presented and 
arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation consisted 
in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments already 
reflected in the presenter's written comments, memoranda or other 
filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such 
data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other 
filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where 
such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the 
memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex 
parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must 
be filed consistent with Sec.  1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by 
Sec.  1.49(f) or for which the Commission has made available a method 
of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda 
summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, 
must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available 
for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format (e.g., 
.doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this proceeding 
should familiarize themselves with the Commission's ex parte rules.
G. Paperwork Reduction Act
    83. This document contains proposed modified information collection 
requirements. The Commission, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork burdens, invites the general public and the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) to comment on the information collection 
requirements contained in this document, as required by the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. In addition, pursuant to the 
Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 
U.S.C. 3506(c)(4), the Commission seeks specific comment on how we 
might further reduce the information collection burden for small 
business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    84. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as 
amended (RFA),\1\ the Commission has prepared this present Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the possible significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities by the 
policies and rules proposed in this Notice of Proposed Rule Making 
(NPRM). Written public comments are requested on this IRFA. Comments 
must be identified as responses to the IRFA and must be filed by the 
deadlines for comments on the NPRM provided in the item. The Commission 
will send a copy of the NPRM, including this IRFA, to the Chief Counsel 
for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA).\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. 601-612, has been 
amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 
1996 (SBREFA), Public Law 104-121, Title II, 110 Stat. 857 (1996).
    \2\ See 5 U.S.C. 603(a).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Need for, and Objectives of, the Proposed Rules
    85. The purpose of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is to 
update the rules that govern the evaluation and approval of 
radiofrequency (RF) devices. The Commission ensures compliance with its 
technical rules through the equipment authorization program for RF 
devices; the technical rules are the means by which the Commission 
carries out its responsibilities under section 302 of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, which permits the Commission to 
make reasonable regulations governing the interference potential of 
devices that emit RF energy and can cause harmful interference to radio 
communications. By updating our rules, we can continue to ensure that 
hundreds of millions of radio transmitters, consumer products, and 
other electronic devices will continue to share the airwaves 
successfully. Our objective is to enable innovation and growth in the 
development and use of RF devices by providing a clear path for 
products to demonstrate compliance with the FCC rules so that they may 
be brought to the market expeditiously.
    86. The NPRM addressed the types of authorization procedures used 
to approve equipment, the effect of changes to authorized equipment, 
and the responsibilities of parties for complying with our rules. It 
also addresses the importation of radio devices. The Commission last 
comprehensively reviewed its equipment authorization procedures more 
than fifteen years ago.\3\ The changes in the way today's equipment is 
designed, manufactured, and marketed--as well as the sheer number of 
such devices that need to be authorized--warrant modifications to the 
rules that specify the equipment subject to our equipment authorization 
procedures and responsibilities of the various stakeholders. Our 
proposals complement the recent actions taken by the Commission to 
modify the equipment authorization rules that address the obligations 
of Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs) that certify RF 
equipment and the laboratories that test equipment subject to the 
certification process.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See Amendment of Parts 2, 15, 18 and Other Parts of the 
Commission's Rules to Simplify and Streamline the Equipment 
Authorization Process for Radio Frequency Equipment, ET Docket No. 
97-94, Report and Order (Equipment Authorization Procedures Order), 
13 FCC Rcd 11415 (1998).
    \4\ See Amendment of Parts 0, 1, 2, and 15 of the Commission's 
Rules regarding Authorization of Radiofrequency Equipment and 
Amendment of Part 68 regarding Approval of Terminal Equipment by 
Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Report and Order (TCB 
Order), ET Docket No. 13-44, FCC 14-208, 29 FCC Rcd 16335 (2014). 
The TCB Order largely addressed the processes by which certification 
applications are to be evaluated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Legal Basis

    87. The proposed action is taken pursuant to sections 1, 4(i), 
7(a), 301, 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 307(e), 332, and 622 of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 157(a), 
301, 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 307(e), 332, and 622; and Sec. Sec.  
0.31(g), 0.31(i), and 0.31(j) of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 
0.31(g), 0.31(i), and 0.31(j).
C. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities To Which 
the Proposed Rules Will Apply
    88. The RFA directs agencies to provide a description of, and where 
feasible, an estimate of the number of small entities that may be 
affected by the proposed rules, if adopted.\5\ The RFA generally 
defines the term ``small entity'' as having the same meaning as the 
terms ``small business,'' ``small organization,'' and ``small 
governmental

[[Page 46912]]

jurisdiction.'' \6\ In addition, the term ``small business'' has the 
same meaning as the term ``small business concern'' under the Small 
Business Act.\7\ A ``small business concern'' is one which: (1) Is 
independently owned and operated; (2) is not dominant in its field of 
operation; and (3) satisfies any additional criteria established by the 
Small Business Administration (SBA).\8\ The Commission has not 
developed a definition of small entities applicable to RF Equipment 
manufacturers. The most analogous definition of small entity is that 
which is contained in the rules applicable to manufacturers of ``Radio 
and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment 
Manufacturing.'' This NPRM addresses the repair of devices that are 
subject to the Commission's equipment authorization rules. For this, we 
also include small entities associated with an additional category, 
``Communication Equipment Repair and Maintenance,'' in our analysis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ See 5 U.S.C. 603(b)(3).
    \6\ See 5 U.S.C. 601(6).
    \7\ See 5 U.S.C. 601(3) (incorporating by reference the 
definition of ``small-business concern'' in the Small Business Act, 
15 U.S.C. 632). Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 601(3), the statutory 
definition of a small business applies ``unless an agency, after 
consultation with the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration and after opportunity for public comment, establishes 
one or more definitions of such term which are appropriate to the 
activities of the agency and publishes such definition(s) in the 
Federal Register.''
    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 632.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    89. Radio and Television and Wireless Communications Equipment 
Manufacturing. The Census Bureau defines this category as follows: 
``This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in 
manufacturing radio and television broadcast and wireless 
communications equipment. Examples of products made by these 
establishments are: Transmitting and receiving antennas, cable 
television equipment, GPS equipment, pagers, cellular phones, mobile 
communications equipment, and radio and television studio and 
broadcasting equipment.'' \9\ The SBA has developed a small business 
size standard for Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless 
Communications Equipment Manufacturing, which is: All such firms having 
750 or fewer employees. According to Census Bureau data for 2007, there 
were a total of 939 establishments in this category that operated for 
part or all of the entire year. Of this total, 912 had less than 500 
employees and 17 had more than 1000 employees.\10\ Thus, under that 
size standard, the majority of firms can be considered small.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ The NAICS Code for this service 334220. See 13 CFR 121.201. 
See also http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IBQTable?_bm=y&-fds_name=EC0700A1&-geo_id=&-_skip=300&-ds_name=EC0731SG2&-_lang=en.
    \10\ See http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/IBQTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=&-fds_name=EC0700A1&-_skip=4500&-ds_name=EC0731SG3&-_lang=en.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    90. Communication Equipment Repair and Maintenance. This industry 
comprises establishments primarily engaged in repairing and maintaining 
communications without retailing new communication equipment, such as 
telephones, fax machines, communications transmission equipment, and 
two-way radios.\11\ The SBA has developed a size standard for this 
industry which is that any firm whose annual receipts are $11 million 
or less is defined as a small business.\12\ Census Bureau data for 2007 
indicated that in this industry, 1,415 firms operated for the entire 
year. Of these firms, 1,273 operated with annual receipts of less than 
$10 million dollars. Based on this date, the Commission concludes that 
the majority of firms operating in this industry is small.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ http://wwww.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch.
    \12\ 13 CFR 121.201, NAICS Code 811213.
    \13\ http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ECN_2007_US_81SSSZ4&prodType=table.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other 
Compliance Requirements for Small Entities
    91. Currently, the Commission ensures that RF equipment complies 
with its technical requirements by specifying that devices must be 
authorized in accordance with one of three procedures specified in 
subpart J of part 2 of the rules--certification, Declaration of 
Conformity (DoC), and verification. The NPRM proposes to update the 
certification process and replace the DoC and verification processes 
with a single process.
    92. Certification is typically applied to RF equipment employing 
new technology for which the testing methodology is relatively complex 
or not well defined, or that otherwise is considered to have the 
highest risk of interference.\14\ TCBs approve equipment under the 
certification procedure based on review of an application that provides 
test reports and all of the other information specified in the 
Commission's rules. Certified devices are uniquely identified by an FCC 
Identifier (FCC ID), which must be included on the device label.\15\ 
All certified equipment is listed in a Commission database that 
includes the application for certification, test report and other 
material.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See 47 CFR 2.907.
    \15\ See 47 CFR 2.925 and 2.926. The FCC ID consists of two 
elements--a grantee code and an equipment product code.
    \16\ The Commission's Equipment Authorization System (EAS) can 
be accessed at https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/GenericSearch.cfm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    93. DoC and verification are self-approval procedures in which the 
responsible party is required to take specific actions to ensure that 
its equipment complies with our rules. DoC and verification procedures 
are permitted for certain types RF devices that operate under part 15 
or part 18 of our rules. DoC requires the responsible party, in 
addition to taking the necessary steps to ensure that the equipment 
complies with the appropriate technical standards, to use a recognized 
accredited test laboratory when testing devices.\17\ The responsible 
party also must include a compliance information statement with the 
product that identifies the product and a responsible party within the 
United States.\18\ Under verification, the responsible party must also 
take the necessary steps to ensure that the equipment complies with the 
appropriate technical standards, but there are no requirements to use 
recognized test laboratories and supply a compliance information 
statement with the product.\19\ Unlike certification, the DoC and 
verification procedures do not require submittal of an application to 
the FCC or a TCB, the explicit grant of approval, or submission of a 
test device (unless specifically requested by the Commission). Also, 
unlike certified devices, this equipment does not have an FCC ID, and 
is not listed in an FCC database.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ See 47 CFR 2.906. The party responsible for compliance is 
defined in 47 CFR 2.909.
    \18\ See 47 CFR 2.1077, 15.19(a)(3), and 18.209(b). Only parts 
15 and 18 equipment is currently covered by DoC. For example, part 
15 devices subject to the DoC rules must be labeled with the 
following statement: ``This device complies with part 15 of the FCC 
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) 
This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device 
must accept any interference received, including interference that 
may cause undesired operation.'' See also 47 CFR 2.1075 and 2.946 
(describing circumstances in which the responsible party must submit 
to the Commission records of the original design drawings and 
specifications, the procedures used for production inspection and 
testing, a report of RF emission measurements, the compliance 
information statement, and a sample of the device).
    \19\ See 47 CFR 2.909(b), 2.946, 2.953, 2.955, and 2.956.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    94. The Commission notes that the current state of RF equipment 
production makes the existing distinctions between the two self-

[[Page 46913]]

approval processes less meaningful, and, thus, the NPRM proposes to 
combine elements of DoC and verification into a single self-approval 
process for equipment that has a strong record of compliance and for 
which there is minimal risk of causing harmful interference 
(tentatively identified as a ``Supplier's Declaration of Compliance'' 
or ``SDoC''). Our objective is to recognize our increased comfort with 
self-approval procedures by streamlining the procedures and eliminating 
those elements that serve to increase the costs of complying with our 
rules and that provide benefits that are of only marginal utility.
    95. The Commission believes that our actions will minimize the 
compliance costs borne by small entities by, for example, eliminating 
the mandate to use accredited laboratories that is currently associated 
with the DoC rules, removing the requirement to display the FCC logo on 
the equipment identification label, and, potentially, allowing devices 
that are currently subject to certification to be authorized under the 
new SDoC procedures. The Commission recognizes that manufacturers of 
devices currently subject to verification may be subject to some 
minimal additional requirements under SDoC, most notably that the 
manufacturers include a written compliance statement with the 
literature furnished to the user that serves to identify the party 
responsible for the device's compliance with the Commission's 
regulations. The Commission nevertheless believes that, on the whole, 
the use the SDoC process will also make it easier for manufacturers to 
comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements because we will 
for the first time adopt a single, streamlined self-approval process 
that is easy to understand, simple to apply, and that is better aligned 
with existing international processes. We anticipate minimal costs 
associated with modifying existing processes and procedures to comply 
with the proposed rule, and that any such costs will be quickly 
recouped by the savings realized under use of the new SDoC procedures.
    96. The NPRM also proposes amendments to the certification rules 
that are intended to provide RF equipment manufacturers with a clear 
understanding of the application requirements and their compliance 
responsibilities for a variety of design scenarios. Among other things, 
we propose to permit certification of modular transmitters for licensed 
services, and to clearly specify the rules for integration of certified 
modular transmitters and for when the host devices may be subject to 
certification. We propose to clearly codify requirements related to an 
RF device's capabilities for software configuration and upgradeability 
in the application for certification. We further propose that an 
applicant for certification must specify which parties will be 
authorized to make software changes (e.g., the grantee, wireless 
service provider, other authorized parties) and the software controls 
that are provided to prevent unauthorized parties from enabling 
different modes of operation. We do not anticipate that these changes 
will introduce new costs and, in many cases, will allow device 
manufacturers greater flexibility in how they comply with our rules and 
more certainty that their applications will not be returned or 
rejected.
    97. We are also proposing to streamline certain application 
procedures which we believe will reduce the need to file new 
applications in many cases. In this regard, the NPRM includes proposals 
to revise and clarify the rules that govern equipment certification, 
including specifying when device changes necessitate a new FCC ID. Such 
actions will serve to reduce or eliminate existing compliance 
requirements for device manufacturers. Additionally, we are making 
proposals that address confidentiality, public notice of grants, the RF 
device importation rules, and the measurement procedures that are used 
to demonstrate device compliance. These proposals are designed to 
reduce overall compliance burdens by better aligning the production, 
importation and device marketing interests and practices of device 
manufacturers with our equipment authorization procedures and 
fundamental interest in ensuring that hundreds of millions of radio 
transmitters, consumer products, and other electronic devices continue 
to share the airwaves successfully.
    98. Finally, recently adopted legislation (the E-LABEL Act) 
requires the Commission to, within nine months after the law's passing, 
``promulgate regulations or take other appropriate action, as 
necessary, to allow manufacturers of radiofrequency devices with 
display the option to use electronic labeling for the equipment in 
place of affixing physical labels to the equipment.'' \20\ We propose 
to amend our regulations to comply with the provisions of this 
legislation. In addition, we propose to amend our labeling regulations 
to address devices that are too small to be legibly labeled with an FCC 
ID.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ Enhance Labeling, Accessing, and Branding of Electronic 
Licenses Act of 2014, Public Law 113-197 (Nov. 26, 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

F. Steps Taken To Minimize the Significant Economic Impact on Small 
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered
    99. The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant, 
specifically small business, alternatives that it has considered in 
reaching its proposed approach, which may include the following four 
alternatives (among others): ``(1) The establishment of differing 
compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that take into 
account the resources available to small entities; (2) the 
clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance and 
reporting requirements under the rule for such small entities; (3) the 
use of performance rather than design standards; and (4) an exemption 
from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for such small 
entities.'' \21\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ 5 U.S.C. 603(c)(1) through (c)(4).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    100. As discussed, the overall approach we have taken is to propose 
to clarify, consolidate, and simplify our equipment authorization of 
compliance and reporting requirements where possible. Such proposals 
include, but are not limited to, eliminating use of accredited labs 
under the SDoC procedure, streamlining importation requirements by, for 
example, eliminating the use of FCC Form 740, and providing for 
confidentiality in some cases without the need to file specific 
confidentiality requests. Given our interest in evaluating the 
interference potential of devices that emit RF energy and can cause 
harmful interference to radio communications, we believe that these 
steps should apply to all device manufacturers, including small 
entities. In crafting this regulatory relief, we have not identified 
any additional steps that we could take with respect to small entities 
that could not also be applied to all device manufacturers.
    101. The NPRM also recognizes that there may be existing processes 
that we have proposed to streamline or eliminate that certain device 
manufacturers may still find beneficial. These include, for example, 
filing for certification of devices that may be approved under the SDoC 
procedures, and placing the FCC logo on devices that would no longer 
require such marking. Although one approach would be to retain any 
requirement that has been identified as having value, we have 
tentatively rejected that approach. Instead, we propose to allow but 
not

[[Page 46914]]

require parties to engage in such practices if they find them useful. 
By doing so, we will not unnecessarily burden small entities that no 
longer wish to retain such practices.
    102. As directed by the E-LABEL Act, we proposed to add a new 
section to our rules to codify electronic labeling procedures.\22\ The 
new rule will generally allow a radiofrequency device with an 
integrated electronic display to electronically display any labels 
required by our rules. This will include the FCC ID required by our 
certification rules as well as any warning statements or other 
information that our rules require to be placed on a physical label on 
the device. The rule will require that this electronic labeling 
information is secured in order to prevent modification by a third-
party. While the E-LABEL Act is not directed at small entities, we 
recognize that the use of electronic labeling can potentially decrease 
costs for all device manufacturers because it will provide a means by 
which manufacturers will no longer have to affix permanent labels to 
devices. We nevertheless recognize that small entities may not wish to 
incur the costs associated with changing their processes to produce 
electronic label displays. As such, we are not proposing to require 
parties to display any information as part of an electronic label not 
already required by our rules, nor are we proposing to eliminate the 
ability of manufacturers to continue to physically label devices if 
they wish to do so.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ See proposed amendment of 47 CFR 2.935 in proposed rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

F. Federal Rules That May Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With the 
Proposed Rules
    103. None.

Ordering Clauses

    104. Pursuant to sections 1, 4(i), 7(a), 301, 303(f), 303(g), 
303(r), 307(e), 332, and 622 of the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 151, 154(i), 157(a), 301, 303(f), 303(g), 
303(r), 307(e), 332, and 622, and Sec. Sec.  0.31(g), 0.31(i), and 
0.31(j) of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 0.31(g), 0.31(i), 0.31(j), 
this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking IS ADOPTED.
    105. The Petition for Rulemaking filed by the Telecommunications 
Industry Association (RM-11673) on August 6, 2012 is DISMISSED.
    106. The Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 
Reference Information Center, SHALL SEND a copy of this Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking, including the Initial Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration.

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 0

    Organization and functions (Government agencies), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

47 CFR Part 2

    Communications equipment, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

47 CFR Part 15

    Communications equipment, Incorporation by reference, Radio, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

47 CFR Part 18

    Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Scientific 
equipment.


Federal Communications Commission.
Gloria J. Miles,
Federal Register Liaison Officer.

Proposed Rules

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Federal 
Communications Commission proposes to amend parts 0, 1, 2, 15 and 18 of 
title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 0--COMMISSION ORGANIZATION

0
1. The authority citation for part 0 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  Sec. 5, 48 Stat. 1068, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 155, 
225, unless otherwise noted.

0
2. Section 0.457 is amended by revising paragraph (d)(1)(ii) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  0.457  Records not routinely available for public inspection.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) Applications for equipment authorizations and materials 
relating to such applications are not routinely available for public 
inspection prior to the effective date of the authorization. The 
effective date of the authorization will, upon request, be deferred to 
a date no earlier than that specified by the applicant.
    (A) Following the effective date of the equipment authorization, 
material in the application and related materials (including technical 
specifications and test measurements) will be made available for public 
inspection by placement in the Commission's public database except as 
specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(ii)(B), (C), and (D) of this section.
    (B) Portions of applications for equipment certification of 
scanning receivers and related materials will not be made available for 
inspection.
    (C) Exhibits from an equipment authorization application that set 
forth schematics, block diagrams, operational descriptions, or parts 
lists/tune-up procedures will not be made available for public 
inspection except upon grant of a request under Sec.  0.461.
    (D) Upon requests by the applicant, the following exhibits from an 
equipment authorization application will not be made available for 
public inspection for a period of 45 days after the effective date of 
the equipment authorization except upon grant of a request under Sec.  
0.461 external photos, test setup photos, user's manual, and internal 
photos. The 45-day time period may be extended in 45-day increments up 
to a maximum of 180 days upon request. These exhibits will immediately 
be made available to the public if the device is marketed to the public 
or otherwise publicized by the applicant or by an entity acting on the 
applicant's behalf prior to the expiration of this period. The 
applicant must notify the Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) 
issuing the equipment authorization prior to the device being marketed 
to the public or otherwise publicized.
* * * * *

PART 2--FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS AND RADIO TREATY MATTERS; GENERAL 
RULES AND REGULATIONS

0
3. The authority citation for part 2 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 302a, 303, and 336, unless otherwise 
noted.

0
4. Section 2.1(c) is amended by revising the definition of ``Software 
defined radio'' to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1  Terms and definitions.

* * * * *
    Software defined radio. A radio that includes a transmitter in 
which the operating parameters of frequency range, modulation type or 
maximum output power (either radiated or conducted), or the 
circumstances under which the transmitter operates in accordance with 
Commission rules, can be altered by making a change in software without 
making any changes to hardware components that affect the radio 
frequency emissions.
* * * * *


Sec.  2.813  [Removed]

0
5. Remove Sec.  2.813.

[[Page 46915]]

0
6. Section 2.901 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.901  Basis and purpose.

    (a) In order to carry out its responsibilities under the 
Communications Act and the various treaties and international 
regulations, and in order to promote efficient use of the radio 
spectrum, the Commission has developed technical standards for radio 
frequency equipment and parts or components thereof. The technical 
standards applicable to individual types of equipment are found in that 
part of the rules governing the service wherein the equipment is to be 
operated. In addition to the technical standards provided, the rules 
governing the service may require that such equipment be authorized 
under a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity or receive a grant of 
certification from a Telecommunication Certification Body.
    (b) The following sections describe the procedure for a Supplier's 
Declaration of Conformity and the procedures to be followed in 
obtaining certification and the conditions attendant to such a grant.


Sec.  2.902  [Removed]

0
7. Remove Sec.  2.902.
0
8. Section 2.906 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.906  Supplier's Declaration of Conformity.

    (a) Supplier's Declaration of Conformity is a procedure where the 
responsible party, as defined in Sec.  2.909, makes measurements to 
insure that the equipment complies with the appropriate technical 
standards. Submittal to the Commission of a sample unit or 
representative data demonstrating compliance is not required unless 
specifically requested pursuant to Sec.  2.945.
    (b) Supplier's Declaration of Conformity attaches to all items 
subsequently marketed by the manufacturer, importer, or the responsible 
party which are identical, as defined in Sec.  2.908, to the sample 
tested and found acceptable by the manufacturer.
    (c) The responsible party may, if it desires, apply for 
Certification of a device subject to the Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity. In such cases, the rules governing certification will apply 
to that device.
0
9. Section 2.907 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.907  Certification.

    (a) Certification is an equipment authorization approved by the 
Commission, or issued by a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) 
and authorized under the authority of the Commission, that is based on 
representations and test data submitted by the applicant or parties 
authorized by the applicant.
    (b) Certification attaches to all units subsequently marketed by 
the grantee which are identical, as defined in Sec.  2.908, to the 
sample tested except for changes or other variations authorized by the 
Commission or a TCB pursuant to Sec. Sec.  2.924 and 2.1043.
    (c) Certification may be obtained for a device capable of 
independent operation, a device or a group of devices authorized under 
a single FCC Identifier, a modular device capable of operation only 
upon installation into another device, or an end product containing one 
or more devices that were previously certified.
0
10. Section 2.909 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.909  Responsible party.

    (a) For radio frequency equipment subject to certification, the 
party responsible for the compliance of the equipment with the 
applicable standards is specified as follows:
    (1) The party to whom that grant of certification is issued (i.e., 
the grantee) is the responsible party.
    (2) When a new grant of certification is based on an existing grant 
of certification, the party to whom the new grant of certification is 
issued is the responsible party for the equipment produced under new 
certification; the original grantee remains responsible for equipment 
produced under the original grant of certification.
    (3) If the equipment is assembled from components that includes 
certified modular transmitter(s) authorized pursuant to Sec.  2.1042, 
then the assembler is responsible for following the installation 
guidelines provided by the grantee of each modular transmitter and for 
obtaining additional approvals necessary for the overall compliance of 
the final end product, and the party who obtained the grant of 
certification for the modular transmitter(s) remains the responsible 
party for those transmitters. However, the assembler or integrator may 
become the new grantee for individual modular transmitters or the 
assembled product by submitting an application for certification 
pursuant to Sec.  2.1033. The host device may also be subject to 
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity procedures as described in 
paragraph (b) of this section.
    (4) Retailers, original equipment manufacturers or assemblers may 
enter into an agreement with the responsible party designated in 
paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this section to assume the responsibilities 
to ensure compliance of equipment and become the new responsible party 
by applying for a grant of certification to request a new FCC 
Identifier.
    (5) If the radio frequency equipment is modified by any party not 
working under the authority of the responsible party, the party 
performing the modifications, if located within the U.S., or the 
importer, if the equipment is imported subsequent to the modifications, 
becomes the new responsible party. The new responsible party must file 
for a new grant of certification pursuant to Sec.  2.1033.
    (b) For equipment subject to Supplier's Declaration of Conformity 
the party responsible for the compliance of the equipment with the 
applicable standards is set forth as follows:
    (1) The manufacturer or, if the equipment is assembled from 
individual component parts and the resulting system is subject to 
authorization under a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, the 
assembler. If the resulting system is subject to certification, the 
assembler becomes responsible party as required in paragraph (a) of 
this section.
    (2) If the equipment, by itself, or a system assembled from 
individual parts and the resulting system is subject to the Supplier's 
Declaration of Conformity procedures and that equipment is imported, 
the importer.
    (3) Retailers or original equipment manufacturers may enter into an 
agreement with the responsible party designated in paragraph (b)(1) or 
(2) of this section to assume the responsibilities to ensure compliance 
of equipment and become the new responsible party.
    (4) The importer of equipment subject to Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity procedures may, upon receiving a written statement from the 
manufacturer that the equipment complies with the appropriate technical 
standards, rely on the manufacturer or independent testing agency to 
verify compliance. The test records required by Sec.  2.938 must be in 
the English language and made available to the Commission upon a 
reasonable request, in accordance with Sec.  2.945(c). If the radio 
frequency equipment is modified by any party not working under the 
authority of the responsible party, the party performing the 
modifications, if located within the U.S., or the importer, if the 
equipment is imported subsequent to the modifications, becomes the new 
responsible party.
    (c) If the end product or equipment is subject to both 
certification and Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, all

[[Page 46916]]

the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section apply.
    (d) A party that repairs or refurbishes certified equipment with 
the permission of the grantee is not required to obtain a new grant of 
certification if the equipment continues to conform to the 
specifications of its previously approved grant of certification. 
Repairs or refurbishment of equipment performed by a party not acting 
under the permission of the grantee are modifications that will make 
the repairing/refurbishing party responsible for the compliance of the 
equipment pursuant to paragraph (a)(5) of this section, and will 
require the party to obtain a new grant of certification for the 
equipment. Replacement or installation of parts that are commonly 
changed by users, retailers or refurbishers, such as battery packs, 
hard drives, memory or enclosures which do not impact device compliance 
and as permitted in Sec.  2.1043(b)(1), would not be considered 
modifications to a device.
    (e) In the case of transfer of control of equipment, as in the case 
of sale or merger of the responsible party, the new entity shall bear 
the responsibility of continued compliance of the equipment.
0
11. Remove the undesignated center heading preceding Sec.  2.911.
0
12. Section 2.911 is amended by redesignating paragraphs (d)(3) and (4) 
as paragraphs (d)(4) and (5) and by adding paragraph (d)(3) to read as 
follows:


Sec.   2.911 Application requirements.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (3) The applicant shall provide the contact information of a party 
located in the United States that is responsible for compliance.
* * * * *
0
13. Section 2.924 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.924  Use of a single FCC Identifier for equipment having 
multiple trade names, models or type numbers, or functional 
similarities.

    (a) The responsible party may market devices having different 
model/type numbers or trade names without additional authorization, 
provided that such devices are identical and the equipment bears an FCC 
Identifier validated by a grant of certification. For the purposes of 
this section, a device will be considered to be identical if no changes 
are made to the authorized device, or if the changes were made to the 
device pursuant to Sec.  2.1043.
    (b) A family of products (a group of devices that are clearly 
similar, based upon the overall design of the devices, their functions, 
components and layout, may be viewed as being a single authorized 
device or a series of similar devices that have been subjected to minor 
modifications) may be marketed pursuant to one grant of certification 
under a single FCC Identifier. For a device to be certified as a family 
of products, the initial application for certification shall contain a 
declaration of the intent to include and/or to develop a family of 
products. Each variation of the product shall be evaluated for 
compliance and include appropriate data (e.g. radio frequency exposure 
or Hearing Aid Compatibility) as required by the Commission's rules for 
each model variation.
0
14. Section 2.925 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.925  Identification of equipment.

    (a) Each equipment covered in an application for equipment 
authorization shall bear a label listing the following:
    (1) FCC Identifier consisting of the two elements in the exact 
order specified in Sec.  2.926. The FCC Identifier shall be preceded by 
the term FCC ID in capital letters on a single line.
    (2) Any other statements or labeling requirements imposed by the 
rules governing the operation of the specific class of equipment, 
except that such statement(s) of compliance may appear on a separate 
label at the option of the applicant/grantee.
    (3) The information required may be provided electronically 
pursuant to Sec.  2.935
    (4) Equipment subject only to registration will be identified 
pursuant to part 68 of this chapter.
    (b) Any device subject to more than one equipment authorization 
procedure may be assigned a single FCC Identifier. However, a single 
FCC Identifier is required to be assigned to any device consisting of 
two or more sections assembled in a common enclosure, on a common 
chassis or circuit board, and with common frequency controlling 
circuits. Devices to which a single FCC Identifier has been assigned 
shall be identified pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section.
    (1) Separate FCC Identifiers may be assigned to a device consisting 
of two or more sections assembled in a common enclosure, but 
constructed on separate sub-units or circuit boards with independent 
frequency controlling circuits. The FCC Identifier assigned to any 
transmitter section shall be preceded by the term TX FCC ID, the FCC 
Identifier assigned to any receiver section shall be preceded by the 
term RX FCC ID and the identifier assigned to any remaining section(s) 
shall be preceded by the term FCC ID.
    (2) Where terminal equipment subject to part 68 of this chapter, 
and a radiofrequency device subject to equipment authorization 
requirements are assembled in a common enclosure, the device shall be 
labeled in accordance with the requirements published by the 
Administrative Council for Terminal Attachments and shall also display 
the FCC Identifier in the format specified in paragraph (a) of this 
section.
    (3) For a transceiver, the receiver portion of which is subject to 
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity pursuant to Sec.  15.101 of this 
chapter, and the transmitter portion is subject to certification, the 
FCC Identifier required for the transmitter portion shall be preceded 
by the term FCC ID.
    (c) In order to validate the grant of certification, the label 
shall be permanently affixed to the equipment and shall be readily 
visible to the purchaser at the time of purchase unless the label is in 
electronic form pursuant to Sec.  2.935.
    (1) As used here, permanently affixed means that the required 
information is etched, engraved, stamped, indelibly printed, or 
otherwise permanently marked on a permanently attached part of the 
equipment enclosure. Alternatively, the required information may be 
permanently marked on a nameplate of metal, plastic, or other material 
fastened to the equipment enclosure by welding, riveting, etc., or with 
a permanent adhesive. Such a nameplate must be able to last the 
expected lifetime of the equipment in the environment in which the 
equipment will be operated and must not be readily detachable.
    (2) As used here, readily visible means that the required 
information must be visible from the outside of the equipment 
enclosure. It is preferable that it be visible at all times during 
normal installation or use, but this is not a prerequisite for grant of 
equipment authorization.
    (d) Modular transmitters certified pursuant to Sec.  2.1042 must be 
equipped with either a permanently affixed label or must be capable of 
electronically displaying its FCC Identifier pursuant to Sec.  2.935.
    (1) If using a permanently affixed label, the modular transmitter 
must be labeled with its own FCC Identifier, and, if the FCC Identifier 
is not visible when the modular transmitter is installed inside another 
device, then the outside of the device into which the modular 
transmitter is installed must also display a label referring to the

[[Page 46917]]

enclosed modular transmitter. This exterior label can use wording such 
as the following: ``Contains certified modular transmitter FCC ID: 
XYZMODEL1'' or ``Contains FCC ID: XYZMODEL1.'' Any similar wording that 
expresses the same meaning may be used. The Grantee may either provide 
such a label, an example of which must be included in the application 
for equipment authorization, or, must provide adequate instructions 
along with the modular transmitter which explain this requirement. In 
the latter case, a copy of these instructions must be included in the 
application for equipment certification.
    (2) If the modular transmitter uses an electronic display of the 
FCC Identifier, the information must be readily accessible and visible 
on the modular transmitter or on the device in which it is installed. 
If the modular transmitter is installed inside another device, then the 
outside of the device into which the modular transmitter is installed 
must display a label referring to the enclosed modular transmitter or 
provide the information electronically pursuant to Sec.  2.935. This 
label can use wording such as the following: ``Contains certified 
modular transmitter(s) FCC ID: XYZMODEL1.'' Any similar wording that 
expresses the same meaning may be used. The user manual must include 
instructions on how to access the electronic display. A copy of these 
instructions must be included in the application for equipment 
authorization.
    (3) If a party installing a certified modular transmitter obtains a 
new grant of certification for the modular transmitter, it can use an 
exterior label or provide the information electronically pursuant to 
Sec.  2.935 using wording such as ``Contains certified modular 
transmitter FCC ID:XYXMODEL1 changed to FCC ID:ABCXXXX''. Any similar 
wording that expresses the same meaning may be used.
    (e) Where it is shown that a permanently affixed label is not 
desirable or is not feasible, an alternative method of positively 
identifying the equipment may be used if approved by the Commission. 
The proposed alternative method of identification and the justification 
for its use must be included with the application for equipment 
authorization.
    Note to paragraph (e): As an example, it would be possible to show 
that an alternate method of identification would be necessary for a 
device intended to be implanted within the body of a test animal or 
person.
    (f) The FCC Identifier including the term FCC ID shall be in a size 
of type large enough to be readily legible, consistent with the 
dimensions of the equipment and its label. However, the type size for 
the FCC Identifier is not required to be larger than eight-point. If a 
device is so small that it is impractical to label it with the FCC 
Identifier in a font that is four-point or larger, and the device does 
not have a display that can show electronic labeling, then the FCC 
Identifier shall be placed in the user manual and must also either be 
placed on the device packaging or on a removable label attached to the 
device.
0
15. Remove the undesignated center heading preceding Sec.  2.927.
0
16. Section 2.927 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  2.927  Limitations on grants.

    (a) A grant of certification is valid only when the device is 
labeled in accordance with Sec.  2.925 and remains effective until set 
aside, revoked or withdrawn, rescinded, surrendered, or a termination 
date is otherwise established by the Commission.
* * * * *
0
17. Section 2.931 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.931  Responsibilities.

    (a) The responsible party warrants that each unit of equipment 
marketed under its grant of certification and bearing the 
identification specified in the grant will conform to the unit that was 
measured and that the data (design and rated operational 
characteristics) filed with the application for certification continues 
to be representative of the equipment being produced under such grant 
within the variation that can be expected due to quantity production 
and testing on a statistical basis.
    (b) A party integrating and marketing end products by installing or 
assembling certified modular transmitters into a host device must 
follow all the instructions that are provided concerning the 
installation of the modular transmitter, the type and layout of the 
transmit antenna, and any other steps that must be taken to ensure the 
compliance of the end product. The installer must ensure that the host 
device is of a type that is permissible for use under the approved 
modular transmitter(s) certification. If the installer confirms that 
the requirements are met, then no further equipment authorization is 
required except for retention of records pursuant to Sec.  2.938. If 
the installer cannot show that these requirements are met or end 
product specific compliance requirements are specified, then the 
integrator/installer must perform additional testing to demonstrate 
that the end product complies with all applicable technical 
requirements, including RF exposure and Hearing Aid Compatibility 
(HAC), as appropriate, with the installed combination of modular 
transmitters. When additional testing is required, the installer must 
obtain a new grant of certification for the end product pursuant to 
Sec.  2.1033, or alternatively either the installer or the grantee of 
certification for the modular transmitter must file additional test 
data to supplement to the original modular transmitter's test data 
pursuant to Sec.  2.1043(e) or file for an application for a new 
equipment certification for the modular transmitter pursuant to Sec.  
2.1033.
    (c) A party marketing a certified modular transmitter(s) to be 
installed by the end user must demonstrate compliance with all 
Commission requirements under all the likely installation and use 
configurations an end-user may deploy pursuant to Sec.  2.1042(b)(6). 
The evaluation must ensure that the final assembly will comply with all 
the applicable rules for such assembly.
    (d) In determining compliance for devices subject to Supplier's 
Declaration of Conformity, the responsible party warrants that each 
unit of equipment marketed under the Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity procedure will be identical to the unit tested and found 
acceptable with the standards and that the records maintained by the 
responsible party continue to reflect the equipment being produced 
under such Supplier's Declaration of Conformity within the variation 
that can be expected due to quantity production and testing on a 
statistical basis.
    (e) For equipment subject to Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, 
the responsible party must reevaluate the equipment if any modification 
or change adversely affects the emanation characteristics of the 
modified equipment. The responsible party bears responsibility for 
continued compliance of subsequently produced equipment.


Sec.  2.932  [Removed]

0
18. Remove Sec.  2.932.


Sec.  2.933  [Removed]

0
19. Remove Sec.  2.933.
0
20. Add Sec.  2.935 to read as follows:


Sec.  2.935  Electronic labeling of radiofrequency devices.

    Any radiofrequency device equipped with an integrated electronic 
display screen may display on the electronic

[[Page 46918]]

display the FCC Identifier, any warning statements, or other 
information that the Commission's rules would otherwise require to be 
shown on a physical label attached to the device.
    (a) Devices displaying their FCC Identifier, warning statements, or 
other information electronically must make this information readily 
accessible on the electronic display. Users must be provided with 
prominent instructions on how to access the information in the 
operating instructions, inserts in packaging material, or other easily 
accessible format at the time of purchase. The access instructions must 
also be available on the product-related Web site, if such a Web site 
exists, and a copy of these instructions must be included in the 
application for equipment certification.
    (b) Devices displaying their FCC Identifier, warning statements, or 
other information electronically must permit access to the information 
without requiring special codes, accessories or permissions and the 
access to this information must not require more than three steps in 
the menu.
    (c) The electronically displayed FCC Identifier, warning 
statements, or other information must be displayed electronically in a 
manner that is clearly legible without the aid of magnification.
    (d) The necessary label information must be programmed by the 
responsible party and must be secured in such a manner that third-
parties cannot modify it.
    (e) Devices displaying their FCC Identifier, warning statements, or 
other information electronically must also display this information on 
the product packaging or on a physical label placed on the product at 
the time of importation, marketing, and sales. If a physical label is 
used, it may be a removable label, or, for devices in protective bags, 
a label on the protective bag. Any removable label shall be of a type 
intended to survive normal shipping and handling and must only be 
removed by the customer after purchase.
0
21. Section 2.938 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.938  Retention of records.

    (a) For equipment subject to the equipment authorization procedures 
in this part, the responsible party shall maintain the records listed 
as follows:
    (1) A record of the original design drawings and specifications and 
all changes that have been made that may affect compliance with the 
standards and the requirements of Sec.  2.931.
    (2) A record of the procedures used for production inspection and 
testing to ensure conformance with the standards and the requirements 
of Sec.  2.931.
    (3) A record of the test results that demonstrate compliance with 
the appropriate regulations in this chapter.
    (b) For equipment subject to Supplier's Declaration of Conformity 
procedures, the responsible party shall, in addition to the 
requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, maintain a record of the 
measurements made on an appropriate test site that demonstrates 
compliance with the applicable regulations in this chapter. The record 
shall:
    (1) Indicate the actual date all testing was performed;
    (2) State the name of the test laboratory, company, or individual 
performing the testing. The Commission may request additional 
information regarding the test site, the test equipment or the 
qualifications of the company or individual performing the tests;
    (3) Contain a description of how the device was actually tested, 
identifying the measurement procedure and test equipment that was used;
    (4) Contain a description of the equipment under test (EUT) and 
support equipment connected to, or installed within, the EUT;
    (5) Identify the EUT and support equipment by trade name and model 
number and, if appropriate, by FCC Identifier and serial number;
    (6) Indicate the types and lengths of connecting cables used and 
how they were arranged or moved during testing;
    (7) Contain at least two drawings or photographs showing the test 
set-up for the highest line conducted emission and showing the test 
set-up for the highest radiated emission. These drawings or photographs 
must show enough detail to confirm other information contained in the 
test report. Any photographs used must clearly show the test 
configuration used;
    (8) List all modifications, if any, made to the EUT by the testing 
company or individual to achieve compliance with the regulations in 
this chapter;
    (9) Include all of the data required to show compliance with the 
appropriate regulations in this chapter;
    (10) Contain, on the test report, the signature of the individual 
responsible for testing the product along with the name and signature 
of an official of the responsible party, as designated in Sec.  2.909; 
and
    (11) A copy of the compliance information, as described in Sec.  
2.1077, is required to be provided with the equipment.
    (c) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall also 
apply to a manufacturer of equipment produced under an agreement with 
the original responsible party. The retention of the records by the 
manufacturer under these circumstances shall satisfy the grantee's 
responsibility under paragraph (a) of this section.
    (d) For equipment subject to more than one equipment authorization 
procedure, the responsible party must retain the records required under 
all applicable provisions of this section.
    (e) For equipment subject to rules that include a transition 
period, the records must indicate the particular transition provisions 
that were in effect when the equipment was determined to be compliant.
    (f) For equipment subject to certification, records shall be 
retained for a one year period after the marketing of the associated 
equipment has been permanently discontinued, or until the conclusion of 
an investigation or a proceeding if the responsible party (or, under 
paragraph (c) of this section, the manufacturer) is officially notified 
that an investigation or any other administrative proceeding involving 
its equipment has been instituted. For all other records kept pursuant 
to this section, a two-year period shall apply.
    (g) If radio frequency equipment is modified by any party other 
than the original responsible party, and that party is not working 
under the authorization of the original responsible party, the party 
performing the modifications is not required to obtain the original 
design drawings specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. However, 
the party performing the modifications must maintain records showing 
the changes made to the equipment along with the records required in 
paragraphs (a)(3) of this section. A new equipment authorization may 
also be required.
0
21. Section 2.941 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  2.941  Availability of information relating to grants.

    (a) Grants of equipment authorization are available in the 
Commission's public database.
* * * * *


Sec.  2.944  [Removed]

0
22. Remove Sec.  2.944.
0
23. Section 2.947 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(3) and adding 
paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  2.947  Measurement procedure.

    (a) * * *
    (3) Any measurement procedure acceptable to the Commission may be 
used to prepare data demonstrating

[[Page 46919]]

compliance with the requirements of this chapter. Advisory information 
regarding measurement procedures can be found in the Commission's 
Knowledge Database, which is available at www.fcc.gov/labhelp/.
* * * * *
    (f) A composite system is a system that incorporates different 
devices contained either in a single enclosure or in separate 
enclosures connected by wire or cable. If the individual devices in a 
composite system are subject to different technical standards, each 
such device must comply with its specific standards. In no event may 
the measured emissions of the composite system exceed the highest level 
permitted for an individual component. Testing for compliance with the 
different standards shall be performed with all of the devices in the 
system functioning. If the composite system incorporates more than one 
antenna or other radiating source and these radiating sources are 
designed to emit at the same time, measurements of conducted and 
radiated emissions shall be performed with all radiating sources that 
are to be employed emitting.
0
25. Remove the undesignated center heading preceding Sec.  2.951.


Sec.  2.951  [Removed]

0
26. Remove Sec.  2.951.


Sec.  2.952  [Removed]

0
27. Remove Sec.  2.952.


Sec.  2.953  [Removed]

0
28. Remove Sec.  2.953.


Sec.  2.954  [Removed]

0
29. Remove Sec.  2.954.


Sec.  2.955  [Removed]

0
30. Remove Sec.  2.955.
0
31. Section 2.1033 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1033  Application for grant of certification.

    (a) An application for certification shall be filed electronically 
through the Commission's Equipment Authorization System (EAS) with all 
required information. Items that do not apply shall be so noted. Except 
as otherwise noted in this section, all applications for certification 
shall be accompanied by documentation containing the following 
information:
    (1) The full name, mailing address, electronic mail address, and 
telephone number of the responsible party for certification.
    (2) FCC Identifier and label information as required pursuant to 
Sec.  2.925.
    (i) For devices where the FCC Identifier label is presented 
electronically, the application must include instructions for accessing 
the information.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) A copy of the installation and operating instructions. A draft 
copy of the instructions may be submitted if the actual document is not 
available. The actual document shall be furnished to the FCC when it 
becomes available and prior to marketing the end product. The user's 
manual or instruction manual for an intentional or unintentional 
radiator shall prominently caution the user that changes or 
modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for 
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
    (i) If the application is for a modular transmitter, the 
installation instructions must clearly document the proper procedures 
for installing the modular transmitter as well as any limitations on 
the end product necessary to ensure compliance. If the conditions of 
use require any specific instructions to the end user, this information 
must also be included in the manual in a conspicuous location.
    (ii) In cases where the manual is provided only in a form other 
than paper, such as on a computer disk or over the Internet, the 
information required by this section may be included in the manual in 
that alternative form, provided the user can reasonably be expected to 
have the capability to access information in that form.
    (iii) The manual must include all the necessary advisories and 
information to be provided to the users as specified in the rules in 
this chapter.
    (4) A brief description of the circuit functions, a functional 
block diagram of the RF circuitry of the device along with a statement 
describing how the device operates including software or firmware used 
to control such functions. This statement should contain a description 
of the ground system and antenna, if any, used with the device.
    (i) For devices including modular transmitters which are software 
defined radios and use software to control the radio or other 
parameters subject to the Commission's rules, the description must 
include details of the equipment's capabilities for software 
modification and upgradeability, including all frequency bands, power 
levels, modulation types, or other modes of operation for which the 
device is designed to operate, whether or not the device will be 
initially marketed with all modes enabled. The description must state 
which parties will be authorized to make software changes (e.g., the 
grantee, wireless service providers, other authorized parties) and the 
software controls that are provided to prevent unauthorized parties 
from enabling different modes of operation. Manufacturers must describe 
the methods used in the device to secure the software in their 
application for equipment authorization and must include a high level 
operational description or flow diagram of the software that controls 
the radio frequency operating parameters. The applicant must provide an 
attestation that only permissible modes of operation may be selected by 
a user.
    (ii) For modular transmitters that can be placed in a physical 
platform that will not itself be certified (i.e. a form factor), the 
description must include reference designs for the physical platform 
and a showing of how the modular transmitter will meet the requirements 
of such designs.
    (5) A schematic diagram showing the frequency of all oscillators in 
the device. The signal path and frequency shall be indicated at each 
applicable location. The tuning range(s) and intermediate 
frequency(ies) shall be indicated.
    (6) A report of measurements showing compliance with the pertinent 
FCC technical requirements. This report shall identify the test 
procedure used (e.g., specify the FCC test procedure, or industry test 
procedure that was used), the date the measurements were made, the 
location where the measurements were made, and the device that was 
tested (model and serial number, if available). The report shall 
include sample calculations showing how the measurement results were 
converted for comparison with the technical requirements.
    (i) For devices required to provide radiofrequency exposure 
evaluation pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, the report 
must identify the evaluation procedures and include all the necessary 
measurements or calculations necessary to demonstrate compliance. If 
the test reports are provided to show compliance of host products 
incorporating specific certified modular transmitters approved pursuant 
to Sec.  2.1042, the information must include host-specific testing and 
appropriate guidance to ensure that the device will operate in a 
compliant manner.
    (ii) For devices operating in licensed radio services the following 
must be provided:
    (A) The data required by Sec. Sec.  2.1046 through 2.1057, 
inclusive, measured in accordance with the procedures set out in Sec.  
2.1041.

[[Page 46920]]

    (B) Type or types of emission.
    (C) The dc voltages applied to and dc currents into the several 
elements of the final radio frequency amplifying device for normal 
operations over the power range.
    (D) The tune up procedure over the power range or at specific 
operating power levels.
    (E) Range of operating power values or specific operating power 
levels, and description of any means provided for variation of 
operating power.
    (7) Frequency or frequency range.
    (8) Maximum power rating as defined in the applicable part(s) of 
this chapter.
    (9) A sufficient number of photographs to clearly show the exterior 
appearance, the construction, the component placement on the chassis, 
and the chassis assembly. The exterior views shall show the overall 
appearance, the antenna(s) used with the device (if any), the controls 
available to the user, and the required identification label in 
sufficient detail so that the name and FCC Identifier can be read. In 
lieu of a photograph of the label, a sample label (or facsimile 
thereof) may be submitted together with a sketch showing where this 
label will be placed on the equipment.
    (i) For devices where the FCC Identifier label is presented 
electronically, the application must include a screen shot or 
equivalent representation of the display containing the information and 
the steps required to access that display.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (10) If the equipment is certified as a modular transmitter 
pursuant to Sec.  2.1042 and can only be certified for a specific host 
or can be approved for limited types of use, a list of such 
limitations.
    (11) If the equipment for which certification is being sought must 
be tested with peripheral, accessory devices or host devices connected 
or installed, a brief description of those peripherals or accessories. 
The peripheral or accessory devices shall be unmodified, commercially 
available equipment.
    (12) At least one drawing or photograph showing the test set-up for 
each of the required types of tests applicable to the device for which 
certification is requested. These drawings or photographs must show 
enough detail to confirm other information contained in the test 
report. Any photographs used must clearly show the test configuration 
used.
    (13) All applications must be accompanied by the anti-drug abuse 
certification required under Sec.  1.2002 of this chapter.
    (b) In addition to the information listed in paragraph (a) of this 
section, the following information must be submitted for specific 
categories of devices:
    (1) For equipment subject to the provisions of part 15 of this 
chapter, the application shall indicate if the equipment is being 
authorized pursuant to the transition provisions in Sec.  15.37 of this 
chapter.
    (2) Applications for the certification of scanning receivers shall 
include a statement describing the methods used to comply with the 
design requirements of all parts of Sec.  15.121 of this chapter. The 
application must specifically include a statement assessing the 
vulnerability of the equipment to possible modification and describing 
the design features that prevent the modification of the equipment by 
the user to receive transmissions from the Cellular Radiotelephone 
Service. The application must also demonstrate compliance with the 
signal rejection requirement of Sec.  15.121 of this chapter, including 
details on the measurement procedures used to demonstrate compliance.
    (3) Applications for certification of transmitters operating within 
the 59.0-64.0 GHz band under part 15 of this chapter shall also be 
accompanied by an exhibit demonstrating compliance with the provisions 
of Sec.  15.255(g) of this chapter.
    (4) For equipment employing digital modulation techniques, a 
detailed description of the modulation system to be used, including the 
response characteristics (frequency, phase and amplitude) of any 
filters provided, and a description of the modulating wavetrain, shall 
be submitted for the maximum rated conditions under which the equipment 
will be operated.
    (5) The application for certification of an external radio 
frequency power amplifier under part 97 of this chapter need not be 
accompanied by the data required by paragraph (a)(6)(ii)(A) of this 
section. In lieu thereof, measurements shall be submitted to show 
compliance with the technical specifications in subpart C of part 97 of 
this chapter and such information as required by Sec.  2.1060.
    (6) An application for certification of an AM broadcast 
stereophonic exciter-generator intended for interfacing with existing 
certified, or formerly type accepted or notified transmitters must 
include measurements made on a complete stereophonic transmitter. The 
instruction book must include complete specifications and circuit 
requirements for interconnecting with existing transmitters. The 
instruction book must also provide a full description of the equipment 
and measurement procedures to monitor modulation and to verify that the 
combination of stereo exciter-generator and transmitter meet the 
emission limitations of Sec.  73.44 of this chapter.
    (7) Applications for certification required by Sec.  25.129 of this 
chapter shall include any additional equipment test data and 
information required by that section.
    (8) Applications for certification of equipment operating under 
part 20 of this chapter, that a manufacturer is seeking to certify as 
hearing aid compatible, as set forth in Sec.  20.19 of this chapter, 
shall include a statement indicating compliance with the test 
requirements of Sec.  20.19 of this chapter and indicating the 
appropriate M-rating and T-rating for the equipment. The manufacturer 
of the equipment shall be responsible for maintaining the test results.
    (9) Applications for certification of equipment operating under 
part 27 of this chapter, that a manufacturer is seeking to certify for 
operation in the:
    (i) 1755-1780 MHz, 2155-2180 MHz, or both bands shall include a 
statement indicating compliance with the pairing of 1710-1780 and 2110-
2180 MHz specified in Sec. Sec.  27.5(h) and 27.75 of this chapter.
    (ii) 1695-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz, or both bands shall include a 
statement indicating compliance with Sec.  27.77 of this chapter.
    (iii) 600 MHz band shall include a statement indicating compliance 
with Sec.  27.75 of this chapter.
    (10) Applications for certification of U-NII devices in the 5.15-
5.35 GHz and the 5.47-5.85 GHz bands must include a high level 
operational description of the security procedures that control the 
radio frequency operating parameters and ensure that unauthorized 
modifications cannot be made.
    (11) Applications for certification of equipment operating under 
part 90 of this chapter and capable of operating on the 700 MHz 
interoperability channels (See Sec.  90.531(b)(1) of this chapter) 
shall include a Compliance Assessment Program Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity and Summary Test Report or, alternatively, shall include a 
document detailing how the applicant determined that its equipment 
complies with Sec.  90.548 of this chapter and that the equipment is 
interoperable across vendors.
    (c) A single application for certification may be filed to 
authorize an end product that incorporates devices subject to 
certification under multiple rule parts or under multiple sections

[[Page 46921]]

within a rule part. The application must include all the information 
required in this section for each applicable rule parts or sections 
within a rule part. The end product must be labeled with a single FCC 
Identifier if a single application is filed. Separate applications must 
be filed if different FCC Identifiers will be used for each device in 
the end product.
    (d) A single application for certification may be filed to 
authorize a family of products, as described in Sec.  2.929(b), under a 
single FCC Identifier. The devices must be clearly similar, based upon 
their overall design of the devices, their functions, components and 
layout. The applicant for certification must provide a clear 
description of the devices that would be included in the family of 
products and the differences between them.
    (e) A grant of certification must be modified by a new application 
whenever there is a change in the design, circuitry, construction or 
other characteristics of a device reported at the time of previous 
certification (including the original application and any subsequent 
updates as permitted by the provisions of Sec.  2.1043). The 
application must include:
    (1) A description of the changes;
    (2) Documentation pursuant to paragraph (a) or (h) of this section 
to update any of the originally submitted information that was affected 
by the modification of the device; and
    (3) If the application includes a request to change the FCC 
Identifier, an applicant that is not the original grantee must provide 
documentation that the original grantee has given the new applicant 
permission to reference the original filing, if applicable.
    (f) A grant of certification must be modified by a new application 
whenever there is a change in the FCC Identifier without changes in 
design, circuitry or construction of the certified device(s). The 
application is not required to include the measurement or test data 
specified in paragraph (a) of this section, although such data may be 
later requested by the TCB or the Commission. The following information 
shall be filed with such application:
    (1) An application that is not from the original grantee must 
provide with its application documentation confirming the grantee's 
consent to reference the original filing.
    (2) The original identification used on the equipment prior to the 
change in identification.
    (3) The date of the original grant of the equipment authorization.
    (4) How the equipment bearing the modified identification differs 
from the original equipment.
    (5) Whether the original test results continue to be representative 
of and applicable to the equipment bearing the changed identification.
    (6) The photographs required by paragraph (a)(9) of this section 
showing the exterior appearance of the equipment, including the 
operating controls available to the user and the identification label. 
Photographs of the construction, the component placement on the 
chassis, and the chassis assembly are not required to be submitted 
unless specifically requested by the Commission.
    (g) A grant of certification must be modified by a new application 
whenever an assembler or integrator incorporates one or more certified 
modular transmitters into a new host device where additional testing 
and a new FCC Identifier is requested. In such cases, the requirements 
of paragraph (e) of this section apply.
    (h) For certified modular transmitters that are incorporated in 
additional devices authorized under new FCC Identifier(s), the 
following applies: If the original grantee of certification receives 
approval for a change pursuant to Sec.  2.1043(c) subsequent to the 
grant of an application for a new FCC Identifier, and the change will 
be incorporated into the equipment bearing the new FCC Identifier, then 
the grantee that received approval for a new FCC Identifier must also 
file for change in its equipment pursuant to Sec.  2.1043(c).
0
32. Add Sec.  2.1042 to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1042  Certified modular transmitters.

    (a) A certified modular transmitter consists of a radiofrequency 
transmitter device that is incorporated or attached to another product, 
host, or a device for data and power and that satisfies the 
requirements to obtain a modular transmitter certification. A certified 
modular transmitter may also consist of a single chip package, provided 
it is authorized in accordance with all the requirements of this 
subpart.
    (b) Modular transmitters must meet the following requirements to 
obtain a modular transmitter certification:
    (1) The radio elements of the modular transmitter must have their 
own shielding. The physical crystal and tuning capacitors may be 
located external to the shielded radio elements.
    (2) The modular transmitter must have buffered modulation/data 
inputs (if such inputs are provided) to ensure that it will comply with 
the requirements of the rules under conditions of excessive data rates 
or over-modulation.
    (3) The modular transmitter must have its own power supply 
regulation.
    (4) The modular transmitter must be tested in a stand-alone 
configuration, i.e., it must not be inside another device during 
testing for compliance with the rules.
    (5) The modular transmitter must comply with any specific rules or 
operating requirements that ordinarily apply to a complete transmitter 
and the manufacturer must provide adequate instructions along with the 
modular transmitter to explain any such requirements. A copy of these 
instructions must be included in the application for equipment 
authorization.
    (6) If a modular transmitter is to be installed by the end-user, 
compliance with all Commission requirements must be demonstrated by the 
responsible party under all the likely installation and use 
configurations an end-user may deploy. Any RF exposure evaluation must 
include various likely user configurations, including those expected to 
create the greatest RF exposure.
    (7) A modular transmitter operating under part 15 of this chapter 
must comply with the antenna and transmission system requirements of 
Sec. Sec.  15.203, 15.204(b) and 15.204(c) of this chapter. The antenna 
must either be permanently attached or employ a ``unique'' antenna 
coupler (at all connections between the modular transmitter and the 
antenna, including the cable). An antenna can be a trace on circuit 
board when all the characteristics are properly defined. The 
``professional installation'' provision of Sec.  15.203 of this chapter 
is not applicable to modular transmitters but can apply to limited 
modular approvals under paragraph (b) of this section.
    (8) A modular transmitter operating under part 15 of this chapter 
must comply with the AC line conducted requirements found in Sec.  
15.207 of this chapter unless it is battery powered. AC or DC power 
lines and data input/output lines connected to the module must not 
contain ferrites, unless they will be marketed with the module (see 
Sec.  15.27(a) of this chapter). The length of these lines shall be the 
length typical of actual use or, if that length is unknown, at least 10 
centimeters to insure that there is no coupling between the case of the 
module and supporting equipment. Any accessories, peripherals, or 
support equipment connected to the module during testing shall be 
unmodified and commercially available (see Sec.  15.31(i) of this 
chapter).

[[Page 46922]]

    (c) A limited certification may be granted for a modular 
transmitter that does not comply with all of the requirements listed in 
paragraph (b) of this section, e.g., shielding/enclosures, minimum 
signaling amplitude, buffered modulation/data inputs, or power supply 
regulation, if the manufacturer can demonstrate by alternative means in 
the application for equipment certification that the modular 
transmitter meets all the applicable requirements under the operating 
conditions in which the transmitter will be used. A limited 
certification may also be granted in those instances where compliance 
with RF exposure rules is demonstrated only for limited applications or 
specific product configurations and installation or user requirements. 
The applicant for certification must state how control of the end 
product into which the modular transmitter will be installed will be 
maintained such that full compliance of the end product is always 
ensured. Applications for certification for either a new device or 
changes to an existing device must be filed pursuant to Sec.  2.1033 or 
2.1043 if there are changes in the applicable conditions or 
limitations.
    (d) Multiple certified modular transmitters when integrated into an 
end product and the end product itself must comply with all Commission 
requirements, including RF exposure requirements pursuant to Sec. Sec.  
1.1307 of this chapter, 2.1091, and 2.1093. The end product 
manufacturer must perform additional compliance testing with all 
certified modular transmitters installed and operating in anticipated 
configurations to ensure the end product's compliance. The party 
integrating the modular transmitters into an end product will be 
responsible for the compliance of the end product pursuant to Sec.  
2.909(a).
    (e) Manufacturers of any radio including certified modular 
transmitters which includes a software defined radio must take steps to 
ensure that only software that has been approved with a particular 
radio can be loaded into that radio. The software must not allow the 
installers or end-user to operate the transmitter with operating 
frequencies, output power, modulation types or other radio frequency 
parameters outside those that were approved. Manufacturers may use 
means including, but not limited to the use of a private network that 
allows only authenticated users to download software, electronic 
signatures in software or coding in hardware that is decoded by 
software to verify that new software can be legally loaded into a 
device to meet these requirements.
0
33. Section 2.1043 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1043  Changes in certified equipment.

    (a) Changes may be made to certified equipment in accordance with 
the provisions of this section.
    (b) New FCC Identifier Not Required. Two classes of permissive 
changes are permitted; in both cases, the responsible party must 
continue to use the original FCC Identifier when it makes changes.
    (1) Class I permissive changes. A grantee may make minor variations 
in a device's enclosure or component layout without obtaining an 
updated grant of certification from a TCB as long as the grantee 
ensures that the device continues to comply with all applicable rules. 
A grantee of certification does not need to obtain an updated grant of 
certification from a TCB for changes to a certified device that do not 
cause the fundamental emissions to increase, the spurious emissions to 
deteriorate (i.e. increase in amplitude), RF exposure to increase, 
changes any other characteristics to be reported to the Commission or 
that do not add new capabilities such as new frequency bands or 
transmission formats.
    (2) Class II permissive changes. A grantee of certification must 
submit an application to obtain an updated grant of certification from 
a TCB for changes that increase the fundamental emissions (e.g., the 
power level or radiated field strength), cause the spurious emissions 
to deteriorate (i.e., increase in amplitude), affect a device's 
compliance with the RF exposure, change the hearing aid compatibility 
(HAC) ratings or change any characteristics to be reported to the 
Commission. A grantee must obtain an updated grant of certification for 
the addition of new device capabilities through software changes, such 
as the addition of new frequency bands or transmission formats, and 
must demonstrate the controls it will use to prevent unauthorized 
software modifications. All requests for changes pursuant to this 
paragraph (a) must be accompanied by the anti-drug abuse certification 
required under Sec.  1.2002 of this chapter.
    (c) New FCC Identifier Required. An application for grant of 
certification with a new FCC Identifier must be submitted when 
significant changes in the design, layout or functionality of a 
previously certified device are made. In addition, a party requesting a 
new FCC Identifier for a previously certified device or that modifies 
and becomes the responsible party for a previously certified device 
must submit a new application for certification using a new FCC 
Identifier.
    (d) Changes to certified equipment described in paragraph (b) of 
this section may be made by the original grantee of certification or a 
party acting under the authority of the grantee of certification. When 
a party other than the grantee of certification applies for a change 
pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section, it must include 
documentation with its request confirming the grantee's consent.
    (e) When a grantee applies for an updated grant of certification 
pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section and TCB approves such 
application, the TCB issuing the update shall supply the Commission, 
through the EAS, a description of the changes, complete information 
showing changes from that originally submitted to the Commission, and 
the results of tests of the characteristics affected by such change. 
The modified equipment shall not be marketed under the existing grant 
of certification prior to acknowledgement by the Commission on the 
Commission's public database that the change is acceptable.
    (f) For modular devices that are incorporated in additional devices 
authorized as permissive changes under the original FCC Identifier(s), 
if the original grant of certification has prior permissive change 
approvals pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section all 
configurations used and marketed must be tested.
    (g) For assemblers or integrators incorporating one or multiple 
certified modular transmitters into a new host device, authorized under 
the original grant of certification where an additional certification 
filing is required, the requirements of Sec.  2.1033(e) apply.
    (h) Equipment that has been certified or formerly type accepted for 
use in the Amateur Radio Service pursuant to the requirements of part 
97 of this chapter may be modified without regard to the conditions 
specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, provided the following 
conditions are met:
    (1) Any person performing such modifications on equipment used 
under part 97 of this chapter must possess a valid amateur radio 
operator license of the class required for the use of the equipment 
being modified.
    (2) Modifications made pursuant to this paragraph (h) are limited 
to equipment used at licensed amateur radio stations.
    (3) Modifications specified or performed by equipment manufacturers 
or suppliers must be in accordance with

[[Page 46923]]

the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (4) Modifications specified or performed by licensees in the 
Amateur Radio Service on equipment other than that at specific licensed 
amateur radio stations must be in accordance with the requirements set 
forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (5) The station licensee shall be responsible for ensuring that 
modified equipment used at his station will comply with the applicable 
technical standards in part 97 of this chapter.
    (i) Transmitters that have been certified or formerly type accepted 
for use in the Broadcast services may be modified without regard to the 
conditions specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, 
provided that the modified equipment continues to comply with all other 
equipment authorization and part 73 of this chapter. If a previously 
approved broadcast transmitter is modified, it must either be labeled 
with a statement indicating that it was modified after approval or the 
original FCC Identifier must be permanently covered or removed.
0
34. The undesignated heading preceding Sec.  2.1071 is revised as 
follows:

Supplier's Declaration of Conformity

0
35. Section 2.1071 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1071  Cross reference.

    The general provisions of this subpart shall apply to equipment 
subject to a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity.
0
36. Section 2.1072 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1072  Limitation on Supplier's Declaration of Conformity.

    (a) The Supplier's Declaration of Conformity signifies that the 
responsible party, as defined in Sec.  2.909, has determined that the 
equipment has been shown to comply with the applicable technical 
standards if no unauthorized change is made in the equipment and if the 
equipment is properly maintained and operated. Compliance with these 
standards shall not be construed to be a finding by the responsible 
party with respect to matters not encompassed by the Commission's 
rules.
    (b) A Supplier's Declaration of Conformity by responsible party, as 
defined in Sec.  2.909, is effective until a termination date is 
otherwise established by the Commission.
    (c) No person shall, in any advertising matter, brochure, etc., use 
or make reference to a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity in a 
deceptive or misleading manner or convey the impression that such a 
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity reflects more than a determination 
by the manufacturer, importer, integrator, or responsible party, as 
defined in Sec.  2.909, that the device or product has been shown to be 
capable of complying with the applicable technical standards of the 
Commission's rules.


Sec.  2.1073  [Removed]

0
37. Remove Sec.  2.1073.
0
38. Section 2.1074 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1074  Identification.

    Devices subject only to Supplier's Declaration of Conformity must 
be uniquely identified by the party responsible for marketing or 
importing the equipment within the United States. However, the 
identification shall not be of a format which could be confused with 
the FCC Identifier required on certified equipment. The responsible 
party must maintain adequate identification records to facilitate 
positive identification for each device.


Sec.  21075  [Removed]

0
39. Remove Sec.  2.1075.
0
40. Section 2.1077 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1077  Compliance information.

    (a) If a product must be tested and authorized under a Supplier's 
Declaration of Conformity, a compliance information statement shall be 
supplied with the product at the time of marketing or importation, 
containing the following information:
    (1) Identification of the product, e.g., name and model number;
    (2) A compliance statement as applicable, e.g. for devices subject 
to part 15 of this chapter, as specified in Sec.  15.19(a)(3) of this 
chapter, that the product complies with the rules; and
    (3) The identification, by name, address and telephone number, of 
the responsible party, as defined in Sec.  2.909. The responsible party 
for a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity must be located within the 
United States.
    (b) If a product is assembled from modular components (e.g. 
enclosures, power supplies and CPU boards) that, by themselves, are 
authorized under a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity and/or a grant 
of certification, and the assembled product is also subject to 
authorization under a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity but, in 
accordance with the applicable regulations, does not require additional 
testing, the product shall be supplied, at the time of marketing or 
importation, with a compliance information statement containing the 
following information:
    (1) Identification of the assembled product, e.g., name and model 
number.
    (2) Identification of the modular components used in the assembly. 
A modular component authorized under a Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity shall be identified as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section. A modular component authorized under a grant of certification 
shall be identified by name and model number (if applicable) along with 
the FCC Identifier number.
    (3) A statement that the product complies with part 15 of this 
chapter.
    (4) The identification, by name, address and telephone number, of 
the responsible party who assembled the product from modular 
components, as defined in Sec.  2.909. The responsible party for a 
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity must be located within the United 
States.
    (5) Copies of the compliance information statements for each 
modular component used in the system that is authorized under a 
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity.
    (c) The compliance information statement shall be included in the 
user's manual or as a separate sheet. In cases where the manual is 
provided only in a form other than paper, such as on a computer disk or 
over the Internet, the information required by this section may be 
included in the manual in that alternative form, provided the user can 
reasonably be expected to have the capability to access information in 
that form. The information may be provided electronically as permitted 
in Sec.  2.935.
0
41. Section 2.1201 is amended by revising paragraph (b) and removing 
paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1201  Purpose.

* * * * *
    (b) The rules in this subpart set out the conditions under which 
radio frequency devices as defined in Sec.  2.801 that are capable of 
causing harmful interference to radio communications may be imported 
into the U.S.A.
0
42. Section 2.1202 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1202  Exclusions.

    The provisions of this section do not apply to the importation of:
    (a) Unintentional radiators which are exempted from technical 
standards and other requirements as specified in Sec.  15.103 of this 
chapter.
    (b) Radio frequency devices manufactured and assembled in the 
U.S.A. that meet applicable FCC technical standards and which have not

[[Page 46924]]

been modified or received further assembly.
    (c) Radio frequency devices previously properly imported that have 
been exported for repair and re-imported for use.
    (d) Subassemblies, parts, or components of radio frequency devices 
unless they constitute an essentially completed device which requires 
only the addition of cabinets, knobs, speakers, or similar minor 
attachments before marketing or use. This exclusion does not apply to 
computer circuit boards that are actually peripheral devices as defined 
in Sec.  15.3(r) of this chapter and all devices that, by themselves, 
are subject to FCC marketing rules.
0
43. Section 2.1203 is revised to read as follows


Sec.  2.1203  General requirement for entry into the U.S.A.

    (a) No radio frequency device may be imported into the Customs 
territory of the United States unless the importer or ultimate 
consignee, or their designated customs broker, determines that the 
device meets one of the conditions for entry set out in this section.
    (b) Failure to satisfy at least one of the entry conditions for 
importation of radio frequency devices may result in refused entry, 
refused withdrawal for consumption, required redelivery to the Customs 
port, and other administrative, civil and criminal remedies provided by 
law.
    (c) Whoever makes a determination pursuant to paragraph (a) of this 
section must provide, upon request made within one year of the date of 
entry, documentation on how an imported radio frequency device was 
determined to be in compliance with Commission requirements.
0
44. Section 2.1204 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(4)(i), 
and (a)(7) to read as follows:


Sec.  2.1204  Import conditions.

    (a) * * *
    (1) The radio frequency device is compliant and has either received 
a grant of certification or the responsible party has performed a 
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. However, a radio frequency device 
that has been issued a provisional grant of certification may be 
imported prior to the issuance of a grant of certification provided 
that the importer maintains sufficient control over the device to 
ensure that it is not marketed as defined in Sec.  2.803(a) prior to 
the receipt of the grant of certification.
* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (i) 400 or fewer units, provided the product is designed solely for 
operation within one of the Commission's authorized radio services for 
which an operating license is required to be issued by the Commission; 
or
* * * * *
    (7) Three or fewer devices are being imported for the individual's 
personal use and are not intended for sale.
* * * * *


Sec.  2.1205  [Removed]

0
45. Remove Sec.  2.1205.

PART 15--RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES

0
46. The authority citation for part 15 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  47 U.S.C. 154, 302a, 303, 304, 307, 336, 544a, and 
549.

0
47. Section 15.1 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  15.1  Scope of this part.

* * * * *
    (c) Unless specifically exempted, the operation or marketing of an 
intentional or unintentional radiator that is not in compliance with 
the administrative and technical provisions in this part, including 
prior equipment authorization, as appropriate, is prohibited under 
section 302 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and subpart 
I of part 2 of this chapter. The equipment authorization procedures are 
detailed in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter.
0
48. Section 15.19 is amended by revising paragraph (a) and by removing 
and reserving paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  15.19  Labeling requirements.

    (a) In addition to the requirements in part 2 of this chapter, a 
device subject to certification, or Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity shall be labeled as follows:
    (1) Receivers associated with the operation of a licensed radio 
service, e.g., FM broadcast under part 73 of this chapter, land mobile 
operation under part 90 of this chapter, etc., shall bear the following 
statement in a conspicuous location on the device:
    This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is 
subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful 
interference.
    (2) A stand-alone cable input selector switch, shall bear the 
following statement in a conspicuous location on the device:
    This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules for use with 
cable television service.
    (3) All other devices shall bear the following statement in a 
conspicuous location on the device:
    This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is 
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause 
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
    (4) Where a device is constructed in two or more sections connected 
by wires and marketed together, the statement specified under paragraph 
(a) of this section is required to be affixed only to the main control 
unit.
    (5) When the device is so small or for such use that it is 
impracticable to label it with the statement specified under paragraph 
(a) of this section in a font that is four-point or larger, and the 
device does not have a display that can show electronic labeling, then 
the information required by this paragraph (a) shall be placed in the 
user manual and must also either be placed on the device packaging or 
on a removable label attached to the device.
* * * * *
0
49. Section 15.25 is amended by revising paragraphs (b) and (c) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  15.25  Kits.

* * * * *
    (b) At least two units of the kit shall be assembled in exact 
accordance with the instructions supplied with the product to be 
marketed. If all components required to fully complete the kit (other 
than those specified in paragraph (a) of this section which are needed 
for compliance with the technical provisions and must be included with 
the kit) are not normally furnished with the kit, assembly shall be 
made using the recommended components. The assembled units shall be 
certified or authorized under the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity 
procedure, as appropriate, pursuant to the requirements of this part.
    (1) The measurement data required for a TV interface device subject 
to certification shall be obtained for each of the two units and 
submitted with an application for certification pursuant to subpart J 
of part 2 of this chapter.
    (2) The measurement data required for a TV interface device subject 
to Supplier's Declaration of Conformity shall be obtained for the units 
tested and retained on file pursuant to the provisions of subpart J of 
part 2 of this chapter.
    (c) A copy of the exact instructions that will be provided for 
assembly of the device shall be submitted with an

[[Page 46925]]

application for certification. Those parts which are not normally 
furnished shall be detailed in the application for certification.
* * * * *
0
50. Section 15.27 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  15.27  Special accessories.

    (a) Equipment marketed to a consumer must be capable of complying 
with the necessary regulations in the configuration in which the 
equipment is marketed. Where special accessories, such as shielded 
cables and/or special connectors, are required to enable an 
unintentional or intentional radiator to comply with the emission 
limits in this part, the equipment must be marketed with, i.e., shipped 
and sold with, those special accessories. However, in lieu of shipping 
or packaging the special accessories with the unintentional or 
intentional radiator, the responsible party may employ other methods of 
ensuring that the special accessories are provided to the consumer, 
without additional charge, at the time of purchase. Information 
detailing any alternative method used to supply the special accessories 
shall be included in the application for a grant of equipment 
authorization or retained in the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity 
records, as appropriate. The party responsible for the equipment, as 
detailed in Sec.  2.909 of this chapter, shall ensure that these 
special accessories are provided with the equipment. The instruction 
manual for such devices shall include appropriate instructions on the 
first page of the text concerned with the installation of the device 
that these special accessories must be used with the device. It is the 
responsibility of the user to use the needed special accessories 
supplied with the equipment. In cases where the manual is provided only 
in a form other than paper, such as on a computer disk or over the 
Internet, the information required by this section may be included in 
the manual in that alternative form, provided the user can reasonably 
be expected to have the capability to access information in that form.
* * * * *
0
51. Section 15.31 is amended by adding a note to paragraph (a)(4) and 
revising paragraphs (b), (d), (f)(4), (h), (j), (k), (l), and (m) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  15.31  Measurement standards.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (4) * * *
    Note to paragraph (a)(4): Digital devices tested to show compliance 
with the provisions of Sec.  15.109(g) must be tested following the 
ANSI C63.4 procedure described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
    (b) All parties making compliance measurements on equipment subject 
to the requirements of this part are urged to use these measurement 
procedures. Any party using other procedures should ensure that such 
other procedures can be relied on to produce measurement results 
compatible with the FCC measurement procedures. The description of the 
measurement procedure used in testing the equipment for compliance and 
a list of the test equipment actually employed shall be made part of an 
application for certification or included with the data required to be 
retained by the party responsible for devices authorized pursuant to a 
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity.
* * * * *
    (d) Field strength measurements shall be made, to the extent 
possible, on an open area test site. Test sites other than open area 
test sites may be employed if they are properly calibrated so that the 
measurement results correspond to what would be obtained from an open 
area test site. In the case of equipment for which measurements can be 
performed only at the installation site, such as perimeter protection 
systems, carrier current systems, and systems employing a ``leaky'' 
coaxial cable as an antenna, measurements for Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity or for obtaining a grant of equipment authorization shall be 
performed at a minimum of three installations that can be demonstrated 
to be representative of typical installation sites.
* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (4) The applicant for a grant of certification shall specify the 
extrapolation method used in the application filed with the Commission. 
For equipment subject to Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, this 
information shall be retained with the measurement data.
* * * * *
    (h) A device which incorporates a carrier current system shall be 
tested as if the carrier current system were incorporated in a separate 
device; that is, the device shall be tested for compliance with 
whatever rules would apply to the device were the carrier current 
system not incorporated, and the carrier current system shall be tested 
for compliance with the rules applicable to carrier current systems.
* * * * *
    (j) If the equipment under test consists of a central control unit 
(host device) and an external or internal accessory(ies) (peripheral, 
sleeve, etc.) and the party declaring compliance of the equipment or 
applying for a grant of equipment authorization manufactures or 
assembles the central control unit and at least one of the accessory 
devices that can be used with that control unit, testing of the control 
unit and/or the accessory(ies) must be performed using the devices 
manufactured or assembled by that party, in addition to any other 
needed devices which the party does not manufacture or assemble. If the 
party declaring compliance of the equipment or applying for a grant of 
equipment authorization does not manufacture or assemble the central 
control unit and at least one of the accessory devices that can be used 
with that control unit or the party can demonstrate that the central 
control unit or accessory(ies) normally would be marketed or used with 
equipment from a different entity, testing of the central control unit 
and/or the accessory(ies) must be performed using the specific 
combination of equipment which is intended to be marketed or used 
together. Only one test using peripherals or accessories that are 
representative of the devices that will be employed with the equipment 
under test is required. All possible equipment combinations are not 
required to be tested. The accessories or peripherals connected to the 
device being tested shall be unmodified, commercially available 
equipment.
    (k) Composite systems (i.e. systems that incorporate different 
devices contained in a single enclosure or in separate enclosures 
connected by wire or cable) shall be measured for compliance with the 
technical standards of this part in accordance with the procedures in 
Sec.  2.947(f) of this chapter. For digital devices which consist of a 
combination of Class A and Class B devices, the total combination of 
which results in a Class A digital device, it is only necessary to 
demonstrate that the equipment combination complies with the limits for 
a Class A device. This equipment combination may not be employed for 
obtaining a grant of equipment authorization or declaring compliance a 
Class B digital device. However, if the digital device combination 
consists of a Class B central control unit, e.g., a personal computer, 
and a Class A internal peripheral(s), it must be demonstrated that the 
Class B central control unit continues to comply with the limits for a 
Class B digital device with the Class

[[Page 46926]]

A internal peripheral(s) installed but not active.
    (l) Measurements of radio frequency emissions conducted to the 
public utility power lines shall be performed using a 50 ohm/50 
[micro]H line-impedance stabilization network (LISN).
    (m) Measurements on intentional radiators or receivers, other than 
TV broadcast receivers, shall be performed and, if required, reported 
for each band in which the device can be operated with the device 
operating. The number of fundamental frequencies shall be investigated 
as specified in ANSI C63.10-2013, clause 5.7 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  15.38).
* * * * *
0
52. Section 15.32 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  15.32  Test procedures for CPU boards and computer power 
supplies.

    Power supplies and CPU boards used with personal computers and for 
which separate authorizations are required to be obtained shall be 
tested in accordance with the specific procedures published or 
otherwise authorized by the Commission.
0
53. Section 15.33 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  15.33  Frequency range of radiated measurements.

    (a) For an intentional radiator, the spectrum shall be investigated 
as specified in ANSI C63.10-2013, clause 5.5 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  15.38).
* * * * *
0
54. Section 15.35 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  15.35  Measurement detector functions and bandwidths.

    The conducted and radiated emission limits shown in this part are 
based on the following, unless otherwise specified in this part:
    (a) On any frequency or frequencies below or equal to 1000 MHz, the 
limits shown are based on measuring equipment employing a CISPR quasi-
peak detector function and related measurement bandwidths, unless 
otherwise specified. The specifications for the measuring 
instrumentation using the CISPR quasi-peak detector can be found in 
ANSI C63.4-2014, clause 4 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  15.38). 
As an alternative to CISPR quasi-peak measurements, the responsible 
party, at its option, may demonstrate compliance with the emission 
limits using measuring equipment employing a peak detector function as 
long at the same bandwidth as indicated for CISPR quasi-peak 
measurements are employed.
    (b) Unless otherwise specified, on any frequency or frequencies 
above 1000 MHz, the radiated emission limits are based on the use of 
measurement instrumentation employing an average detector function. 
Unless otherwise specified, measurements above 1000 MHz shall be 
performed using a minimum resolution bandwidth of 1 MHz. When average 
radiated emission measurements are specified in this part, including 
average emission measurements below 1000 MHz, there also is also a 
limit on the peak level of radio frequency emissions. Unless otherwise 
specified, the limit on peak radio frequency emissions is 20 dB above 
the maximum permitted average emission limit applicable to the 
equipment under test. This peak limit applies to the total peak 
emission level radiated by the device, e.g., the total peak power 
level. Note that the use of a pulse desensitization correction factor 
may be needed to determine the total peak emission level. The 
instruction manual or application note for the measurement instrument 
should be consulted for determining pulse desensitization factors, as 
necessary.
    (c) Unless otherwise specified, when the radiated emission limits 
are expressed in terms of the average value of the emission, and pulsed 
operation is employed, the measurement field strength shall be 
determined by averaging over one complete pulse train, including 
blanking intervals, as long as the pulse train does not exceed 0.1 
seconds. As an alternative (provided the transmitter operates for 
longer than 0.1 seconds) or in cases where the pulse train exceeds 0.1 
seconds, the measured field strength shall be determined from the 
average absolute voltage during a 0.1 second interval during which the 
field strength is at its maximum value. The exact method of calculating 
the average field strength shall be submitted with any application for 
certification or shall be retained in the measurement data file for 
equipment subject to Supplier's Declaration of Conformity.
0
55. Section 15.101 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  15.101  Equipment authorization of unintentional radiators.

    (a) Except as otherwise exempted in Sec. Sec.  15.23, 15.103, and 
15.113, unintentional radiators shall be authorized prior to the 
initiation of marketing, as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Type of device             Equipment  authorization  required
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TV Broadcast Receiver..............  SDoC or Certification.
FM Broadcast Receiver..............  SDoC or Certification.
CB Receiver........................  SDoC or Certification.
Superregenerative Receiver.........  SDoC or Certification.
Scanning Receiver..................  Certification.
Radar Detector.....................  Certification.
All other receivers subject to Part  SDoC or Certification.
 15.
TV Interface Device................  SDoC or Certification.
Cable System Terminal Device.......  SDoC or Certification.
Stand-alone Cable input selector     SDoC or Certification.
 switch.
Class B personal computers and       SDoC or Certification.
 peripherals.
CPU boards and internal power        SDoC or Certification.
 supplies used with Class B
 personal computers.
Class B personal computers           SDoC or Certification.
 assembled using authorized CPU
 boards or power supplies.
Class B external switching power     SDoC or Certification.
 supplies.
Other Class B digital devices &      SDoC or Certification.
 peripherals.
Class A digital devices,             SDoC or Certification.
 peripherals & external switching
 power supplies.
Access Broadband over Power Line     Certification.
 (Access BPL).
All other devices..................  SDoC or Certification.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 46927]]

    (b) Only those receivers that operate (tune) within the frequency 
range of 30-960 MHz, CB receivers and radar detectors are subject to 
the authorizations shown in paragraph (a) of this section. However, 
receivers indicated as being subject to Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity that are contained within a transceiver, the transmitter 
portion of which is subject to certification, shall be authorized under 
the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity procedure. Receivers operating 
above 960 MHz or below 30 MHz, except for radar detectors and CB 
receivers, are exempt from complying with the technical provisions of 
this part but are subject to Sec.  15.5.
    (c) Personal computers shall be authorized in accordance with one 
of the following methods:
    (1) The specific combination of CPU board, power supply and 
enclosure is tested together and authorized under a Supplier's 
Declaration of Conformity or a grant of certification;
    (2) The personal computer is authorized under a Supplier's 
Declaration of Conformity or a grant of certification, and the CPU 
board or power supply in that computer is replaced with a CPU board or 
power supply that has been separately authorized under a Supplier's 
Declaration of Conformity or a grant of certification; or
    (3) The CPU board and power supply used in the assembly of a 
personal computer have been separately authorized under a Supplier's 
Declaration of Conformity or a grant of certification; and
    (4) Personal computers assembled using either of the methods 
specified in paragraph (c)(2) or (3) of this section must, by 
themselves, also be authorized under a Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity if they are marketed. However, additional testing is not 
required for this Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, provided the 
procedures in Sec.  15.102(b) are followed.
    (d) Peripheral devices, as defined in Sec.  15.3(r), shall be 
authorized under a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, or a grant of 
certification, as appropriate, prior to marketing. Regardless of the 
provisions of paragraph (a) or (c) of this section, if a CPU board, 
power supply, or peripheral device will always be marketed with a 
specific personal computer, it is not necessary to obtain a separate 
authorization for that product provided the specific combination of 
personal computer, peripheral device, CPU board and power supply has 
been authorized under a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity or a grant 
of certification as a personal computer.
    (1) No authorization is required for a peripheral device or a 
subassembly that is sold to an equipment manufacturer for further 
fabrication; that manufacturer is responsible for obtaining the 
necessary authorization prior to further marketing to a vendor or to a 
user.
    (2) Power supplies and CPU boards that have not been separately 
authorized and are designed for use with personal computers may be 
imported and marketed only to a personal computer equipment 
manufacturer that has indicated, in writing, to the seller or importer 
that they will obtain a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity or a grant 
of certification for the personal computer employing these components.
    (e) Subassemblies to digital devices are not subject to the 
technical standards in this part unless they are marketed as part of a 
system in which case the resulting system must comply with the 
applicable regulations. Subassemblies include:
    (1) Devices that are enclosed solely within the enclosure housing 
the digital device, except for: Power supplies used in personal 
computers; devices included under the definition of a peripheral device 
in Sec.  15.3(r); and personal computer CPU boards, as defined in Sec.  
15.3(bb);
    (2) CPU boards, as defined in Sec.  15.3(bb), other than those used 
in personal computers, that are marketed without an enclosure or power 
supply; and
    (3) Switching power supplies that are separately marketed and are 
solely for use internal to a device other than a personal computer.
    (f) The procedures for obtaining a grant of certification or a 
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity are contained in subpart J of part 
2 of this chapter.
0
56. Section 15.102 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(4) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  15.102  CPU boards and power supplies used in personal computers.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) If the system is marketed, the resulting equipment combination 
is authorized under a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity pursuant to 
Sec.  15.101(c)(4) and a compliance information statement, as described 
in Sec.  2.1077(b) of this chapter, is supplied with the system. 
Marketed systems shall also comply with the labeling requirements in 
Sec.  15.19 and must be supplied with the information required under 
Sec. Sec.  15.21, 15.27, and 15.105; and
* * * * *
0
57. Section 15.123 is amended by revising paragraphs (c)(3) and 
(c)(5)(iii) to read as follows:


Sec.  15.123  Labeling of digital cable ready products.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) Subsequent to the testing of its initial unidirectional digital 
cable product model, a manufacturer or importer is not required to have 
other models of unidirectional digital cable products tested at a 
qualified test facility for compliance with the procedures of Uni-Dir-
PICS-I01-030903 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  15.38) unless the 
first model tested was not a television, in which event the first 
television shall be tested as provided in Sec.  15.123(c)(1). The 
manufacturer or importer shall ensure that all subsequent models of 
unidirectional digital cable products comply with the procedures in the 
Uni-Dir-PICS-I01-03090 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  15.38) and 
all other applicable rules and standards. The manufacturer or importer 
shall maintain records indicating such compliance in accordance with 
the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity procedure requirements in part 
2, subpart J of this chapter. The manufacturer or importer shall 
further submit documentation verifying compliance with the procedures 
in the Uni-Dir-PICS-I01-030903: (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
15.38) to the qualified test facility.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (5) * * *
    (iii) Subsequent to the successful testing of its initial M-UDCP, a 
manufacturer or importer is not required to have other M-UDCP models 
tested at a qualified test facility for compliance with M-UDCPPICS-I04-
080225, (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  15.38) unless the first 
model tested was not a television, in which event the first television 
shall be tested as provided in Sec.  15.123(c)(5)(i). The manufacturer 
or importer shall ensure that all subsequent models of M-UDCPs comply 
with M-UDCP-PICS-I04-080225, (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
15.38) and all other applicable rules and standards. The manufacturer 
or importer shall maintain records indicating such compliance in 
accordance with the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity procedure 
requirements in part 2, subpart J of this chapter. For each M-UDCP 
model, the manufacturer or importer shall further submit documentation 
demonstrating compliance with M-UDCP-PICS-I04-

[[Page 46928]]

080225, (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  15.38) to the qualified 
test facility.
* * * * *
0
58. Section 15.201 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) through (c) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  15.201  Equipment authorization requirement.

    (a) Intentional radiators operated as carrier current systems, 
devices operated under the provisions of Sec. Sec.  15.211, 15.213, and 
15.221, and devices operating below 490 kHz in which all emissions are 
at least 40 dB below the limits in Sec.  15.209 shall comply with the 
Suppliers Declaration of Conformity procedures in subpart J of part 2 
of this chapter prior to marketing.
    (b) Except as otherwise exempted in paragraph (c) of this section 
and in Sec.  15.23, all intentional radiators operating under the 
provisions of this part shall be certified by the Commission pursuant 
to the procedures in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter prior to 
marketing.
    (c) For devices such as perimeter protection systems which, in 
accordance with Sec.  15.31(d), are required to be measured at the 
installation site, each application for certification must be 
accompanied by a statement indicating that the system has been tested 
at three installations and found to comply at each installation. Until 
such time as certification is granted, a given installation of a system 
that was measured for the submission for certification will be 
considered to be in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, 
including the marketing regulations in subpart I of part 2 of this 
chapter, if tests at that installation show the system to be in 
compliance with the relevant technical requirements. Similarly, where 
measurements must be performed on site for equipment subject to 
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, a given installation that has 
been found compliant with the applicable standards will be considered 
to be in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, including the 
marketing regulations in subpart I of part 2 of this chapter.
* * * * *


Sec.  15.212  [Removed]

0
59. Remove Sec.  15.212.


Sec.  15.239  [Amended]

0
60. In Sec.  15.239, remove paragraph (d).
0
61. Section 15.615 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(4) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  15.615  General administrative requirements.

    (a) * * *
    (4) The manufacturer and type of Access BPL equipment and its 
associated FCC ID number, or, in the case of Access BPL equipment that 
has been subject to Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, the Trade 
Name and Model Number, as specified on the equipment label.
* * * * *

PART 18--INDUSTRIAL, SCIENTIFIC, AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

0
62. The authority citation for part 18 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 4, 301, 302, 303, 304, 307.

0
63. Section 18.203 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  18.203  Equipment authorization.

    (a) Consumer ISM equipment, unless otherwise specified, must be 
authorized under either the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity or 
certification procedure prior to use or marketing. An application for 
certification shall be filed with a TCB, pursuant to the relevant 
sections in part 2, subpart J of this chapter.
    (b) Consumer ultrasonic equipment generating less than 500 watts 
and operating below 90 kHz, and non-consumer ISM equipment shall be 
subject to Supplier's Declaration of Conformity, in accordance with the 
relevant sections of part 2, subpart J of this chapter.
    (c) Grants of equipment authorization issued, as well as on-site 
certifications performed, before March 1, 1986, remain in effect and no 
further action is required.
0
64. Section 18.209 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  18.209  Identification of authorized equipment.

    Each device for which a grant of equipment authorization is issued 
under this part shall be identified pursuant to the applicable 
provisions of subpart J of part 2 of this chapter. Changes in the 
identification of authorized equipment may be made pursuant to Sec.  
2.1033 of this chapter. FCC Identifiers as described in Sec. Sec.  
2.925 and 2.926 of this chapter shall not be used on equipment subject 
to Supplier's Declaration of Conformity.
0
65. Section 18.212 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  18.212  Compliance information.

    (a) Equipment authorized under the Supplier's Declaration of 
Conformity procedure shall include the following compliance information 
in lieu of the information required by Sec.  2.1077 of this chapter.
    (1) Identification of the product, e.g., name and model number.
    (2) A statement similar to the following:
    This device complies with part 18 of the FCC Rules.
    (3) The name and address of the responsible party as defined in 
Sec.  2.909 of this chapter. This party must be located within the 
United States.
    (b) The compliance information may be placed in the instruction 
manual, on a separate sheet, or on the packaging. There is no specific 
format for this information.
0
66. Section 18.311 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  18.311  Methods of measurement.

    The measurement techniques which will be used by the FCC to 
determine compliance with the technical requirements of this part are 
set out in FCC Measurement Procedure MP-5, ``Methods of Measurements of 
Radio Noise Emissions from ISM equipment'' or compliance measurements 
shall be made in accordance with the specific procedures published or 
other procedures otherwise authorized by the Commission.

[FR Doc. 2015-18402 Filed 8-5-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6712-01-P



                                                    46900                            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                                                                  APPENDIX B TO PART 4—NUMERICAL INDEX OF DISABILITIES—Continued
                                                                   Diagnostic Code No.

                                                    7720     .........................................................   Iron deficiency anemia.
                                                    7721     .........................................................   Folic acid deficiency.
                                                    7722     .........................................................   Pernicious anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
                                                    7723     .........................................................   Acquired hemolytic anemia.
                                                    7724     .........................................................   Solitary plasmacytoma.
                                                    7725     .........................................................   Myelodysplastic syndromes.

                                                                  *                                 *                             *                              *                               *                               *                        *



                                                    ■ 5. Amend appendix C to part 4 by:                                       ■ d. Removing the entry for Hodgkin’s                                        The revisions and additions read as
                                                    ■ a. Revising the entries for                                             disease and adding in its place an entry                                   follows:
                                                    Agranulocytosis and Anemia;                                               for Hodgkin’s lymphoma;
                                                    ■ c. Adding an entry for Hematologic in
                                                                                                                              ■ e. Revising the entry for Leukemia;
                                                    alphabetical order;

                                                                                                           APPENDIX C TO PART 4—ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF DISABILITIES
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Diagnostic Code
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          No.


                                                            *                       *                                 *                                 *                                 *                                *                              *
                                                    Agranulocytosis, acquired ..............................................................................................................................................................                   7702

                                                            *                       *                                 *                                 *                                 *                                *                              *
                                                    Anemia:
                                                       Acquired hemolytic anemia ....................................................................................................................................................                          7723
                                                       Folic acid deficiency ...............................................................................................................................................................                   7721
                                                       Iron deficiency anemia ...........................................................................................................................................................                      7720
                                                       Pernicious anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia .........................................................................................................                                           7722

                                                             *                      *                                 *                                 *                                 *                                *                              *
                                                    Hematologic:
                                                       Essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis ..........................................................................................................                                          7718
                                                       Immune thrombocytopenia .....................................................................................................................................................                           7705
                                                       Multiple myeloma ....................................................................................................................................................................                   7712
                                                       Myelodysplastic syndromes ....................................................................................................................................................                          7725
                                                       Solitary plasmacytoma ...........................................................................................................................................................                       7724

                                                             *                      *                                 *                                 *                                 *                                *                              *
                                                    Hodgkin’s lymphoma .....................................................................................................................................................................                   7709

                                                            *                            *                                 *                                 *                                 *                                *                         *
                                                    Leukemia:
                                                        Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) (chronic myeloid leukemia or chronic granulocytic leukemia) .................................                                                                       7719
                                                        Leukemia ................................................................................................................................................................................              7703

                                                                  *                                 *                             *                              *                               *                               *                        *



                                                    [FR Doc. 2015–19197 Filed 8–5–15; 8:45 am]                                ACTION:       Proposed rule.                                               DATES:  Comments must be filed on or
                                                    BILLING CODE 8320–01–P                                                                                                                               before September 8, 2015, and reply
                                                                                                                              SUMMARY:   This document proposes                                          comments must be filed on or before
                                                                                                                              updates to the rules that govern the                                       September 21, 2015.
                                                    FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS                                                    evaluation and approval of RF devices.                                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                    COMMISSION                                                                The Commission last comprehensively                                        Brian Butler, Office of Engineering and
                                                                                                                              reviewed its equipment authorization                                       Technology, (202) 418–2702, email:
                                                    47 CFR Parts 0, 2, 15, and 18                                             procedures more than fifteen years ago.                                    Brian.Butler@fcc.gov., TTY (202) 418–
                                                                                                                                                                                                         2989.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                                              The RF equipment ecosystem has
                                                    [ET Docket No. 15–170; RM–11673; FCC 15–
                                                                                                                              significantly expanded in that time, and                                   ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
                                                    92]
                                                                                                                              the manner in which today’s RF                                             identified by ET Docket No. 15–170;
                                                    Equipment Authorization and                                               equipment is now designed,                                                 RM–11673, by any of the following
                                                    Electronic Labeling for Wireless                                          manufactured, and marketed—as well as                                      methods:
                                                    Devices                                                                   the sheer number of devices subject to                                       • Federal Communications
                                                                                                                              authorization—warrant the proposed                                         Commission’s Web site: http://
                                                    AGENCY:Federal Communications                                             rule modifications.                                                        apps.fcc.gov/ecfs//. Follow the
                                                    Commission.                                                                                                                                          instructions for submitting comments.


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                         46901

                                                       • Mail: Brian Butler, Office of                      835–5322 (tty). For detailed instructions             for RF devices that are imported into the
                                                    Engineering and Technology, Room 7–                     for submitting comments and additional                United States. Finally, the Commission
                                                    A267, 445 12th Street SW., Washington,                  information on the rulemaking process,                sought comment on how to codify any
                                                    DC 20554.                                               see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION                     filing or notification requirements that
                                                       • People with Disabilities: Contact                  section of this document.                             may be necessitated by the adoption of
                                                    the FCC to request reasonable                           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a                  these proposals.
                                                    accommodations (accessible format                       summary of the Commission Notice of                      4. The Commission found that its
                                                    documents, sign language interpreters,                  Proposed Rule Making, ET Docket No.                   proposals would better align its
                                                    CART, etc.) by email: FCC504@fcc.gov                    15–170, FCC 15–92, adopted July 17,                   equipment authorization procedures
                                                    or phone: 202–418–0530 or TTY: 888–                     2015, and released July 21, 2015. The                 with the current state of equipment
                                                    835–5322.                                               full text of this document is available for           development, design, and
                                                       Pursuant to sections 1.415 and 1.419                 inspection and copying during normal                  manufacturing practices, thus
                                                    of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR                       business hours in the FCC Reference                   promoting significant cost savings,
                                                    1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file               Center (Room CY–A257), 445 12th                       reducing the burdens, and avoiding any
                                                    comments and reply comments on or                       Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. The                 unnecessary delay associated with the
                                                    before the dates indicated on the first                 full text may also be downloaded at:                  equipment authorization process. It
                                                    page of this document. Comments may                     www.fcc.gov.                                          invited commenters to discuss the costs
                                                    be filed using the Commission’s                                                                               and benefits of the rule changes
                                                    Electronic Comment Filing System                        Synopsis                                              proposed in the NPRM, and provide
                                                    (ECFS). See Electronic Filing of                           1. The telecommunications sector                   relevant supporting data, along with
                                                    Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings,                    depends on the variety and utility of                 additional suggestions for enhancing the
                                                    63 FR 24121 (1998).                                     radiofrequency (RF) devices. The                      benefits or reducing the costs associated
                                                       • Electronic Filers: Comments may be                 purpose of this Notice of Proposed                    with the proposals.
                                                    filed electronically using the Internet by              Rulemaking (NPRM) is to update the
                                                                                                                                                                  Background
                                                    accessing the ECFS: http://                             rules that govern the evaluation and
                                                    fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/.                               approval of RF devices. The proposals                   5. The Commission ensures
                                                       • Paper Filers: Parties who choose to                build on actions the Commission                       compliance with its technical rules
                                                    file by paper must file an original and                 recently took to modify its equipment                 through the equipment authorization
                                                    one copy of each filing. If more than one               authorization processing rules.                       program for RF devices, which is
                                                    docket or rulemaking number appears in                     2. The Commission proposed to                      codified in part 2 of the Commission’s
                                                    the caption of this proceeding, filers                  combine two separate product approval                 rules. Additionally, RF devices must
                                                    must submit two additional copies for                   programs—Declaration of Conformity                    comply with the Commission’s
                                                    each additional docket or rulemaking                    and verification—into one product self-               technical and equipment authorization
                                                    number.                                                 approval program. It also proposed to                 requirements before they can be
                                                       • Filings can be sent by hand or                     revise and clarify the rules that govern              imported to or marketed in the United
                                                    messenger delivery, by commercial                       equipment certification, including those              States. The current RF equipment
                                                    overnight courier, or by first-class or                 specifying when device changes                        authorization procedures have evolved
                                                    overnight U.S. Postal Service mail. All                 necessitate a new FCC ID. These                       over the course of more than 40 years.
                                                    filings must be addressed to the                        revisions would codify the current                      6. The NPRM is informed by the
                                                    Commission’s Secretary, Office of the                   practices related to certification of                 evolution of the RF device ecosystem.
                                                    Secretary, Federal Communications                       modular transmitters for licensed                     The development of highly integrated
                                                    Commission.                                             services as well as the filing                        circuitry, software-based designs and
                                                       • All hand-delivered or messenger-                   requirements for RF devices that                      new production procedures has resulted
                                                    delivered paper filings for the                         incorporate multiple certified modular                in the use of substantially more complex
                                                    Commission’s Secretary must be                          transmitters. They would also replace                 RF transmitters in increasingly compact
                                                    delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445                    requirements that apply only to devices               devices. The transmitters may operate
                                                    12th St. SW., Room TW–A325,                             specifically classified as ‘‘software                 individually or simultaneously using
                                                    Washington, DC 20554. The filing hours                  defined radios’’ (SDRs) with broadly                  multiple transmission modes. Certain of
                                                    are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand                     applicable rules, based in part on the                the transmitters may operate under rules
                                                    deliveries must be held together with                   current Commission practices regarding                for the various licensed radio services,
                                                    rubber bands or fasteners. Any                          software control of radio parameters,                 while others operate under the
                                                    envelopes and boxes must be disposed                    and would eliminate restrictions on                   unlicensed device rules, all within a
                                                    of before entering the building.                        hardware modifications of SDR devices.                single product. Such devices may be too
                                                       • Commercial overnight mail (other                      3. The Commission also proposed to                 small to fit a permanently attached label
                                                    than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail                   codify procedures related to electronic               that includes the compliance
                                                    and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300                 labeling, streamline the rules for the                information, particularly in the case
                                                    East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights,                    measurement procedures that are used                  where a finished product includes
                                                    MD 20743.                                               to demonstrate device compliance, and                 multiple modular transmitters with each
                                                       • U.S. Postal Service first-class,                   codify existing practices that protect the            one required to display certain
                                                    Express, and Priority mail must be                      confidentiality of market-sensitive                   information such as an FCC ID.
                                                    addressed to 445 12th Street SW.,                       information. It proposed to eliminate
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                                                    Washington, DC 20554.                                   unnecessary or duplicative rules and                  Unifying Self-Approval Procedures
                                                       People with Disabilities: To request                 consolidate rules from various specific                 7. Currently, RF devices must be
                                                    materials in accessible formats for                     rule parts into the equipment                         authorized in accordance with one of
                                                    people with disabilities (braille, large                authorization rules in part 2 of the                  three procedures specified in subpart J
                                                    print, electronic files, audio format),                 Commission’s rules and to discontinue                 of part 2–certification, Declaration of
                                                    send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call                 the requirement that importers file                   Conformity (DoC), and verification. DoC
                                                    the Consumer & Governmental Affairs                     information associated with FCC Form                  and verification are self-approval
                                                    Bureau at 202–418–0530 (voice), 888–                    740 with Customs and Border Protection                procedures in which the responsible


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                                                    46902                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    party is required to take specific actions              supplied with the product, without                    A. Updating Certification Procedures
                                                    to ensure that its equipment complies                   securing an independent third-party                      12. Certification differs from the other
                                                    with the Commission’s rules. Unlike                     review or approval of compliance.                     equipment authorization processes in
                                                    certification, these procedures do not                  Unlike the existing part 68 SDoC rules,               that a grant of certification signifies that
                                                    require submittal of an application to                  the Commission did not propose to                     a Commission-qualified party other than
                                                    the FCC or a Telecommunication                          require that the RF devices be registered             the manufacturer or compliance testing
                                                    Certification Body (TCB) and do not                     in any database. The use of accredited                laboratory has found that the equipment
                                                    require the explicit grant of certification.            testing facilities would not be required              can be marketed in compliance with the
                                                    Also, unlike a certified device, such                   under our proposal. The NPRM sought                   technical and administrative
                                                    equipment does not have an FCC ID,                      comment on use of the specific term                   requirements of the rule part(s) under
                                                    and is not listed in an FCC database.                   ‘‘Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity’’              which it will be operated. The
                                                    Under DoC, the responsible party must                   or ‘‘SDoC’’ for this new process.                     procedure also requires submission of
                                                    use a recognized accredited test                                                                              compliance information to a TCB as a
                                                    laboratory when testing devices and                        10. The Commission proposed to
                                                                                                            modify its rules to remove the                        part of the approval process, and the
                                                    include a compliance information                                                                              grant of certification and associated FCC
                                                    statement with the product that                         ambiguous reference to ‘‘tak[ing]
                                                                                                            necessary steps’’ as a potential                      ID is published on the Commission’s
                                                    identifies the product and a responsible                                                                      public Web site. The Commission
                                                    party within the United States.                         alternative to testing. It also proposed to
                                                                                                            consolidate the existing § 2.1073,                    recently streamlined its certification
                                                    Verification does not require the use of                                                                      procedures by modifying the rules
                                                    FCC-recognized test laboratories or the                 ‘‘Responsibilities,’’ into an expanded
                                                                                                            § 2.909, ‘‘Responsible party;’’ and to                associated with the TCB review of
                                                    provision of a compliance information
                                                                                                            consolidate existing § 2.1075, which                  certification applications. The NPRM
                                                    statement with the product.
                                                       8. The number and variety of devices                 addresses records retention, into a                   focuses on simplifying and clarifying
                                                    subject to DoC has grown significantly                  revised § 2.938 that would apply                      the procedures related to the filing of
                                                    since the Commission last investigated                  broadly to all equipment subject to our               certification applications.
                                                                                                            equipment authorization procedures. It                   13. Traditionally, most certifications
                                                    the possibility of combining the DoC
                                                                                                            proposed to otherwise retain the other                were granted for complete devices (i.e.
                                                    and verification procedures, and there
                                                                                                            DoC rules (i.e. those within §§ 2.1071                devices that do not require additional
                                                    are now comprehensive and widely
                                                                                                            through 2.1077) and to apply them to                  equipment to be capable of functioning).
                                                    used measurement procedures,
                                                                                                            the new approval procedure, and sought                Increasingly, devices such as personal
                                                    significant testing expertise and
                                                    capabilities for devices subject to DoC,                comment on proposed revisions to                      computers, mobile wireless devices, and
                                                    and a greater comfort with the use of                   § 2.1077 that would require all                       utility meters embody complex designs
                                                    self-approval procedures. At the same                   equipment to include a compliance                     and incorporate numerous previously
                                                    time, the development of highly                         statement with the product literature                 certified modular transmitters made by
                                                    integrated circuits to implement                        that identifies for consumers who is                  other manufacturers. Modular
                                                    functions which were previously                                                                               transmitters are not intended for
                                                                                                            responsible for the device’s compliance
                                                    performed by discrete components has                                                                          standalone use, and can be designed to
                                                                                                            with the Commission’s technical
                                                    resulted in lower typical RF emissions                                                                        broadly comply with the applicable
                                                                                                            regulations. The NPRM also asked
                                                    from such devices. The Commission                                                                             Commission rules, or be certified for
                                                                                                            whether the Commission should require
                                                    found little benefit in maintaining two                                                                       operation and/or installation in a host
                                                                                                            the compliance statement to include
                                                    distinct procedures or in maintaining                                                                         device based on compliance with
                                                                                                            additional information when equipment
                                                    the rigor of the Declaration of                                                                               certain specific conditions. In some
                                                                                                            has been modified, but is nevertheless
                                                    Conformity procedure given these                                                                              cases, the compliance of an end product
                                                                                                            still subject to the self-approval process.
                                                    changes, and recognized the potential                                                                         that incorporates certified modular
                                                                                                               11. The proposed rules would no                    transmitters may be based upon the
                                                    for reducing costs for manufacturers. It
                                                    tentatively concluded that a single                     longer require the use of a specific logo             original testing of the certified modular
                                                    process would simplify the equipment                    (§§ 15.19(b) and 18.209). In lieu of the              transmitters. In other cases, particularly
                                                    authorization requirements and reduce                   logo requirement, the NPRM proposed                   where the new host device or end
                                                    confusion as to which process may                       to expand use of the statement of                     product has significant characteristics
                                                    apply to any given device, while                        compliance with the part 15 rules that                different from the original host device,
                                                    continuing to adequately ensure                         currently applies to devices subject to               further testing may be needed to ensure
                                                    compliance with the rules, and sought                   verification and certification (§ 15.19(a))           compliance of the new device or
                                                    comment on the proposed rule                            to include its use as part of the new                 product. Additionally, manufacturers
                                                    revisions.                                              procedure. It asked questions about the               are increasingly designing transmitters
                                                       9. The Commission proposed to                        impact of such an approach, including                 that use software to set the operating
                                                    incorporate certain elements of the                     reliance on the logo as a mark of device              parameters. Such RF-controlling
                                                    existing Suppliers Declaration of                       approval, use of the logo on a voluntary              software can allow adjustment of
                                                    Conformity (SDoC) process now used                      basis, and potential effect on the                    individual parameters or enable a
                                                    for Telephone Network Terminal                          identification of unauthorized devices.               device to operate in different modes,
                                                    Equipment into the new single process,                  Under parts 15 and 18 of the rules, a                 and the manufacturer may provide
                                                    which would apply to all equipment                      responsible party can opt for the                     software upgrades in the field to enable
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                                                    currently subject to the DoC and                        certification process in lieu of required             new capabilities. We need to be assured
                                                    verification procedures. Under this                     DoC for the approval of certain                       that such devices only operate
                                                    proposal, the responsible party for                     unintentional radiators (e.g., Class B                consistent with their certification. Also,
                                                    equipment subject to rules other than                   personal computers and peripheral                     software may be designed to only be
                                                    part 68 would test equipment for                        devices). The NPRM asked whether the                  modified by the grantee of certification
                                                    compliance to specified standards or                    Commission should allow devices that                  or may be designed to permit third
                                                    requirements and certify compliance to                  would be subject to the new SDoC                      parties to enable new functions or
                                                    the public, by way of a statement                       requirements to optionally be certified.              frequency bands. Such trends are testing


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          46903

                                                    the limits of the Commission’s existing                 operation resides), based on its                         19. The Commission found that the
                                                    certification rules, and formed the basis               determination that such a device                      existing SDR rules have proven to be
                                                    for the NPRM’s proposals.                               configuration has not been widely                     insufficiently flexible to meet the
                                                       14. The Commission proposed to                       implemented. Additionally, the                        growing use of software-defined control
                                                    better accommodate these developments                   Commission proposed to permit                         elements in RF devices, and proposed to
                                                    by amending its basic certification rule                certification of modular transmitters                 simplify the rules by removing the SDR
                                                    to acknowledge that certification may be                that consist of a single chip which has               designation from grants of certification
                                                    obtained for three types of RF devices:                 been tested to demonstrate compliance                 and incorporating any necessary
                                                    a device capable of independent                         in a typical installation provided that               requirements for software control of RF
                                                    operation, (currently addressed by our                  the grantee includes detailed                         parameters and software security for all
                                                    certification rules), a modular                         instructions for integration into other RF            devices in the general certification rules
                                                    transmitter that is designed for                        devices (i.e. host devices) to ensure that            and guidance.
                                                    installation into a host device or as a                 the ultimate configuration is consistent                 20. The proposals would modify the
                                                    peripheral to another device, and a host                with the significant parameters for                   SDR-related requirements in part 2 of its
                                                    device consisting of one or more                        which it was tested. The Commission                   rules based in part on the current
                                                    modular transmitters certified by other                 sought comment on all of these                        Commission practices regarding
                                                    parties. Additionally, the Commission                   proposals.                                            software configuration control. To
                                                    proposed to permit certification of a                      17. The Commission anticipated the                 minimize the potential for unauthorized
                                                    group of related devices that are                       possible development of devices that are              modification to the software that
                                                    certified under a single FCC ID. It also                nothing more than physical platforms                  controls the RF parameters of the
                                                    proposed to streamline certain                          (form factors) into which individual                  device, grantees would have to
                                                    application procedures to reduce the                    modular transmitter components can be                 implement well-defined measures to
                                                    need to file new applications in many                   inserted in an almost limitless variety of            ensure that certified equipment is not
                                                    cases.                                                                                                        capable of operating with RF-controlling
                                                                                                            combinations. The Commission
                                                                                                                                                                  software for which it has not been
                                                    a. Modular Transmitters                                 proposed that an applicant for
                                                                                                                                                                  approved. All manufacturers of devices
                                                       15. The Commission proposed to                       certification of a modular device or a
                                                                                                                                                                  that have software-based control of RF
                                                    broadly apply the current rule governing                form factor that includes its own RF
                                                                                                                                                                  parameters would have to provide
                                                    certification of modular transmitters                   characteristics provide design
                                                                                                                                                                  specific information about the software
                                                    that operate in part 15 unlicensed                      guidelines, interface specifications, and
                                                                                                                                                                  capabilities of their devices. The
                                                    spectrum allocations to all RF devices                  authentication requirements that would
                                                                                                                                                                  Commission proposed to require that an
                                                    regulated by the Commission. This                       guarantee that a module can operate on
                                                                                                                                                                  applicant for certification explicitly
                                                    change would acknowledge the                            the form factor only with other modules
                                                                                                                                                                  describe the RF device’s capabilities for
                                                    increasing reliance on modular                          whose collective RF emissions meet the                software configuration and
                                                    transmitters in RF devices designed for                 rules’ requirements. The Commission                   upgradeability in the application for
                                                    use in licensed radio services. The                     sought comment on whether this                        certification. This description would
                                                    Commission’s proposed part 2 rule                       regulatory regime would enable the                    include all frequency bands, power
                                                    provisions are consistent with this                     development of this kind of product                   levels, modulation types, or other
                                                    existing guidance in KDB Publication                    while ensuring compliance with the                    modes of operation for which the device
                                                    996369. The proposed new rules would                    rules—including those related to                      is designed to operate, including modes
                                                    broadly apply to modular transmitters                   interference, RF exposure, and hearing                not enabled in the device as initially
                                                    used in any RF device and would also                    aid compatibility.                                    marketed. Also, an applicant for
                                                    maintain certain specific requirements                  b. Devices With Software-Based                        certification would have to specify
                                                    that are currently only applicable to                   Capabilities                                          which parties will be authorized to
                                                    modular transmitters used in unlicensed                                                                       make software changes (e.g., the grantee,
                                                    devices.                                                   18. The SDR rules were intended to                 wireless service provider, other
                                                       16. The Commission proposed to                       allow manufacturers to obtain approval                authorized parties) and the software
                                                    retain the concept of a ‘‘limited modular               for changes to the RF operating                       controls that are provided to prevent
                                                    approval,’’ under which the                             parameters of a radio resulting from                  unauthorized parties from enabling
                                                    manufacturer demonstrates in the                        software changes without the need to                  different modes of operation. This
                                                    certification application that the                      physically re-label a device with a new               information would be included as part
                                                    transmitter will comply with our rules                  FCC ID number in the field. For a device              of the operational description
                                                    only under specific circumstances. The                  to be certified as an SDR, in addition to             information required in the application
                                                    Commission proposed to incorporate                      demonstrating that the device complies                for certification. The Commission
                                                    the part 15 rules and the guidance in                   with the applicable technical                         sought comment on these proposals.
                                                    KDB Publication 996369 for limited                      requirements, the applicant must also
                                                    modular approvals into the revised part                 demonstrate that the device contains                  2. Changes to Certified Equipment
                                                    2 rule. In light of the comprehensive RF                security features to prevent the loading                 21. Under the current rules, the
                                                    exposure rules that apply to all devices,               of software that would allow the radio                grantee of an equipment authorization
                                                    the Commission also proposed to no                      to operate in violation of the                        may market devices having different
                                                    longer specify a unique RF exposure                     Commission’s rules. The applicant                     model/type numbers or trade names
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                                                    requirement for modular transmitters. It                generally has the option of whether to                without additional authorization from
                                                    also proposed to eliminate the rule                     declare a device an SDR. Once the                     the Commission, provided that the
                                                    provision that permits authorization of                 grantee of a device that is classified as             devices are ‘‘electrically identical’’ and
                                                    modular transmitters that are ‘‘split’’                 an SDR makes any hardware                             the equipment bears an FCC ID
                                                    into the ‘‘radio front end’’ (the radio                 modifications that require approval, the              validated by a grant of certification. The
                                                    elements) and the ‘‘transmitter control                 rules do not permit any subsequent                    Commission identified the concept of
                                                    element’’ (the hardware on which the                    software changes absent the filing of an              electrically identical as not appropriate
                                                    software that controls the radio                        application to obtain a new FCC ID.                   to modern radio designs, discussed how


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                                                    46904                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    strict application of this concept can                  new FCC ID. Within this category, the                 would be required to demonstrate the
                                                    result in outcomes that unnecessarily                   Commission proposed to retain a                       device controls that would prevent
                                                    burden manufacturers and constrain                      distinction between changes that may be               unauthorized software modifications by
                                                    design flexibilities, and proposed                      made without an additional filing and                 filing an application for certification, as
                                                    revisions to the rules.                                 those changes that require an                         a permissive change, under the same
                                                       22. Section 2.1043 categorizes three                 application for certification. The                    FCC ID. Such applications would need
                                                    broad classes of permissive changes:                    Commission proposed to continue to                    to clearly identify the changes made to
                                                    Class I (changes are equipment                          permit Class I permissive changes for                 the device and any revisions of the
                                                    modifications that do not degrade the                   those changes that do not degrade the                 operational description associated with
                                                    characteristics associated with the                     device parameters normally reported in                such changes, and demonstrate the
                                                    initial grant of certification); Class II               an equipment authorization application                modified device’s compliance with the
                                                    (changes that do degrade these                          (including a decrease in the                          rules. If the grantee of a certified
                                                    performance characteristics); and Class                 fundamental emissions that does not                   modular transmitter wants to use the
                                                    III (modifications to devices originally                increase spurious emissions; an                       transmitter in a manner for which it has
                                                    specifically certified as SDRs). The                    improved spurious emission                            not been approved, the grantee would
                                                    NPRM noted that the proposal to                         performance; minor variations in the                  have to also obtain a new grant of
                                                    eliminate an SDR-specific certification                 enclosure or components; and software                 certification under the same FCC ID by
                                                    would eliminate the need to maintain                    changes that do not affect RF                         filing an application with data that
                                                    the Class III category. For Class II                    parameters). The Commission                           demonstrates compliance with all
                                                    changes (as well as Class III), the grantee             emphasized that such changes could not                pertinent technical standards. The
                                                    can file an abbreviated application for                 cause the fundamental emissions to                    Commission also asked whether there
                                                    certification under the same FCC ID. A                  increase, the spurious emissions to                   other circumstances where changes
                                                    change that falls outside the permissive                deteriorate, RF exposure to increase or               would be allowed under the same FCC
                                                    change definitions requires a new FCC                   HAC ratings to change. Based on the                   ID with the grant of a new certification.
                                                    ID issued in conjunction with a new                     negligible risk that these types of minor                27. The NPRM proposed to permit a
                                                    grant of certification based on a                       changes would make the device                         group of devices that are essentially
                                                    complete certification application.                     noncompliant with the rules, the                      similar, based upon the overall design of
                                                       23. The current rules require a grantee              Commission proposed that the                          the devices, their functions, components
                                                    to obtain a new approval with a                         manufacturer or responsible party                     and layout, to be authorized as a ‘‘family
                                                    different FCC ID and label its equipment                perform the modifications without                     of products’’ under the same FCC ID
                                                    accordingly when minor electrical                       notifying the Commission or a TCB. The                without having to obtain distinct
                                                    component changes are made that have                    Commission also asked if there were                   approval from a TCB for each device.
                                                    no effect on the overall functionality or               other circumstances that may be                       The Commission proposed to permit a
                                                    compliance of the device. Because                       covered by the proposed Class I                       manufacturer to determine what
                                                    modern equipment is often designed                      permissive change procedures.                         constitutes a family of products. It asked
                                                    using chips with a high level of                           25. The Commission also proposed to                about appropriate review and oversight
                                                    integrated functions and with the                       modify its rules for Class II permissive              mechanisms, and proposed that a
                                                    capability to use software to control                   changes that maintain the same FCC ID,                manufacturer include in its initial filing
                                                    and/or add functions that modify the RF                 but are, nonetheless, subject to filing               or updated filing specific information
                                                    parameters reported at the time of                      and approval requirements. It proposed                about the variations in the products
                                                    certification, a device may add a                       to permit changes that would increase                 within a family, and identify any
                                                    completely new set of RF operating                      the fundamental emissions or degrade                  variations due to removal of some
                                                    parameters from the already approved                    spurious emissions or other parameters                components. It asked whether it should
                                                    device and still be ‘‘electrically                      reported to the Commission from what                  also require the manufacturer to specify
                                                    identical’’ under the rules and, thus, can              was evaluated at the time of                          different model numbers for each
                                                    be authorized under one FCC ID. The                     certification, as long as rules                       variation of the product.
                                                    NPRM proposed to replace the                            compliance is maintained and the                         28. The Commission concluded that
                                                    ‘‘electrically identical’’ benchmark with               overall layout, major frequency                       certain device modifications (such as
                                                    a new standard that considers how the                   determining components and circuitry,                 major changes in the design, layout or
                                                    device differs from what was evaluated                  or function of the device have not                    replacement of the components) would
                                                    at the time of equipment certification                  changed. Under this proposal, any                     be substantial enough to require a new
                                                    and whether those differences could                     modification to component layout must                 FCC ID that has been validated by a new
                                                    affect how the modified device complies                 have the same device circuit design as                grant of certification. The Commission
                                                    with our rules. The Commission sought                   that approved initially, and the replaced             proposed to revise § 2.1043 and remove
                                                    comment on two proposed broad                           components for RF determining                         the ‘‘electrically identical’’ definition
                                                    categories of changes—those that do not                 functions must have similar capabilities.             from § 2.924 of the rules, and to add
                                                    require a new FCC ID and those that do.                 The Commission envisioned that parties                rules that address the modular
                                                    Under this regime, a manufacturer or                    would make these types of changes to                  transmitters, software-defined radio,
                                                    other responsible party would evaluate                  enable new capabilities such as new                   and device change matters discussed.
                                                    the scope of changes and potentially test               frequency bands or transmission formats               The Commission sought comment on
                                                    its modified device to determine the
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                                                                                                            mostly through software changes.                      these proposals.
                                                    applicable change category.                             Application of this standard would
                                                       24. The Commission proposed that                     allow for component changes, including                3. Responsible Parties for Certified
                                                    certain changes in layout, included                     depopulating certain components like                  Equipment
                                                    components, operating software, or                      power amplifiers from the RF section of                  29. The grantee of certification is
                                                    variations in overall electrical or                     a device, without requiring a new FCC                 responsible for the compliance of the
                                                    mechanical constructions that do not                    ID.                                                   certified equipment. When another
                                                    substantially change the overall                           26. When the grantee adds such                     party modifies a device through either
                                                    function of the device do not require a                 capabilities through software changes it              hardware or software changes without


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                           46905

                                                    the authority of the original grantee, or               is of a type that has been tested for use             certification would continue to be
                                                    incorporates a certified device into                    under the modular transmitter’s                       responsible for compliance of its
                                                    another host device, that party becomes                 certification(s). If the host device                  certified modular transmitter(s) and the
                                                    responsible for the modified device’s                   already contains transmitters which                   end product manufacturer would be
                                                    compliance and must obtain a new FCC                    may not have been certified separately,               responsible for compliance of the
                                                    ID for its product. When a party other                  or the party is installing multiple                   additional capabilities of the certified
                                                    than the grantee of certification modifies              certified modular transmitters, then                  modular transmitter(s) approved under
                                                    a device under the authority of the                     each transmitter must have been                       the new FCC ID and for the end product.
                                                    original grantee, the party must obtain a               certified for use in such a combination                  34. Under the second scenario, the
                                                    new certification under either the                      and the modular transmitters may only                 grantee(s) of the certified modular
                                                    original FCC ID with the original                       be installed in an approved                           transmitter(s) could modify the original
                                                    grantee’s approval, or with a new FCC                   configuration. If a certified modular                 grant(s) of certification to allow for such
                                                    ID. The NPRM proposed to clarify the                    transmitter is installed in a host and if             an integration into a host device under
                                                    parties responsible for ensuring the                    the modular transmitter is installed in               the original FCC ID(s). In this case, the
                                                    compliance of devices in different                      compliance with all of the conditions                 original grantee of the certified modular
                                                    scenarios, and to make sure that all                    tested and established as part of                     transmitter would submit a new
                                                    devices requiring authorization have                    certified modular transmitter’s grant of              certification application with any
                                                    been properly tested for compliance and                 certification, then a new certification               supplemental data necessary to
                                                    have a clearly-identified responsible                   would not be required for the resulting               demonstrate that the previously
                                                    party.                                                  end product. The Commission further                   certified modular transmitter or that
                                                                                                            proposed to clarify that the installer is             certain combinations of modular
                                                    a. End Products Incorporating Certified                                                                       transmitters would comply with the
                                                                                                            responsible for ensuring that the host
                                                    Modular Transmitters                                                                                          rules when appropriately installed in
                                                                                                            device complies with the rules and was
                                                       30. Modular transmitters are certified               properly authorized prior to the                      the specific host device. Depending on
                                                    as compliant with the Commission’s                      installation of the modular transmitter.              the nature and scope of the
                                                    rules based upon specific data about the                It also asked whether there are other                 modifications, the original grantee
                                                    intended device configuration and use                   conditions which should not require a                 would either retain the existing FCC ID
                                                    that are provided by the grantee in its                 new grant of certification.                           for the certified modular transmitter and
                                                    certification application. Limitations on                  32. The NPRM outlined the following                submit a new certification application
                                                    the grant may be required to ensure that                proposal for governing the installation               pursuant to § 2.1043, or it would submit
                                                    a particular host device, modular                       of a certified modular transmitter that               a new certification application pursuant
                                                    transmitter, or combination of modular                  would require additional certification                to § 2.1033 and receive a new FCC ID.
                                                    transmitters used in an end product                     application(s): Consistent with the                      35. This NPRM also seeks comment
                                                    complies with the rules. Complications                  Commission’s current guidance, when                   on how to address certified modular
                                                    can arise when a certified modular                      the certified modular transmitter or the              transmitters that are sold directly to
                                                    transmitter has not been certified for use              combination of certified modular                      consumers to be integrated into host
                                                    with a specific host device or it is being              transmitters would result in a                        devices or independently combined.
                                                    used in a manner that was not evaluated                 configuration that is not consistent with             The NPRM noted that application of the
                                                    at the time it was certified. The                       any of the modular transmitters’                      proposed rules would make the
                                                    Commission proposed to continue to                      certifications; or host device-specific               consumer, acting as the integrator, the
                                                    apply the general principle that a party                tests are required, the installer would               responsible party for these end
                                                    that creates an end product is                          have to ensure that the end product is                products, and identified practical
                                                    responsible for the compliance of the                   tested to demonstrate compliance with                 difficulties with such an approach. It
                                                    end product it creates, and to establish                all applicable technical requirements.                proposed to designate the certified
                                                    rules for two general scenarios involving               Such tests must be conducted with the                 modular transmitter grantee or the host
                                                    end products that incorporate certified                 installed configuration of certified                  provider as responsible for the end
                                                    modular transmitters.                                   modular transmitters including any                    products that are intended for assembly
                                                       31. The NPRM outlined the following                  host-based non-certified modular                      by consumers, and asked whether it
                                                    proposal for when the installation of a                 transmitters and the grant of                         should place limits or conditions on
                                                    certified modular transmitter installed                 certification of certified modular                    grants of certification when equipment
                                                    would not require a certification                       transmitter (or the host, when                        may be directly sold to consumers for
                                                    application: The Commission proposed                    applicable) must be updated                           assembly or integration. The
                                                    to codify existing guidance, under                      accordingly.                                          Commission suggested that such
                                                    which the party installing a certified                     33. The Commission proposed to                     conditions could require detailed
                                                    modular transmitter (or multiple                        codify two filing options to ensure that              instructions to the end user for proper
                                                    certified transmitters) into a device must              an end product is properly authorized                 installation and use of the device, as
                                                    follow all instructions provided by the                 in compliance with its rules. First, the              well as the inclusion of certain electrical
                                                    manufacturer(s) concerning the                          installer could apply for a grant of                  or mechanical locks to limit authorized
                                                    installation of the modular                             certification for the complete end                    operation. It asked if there were other
                                                    transmitter(s), the type and layout of the              product (i.e. the host device and the                 conditions that would help ensure
                                                    transmit antenna(s), and any other steps                certified transmitter(s)). Under this                 compliant operation in such cases.
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                                                    that must be taken to ensure the                        scenario, if the installing party has                    36. The NPRM addressed a specific
                                                    compliance of the end product. A party                  obtained the consent of the original                  scenario that may occur when a
                                                    using a certified modular transmitter in                certified modular transmitter grantee(s),             modular transmitter’s authorized
                                                    the authorized configuration, must first                then its application could reference the              parameters may be modified via
                                                    confirm that the host device was                        test data associated with the modular                 hardware or software changes, resulting
                                                    manufactured in compliance with its                     transmitter(s)’ current certification, and            in the filing of a permissive change
                                                    own equipment authorization and it                      provide supplemental test data as                     application for certification for the
                                                    must also ensure that the end product                   necessary. The original grantee of                    modular transmitter. Under the


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                                                    46906                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    Commission’s proposal, when                             devices with modified certification                   and hard drive and memory installation,
                                                    certifications have already been granted                labels.                                               would not be considered modifications
                                                    for end products that reference the                        39. The Commission proposed, for                   of the device’s grant of certification. It
                                                    original modular transmitter                            certified device operating under all rule             asked whether there were other types of
                                                    certification, then the existing                        parts, to require that any party making               refurbishing services (such as repair of
                                                    certification for the end product would                 changes without the authorization of the              broken controls) that would make its
                                                    remain valid without further action. It                 original grantee of certification must                proposed requirements unduly onerous.
                                                    sought comment on ways both                             obtain a new grant of certification and
                                                                                                            a new FCC ID. This would codify a                     d. Imported Equipment
                                                    manufacturers of certified end products
                                                    and the FCC can better distinguish                      uniform application process for                          43. The Commission’s rules currently
                                                    among the different versions of certified               instances where parties other than the                prohibit the importation of devices that
                                                    modular transmitters that may be                        original grantee wish to make changes to              require an authorization, and for which
                                                    incorporated into their products from                   certified devices, and would remove the               no specific authorization has been
                                                    that point forward, and asked if                        current distinctions in § 2.1043(d) and               obtained. Under the current rules, the
                                                    anything, short of requiring a permissive               (f) of the rules.                                     importer of a certified device is not the
                                                    change application for certification of                    40. The Commission also proposed                   party responsible for compliance with
                                                    the end product, should be done to track                that an application from a third party                its rules. The Commission proposed to
                                                    whether authorized version(s) of                        that would result in a new FCC ID for                 require that all applications for
                                                    certified modular transmitters have been                a previously-approved device must                     certification include the contact
                                                    incorporated in end products. The                       include documentation substantiating                  information of a party located in the
                                                    Commission also asked how it could                      that the original grantee has given                   United States that is responsible for
                                                    ensure that the manufacturer of the end                 permission for the new applicant to                   compliance, and asked whether there
                                                    product is using the version of the                     reference its original filing, and asked              were other options (including rules
                                                    certified modular transmitter which was                 what documentation should be                          amendments) that would provide it with
                                                    approved with the original filing and                   considered sufficient for this purpose. It            jurisdiction over the party responsible
                                                    whether it should continue to rely on                   proposed to require the submission of a               for the compliance of the equipment.
                                                    the manufacturers of end products to                    new application without references to                 The Commission also addressed the
                                                    make sure that their products continue                  the original grant of certification when              entry into U.S. markets of non-
                                                    to comply if there are variations in the                changes are made without the original                 compliant devices when a foreign-based
                                                    certified modular transmitters.                         grantee’s approval.                                   entity markets and ships a device
                                                       37. The Commission recognized that                      41. The Commission also proposed to                directly to a United States customer
                                                    adoption of its proposals could require                 permit third-party RF-controlling                     without an intervening importer. It
                                                    parties to perform additional                           software modifications to previously                  asked if it should consider the company
                                                    compliance testing on the end product                   certified devices under the same                      that ships a non-compliant device into
                                                    with one or a combination of modular                    procedures that currently apply to                    the U.S. as an importer under FCC rules,
                                                    transmitters installed. However, it                     grantee modifications of SDRs. The                    and questioned whether it should treat
                                                    tentatively concluded that such costs                   Commission also proposed to                           the United States customer who orders
                                                    would be outweighed by the benefits of                  incorporate the technical requirements                a non-compliant device as an importer
                                                    more clearly defining responsibilities                  currently specified in the current SDR                in violation of its rules. The
                                                    prior to certification and marketing                    rule (which was proposed to be deleted)               Commission proposed to enforce its
                                                    products, which, in turn would better                   into its broadly applicable application               importation rules against both the seller
                                                    ensure compliance with the                              processing rule.                                      and the buyer.
                                                    Commission’s rules. The Commission                      c. Repaired and Refurbished Devices                   4. Information Included With
                                                    also sought comment on whether the                                                                            Applications for Certification
                                                    proposal represented the least                             42. The Commission proposed to
                                                    burdensome and most efficient way to                    formally adopt its current practice                      44. The Commission proposed to
                                                    meet these goals.                                       whereby a third party that repairs or                 streamline § 2.1033 of the rules by
                                                                                                            refurbishes certified equipment to the                combining the duplicative information
                                                    b. Modification of Certified Equipment                  device’s original specification does not              requirements listed in the two sections
                                                    by Third Parties                                        need to submit an application for                     of the rule that list the information that
                                                       38. The Commission proposed to                       certification if the equipment continues              must be included with applications for
                                                    eliminate exceptions to the principle                   to operate as specified in its current                certification and reorganizing the
                                                    that certified devices could not be                     grant. If a party does not return the                 information required only in specific
                                                    modified by third parties unless the                    equipment to its original specification,              rule parts or for specific types of
                                                    third party receives its own                            it would be considered to be a                        operation into a more logical structure.
                                                    certification. It proposed to revise                    modification to a certified device. Third             The Commission also proposed to
                                                    § 2.909(d), which allows a new party                    parties that repair or refurbish certified            modify its requirements for submission
                                                    that performs device modifications                      equipment to the device’s original                    of device’s operational description to
                                                    without the consent of the original                     specification without the grantee’s                   include information about software used
                                                    grantee to become responsible for the                   permission would have to file an                      to control RF parameters and security to
                                                    compliance by labeling the device with                  application for certification or take other           ensure unauthorized modification. It
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                                                    a statement indicating it was modified,                 action to ensure that the Commission                  proposed to allow a third party that
                                                    with the requirement that the party                     could readily identify the third party                makes changes to certified devices or
                                                    obtain a new grant of certification. It                 and confirm that the repair would not                 files applications that rely on pre-
                                                    would have to specify a new FCC ID                      constitute an impermissible                           existing certifications to reference
                                                    unless the consent of the original is                   modification. The Commission further                  portions of the original grant of
                                                    obtained. The Commission asked                          proposed that activities routinely                    certification that are consistent with the
                                                    whether the new procedure should also                   performed by users or personnel at retail             device as integrated in its end product.
                                                    apply to parties that currently market                  stores, such as battery pack replacement              The Commission further proposed to


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                            46907

                                                    permit the new responsible parties to                   requests. It would grant short-term                   confidentiality automatically (i.e.
                                                    refer to test data submitted in the                     confidentiality upon the applicant’s                  without specific justification), based on
                                                    original grantee’s filing, and sought                   request for 45 days or an earlier date if             the fact that the vast majority of
                                                    comment on what additional portions of                  specified by the applicant, which may                 equipment authorization applications
                                                    the original grant of certification the                 be extended with serial requests to a                 are accompanied by requests for long-
                                                    applicant would it be appropriate to                    maximum of 180 days. The applicant                    term confidentiality for certain types of
                                                    incorporate by reference into the new                   would not need to provide a specific                  exhibits and that the requests are
                                                    application for certification. The                      justification for its request. The                    regularly granted, for the following
                                                    Commission also asked if there are any                  Commission would immediately end                      types of exhibits: (1) Schematics, (2)
                                                    portions of the application that the new                the short-term confidentially period if               block diagrams, (3) operational
                                                    responsible party always be required to                 the device is marketed to the public or               descriptions, and (4) parts list/tune-up
                                                    submit, how to codify such                              otherwise publicized by the applicant or              information. It asked whether some of
                                                    requirements, and whether there are                     by an entity acting on the applicant’s                the exhibits should not be automatically
                                                    certain parts of the original application               behalf prior to the expiration of this                be given long-term confidential
                                                    that the new responsible parties could                  period. The Commission may                            treatment, and whether other exhibits
                                                    refer to without the grantee’s                          nevertheless reveal the information at                beyond those listed be given long-term
                                                    permission.                                             any time if a request for inspection is               confidentiality. The Commission noted
                                                       45. The Commission proposed to stop                  filed and granted under § 0.461 of the                that its proposal is consistent with the
                                                    allowing filing of applications for                     rules, our general provision that governs             process reform goal 5.42 in the FCC staff
                                                    certification or acceptance of requests to              the release of information not routinely              report in GN Docket 14–25.
                                                    update documentation in their                           available for public inspection.                         50. Finally, the Commission stated
                                                    application file when such actions are                     48. The Commission proposed to                     that it believes that its proposals for
                                                    not required, except as allowed under                   require an applicant to identify the                  short- and long-term confidentiality
                                                    our permissive change rules. The                        specific exhibits associated with an                  would comply with its obligations
                                                    Commission recognized that there may                    application for certification for which               under the Freedom of Information Act
                                                    be interest in continuing to allow this                 short-term confidentiality is requested,              (FOIA) and the Trade Secrets Act, and
                                                    practice. It asked questions about how it               and not to grant confidentiality for                  sought comment on that conclusion.
                                                    would codify rule to support such                       information such as test reports and test
                                                                                                                                                                  6. Timeframe for Requesting Review of
                                                    filings, including how to define the                    set-up information that demonstrates
                                                                                                                                                                  Certification Grants
                                                    scope of permitted modifications and                    that the product complies with the
                                                    the role of TCBs and Commission                         Commission’s technical rules. However,                   51. The Commission proposed to
                                                    oversight under such provisions.                        it asked whether there would be benefits              adopt rules to specify that the ‘‘release
                                                                                                            in making all application exhibits                    date’’ for the grant of a certification is
                                                    5. Confidentiality of Certification                                                                           the date that the grant is published on
                                                                                                            automatically considered part of a short-
                                                    Applications                                                                                                  the Commission’s Web site. It stated that
                                                                                                            term confidentiality request, and asked
                                                       46. A TCB is required to upload all                  whether 45 days with extensions up to                 it believes that the date that the grant is
                                                    the information associated with a                       180 days total is the proper length of                published on its Web site is the
                                                    certification application to the                        time to allow short-term confidentiality.             appropriate public notice date as it is
                                                    Commission’s Equipment Authorization                    Furthermore, the Commission also                      the date that the grant of the
                                                    System (EAS). When an equipment                         proposed to codify its current policy                 certification becomes known to the
                                                    certification is granted in EAS, all                    that the applicant must give notice to                public and is the effective date of the
                                                    application material is generally made                  the TCB issuing the grant of certification            certification grant. While this release
                                                    available on the FCC Web site.                          prior to the device being marketed to the             date should be the date that will appear
                                                    Commencement of marketing can only                      public or otherwise publicized so that                on any electronic or hard copies of the
                                                    begin after the grant of equipment                      the short-term confidentiality period                 grant, the Commission proposed to
                                                    certification and associated materials                  may be immediately terminated. The                    specify the date of publication on our
                                                    have been published on our Web site.                    Commission asked whether, as an                       Web site to avoid any confusion should
                                                    Some of this information may be held                    alternative proposal, short-term                      a mistake or other circumstance occur in
                                                    confidential, under the Commission’s                    confidentiality should automatically be               which the dates do not match.
                                                    current rules and procedures as                         granted for some or all exhibits without                 52. The Commission stated that its
                                                    described in the NPRM. The                              being specifically requested by the                   proposals regarding confidentiality
                                                    Commission proposed to modify these                     applicant, and, if so, which application              could affect the ability of parties to
                                                    rules and procedures.                                   exhibits should be given short-term                   contest a certification grant, and asked
                                                       47. Short-term confidentiality allows                confidentiality.                                      whether the information that is always
                                                    for the preparation for marketing of                       49. Long-term confidentiality is                   made immediately available provides
                                                    devices without disclosure of sensitive                 intended to safeguard trade secrets, is               notice to the public of the substance of
                                                    information to the public prior to actual               intended for information that is not                  a final Commission action that is
                                                    sale, and is typically requested for                    readily discoverable upon release of the              adequate to determine whether and how
                                                    information that will become                            device, and can last indefinitely. Long-              to contest a grant. It asked whether, if
                                                    discoverable once sales commence and                    term confidentiality is governed by                   it adopts the proposal to codify the
                                                    the product and its related literature can              §§ 0.457(d) and 0.459 of the rules,                   current practice for granting short-term
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                                                    be physically examined—e.g. external                    which provides for information to be                  confidentiality, to require the applicant
                                                    photos, internal photos, and user                       held confidential by the Commission                   requesting confidentiality place a
                                                    manuals. The Commission proposed to                     unless a request for inspection is filed              summary or a redacted version of the
                                                    codify the short-term confidentiality                   and granted per § 0.461 of the rules, and             exhibits for which they are requesting
                                                    procedure for the types of information                  requires a specific application seeking               short-term confidential treatment on our
                                                    described in the Commission’s June 15,                  that material be given long-term                      Web site at the time of the grant. The
                                                    2004 public notice, DA 04–1705,                         confidential treatment. The Commission                Commission also asked about issuance
                                                    concerning short-term confidentiality                   proposed to provide long-term                         of a ‘‘provisional’’ certification grant for


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                                                    46908                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    a device which otherwise is deemed to                   Association (TIA) asking the                          devices are imported, the Commission
                                                    meet all the certification requirements                 Commission to permit the use of                       proposed that devices displaying
                                                    that could be used for legal importation                electronic labels as a substitute for                 labeling and regulatory information
                                                    and distribution through the supply                     physical labels, and concluded that the               electronically must also place this
                                                    chain of devices prior to sale. When the                proposed rules would effectively satisfy              information either on the product
                                                    device is sold to the public, the final                 TIA’s request and thus makes the                      packaging or on a (removable) physical
                                                    certification grant would be made                       rulemaking petition moot.                             label placed on the device at the time of
                                                    public, and that would constitute the                      55. The Commission noted that the E–               importation, marketing, and sales. The
                                                    public notice date. It asked if a different             LABEL Act applies to devices that have                Commission tentatively concluded that
                                                    consideration should hold for                           ‘‘the capability to digitally display                 its proposal would comply with the E–
                                                    determining the start of the thirty-day                 required labeling and regulatory                      LABEL Act because devices with
                                                    period in which the Commission can set                  information,’’ and proposed that if a                 electronic displays are not usually
                                                    aside an action on its own motion.                      device cannot display the labeling and                capable of electronically providing this
                                                    Lastly, the Commission proposed that it                 regulatory information to the intended                information in an effective manner
                                                    could specify that a provisional grant                  recipient in a manner that effects its                when the devices are typically inside
                                                    constitutes a ‘‘grant’’ for purposes of its             purpose, it would not be considered to                packaging and uncharged. The devices
                                                    importation rules. It sought comment on                 be capable of ‘‘digitally displaying the              therefore do not have ‘‘the capability to
                                                    all of these proposals, as well as any                  required labeling and regulatory                      digitally display required labeling and
                                                    other options it should consider.                       information’’ as required by E–LABEL                  regulatory information’’ in the context
                                                                                                            Act. The Commission proposed that the                 for which the requirement exists. The
                                                    B. Updating Procedures Applicable to                    user be provided with prominent                       Commission sought comment on this
                                                    Both Certification and Self-Approval                    instructions on how to access the                     proposal.
                                                    1. Labeling                                             required labeling and regulatory                         57. The Commission stated that its
                                                                                                            information, in either the packaging                  proposed rules were not intended to
                                                       53. The Commission proposed to                       material or another easily accessible                 change existing requirements to place
                                                    amend its regulations to comply with                    format, at the time of purchase, and that             warning statements or other information
                                                    the provisions of the Enhance Labeling,                 these instructions be available on the                on device packaging or in user manuals
                                                    Accessing, and Branding of Electronic                   product-related Web site, if one exists.              or make information available at the
                                                    Licenses Act (E–LABEL Act), which                       The Commission also proposed that                     point of sale, and tentatively concluded
                                                    requires it to make regulations (or take                accessing the labeling and regulatory                 that such requirements are outside the
                                                    other appropriate action) ‘‘to allow                    information not require any special                   scope of the E–LABEL Act. The
                                                    manufacturers of radiofrequency                         codes or permissions. Furthermore, the                Commission did not propose to require
                                                    devices with display the option to use                  Commission proposed that accessing the                parties to display any information that
                                                    electronic labeling for the equipment in                labeling and regulatory information                   is not already required by the rules as
                                                    place of affixing physical labels to the                should require no more than three steps.              part of an electronic label, nor to
                                                    equipment.’’ In addition, the                           The Commission’s proposal would not                   eliminate the ability of manufacturers to
                                                    Commission proposed to amend its                        allow other forms of electronic labeling              continue to physically label devices if
                                                    labeling regulations to address devices                 such as Radio Frequency Identification                they wish to do so. It also sought
                                                    that are too small to be legibly labeled                (RFID) tags or Quick Response (QR)                    comment on the costs and benefits of its
                                                    with an FCC ID. The NPRM discussed                      codes to substitute for the on-screen                 proposals.
                                                    rules that impose different labeling                    information display, or otherwise                        58. The NPRM discussed other
                                                    requirements on radio devices,                          permit displays that require the use of               labeling rules that ensure that important
                                                    including § 2.925, § 15.19, and other                   special accessories, supplemental                     safety-of-life information or warnings
                                                    rule sections that require warning labels               software, or similar plug-ins. When the               about illegal use of equipment is made
                                                    or other information to be attached to                  labeling information is electronically                prominently available to users of
                                                    particular types of devices. It also                    displayed, it must be clearly legible                 equipment, such as those contained in
                                                    discussed how the Commission’s rules                    without the aid of magnification. The                 §§ 15.121, 87.147, and 95.1402 of rules.
                                                    and guidance already permit electronic                  Commission also proposed to continue                  The Commission asked whether
                                                    labeling in certain circumstances,                      to require that devices that rely on a                provision of these types of warning
                                                    including per KDB Publication 784748.                   wireless or remote connection and have                statements using an electronic display
                                                       54. Consistent with the E–LABEL Act,                 no display have a physical label, and                 would provide the information to the
                                                    the Commission proposed to add a new                    stated that it believes this conclusion is            intended recipient in an ‘‘effective’’
                                                    rule to codify electronic labeling                      consistent with the explicit terms of the             manner when safety or illegal activity is
                                                    procedures. The rule would generally                    E–LABEL Act which specifically refers                 at issue, or would the size and/or
                                                    allow a radiofrequency device with an                   to devices with an electronic display. It             makeup of displays on these devices
                                                    integrated electronic display to                        asked whether, alternatively, it should               make visual communication of these
                                                    electronically display any labels                       allow such devices to use an electronic               warnings ineffective. It asked whether
                                                    required by our rules. This would                       label that is accessible via the connected            continuing to require physical labels for
                                                    include the FCC ID, as well as any                      smartphone, web interface, or other                   these warnings would be consistent
                                                    warning statements or other information                 network connection, and if so, what                   with the E–LABEL Act and, if so, which
                                                    that our rules require to be placed on a                                                                      physical labeling requirements the
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                                                                                                            additional requirements on how the
                                                    physical label on the device. The rule                  labeling requirement is implemented                   Commission should maintain.
                                                    would require that this electronic                      would be needed. The Commission                          59. The Commission also addressed
                                                    labeling information be secured in order                asked whether there are any additional                how the FCC ID may be communicated
                                                    to prevent modification by a third party.               requirements that it should include in                for small devices. The Commission
                                                    The NPRM discussed how the proposal                     the rule to make the labeling and                     current rules requires that the FCC ID on
                                                    is consistent with a 2012 petition for                  regulatory information more accessible                the label of a certified device be large
                                                    rulemaking filed by the                                    56. To provide information prior to                enough to be readily legible, but does
                                                    Telecommunications Industry                             purchase, to avoid a hazard or when                   not specify what the device


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          46909

                                                    manufacturer should do if the device is                 about further consolidating these rules               3. Rule Consolidation and Modification
                                                    too small to display a legible label. It                to simply cross-reference § 2.947.                       66. The Commission proposed to
                                                    proposed to codify the guidance in KDB                     64. The Commission also sought                     delete § 2.1043(g) through (l) because
                                                    Publication 784748, which states that                   comment on whether the measurement                    these provisions address changes to
                                                    the FCC ID may be placed in the device                  procedures specified in § 15.31(a)(3) and             previously approved broadcast
                                                    user manual if the device is too small                  (4) (referencing ANSI C63.4–2014 and                  equipment that are no longer necessary
                                                    for the FCC ID to be readable (smaller                  ANSI C63.10–2013) are sufficient to                   because such equipment is now subject
                                                    than 4–6 point font size).                              address compliance testing for devices                to verification. It proposed to add a new
                                                       60. The Commission proposed to                       subject to the part 15 requirements, such             paragraph to § 2.1043 advising that
                                                    eliminate the requirement for part 15                   that it could remove specific
                                                    devices to be labeled with the FCC logo,                                                                      parties may modify previously-
                                                                                                            measurement procedures in § 15.31–                    approved broadcast transmitters,
                                                    and observed that doing so would make                   15.35. It proposed to modify § 15.35 to
                                                    a pending request by the Information                                                                          provided the modified transmitter
                                                                                                            clarify the measurement detector                      complies with our authorization
                                                    Technology Industry Council (ITI) moot.                 functions and bandwidth requirements
                                                    The Commission stated that it intends                                                                         procedures or is otherwise shown to
                                                                                                            and to replace an old reference to CISPR              comply with the part 73 rules. It
                                                    for its labeling rules to match the                     Publication 16 in § 15.35 with an
                                                    equipment authorization rules that it                                                                         proposed to state that a previously
                                                                                                            updated reference to the measurement                  approved broadcast transmitter that was
                                                    ultimately adopts, and invited                          instrumentation procedures in ANSI
                                                    commenters, in discussing other                                                                               later modified must either be labeled
                                                                                                            C63.4–2014. It proposed to eliminate the              with a statement indicating that it was
                                                    elements of its proposals, to identify the              note associated with § 15.35(a) that
                                                    implications for device labeling and                                                                          modified after approval, or the original
                                                                                                            affords specific treatment of certain                 FCC ID number must be permanently
                                                    propose any further rule modifications                  pulse modulated devices and instead
                                                    that may be necessary.                                                                                        covered or removed. The Commission
                                                                                                            rely on the emission measuring                        proposed to retain these provisions in
                                                       61. The Commission proposed to
                                                                                                            instrumentation specifications in ANSI                § 2.1043(e) (re-designated as § 2.1043(h))
                                                    move the existing rule concerning
                                                                                                            C63.4–2014. It proposed to introduce                  because they provide a means for non-
                                                    labeling of modular transmitters from
                                                                                                            measurement procedures for the                        manufacturer amateur radio users to
                                                    part 15 to part 2 of its rules. It also
                                                                                                            certification of composite systems in the             modify equipment that had previously
                                                    sought comment on how its proposed
                                                                                                            part 2 rules that are similar to those                been certified or type accepted, and
                                                    modifications to the rules governing
                                                                                                            contained in §§ 15.31(h) and 15.31(k),                sought comment on whether the rule
                                                    modular transmitters would affect our
                                                                                                            while retaining certain specific                      should be amended for clarity or
                                                    labeling requirements and on alternative
                                                                                                            requirements in the part 15 rules. The                consistency between parts 2 and 97 of
                                                    approaches that would still accomplish
                                                    the goal of providing sufficient                        Commission asked whether there are                    the rules.
                                                    identification of a certified modular                   alternatives to its proposed rules for                   67. The Commission proposed to
                                                    transmitter. For example, the NPRM                      measurement procedures that would                     delete § 2.813 of the rules, because there
                                                    asked if a modified label should be                     better promote clarity and accommodate                are no provisions in part 27 comparable
                                                    allowed to be placed on the host device                 future technological developments and                 to the former part 74 rules that this rule
                                                    that reads ‘‘contains FCC ID xxxyyy                     sought comment on the relative costs                  was written to govern. It also proposed
                                                    changed from FCC ID aaabbb.’’                           and benefits its proposals and any                    to delete § 15.239(d) of the rules, which
                                                                                                            alternatives.                                         permits an educational institution to
                                                    2. Measurement Procedures                                  65. The Commission noted the                       conduct experimentation in the 88–108
                                                       62. The Commission proposed to                       ongoing development of a new standard,                MHz band using a custom-built
                                                    modify § 2.947(a)(3) to specifically                    ANSI C63.26, by ANSI–ASC C63, and                     telemetry intentional radiator after
                                                    reference the advisory information                      asked whether references to the                       submission of an operational
                                                    available in its online KDB publications.               applicable measurement procedures in                  description. It observed that the
                                                    The Commission noted that devices                       ANSI C63.26 could potentially replace                 Commission’s general experimental
                                                    increasingly have to demonstrate                        measurement procedures in part 2 for                  licensing rules provide an effective
                                                    compliance with service-specific                        RF power output, modulation                           means for such experimentation.
                                                    procedures described in other parts of                  characteristics, occupied bandwidth,
                                                    our rules, stated that it intends to                    spurious emissions at antenna                         C. Importation Rules
                                                    consolidate references to measurement                   terminals, field strength of spurious                    68. Subpart K of part 2 of the rules
                                                    procedures into part 2, to the extent                   radiation, frequency stability, and                   sets out the conditions under which RF
                                                    practicable, and asked if, until this                   frequency spectrum. It asked if                       devices that are capable of causing
                                                    consolidation can occur, it should                      references to part 2 (and, by extension,              harmful interference to radio
                                                    further modify § 2.947 to state that other              ANSI C63.26) could replace the specific               communications may be imported into
                                                    rule parts may specify additional                       measurement procedures and details                    the United States. The Commission
                                                    measurement procedures.                                 that are presently contained in many of               identified several proposals to lessen or
                                                       63. The Commission made further                      the individual service rules and whether              eliminate the filing burdens associated
                                                    proposals related to the measurement                    the measurement procedures in part 2                  with the importation rules, as described.
                                                    procedures for RF devices operating                     would need to be changed in order to
                                                    under the part 15 rules described in                    clarify these procedures. It asked parties            1. Importation Declaration
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                                                    §§ 15.31, 15.32, 15.33, and 15.35; and                  to take the ANSI C63.26 standards                        69. The Commission proposed to
                                                    the part 18 rules as described in                       development into account when                         eliminate §§ 2.1205 and 2.1203(b) to
                                                    § 18.311, with § 18.309. The                            drafting their comments and asked if                  remove filing requirements that are now
                                                    Commission proposed to revise these                     there are any other actions that will help            associated with FCC Form 740, and to
                                                    sections in a manner that references                    it reference the best and most up-to-date             discontinue that form. Section 2.1203 of
                                                    procedures that will be published by                    standards for making measurements on                  the Commission’s rules states that no RF
                                                    OET as KDB Publications and to provide                  equipment used in the Commission’s                    device may be imported unless the
                                                    clarifying text. The Commission asked                   licensed radio services.                              importer or ultimate consignee (or their


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                                                    46910                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    designated customs broker) declares that                10 to 400 for other products, thus                    result of the NPRM effective
                                                    the device meets the conditions of entry                applying a single limit to all types of               immediately upon their publication in
                                                    set forth in our importation rules                      devices for trade show demonstration                  the Federal Register, but to permit
                                                    subpart. Section 2.1205 provides two                    purposes. It stated that it believes the              manufacturers to continue to self-
                                                    ways to make this declaration: An                       current limit is insufficient to                      approve products using the existing DoC
                                                    electronic FCC declaration submitted to                 accommodate the needs of modern trade                 or verification procedures for up to one
                                                    CBP in addition to the electronic entry                 shows and conventions, and that the                   year from the effective date of the rules
                                                    summary required by CBP; and FCC                        increased limit will reduce the                       if they so choose.
                                                    Form 740, attached to the CBP-required                  administrative burden on both                         Incorporation by Reference
                                                    entry papers. The NPRM discussed how                    manufacturers and importers. It sought
                                                    compliance with the importation rules                   comment on the proposal, and the                         77. The OFR recently revised the
                                                    is implicitly addressed by the                          relative costs and benefits.                          regulations to require that agencies must
                                                    information already required by CBP,                                                                          discuss in the preamble of the rule ways
                                                    and how the Commission believes that                    4. Excluded Devices                                   that the materials the agency
                                                    by modifying its importation rules and                     73. The Commission proposed to                     incorporates by reference are reasonably
                                                    procedures in this manner it will be able               remove the list of battery-powered                    available to interested persons and how
                                                    to reduce substantial administrative                    unintentional radiators that are exempt               interested parties can obtain the
                                                    burdens while retaining sufficient                      from complying with the importation                   materials. In addition, the preamble of
                                                    enforcement tools to ensure that parties                conditions contained in § 2.1202(a),                  the rule must summarize the material. 1
                                                    continue to comply with the                             based on its belief that the examples are             CFR 51.5(b). In accordance with OFR’s
                                                    Commission’s equipment authorization                    outdated and that such devices are now                requirements, the discussion in this
                                                    and importation requirements. It sought                 significantly more sophisticated and                  section summarizes ANSI standards.
                                                    comment on these proposals, as well as                  often contain circuitry that increases the            Copies of the standards are also
                                                    on additional rule modifications that                   risk of harmful interference.                         available for purchase from these
                                                    would support its goals.                                                                                      organizations: The Institute of Electrical
                                                       70. The Commission asked                             5. Devices Imported for Personal Use                  and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), 3916
                                                    commenters to consider its proposals in                    74. The Commission proposed to                     Ranchero Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108,
                                                    light of the potential use of provisional               expand its exception on devices                       1–800–699–9277, http://
                                                    grants. It asked whether there are there                imported for personal use by modifying                www.techstreet.com/ieee; and the
                                                    additional steps, such as self-                         its existing personal use exception for               American National Standards Institute
                                                    certification or required recordkeeping                 up to three devices to encompass                      (ANSI), 25 West 43rd Street, 4th Floor,
                                                    that would be necessary to ensure that                  devices that use both licensed and                    New York, NY 10036, (212) 642–4900,
                                                    parties continue to comply with the                     unlicensed frequencies. It asked if there             http://webstore.ansi.org/ansidocstore.
                                                    Commission’s overall part 2                             are targeted exceptions within the                       78. (1) ANSI C63.4–2014: ‘‘American
                                                    importation, and how such                               Commission’s existing rules that should               National Standard for Methods of
                                                    considerations would be affected if the                 also be updated or removed. It asked                  Measurement of Radio-Noise Emissions
                                                    Commission were to require the                          whether the three-device limit is still               from Low-Voltage Electrical and
                                                    identification of a domestic responsible                appropriate, and if a different limit                 Electronic Equipment in the Range of 9
                                                    party.                                                  would provide adequate protection                     kHz to 40 GHz,’’ ANSI approved June
                                                                                                            against harmful interference without                  13, 2014, Section 4 IBR proposed for
                                                    2. Modification of Customs Bonded                                                                             § 15.35(a).
                                                                                                            unduly restricting individuals’ personal
                                                    Warehouse Requirement                                                                                            79. This standard, ANSI C63.4–2014,
                                                                                                            use importation.
                                                       71. The Commission proposed to                                                                             contains methods, instrumentation, and
                                                    remove the explicit bonded warehouse                    D. Updating and Modifying Rule                        facilities for measurement of
                                                    requirement in § 2.1201(c). It discussed                Sections                                              radiofrequency (RF) signals and noise
                                                    how the issuance of provisional grants                     75. The Commission proposed to                     emitted from electrical and electronic
                                                    of certification (as discussed above)                   comprehensively reorganize and                        devices in the frequency range of 9 kHz
                                                    could reduce or eliminate the need for                  simplify part 2, Subpart J of the rules as            to 40 GHz, as usable, for example, for
                                                    using bonded warehouses and, if so,                     shown in the proposed rule section, and               compliance testing to U.S. (47 CFR part
                                                    whether it would effectively meet                       to make modifications to other related                15) and Industry Canada (ICES–003)
                                                    manufacturers’ importation and                          rule sections, to account for the                     regulatory requirements.
                                                    marketing needs. The Commission                         proposals in the NPRM. It recognized                     80. (2) ANSI C63.10–2013, ‘‘American
                                                    asked whether it should retain the                      that there are many additional                        National Standard of Procedures for
                                                    option to use a bonded warehouse for                    references to the equipment                           Compliance Testing of Unlicensed
                                                    any imported devices which are                          authorization procedures throughout the               Wireless Devices,’’ ANSI approved June
                                                    unauthorized and that have not received                 Commission’s rules, and proposed to                   27, 2013, Section 5.7 IBR proposed for
                                                    such provisional approval; and, if not,                 make the necessary conforming                         § 15.31(m) and Section 5.5 IBR proposed
                                                    what it should do to ensure that                        revisions, such as updating specific rule             for § 15.33(a).
                                                    unauthorized devices are not widely                     section cross-references, modifying                      81. This standard, ANSI C63.10–2013,
                                                    distributed.                                            outdated terminology. The Commission                  contains standard methods and
                                                                                                                                                                  instrumentation and test facilities
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                                                                                                            listed in a separate appendix of the
                                                    3. Increasing the Number of Trade Show                                                                        requirements for measurement of radio
                                                                                                            NPRM, these rule sections by number,
                                                    Devices                                                                                                       frequency (RF) signals and noise
                                                                                                            and invited commenters to identify any
                                                       72. The Commission proposed to                       additional rules that would require such              emitted from unlicensed wireless
                                                    modify § 2.1204(a)(4) by increasing the                 revisions.                                            devices (also called unlicensed
                                                    number of devices that can be imported                                                                        transmitters, intentional radiators, and
                                                    for demonstration purposes at a trade                   E. Transition Period                                  license-exempt transmitters) operating
                                                    show from 200 to 400 for devices that                     76. The Commission proposed to                      in the frequency range 9 kHz to 231
                                                    are used in licensed services and from                  make any rule changes adopted as a                    GHz.


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                46911

                                                      Section 15.38 of the Commission’s                     information collection requirements                   with the FCC rules so that they may be
                                                    rules, 47 CFR 15.38, would likewise be                  contained in this document, as required               brought to the market expeditiously.
                                                    updated to reflect these incorporations                 by the Paperwork Reduction Act of                       86. The NPRM addressed the types of
                                                    by reference.                                           1995, Public Law 104–13. In addition,                 authorization procedures used to
                                                                                                            pursuant to the Small Business                        approve equipment, the effect of
                                                    Procedural Matters
                                                                                                            Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public                  changes to authorized equipment, and
                                                    F. Ex Parte Rules—Permit-But-Disclose                   Law 107–198, see 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4),                the responsibilities of parties for
                                                       82. The proceeding this NPRM                         the Commission seeks specific comment                 complying with our rules. It also
                                                    initiates shall be treated as a ‘‘permit-               on how we might further reduce the                    addresses the importation of radio
                                                    but-disclose’’ proceeding in accordance                 information collection burden for small               devices. The Commission last
                                                    with the Commission’s ex parte rules.                   business concerns with fewer than 25                  comprehensively reviewed its
                                                    Persons making ex parte presentations                   employees.                                            equipment authorization procedures
                                                    must file a copy of any written                                                                               more than fifteen years ago.3 The
                                                                                                            Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
                                                    presentation or a memorandum                                                                                  changes in the way today’s equipment is
                                                    summarizing any oral presentation                          84. As required by the Regulatory                  designed, manufactured, and
                                                    within two business days after the                      Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended                   marketed—as well as the sheer number
                                                    presentation (unless a different deadline               (RFA),1 the Commission has prepared                   of such devices that need to be
                                                    applicable to the Sunshine period                       this present Initial Regulatory                       authorized—warrant modifications to
                                                    applies). Persons making oral ex parte                  Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the                    the rules that specify the equipment
                                                    presentations are reminded that                         possible significant economic impact on               subject to our equipment authorization
                                                    memoranda summarizing the                               a substantial number of small entities by             procedures and responsibilities of the
                                                    presentation must (1) list all persons                  the policies and rules proposed in this               various stakeholders. Our proposals
                                                    attending or otherwise participating in                 Notice of Proposed Rule Making                        complement the recent actions taken by
                                                    the meeting at which the ex parte                       (NPRM). Written public comments are                   the Commission to modify the
                                                    presentation was made, and (2)                          requested on this IRFA. Comments must                 equipment authorization rules that
                                                    summarize all data presented and                        be identified as responses to the IRFA                address the obligations of
                                                    arguments made during the                               and must be filed by the deadlines for                Telecommunication Certification Bodies
                                                    presentation. If the presentation                       comments on the NPRM provided in the                  (TCBs) that certify RF equipment and
                                                    consisted in whole or in part of the                    item. The Commission will send a copy                 the laboratories that test equipment
                                                    presentation of data or arguments                       of the NPRM, including this IRFA, to the              subject to the certification process.4
                                                    already reflected in the presenter’s                    Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
                                                                                                                                                                  Legal Basis
                                                    written comments, memoranda or other                    Business Administration (SBA).2
                                                    filings in the proceeding, the presenter                                                                        87. The proposed action is taken
                                                                                                            A. Need for, and Objectives of, the
                                                    may provide citations to such data or                                                                         pursuant to sections 1, 4(i), 7(a), 301,
                                                                                                            Proposed Rules
                                                    arguments in his or her prior comments,                                                                       303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 307(e), 332, and
                                                    memoranda, or other filings (specifying                    85. The purpose of this Notice of                  622 of the Communications Act of 1934,
                                                    the relevant page and/or paragraph                      Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is to                      as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i),
                                                    numbers where such data or arguments                    update the rules that govern the                      157(a), 301, 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 307(e),
                                                    can be found) in lieu of summarizing                    evaluation and approval of                            332, and 622; and §§ 0.31(g), 0.31(i), and
                                                    them in the memorandum. Documents                       radiofrequency (RF) devices. The                      0.31(j) of the Commission’s rules, 47
                                                    shown or given to Commission staff                      Commission ensures compliance with                    CFR 0.31(g), 0.31(i), and 0.31(j).
                                                    during ex parte meetings are deemed to                  its technical rules through the
                                                                                                                                                                  C. Description and Estimate of the
                                                    be written ex parte presentations and                   equipment authorization program for RF
                                                                                                                                                                  Number of Small Entities To Which the
                                                    must be filed consistent with                           devices; the technical rules are the
                                                                                                                                                                  Proposed Rules Will Apply
                                                    § 1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by                 means by which the Commission carries
                                                    § 1.49(f) or for which the Commission                   out its responsibilities under section                  88. The RFA directs agencies to
                                                    has made available a method of                          302 of the Communications Act of 1934,                provide a description of, and where
                                                    electronic filing, written ex parte                     as amended, which permits the                         feasible, an estimate of the number of
                                                    presentations and memoranda                             Commission to make reasonable                         small entities that may be affected by
                                                    summarizing oral ex parte                               regulations governing the interference                the proposed rules, if adopted.5 The
                                                    presentations, and all attachments                      potential of devices that emit RF energy              RFA generally defines the term ‘‘small
                                                    thereto, must be filed through the                      and can cause harmful interference to                 entity’’ as having the same meaning as
                                                    electronic comment filing system                        radio communications. By updating our                 the terms ‘‘small business,’’ ‘‘small
                                                    available for that proceeding, and must                 rules, we can continue to ensure that                 organization,’’ and ‘‘small governmental
                                                    be filed in their native format (e.g., .doc,            hundreds of millions of radio
                                                    .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants              transmitters, consumer products, and                    3 See Amendment of Parts 2, 15, 18 and Other

                                                                                                            other electronic devices will continue to             Parts of the Commission’s Rules to Simplify and
                                                    in this proceeding should familiarize                                                                         Streamline the Equipment Authorization Process
                                                    themselves with the Commission’s ex                     share the airwaves successfully. Our                  for Radio Frequency Equipment, ET Docket No. 97–
                                                    parte rules.                                            objective is to enable innovation and                 94, Report and Order (Equipment Authorization
                                                                                                            growth in the development and use of                  Procedures Order), 13 FCC Rcd 11415 (1998).
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                                                    G. Paperwork Reduction Act                              RF devices by providing a clear path for                4 See Amendment of Parts 0, 1, 2, and 15 of the

                                                                                                            products to demonstrate compliance                    Commission’s Rules regarding Authorization of
                                                      83. This document contains proposed                                                                         Radiofrequency Equipment and Amendment of Part
                                                    modified information collection                                                                               68 regarding Approval of Terminal Equipment by
                                                    requirements. The Commission, as part                     1 See 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. 601–      Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Report
                                                    of its continuing effort to reduce                      612, has been amended by the Small Business           and Order (TCB Order), ET Docket No. 13–44, FCC
                                                                                                            Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996           14–208, 29 FCC Rcd 16335 (2014). The TCB Order
                                                    paperwork burdens, invites the general                  (SBREFA), Public Law 104–121, Title II, 110 Stat.     largely addressed the processes by which
                                                    public and the Office of Management                     857 (1996).                                           certification applications are to be evaluated.
                                                    and Budget (OMB) to comment on the                        2 See 5 U.S.C. 603(a).                                5 See 5 U.S.C. 603(b)(3).




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                                                    46912                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    jurisdiction.’’ 6 In addition, the term                 employees and 17 had more than 1000                   included on the device label.15 All
                                                    ‘‘small business’’ has the same meaning                 employees.10 Thus, under that size                    certified equipment is listed in a
                                                    as the term ‘‘small business concern’’                  standard, the majority of firms can be                Commission database that includes the
                                                    under the Small Business Act.7 A                        considered small.                                     application for certification, test report
                                                    ‘‘small business concern’’ is one which:                   90. Communication Equipment                        and other material.16
                                                    (1) Is independently owned and                                                                                   93. DoC and verification are self-
                                                                                                            Repair and Maintenance. This industry
                                                    operated; (2) is not dominant in its field                                                                    approval procedures in which the
                                                                                                            comprises establishments primarily                    responsible party is required to take
                                                    of operation; and (3) satisfies any
                                                                                                            engaged in repairing and maintaining                  specific actions to ensure that its
                                                    additional criteria established by the
                                                                                                            communications without retailing new                  equipment complies with our rules. DoC
                                                    Small Business Administration (SBA).8
                                                    The Commission has not developed a                      communication equipment, such as                      and verification procedures are
                                                    definition of small entities applicable to              telephones, fax machines,                             permitted for certain types RF devices
                                                    RF Equipment manufacturers. The most                    communications transmission                           that operate under part 15 or part 18 of
                                                    analogous definition of small entity is                 equipment, and two-way radios.11 The                  our rules. DoC requires the responsible
                                                    that which is contained in the rules                    SBA has developed a size standard for                 party, in addition to taking the
                                                    applicable to manufacturers of ‘‘Radio                  this industry which is that any firm                  necessary steps to ensure that the
                                                    and Television Broadcasting and                         whose annual receipts are $11 million                 equipment complies with the
                                                    Wireless Communications Equipment                       or less is defined as a small business.12             appropriate technical standards, to use
                                                    Manufacturing.’’ This NPRM addresses                    Census Bureau data for 2007 indicated                 a recognized accredited test laboratory
                                                    the repair of devices that are subject to               that in this industry, 1,415 firms                    when testing devices.17 The responsible
                                                    the Commission’s equipment                              operated for the entire year. Of these                party also must include a compliance
                                                    authorization rules. For this, we also                  firms, 1,273 operated with annual                     information statement with the product
                                                    include small entities associated with                  receipts of less than $10 million dollars.            that identifies the product and a
                                                    an additional category,                                 Based on this date, the Commission                    responsible party within the United
                                                    ‘‘Communication Equipment Repair and                    concludes that the majority of firms                  States.18 Under verification, the
                                                    Maintenance,’’ in our analysis.                         operating in this industry is small.13                responsible party must also take the
                                                       89. Radio and Television and Wireless                                                                      necessary steps to ensure that the
                                                    Communications Equipment                                D. Description of Projected Reporting,                equipment complies with the
                                                    Manufacturing. The Census Bureau                        Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance                   appropriate technical standards, but
                                                    defines this category as follows: ‘‘This                Requirements for Small Entities                       there are no requirements to use
                                                    industry comprises establishments                                                                             recognized test laboratories and supply
                                                                                                              91. Currently, the Commission
                                                    primarily engaged in manufacturing                                                                            a compliance information statement
                                                                                                            ensures that RF equipment complies
                                                    radio and television broadcast and                                                                            with the product.19 Unlike certification,
                                                    wireless communications equipment.                      with its technical requirements by                    the DoC and verification procedures do
                                                    Examples of products made by these                      specifying that devices must be                       not require submittal of an application
                                                    establishments are: Transmitting and                    authorized in accordance with one of                  to the FCC or a TCB, the explicit grant
                                                    receiving antennas, cable television                    three procedures specified in subpart J               of approval, or submission of a test
                                                    equipment, GPS equipment, pagers,                       of part 2 of the rules—certification,                 device (unless specifically requested by
                                                    cellular phones, mobile                                 Declaration of Conformity (DoC), and                  the Commission). Also, unlike certified
                                                    communications equipment, and radio                     verification. The NPRM proposes to                    devices, this equipment does not have
                                                    and television studio and broadcasting                  update the certification process and                  an FCC ID, and is not listed in an FCC
                                                    equipment.’’ 9 The SBA has developed a                  replace the DoC and verification                      database.
                                                    small business size standard for Radio                  processes with a single process.                         94. The Commission notes that the
                                                    and Television Broadcasting and                           92. Certification is typically applied              current state of RF equipment
                                                    Wireless Communications Equipment                       to RF equipment employing new                         production makes the existing
                                                    Manufacturing, which is: All such firms                 technology for which the testing                      distinctions between the two self-
                                                    having 750 or fewer employees.                          methodology is relatively complex or
                                                                                                                                                                    15 See 47 CFR 2.925 and 2.926. The FCC ID
                                                    According to Census Bureau data for                     not well defined, or that otherwise is                consists of two elements—a grantee code and an
                                                    2007, there were a total of 939                         considered to have the highest risk of                equipment product code.
                                                    establishments in this category that                    interference.14 TCBs approve equipment                  16 The Commission’s Equipment Authorization

                                                    operated for part or all of the entire year.            under the certification procedure based               System (EAS) can be accessed at https://
                                                    Of this total, 912 had less than 500                                                                          apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/GenericSearch.cfm.
                                                                                                            on review of an application that                        17 See 47 CFR 2.906. The party responsible for
                                                                                                            provides test reports and all of the other            compliance is defined in 47 CFR 2.909.
                                                      6 See 5 U.S.C. 601(6).
                                                      7 See
                                                                                                            information specified in the                            18 See 47 CFR 2.1077, 15.19(a)(3), and 18.209(b).
                                                            5 U.S.C. 601(3) (incorporating by reference                                                           Only parts 15 and 18 equipment is currently
                                                    the definition of ‘‘small-business concern’’ in the     Commission’s rules. Certified devices
                                                                                                                                                                  covered by DoC. For example, part 15 devices
                                                    Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632). Pursuant to 5       are uniquely identified by an FCC                     subject to the DoC rules must be labeled with the
                                                    U.S.C. 601(3), the statutory definition of a small      Identifier (FCC ID), which must be                    following statement: ‘‘This device complies with
                                                    business applies ‘‘unless an agency, after                                                                    part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
                                                    consultation with the Office of Advocacy of the                                                               following two conditions: (1) This device may not
                                                                                                              10 See http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/
                                                    Small Business Administration and after                                                                       cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
                                                    opportunity for public comment, establishes one or      IBQTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=&-fds
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                                                                                                                                                                  accept any interference received, including
                                                    more definitions of such term which are                 _name=EC0700A1&-_skip=4500&-ds_name=EC07
                                                                                                                                                                  interference that may cause undesired operation.’’
                                                    appropriate to the activities of the agency and         31SG3&-_lang=en.
                                                                                                              11 http://wwww.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/
                                                                                                                                                                  See also 47 CFR 2.1075 and 2.946 (describing
                                                    publishes such definition(s) in the Federal                                                                   circumstances in which the responsible party must
                                                    Register.’’                                             naicsrch.                                             submit to the Commission records of the original
                                                      8 15 U.S.C. 632.                                        12 13 CFR 121.201, NAICS Code 811213.
                                                                                                                                                                  design drawings and specifications, the procedures
                                                      9 The NAICS Code for this service 334220. See 13        13 http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/              used for production inspection and testing, a report
                                                    CFR 121.201. See also http://factfinder.census.gov/     tableservices/jsf/pages/product                       of RF emission measurements, the compliance
                                                    servlet/IBQTable?_bm=y&-fds_name=EC0700A1&-             view.xhtml?pid=ECN_2007_US_81SSSZ4                    information statement, and a sample of the device).
                                                    geo_id=&-_skip=300&-ds_name=EC0731SG2&-_                &prodType=table.                                        19 See 47 CFR 2.909(b), 2.946, 2.953, 2.955, and

                                                    lang=en.                                                  14 See 47 CFR 2.907.                                2.956.



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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                    46913

                                                    approval processes less meaningful,                     transmitters and for when the host                    labeling regulations to address devices
                                                    and, thus, the NPRM proposes to                         devices may be subject to certification.              that are too small to be legibly labeled
                                                    combine elements of DoC and                             We propose to clearly codify                          with an FCC ID.
                                                    verification into a single self-approval                requirements related to an RF device’s
                                                                                                                                                                  F. Steps Taken To Minimize the
                                                    process for equipment that has a strong                 capabilities for software configuration
                                                                                                                                                                  Significant Economic Impact on Small
                                                    record of compliance and for which                      and upgradeability in the application for
                                                                                                                                                                  Entities, and Significant Alternatives
                                                    there is minimal risk of causing harmful                certification. We further propose that an
                                                                                                                                                                  Considered
                                                    interference (tentatively identified as a               applicant for certification must specify
                                                    ‘‘Supplier’s Declaration of Compliance’’                which parties will be authorized to                      99. The RFA requires an agency to
                                                    or ‘‘SDoC’’). Our objective is to                       make software changes (e.g., the grantee,             describe any significant, specifically
                                                    recognize our increased comfort with                    wireless service provider, other                      small business, alternatives that it has
                                                    self-approval procedures by                             authorized parties) and the software                  considered in reaching its proposed
                                                    streamlining the procedures and                         controls that are provided to prevent                 approach, which may include the
                                                    eliminating those elements that serve to                unauthorized parties from enabling                    following four alternatives (among
                                                    increase the costs of complying with our                different modes of operation. We do not               others): ‘‘(1) The establishment of
                                                    rules and that provide benefits that are                anticipate that these changes will                    differing compliance or reporting
                                                    of only marginal utility.                               introduce new costs and, in many cases,               requirements or timetables that take into
                                                       95. The Commission believes that our                 will allow device manufacturers greater               account the resources available to small
                                                    actions will minimize the compliance                    flexibility in how they comply with our               entities; (2) the clarification,
                                                    costs borne by small entities by, for                   rules and more certainty that their                   consolidation, or simplification of
                                                    example, eliminating the mandate to use                 applications will not be returned or                  compliance and reporting requirements
                                                    accredited laboratories that is currently               rejected.                                             under the rule for such small entities;
                                                    associated with the DoC rules, removing                    97. We are also proposing to                       (3) the use of performance rather than
                                                    the requirement to display the FCC logo                 streamline certain application                        design standards; and (4) an exemption
                                                    on the equipment identification label,                  procedures which we believe will                      from coverage of the rule, or any part
                                                    and, potentially, allowing devices that                 reduce the need to file new applications              thereof, for such small entities.’’ 21
                                                    are currently subject to certification to               in many cases. In this regard, the NPRM                  100. As discussed, the overall
                                                    be authorized under the new SDoC                        includes proposals to revise and clarify              approach we have taken is to propose to
                                                    procedures. The Commission recognizes                   the rules that govern equipment                       clarify, consolidate, and simplify our
                                                    that manufacturers of devices currently                 certification, including specifying when              equipment authorization of compliance
                                                    subject to verification may be subject to               device changes necessitate a new FCC                  and reporting requirements where
                                                    some minimal additional requirements                    ID. Such actions will serve to reduce or              possible. Such proposals include, but
                                                    under SDoC, most notably that the                       eliminate existing compliance                         are not limited to, eliminating use of
                                                    manufacturers include a written                         requirements for device manufacturers.                accredited labs under the SDoC
                                                    compliance statement with the literature                Additionally, we are making proposals                 procedure, streamlining importation
                                                    furnished to the user that serves to                    that address confidentiality, public                  requirements by, for example,
                                                    identify the party responsible for the                  notice of grants, the RF device                       eliminating the use of FCC Form 740,
                                                    device’s compliance with the                            importation rules, and the measurement                and providing for confidentiality in
                                                    Commission’s regulations. The                           procedures that are used to demonstrate               some cases without the need to file
                                                    Commission nevertheless believes that,                  device compliance. These proposals are                specific confidentiality requests. Given
                                                    on the whole, the use the SDoC process                  designed to reduce overall compliance                 our interest in evaluating the
                                                    will also make it easier for                            burdens by better aligning the                        interference potential of devices that
                                                    manufacturers to comply with                            production, importation and device                    emit RF energy and can cause harmful
                                                    recordkeeping and reporting                             marketing interests and practices of                  interference to radio communications,
                                                    requirements because we will for the                    device manufacturers with our                         we believe that these steps should apply
                                                    first time adopt a single, streamlined                  equipment authorization procedures                    to all device manufacturers, including
                                                    self-approval process that is easy to                   and fundamental interest in ensuring                  small entities. In crafting this regulatory
                                                    understand, simple to apply, and that is                that hundreds of millions of radio                    relief, we have not identified any
                                                    better aligned with existing                            transmitters, consumer products, and                  additional steps that we could take with
                                                    international processes. We anticipate                  other electronic devices continue to                  respect to small entities that could not
                                                    minimal costs associated with                           share the airwaves successfully.                      also be applied to all device
                                                    modifying existing processes and                           98. Finally, recently adopted                      manufacturers.
                                                    procedures to comply with the proposed                  legislation (the E–LABEL Act) requires                   101. The NPRM also recognizes that
                                                    rule, and that any such costs will be                   the Commission to, within nine months                 there may be existing processes that we
                                                    quickly recouped by the savings                         after the law’s passing, ‘‘promulgate                 have proposed to streamline or
                                                    realized under use of the new SDoC                      regulations or take other appropriate                 eliminate that certain device
                                                    procedures.                                             action, as necessary, to allow                        manufacturers may still find beneficial.
                                                       96. The NPRM also proposes                           manufacturers of radiofrequency                       These include, for example, filing for
                                                    amendments to the certification rules                   devices with display the option to use                certification of devices that may be
                                                    that are intended to provide RF                         electronic labeling for the equipment in              approved under the SDoC procedures,
                                                    equipment manufacturers with a clear                                                                          and placing the FCC logo on devices
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                                                                                                            place of affixing physical labels to the
                                                    understanding of the application                        equipment.’’ 20 We propose to amend                   that would no longer require such
                                                    requirements and their compliance                       our regulations to comply with the                    marking. Although one approach would
                                                    responsibilities for a variety of design                provisions of this legislation. In                    be to retain any requirement that has
                                                    scenarios. Among other things, we                       addition, we propose to amend our                     been identified as having value, we have
                                                    propose to permit certification of                                                                            tentatively rejected that approach.
                                                    modular transmitters for licensed                         20 Enhance Labeling, Accessing, and Branding of     Instead, we propose to allow but not
                                                    services, and to clearly specify the rules              Electronic Licenses Act of 2014, Public Law 113–
                                                    for integration of certified modular                    197 (Nov. 26, 2014).                                    21 5   U.S.C. 603(c)(1) through (c)(4).



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                                                    46914                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    require parties to engage in such                       Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small               paragraphs (d)(1)(ii)(B), (C), and (D) of
                                                    practices if they find them useful. By                  Business Administration.                              this section.
                                                    doing so, we will not unnecessarily                                                                             (B) Portions of applications for
                                                                                                            List of Subjects                                      equipment certification of scanning
                                                    burden small entities that no longer
                                                    wish to retain such practices.                          47 CFR Part 0                                         receivers and related materials will not
                                                      102. As directed by the E–LABEL Act,                    Organization and functions                          be made available for inspection.
                                                    we proposed to add a new section to our                                                                         (C) Exhibits from an equipment
                                                                                                            (Government agencies), Reporting and
                                                    rules to codify electronic labeling                                                                           authorization application that set forth
                                                                                                            recordkeeping requirements.
                                                    procedures.22 The new rule will                                                                               schematics, block diagrams, operational
                                                    generally allow a radiofrequency device                 47 CFR Part 2                                         descriptions, or parts lists/tune-up
                                                    with an integrated electronic display to                  Communications equipment,                           procedures will not be made available
                                                    electronically display any labels                       Reporting and recordkeeping                           for public inspection except upon grant
                                                    required by our rules. This will include                requirements.                                         of a request under § 0.461.
                                                    the FCC ID required by our certification                                                                        (D) Upon requests by the applicant,
                                                    rules as well as any warning statements                 47 CFR Part 15                                        the following exhibits from an
                                                    or other information that our rules                       Communications equipment,                           equipment authorization application
                                                    require to be placed on a physical label                Incorporation by reference, Radio,                    will not be made available for public
                                                    on the device. The rule will require that               Reporting and recordkeeping                           inspection for a period of 45 days after
                                                    this electronic labeling information is                 requirements.                                         the effective date of the equipment
                                                    secured in order to prevent modification                                                                      authorization except upon grant of a
                                                    by a third-party. While the E–LABEL                     47 CFR Part 18                                        request under § 0.461 external photos,
                                                    Act is not directed at small entities, we                 Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping                  test setup photos, user’s manual, and
                                                    recognize that the use of electronic                    requirements, Scientific equipment.                   internal photos. The 45-day time period
                                                    labeling can potentially decrease costs                                                                       may be extended in 45-day increments
                                                    for all device manufacturers because it                 Federal Communications Commission.                    up to a maximum of 180 days upon
                                                    will provide a means by which                           Gloria J. Miles,                                      request. These exhibits will
                                                    manufacturers will no longer have to                    Federal Register Liaison Officer.                     immediately be made available to the
                                                    affix permanent labels to devices. We                                                                         public if the device is marketed to the
                                                                                                            Proposed Rules
                                                    nevertheless recognize that small                                                                             public or otherwise publicized by the
                                                    entities may not wish to incur the costs                   For the reasons set forth in the                   applicant or by an entity acting on the
                                                    associated with changing their processes                preamble, the Federal Communications                  applicant’s behalf prior to the expiration
                                                    to produce electronic label displays. As                Commission proposes to amend parts 0,                 of this period. The applicant must notify
                                                    such, we are not proposing to require                   1, 2, 15 and 18 of title 47 of the Code               the Telecommunication Certification
                                                    parties to display any information as                   of Federal Regulations as follows:                    Body (TCB) issuing the equipment
                                                    part of an electronic label not already                                                                       authorization prior to the device being
                                                                                                            PART 0—COMMISSION                                     marketed to the public or otherwise
                                                    required by our rules, nor are we
                                                                                                            ORGANIZATION                                          publicized.
                                                    proposing to eliminate the ability of
                                                    manufacturers to continue to physically                 ■ 1. The authority citation for part 0                *     *     *     *     *
                                                    label devices if they wish to do so.                    continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                                                                                  PART 2—FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
                                                    F. Federal Rules That May Duplicate,                      Authority: Sec. 5, 48 Stat. 1068, as                AND RADIO TREATY MATTERS;
                                                    Overlap, or Conflict With the Proposed                  amended; 47 U.S.C. 155, 225, unless                   GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
                                                    Rules                                                   otherwise noted.
                                                                                                            ■ 2. Section 0.457 is amended by                      ■ 3. The authority citation for part 2
                                                      103. None.
                                                                                                            revising paragraph (d)(1)(ii) to read as              continues to read as follows:
                                                    Ordering Clauses                                        follows:                                                Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 302a, 303, and
                                                      104. Pursuant to sections 1, 4(i), 7(a),                                                                    336, unless otherwise noted.
                                                    301, 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 307(e), 332,               § 0.457 Records not routinely available for           ■ 4. Section 2.1(c) is amended by
                                                                                                            public inspection.
                                                    and 622 of the Communications Act of                                                                          revising the definition of ‘‘Software
                                                    1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections                    *       *   *     *     *                             defined radio’’ to read as follows:
                                                    151, 154(i), 157(a), 301, 303(f), 303(g),                  (d) * * *
                                                                                                               (1) * * *                                          § 2.1    Terms and definitions.
                                                    303(r), 307(e), 332, and 622, and
                                                    §§ 0.31(g), 0.31(i), and 0.31(j) of the                    (ii) Applications for equipment                    *     *     *    *     *
                                                    Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 0.31(g),                     authorizations and materials relating to                Software defined radio. A radio that
                                                    0.31(i), 0.31(j), this Notice of Proposed               such applications are not routinely                   includes a transmitter in which the
                                                    Rulemaking IS ADOPTED.                                  available for public inspection prior to              operating parameters of frequency
                                                      105. The Petition for Rulemaking filed                the effective date of the authorization.              range, modulation type or maximum
                                                    by the Telecommunications Industry                      The effective date of the authorization               output power (either radiated or
                                                    Association (RM–11673) on August 6,                     will, upon request, be deferred to a date             conducted), or the circumstances under
                                                    2012 is DISMISSED.                                      no earlier than that specified by the                 which the transmitter operates in
                                                                                                            applicant.                                            accordance with Commission rules, can
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                                                      106. The Commission’s Consumer and
                                                    Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference                     (A) Following the effective date of the            be altered by making a change in
                                                    Information Center, SHALL SEND a                        equipment authorization, material in the              software without making any changes to
                                                    copy of this Notice of Proposed                         application and related materials                     hardware components that affect the
                                                    Rulemaking, including the Initial                       (including technical specifications and               radio frequency emissions.
                                                    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis to the                  test measurements) will be made                       *     *     *    *     *
                                                                                                            available for public inspection by
                                                      22 See proposed amendment of 47 CFR 2.935 in          placement in the Commission’s public                  § 2.813    [Removed]
                                                    proposed rules.                                         database except as specified in                       ■   5. Remove § 2.813.


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          46915

                                                    ■ 6. Section 2.901 is revised to read as                Telecommunication Certification Body                  (2) of this section to assume the
                                                    follows:                                                (TCB) and authorized under the                        responsibilities to ensure compliance of
                                                                                                            authority of the Commission, that is                  equipment and become the new
                                                    § 2.901   Basis and purpose.                                                                                  responsible party by applying for a grant
                                                                                                            based on representations and test data
                                                       (a) In order to carry out its                        submitted by the applicant or parties                 of certification to request a new FCC
                                                    responsibilities under the                              authorized by the applicant.                          Identifier.
                                                    Communications Act and the various                        (b) Certification attaches to all units                (5) If the radio frequency equipment
                                                    treaties and international regulations,                 subsequently marketed by the grantee                  is modified by any party not working
                                                    and in order to promote efficient use of                which are identical, as defined in                    under the authority of the responsible
                                                    the radio spectrum, the Commission has                  § 2.908, to the sample tested except for              party, the party performing the
                                                    developed technical standards for radio                 changes or other variations authorized                modifications, if located within the
                                                    frequency equipment and parts or                        by the Commission or a TCB pursuant                   U.S., or the importer, if the equipment
                                                    components thereof. The technical                       to §§ 2.924 and 2.1043.                               is imported subsequent to the
                                                    standards applicable to individual types                  (c) Certification may be obtained for a             modifications, becomes the new
                                                    of equipment are found in that part of                  device capable of independent                         responsible party. The new responsible
                                                    the rules governing the service wherein                 operation, a device or a group of devices             party must file for a new grant of
                                                    the equipment is to be operated. In                     authorized under a single FCC                         certification pursuant to § 2.1033.
                                                    addition to the technical standards                     Identifier, a modular device capable of                  (b) For equipment subject to
                                                    provided, the rules governing the                       operation only upon installation into                 Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity the
                                                    service may require that such                           another device, or an end product                     party responsible for the compliance of
                                                    equipment be authorized under a                         containing one or more devices that                   the equipment with the applicable
                                                    Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity or                 were previously certified.                            standards is set forth as follows:
                                                    receive a grant of certification from a                 ■ 10. Section 2.909 is revised to read as                (1) The manufacturer or, if the
                                                    Telecommunication Certification Body.                   follows:                                              equipment is assembled from individual
                                                       (b) The following sections describe                                                                        component parts and the resulting
                                                    the procedure for a Supplier’s                          § 2.909   Responsible party.                          system is subject to authorization under
                                                    Declaration of Conformity and the                          (a) For radio frequency equipment                  a Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity,
                                                    procedures to be followed in obtaining                  subject to certification, the party                   the assembler. If the resulting system is
                                                    certification and the conditions                        responsible for the compliance of the                 subject to certification, the assembler
                                                    attendant to such a grant.                              equipment with the applicable                         becomes responsible party as required
                                                                                                            standards is specified as follows:                    in paragraph (a) of this section.
                                                    § 2.902   [Removed]                                        (1) The party to whom that grant of                   (2) If the equipment, by itself, or a
                                                    ■ 7. Remove § 2.902.                                    certification is issued (i.e., the grantee)           system assembled from individual parts
                                                    ■ 8. Section 2.906 is revised to read as                is the responsible party.                             and the resulting system is subject to the
                                                    follows:                                                   (2) When a new grant of certification              Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
                                                    § 2.906 Supplier’s Declaration of                       is based on an existing grant of                      procedures and that equipment is
                                                    Conformity.                                             certification, the party to whom the new              imported, the importer.
                                                      (a) Supplier’s Declaration of                         grant of certification is issued is the                  (3) Retailers or original equipment
                                                    Conformity is a procedure where the                     responsible party for the equipment                   manufacturers may enter into an
                                                    responsible party, as defined in § 2.909,               produced under new certification; the                 agreement with the responsible party
                                                    makes measurements to insure that the                   original grantee remains responsible for              designated in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of
                                                    equipment complies with the                             equipment produced under the original                 this section to assume the
                                                    appropriate technical standards.                        grant of certification.                               responsibilities to ensure compliance of
                                                                                                               (3) If the equipment is assembled from             equipment and become the new
                                                    Submittal to the Commission of a
                                                                                                            components that includes certified                    responsible party.
                                                    sample unit or representative data
                                                                                                            modular transmitter(s) authorized                        (4) The importer of equipment subject
                                                    demonstrating compliance is not
                                                                                                            pursuant to § 2.1042, then the assembler              to Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
                                                    required unless specifically requested
                                                                                                            is responsible for following the                      procedures may, upon receiving a
                                                    pursuant to § 2.945.
                                                      (b) Supplier’s Declaration of                         installation guidelines provided by the               written statement from the manufacturer
                                                    Conformity attaches to all items                        grantee of each modular transmitter and               that the equipment complies with the
                                                    subsequently marketed by the                            for obtaining additional approvals                    appropriate technical standards, rely on
                                                    manufacturer, importer, or the                          necessary for the overall compliance of               the manufacturer or independent testing
                                                    responsible party which are identical, as               the final end product, and the party who              agency to verify compliance. The test
                                                    defined in § 2.908, to the sample tested                obtained the grant of certification for the           records required by § 2.938 must be in
                                                    and found acceptable by the                             modular transmitter(s) remains the                    the English language and made available
                                                    manufacturer.                                           responsible party for those transmitters.             to the Commission upon a reasonable
                                                      (c) The responsible party may, if it                  However, the assembler or integrator                  request, in accordance with § 2.945(c). If
                                                    desires, apply for Certification of a                   may become the new grantee for                        the radio frequency equipment is
                                                    device subject to the Supplier’s                        individual modular transmitters or the                modified by any party not working
                                                    Declaration of Conformity. In such                      assembled product by submitting an                    under the authority of the responsible
                                                                                                            application for certification pursuant to             party, the party performing the
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                                                    cases, the rules governing certification
                                                    will apply to that device.                              § 2.1033. The host device may also be                 modifications, if located within the
                                                    ■ 9. Section 2.907 is revised to read as                subject to Supplier’s Declaration of                  U.S., or the importer, if the equipment
                                                    follows:                                                Conformity procedures as described in                 is imported subsequent to the
                                                                                                            paragraph (b) of this section.                        modifications, becomes the new
                                                    § 2.907   Certification.                                   (4) Retailers, original equipment                  responsible party.
                                                      (a) Certification is an equipment                     manufacturers or assemblers may enter                    (c) If the end product or equipment is
                                                    authorization approved by the                           into an agreement with the responsible                subject to both certification and
                                                    Commission, or issued by a                              party designated in paragraph (a)(1) or               Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity, all


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                                                    46916                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    the requirements of paragraphs (a) and                  their functions, components and layout,               to any remaining section(s) shall be
                                                    (b) of this section apply.                              may be viewed as being a single                       preceded by the term FCC ID.
                                                      (d) A party that repairs or refurbishes               authorized device or a series of similar                 (2) Where terminal equipment subject
                                                    certified equipment with the permission                 devices that have been subjected to                   to part 68 of this chapter, and a
                                                    of the grantee is not required to obtain                minor modifications) may be marketed                  radiofrequency device subject to
                                                    a new grant of certification if the                     pursuant to one grant of certification                equipment authorization requirements
                                                    equipment continues to conform to the                   under a single FCC Identifier. For a                  are assembled in a common enclosure,
                                                    specifications of its previously approved               device to be certified as a family of                 the device shall be labeled in
                                                    grant of certification. Repairs or                      products, the initial application for                 accordance with the requirements
                                                    refurbishment of equipment performed                    certification shall contain a declaration             published by the Administrative
                                                    by a party not acting under the                         of the intent to include and/or to                    Council for Terminal Attachments and
                                                    permission of the grantee are                           develop a family of products. Each                    shall also display the FCC Identifier in
                                                    modifications that will make the                        variation of the product shall be                     the format specified in paragraph (a) of
                                                    repairing/refurbishing party responsible                evaluated for compliance and include                  this section.
                                                    for the compliance of the equipment                     appropriate data (e.g. radio frequency                   (3) For a transceiver, the receiver
                                                    pursuant to paragraph (a)(5) of this                    exposure or Hearing Aid Compatibility)                portion of which is subject to Supplier’s
                                                    section, and will require the party to                  as required by the Commission’s rules                 Declaration of Conformity pursuant to
                                                    obtain a new grant of certification for                 for each model variation.                             § 15.101 of this chapter, and the
                                                    the equipment. Replacement or                           ■ 14. Section 2.925 is revised to read as
                                                                                                                                                                  transmitter portion is subject to
                                                    installation of parts that are commonly                 follows:                                              certification, the FCC Identifier required
                                                    changed by users, retailers or                                                                                for the transmitter portion shall be
                                                    refurbishers, such as battery packs, hard               § 2.925   Identification of equipment.                preceded by the term FCC ID.
                                                    drives, memory or enclosures which do                     (a) Each equipment covered in an                       (c) In order to validate the grant of
                                                    not impact device compliance and as                     application for equipment authorization               certification, the label shall be
                                                    permitted in § 2.1043(b)(1), would not                  shall bear a label listing the following:             permanently affixed to the equipment
                                                    be considered modifications to a device.                  (1) FCC Identifier consisting of the                and shall be readily visible to the
                                                      (e) In the case of transfer of control of             two elements in the exact order                       purchaser at the time of purchase unless
                                                    equipment, as in the case of sale or                    specified in § 2.926. The FCC Identifier              the label is in electronic form pursuant
                                                    merger of the responsible party, the new                shall be preceded by the term FCC ID in               to § 2.935.
                                                                                                                                                                     (1) As used here, permanently affixed
                                                    entity shall bear the responsibility of                 capital letters on a single line.
                                                                                                                                                                  means that the required information is
                                                    continued compliance of the equipment.                    (2) Any other statements or labeling
                                                    ■ 11. Remove the undesignated center
                                                                                                                                                                  etched, engraved, stamped, indelibly
                                                                                                            requirements imposed by the rules                     printed, or otherwise permanently
                                                    heading preceding § 2.911.                              governing the operation of the specific
                                                    ■ 12. Section 2.911 is amended by
                                                                                                                                                                  marked on a permanently attached part
                                                                                                            class of equipment, except that such                  of the equipment enclosure.
                                                    redesignating paragraphs (d)(3) and (4)                 statement(s) of compliance may appear
                                                    as paragraphs (d)(4) and (5) and by                                                                           Alternatively, the required information
                                                                                                            on a separate label at the option of the              may be permanently marked on a
                                                    adding paragraph (d)(3) to read as                      applicant/grantee.
                                                    follows:                                                                                                      nameplate of metal, plastic, or other
                                                                                                              (3) The information required may be                 material fastened to the equipment
                                                    §   2.911 Application requirements.
                                                                                                            provided electronically pursuant to                   enclosure by welding, riveting, etc., or
                                                                                                            § 2.935                                               with a permanent adhesive. Such a
                                                    *     *    *     *      *                                 (4) Equipment subject only to
                                                      (d) * * *                                                                                                   nameplate must be able to last the
                                                                                                            registration will be identified pursuant              expected lifetime of the equipment in
                                                      (3) The applicant shall provide the
                                                                                                            to part 68 of this chapter.                           the environment in which the
                                                    contact information of a party located in
                                                    the United States that is responsible for                 (b) Any device subject to more than                 equipment will be operated and must
                                                    compliance.                                             one equipment authorization procedure                 not be readily detachable.
                                                                                                            may be assigned a single FCC Identifier.                 (2) As used here, readily visible means
                                                    *     *    *     *      *                               However, a single FCC Identifier is
                                                    ■ 13. Section 2.924 is revised to read as
                                                                                                                                                                  that the required information must be
                                                                                                            required to be assigned to any device                 visible from the outside of the
                                                    follows:                                                consisting of two or more sections                    equipment enclosure. It is preferable
                                                    § 2.924 Use of a single FCC Identifier for              assembled in a common enclosure, on a                 that it be visible at all times during
                                                    equipment having multiple trade names,                  common chassis or circuit board, and                  normal installation or use, but this is
                                                    models or type numbers, or functional                   with common frequency controlling                     not a prerequisite for grant of equipment
                                                    similarities.                                           circuits. Devices to which a single FCC               authorization.
                                                      (a) The responsible party may market                  Identifier has been assigned shall be                    (d) Modular transmitters certified
                                                    devices having different model/type                     identified pursuant to paragraph (a) of               pursuant to § 2.1042 must be equipped
                                                    numbers or trade names without                          this section.                                         with either a permanently affixed label
                                                    additional authorization, provided that                   (1) Separate FCC Identifiers may be                 or must be capable of electronically
                                                    such devices are identical and the                      assigned to a device consisting of two or             displaying its FCC Identifier pursuant to
                                                    equipment bears an FCC Identifier                       more sections assembled in a common                   § 2.935.
                                                    validated by a grant of certification. For              enclosure, but constructed on separate                   (1) If using a permanently affixed
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                                                    the purposes of this section, a device                  sub-units or circuit boards with                      label, the modular transmitter must be
                                                    will be considered to be identical if no                independent frequency controlling                     labeled with its own FCC Identifier,
                                                    changes are made to the authorized                      circuits. The FCC Identifier assigned to              and, if the FCC Identifier is not visible
                                                    device, or if the changes were made to                  any transmitter section shall be                      when the modular transmitter is
                                                    the device pursuant to § 2.1043.                        preceded by the term TX FCC ID, the                   installed inside another device, then the
                                                      (b) A family of products (a group of                  FCC Identifier assigned to any receiver               outside of the device into which the
                                                    devices that are clearly similar, based                 section shall be preceded by the term                 modular transmitter is installed must
                                                    upon the overall design of the devices,                 RX FCC ID and the identifier assigned                 also display a label referring to the


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                            46917

                                                    enclosed modular transmitter. This                        (f) The FCC Identifier including the                specified, then the integrator/installer
                                                    exterior label can use wording such as                  term FCC ID shall be in a size of type                must perform additional testing to
                                                    the following: ‘‘Contains certified                     large enough to be readily legible,                   demonstrate that the end product
                                                    modular transmitter FCC ID:                             consistent with the dimensions of the                 complies with all applicable technical
                                                    XYZMODEL1’’ or ‘‘Contains FCC ID:                       equipment and its label. However, the                 requirements, including RF exposure
                                                    XYZMODEL1.’’ Any similar wording                        type size for the FCC Identifier is not               and Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC),
                                                    that expresses the same meaning may be                  required to be larger than eight-point. If            as appropriate, with the installed
                                                    used. The Grantee may either provide                    a device is so small that it is impractical           combination of modular transmitters.
                                                    such a label, an example of which must                  to label it with the FCC Identifier in a              When additional testing is required, the
                                                    be included in the application for                      font that is four-point or larger, and the            installer must obtain a new grant of
                                                    equipment authorization, or, must                       device does not have a display that can               certification for the end product
                                                    provide adequate instructions along                     show electronic labeling, then the FCC                pursuant to § 2.1033, or alternatively
                                                    with the modular transmitter which                      Identifier shall be placed in the user                either the installer or the grantee of
                                                    explain this requirement. In the latter                 manual and must also either be placed                 certification for the modular transmitter
                                                    case, a copy of these instructions must                 on the device packaging or on a                       must file additional test data to
                                                    be included in the application for                      removable label attached to the device.               supplement to the original modular
                                                    equipment certification.                                ■ 15. Remove the undesignated center                  transmitter’s test data pursuant to
                                                       (2) If the modular transmitter uses an               heading preceding § 2.927.                            § 2.1043(e) or file for an application for
                                                    electronic display of the FCC Identifier,               ■ 16. Section 2.927 is amended by                     a new equipment certification for the
                                                    the information must be readily                         revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:            modular transmitter pursuant to
                                                    accessible and visible on the modular                                                                         § 2.1033.
                                                    transmitter or on the device in which it                § 2.927   Limitations on grants.
                                                                                                                                                                     (c) A party marketing a certified
                                                    is installed. If the modular transmitter is                (a) A grant of certification is valid
                                                                                                                                                                  modular transmitter(s) to be installed by
                                                    installed inside another device, then the               only when the device is labeled in
                                                                                                                                                                  the end user must demonstrate
                                                    outside of the device into which the                    accordance with § 2.925 and remains
                                                                                                                                                                  compliance with all Commission
                                                    modular transmitter is installed must                   effective until set aside, revoked or
                                                                                                                                                                  requirements under all the likely
                                                    display a label referring to the enclosed               withdrawn, rescinded, surrendered, or a
                                                                                                                                                                  installation and use configurations an
                                                    modular transmitter or provide the                      termination date is otherwise
                                                                                                                                                                  end-user may deploy pursuant to
                                                    information electronically pursuant to                  established by the Commission.
                                                                                                                                                                  § 2.1042(b)(6). The evaluation must
                                                    § 2.935. This label can use wording such                *      *    *      *     *                            ensure that the final assembly will
                                                    as the following: ‘‘Contains certified                  ■ 17. Section 2.931 is revised to read as
                                                                                                                                                                  comply with all the applicable rules for
                                                    modular transmitter(s) FCC ID:                          follows:                                              such assembly.
                                                    XYZMODEL1.’’ Any similar wording                                                                                 (d) In determining compliance for
                                                                                                            § 2.931   Responsibilities.
                                                    that expresses the same meaning may be                                                                        devices subject to Supplier’s Declaration
                                                    used. The user manual must include                         (a) The responsible party warrants
                                                                                                            that each unit of equipment marketed                  of Conformity, the responsible party
                                                    instructions on how to access the                                                                             warrants that each unit of equipment
                                                    electronic display. A copy of these                     under its grant of certification and
                                                                                                            bearing the identification specified in               marketed under the Supplier’s
                                                    instructions must be included in the                                                                          Declaration of Conformity procedure
                                                    application for equipment                               the grant will conform to the unit that
                                                                                                            was measured and that the data (design                will be identical to the unit tested and
                                                    authorization.                                                                                                found acceptable with the standards and
                                                       (3) If a party installing a certified                and rated operational characteristics)
                                                                                                            filed with the application for                        that the records maintained by the
                                                    modular transmitter obtains a new grant
                                                                                                            certification continues to be                         responsible party continue to reflect the
                                                    of certification for the modular
                                                                                                            representative of the equipment being                 equipment being produced under such
                                                    transmitter, it can use an exterior label
                                                                                                            produced under such grant within the                  Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
                                                    or provide the information
                                                                                                            variation that can be expected due to                 within the variation that can be
                                                    electronically pursuant to § 2.935 using
                                                    wording such as ‘‘Contains certified                    quantity production and testing on a                  expected due to quantity production
                                                    modular transmitter FCC                                 statistical basis.                                    and testing on a statistical basis.
                                                    ID:XYXMODEL1 changed to FCC                                (b) A party integrating and marketing                 (e) For equipment subject to
                                                    ID:ABCXXXX’’. Any similar wording                       end products by installing or assembling              Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity,
                                                    that expresses the same meaning may be                  certified modular transmitters into a                 the responsible party must reevaluate
                                                    used.                                                   host device must follow all the                       the equipment if any modification or
                                                       (e) Where it is shown that a                         instructions that are provided                        change adversely affects the emanation
                                                    permanently affixed label is not                        concerning the installation of the                    characteristics of the modified
                                                    desirable or is not feasible, an                        modular transmitter, the type and layout              equipment. The responsible party bears
                                                    alternative method of positively                        of the transmit antenna, and any other                responsibility for continued compliance
                                                    identifying the equipment may be used                   steps that must be taken to ensure the                of subsequently produced equipment.
                                                    if approved by the Commission. The                      compliance of the end product. The                    § 2.932    [Removed]
                                                    proposed alternative method of                          installer must ensure that the host
                                                                                                                                                                  ■   18. Remove § 2.932.
                                                    identification and the justification for its            device is of a type that is permissible for
                                                    use must be included with the                           use under the approved modular
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                                                                                                                                                                  § 2.933    [Removed]
                                                    application for equipment                               transmitter(s) certification. If the                  ■   19. Remove § 2.933.
                                                    authorization.                                          installer confirms that the requirements              ■   20. Add § 2.935 to read as follows:
                                                       Note to paragraph (e): As an example,                are met, then no further equipment
                                                    it would be possible to show that an                    authorization is required except for                  § 2.935 Electronic labeling of
                                                    alternate method of identification would                retention of records pursuant to § 2.938.             radiofrequency devices.
                                                    be necessary for a device intended to be                If the installer cannot show that these                 Any radiofrequency device equipped
                                                    implanted within the body of a test                     requirements are met or end product                   with an integrated electronic display
                                                    animal or person.                                       specific compliance requirements are                  screen may display on the electronic


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                                                    46918                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    display the FCC Identifier, any warning                 ensure conformance with the standards                 manufacturer of equipment produced
                                                    statements, or other information that the               and the requirements of § 2.931.                      under an agreement with the original
                                                    Commission’s rules would otherwise                        (3) A record of the test results that               responsible party. The retention of the
                                                    require to be shown on a physical label                 demonstrate compliance with the                       records by the manufacturer under these
                                                    attached to the device.                                 appropriate regulations in this chapter.              circumstances shall satisfy the grantee’s
                                                        (a) Devices displaying their FCC                      (b) For equipment subject to                        responsibility under paragraph (a) of
                                                    Identifier, warning statements, or other                Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity                  this section.
                                                    information electronically must make                    procedures, the responsible party shall,                (d) For equipment subject to more
                                                    this information readily accessible on                  in addition to the requirements in                    than one equipment authorization
                                                    the electronic display. Users must be                   paragraph (a) of this section, maintain a             procedure, the responsible party must
                                                    provided with prominent instructions                    record of the measurements made on an                 retain the records required under all
                                                    on how to access the information in the                 appropriate test site that demonstrates               applicable provisions of this section.
                                                    operating instructions, inserts in                      compliance with the applicable                          (e) For equipment subject to rules that
                                                    packaging material, or other easily                     regulations in this chapter. The record               include a transition period, the records
                                                    accessible format at the time of                        shall:                                                must indicate the particular transition
                                                    purchase. The access instructions must                    (1) Indicate the actual date all testing            provisions that were in effect when the
                                                    also be available on the product-related                was performed;                                        equipment was determined to be
                                                    Web site, if such a Web site exists, and                  (2) State the name of the test                      compliant.
                                                    a copy of these instructions must be                    laboratory, company, or individual                      (f) For equipment subject to
                                                    included in the application for                         performing the testing. The Commission                certification, records shall be retained
                                                    equipment certification.                                may request additional information                    for a one year period after the marketing
                                                        (b) Devices displaying their FCC                    regarding the test site, the test                     of the associated equipment has been
                                                    Identifier, warning statements, or other                equipment or the qualifications of the                permanently discontinued, or until the
                                                    information electronically must permit                  company or individual performing the                  conclusion of an investigation or a
                                                    access to the information without                       tests;                                                proceeding if the responsible party (or,
                                                    requiring special codes, accessories or                   (3) Contain a description of how the                under paragraph (c) of this section, the
                                                    permissions and the access to this                      device was actually tested, identifying               manufacturer) is officially notified that
                                                    information must not require more than                  the measurement procedure and test                    an investigation or any other
                                                    three steps in the menu.                                equipment that was used;                              administrative proceeding involving its
                                                                                                              (4) Contain a description of the                    equipment has been instituted. For all
                                                        (c) The electronically displayed FCC
                                                                                                            equipment under test (EUT) and support                other records kept pursuant to this
                                                    Identifier, warning statements, or other
                                                                                                            equipment connected to, or installed                  section, a two-year period shall apply.
                                                    information must be displayed
                                                                                                            within, the EUT;                                        (g) If radio frequency equipment is
                                                    electronically in a manner that is clearly                (5) Identify the EUT and support
                                                    legible without the aid of magnification.                                                                     modified by any party other than the
                                                                                                            equipment by trade name and model                     original responsible party, and that
                                                        (d) The necessary label information                 number and, if appropriate, by FCC
                                                    must be programmed by the responsible                                                                         party is not working under the
                                                                                                            Identifier and serial number;                         authorization of the original responsible
                                                    party and must be secured in such a                       (6) Indicate the types and lengths of
                                                    manner that third-parties cannot modify                                                                       party, the party performing the
                                                                                                            connecting cables used and how they                   modifications is not required to obtain
                                                    it.                                                     were arranged or moved during testing;
                                                        (e) Devices displaying their FCC                                                                          the original design drawings specified
                                                                                                              (7) Contain at least two drawings or                in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
                                                    Identifier, warning statements, or other                photographs showing the test set-up for
                                                    information electronically must also                                                                          However, the party performing the
                                                                                                            the highest line conducted emission and               modifications must maintain records
                                                    display this information on the product                 showing the test set-up for the highest
                                                    packaging or on a physical label placed                                                                       showing the changes made to the
                                                                                                            radiated emission. These drawings or                  equipment along with the records
                                                    on the product at the time of                           photographs must show enough detail
                                                    importation, marketing, and sales. If a                                                                       required in paragraphs (a)(3) of this
                                                                                                            to confirm other information contained                section. A new equipment authorization
                                                    physical label is used, it may be a                     in the test report. Any photographs used
                                                    removable label, or, for devices in                                                                           may also be required.
                                                                                                            must clearly show the test configuration              ■ 21. Section 2.941 is amended by
                                                    protective bags, a label on the protective              used;
                                                    bag. Any removable label shall be of a                                                                        revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:
                                                                                                              (8) List all modifications, if any, made
                                                    type intended to survive normal                         to the EUT by the testing company or                  § 2.941 Availability of information relating
                                                    shipping and handling and must only be                  individual to achieve compliance with                 to grants.
                                                    removed by the customer after purchase.                 the regulations in this chapter;                        (a) Grants of equipment authorization
                                                    ■ 21. Section 2.938 is revised to read as                 (9) Include all of the data required to             are available in the Commission’s public
                                                    follows:                                                show compliance with the appropriate                  database.
                                                                                                            regulations in this chapter;                          *     *    *      *    *
                                                    § 2.938   Retention of records.
                                                                                                              (10) Contain, on the test report, the
                                                       (a) For equipment subject to the                     signature of the individual responsible               § 2.944    [Removed]
                                                    equipment authorization procedures in                   for testing the product along with the                ■ 22. Remove § 2.944.
                                                    this part, the responsible party shall
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                                                                                                            name and signature of an official of the              ■ 23. Section 2.947 is amended by
                                                    maintain the records listed as follows:                 responsible party, as designated in                   revising paragraph (a)(3) and adding
                                                       (1) A record of the original design                  § 2.909; and                                          paragraph (f) to read as follows:
                                                    drawings and specifications and all                       (11) A copy of the compliance
                                                    changes that have been made that may                    information, as described in § 2.1077, is             § 2.947    Measurement procedure.
                                                    affect compliance with the standards                    required to be provided with the                        (a) * * *
                                                    and the requirements of § 2.931.                        equipment.                                              (3) Any measurement procedure
                                                       (2) A record of the procedures used                    (c) The provisions of paragraph (a) of              acceptable to the Commission may be
                                                    for production inspection and testing to                this section shall also apply to a                    used to prepare data demonstrating


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                           46919

                                                    compliance with the requirements of                        (i) For devices where the FCC                      authorized to make software changes
                                                    this chapter. Advisory information                      Identifier label is presented                         (e.g., the grantee, wireless service
                                                    regarding measurement procedures can                    electronically, the application must                  providers, other authorized parties) and
                                                    be found in the Commission’s                            include instructions for accessing the                the software controls that are provided
                                                    Knowledge Database, which is available                  information.                                          to prevent unauthorized parties from
                                                    at www.fcc.gov/labhelp/.                                   (ii) [Reserved]                                    enabling different modes of operation.
                                                    *      *    *      *    *                                  (3) A copy of the installation and                 Manufacturers must describe the
                                                       (f) A composite system is a system                   operating instructions. A draft copy of               methods used in the device to secure
                                                                                                            the instructions may be submitted if the              the software in their application for
                                                    that incorporates different devices
                                                                                                            actual document is not available. The                 equipment authorization and must
                                                    contained either in a single enclosure or
                                                                                                            actual document shall be furnished to                 include a high level operational
                                                    in separate enclosures connected by
                                                                                                            the FCC when it becomes available and                 description or flow diagram of the
                                                    wire or cable. If the individual devices
                                                                                                            prior to marketing the end product. The               software that controls the radio
                                                    in a composite system are subject to
                                                                                                            user’s manual or instruction manual for               frequency operating parameters. The
                                                    different technical standards, each such
                                                                                                            an intentional or unintentional radiator              applicant must provide an attestation
                                                    device must comply with its specific
                                                                                                            shall prominently caution the user that               that only permissible modes of
                                                    standards. In no event may the
                                                                                                            changes or modifications not expressly                operation may be selected by a user.
                                                    measured emissions of the composite
                                                                                                            approved by the party responsible for                    (ii) For modular transmitters that can
                                                    system exceed the highest level                         compliance could void the user’s                      be placed in a physical platform that
                                                    permitted for an individual component.                  authority to operate the equipment.                   will not itself be certified (i.e. a form
                                                    Testing for compliance with the                            (i) If the application is for a modular            factor), the description must include
                                                    different standards shall be performed                  transmitter, the installation instructions            reference designs for the physical
                                                    with all of the devices in the system                   must clearly document the proper                      platform and a showing of how the
                                                    functioning. If the composite system                    procedures for installing the modular                 modular transmitter will meet the
                                                    incorporates more than one antenna or                   transmitter as well as any limitations on             requirements of such designs.
                                                    other radiating source and these                        the end product necessary to ensure                      (5) A schematic diagram showing the
                                                    radiating sources are designed to emit at               compliance. If the conditions of use                  frequency of all oscillators in the device.
                                                    the same time, measurements of                          require any specific instructions to the              The signal path and frequency shall be
                                                    conducted and radiated emissions shall                  end user, this information must also be               indicated at each applicable location.
                                                    be performed with all radiating sources                 included in the manual in a                           The tuning range(s) and intermediate
                                                    that are to be employed emitting.                       conspicuous location.                                 frequency(ies) shall be indicated.
                                                    ■ 25. Remove the undesignated center                       (ii) In cases where the manual is                     (6) A report of measurements showing
                                                    heading preceding § 2.951.                              provided only in a form other than                    compliance with the pertinent FCC
                                                    § 2.951   [Removed]
                                                                                                            paper, such as on a computer disk or                  technical requirements. This report
                                                                                                            over the Internet, the information                    shall identify the test procedure used
                                                    ■   26. Remove § 2.951.                                 required by this section may be                       (e.g., specify the FCC test procedure, or
                                                    § 2.952   [Removed]                                     included in the manual in that                        industry test procedure that was used),
                                                                                                            alternative form, provided the user can               the date the measurements were made,
                                                    ■   27. Remove § 2.952.
                                                                                                            reasonably be expected to have the                    the location where the measurements
                                                    § 2.953   [Removed]                                     capability to access information in that              were made, and the device that was
                                                    ■   28. Remove § 2.953.                                 form.                                                 tested (model and serial number, if
                                                                                                               (iii) The manual must include all the              available). The report shall include
                                                    § 2.954   [Removed]                                     necessary advisories and information to               sample calculations showing how the
                                                    ■   29. Remove § 2.954.                                 be provided to the users as specified in              measurement results were converted for
                                                                                                            the rules in this chapter.                            comparison with the technical
                                                    § 2.955   [Removed]                                        (4) A brief description of the circuit             requirements.
                                                    ■ 30. Remove § 2.955.                                   functions, a functional block diagram of                 (i) For devices required to provide
                                                    ■ 31. Section 2.1033 is revised to read                 the RF circuitry of the device along with             radiofrequency exposure evaluation
                                                    as follows:                                             a statement describing how the device                 pursuant to the requirements of this
                                                                                                            operates including software or firmware               chapter, the report must identify the
                                                    § 2.1033 Application for grant of                       used to control such functions. This                  evaluation procedures and include all
                                                    certification.                                          statement should contain a description                the necessary measurements or
                                                      (a) An application for certification                  of the ground system and antenna, if                  calculations necessary to demonstrate
                                                    shall be filed electronically through the               any, used with the device.                            compliance. If the test reports are
                                                    Commission’s Equipment Authorization                       (i) For devices including modular                  provided to show compliance of host
                                                    System (EAS) with all required                          transmitters which are software defined               products incorporating specific certified
                                                    information. Items that do not apply                    radios and use software to control the                modular transmitters approved pursuant
                                                    shall be so noted. Except as otherwise                  radio or other parameters subject to the              to § 2.1042, the information must
                                                    noted in this section, all applications for             Commission’s rules, the description                   include host-specific testing and
                                                    certification shall be accompanied by                   must include details of the equipment’s               appropriate guidance to ensure that the
                                                    documentation containing the following                  capabilities for software modification
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                                                                                                                                                                  device will operate in a compliant
                                                    information:                                            and upgradeability, including all                     manner.
                                                      (1) The full name, mailing address,                   frequency bands, power levels,                           (ii) For devices operating in licensed
                                                    electronic mail address, and telephone                  modulation types, or other modes of                   radio services the following must be
                                                    number of the responsible party for                     operation for which the device is                     provided:
                                                    certification.                                          designed to operate, whether or not the                  (A) The data required by §§ 2.1046
                                                      (2) FCC Identifier and label                          device will be initially marketed with                through 2.1057, inclusive, measured in
                                                    information as required pursuant to                     all modes enabled. The description                    accordance with the procedures set out
                                                    § 2.925.                                                must state which parties will be                      in § 2.1041.


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                                                    46920                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                       (B) Type or types of emission.                          (b) In addition to the information                 also provide a full description of the
                                                       (C) The dc voltages applied to and dc                listed in paragraph (a) of this section,              equipment and measurement
                                                    currents into the several elements of the               the following information must be                     procedures to monitor modulation and
                                                    final radio frequency amplifying device                 submitted for specific categories of                  to verify that the combination of stereo
                                                    for normal operations over the power                    devices:                                              exciter-generator and transmitter meet
                                                    range.                                                     (1) For equipment subject to the                   the emission limitations of § 73.44 of
                                                       (D) The tune up procedure over the                   provisions of part 15 of this chapter, the            this chapter.
                                                    power range or at specific operating                    application shall indicate if the                       (7) Applications for certification
                                                    power levels.                                           equipment is being authorized pursuant                required by § 25.129 of this chapter
                                                       (E) Range of operating power values                  to the transition provisions in § 15.37 of            shall include any additional equipment
                                                    or specific operating power levels, and                 this chapter.                                         test data and information required by
                                                    description of any means provided for                      (2) Applications for the certification             that section.
                                                    variation of operating power.                           of scanning receivers shall include a                   (8) Applications for certification of
                                                       (7) Frequency or frequency range.                    statement describing the methods used                 equipment operating under part 20 of
                                                       (8) Maximum power rating as defined                  to comply with the design requirements                this chapter, that a manufacturer is
                                                    in the applicable part(s) of this chapter.              of all parts of § 15.121 of this chapter.             seeking to certify as hearing aid
                                                       (9) A sufficient number of                           The application must specifically                     compatible, as set forth in § 20.19 of this
                                                    photographs to clearly show the exterior                include a statement assessing the                     chapter, shall include a statement
                                                    appearance, the construction, the                       vulnerability of the equipment to                     indicating compliance with the test
                                                    component placement on the chassis,                     possible modification and describing                  requirements of § 20.19 of this chapter
                                                    and the chassis assembly. The exterior                  the design features that prevent the                  and indicating the appropriate M-rating
                                                    views shall show the overall                            modification of the equipment by the                  and T-rating for the equipment. The
                                                    appearance, the antenna(s) used with                    user to receive transmissions from the                manufacturer of the equipment shall be
                                                    the device (if any), the controls available             Cellular Radiotelephone Service. The                  responsible for maintaining the test
                                                    to the user, and the required                           application must also demonstrate                     results.
                                                    identification label in sufficient detail               compliance with the signal rejection                    (9) Applications for certification of
                                                    so that the name and FCC Identifier can                 requirement of § 15.121 of this chapter,              equipment operating under part 27 of
                                                    be read. In lieu of a photograph of the                 including details on the measurement                  this chapter, that a manufacturer is
                                                    label, a sample label (or facsimile                     procedures used to demonstrate                        seeking to certify for operation in the:
                                                    thereof) may be submitted together with                 compliance.                                             (i) 1755–1780 MHz, 2155–2180 MHz,
                                                    a sketch showing where this label will                     (3) Applications for certification of              or both bands shall include a statement
                                                    be placed on the equipment.                             transmitters operating within the 59.0–               indicating compliance with the pairing
                                                       (i) For devices where the FCC                        64.0 GHz band under part 15 of this                   of 1710–1780 and 2110–2180 MHz
                                                    Identifier label is presented                           chapter shall also be accompanied by an               specified in §§ 27.5(h) and 27.75 of this
                                                    electronically, the application must                    exhibit demonstrating compliance with                 chapter.
                                                    include a screen shot or equivalent                     the provisions of § 15.255(g) of this                   (ii) 1695–1710 MHz, 1755–1780 MHz,
                                                    representation of the display containing                chapter.                                              or both bands shall include a statement
                                                    the information and the steps required                     (4) For equipment employing digital                indicating compliance with § 27.77 of
                                                    to access that display.                                 modulation techniques, a detailed                     this chapter.
                                                       (ii) [Reserved]                                      description of the modulation system to                 (iii) 600 MHz band shall include a
                                                       (10) If the equipment is certified as a              be used, including the response                       statement indicating compliance with
                                                    modular transmitter pursuant to                         characteristics (frequency, phase and                 § 27.75 of this chapter.
                                                    § 2.1042 and can only be certified for a                amplitude) of any filters provided, and                 (10) Applications for certification of
                                                    specific host or can be approved for                    a description of the modulating                       U–NII devices in the 5.15–5.35 GHz and
                                                    limited types of use, a list of such                    wavetrain, shall be submitted for the                 the 5.47–5.85 GHz bands must include
                                                    limitations.                                            maximum rated conditions under which                  a high level operational description of
                                                       (11) If the equipment for which                      the equipment will be operated.                       the security procedures that control the
                                                    certification is being sought must be                      (5) The application for certification of           radio frequency operating parameters
                                                    tested with peripheral, accessory                       an external radio frequency power                     and ensure that unauthorized
                                                    devices or host devices connected or                    amplifier under part 97 of this chapter               modifications cannot be made.
                                                    installed, a brief description of those                 need not be accompanied by the data                     (11) Applications for certification of
                                                    peripherals or accessories. The                         required by paragraph (a)(6)(ii)(A) of                equipment operating under part 90 of
                                                    peripheral or accessory devices shall be                this section. In lieu thereof,                        this chapter and capable of operating on
                                                    unmodified, commercially available                      measurements shall be submitted to                    the 700 MHz interoperability channels
                                                    equipment.                                              show compliance with the technical                    (See § 90.531(b)(1) of this chapter) shall
                                                       (12) At least one drawing or                         specifications in subpart C of part 97 of             include a Compliance Assessment
                                                    photograph showing the test set-up for                  this chapter and such information as                  Program Supplier’s Declaration of
                                                    each of the required types of tests                     required by § 2.1060.                                 Conformity and Summary Test Report
                                                    applicable to the device for which                         (6) An application for certification of            or, alternatively, shall include a
                                                    certification is requested. These                       an AM broadcast stereophonic exciter-                 document detailing how the applicant
                                                    drawings or photographs must show                       generator intended for interfacing with               determined that its equipment complies
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                                                    enough detail to confirm other                          existing certified, or formerly type                  with § 90.548 of this chapter and that
                                                    information contained in the test report.               accepted or notified transmitters must                the equipment is interoperable across
                                                    Any photographs used must clearly                       include measurements made on a                        vendors.
                                                    show the test configuration used.                       complete stereophonic transmitter. The                  (c) A single application for
                                                       (13) All applications must be                        instruction book must include complete                certification may be filed to authorize an
                                                    accompanied by the anti-drug abuse                      specifications and circuit requirements               end product that incorporates devices
                                                    certification required under § 1.2002 of                for interconnecting with existing                     subject to certification under multiple
                                                    this chapter.                                           transmitters. The instruction book must               rule parts or under multiple sections


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          46921

                                                    within a rule part. The application must                  (4) How the equipment bearing the                   conditions of excessive data rates or
                                                    include all the information required in                 modified identification differs from the              over-modulation.
                                                    this section for each applicable rule                   original equipment.                                      (3) The modular transmitter must
                                                    parts or sections within a rule part. The                 (5) Whether the original test results               have its own power supply regulation.
                                                    end product must be labeled with a                      continue to be representative of and                     (4) The modular transmitter must be
                                                    single FCC Identifier if a single                       applicable to the equipment bearing the               tested in a stand-alone configuration,
                                                    application is filed. Separate                          changed identification.                               i.e., it must not be inside another device
                                                    applications must be filed if different                   (6) The photographs required by                     during testing for compliance with the
                                                    FCC Identifiers will be used for each                   paragraph (a)(9) of this section showing              rules.
                                                    device in the end product.                              the exterior appearance of the                           (5) The modular transmitter must
                                                                                                            equipment, including the operating                    comply with any specific rules or
                                                       (d) A single application for
                                                                                                            controls available to the user and the                operating requirements that ordinarily
                                                    certification may be filed to authorize a
                                                                                                            identification label. Photographs of the              apply to a complete transmitter and the
                                                    family of products, as described in
                                                                                                            construction, the component placement                 manufacturer must provide adequate
                                                    § 2.929(b), under a single FCC Identifier.
                                                                                                            on the chassis, and the chassis assembly              instructions along with the modular
                                                    The devices must be clearly similar,
                                                                                                                                                                  transmitter to explain any such
                                                    based upon their overall design of the                  are not required to be submitted unless
                                                                                                                                                                  requirements. A copy of these
                                                    devices, their functions, components                    specifically requested by the
                                                                                                                                                                  instructions must be included in the
                                                    and layout. The applicant for                           Commission.
                                                                                                                                                                  application for equipment
                                                    certification must provide a clear                        (g) A grant of certification must be
                                                                                                                                                                  authorization.
                                                    description of the devices that would be                modified by a new application                            (6) If a modular transmitter is to be
                                                    included in the family of products and                  whenever an assembler or integrator                   installed by the end-user, compliance
                                                    the differences between them.                           incorporates one or more certified                    with all Commission requirements must
                                                       (e) A grant of certification must be                 modular transmitters into a new host                  be demonstrated by the responsible
                                                    modified by a new application                           device where additional testing and a                 party under all the likely installation
                                                    whenever there is a change in the                       new FCC Identifier is requested. In such              and use configurations an end-user may
                                                    design, circuitry, construction or other                cases, the requirements of paragraph (e)              deploy. Any RF exposure evaluation
                                                    characteristics of a device reported at                 of this section apply.                                must include various likely user
                                                    the time of previous certification                        (h) For certified modular transmitters              configurations, including those
                                                    (including the original application and                 that are incorporated in additional                   expected to create the greatest RF
                                                    any subsequent updates as permitted by                  devices authorized under new FCC                      exposure.
                                                    the provisions of § 2.1043). The                        Identifier(s), the following applies: If the             (7) A modular transmitter operating
                                                    application must include:                               original grantee of certification receives            under part 15 of this chapter must
                                                       (1) A description of the changes;                    approval for a change pursuant to                     comply with the antenna and
                                                       (2) Documentation pursuant to                        § 2.1043(c) subsequent to the grant of an             transmission system requirements of
                                                    paragraph (a) or (h) of this section to                 application for a new FCC Identifier,                 §§ 15.203, 15.204(b) and 15.204(c) of
                                                    update any of the originally submitted                  and the change will be incorporated into              this chapter. The antenna must either be
                                                    information that was affected by the                    the equipment bearing the new FCC                     permanently attached or employ a
                                                    modification of the device; and                         Identifier, then the grantee that received            ‘‘unique’’ antenna coupler (at all
                                                                                                            approval for a new FCC Identifier must                connections between the modular
                                                       (3) If the application includes a
                                                                                                            also file for change in its equipment                 transmitter and the antenna, including
                                                    request to change the FCC Identifier, an
                                                                                                            pursuant to § 2.1043(c).                              the cable). An antenna can be a trace on
                                                    applicant that is not the original grantee
                                                                                                            ■ 32. Add § 2.1042 to read as follows:                circuit board when all the
                                                    must provide documentation that the
                                                    original grantee has given the new                                                                            characteristics are properly defined. The
                                                                                                            § 2.1042    Certified modular transmitters.
                                                    applicant permission to reference the                                                                         ‘‘professional installation’’ provision of
                                                                                                               (a) A certified modular transmitter                § 15.203 of this chapter is not applicable
                                                    original filing, if applicable.                         consists of a radiofrequency transmitter              to modular transmitters but can apply to
                                                       (f) A grant of certification must be                 device that is incorporated or attached               limited modular approvals under
                                                    modified by a new application                           to another product, host, or a device for             paragraph (b) of this section.
                                                    whenever there is a change in the FCC                   data and power and that satisfies the                    (8) A modular transmitter operating
                                                    Identifier without changes in design,                   requirements to obtain a modular                      under part 15 of this chapter must
                                                    circuitry or construction of the certified              transmitter certification. A certified                comply with the AC line conducted
                                                    device(s). The application is not                       modular transmitter may also consist of               requirements found in § 15.207 of this
                                                    required to include the measurement or                  a single chip package, provided it is                 chapter unless it is battery powered. AC
                                                    test data specified in paragraph (a) of                 authorized in accordance with all the                 or DC power lines and data input/
                                                    this section, although such data may be                 requirements of this subpart.                         output lines connected to the module
                                                    later requested by the TCB or the                          (b) Modular transmitters must meet                 must not contain ferrites, unless they
                                                    Commission. The following information                   the following requirements to obtain a                will be marketed with the module (see
                                                    shall be filed with such application:                   modular transmitter certification:                    § 15.27(a) of this chapter). The length of
                                                       (1) An application that is not from the                 (1) The radio elements of the modular              these lines shall be the length typical of
                                                    original grantee must provide with its                  transmitter must have their own                       actual use or, if that length is unknown,
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                                                    application documentation confirming                    shielding. The physical crystal and                   at least 10 centimeters to insure that
                                                    the grantee’s consent to reference the                  tuning capacitors may be located                      there is no coupling between the case of
                                                    original filing.                                        external to the shielded radio elements.              the module and supporting equipment.
                                                       (2) The original identification used on                 (2) The modular transmitter must                   Any accessories, peripherals, or support
                                                    the equipment prior to the change in                    have buffered modulation/data inputs                  equipment connected to the module
                                                    identification.                                         (if such inputs are provided) to ensure               during testing shall be unmodified and
                                                       (3) The date of the original grant of                that it will comply with the                          commercially available (see § 15.31(i) of
                                                    the equipment authorization.                            requirements of the rules under                       this chapter).


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                                                    46922                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                       (c) A limited certification may be                   software can be legally loaded into a                 application for certification using a new
                                                    granted for a modular transmitter that                  device to meet these requirements.                    FCC Identifier.
                                                    does not comply with all of the                         ■ 33. Section 2.1043 is revised to read                  (d) Changes to certified equipment
                                                    requirements listed in paragraph (b) of                 as follows:                                           described in paragraph (b) of this
                                                    this section, e.g., shielding/enclosures,                                                                     section may be made by the original
                                                                                                            § 2.1043    Changes in certified equipment.
                                                    minimum signaling amplitude, buffered                                                                         grantee of certification or a party acting
                                                    modulation/data inputs, or power                           (a) Changes may be made to certified               under the authority of the grantee of
                                                    supply regulation, if the manufacturer                  equipment in accordance with the                      certification. When a party other than
                                                    can demonstrate by alternative means in                 provisions of this section.                           the grantee of certification applies for a
                                                                                                               (b) New FCC Identifier Not Required.
                                                    the application for equipment                                                                                 change pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of
                                                                                                            Two classes of permissive changes are
                                                    certification that the modular                                                                                this section, it must include
                                                                                                            permitted; in both cases, the responsible
                                                    transmitter meets all the applicable                                                                          documentation with its request
                                                                                                            party must continue to use the original
                                                    requirements under the operating                                                                              confirming the grantee’s consent.
                                                                                                            FCC Identifier when it makes changes.
                                                    conditions in which the transmitter will                   (1) Class I permissive changes. A                     (e) When a grantee applies for an
                                                    be used. A limited certification may also               grantee may make minor variations in a                updated grant of certification pursuant
                                                    be granted in those instances where                     device’s enclosure or component layout                to paragraph (b)(2) of this section and
                                                    compliance with RF exposure rules is                    without obtaining an updated grant of                 TCB approves such application, the TCB
                                                    demonstrated only for limited                           certification from a TCB as long as the               issuing the update shall supply the
                                                    applications or specific product                        grantee ensures that the device                       Commission, through the EAS, a
                                                    configurations and installation or user                 continues to comply with all applicable               description of the changes, complete
                                                    requirements. The applicant for                         rules. A grantee of certification does not            information showing changes from that
                                                    certification must state how control of                 need to obtain an updated grant of                    originally submitted to the Commission,
                                                    the end product into which the modular                  certification from a TCB for changes to               and the results of tests of the
                                                    transmitter will be installed will be                   a certified device that do not cause the              characteristics affected by such change.
                                                    maintained such that full compliance of                 fundamental emissions to increase, the                The modified equipment shall not be
                                                    the end product is always ensured.                      spurious emissions to deteriorate (i.e.               marketed under the existing grant of
                                                    Applications for certification for either               increase in amplitude), RF exposure to                certification prior to acknowledgement
                                                    a new device or changes to an existing                  increase, changes any other                           by the Commission on the
                                                    device must be filed pursuant to                        characteristics to be reported to the                 Commission’s public database that the
                                                    § 2.1033 or 2.1043 if there are changes                 Commission or that do not add new                     change is acceptable.
                                                    in the applicable conditions or                         capabilities such as new frequency                       (f) For modular devices that are
                                                    limitations.                                            bands or transmission formats.                        incorporated in additional devices
                                                       (d) Multiple certified modular                          (2) Class II permissive changes. A                 authorized as permissive changes under
                                                    transmitters when integrated into an                    grantee of certification must submit an               the original FCC Identifier(s), if the
                                                    end product and the end product itself                  application to obtain an updated grant                original grant of certification has prior
                                                    must comply with all Commission                         of certification from a TCB for changes               permissive change approvals pursuant
                                                    requirements, including RF exposure                     that increase the fundamental emissions               to paragraph (b)(2) of this section all
                                                    requirements pursuant to §§ 1.1307 of                   (e.g., the power level or radiated field              configurations used and marketed must
                                                    this chapter, 2.1091, and 2.1093. The                   strength), cause the spurious emissions               be tested.
                                                    end product manufacturer must perform                   to deteriorate (i.e., increase in                        (g) For assemblers or integrators
                                                    additional compliance testing with all                  amplitude), affect a device’s compliance              incorporating one or multiple certified
                                                    certified modular transmitters installed                with the RF exposure, change the                      modular transmitters into a new host
                                                    and operating in anticipated                            hearing aid compatibility (HAC) ratings               device, authorized under the original
                                                    configurations to ensure the end                        or change any characteristics to be                   grant of certification where an
                                                    product’s compliance. The party                         reported to the Commission. A grantee                 additional certification filing is
                                                    integrating the modular transmitters                    must obtain an updated grant of                       required, the requirements of § 2.1033(e)
                                                    into an end product will be responsible                 certification for the addition of new                 apply.
                                                    for the compliance of the end product                   device capabilities through software                     (h) Equipment that has been certified
                                                    pursuant to § 2.909(a).                                 changes, such as the addition of new                  or formerly type accepted for use in the
                                                       (e) Manufacturers of any radio                       frequency bands or transmission                       Amateur Radio Service pursuant to the
                                                    including certified modular transmitters                formats, and must demonstrate the                     requirements of part 97 of this chapter
                                                    which includes a software defined radio                 controls it will use to prevent                       may be modified without regard to the
                                                    must take steps to ensure that only                     unauthorized software modifications.                  conditions specified in paragraph (b)(1)
                                                    software that has been approved with a                  All requests for changes pursuant to this             of this section, provided the following
                                                    particular radio can be loaded into that                paragraph (a) must be accompanied by                  conditions are met:
                                                    radio. The software must not allow the                  the anti-drug abuse certification                        (1) Any person performing such
                                                    installers or end-user to operate the                   required under § 1.2002 of this chapter.              modifications on equipment used under
                                                    transmitter with operating frequencies,                    (c) New FCC Identifier Required. An                part 97 of this chapter must possess a
                                                    output power, modulation types or                       application for grant of certification                valid amateur radio operator license of
                                                    other radio frequency parameters                        with a new FCC Identifier must be                     the class required for the use of the
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                                                    outside those that were approved.                       submitted when significant changes in                 equipment being modified.
                                                    Manufacturers may use means                             the design, layout or functionality of a                 (2) Modifications made pursuant to
                                                    including, but not limited to the use of                previously certified device are made. In              this paragraph (h) are limited to
                                                    a private network that allows only                      addition, a party requesting a new FCC                equipment used at licensed amateur
                                                    authenticated users to download                         Identifier for a previously certified                 radio stations.
                                                    software, electronic signatures in                      device or that modifies and becomes the                  (3) Modifications specified or
                                                    software or coding in hardware that is                  responsible party for a previously                    performed by equipment manufacturers
                                                    decoded by software to verify that new                  certified device must submit a new                    or suppliers must be in accordance with


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          46923

                                                    the requirements set forth in paragraph                 such a Supplier’s Declaration of                      statement containing the following
                                                    (b)(1) of this section.                                 Conformity reflects more than a                       information:
                                                      (4) Modifications specified or                        determination by the manufacturer,                      (1) Identification of the assembled
                                                    performed by licensees in the Amateur                   importer, integrator, or responsible                  product, e.g., name and model number.
                                                    Radio Service on equipment other than                   party, as defined in § 2.909, that the                   (2) Identification of the modular
                                                    that at specific licensed amateur radio                 device or product has been shown to be                components used in the assembly. A
                                                    stations must be in accordance with the                 capable of complying with the                         modular component authorized under a
                                                    requirements set forth in paragraph                     applicable technical standards of the                 Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
                                                    (b)(1) of this section.                                 Commission’s rules.                                   shall be identified as specified in
                                                      (5) The station licensee shall be                                                                           paragraph (a)(1) of this section. A
                                                    responsible for ensuring that modified                  § 2.1073    [Removed]                                 modular component authorized under a
                                                    equipment used at his station will                      ■ 37. Remove § 2.1073.                                grant of certification shall be identified
                                                    comply with the applicable technical                    ■ 38. Section 2.1074 is revised to read               by name and model number (if
                                                    standards in part 97 of this chapter.                   as follows:                                           applicable) along with the FCC
                                                      (i) Transmitters that have been                                                                             Identifier number.
                                                                                                            § 2.1074    Identification.
                                                    certified or formerly type accepted for                                                                          (3) A statement that the product
                                                    use in the Broadcast services may be                      Devices subject only to Supplier’s                  complies with part 15 of this chapter.
                                                    modified without regard to the                          Declaration of Conformity must be                        (4) The identification, by name,
                                                    conditions specified in paragraphs (b)                  uniquely identified by the party                      address and telephone number, of the
                                                    and (c) of this section, provided that the              responsible for marketing or importing                responsible party who assembled the
                                                    modified equipment continues to                         the equipment within the United States.               product from modular components, as
                                                    comply with all other equipment                         However, the identification shall not be              defined in § 2.909. The responsible
                                                    authorization and part 73 of this                       of a format which could be confused                   party for a Supplier’s Declaration of
                                                    chapter. If a previously approved                       with the FCC Identifier required on                   Conformity must be located within the
                                                    broadcast transmitter is modified, it                   certified equipment. The responsible                  United States.
                                                    must either be labeled with a statement                 party must maintain adequate                             (5) Copies of the compliance
                                                    indicating that it was modified after                   identification records to facilitate                  information statements for each
                                                    approval or the original FCC Identifier                 positive identification for each device.              modular component used in the system
                                                    must be permanently covered or                          § 21075    [Removed]                                  that is authorized under a Supplier’s
                                                    removed.                                                                                                      Declaration of Conformity.
                                                                                                            ■ 39. Remove § 2.1075.                                   (c) The compliance information
                                                    ■ 34. The undesignated heading
                                                                                                            ■ 40. Section 2.1077 is revised to read               statement shall be included in the user’s
                                                    preceding § 2.1071 is revised as follows:
                                                                                                            as follows:                                           manual or as a separate sheet. In cases
                                                    Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity                                                                          where the manual is provided only in a
                                                                                                            § 2.1077    Compliance information.
                                                    ■ 35. Section 2.1071 is revised to read                   (a) If a product must be tested and                 form other than paper, such as on a
                                                    as follows:                                             authorized under a Supplier’s                         computer disk or over the Internet, the
                                                                                                            Declaration of Conformity, a compliance               information required by this section
                                                    § 2.1071   Cross reference.                                                                                   may be included in the manual in that
                                                      The general provisions of this subpart                information statement shall be supplied
                                                                                                            with the product at the time of                       alternative form, provided the user can
                                                    shall apply to equipment subject to a                                                                         reasonably be expected to have the
                                                    Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity.                   marketing or importation, containing
                                                                                                            the following information:                            capability to access information in that
                                                    ■ 36. Section 2.1072 is revised to read                                                                       form. The information may be provided
                                                    as follows:                                               (1) Identification of the product, e.g.,
                                                                                                            name and model number;                                electronically as permitted in § 2.935.
                                                                                                                                                                  ■ 41. Section 2.1201 is amended by
                                                    § 2.1072 Limitation on Supplier’s                         (2) A compliance statement as
                                                    Declaration of Conformity.                              applicable, e.g. for devices subject to               revising paragraph (b) and removing
                                                                                                            part 15 of this chapter, as specified in              paragraph (c) to read as follows:
                                                       (a) The Supplier’s Declaration of
                                                    Conformity signifies that the responsible               § 15.19(a)(3) of this chapter, that the               § 2.1201   Purpose.
                                                    party, as defined in § 2.909, has                       product complies with the rules; and                  *      *    *     *     *
                                                    determined that the equipment has been                    (3) The identification, by name,                       (b) The rules in this subpart set out
                                                    shown to comply with the applicable                     address and telephone number, of the                  the conditions under which radio
                                                    technical standards if no unauthorized                  responsible party, as defined in § 2.909.             frequency devices as defined in § 2.801
                                                    change is made in the equipment and if                  The responsible party for a Supplier’s                that are capable of causing harmful
                                                    the equipment is properly maintained                    Declaration of Conformity must be                     interference to radio communications
                                                    and operated. Compliance with these                     located within the United States.                     may be imported into the U.S.A.
                                                    standards shall not be construed to be                    (b) If a product is assembled from                  ■ 42. Section 2.1202 is revised to read
                                                    a finding by the responsible party with                 modular components (e.g. enclosures,                  as follows:
                                                    respect to matters not encompassed by                   power supplies and CPU boards) that,
                                                    the Commission’s rules.                                 by themselves, are authorized under a                 § 2.1202   Exclusions.
                                                       (b) A Supplier’s Declaration of                      Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity                    The provisions of this section do not
                                                    Conformity by responsible party, as                     and/or a grant of certification, and the              apply to the importation of:
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                                                    defined in § 2.909, is effective until a                assembled product is also subject to                    (a) Unintentional radiators which are
                                                    termination date is otherwise                           authorization under a Supplier’s                      exempted from technical standards and
                                                    established by the Commission.                          Declaration of Conformity but, in                     other requirements as specified in
                                                       (c) No person shall, in any advertising              accordance with the applicable                        § 15.103 of this chapter.
                                                    matter, brochure, etc., use or make                     regulations, does not require additional                (b) Radio frequency devices
                                                    reference to a Supplier’s Declaration of                testing, the product shall be supplied, at            manufactured and assembled in the
                                                    Conformity in a deceptive or misleading                 the time of marketing or importation,                 U.S.A. that meet applicable FCC
                                                    manner or convey the impression that                    with a compliance information                         technical standards and which have not


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                                                    46924                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    been modified or received further                          (i) 400 or fewer units, provided the                  (3) All other devices shall bear the
                                                    assembly.                                               product is designed solely for operation              following statement in a conspicuous
                                                      (c) Radio frequency devices                           within one of the Commission’s                        location on the device:
                                                    previously properly imported that have                  authorized radio services for which an                   This device complies with part 15 of
                                                    been exported for repair and re-                        operating license is required to be                   the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
                                                    imported for use.                                       issued by the Commission; or                          the following two conditions: (1) This
                                                      (d) Subassemblies, parts, or                          *      *     *    *     *                             device may not cause harmful
                                                    components of radio frequency devices                      (7) Three or fewer devices are being               interference, and (2) this device must
                                                    unless they constitute an essentially                   imported for the individual’s personal                accept any interference received,
                                                    completed device which requires only                    use and are not intended for sale.                    including interference that may cause
                                                    the addition of cabinets, knobs,                                                                              undesired operation.
                                                                                                            *      *     *    *     *                                (4) Where a device is constructed in
                                                    speakers, or similar minor attachments
                                                    before marketing or use. This exclusion                 § 2.1205    [Removed]                                 two or more sections connected by
                                                    does not apply to computer circuit                      ■   45. Remove § 2.1205.                              wires and marketed together, the
                                                    boards that are actually peripheral                                                                           statement specified under paragraph (a)
                                                    devices as defined in § 15.3(r) of this                 PART 15—RADIO FREQUENCY                               of this section is required to be affixed
                                                    chapter and all devices that, by                        DEVICES                                               only to the main control unit.
                                                    themselves, are subject to FCC                                                                                   (5) When the device is so small or for
                                                                                                            ■ 46. The authority citation for part 15              such use that it is impracticable to label
                                                    marketing rules.
                                                    ■ 43. Section 2.1203 is revised to read
                                                                                                            continues to read as follows:                         it with the statement specified under
                                                    as follows                                                Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 302a, 303, 304,           paragraph (a) of this section in a font
                                                                                                            307, 336, 544a, and 549.                              that is four-point or larger, and the
                                                    § 2.1203 General requirement for entry into                                                                   device does not have a display that can
                                                    the U.S.A.                                              ■ 47. Section 15.1 is amended by
                                                                                                            revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:            show electronic labeling, then the
                                                       (a) No radio frequency device may be                                                                       information required by this paragraph
                                                    imported into the Customs territory of                  § 15.1    Scope of this part.                         (a) shall be placed in the user manual
                                                    the United States unless the importer or                *     *     *     *     *                             and must also either be placed on the
                                                    ultimate consignee, or their designated                   (c) Unless specifically exempted, the               device packaging or on a removable
                                                    customs broker, determines that the                     operation or marketing of an intentional              label attached to the device.
                                                    device meets one of the conditions for                  or unintentional radiator that is not in              *      *     *    *     *
                                                    entry set out in this section.                          compliance with the administrative and                ■ 49. Section 15.25 is amended by
                                                       (b) Failure to satisfy at least one of the           technical provisions in this part,                    revising paragraphs (b) and (c) to read
                                                    entry conditions for importation of radio               including prior equipment                             as follows:
                                                    frequency devices may result in refused                 authorization, as appropriate, is
                                                    entry, refused withdrawal for                           prohibited under section 302 of the                   § 15.25    Kits.
                                                    consumption, required redelivery to the                 Communications Act of 1934, as                        *     *     *     *     *
                                                    Customs port, and other administrative,                 amended, and subpart I of part 2 of this                (b) At least two units of the kit shall
                                                    civil and criminal remedies provided by                 chapter. The equipment authorization                  be assembled in exact accordance with
                                                    law.                                                    procedures are detailed in subpart J of               the instructions supplied with the
                                                       (c) Whoever makes a determination                    part 2 of this chapter.                               product to be marketed. If all
                                                    pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section               ■ 48. Section 15.19 is amended by                     components required to fully complete
                                                    must provide, upon request made                         revising paragraph (a) and by removing                the kit (other than those specified in
                                                    within one year of the date of entry,                   and reserving paragraph (b) to read as                paragraph (a) of this section which are
                                                    documentation on how an imported                        follows:                                              needed for compliance with the
                                                    radio frequency device was determined                                                                         technical provisions and must be
                                                    to be in compliance with Commission                     § 15.19    Labeling requirements.                     included with the kit) are not normally
                                                    requirements.                                              (a) In addition to the requirements in             furnished with the kit, assembly shall be
                                                    ■ 44. Section 2.1204 is amended by                      part 2 of this chapter, a device subject              made using the recommended
                                                    revising paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(4)(i), and              to certification, or Supplier’s                       components. The assembled units shall
                                                    (a)(7) to read as follows:                              Declaration of Conformity shall be                    be certified or authorized under the
                                                                                                            labeled as follows:                                   Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
                                                    § 2.1204   Import conditions.
                                                                                                               (1) Receivers associated with the                  procedure, as appropriate, pursuant to
                                                       (a) * * *                                            operation of a licensed radio service,                the requirements of this part.
                                                       (1) The radio frequency device is                    e.g., FM broadcast under part 73 of this                (1) The measurement data required for
                                                    compliant and has either received a                     chapter, land mobile operation under                  a TV interface device subject to
                                                    grant of certification or the responsible               part 90 of this chapter, etc., shall bear             certification shall be obtained for each
                                                    party has performed a Supplier’s                        the following statement in a                          of the two units and submitted with an
                                                    Declaration of Conformity. However, a                   conspicuous location on the device:                   application for certification pursuant to
                                                    radio frequency device that has been                       This device complies with part 15 of               subpart J of part 2 of this chapter.
                                                    issued a provisional grant of                           the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to                  (2) The measurement data required for
                                                    certification may be imported prior to                                                                        a TV interface device subject to
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                                                                                                            the condition that this device does not
                                                    the issuance of a grant of certification                cause harmful interference.                           Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
                                                    provided that the importer maintains                       (2) A stand-alone cable input selector             shall be obtained for the units tested
                                                    sufficient control over the device to                   switch, shall bear the following                      and retained on file pursuant to the
                                                    ensure that it is not marketed as defined               statement in a conspicuous location on                provisions of subpart J of part 2 of this
                                                    in § 2.803(a) prior to the receipt of the               the device:                                           chapter.
                                                    grant of certification.                                    This device complies with part 15 of                 (c) A copy of the exact instructions
                                                    *      *    *     *     *                               the FCC Rules for use with cable                      that will be provided for assembly of the
                                                       (4) * * *                                            television service.                                   device shall be submitted with an


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          46925

                                                    application for certification. Those parts              the provisions of § 15.109(g) must be                   (j) If the equipment under test consists
                                                    which are not normally furnished shall                  tested following the ANSI C63.4                       of a central control unit (host device)
                                                    be detailed in the application for                      procedure described in paragraph (a)(4)               and an external or internal
                                                    certification.                                          of this section.                                      accessory(ies) (peripheral, sleeve, etc.)
                                                    *     *     *    *      *                                  (b) All parties making compliance                  and the party declaring compliance of
                                                    ■ 50. Section 15.27 is amended by                       measurements on equipment subject to                  the equipment or applying for a grant of
                                                    revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:              the requirements of this part are urged               equipment authorization manufactures
                                                                                                            to use these measurement procedures.                  or assembles the central control unit
                                                    § 15.27   Special accessories.                                                                                and at least one of the accessory devices
                                                                                                            Any party using other procedures
                                                       (a) Equipment marketed to a                          should ensure that such other                         that can be used with that control unit,
                                                    consumer must be capable of complying                   procedures can be relied on to produce                testing of the control unit and/or the
                                                    with the necessary regulations in the                   measurement results compatible with                   accessory(ies) must be performed using
                                                    configuration in which the equipment is                 the FCC measurement procedures. The                   the devices manufactured or assembled
                                                    marketed. Where special accessories,                    description of the measurement                        by that party, in addition to any other
                                                    such as shielded cables and/or special                  procedure used in testing the equipment               needed devices which the party does
                                                    connectors, are required to enable an                   for compliance and a list of the test                 not manufacture or assemble. If the
                                                    unintentional or intentional radiator to                equipment actually employed shall be                  party declaring compliance of the
                                                    comply with the emission limits in this                 made part of an application for                       equipment or applying for a grant of
                                                    part, the equipment must be marketed                    certification or included with the data               equipment authorization does not
                                                    with, i.e., shipped and sold with, those                required to be retained by the party                  manufacture or assemble the central
                                                    special accessories. However, in lieu of                responsible for devices authorized                    control unit and at least one of the
                                                    shipping or packaging the special                       pursuant to a Supplier’s Declaration of               accessory devices that can be used with
                                                    accessories with the unintentional or                   Conformity.                                           that control unit or the party can
                                                    intentional radiator, the responsible                                                                         demonstrate that the central control unit
                                                    party may employ other methods of                       *      *     *     *     *
                                                                                                               (d) Field strength measurements shall              or accessory(ies) normally would be
                                                    ensuring that the special accessories are                                                                     marketed or used with equipment from
                                                    provided to the consumer, without                       be made, to the extent possible, on an
                                                                                                            open area test site. Test sites other than            a different entity, testing of the central
                                                    additional charge, at the time of                                                                             control unit and/or the accessory(ies)
                                                    purchase. Information detailing any                     open area test sites may be employed if
                                                                                                            they are properly calibrated so that the              must be performed using the specific
                                                    alternative method used to supply the                                                                         combination of equipment which is
                                                    special accessories shall be included in                measurement results correspond to what
                                                                                                            would be obtained from an open area                   intended to be marketed or used
                                                    the application for a grant of equipment                                                                      together. Only one test using peripherals
                                                    authorization or retained in the                        test site. In the case of equipment for
                                                                                                            which measurements can be performed                   or accessories that are representative of
                                                    Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity                                                                          the devices that will be employed with
                                                    records, as appropriate. The party                      only at the installation site, such as
                                                                                                            perimeter protection systems, carrier                 the equipment under test is required.
                                                    responsible for the equipment, as                                                                             All possible equipment combinations
                                                    detailed in § 2.909 of this chapter, shall              current systems, and systems employing
                                                                                                            a ‘‘leaky’’ coaxial cable as an antenna,              are not required to be tested. The
                                                    ensure that these special accessories are                                                                     accessories or peripherals connected to
                                                    provided with the equipment. The                        measurements for Supplier’s
                                                                                                            Declaration of Conformity or for                      the device being tested shall be
                                                    instruction manual for such devices                                                                           unmodified, commercially available
                                                    shall include appropriate instructions                  obtaining a grant of equipment
                                                                                                            authorization shall be performed at a                 equipment.
                                                    on the first page of the text concerned
                                                    with the installation of the device that                minimum of three installations that can                 (k) Composite systems (i.e. systems
                                                    these special accessories must be used                  be demonstrated to be representative of               that incorporate different devices
                                                    with the device. It is the responsibility               typical installation sites.                           contained in a single enclosure or in
                                                    of the user to use the needed special                   *      *     *     *     *                            separate enclosures connected by wire
                                                    accessories supplied with the                              (f) * * *                                          or cable) shall be measured for
                                                    equipment. In cases where the manual                                                                          compliance with the technical standards
                                                                                                               (4) The applicant for a grant of
                                                    is provided only in a form other than                                                                         of this part in accordance with the
                                                                                                            certification shall specify the
                                                    paper, such as on a computer disk or                                                                          procedures in § 2.947(f) of this chapter.
                                                                                                            extrapolation method used in the
                                                    over the Internet, the information                                                                            For digital devices which consist of a
                                                                                                            application filed with the Commission.
                                                    required by this section may be                                                                               combination of Class A and Class B
                                                                                                            For equipment subject to Supplier’s
                                                    included in the manual in that                                                                                devices, the total combination of which
                                                                                                            Declaration of Conformity, this
                                                    alternative form, provided the user can                                                                       results in a Class A digital device, it is
                                                                                                            information shall be retained with the
                                                    reasonably be expected to have the                                                                            only necessary to demonstrate that the
                                                                                                            measurement data.
                                                    capability to access information in that                                                                      equipment combination complies with
                                                                                                            *      *     *     *     *                            the limits for a Class A device. This
                                                    form.                                                      (h) A device which incorporates a                  equipment combination may not be
                                                    *      *        *    *     *                            carrier current system shall be tested as             employed for obtaining a grant of
                                                    ■ 51. Section 15.31 is amended by                       if the carrier current system were                    equipment authorization or declaring
                                                    adding a note to paragraph (a)(4) and                   incorporated in a separate device; that               compliance a Class B digital device.
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                                                    revising paragraphs (b), (d), (f)(4), (h),              is, the device shall be tested for                    However, if the digital device
                                                    (j), (k), (l), and (m) to read as follows:              compliance with whatever rules would                  combination consists of a Class B
                                                    § 15.31   Measurement standards.                        apply to the device were the carrier                  central control unit, e.g., a personal
                                                    *     *    *     *    *                                 current system not incorporated, and                  computer, and a Class A internal
                                                      (a) * * *                                             the carrier current system shall be tested            peripheral(s), it must be demonstrated
                                                      (4) * * *                                             for compliance with the rules applicable              that the Class B central control unit
                                                      Note to paragraph (a)(4): Digital                     to carrier current systems.                           continues to comply with the limits for
                                                    devices tested to show compliance with                  *      *     *     *     *                            a Class B digital device with the Class


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                                                    46926                          Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    A internal peripheral(s) installed but not                                 § 15.35 Measurement detector functions                                     equipment under test. This peak limit
                                                    active.                                                                    and bandwidths.                                                            applies to the total peak emission level
                                                      (l) Measurements of radio frequency                                         The conducted and radiated emission                                     radiated by the device, e.g., the total
                                                    emissions conducted to the public                                          limits shown in this part are based on                                     peak power level. Note that the use of
                                                    utility power lines shall be performed                                     the following, unless otherwise                                            a pulse desensitization correction factor
                                                    using a 50 ohm/50 mH line-impedance                                        specified in this part:                                                    may be needed to determine the total
                                                    stabilization network (LISN).                                                 (a) On any frequency or frequencies                                     peak emission level. The instruction
                                                      (m) Measurements on intentional                                          below or equal to 1000 MHz, the limits                                     manual or application note for the
                                                    radiators or receivers, other than TV                                      shown are based on measuring                                               measurement instrument should be
                                                    broadcast receivers, shall be performed                                    equipment employing a CISPR quasi-                                         consulted for determining pulse
                                                    and, if required, reported for each band                                   peak detector function and related                                         desensitization factors, as necessary.
                                                    in which the device can be operated                                        measurement bandwidths, unless                                                (c) Unless otherwise specified, when
                                                    with the device operating. The number                                      otherwise specified. The specifications                                    the radiated emission limits are
                                                    of fundamental frequencies shall be                                        for the measuring instrumentation using                                    expressed in terms of the average value
                                                    investigated as specified in ANSI                                          the CISPR quasi-peak detector can be                                       of the emission, and pulsed operation is
                                                    C63.10–2013, clause 5.7 (incorporated                                      found in ANSI C63.4–2014, clause 4                                         employed, the measurement field
                                                    by reference, see § 15.38).                                                (incorporated by reference, see § 15.38).                                  strength shall be determined by
                                                                                                                               As an alternative to CISPR quasi-peak                                      averaging over one complete pulse train,
                                                    *     *     *     *     *                                                  measurements, the responsible party, at                                    including blanking intervals, as long as
                                                    ■ 52. Section 15.32 is revised to read as                                  its option, may demonstrate compliance                                     the pulse train does not exceed 0.1
                                                    follows:                                                                   with the emission limits using                                             seconds. As an alternative (provided the
                                                    § 15.32 Test procedures for CPU boards                                     measuring equipment employing a peak                                       transmitter operates for longer than 0.1
                                                    and computer power supplies.                                               detector function as long at the same                                      seconds) or in cases where the pulse
                                                                                                                               bandwidth as indicated for CISPR quasi-                                    train exceeds 0.1 seconds, the measured
                                                      Power supplies and CPU boards used                                       peak measurements are employed.
                                                    with personal computers and for which                                                                                                                 field strength shall be determined from
                                                                                                                                  (b) Unless otherwise specified, on any                                  the average absolute voltage during a 0.1
                                                    separate authorizations are required to                                    frequency or frequencies above 1000
                                                    be obtained shall be tested in                                                                                                                        second interval during which the field
                                                                                                                               MHz, the radiated emission limits are                                      strength is at its maximum value. The
                                                    accordance with the specific procedures                                    based on the use of measurement
                                                    published or otherwise authorized by                                                                                                                  exact method of calculating the average
                                                                                                                               instrumentation employing an average                                       field strength shall be submitted with
                                                    the Commission.                                                            detector function. Unless otherwise                                        any application for certification or shall
                                                    ■ 53. Section 15.33 is amended by                                          specified, measurements above 1000                                         be retained in the measurement data file
                                                    revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:                                 MHz shall be performed using a                                             for equipment subject to Supplier’s
                                                    § 15.33 Frequency range of radiated
                                                                                                                               minimum resolution bandwidth of 1                                          Declaration of Conformity.
                                                    measurements.                                                              MHz. When average radiated emission                                        ■ 55. Section 15.101 is revised to read
                                                                                                                               measurements are specified in this part,                                   as follows:
                                                      (a) For an intentional radiator, the                                     including average emission
                                                    spectrum shall be investigated as                                          measurements below 1000 MHz, there                                         § 15.101 Equipment authorization of
                                                    specified in ANSI C63.10–2013, clause                                      also is also a limit on the peak level of                                  unintentional radiators.
                                                    5.5 (incorporated by reference, see                                        radio frequency emissions. Unless                                            (a) Except as otherwise exempted in
                                                    § 15.38).                                                                  otherwise specified, the limit on peak                                     §§ 15.23, 15.103, and 15.113,
                                                    *     *    *     *      *                                                  radio frequency emissions is 20 dB                                         unintentional radiators shall be
                                                    ■ 54. Section 15.35 is revised to read as                                  above the maximum permitted average                                        authorized prior to the initiation of
                                                    follows:                                                                   emission limit applicable to the                                           marketing, as follows:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Equipment
                                                                                                                                   Type of device                                                                                                 authorization
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    required

                                                    TV Broadcast Receiver .........................................................................................................................................................          SDoC or Certification.
                                                    FM Broadcast Receiver .........................................................................................................................................................          SDoC or Certification.
                                                    CB Receiver ..........................................................................................................................................................................   SDoC or Certification.
                                                    Superregenerative Receiver ..................................................................................................................................................            SDoC or Certification.
                                                    Scanning Receiver ................................................................................................................................................................       Certification.
                                                    Radar Detector ......................................................................................................................................................................    Certification.
                                                    All other receivers subject to Part 15 ....................................................................................................................................              SDoC or Certification.
                                                    TV Interface Device ...............................................................................................................................................................      SDoC or Certification.
                                                    Cable System Terminal Device .............................................................................................................................................               SDoC or Certification.
                                                    Stand-alone Cable input selector switch ...............................................................................................................................                  SDoC or Certification.
                                                    Class B personal computers and peripherals .......................................................................................................................                       SDoC or Certification.
                                                    CPU boards and internal power supplies used with Class B personal computers ..............................................................                                               SDoC or Certification.
                                                    Class B personal computers assembled using authorized CPU boards or power supplies ................................................                                                      SDoC or Certification.
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                                                    Class B external switching power supplies ...........................................................................................................................                    SDoC or Certification.
                                                    Other Class B digital devices & peripherals .........................................................................................................................                    SDoC or Certification.
                                                    Class A digital devices, peripherals & external switching power supplies ...........................................................................                                     SDoC or Certification.
                                                    Access Broadband over Power Line (Access BPL) ..............................................................................................................                             Certification.
                                                    All other devices ....................................................................................................................................................................   SDoC or Certification.




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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                           46927

                                                       (b) Only those receivers that operate                   (1) No authorization is required for a             ■ 57. Section 15.123 is amended by
                                                    (tune) within the frequency range of 30–                peripheral device or a subassembly that               revising paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(5)(iii)
                                                    960 MHz, CB receivers and radar                         is sold to an equipment manufacturer                  to read as follows:
                                                    detectors are subject to the                            for further fabrication; that
                                                    authorizations shown in paragraph (a) of                manufacturer is responsible for                       § 15.123 Labeling of digital cable ready
                                                                                                                                                                  products.
                                                    this section. However, receivers                        obtaining the necessary authorization
                                                    indicated as being subject to Supplier’s                prior to further marketing to a vendor or             *       *    *     *     *
                                                    Declaration of Conformity that are                      to a user.                                               (c) * * *
                                                    contained within a transceiver, the                        (2) Power supplies and CPU boards                     (3) Subsequent to the testing of its
                                                    transmitter portion of which is subject                 that have not been separately authorized              initial unidirectional digital cable
                                                    to certification, shall be authorized                   and are designed for use with personal                product model, a manufacturer or
                                                    under the Supplier’s Declaration of                     computers may be imported and                         importer is not required to have other
                                                    Conformity procedure. Receivers                         marketed only to a personal computer                  models of unidirectional digital cable
                                                    operating above 960 MHz or below 30                     equipment manufacturer that has                       products tested at a qualified test
                                                    MHz, except for radar detectors and CB                  indicated, in writing, to the seller or               facility for compliance with the
                                                    receivers, are exempt from complying                    importer that they will obtain a                      procedures of Uni–Dir–PICS–I01–
                                                    with the technical provisions of this                   Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity or               030903 (incorporated by reference, see
                                                    part but are subject to § 15.5.                         a grant of certification for the personal             § 15.38) unless the first model tested
                                                       (c) Personal computers shall be                      computer employing these components.                  was not a television, in which event the
                                                    authorized in accordance with one of                       (e) Subassemblies to digital devices               first television shall be tested as
                                                    the following methods:                                  are not subject to the technical                      provided in § 15.123(c)(1). The
                                                       (1) The specific combination of CPU                  standards in this part unless they are                manufacturer or importer shall ensure
                                                    board, power supply and enclosure is                    marketed as part of a system in which                 that all subsequent models of
                                                    tested together and authorized under a                  case the resulting system must comply                 unidirectional digital cable products
                                                    Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity or                                                                       comply with the procedures in the Uni–
                                                                                                            with the applicable regulations.
                                                    a grant of certification;                                                                                     Dir–PICS–I01–03090 (incorporated by
                                                                                                            Subassemblies include:
                                                       (2) The personal computer is                                                                               reference, see § 15.38) and all other
                                                    authorized under a Supplier’s                              (1) Devices that are enclosed solely
                                                                                                            within the enclosure housing the digital              applicable rules and standards. The
                                                    Declaration of Conformity or a grant of                                                                       manufacturer or importer shall maintain
                                                    certification, and the CPU board or                     device, except for: Power supplies used
                                                                                                            in personal computers; devices included               records indicating such compliance in
                                                    power supply in that computer is                                                                              accordance with the Supplier’s
                                                    replaced with a CPU board or power                      under the definition of a peripheral
                                                                                                            device in § 15.3(r); and personal                     Declaration of Conformity procedure
                                                    supply that has been separately                                                                               requirements in part 2, subpart J of this
                                                    authorized under a Supplier’s                           computer CPU boards, as defined in
                                                                                                            § 15.3(bb);                                           chapter. The manufacturer or importer
                                                    Declaration of Conformity or a grant of                                                                       shall further submit documentation
                                                    certification; or                                          (2) CPU boards, as defined in
                                                                                                            § 15.3(bb), other than those used in                  verifying compliance with the
                                                       (3) The CPU board and power supply
                                                                                                            personal computers, that are marketed                 procedures in the Uni–Dir–PICS–I01–
                                                    used in the assembly of a personal
                                                                                                            without an enclosure or power supply;                 030903: (incorporated by reference, see
                                                    computer have been separately
                                                                                                            and                                                   § 15.38) to the qualified test facility.
                                                    authorized under a Supplier’s
                                                    Declaration of Conformity or a grant of                    (3) Switching power supplies that are              *       *    *     *     *
                                                    certification; and                                      separately marketed and are solely for                   (c) * * *
                                                       (4) Personal computers assembled                     use internal to a device other than a                    (5) * * *
                                                    using either of the methods specified in                personal computer.                                       (iii) Subsequent to the successful
                                                    paragraph (c)(2) or (3) of this section                    (f) The procedures for obtaining a                 testing of its initial M–UDCP, a
                                                    must, by themselves, also be authorized                 grant of certification or a Supplier’s                manufacturer or importer is not required
                                                    under a Supplier’s Declaration of                       Declaration of Conformity are contained               to have other M–UDCP models tested at
                                                    Conformity if they are marketed.                        in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter.               a qualified test facility for compliance
                                                    However, additional testing is not                      ■ 56. Section 15.102 is amended by                    with M–UDCPPICS–I04–080225,
                                                    required for this Supplier’s Declaration                revising paragraph (b)(4) to read as                  (incorporated by reference, see § 15.38)
                                                    of Conformity, provided the procedures                  follows:                                              unless the first model tested was not a
                                                    in § 15.102(b) are followed.                                                                                  television, in which event the first
                                                       (d) Peripheral devices, as defined in                § 15.102 CPU boards and power supplies                television shall be tested as provided in
                                                                                                            used in personal computers.
                                                    § 15.3(r), shall be authorized under a                                                                        § 15.123(c)(5)(i). The manufacturer or
                                                    Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity, or                *     *      *    *     *                             importer shall ensure that all
                                                    a grant of certification, as appropriate,                 (b) * * *                                           subsequent models of M–UDCPs comply
                                                    prior to marketing. Regardless of the                     (4) If the system is marketed, the                  with M–UDCP–PICS–I04–080225,
                                                    provisions of paragraph (a) or (c) of this              resulting equipment combination is                    (incorporated by reference, see § 15.38)
                                                    section, if a CPU board, power supply,                  authorized under a Supplier’s                         and all other applicable rules and
                                                    or peripheral device will always be                     Declaration of Conformity pursuant to                 standards. The manufacturer or
                                                    marketed with a specific personal                       § 15.101(c)(4) and a compliance                       importer shall maintain records
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                                                    computer, it is not necessary to obtain                 information statement, as described in                indicating such compliance in
                                                    a separate authorization for that product               § 2.1077(b) of this chapter, is supplied              accordance with the Supplier’s
                                                    provided the specific combination of                    with the system. Marketed systems shall               Declaration of Conformity procedure
                                                    personal computer, peripheral device,                   also comply with the labeling                         requirements in part 2, subpart J of this
                                                    CPU board and power supply has been                     requirements in § 15.19 and must be                   chapter. For each M–UDCP model, the
                                                    authorized under a Supplier’s                           supplied with the information required                manufacturer or importer shall further
                                                    Declaration of Conformity or a grant of                 under §§ 15.21, 15.27, and 15.105; and                submit documentation demonstrating
                                                    certification as a personal computer.                   *     *      *    *     *                             compliance with M–UDCP–PICS–I04–


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                                                    46928                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 151 / Thursday, August 6, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    080225, (incorporated by reference, see                   (4) The manufacturer and type of                       (1) Identification of the product, e.g.,
                                                    § 15.38) to the qualified test facility.                Access BPL equipment and its                          name and model number.
                                                    *     *     *     *     *                               associated FCC ID number, or, in the                     (2) A statement similar to the
                                                    ■ 58. Section 15.201 is amended by                      case of Access BPL equipment that has                 following:
                                                    revising paragraphs (a) through (c) to                  been subject to Supplier’s Declaration of                This device complies with part 18 of
                                                    read as follows:                                        Conformity, the Trade Name and Model                  the FCC Rules.
                                                                                                            Number, as specified on the equipment                    (3) The name and address of the
                                                    § 15.201 Equipment authorization                        label.                                                responsible party as defined in § 2.909
                                                    requirement.                                                                                                  of this chapter. This party must be
                                                                                                            *      *   *     *    *
                                                      (a) Intentional radiators operated as                                                                       located within the United States.
                                                    carrier current systems, devices                        PART 18—INDUSTRIAL, SCIENTIFIC,                          (b) The compliance information may
                                                    operated under the provisions of                        AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT                                 be placed in the instruction manual, on
                                                    §§ 15.211, 15.213, and 15.221, and                                                                            a separate sheet, or on the packaging.
                                                    devices operating below 490 kHz in                      ■ 62. The authority citation for part 18              There is no specific format for this
                                                    which all emissions are at least 40 dB                  continues to read as follows:                         information.
                                                    below the limits in § 15.209 shall                        Authority: 47 U.S.C. 4, 301, 302, 303, 304,         ■ 66. Section 18.311 is revised to read
                                                    comply with the Suppliers Declaration                   307.                                                  as follows:
                                                    of Conformity procedures in subpart J of                ■ 63. Section 18.203 is revised to read               § 18.311   Methods of measurement.
                                                    part 2 of this chapter prior to marketing.              as follows:
                                                      (b) Except as otherwise exempted in                                                                           The measurement techniques which
                                                    paragraph (c) of this section and in                    § 18.203    Equipment authorization.                  will be used by the FCC to determine
                                                    § 15.23, all intentional radiators                         (a) Consumer ISM equipment, unless                 compliance with the technical
                                                    operating under the provisions of this                  otherwise specified, must be authorized               requirements of this part are set out in
                                                    part shall be certified by the                          under either the Supplier’s Declaration               FCC Measurement Procedure MP–5,
                                                    Commission pursuant to the procedures                   of Conformity or certification procedure              ‘‘Methods of Measurements of Radio
                                                    in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter                  prior to use or marketing. An                         Noise Emissions from ISM equipment’’
                                                    prior to marketing.                                     application for certification shall be                or compliance measurements shall be
                                                      (c) For devices such as perimeter                     filed with a TCB, pursuant to the                     made in accordance with the specific
                                                    protection systems which, in                            relevant sections in part 2, subpart J of             procedures published or other
                                                    accordance with § 15.31(d), are required                this chapter.                                         procedures otherwise authorized by the
                                                    to be measured at the installation site,                   (b) Consumer ultrasonic equipment                  Commission.
                                                    each application for certification must                 generating less than 500 watts and                    [FR Doc. 2015–18402 Filed 8–5–15; 8:45 am]
                                                    be accompanied by a statement                           operating below 90 kHz, and non-                      BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
                                                    indicating that the system has been                     consumer ISM equipment shall be
                                                    tested at three installations and found to              subject to Supplier’s Declaration of
                                                    comply at each installation. Until such                 Conformity, in accordance with the                    FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
                                                    time as certification is granted, a given               relevant sections of part 2, subpart J of             COMMISSION
                                                    installation of a system that was                       this chapter.
                                                                                                               (c) Grants of equipment authorization              47 CFR Part 90
                                                    measured for the submission for
                                                                                                            issued, as well as on-site certifications
                                                    certification will be considered to be in                                                                     [WP Docket No. 15–32; DA 15–844]
                                                                                                            performed, before March 1, 1986,
                                                    compliance with the provisions of this                  remain in effect and no further action is
                                                    chapter, including the marketing                                                                              Creation of Interstitial 12.5 kHz
                                                                                                            required.                                             Channels in the 800 MHz Band
                                                    regulations in subpart I of part 2 of this              ■ 64. Section 18.209 is revised to read
                                                    chapter, if tests at that installation show                                                                   Between 809–817/854–862 MHz
                                                                                                            as follows:
                                                    the system to be in compliance with the                                                                       AGENCY:  Federal Communications
                                                    relevant technical requirements.                        § 18.209 Identification of authorized                 Commission.
                                                    Similarly, where measurements must be                   equipment.
                                                                                                                                                                  ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                    performed on site for equipment subject                   Each device for which a grant of
                                                    to Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity,                equipment authorization is issued under               SUMMARY:    The Commission seeks
                                                    a given installation that has been found                this part shall be identified pursuant to             comment on the Land Mobile
                                                    compliant with the applicable standards                 the applicable provisions of subpart J of             Communication Counsel’s (LMCC)
                                                    will be considered to be in compliance                  part 2 of this chapter. Changes in the                proposed interference contours for
                                                    with the provisions of this chapter,                    identification of authorized equipment                interstitial channels, submitted on May
                                                    including the marketing regulations in                  may be made pursuant to § 2.1033 of                   26, 2015, during the reply comments
                                                    subpart I of part 2 of this chapter.                    this chapter. FCC Identifiers as                      stage in the pending rule making
                                                    *     *     *      *     *                              described in §§ 2.925 and 2.926 of this               proceeding. This action is necessary
                                                                                                            chapter shall not be used on equipment                because the Commission desires the
                                                    § 15.212   [Removed]                                    subject to Supplier’s Declaration of                  benefit of public comment on the
                                                    ■   59. Remove § 15.212.                                Conformity.                                           proposed interference contours which
                                                                                                            ■ 65. Section 18.212 is revised to read               were not advanced by LMCC until the
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                                                    § 15.239   [Amended]                                    as follows:                                           reply stage of the Interstitial NPRM. The
                                                    ■ 60. In § 15.239, remove paragraph (d).                                                                      intended effect of this action is to give
                                                                                                            § 18.212    Compliance information.
                                                    ■ 61. Section 15.615 is amended by                                                                            interested parties a sufficient
                                                    revising paragraph (a)(4) to read as                      (a) Equipment authorized under the
                                                                                                            Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity                  opportunity to comment on LMCC’s
                                                    follows:                                                                                                      May 26, 2015 proposed interference
                                                                                                            procedure shall include the following
                                                    § 15.615 General administrative                         compliance information in lieu of the                 contours.
                                                    requirements.                                           information required by § 2.1077 of this              DATES: Submit comments on or before
                                                        (a) * * *                                           chapter.                                              September 8, 2015.


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Document Created: 2018-02-23 10:55:25
Document Modified: 2018-02-23 10:55:25
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesComments must be filed on or before September 8, 2015, and reply comments must be filed on or before September 21, 2015.
ContactBrian Butler, Office of Engineering and Technology, (202) 418-2702, email: [email protected], TTY (202) 418-2989.
FR Citation80 FR 46900 
CFR Citation47 CFR 0
47 CFR 15
47 CFR 18
47 CFR 2
CFR AssociatedOrganization and Functions (government Agencies); Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Incorporation by Reference; Radio; Scientific Equipment and Communications Equipment

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