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Retailers Breakin the Law?

NorthStar said:
Cobra is putting the 150 and 200 in all major retailers. All of their direct buyers will most likely be offering these for sale. And yes they have documentation to provide on legalities. I believe mr bandaidkit and cwmorse get a law degree they can dispute them.

I don't insult posters' handles here. If you have a gripe with me, bring it out like an ADULT; don't play foolish games. If you don't agree with what I write, bring it out on that level and we can get right to it.

I'm questioning this business decision to sell amateur radios as a commercial market decision. There are not that many potential customers for an anatuer radio in the marketplace. 600,000 names in the computer. Too few for a big business like Circuit City to make any dent in their businesses. And yes, I question the legal status of the radios, but that's the FCC's concern, not mine. Whatever the FCC decides on these things is fine by me. If they truely ARE ham radios as the FCC may says, fine.

Do the sales people even know what those radios actually do? They'll most likely be given a cheat sheet to memorize and half it it will be a mystery to them. Amateur radio and CB are going to become interchangable in the sales staff's minds. Trust me. I've seen people who confuse the two many times.

Those are facts. Dispute the facts. Diapute the business logic. Don't make insults. To do that is juvenile. Should I treat you like a juvenile? If that's how you wish to act, I'll be happy to treat you as one. I've got 17 long, dreary years of work in the juvenile justice system here. Trust me, you don't want me treating you like a juvenile lawbreaker.

I've learned a lot of law on this job and how law works and why it is set up the way it is. If a Federal agency decides that certain items are not legal, then all items with similar contructions are also not legal by precedent and need clearence from the agency. That is way it is.
 
I don't have the time to sit and argue with people that have nothing else to do. Big Business will sell anything to make a buck.
 
I know what you're saying Bandaid. That if CBer's weren't targeted also that the market would be small, yet Yaesu and Kenwood and Icom face the same issue for sales to the same 600,000.Cber's are also buying those rigs also.I hear a lot of them on SSB for CB. They are also designed to modify easily for 11 meter Transmit.
 
I know at R&L they said atlast 2 or 3 times a week they sell a High Dollar HF Rig to someone who is buying it for CB. Asking for mod info which R&L does not give out. I was their one day and talk to couple sales guy they said the owner asks cbers if they are gonna spend $2k or $3k on a radio why do they want to talk on CB with it? They can't really give him a answer other than they saw someone else doing it. American people are followers.
 
Theirs more new radios coming in now than ever. Heck their has been new superstar models here recently. You think if they really were or are doing something the FCC. THey wouldn't have time to talk about it.
 
NorthStar said:
Cobra is putting the 150 and 200 in all major retailers. All of their direct buyers will most likely be offering these for sale. And yes they have documentation to provide on legalities. I believe mr bandaidkit and cwmorse get a law degree they can dispute them.

HA! It isn't UP to me to dispute doodly squat! I am telling you what is the truth as it has been told to me, or I read. FCC is the SOLE authority on what equipment can be sold in the USA.
Even HAM radios have certification stickers about meeting certain Federal regulations (Part 15). I have yet to see ANY sticker of any sort on any "10 Meter" radio that is marketed for the sole purpose of sliming under the law. If you want to know WHO determines what is legal WRT FCC regulations, I can give you his phone #. The simple fact is, *you*, *I*, nor a retailer can determine what the law is. If you come back telling me, "well, Kenwood or Icom can sell THEIR radios without any certification", it is not quite true. If you recall, when you see a proposed new radio in the ham mags, it will say something to the effect, "Not yet for sale--Subject to FCC approval". While ham radios DON'T have to have Part 97 certification in one sense, FCC STILL can turn down the SALE of ANY transceiver in this country due to spectral emissions issues, protocol issues (like using a vhf radio to remotely control an HF one like Kenwood was wanting to do--was it Space Command they were calling it?). Any radio for sale in the US is subject to FCC oversight no matter WHAT it is for the civilian market. CB radio is a "commercial" service. Amateur radio is covered under entirely different rules. So if FCC reviews a radio--ham, commercial, or CB and finds it not to meet their requirements, it I S I L L E G A L. Period. Cobra can declare the sky is falling, but what is falling is sh-- if they pursue the sale of radios that porport do something they are not to do. The FCC list that mentions "band" switches, "channel" markers for "ham" radios that have NEVER had 'channels', and frequency displays that will display ham frequencies AND then CB frequencies means just that. Any rig that has those designs is against the law no matter what Cobra says. (Pilot Travel Centers said they could sell Galaxy's and look what happened to them!)@ :D :twisted:



So no need to chide me. Call Mr Brock in Dallas. *I* didn't make the rules.

CWM
 
[quote="C W Morse]The simple fact is, *you*, *I*, nor a retailer can determine what the law is.
CWM[/quote]

Thats always nice. Nobody knows the difference between right and wrong until you get your knuckles rapped.
 
Sonwatcher said:
They also know about Stryker

How did these "come up" in your conversation ???

SmellaratREcording.jpg
 
Come on now, A "lil ole " Squealer in this "place" ;) ;) ..



..Smiles can be contagious :) :) :) :D :D


Snoope back quiet



I for one am all done playing this "Idiotic Blame Game"..go out enjoy your hobby in your own way.......screw the "cry babys" :twisted: :p :p
 
One minor thing. The people through their representatives determine the law. The Court's determine if the law that the people want is Constitutional. The executive branch enforces the laws.

Though it sometimes acts like it does, the FCC does not have lawmaking power. Remember, that just because the FCC, or even your local police department, says that something is legal or not, does not make it so. Only the Court system can determine if what you did was legal or illegal.

Like it or not, how many times have the police, and the DA told the public on TV that what someone was doing was illegal, filed charges, and than lost in court, i,e. OJ Simpson, Michael Jackson. A phone call to law enforcement is not the way to find out if something is illegal or not, because they are frequently wrong.
 
Here is an example of FCC's take on it with some good discussion. Seems appropriate for this thread. You will note that Hightech tried to use some of the same lame excuses.

""Bu-bu-bu-but, it's an 'Amateur Radio' that doesn't require certification"!

"But we *think* it is legal to sell these here radios".

"But we posted signs that they have to have a ly-sense" :p

"But any ham reddio kin be modified to talk on CB".

Note in the Affirmation of Forfeiture that FCC has ruled that intent to violate Federal regulations can also be shown by the actions of the seller (uh, "ham" radios in a CB shop, offering to
modify the radio for CB, telling the customer what a good "CB" the radio is, Promoting how many 'channels' it has. Note that the PURCHASE of such a radio is not in itself illegal (but can indicate INTENT to operate on CB in conjunction with the actions of the seller).

They tried really hard. Didn't work. :D



Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554



In the Matter of )
)
Hightech CB Shop ) File Number EB-05-TP-066
8391 U.S. 301 South, ) NAL/Acct. No. 200532700009
Jacksonville, Florida 32234 ) FRN 0013520705
)



MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

Adopted: November 30, 2005 Released: December
2, 2005

By the Chief, Enforcement Bureau:

I. INTRODUCTION

1. In this Memorandum Opinion and Order (``Order''), we
deny the petition for reconsideration filed by
Hightech CB Shop (``Hightech'') of the Forfeiture
Order issued July 27, 2005.1 The Forfeiture Order
imposed a monetary forfeiture in the amount of $7,000
to Hightech for the willful and repeated violation of
Section 302(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as
amended (``Act''),2 and Section 2.803(a) of the
Commission's Rules (``Rules'').3 The noted violation
involved Hightech's offering for sale a non-certified
Citizens Band (``CB'') transceiver.4

II. BACKGROUND

2. On May 9, 2001, the Commission's Tampa Office of the
Enforcement Bureau (``Tampa Office'') issued a
Citation to Hightech for violation of Section 302(b)
of the Act and Sections 2.803(a)(1)5 and 2.815(b)6 of
the Rules by offering for sale RF linear amplifiers
and non-certified CB transceivers at its CB shop
located at 8391 U.S. 301 S., Jacksonville, Florida.

3. In response to a complaint about the marketing of
illegal, non-FCC certified devices, on February 4,
2005, agents from the Tampa Office visited Hightech
and observed several radio transceivers offered for
sale. One of the agents examined one of the radios, a
Connex 3300 HP, and observed that the device did not
have any markings or labels that identified the radio
as an FCC certified device. The agent told a shop
employee that he was interested in making a purchase
and requested more information about the radio. The
shop employee identified the Connex 3300 HP
transceiver as a 10-Meter Amateur Radio and offered to
sell the device to the agent for $239.00. The shop
employee stated that the Connex models could be easily
modified to operate on CB frequencies, that the store
accepted credit card payments, and that the radio
could be delivered by mail.

4. On February 7, 2005, an agent from the Tampa Office
again visited the Hightech CB Shop and requested
information about the Connex 3300 HP transceiver.
Shop employees offered to sell the Connex 3300 HP to
the agent for $239.00.

5. On May 24, 2005, the Tampa Office issued a Notice of
Apparent Liability for Forfeiture to Hightech in the
amount of seven thousand dollars ($7,000) for the
apparent willful and repeated violation of Section
302(b) of the Act and Section 2.803(a) of the Rules.7
On June 17, 2005, Hightech submitted a response to the
NAL requesting a reduction or cancellation of the
proposed forfeiture. Hightech argued that it had not
received a Citation for selling the particular Connex
model transceivers listed in the NAL and that it was
legal to sell the non-FCC certified Connex models,
because they are Amateur Radios. On July 27, 2005,
the Enforcement Bureau rejected Hightech's arguments
and released the Forfeiture Order. The Enforcement
Bureau received Hightech's petition for
reconsideration on August 30, 2005, requesting
cancellation of the forfeiture.

III. DISCUSSION

6. The forfeiture amount in this case was assessed in
accordance with Section 503(b) of the Act, 8 Section
1.80 of the Rules,9 and The Commission's Forfeiture
Policy Statement and Amendment of Section 1.80 of the
Rules to Incorporate the Forfeiture Guidelines.10 In
examining Hightech's petition, Section 503(b) of the
Act requires that the Commission take into account the
nature, circumstances, extent and gravity of the
violation and, with respect to the violator, the
degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses,
ability to pay, and any other such matters as justice
may require.11

7. In the introduction to its petition for
reconsideration, Hightech again claims that it
believed the Commission had accepted its positions,
because the Commission failed to provide certain
enclosures to a letter dated June 11, 2001 and failed
to respond to a letter it sent dated June 13, 2001.
The assertions contained in the introduction were
raised in Hightech's response to the Notice of
Apparent Liability and addressed in the Forfeiture
Order. ``The Tampa Office states that it sent the
enclosures with its June 11, 2001 letter because,
following its normal practice, a copy of the letter
and the enclosures as sent to Hightech were in
Hightech's file. Assuming arguendo that the Tampa
Office did not send the enclosures, we find it
unreasonable for Hightech to have concluded that the
Tampa Office agreed with its positions. The Tampa
Office at no time stated orally or in writing that it
agreed with Hightech's positions. To the contrary,
the only written correspondence from the Tampa Office
- the Citation and letter dated June 11, 2001 -
unambiguously stated that Hightech violated Section
302(b) of the Act and 2.803(a) of the Rules.
Hightech's conclusion that the Tampa Office agreed
with it seems irrational.''12

8. In its petition for reconsideration, Hightech alleges
that it did not violate the Rules. Hightech states
that the Connex transceiver in question, as
manufactured, operates solely on Amateur Radio Service
(``ARS'') bands and, therefore, does not require FCC
certification. Hightech argues that the Rules only
require certification of transmitters that operate or
are intended to operate at a station authorized in the
CB and that it did not intend to sell this model for
operation on the CB bands. It claims that it posted a
sign in the vicinity of the display case advising
customers that an Amateur license is required to use
Amateur equipment and that the equipment is intended
for use as an Amateur transceiver. Moreover, it
claims each transceiver comes packaged with a warning
that it is illegal to transmit on the equipment
without the appropriate Amateur license. It asserts
that the CB Rules say nothing about the certification
of Amateur transceivers that can be easily modified to
operate on CB frequencies and that the Commission
cannot add a requirement covering such transceivers,
without first complying with the Administrative
Procedures Act. It also argues that the Commission
failed to define what ``easily modifiable'' means and
that such language is unconstitutionally vague.
Finally, it claims that almost all ARS radios may be
modified to operate on CB frequencies and, thus, the
Commission effectively subjected all ARS radios to
certification.

9. We reject Hightech's arguments and deny its petition
for reconsideration. Section 95.603(c) of the Rules
states that a CB transmitter is a ``transmitter that
operates or is intended to operate at a station
authorized in the CB'' and that such transmitters must
be certificated.13 The Office of General Counsel
(``OGC'') subsequently clarified that ARS transmitters
that ``have a built-in capability to operate on CB
frequencies and can easily be altered to activate that
capability, such as by moving or removing a jumper
plug or cutting a single wire'' are intended for use
in the CB frequencies as well as the amateur service
and fall within the definition of ``CB
transmitter.''14 Thus, the Commission clarified an
existing Rule that was adopted pursuant to a Notice
and Comment Rulemaking and did not change its Rules
merely by making a policy change, as Hightech alleges.
This Rule and the Commission's subsequent
interpretation of the Rule make clear that a device
manufactured to operate on ARS frequencies and labeled
an ARS transmitter may nevertheless be a CB
transmitter. The Commission also provided a clear
example of what it meant by easily alterable, i.e.,
moving or removing a jumper plug or cutting a single
wire. Moreover, the OGC Letter was published in the
FCC Record. Pursuant to Section 0.445(e) of the
Rules, interpretations designed to have general
applicability and legal effect that are published in
the FCC Record ``may be relied upon, used or cited as
precedent by the Commission'' in any manner.15
Although the Commission has clarified that a
transmitter intended to operate in the CB band
includes ARS transmitters that can be easily modified
to operate on CB frequencies, the Commission has never
stated that intent to operate in the CB bands can be
determined through the actions of a seller of an ARS
transceiver. Moreover, our Rules prohibit the sale or
lease or offering for sale or lease of non-certified
CB transmitters and do not prohibit the purchase of
such devices. Therefore, it is irrelevant whether
Hightech posted a sign that the transmitters in
question require an Amateur license, that similar
inserts were placed in the transmitter packaging, or
that other ARS transmitters might qualify as CB
transmitters.16 The Connex 3300 HP radio has been
tested by the Office of Engineering and Technology and
found to be a CB transmitter, because it has built-in
capability to operate on CB frequencies and can be
easily altered to activate that capability.
Accordingly, there is no basis for cancellation of the
forfeiture imposed in the Forfeiture Order.

V. ORDERING CLAUSES

10. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to Section
405 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,17
and Section 1.106 of the Commission's Rules,18
Hightech CB Shop's petition for reconsideration of the
July 27, 2005 Forfeiture Order IS hereby DENIED.

11. IT IS ALSO ORDERED that, pursuant to Section 503(b) of
the Act, and Sections 0.111, 0.311 and 1.80(f)(4) of
the Commission's Rules,19 Hightech CB Shop IS LIABLE
FOR A MONETARY FORFEITURE in the amount of seven
thousand dollars ($7,000) for willful and repeated
violation of Section 302(b) of the Act and Section
2.803(a) of the Rules.

12. Payment of the $7,000 forfeiture shall be made in the
manner provided for in Section 1.80 of the Rules
within 30 days of the release of this Order. If the
forfeiture is not paid within the period specified,
the case may be referred to the Department of Justice
for collection pursuant to Section 504(a) of the
Act.20 Payment of the forfeiture must be made by
check or similar instrument, payable to the order of
the ``Federal Communications Commission.'' The
payment must include the NAL/Acct. No. and FRN No.
referenced above. Payment by check or money order may
be mailed to Federal Communications Commission, P.O.
Box 358340, Pittsburgh, PA 15251-8340. Payment by
overnight mail may be sent to Mellon
Bank /LB 358340, 500 Ross Street, Room 1540670,
Pittsburgh, PA 15251. Payment by wire transfer may
be made to ABA Number 043000261, receiving bank Mellon
Bank, and account number 911-6106. Requests for full
payment under an installment plan should be sent to:
Associate Managing Director, Financial Operations, 445
12th Street, S.W., Room 1A625, Washington, D.C.
20554.21

13. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Order shall be sent by
regular mail and by certified mail, return receipt
requested, to Hightech CB Shop at its address of
record and its counsel, Michael C. Olson, 4400
MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 23C, Newport Beach,
California 92660.


FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION


Kris Anne Monteith
Chief, Enforcement Bureau
_________________________

1Hightech CB Shop, Forfeiture Order, 20 FCC Rcd 12514 (Enf. Bur.
South Central Region, 2005) (``Forfeiture Order'').

247 U.S.C. § 302a(b).

347 C.F.R. § 2.803(a).

4CB radio operation is confined to forty specified channels from
26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz (carrier frequency).

547 C.F.R. § 2.803(a)(1).

647 C.F.R. § 2.815(b).

7Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, NAL/Acct. No.
200532700009 (Enf. Bur., Tampa Office, May 24, 2005) (``NAL'').

847 U.S.C. § 503(b).

947 C.F.R. § 1.80.

1012 FCC Rcd. 17087 (1997), recon. denied, 15 FCC Rcd. 303
(1999).

1147 U.S.C. § 503(b)(2)(D).

12Forfeiture Order at 12516.

1347 C.F.R. § 95.603(c).

14See Letter from Christopher Wright, General Counsel, FCC to
John Atwood, Chief Intellectual Property Rights, US Customs
Service, 14 FCC Rcd 7797 (OGC, 1999) (``OGC Letter''). See also
Extended Coverage High Frequency Transceivers, Public Notice
62882, 1996 WL 242469, available at
<> (OET, rel. May 13, 1996) (clarifying that
ARS transceivers designed ``such that they can easily be modified
by the users to extend the operating frequency range into the
frequency bands'' of the CB are CB transmitters, because they are
intended to operate on the CB bands).

1547 C.F.R. § 0.445(e).

16We note that the agents did not see this alleged sign in the CB
Shop.

1747 U.S.C. § 405.

1847 C.F.R. § 1.106.

19 47 C.F.R. §§ 0.111, 0.311, 1.80(f)(4).

2047 U.S.C. § 504(a).

21See 47 C.F.R. § 1.1914.
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Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554



In the Matter of )
)
Hightech CB Shop ) File Number EB-05-TP-066
8391 U.S. 301 South, ) NAL/Acct. No. 200532700009
Jacksonville, Florida 32234 ) FRN 0013520705
)



MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

Adopted: November 30, 2005 Released: December
2, 2005

By the Chief, Enforcement Bureau:

I. INTRODUCTION

1. In this Memorandum Opinion and Order (``Order''), we
deny the petition for reconsideration filed by
Hightech CB Shop (``Hightech'') of the Forfeiture
Order issued July 27, 2005.1 The Forfeiture Order
imposed a monetary forfeiture in the amount of $7,000
to Hightech for the willful and repeated violation of
Section 302(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as
amended (``Act''),2 and Section 2.803(a) of the
Commission's Rules (``Rules'').3 The noted violation
involved Hightech's offering for sale a non-certified
Citizens Band (``CB'') transceiver.4

II. BACKGROUND

2. On May 9, 2001, the Commission's Tampa Office of the
Enforcement Bureau (``Tampa Office'') issued a
Citation to Hightech for violation of Section 302(b)
of the Act and Sections 2.803(a)(1)5 and 2.815(b)6 of
the Rules by offering for sale RF linear amplifiers
and non-certified CB transceivers at its CB shop
located at 8391 U.S. 301 S., Jacksonville, Florida.

3. In response to a complaint about the marketing of
illegal, non-FCC certified devices, on February 4,
2005, agents from the Tampa Office visited Hightech
and observed several radio transceivers offered for
sale. One of the agents examined one of the radios, a
Connex 3300 HP, and observed that the device did not
have any markings or labels that identified the radio
as an FCC certified device. The agent told a shop
employee that he was interested in making a purchase
and requested more information about the radio. The
shop employee identified the Connex 3300 HP
transceiver as a 10-Meter Amateur Radio and offered to
sell the device to the agent for $239.00. The shop
employee stated that the Connex models could be easily
modified to operate on CB frequencies, that the store
accepted credit card payments, and that the radio
could be delivered by mail.

4. On February 7, 2005, an agent from the Tampa Office
again visited the Hightech CB Shop and requested
information about the Connex 3300 HP transceiver.
Shop employees offered to sell the Connex 3300 HP to
the agent for $239.00.

5. On May 24, 2005, the Tampa Office issued a Notice of
Apparent Liability for Forfeiture to Hightech in the
amount of seven thousand dollars ($7,000) for the
apparent willful and repeated violation of Section
302(b) of the Act and Section 2.803(a) of the Rules.7
On June 17, 2005, Hightech submitted a response to the
NAL requesting a reduction or cancellation of the
proposed forfeiture. Hightech argued that it had not
received a Citation for selling the particular Connex
model transceivers listed in the NAL and that it was
legal to sell the non-FCC certified Connex models,
because they are Amateur Radios. On July 27, 2005,
the Enforcement Bureau rejected Hightech's arguments
and released the Forfeiture Order. The Enforcement
Bureau received Hightech's petition for
reconsideration on August 30, 2005, requesting
cancellation of the forfeiture.

III. DISCUSSION

6. The forfeiture amount in this case was assessed in
accordance with Section 503(b) of the Act, 8 Section
1.80 of the Rules,9 and The Commission's Forfeiture
Policy Statement and Amendment of Section 1.80 of the
Rules to Incorporate the Forfeiture Guidelines.10 In
examining Hightech's petition, Section 503(b) of the
Act requires that the Commission take into account the
nature, circumstances, extent and gravity of the
violation and, with respect to the violator, the
degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses,
ability to pay, and any other such matters as justice
may require.11

7. In the introduction to its petition for
reconsideration, Hightech again claims that it
believed the Commission had accepted its positions,
because the Commission failed to provide certain
enclosures to a letter dated June 11, 2001 and failed
to respond to a letter it sent dated June 13, 2001.
The assertions contained in the introduction were
raised in Hightech's response to the Notice of
Apparent Liability and addressed in the Forfeiture
Order. ``The Tampa Office states that it sent the
enclosures with its June 11, 2001 letter because,
following its normal practice, a copy of the letter
and the enclosures as sent to Hightech were in
Hightech's file. Assuming arguendo that the Tampa
Office did not send the enclosures, we find it
unreasonable for Hightech to have concluded that the
Tampa Office agreed with its positions. The Tampa
Office at no time stated orally or in writing that it
agreed with Hightech's positions. To the contrary,
the only written correspondence from the Tampa Office
- the Citation and letter dated June 11, 2001 -
unambiguously stated that Hightech violated Section
302(b) of the Act and 2.803(a) of the Rules.
Hightech's conclusion that the Tampa Office agreed
with it seems irrational.''12

8. In its petition for reconsideration, Hightech alleges
that it did not violate the Rules. Hightech states
that the Connex transceiver in question, as
manufactured, operates solely on Amateur Radio Service
(``ARS'') bands and, therefore, does not require FCC
certification. Hightech argues that the Rules only
require certification of transmitters that operate or
are intended to operate at a station authorized in the
CB and that it did not intend to sell this model for
operation on the CB bands. It claims that it posted a
sign in the vicinity of the display case advising
customers that an Amateur license is required to use
Amateur equipment and that the equipment is intended
for use as an Amateur transceiver. Moreover, it
claims each transceiver comes packaged with a warning
that it is illegal to transmit on the equipment
without the appropriate Amateur license. It asserts
that the CB Rules say nothing about the certification
of Amateur transceivers that can be easily modified to
operate on CB frequencies and that the Commission
cannot add a requirement covering such transceivers,
without first complying with the Administrative
Procedures Act. It also argues that the Commission
failed to define what ``easily modifiable'' means and
that such language is unconstitutionally vague.
Finally, it claims that almost all ARS radios may be
modified to operate on CB frequencies and, thus, the
Commission effectively subjected all ARS radios to
certification.

9. We reject Hightech's arguments and deny its petition
for reconsideration. Section 95.603(c) of the Rules
states that a CB transmitter is a ``transmitter that
operates or is intended to operate at a station
authorized in the CB'' and that such transmitters must
be certificated.13 The Office of General Counsel
(``OGC'') subsequently clarified that ARS transmitters
that ``have a built-in capability to operate on CB
frequencies and can easily be altered to activate that
capability, such as by moving or removing a jumper
plug or cutting a single wire'' are intended for use
in the CB frequencies as well as the amateur service
and fall within the definition of ``CB
transmitter.''14 Thus, the Commission clarified an
existing Rule that was adopted pursuant to a Notice
and Comment Rulemaking and did not change its Rules
merely by making a policy change, as Hightech alleges.
This Rule and the Commission's subsequent
interpretation of the Rule make clear that a device
manufactured to operate on ARS frequencies and labeled
an ARS transmitter may nevertheless be a CB
transmitter. The Commission also provided a clear
example of what it meant by easily alterable, i.e.,
moving or removing a jumper plug or cutting a single
wire. Moreover, the OGC Letter was published in the
FCC Record. Pursuant to Section 0.445(e) of the
Rules, interpretations designed to have general
applicability and legal effect that are published in
the FCC Record ``may be relied upon, used or cited as
precedent by the Commission'' in any manner.15
Although the Commission has clarified that a
transmitter intended to operate in the CB band
includes ARS transmitters that can be easily modified
to operate on CB frequencies, the Commission has never
stated that intent to operate in the CB bands can be
determined through the actions of a seller of an ARS
transceiver. Moreover, our Rules prohibit the sale or
lease or offering for sale or lease of non-certified
CB transmitters and do not prohibit the purchase of
such devices. Therefore, it is irrelevant whether
Hightech posted a sign that the transmitters in
question require an Amateur license, that similar
inserts were placed in the transmitter packaging, or
that other ARS transmitters might qualify as CB
transmitters.16 The Connex 3300 HP radio has been
tested by the Office of Engineering and Technology and
found to be a CB transmitter, because it has built-in
capability to operate on CB frequencies and can be
easily altered to activate that capability.
Accordingly, there is no basis for cancellation of the
forfeiture imposed in the Forfeiture Order.

V. ORDERING CLAUSES

10. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to Section
405 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended,17
and Section 1.106 of the Commission's Rules,18
Hightech CB Shop's petition for reconsideration of the
July 27, 2005 Forfeiture Order IS hereby DENIED.

11. IT IS ALSO ORDERED that, pursuant to Section 503(b) of
the Act, and Sections 0.111, 0.311 and 1.80(f)(4) of
the Commission's Rules,19 Hightech CB Shop IS LIABLE
FOR A MONETARY FORFEITURE in the amount of seven
thousand dollars ($7,000) for willful and repeated
violation of Section 302(b) of the Act and Section
2.803(a) of the Rules.

12. Payment of the $7,000 forfeiture shall be made in the
manner provided for in Section 1.80 of the Rules
within 30 days of the release of this Order. If the
forfeiture is not paid within the period specified,
the case may be referred to the Department of Justice
for collection pursuant to Section 504(a) of the
Act.20 Payment of the forfeiture must be made by
check or similar instrument, payable to the order of
the ``Federal Communications Commission.'' The
payment must include the NAL/Acct. No. and FRN No.
referenced above. Payment by check or money order may
be mailed to Federal Communications Commission, P.O.
Box 358340, Pittsburgh, PA 15251-8340. Payment by
overnight mail may be sent to Mellon
Bank /LB 358340, 500 Ross Street, Room 1540670,
Pittsburgh, PA 15251. Payment by wire transfer may
be made to ABA Number 043000261, receiving bank Mellon
Bank, and account number 911-6106. Requests for full
payment under an installment plan should be sent to:
Associate Managing Director, Financial Operations, 445
12th Street, S.W., Room 1A625, Washington, D.C.
20554.21

13. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this Order shall be sent by
regular mail and by certified mail, return receipt
requested, to Hightech CB Shop at its address of
record and its counsel, Michael C. Olson, 4400
MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 23C, Newport Beach,
California 92660.


FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION


Kris Anne Monteith
Chief, Enforcement Bureau
_________________________

1Hightech CB Shop, Forfeiture Order, 20 FCC Rcd 12514 (Enf. Bur.
South Central Region, 2005) (``Forfeiture Order'').

247 U.S.C. § 302a(b).

347 C.F.R. § 2.803(a).

4CB radio operation is confined to forty specified channels from
26.965 MHz to 27.405 MHz (carrier frequency).

547 C.F.R. § 2.803(a)(1).

647 C.F.R. § 2.815(b).

7Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, NAL/Acct. No.
200532700009 (Enf. Bur., Tampa Office, May 24, 2005) (``NAL'').

847 U.S.C. § 503(b).

947 C.F.R. § 1.80.

1012 FCC Rcd. 17087 (1997), recon. denied, 15 FCC Rcd. 303
(1999).

1147 U.S.C. § 503(b)(2)(D).

12Forfeiture Order at 12516.

1347 C.F.R. § 95.603(c).

14See Letter from Christopher Wright, General Counsel, FCC to
John Atwood, Chief Intellectual Property Rights, US Customs
Service, 14 FCC Rcd 7797 (OGC, 1999) (``OGC Letter''). See also
Extended Coverage High Frequency Transceivers, Public Notice
62882, 1996 WL 242469, available at
<> (OET, rel. May 13, 1996) (clarifying that
ARS transceivers designed ``such that they can easily be modified
by the users to extend the operating frequency range into the
frequency bands'' of the CB are CB transmitters, because they are
intended to operate on the CB bands).

1547 C.F.R. § 0.445(e).

16We note that the agents did not see this alleged sign in the CB
Shop.

1747 U.S.C. § 405.

1847 C.F.R. § 1.106.

19 47 C.F.R. §§ 0.111, 0.311, 1.80(f)(4).

2047 U.S.C. § 504(a).

21See 47 C.F.R. § 1.1914.
 
Its a game. Who can post the most. CW challenges us to see if there are more cb or more ham violations. To make it fair, I will post all of the November 30, 2005 ARRL enforcement posts regardless of who the offender is or what the offense was:


Andrew O. Ojwang
1438 Hemingway Lane
Atlanta, GA 30075


RE: Set-Aside of Amateur Radio General Class License KI4LTH
Case Number 2006-2790


Dear Mr. Ojwang:


The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau has notified the Enforcement Bureau that, on its own motion on October 24, 2005, it set aside your application for a General class license pursuant to Section 1.113 of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. Section 1.113, on October 21, 2005. That action is based upon complaints about the operation of your station since the grant of your General class license. In view of the action by the Wireless Bureau, your application reverts to a pending status, and you have no authority to operate on General class frequencies. You may continue to operate using your Technician class license privileges. We will contact you shortly regarding what additional information may be needed before making a decision on your application.


In the meantime, the trustee of the N4CLA repeater has requested in writing that you refrain from use of the N4CLA repeater, operating on 144.870/145.470 MHz. The letter was issued as a result of your failure to follow operational rules set forth by the licensee/control operators of the repeater system for its users. You were previously requested verbally to refrain from using the system, but have apparently ignored both verbal and written requests.


The Commission requires that repeaters be under the supervision of a control operator and not only expects, but requires, such control operators and licensees to be responsible for the proper operation of the repeater system. Control operators may take whatever steps are appropriate to ensure compliance with the repeater rules, including limiting the repeater use to certain users, converting the repeater to a closed repeater or taking it off the air entirely.


Please be advised that we expect you to abide by the request to stay off the N4CLA system and any other such request by a repeater licensee, control operator or trustee. If you use the repeater again after receipt of this letter, we will initiate enforcement action against your license, which may include revocation, monetary forfeiture (fine) or a modification proceeding to restrict the frequencies on which you may operate N4CLA. Fines normally range from $7,500 to $10,000.


Please call me at 717-338-2502 if you have any questions about this matter.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 8, 2005


(name withheld)
(Address withheld)
Concrete, WA 98237


Dear (name withheld):


The Federal Communications Commission has received complaints that an electric fence charger at your residence may be causing harmful radio interference to an operator in the Amateur Radio Service. The complainant is:


(name withheld)
(address withheld)
Concrete, WA 98237


The FCC has the responsibility to require that such problems be rectified within a reasonable time if the interference is caused by faulty consumer equipment. Under FCC rules, equipment such as an electric fence is classified as an "incidental radiator." This term is used to describe equipment that does not intentionally generate any radio-frequency energy, but that may create such energy as an incidental part of its intended operation.


To help you better understand your responsibilities under FCC rules, here are the most important rules relating to radio and television interference from incidental radiators:


Title 47, CFR Section 15.5 General conditions of operation.


(b) Operation of an intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiator is subject to the conditions that no harmful interference is caused and that interference must be accepted that may be caused by the operation of an authorized radio station, by another intentional or unintentional radiator, by industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment, or by an incidental radiator.


(c) The operator of the radio frequency device shall be required to cease operating the device upon notification by a Commission representative that the device is causing harmful interference. Operation shall not resume until the condition causing the harmful interference has been corrected.


Title 47, CFR Section 15.13 Incidental radiators.


Manufacturers of these devices shall employ good engineering practices to minimize the risk of harmful interference.


Title 47, CFR Section 15.15 General technical requirements.


(c) Parties responsible for equipment compliance should note that the limits specified in this part will not prevent harmful interference under all circumstances. Since the operators of Part 15 devices are required to cease operation should harmful interference occur to authorized users of the radio frequency spectrum, the parties responsible for equipment compliance are encouraged to employ the minimum field strength necessary for communications, to provide greater attenuation of unwanted emissions than required by these regulations, and to advise the user as to how to resolve harmful interference problems (for example, see Sec. 15.105(b)).


The complainant has attempted unsuccessfully to resolve this problem with your electric fence and as a result the matter has been referred to our office. The FCC prefers that those responsible for the proper operation of equipment assume their responsibilities fairly. This means that you should resolve the interference caused by the electric fence charger and make necessary corrections within a reasonable time.


While the FCC has confidence that most people are able to resolve these issues voluntarily, the FCC wants to make you aware that this unresolved problem may be a violation of FCC rules and could result in a monetary forfeiture (fine) for each occurrence. At this stage, the FCC encourages the parties to resolve this problem without FCC intervention; but if necessary to facilitate resolution, the FCC may investigate possible rules violations and address appropriate remedies.


The American Radio Relay League, a national organization of Amateur Radio operators, may be able to offer help and guidance about radio interference that involves Amateur Radio operators.


American Radio Relay League
Radio Frequency Interference Desk
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111
Tel: (860) 594-0200
E-mail: rfi@arrl.org


Please advise the complainant what steps you are taking to correct this reported interference problem. The FCC expects that most cases can be resolved within 60 days of the time they are first reported. If you are unable to resolve this by January 13, 2006, please advise this office about the nature of the problem, the steps you are taking to resolve it and the estimated time in which those steps can be accomplished.


If you have any questions about this matter, please contact:


W. Riley Hollingsworth
Special Counsel, Spectrum Enforcement Division
Enforcement Bureau, FCC
E-mail rholling@fcc.gov


Thank you for your cooperation.


Sincerely,


Sharon Bowers, Deputy Chief
Consumer Inquiries & Complaint Division
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 17, 2005


Albert Leyva, Sr.
P. O. Box 1060
Corning, CA 96021


RE: Amateur Radio license N6YCK--Repeater Operation
Case #EB-2006-2789


Dear Mr. Leyva:


The enclosed complaint alleges that you are operating a repeater on 224.18 MHz that is causing interference to the coordinated KU6V repeater on the same frequency, and that you have not responded to complaints of interference. Frequency coordination information for your area does not show your repeater as having been coordinated.


Section 97.205 of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. Section 97.205, states that where there is interference between a coordinated and an uncoordinated repeater, "the licensee of the uncoordinated repeater has primary responsibility to resolve the interference". Section 308(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Section 308(b), gives the Commission the authority to request information from a licensee regarding the operation of a radio station. Accordingly, you are requested to respond to this letter within 20 days from the above date, furnishing the following information.


1). Is your repeater N6YCK coordinated for operation on 224.18 MHz? If so:


a). Furnish a copy of the coordination document;


b). State the circumstances, if any, under which you are operating the repeater in a manner not consistent with the coordination.


2). If your repeater N6YCK is not coordinated, or if it is coordinated but is not being operated in accordance with the coordination, state what, if any, action you have taken to obtain coordination.


3). Have you received complaints regarding the operation of the N6YCK repeater on 224.18 MHz? If so:


a). State the details of the complaints, if they were oral, and state what action, if any, you took to resolve them.


b). If the complaints were in writing, state what action, if any, you took in response to the complaints and furnish a copy of each complaint.


4). Describe in detail the configuration of the N6YCK repeater system, including all sites, links and addresses, using diagrams where necessary.


In an inquiry of this type we are required to advise you that Congress has made punishable a willfully false or misleading reply to a letter of this type, and that the information you submit will be used to determine what, if any, action to take in this matter. See Title 18, Section 1001 of the United States Code. Address your response to 1270 Fairfield Road at the above letterhead address.


Enclosures: 9
cc: FCC Western Regional Director


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 17, 2005


Robert A. DiMezza
5208 Lake Blvd
Delray Beach, FL 33484


RE: Warning Notice: Amateur Advanced Class License W2GGI
Case #EB-2000-20


Dear Mr. DiMezza:


Information before the Commission indicates that you have been operating on 14.168 MHz, a frequency not allocated to Advanced Class operators. Information also indicates that you have made threats over the air to various individuals and that you have made obscene and profane transmissions in the early evenings on 75 Meters. These complaints, if valid, raise serious issues regarding your qualifications to retain an Amateur license.


We note also that by letter dated January 27, 2000, we required you to respond to complaints that you had made slanderous and threatening transmissions on a repeater in your area.


Section 308(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 308(b), gives the Commission the authority to obtain information from applicants and licensees about the operation of their station and their qualifications to remain a licensee. Accordingly, you are requested to respond to this office within 20 days stating what action you have taken in response to this Warning. Failure to respond, or failure to correct your operation, will result in enforcement action against you. That may include monetary forfeiture (fine), license revocation, or both. Fines normally range from $7,500 to $10,000. Additionally, no renewal or upgrade of your license will be processed until these matters are resolved.


In an inquiry of this type we are required to notify you that a willfully false or misleading reply constitutes a separate violation made punishable under United States Code Title 18, Section 1001.


CC: FCC South Central Regional Director


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 17, 2005


Billy J. Benefiel
518 W Prairie Lea Street
Lockhart, TX 78644


RE: Warning Notice: Amateur Technician License W5BJB
Case #EB-2006-2796


Dear Mr. Benefiel:


Enclosed are complaints filed against the operation of your station. The complaints indicate that you have been operating on 7.290 MHz and other frequencies not authorized to you as a Technician Class licensee. The complaints further allege deliberate interference to ongoing communications. We note also that in a listing you submitted for an Amateur radio licensee database, you claim to be an Extra Class licensee. The complaints and your claim to be an Extra Class licensee raise serious issues regarding your qualifications to retain an Amateur license.


Section 308(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 308(b), gives the Commission the authority to obtain information from applicants and licensees about the operation of their station and their qualifications to remain a licensee. Accordingly, you are requested to review the complaints and respond in detail to this office within 20 days.


In an inquiry of this type we are required to notify you that a willfully false or misleading reply constitutes a separate violation made punishable under United States Code Title 18, Section 1001.


Enclosures: 3
cc: FCC South Central Regional Director


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 17, 2005


Cirilo M. Alvarado
5200B Martin Luther King Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95820


RE: Amateur Radio licenses N6RZL and KG6TXA--Repeater Operation
Case #EB-2006-2797


Dear Mr. Alvarado:


Enclosed is a complaint from the licensee of coordinated repeater K6ARC, Amador County Amateur radio Club, alleging that you are operating a repeater identifying as N6RZL/KG6TXA without coordination on 146.835 MHz and causing debilitating interference to K6ARC. The complaint alleges that you have been repeatedly made aware of the interference but have declined to take corrective action.


Section 97.205 of the Commission's rules states that where there is interference between a coordinated and an uncoordinated repeater, "the licensee of the uncoordinated repeater has primary responsibility to resolve the interference". Section 308(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Section 308(b), gives the Commission the authority to request information from a licensee regarding the operation of a radio station. Accordingly, you are requested to respond to this letter within 20 days from the above date, furnishing the following information.


1). Is your repeater N6RZL/KG6TXA coordinated for operation on 146.835 MHz? If so:


a). Furnish a copy of the coordination document


b). State the circumstances, if any, under which you are operating the repeater in a manner not consistent with the coordination.


2). If your repeater N6RZL/KG6TXA is not coordinated, or if it is coordinated but is not being operated in accordance with the coordination, state what, if any, action you have taken to obtain coordination.


3). Have you received complaints regarding the operation of the N6RZL/KG6TXA repeater on on 146.835 MHz? If so:


a). State the details of the complaints, if they were oral, and state what action, if any, you took to resolve them.


b). If the complaints were in writing, state what action, if any, you took in response to the complaints and furnish a copy of each complaint.


4). Describe in detail the configuration of the N6RZL/KG6TXA repeater system, including all sites, links and addresses, using diagrams where necessary.


In an inquiry of this type we are required to advise you that Congress has made punishable a willfully false or misleading reply to a letter of this type, and that the information you submit will be used to determine what, if any, action to take in this matter. See Title 18, Section 1001 of the United States Code. Address your response to 1270 Fairfield Road at the above letterhead address.


Enclosures: 18 pages
cc: FCC Western Regional Director


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

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