The FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) has released a public notice seeking comment regarding the current state of the consumer signal booster market and any relevant technologies that should be considered now that the consumer signal booster rules have been in operation for three years. Among other goals, the WTB is looking to enhance “interference-mitigation” and other features in consumer signal boosters. In February 2013, the FCC implemented new rules permitting the general use of signal boosters by consumers, so long as the signal booster in question was authorized by the subscriber’s mobile service provider, did not interfere with any of the wireless networks in the area, and was certified by the FCC. The WTB now wants public input on the following: (1) the performance and effectiveness of new consumer signal boosters; (2) whether additional safeguards are necessary; (3) the effectiveness of the consumer signal booster registration system put in place by wireless providers; (4) the effectiveness of the Commission’s enforcement efforts; and (5) any other related issues regarding consumer signal boosters. Comments are due Wednesday, March 30, 2016 and reply comments are due Thursday, April 14, 2016.
