There are two very distinct issues in thos post...
One is using a third party antenna, with a radio, that it is not certified
with, and installing an uncertified system.
Two is running a equipment above allowable EIRPs.
As for "one", as you have mentioned to me before, installing a StarOS or
Mikrotik system, equally is an uncertified system. But we often justify it
by understanding that our systems are within limits, and could be made FCC
compiant if the expense was taken to go through the process. And
technically most of us want that ability, to pick and chose the best
antennas for our equipment. And off record, the word is the FCC isn't going
to go after WISPs using uncertiufied systems as long as they are operating
within FCC EIRP levels. So its hard to fight that one. The best that can be
done is use certified systems yourself when you can and support the vendors
that sell certified systems.
As for "two" thats where you must draw the line. Installing a dish does not
make the 5.2 gear uncertifiable or above FCC limits, if the 5.2 gear drops
its power level accordingly. A 28db 2ft dish can be used if they drop their
TX to 0 dbm. Or even neg numbers. Trango allows this, Does Canopy? Are
they actually running the CPEs or APs above EIRP limits, without turning
their power down to the appropriate level? If you can prove that they are
over powering, then you ahve a case and should report to the FCC. And there
is one reason for that. If they over power in your area, they will most
likely force you to over power to stay above them, and the vicious circle
starts. If they are in fact broadcasting over the legal limits, the FCC
will inforce policy, from what I understand. But you are going to have to
deliver proof to them that it is happening. If the FCC has strong reason to
believe that they are running at legal limits, and the WISP does not comply
on request, then the FCC can use the non-compliance to FCC certified systems
to inforce compliance, if its to hard to prove when the customer turns the
power down or back up again to be out or in compliance.
I'd argue that you almost have an obligation to the industry to report a
company that is heavilly abusing the rules for 1000s of installed systems.
It gives WISPs a bad name. But I think we also need to use our own
judgement on when a hand needs slapping. For example, if someone is located
in the middle of a forrest, and they bump up the EIRP with a high gain YAGI,
is it really doing any harm, knowing that the trees absorb most of the extra
power, and has no more impact on the environment than a legal system located
on the edge of the forest.
So my opinion is, if they are doing harm to the RF environment in the
communities, due to illegal limits, you should report them. But make sure
you've done your home work, so you don't make false accusations.
These are all hard questions and the reason is because, no body wants to be
the bad guy. The FCC isn't going to shut down an WISP that is providing the
only option for Broadband to it's subscribers in an underserved rural area,
without good cause. And turning the power down and narrowing the beam width
helps prevent interference, not cause it.
Just my 2 cents.
Tom DeReggi
RapidDSL & Wireless, Inc
IntAirNet- Fixed Wireless Broadband
----- Original Message -----
From: "Travis Johnson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>; "WISP" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "WISPA
General List" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2006 5:58 PM
Subject: [WISPA] illegal CPE installs
Hi,
Curious to everyone's thoughts about a regional WISP installing illegal
CPE units? They are using Last Mile Gear 120degree Canopy 120 degree
sectors (5.2GHz) and then putting the Canopy 5.2GHz SM in dishes at
customer locations. I am talking about thousands of CPE installed this way
and doing more every day. This company covers several western states
(Idaho, Utah, Nevada, etc.) and also does Dish Network satellite TV
installs.
Is this OK? What are everyone's thoughts?
Travis
Microserv
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