Over the past several years, the FCC has been very active in pursuing complaints of harmful interference from unlicensed Part 15 devices. Those cases that involve the Amateur Radio Service are generally addressed cooperatively between the FCC, ARRL, the involved Part 15 device operator and the Amateur Radio operator. The FCC Part 15 regulations are clear that the manufacturers of unlicensed devices must meet the appropriate conducted - or radiated-emissions requirements and that the operators of those devices are responsible for resolving any harmful interference to radio services that might occur from their use.

The following list links to copies of the FCC fines and forfeitures sent to Part 15 device operators and manufactures.  In each case, these actions concern interference to a licensed radio service:

• Rapidwave, NAL, July 28, 2011
• Communications Specialists, Inc., Consent Decree, February 27, 2007
• Behringer USA, Inc., Consent Decree, Februry 16, 2006
• Perfect Fit Industries, Inc., Consent Decree, February 10, 2005

 The following list links to copies of the FCC enforcement letters sent to Part 15 device operators about harmful interference reports:

NOTE: Issuance by the FCC of a Warning Notice indicates that the FCC has what it believes to be reliable evidence of possible rules infractions and not necessarily that the recipient has violated FCC rules. The FCC has the authority, pursuant to §97.519(d)(2) of the rules to readminister any examination element previously administered by a volunteer examiner. These enforcement letters are representative of recent Advisory Notices, Warning Notices, Notices of Violation and other FCC communications to licensees and others involving possible serious rules violations. Unless otherwise indicated, all letters were signed by FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Radio Enforcement Laura L. Smith. This listing is not a comprehensive record of FCC Amateur enforcement actions. Follow-up correspondence will be published as provided. Address all inquiries regarding this correspondence to FCC Special Counsel Laura L. Smith, Laura.Smith@fcc.gov.

Although the Commission expects and hopes that those responsible for unlicensed Part 15 emitters and related electrical equipment will voluntarily do what the rules require, they have followed up those cases that are not handled appropriately by the involved parties. The first step of this follow-up is generally an inquiry letter to device operator, from the Enforcement Bureau of the FCC. These letters explain the rules and the Commission's expectation that the operator of an unlicensed device must correct the harmful interference in a reasonable time frame.