Microwave Radio Communications (MRC) wasn’t the only manufacturer to be investigated by the FCC for manufacturing, importing, marketing or selling 4.9 GHz microwave equipment. The FCC launched an investigation into Broadcast Microwave Systems’ (BMS) Carry-Coder II (CCII) COFDM Digital Wireless Camera System in May this year. However, unlike MRC, BMS was able to enter into a Consent Decree with the FCC instead of receiving a $7,000 notice of apparent liability, which is what the FCC calls a proposed fine.
As part of the consent decree, BMS agreed to make a $5,000 “voluntary contribution” to the U.S. Treasury. The company agreed that the CCII equipment it distributes on or after the effective date of the consent decree will comply with FCC rules. BMS also had to designate a “regulatory compliance engineer” to administer the regulatory compliance plan it must adopt and supervise BMS’s compliance with the Communications Act, FCC rules and the consent decree. The compliance engineer will also serve as the BMS point of contact for all commission-related compliance matters. This person will report to the president of BMS, who will retain ultimate responsibility within BMS “for determining whether the manufacture, importation, marketing, sale, lease, labeling and notice requirements for such devices are in compliance with the FCC Compliance Procedures.”
