FCC NPRM on Evaluation and Approval of RF Devices Raises Public Concerns
The FCC July NPRM proposing changes to rules for its evaluation and approval of RF devices is raising concerns for some members of the public, concerned the new rules would limit their ability to modify devices they purchase. Initial comments…
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on the NPRM are due Oct. 9, but dozens of short comments were posted in recent days in RM-11673. The FCC approved the NPRM July 17 and it was released four days later (see 1507210072). “Please do not prevent users from installing firmware on their own wireless devices,” wrote Hannah Howard of Los Angeles. “It's their right, and it benefits everyone, as users often patch security holes left open by the manufacturers.” John Chiasson of Pensacola, Florida, offered similar comments. “Wireless networking research depends on the ability of researchers to investigate and modify their devices,” he said. “Americans need the ability to fix security holes in their devices when the manufacturer chooses to not do so.” Trevor Best of Battle Ground, Washington, said the proposed rules would “so severely restrict user innovation and freedom as to stagnate creativity and new innovations that have often been driven by end users modifying open systems.”