ARRL: FCC Should Keep Reins of Equipment Certification Process

The ARRL is urging the FCC not to grant private organizations greater authority in certifying that RF devices comply with commission rules and do not cause harmful interference. According to the ARRL Letter, much of this work is already done by so-called "telecommunication certification bodies" or "TCBs," but under FCC oversight and following an initial FCC evaluation of new products. In reply comments on a proceeding seeking to outsource all equipment authorizations to TCBs, the ARRL joined the National Association of Broadcasters in questioning the bodies' track record on accuracy and transparency, and noted that enforcement of FCC rules "is the proper task of the Commission's staff."