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FCC Citing Businesses with Violations

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is citing businesses with violations because their digital signs are operating at Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) levels not allowed under federal law and therefore interfere with the wireless spectrum. This interference can affect emergency response service as well as commercial wireless devices. These violations are usually a result of the digital signs not being in compliance with FCC regulations.

ISA urges all sign, graphics and visual communications companies to comply with relevant federal law, including FCC regulations. For example, Subpart B of Section 15 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), requires that digital devices—including digital signs—sold in the United States be tested by accredited laboratories under normal operating conditions to demonstrate compliance to the FCC rules, and that they carry the required two-part warning label or certificate of compliance. Please consult your attorney to determine the applicable requirements under federal law for your products and services

If not in compliance, the “unintentional” interference or noise from digital signs could potentially impact the operation of wireless devices in close proximity. If a digital sign is found to be in violation, the sign’s owner or manufacturer may have to pay a fine and, if the sign cannot be brought into compliance, it can no longer be used.

Check out ISA’s FCC FAQ page to better understand our industry’s compliance responsibilities under the law.

If you have any questions about complying with the FCC regulations, please contact David Hickey, ISA vice president of advocacy at (703) 797-0479.

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