The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) has extended the cell phone signal booster sale deadline until April 30, 2014, a 60-day extension, due to unexpected complexities in the rules, coupled with delays, in part, due to the government shutdown, in the finalization of comprehensive test procedures.
“We find that a short extension of 60 days, until April 30, 2014, is warranted to allow for adequate review and testing of these devices and to allow others to complete testing of their devices and apply for certification,” says the WTB.
“The Commission staff is committed to working expeditiously with TCBs to review and process these applications and the Bureau expects that some manufacturers will have compliant products in the market well in advance of that date.”
The delay is a “good outcome” for manufacturers and for the cell signal booster industry, according to Robert Van Buskirk, president and CEO of Wilson Electronics.
“We will continue to work to actively obtain our remaining required certifications and to provide to our customers FCC complaint product solutions as soon as practical.”
Wilson Electronics’ AG Pro Quint was the first signal booster certified to meet the FCC’s new technical standards that ensure cell phone signal boosters don’t interfere with wireless networks and emergency phone calls. The AG Pro Quint enhances 4G and earlier-generation signals for all major U.S. cellular carriers’ networks.
A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling early in 2013 set technical requirements for consumer and cell signal boosters.
