Cellular Signal Boosters Get FCC Look

The Federal Communications Commission launched an inquiry into whether cellular signal boosters need to be banned or regulated to prevent cell-site interference. Following requests by CTIA, booster maker Wilson Electronics and others, the FCC set a Feb. 5 deadline for comments and a Feb. 22 deadline for replies. Signal boosters extend a cellphone's range in the car or home in areas where signal strength is weak, and the CTIA contends that unauthorized or "inappropriately installed" signal boosters are causing interference in cellular carriers' networks. CTIA asked the FCC to "clarify that the sale or use of signal boosters without appropriate CMRS [commercial mobile radio service] licensee consent is unlawful," according to the FCC's public notice.