Check out this article from Wired Magazine and tell me if this is a new threat against all users of RF spectrum, or just hyperbole based on existing standards
Check out this article from Wired Magazine and tell me if this is a new threat against all users of RF spectrum, or just hyperbole based on existing standards
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/05/fcc-raid/
The only reports I've read that reach the point of a premises search seem to fall into two categories - long term, repeated refusal to comply with a specific request or a mystery emission.
An example of the former might include an operator broadcasting with high RF levels who has ignored the NOUO/Citatio/NAL communications and continues operation. Usually the FCC just uses letters and fines.
The latter includes wierd RF events like the person who received an NOUO because of undetermined, broad spectrum interference coming from a house. It turned out there was a defective DC to AC chip in a PC UPS and it was hashing the neighborhood.
Regarding the WIRED article's assertion that the observations of a FCC agent might lead to prosecution for non-spectrum issues like stolen cars in the back yard, most states have laws requiring all first responders to report any observed illegal activity.
Here in Washington State our EMTs, Firefighters, animal control officers and utility personnel, among others, are expected to report any observations of suspicious or illegal activites during a call.