14 March 2002Overview of TCB ProgramSlide 1 Overview of FCC Telecommunication Certification Body Program

14 March 2002Overview of TCB ProgramSlide 2 Objectives To meet the Commission’s Mission: “The FCC's mission is to encourage competition in communications and to promote and support access for every American to existing and advanced telecommunications services.” ET Docket provided for: Private Certification Bodies known as Telecommunication Certification Bodies (TCBs); and Permit the certification of equipment by private organizations outside of the United States through Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)

14 March 2002Overview of TCB ProgramSlide 3 What is a TCB? A Telecommunication Certification Body is a Certification Body that has been accredited to ISO/IEC Guide 65 by a recognized Accrediting Organization and designated by the FCC to approve equipment subject to certification. A TCB is not a test laboratory, nor should it function in that capacity. As a TCB, it has certain rights and responsibilities. Foreign entities may become a TCB in accordance with the terms of a government-to-government Mutual Recognition Agreement/Arrangement.

14 March 2002Overview of TCB ProgramSlide 4 New Rules for TCBs FCC GEN Docket Establishes procedures for designating a Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB) Manufacturers have the option to choose a TCB or the FCC to obtain approval of a product subject to certification NIST identified as the accrediting organization Authority for US Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) A TCB must be accredited to ISO Guides 25 & 65

14 March 2002Overview of TCB ProgramSlide 5 TCB Scope of Responsibility A TCB (see § (e) and Public Notice, DA ) Is empowered to certify products in accordance with the FCC rules Must provide fair and equitable treatment Must accept test data from any source, subject to subcontracting clause in ISO Guide 65 and shall not unnecessarily repeat tests May assess fees for processing applications May rescind grant within 30 days

14 March 2002Overview of TCB ProgramSlide 6 All TCB actions are subject to FCC review All TCB actions are subject to FCC review TCB Limitations A TCB cannot (see §2.962(e)(5)) Waive the rules Take enforcement actions (refer to FCC) Certify a unique product for which there are no Rules Revoke a grant after 30 days Authorize transfer of control of a grantee

14 March 2002Overview of TCB ProgramSlide 7 TCB Implementation First TCB Training Course - December 1999 Measurement procedures for Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping Devices and UNII Devices - March 2000 Designation of first group of TCBs - June 2000 A total of 18 domestic TCBs were accredited. One was accredited for Part 68 only with the others accredited for most of other scopes

14 March 2002Overview of TCB ProgramSlide 8 TCB Implementation First TCB grants made via uploading application information into the FCC EAS computer - June 2001 European Union designates first foreign TCBs - January 2001 Release of OET 65, Supplement C - July 2001 SAR Training Course for TCBs - August 2001 Total of 31operational TCBs in the United States and Europe – March 2002

14 March 2002Overview of TCB ProgramSlide 9 Application Filing Trends The number of applications granted by TCBs have been steadily increasing since June of last year. One year since the program started the number of grants issued by TCBs exceeds the number of grants issued by the FCC. TCBs are granting approximately 75% of the total number of grants issued.

14 March 2002Overview of TCB ProgramSlide 10