Wilson Electronics Responds to FCC Vote on Consumer Cellular Signal Boosters

ST. GEORGE, Utah, Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilson Electronics (www.WilsonElectronics.com), North America's leading manufacturer of cellular signal boosters, issued the following statement in reaction to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) vote today adopting a report and order, which increases technical requirements for cellular signal booster specifications and defines their use by consumers. Joe Banos, Wilson COO, offered these remarks.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120814/CL56896LOGO )

"Wilson Electronics applauds the adoption of FCC certification specifications for consumer cell phone signal boosters, which will eliminate poorly designed products that currently plague the market, and have been a source of cell site interference. 

"Today's outcome is a major victory not only for our industry, but also for the end users who benefit from added levels of safety, security and satisfaction with their service through the use of signal boosters.

"We realize the issue of third-party signal boosters operating under cellular carriers' licenses is complex, and we commend the FCC, its Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, and all the parties that assisted in developing the approved standards and finding a solution to an issue that once seemed insurmountable.

"Wilson would also like to recognize the leadership provided by Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T. These carriers undoubtedly had the best interests of their customers in mind throughout this process, and we look forward to reaching out to the remaining carriers as they adopt the industry's position.

"Wilson Electronics, a U.S.-based manufacturer and the undisputed leader in the design and production of cellular signal boosting equipment that works to support the integrity of cellular networks, is poised to submit equipment compliant with the new technical requirements as soon as the FCC sets up the procedure for signal booster certification."

Highlights from today's FCC vote:

• The vote by FCC Commissioners passed unanimously
• Beginning March 1^st, 2014, consumer signal boosters sold in the U.S. will have to comply with the technical specifications adopted today
• AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon – have already filed with the FCC their intent to give consent for signal boosters that meet the technical specifications adopted today
• The Webcast of the FCC meeting can be found here: http://www.fcc.gov/events/open-commission-meeting-february-2013

Background
In November of 2007 citing concerns over possible interference on cellular networks, CTIA-The Wireless Association® petitioned the FCC for a ruling that would prohibit their customers from using any consumer cellular signal boosting devices.

In November of 2009, Wilson Electronics filed a Request for Rule Change asking the FCC to increase the technical certification standards that cellular signal boosters must meet to gain FCC approval. Wilson's position was that properly designed boosters could be helpful to consumers without creating cellular network interference.

In April of 2011 the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to facilitate development and deployment of well-designed signal boosters, which, the FCC noted ". . . hold great potential to empower consumers in rural and underserved areas to improve their wireless coverage in their homes, at their jobs, and when they travel by car, recreational vehicle, or boat." Shortly after, Verizon Wireless contacted Wilson about jointly developing adequate specifications for consumer boosters.

In March of 2012, Wilson, Verizon Wireless, and independent telecommunications engineering firm V-COMM jointly filed with the FCC proposed technical specifications for consumer cellular signal boosters. Later in the year, T-Mobile added their voice in support of the specifications in a subsequent joint filing. Those specifications are the basis of today's FCC vote.

About Wilson Electronics, Inc.
Wilson Electronics, Inc., a leader in the wireless communications industry for more than 40 years, designs and manufactures a wide variety of cell phone signal boosters, antennas and related components that significantly improve cellular communication in mobile, indoor, and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. All Wilson products are engineered, assembled and tested in the company's U.S.-based headquarters. Wilson boosters fully comply with FCC regulations for cellular devices and are FCC type accepted and Industry Canada certificated. All Wilson Electronics boosters employ techniques, which prevent the possibility of interference with any nearby cell tower. For more information, visit www.wilsonelectronics.com.

SOURCE Wilson Electronics, Inc.