Direct Media Power
Reports the team at Direct Media Power, complaints made to the FCC regarding radio interference may save more than just airspace – it could save lives. In July of 2012, Glenn Yamada of Kenai, Alaska, was charged with violating the FCC’s Communications Act of 1934 for tampering with the airwaves used by Air Traffic Control.
Wood Dale, IL – November 12, 2012 – In 2012, the FCC received reports of interference with a specific radio broadcast frequency, reports Direct Media Power. Complaints were submitted by an unnamed source and stated that an unidentified individual was using airwaves sanctioned for North Atlantic traffic control. Alaskan native Glen Yamada was tracked down by authorities, relays Direct Media Power. Complaints filed offered ample information to locate the signal, which ended this potentially fatal situation.
As reported by Direct Media Power, complaints noted that the source of the interference was talking over the frequency and interrupting controllers trying to guide aircraft in for landing. Direct Media Power credits complaints such as this for keeping the airwaves open for emergency services.
According to Direct Media Power, complaints about radio frequency intrusion are not that uncommon. The FCC has an entire department dedicated to handling reports of this type of violation, says Direct Media Power. Complaints may be filed with the FCC and need to include ample information for the Commission to determine the cause of the unwanted radio chatter. According to Direct Media Power, complaints are reviewed and filtered into local or regional departments for further investigation.
In the Yamada case, Direct Media Power says complaints were compelling enough to involve local police. The Kenai police department escorted an FCC agent to the coordinates from which the signal originated. The agent witnessed Mr. Yamada’s personal CB radio set up and confirmed that Yamada was unlicensed. According to Direct Media Power, complaints led the agent to determine which frequency Yamada was piggy-backing on, allowing the agent to halt the dangerous activity quickly. Yamada was charged and fined $12,500.
This case brings up other issues with the airways, says Direct Media Power. Complaints from Oakland, California, police this fall insist that AT&T’s closure of certain cellular transmitters has caused issues with the department. According to Direct Media Power, complaints from officers of a dead zone started coming in after the cellular services provider powered down 16 transmitters due to radio interference.
According to Direct Media Power, complaints from other police departments over the years add to the growing need for consumers to fight back against radio interference. In 2007, a teenager in Boston was arrested for allegedly tampering with the local police radio frequency.
Incidents like these suggest more effort should be put forth by governing bodies to ensure that emergency signals are not altered, says Direct Media Power. Complaints are sometimes the only recourse the public may have to ensure that agencies, like the FCC, are aware of potentially dangerous situations.
Direct Media Power is a marketing agency that exclusively utilizes a radio platform. Direct Media Power strongly encourages consumers to contact the FCC online at www.fcc.gov/complaints with information regarding persons intentionally altering the airways.
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