Overview of FCC Telecommunication Certification Body Program

1. Overview of FCCTelecommunication Certification Body Program Overview of TCB Program

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 98-68 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) Overview of TCB Program

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. Overview of TCB Program

4. New Rules for TCBs • FCC GEN Docket 98-68 • 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 Overview of TCB Program

5. TCB Scope of Responsibility • A TCB (see § 2.962 (e) and Public Notice, DA 99-1640) • 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 Overview of TCB Program

6. 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 All TCB actions are subject to FCC review Overview of TCB Program

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 Overview of TCB Program

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 Overview of TCB Program

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. Overview of TCB Program

10. Overview of TCB Program