FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: Can a grantee permit users, professional installers or authorized service dealers to set the RF parameters or conditions of operations for an approved transmitter by setting country code, or other software configuration controls to ensure compliance? I.E. is it sufficient to provide in the user manual a statement similar to: “WARNING: Select only the country in which you are using the device. Any other selection will make the operation of this device illegal.”?

Attachment 594280 D01 Configuration Control provides guidance on permissible options and restrictions on configuration controls for devices not approved as Software Defined Radios.

Further, the Commission revised (FCC 14-30, ET Docket No. 13-39) the rules (effective June 2, 2014) for U-NII devices operating under Part 15 rules to require all devices to implement software security to ensure that the devices operate as authorized and cannot be modified. Attachment 594280 D02 UNII Device Security provides guidance on the information that must be provided in the application filing to show that proper security is implemented in the device.

The Commission has established a transition period as follows:

• New devices will be permitted to be approved under the old rules for until June 1, 2015.
• Starting June 2, 2016, permissive changes will not be permitted for devices approved under the old rules, unless they meet the requirements of the new rules.
• All devices partially or completely approved under the old rules cannot be marketed starting June 2, 2016 unless they meet the requirements of the new rules in all the bands of operation.
• Applications for devices for approval under the new rules must apply all of the applicable test procedures for such devices and provide software security documentation as discussed in the guidance 594280 D02 U-NII Device Security. This also applies to all applications for new devices and applications for permissive changes of previously approved devices under the new rules. Further SDR devices must also provide software security documentation as discussed in the guidance 594280 D02 U-NII Device Security and KDB Publication 442812.
• For further information on transition rules and requirements for permissive changes of already approved devices refer to KDB Publication 926956.

Note: Effective January 1, 2015 equipment authorization applications for all new Wi-Fi Client devices capable of operating on Channels 12 and 13 (in 2.4 GHz band under Part 15 rules) must demonstrate compliance with the guidance in 594280 D01 Configuration Control. Wi-Fi Client devices capable of operating on Channels 12 and 13 approved prior to that date and otherwise relying on passive scanning modes may be marketed without modification after that date.

Guidance On Software Or Network Configuration Of Non-SDR Devices To Ensure Compliance (594280 D01 Software Configuration Control v02r01)

Software Security Requirements For U-NII Devices (594280 D02 U-NII Device Security v01r03)

Question: What standards are applicable with respect to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada?

The full list of RSS Standards can be accessed publicly, here:

Radio Standards Specifications

For other categories of standards (BETS, CS-03, etc.), Please follow the below link:
ISED Canada Standards page

Question: What is the FCC guidance for equipment authorization of transmitter module devices, and equipment that incorporates transmitter modules?

See the guidance for transmitter module devices in the following links:

996369 D01 Module Certification Guide v02 provides a guide for equipment authorization applications under Section 15.212 modular transmitters;

996369 D02 Module Q&A v01 provides additional guidance in a question and answer format;

996369 D03 OEM Manual v01 provides guidance to grantees (applicants) seeking to certify a modular transmitter (module) and the key elements to be reviewed by a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) during the certification process;

996369 D04 Module Integration Guide V01 provides guidance to host product manufactures.

Note: 996369 D03 and D04 are effective May 1, 2019, although we encourage parties to follow the guidance immediately.

Submitting Complaints about BACL Testing or Certification services

Complaints are required to be submitted by e-mail to BACL at the following e-mail address: qa@baclcorp.com

If an issue is experienced with one of BACL’s electronic systems, please provide the details of this issue through this same channel.

Please indicate in your message that the report is a complaint and submit your issue in as full detail as possible to minimize information-related delays.

Receipts of complaints or issues to BACL are acknowledged at the email address provided by the submitting individual. We will review and document issues, complaints, and problems to determine the nature of the issue.

BACL is committed to ensuring that decisions made in resolving the complaint or issue submitted are impartially made. A timeframe for the decision on the complaint or issue reported will be provided to the submitting individual in as timely a manner as is possible.

If the submitting individual ultimately is not satisfied with BACL’s resolution, they may file an

Appeal addressed specifically to the BACL Appeals Committee at bacl.regulatory@baclcorp.com.

Resolving Appeals and Disputes

BACL Appeals Committee reviews complaints or disputes and will provide a notice for a hearing to affected parties at least 30 days prior to the hearing date. Retaining experts on the issues being disputed to enter the discussion is strongly recommended.  Depending on the circumstances of the appeal or dispute, the involvement of accreditation and/or regulatory organizations may apply.

A transcript of the hearing will be available to each involved party within 5 business days along with the Appeals Committee’s decision notice.

Further Questions:

If your question was not answered, or you have any concerns, complaints, or feedback, feel free to call us at 408-732-9162, or contact us at the email addresses on our contact page