WISPA Asks FCC to 'Modernize' OTARD

The Wireless ISP Association asked the FCC to “modernize” the over-the-air reception devices rule to apply to all fixed wireless transmitters and receivers, “so long as the equipment meets the existing size restrictions for customer-end equipment.” Extending OTARD to all fixed wireless equipment, “while maintaining the existing size limits and exceptions for safety and historical purposes -- regardless of whether it is used for reception, transmission, or both -- would be consistent with the original intent of OTARD, will accelerate the deployment of competitive broadband services in markets across the country, and will empower consumers to help bring competitive wireless broadband to their communities by hosting hub sites,” WISPA said in docket 17-79.