RF Device Conditional-Sale Restrictions Need Revision, Says FCC's O'Rielly

The FCC's decades-old prohibition on presale or conditional sale of RF devices, except to wholesalers and retailers, is "past its prime in today’s commercial marketplace," blogged Commissioner Mike O'Rielly Tuesday. Kickstarter presale of devices shows consumers want the option, he said, adding there's no discernable harm if a device is marketed before OK, and delivered to consumers after approval. That would let manufacturers gauge consumer interest before putting money and time into getting regulatory yes, he said. He urged an exception for advertising and retail display preparation purposes to FCC import rules for foreign-made RF devices that haven't received the agency's nod.