Practice Areas

Introducing New Technologies

Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, PLC.is a national leader in helping innovators bring new communications technologies to market. Proponents of creative wireless or broadband solutions often find their way blocked by FCC rules geared to older approaches. The more novel the idea, the more likely it is to encounter outdated legal obstacles.

We are very experienced at navigating the FCC's technical regulatory process. Our recent successes include Internet broadband via power lines, ultra-wideband communications devices, radio-based security equipment, and high-speed variations on spread spectrum. Other past and ongoing projects include millimeter wave communications, ground-penetrating radars, radio-based meter-reading systems, software-defined and cognitive radios, satellite-based location of mobile assets, new-generation police radar detectors, and many more. We also represent users of more conventional technologies, including mobile radio and fixed microwave, who seek to keep the FCC technical rules abreast of technical developments in their industries.

Our efforts on new technologies include advice on compliance, interpretation of existing rules, work with FCC laboratory personnel on approval procedures, requests for rule waivers, proceedings to amend FCC rules, and court action. When necessary, we defend companies charged with FCC rule violations. We have extensive experience with the arcane procedures that qualify radio-emitting products for sale in the United States, and the complex "marketing rules" that govern application of these procedures.