LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
broadcasting in remote areas.
They are usually used with highly
directional antennae, which control
the aiming of the beam. These
companies are using them with
omnidirectional antennae, which do
not control the spread of unwanted
amplification. They operate on a
loophole in FCC rules that allows
for experimental or research use of
frequencies. It is not illegal to sell
or manufacture such devices, but
without proper permits, their use is
prohibited. (The companies leave this
simple fact out.) I do not advocate
the use of these products because of
the problems they cause.”
Later, by phone, he explained
that there were a lot of reports that
the 5MileWIFI system would block
some cell phone operations and
could often affect other wireless
devices, such as TV remotes. He
again emphasized that these types
of amplifiers were designed for
commercial use with directional
antennae (for building-to-building
function) and were not good for
omnidirectional use.
Are these comments valid?
Bill Wagner
Tampa, Florida
In our local marina, there are
three 5Mile WIFI systems operating,
and I asked folks aboard and ashore
whether they had experienced
any interference from these wi-fi
adapters/amplifiers. No one reported
having any problems.
I also forwarded your letter to
the 5MileWIFI company to learn
more about any permit requirements
or incidents of interference produced
by their product. A company
representative responded with the
following remarks:
“Thanks for the interesting
questions regarding potential
interference from our 5Mile WIFI
system. Our product, operating on the
2.4GHz (wi-fi) band, complies with all
applicable Federal Communications
Commission regulations in the United
States and is designed specifically to
minimize any possible interference
with other electronic devices.
The 2.4GHz band is reserved
internationally, under an International
Telecommunication Union treaty, as
a license-free band. It is commonly
known as the ISM (industrial,
scientific, and medical) band.
“In the United States, FCC
rules under Part 15. 147 allow up
to 1 watt of power output—at the
antenna—for devices in the ISM
band. The user absolutely does not
need any license or permit to use
any equipment in the wi-fi band.
There are limitations in other
