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Background
Cable television systems use radio
frequency (RF) signals transmitted over cables to provide
television and data services to customers. Normally, these RF
signals do not cause interference when cable systems comply with
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules for limiting
interference. Occasionally, however, cable television system
signals can “leak.” Cable signal leaks occur when the RF signals
transmitted within a cable system are not properly contained
within the cable plant. Cable signal leaks can be caused by
loose connectors, cracked or unterminated cables, and damaged
plant.
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Why Is It Important to Determine
Leakage?
Cable television
systems and licensed over-the-air broadcasters use many
of the same frequencies to transmit programming.
Specifically, cable systems use TV, radio, and
aeronautical radio channels, among others, within their
cable plant. Cable operators are considered the
secondary users of these frequencies; therefore they
must not interfere with the licensed over-the-air users
who are the protected (primary) users of these
frequencies.
What Problems Can Signal Leakage
Cause?
Cable signal leakage
can interfere with any of the over-the-air services that
happen to be using the same frequencies as the cable
operator and that are within the vicinity of the cable
system. Such interference, especially on the emergency
channels, can interfere with the communications of
safety personnel or airplane pilots. When such
interference occurs, it can endanger the lives or hamper
the rescue efforts of safety personnel. |
What are the FCC Rules Governing Signal Leakage?
The FCC has set maximum individual signal
leakage levels for cable systems. The FCC sets even more
stringent limits for cable systems that may interfere with
aeronautical and navigation communications. As a further
measure, the FCC requires cable operators to have a periodic,
on-going program to inspect, locate, and repair leaks on their
systems.
Does a Cable Operator Need to Come into My Home to Monitor for
Signal Leakage?
Usually, no. Cable operators can use
equipment to locate the general area of a leak. To pinpoint a
leakage source for subsequent repair, however, the cable
operator may request access to your home.
Am I Required to Let the Cable Operator into My Home to Monitor
for and Repair Signal Leakage?
Homeowners have the right to deny access to
their premises. If a leak cannot be repaired without access to
your home, however, a cable operator can disconnect your service
for denied access.
Can My Cable Operator Terminate My Service Because of Signal
Leakage?
The FCC’s rules allow cable operators to
disconnect service in order to repair signal leakage that
exceeds FCC standards. The operator restores service when the
signal leakage problem is remedied, and may not charge you for
service while it is disconnected.
Is the Cable Operator Responsible for Repairing the Signal
Leakage on Subscriber-owned Equipment?
No.
Can I Hook Up a Second Set Myself?
In terms of the signal leakage rules, yes,
but because the cable operator is responsible for leakage from
the wiring, the operator can either refuse to connect to it or
terminate service if the hook up causes signal leakage problems.
Is Signal Leakage Biologically Harmful?
The power levels used in a cable system are
low. Therefore, it is unlikely that cable signal leakage from a
cable facility will exceed the FCC’s RF allowable limits for RF
exposure.
Filing a Complaint with the FCC
If you experience interference that you
think may be caused by signal leakage, first try to resolve the
problem with your cable operator. If you cannot resolve the
problem directly, you can file a complaint with the FCC. There
is no charge for filing a complaint. You can file your complaint
using the on-line complaint Form 2000D found at
www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html.
You can also file your complaint with the FCC’s Consumer Center
by e-mailing fccinfo@fcc.gov;
calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC
(1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554.
What to Include in Your Complaint
The best way for you to provide all the
information the FCC needs to process your complaint is to
complete fully the on-line complaint Form 2000D. If you do not
use the on-line complaint Form 2000D, your complaint, at a
minimum, should indicate:
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your name, address, e-mail address, and
phone number where you can be reached;
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the name and phone number of the
company that you are complaining about and location (city
and state) if the company is a cable or satellite operator;
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television station call sign (WZUE), TV
channel (13), and location (city and state);
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date, time, and description of incident
if your complaint is about interference to emergency or
public safety services or devices or compliance with
Emergency Alert System requirements;
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manufacturer’s name and address, model
number, retailer name and address, and description of
incident if your complaint is about interference to
emergency or public safety services or devices from a piece
of equipment;
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tower owner, address or location of
tower, and description of problem if your complaint is about
problems with a wireless or broadcast tower;
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details about any other emergency or
public safety problem, including date, time, nature of
problem, and identifying information for any companies,
organizations, or persons involved.
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For More Information
For information about other
telecommunications issues, visit the FCC’s Consumer & Governmental
Affairs Bureau Web site at www.fcc.gov/cgb, or
contact the FCC’s Consumer Center using the information provided
for filing a complaint.
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Federal Communications Commission
