FCC Identifies Wireless Security Cameras as Interfering with T-Mobile 5G Network
A homeowner in York, Pennsylvania has landed in the cross hairs of the Federal Communication Commission. At the request of T-Mobile, FCC researchers concluded that three outdoor surveillance cameras operating in the 2500 MHz band can interfere with T-Mobile’s network.
After notification from T-Mobile, the Columbia Maryland FCC sent agents to attempt to confirm T-Mobile’s concerns. After using a direction-finding test, the agents found that the interference was emanating from wireless cameras located at the front and back of the home, along with one mounted in a tree. The FCC says that they told the homeowner how to change the settings in the cameras to avoid the interference, but the homeowner did not make the changes requested, even after multiple visits and communications with the FCC agents. In May 2023 the FCC said that the homeowner/camera operator could be fined up to $23,727 per day until the problem is rectified.
The rollout of 5G cellular service has created interference issues for some cellular carriers. The FCC has designated specific radio spectrum for 5G deployment, but there are a number of devices that can potentially interfere with 5G services. Locating and remediating RF interference issues is a location specific problem that the carriers and the FCC must first identify the offending device(s) and negotiate with the owners/users of the “outlaw” devices.
The use of radio spectrum is controlled by the FCC, who designate, by auction, which operator(s) can use which frequency ranges. The Frequency Range 1 (FR1) is from 410 to 7125 MHz, with FR2 being the range between 24.25GHz and 71GHz.
Like waterfront property, there is only a limited amount of radio spectrum that can be utilized for the many services and devices that use RF for communications, and many such devices have been in place and functional for years. As the build-out of 5G networks by cellular companies continues, there will likely be further interference issues that may affect surveillance and wireless alarm devices. And between the FCC and the large cellular companies such as T-Mobile, it is likely that installation contractors may have to change out offending equipment that is otherwise completely functional for its purpose.