The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reminding manufacturers and retailers that, beginning March 25, 2011, fixed mounted digital selective calling (DSC) equipment built to RTCM Standard SC-101 may no longer be manufactured, imported, sold or installed.
As of the March 25th deadline, the Commission will also no longer accept applications for the certification of handheld portable DSC equipment that does not meet the requirements of International Telecommunications Union (ITU-R) Recommendation M.493-11 or higher and IEC 62238.
DSC equipment in used primarily in marine and boating applications. Devices meeting the older standard are being phased out in favor of equipment with newer features and functions, including improved detection of stress alerts, a reduced rate of false alarms, and a reduction in incessant alarming.
The FCC notes that DSC equipment installed prior to the March 25th deadline may continue to be used.
Read the Commission’s Notice regarding the DSC radio deadline.
