FCC Rule 68: An Overview of Telecommunications Regulation
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rule 68 is a regulatory framework that was established to ensure that electronic equipment, specifically telephone devices, can be safely and effectively connected to the public telephone network. This rule outlines the technical standards and certification procedures that manufacturers must adhere to for their equipment to be approved for use.
Understanding the Technicalities
FCC Rule 68 mandates that devices like telephones, modems, and fax machines comply with specific technical requirements to prevent harm to the public telephone network. These requirements include standards for the ringer equivalence number (REN), which measures the device’s electrical load on the telephone line, and the USOC (Universal Service Order Codes) jack type, which ensures compatibility with telephone network jacks.
Protecting the Network and Consumers
The rule was designed to protect both the telephone network and consumers from potential issues such as electrical overloads, cross-talk, and other interferences that could disrupt service. Before Rule 68, the telephone company often provided all telephone equipment, but as the market opened up to third-party manufacturers, the need for a standardized set of rules became evident.
FAQs
Q: Why was FCC Rule 68 implemented?
A: To ensure that third-party telephone equipment was compatible with and would not damage the public telephone network.
Q: What does REN stand for?
A: Ringer Equivalence Number, a measure of the electrical load a device places on the telephone line.
Q: Are all telephone devices subject to FCC Rule 68?
A: Yes, any device intended to be connected to the public telephone network must comply with FCC Rule 68.
Definitions
Federal Communications Commission (FCC): A United States government agency that regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
Ringer Equivalence Number (REN): A numerical value that indicates the electrical load a telephone device imposes on the telephone line.
Universal Service Order Codes (USOC): Codes that represent the configuration of the telephone jack required for connecting devices to the public telephone network.