Use of illegal devices can result in £5,000 fine

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  • By Staff Reports
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Upon arrival to the U.K., Airmen assigned to RAF Mildenhall are warned against the use of certain U.S. cordless phones in country. What Airmen might not know is that using such devices may be preventing someone in the local area from placing an emergency phone call.

Cordless home phones, not to be confused with cell phones, and other cordless items purchased for use in the U.S. are interfering with cell phone towers here in the U.K., said Tech. Sgt. Duane Vandross, RAF Mildenhall Installation Spectrum manager. The interference occurs because cordless devices manufactured for use in the U.S. and Canada operate on a different frequency band than cordless phones designed for use in the U.K. and throughout Europe.

Baby monitors that were manufactured for us in the U.S. or Canada are examples of other U.S. cordless devices causing this same interference.

According to the U.K. Office of Communications, to prevent disruption of emergency services communications, the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 2006 bans the use or possession, without authorization, of all long-range cordless telephones or other such devices not designed to operate on approved U.K. and European frequencies.

If caught using such a device, the user will receive a warning or notification to cease using the device and unplug it immediately. If there is a second notification, the Office of Communications has the authority to issue the user a fine of up to £5,000 for the offense.

To ensure a device complies with EU specifications, look for an imprint or sticker on the base of the phone or baby monitor with a "CE" (Conformitѐ Europѐene) label. If that label is missing, do not use the phone.

To play it safe, do not use any cordless phone or baby monitoring device purchased in, or designed for use in, the U.S., said Vandross. Also make sure the "CE" label on the device is the correct one. Many confuse it for a similar label which stands for "consumer electronics."

Approved U.K.-compliant versions of cordless phones and baby monitors are sold in the Base Exchange and through local merchants.

For more information, please contact the RAF Mildenhall Installation Spectrum Management office at DSN 238-3737 or commercial 01638-543737.