1. Purpose

   To ensure that radio frequency (RF) devices will be compatible and not interfere with existing installations, in accordance with Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulations.

   Radio Frequency communication (RF) is used for a wide range of purposes at Ohio University. This regulation establishes a Frequency Coordination Committee to oversee the operation of wireless RF devices on the main campus and to provide a mechanism of regulation and interference resolution.

2. Policy

   No two-way radio communication devices will be purchased or modified, and no FCC license to operate two-way radio communication devices will be obtained or modified, except pursuant to this policy.

   "Harmful interference" and "interference" are technical terms defined by the FCC, and are regulated under various rules depending on the type of device. In dealing with interference, the FCC usually orders the interfering device to cease operation until the issue is resolved, and, as specified below, that approach will also be taken internally by Ohio University.

   All units of Ohio University must register their existing RF devices using FCC-regulated frequencies with the appropriate Frequency Coordination Committee member, as indicated below. Units may choose to register non-FCC-regulated RF devices with the committee, in order to establish priority of use in the event of future interference problems. Before purchasing new RF devices, the unit must contact the appropriate committee member to ensure that operation of the proposed RF devices will create little or no interference with existing operations.

   In the event of interference by any RF device at Ohio University (either consumer, commercial, or industrial, whether operating on a regulated frequency, or not) with RF devices previously registered with the Committee, the interfering device must cease operation, until the issue is resolved by the Frequency Coordination Committee.

   This policy applies to all RF devices used on campus, including:

   1. wireless microphones, remotes and other devices operating in the VHF and UHF bands, and

   2. cordless phones, cell phones, remote cameras, wireless networking, and other commercial and consumer devices operating in the Gigahertz (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) frequency bands.

   This policy applies to RF devices operated by all units of Ohio University, including:

   1. Academic units -- Colleges, Departments, and Programs

   2. Support units -- IMTS, OLN, Residential Life, Broadcasting, Police, Security, Facilities Management, Athletics, Media Productions, Communication Network Services; and

   3. all other University departmental facilities operating on University property.

3. Procedures

   Prior to the purchase of RF devices, the purchasing unit must contact the appropriate member of the Frequency Coordination Committee, as established below.

   The appropriate Frequency Coordination Committee member will recommend frequency options based on the intended use, campus location, and existing RF devices.

   Prior to the purchase of a new, or modification of an existing, two-way radio capable of transmitting two Watts or more of power, the purchasing unit must first contact and obtain written approval of the Ohio University Police Department.

4. Committee Charge and Responsibilities

   The charge and responsibilities of the committee are:

   1. To provide a forum and technical clearinghouse to ensure interoperability of wireless devices in accordance with FCC and locally developed procedures on the main campus of Ohio University.

   2. To resolve issues of interoperability and interference resulting from the purchase and operation of RF devices within the confines of the Ohio University main campus. The committee shall be the sole arbitrating authority for RF interference problems within the campus and for Ohio University's response to RF interference problems involving the non-university community.

   3. To provide the point of contact for the university community and for the non-university community in discussion and resolution of interference and interoperability of RF devices (e.g., Athens City and County, Businesses, ODNR, AEP, and other governmental and commercial entities).

   4. To maintain a database of all major RF devices using FCC-regulated and unregulated frequencies, including the location or operational area of their use within or on the Athens campus of Ohio University.

   5. To give guidance and recommendations to academic and non-academic units on frequency and device selection in order to avoid interference with existing devices.

   6. To set standards for the campus in order to limit the purchase of devices that have a history of interference with other existing standards or devices, and to provide frequency spacing and limit frequency crowding in particular locations (e.g., Morton Hall, Grover, Bentley, Copeland, Bromley, etc.).

5. Membership

   Committee membership shall include at least one representative from each of the units listed below, who will take responsibility for the indicated uses:

   1. OUPD -- Public Safety and all RF devices transmitting two or more Watts

   2. IMTS -- Academic Units and Programs

   3. TCOM -- Broadcasting and Media Productions

   4. Facilities Management -- Facilities and Custodial support and contractor relations

   5. CNS -- Telephone and Computer network devices (Residential, Academic, and Non-Academic)

   The committee will be chaired by a representative from the Ohio University Police Department. Other members may be added at the discretion of the committee.

Reviewers

Proposed revisions of this policy should be reviewed by:

1. Policy and Procedure Review Committee

2. Director of Legal Affairs

3. Frequency Coordination Committee

4. Director of Procurement Services

Forms, References, and History

1. Forms

   There are no forms that are specific to this policy.

    

2. References

   There are no external items that are particularly relevant to this policy.

    

3. History

   Draft versions of this policy that were circulated for review, their cover memos, their forms, and Reviewers' comments on them are available on the password-protected Review site.

   Prior versions of this policy were approved on January 6, 2004, and February 21, 1990.