The FCC Enforcement Bureau warned all companies marketing RF devices they may be subject to new compliance requirements under supplier’s declaration of conformity (SDoC) procedures. “Before being marketed in the United States, devices subject to the SDoC procedures must be properly authorized, labeled, and furnished with the proper user information disclosures,” EB said Friday. “Failure to comply may subject the violator to substantial monetary penalties that could total more than $150,000 per violation.” The rules cover many consumer and commercial devices, including computer peripherals, LED signs, ultrasonic humidifiers and microwave ovens. EB posted a specific advisory to LED sign marketers, target of recent enforcement.

The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology approved a yearlong Ford Motor test of cellular vehicle-to-everything technology (C-V2X) in the 5.9 GHz band in California. “The proposed testing would support equipment research and development, field testing, and proof of concept,” Ford said. It's “integrating the C-V2X functionality into the Telematics Control Units (TCU) by using an add-on module that would attach to the TCU.” The automaker plans indoor and outdoor tests. The FCC could consider a broad-based Further NPRM on the 5.9 GHz band, rather than waiver sought by the 5G Automotive Association to use part of the band for C-V2X (see 1902140057). Ford asked for experimental authority in December.

The FCC asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to keep the stay on Portland, Oregon's challenge to the agency's ban on local moratoriums of wireless infrastructure deployments, on Friday (in Pacer) in Portland v. FCC, No. 18-72689. Three petitions for reconsideration are pending, with the FCC suspending work on them during the recent partial federal shutdown, the agency said. “Continued stay … is warranted because the pending agency reconsideration petitions raise the same issues that the City intends to argue before this Court. As a result, the FCC’s resolution of its reconsideration proceeding may simplify judicial review -- either by resolving issues that the Court would otherwise need to address, or by providing additional analysis on issues that ultimately remain in dispute.”

The Wireless Infrastructure Association’s Innovation & Technology Council said additional bandwidth and offloading options are needed as 5G is deployed. “Mobile data traffic will continue to increase exponentially, and service providers are seeking solutions to prevent future congestion,” WIA reported Thursday. “Offloading data traffic frees network capacity, while providing a consistently high quality of service. Customers can make and receive calls and texts, in addition to accessing data, over Wi-Fi or other local connections, including new Citizens Broadband Radio Service spectrum.”

Harris Wiltshire's Paul Margie spoke with William Davenport, new chief of staff to FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, on 6 GHz concerns of Apple and other companies he represents. Comments are due Friday in docket 18-295 on an NPRM commissioners approved in October (see 1810230038). Margie “expressed support for the NPRM’s framework, it’s recognition of the need for additional unlicensed frequencies, and the importance of FCC rules implementing this framework that would support the use of standard-power and lower-power devices throughout the band,” he filed, posted Thursday. Margie also represents Broadcom, Cisco, Facebook, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Microsoft.

The Wireless Bureau reminded 700 MHz guard band licensees and 220 MHz band managers of their obligation to file annual reports at the FCC on or before March 1, or face enforcement action. “Licensees must provide information about the manner in which the spectrum in each of their markets is being utilized,” the bureau said Wednesday. “The information provided should accurately convey the current level of service being offered in each licensed area, including information regarding coverage provided by Licensees’ operations and any spectrum lease agreements.”

T-Mobile representatives met FCC Public Safety Bureau staff on work restoring wireless service last year in the Florida Panhandle area after Hurricane Michael. Verizon officials reported on a similar meeting (see 1902120038). “The group generally discussed T-Mobile’s planning, preparation, response, and restoration activities, as well as its observations of what worked well in restoring service,” said a filing Tuesday in docket 18-339. T-Mobile said most of its network remained in operation: “For that portion of the network rendered inoperable as a result of the storm, loss of service largely was due to loss of power and backhaul service.”

The CBRS Alliance and Small Cell Forum agreed to “cooperate closely” on the citizens broadband radio service band rollout, on a "variety of initiatives related to the wide-scale adoption of small cells, network densification, and the development, commercialization and adoption of OnGo-certified solutions,” they said Wednesday. Collaboration areas “include investigating multi-operator solutions in the 3.5 GHz band, defining indoor solution architectures for densification, and exploring the international opportunity for Spectrum Access System-coordinated shared spectrum.”

The FCC Wireless Bureau refined policies for review of data on T-Mobile buying Sprint (see 1902130072). The bureau said Wednesday in docket 18-197 it will permit parties entitled to review highly confidential information under an earlier protective order to also review supplemental highly confidential information. Those who want access must agree that submission of the data “does not constitute a waiver, including but not limited to a subject matter waiver, of the Submitting Party’s claims of attorney-client privilege or work product protection with respect to any undisclosed communications, documents, or information,” the order said: “We find that allowing limited access to competitively sensitive materials that are claimed to be privileged pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Supplemental Protective Order allows the public (through appropriate representatives) to do so while also protecting this sensitive information from improper disclosure and use.”

Apple, Samsung and Fitbit dominated U.S. smartwatch sales, with 88 percent for the 12 months ended Nov. 30, reported NPD Tuesday, but traditional watchmakers including Fossil and fitness brand Garmin are adding share. The category gained 51 percent to nearly $5 billion, unit sales expanding 61 percent. Smartwatch sales have gained “strong momentum,” said analyst Weston Henderek, with built-in LTE the “tipping point” for consumers, freeing them from needing a smartphone nearby to receive notifications and messages and to access smart home controls. Sixteen percent of U.S. adults own a smartwatch, up from 12 percent two years ago. It's 23 percent among those 18-34 years old, and health features are expected to increasingly buoy sales of models such as Apple’s Watch 4 series among older consumers. Evolving uses will drive other demand, NPD said, noting 15 percent of smartwatch owners say they control home automation devices using their watch.