Feb. 24, 2015
Reliable, secure communication is as important on the ground as it is in the air, especially to pilots and passengers of NBAA Member Companies.
To provide a reliable connection, many travelers who use business aviation rely on personal Wi-Fi networks, or “hot spots,” said Doug Carr, the Association’s vice president of regulatory and international affairs. “NBAA is pleased to see that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is enforcing its regulations that prohibit the intentional blocking of hot spot networks.”
Calling it a “disturbing trend,” an FCC enforcement advisory said the agency is actively investigating hotels, commercial establishments and network operators that have purposely disrupted hot spot use on their premises, which leaves the facility’s paid Internet connection as the only alternative.
“Such action is illegal, and violations could lead to the assessment of substantial monetary penalties,” said the FCC.
Hot spot blocking has been deemed illegal by federal laws, which prohibit the operation, marketing or sale of any type of jamming equipment that interferes with cellular service, police radar, GPS and wireless networking. Investigating a jammed or blocked hot spot signal requires special equipment because jamming a hot spot signal is a capability of the Wi-Fi monitoring systems used by networks with multiple access points.
By manipulating the authenticating data packets of information required for connecting, the monitoring system controls the access points that will allow hot spot connections.
The FCC has the necessary equipment to investigate complaints provided by users. Before calling 1-885-55NOJAM, however, the FCC encourages users to first contact their service provider.
Rather than a blocked system, the inability to make a cell or Wi-Fi hot spot connection may be the result of unusually heavy call volume, natural obstructions, distance from the cell tower or a problem with the network’s service. However, if there are no reported problems, look for telling signs, such as unexpected dead zones and facility networks with connection fees, the FCC advises.
Review the FCC Enforcement Advisory.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.