Why does FCC Require the Acceptance of Interference?

Goat Milk? asks: "I was just wondering if someone knew why on most electronic devices it states that it must not create unwanted interference, but also say they must accept any unwanted interference. Why must they accept it? Who does it benefit for my hardware to accept interference?"

Comments

Its a hierarchy, you are at the bottom

[anticypher]

This used to be a question on the FCC first class license exam.

There is a hierarchy of certifications, based on the utility of the device to the public good.

At the top is civil defence and emergency communications. Nobody can interfere with them. They can interfere with just about anyone and get away with it.

Then comes public safety, such as aeronautics comms, police and ambulance. Nobody should interfere with them, but no guarantees. Pilots occasionally note some interference from government comms, but can't do much more than switch to another frequency.

Further down the list are public broadcast stations, radio and TV. They are also serving the public good, unless you look at their bland content :-) Normal people should not be interfering with TV broadcasts, this means your power drill or computer interfering with your neighbors soap opera is a bad thing. If your neighbor complains, you must stop using your drill or switch off your computer.

At the bottom of the shitpile is consumer electronics. If a TV transmitter is interfering with your gear, tough shit. You have to accept the interference. No complaining. Your device also can not create any interference with any of the more privileged services such as airplane radios or emergency comms.

the AC