How A Contractor Exploited A Vulnerability In The FCC Website (wirelessestimator.com)

RendonWI writes: A Wisconsin wireless contractor discovered a flaw in the FCC's Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) database, and changed the ownership of more than 40 towers from multiple carriers and tower owners into his company's name during the past five months without the rightful owners being notified by the agency, according to FCC documents and sources knowledgeable of the illegal transfers. Sprint, AT&T and key tower companies were targeted in the wide-ranging thefts... Changing ASR ownership is an easy process by applying online for an FCC Registration Number (FRN) which is instantly granted whether the factual or inaccurate information is provided. Then, once logged in, an FRN holder can submit a form stating that they are the new owner of any or multiple structures in the database. As soon as it is submitted, the change is immediately reflected in the ASR.

Comments

Summary?

[Rockoon]

Why doesnt the summary indicate in any way what was gained by the perpetrator in doing this?

To everyone wondering what was gained

[Anonymous Coward]

When I, a small wISP owner, want to access a tower I look up the tower owner in the FCC database. I then contact said owner and proceed to work out a lease agreement. When I, a small wisp owner, want a bank loan I attach my FCC Database records as part of proof of ownership. The structure itself very often does not have records with the county like land does. The land can be owned by J. Q. Public, Et Al. Now I have $12M worth of assets and can get a 3 to 5m loan with a very attractive rate because its so far under my asset value.