Have you ever used a Skype phone or a VoIP phone purchased from overseas? You may have bagged a bargain on eBay or some other online merchant, but chances are the device is not meant for use in Malta.
The Malta Communications Authority has embarked on a campaign to make users of wireless equipment aware that they could be using devices that are not intended for use in Malta, and could cause interference with other wireless equipment like mobile communication.
According to the MCA, this is the result of Maltese consumers buying lower priced equipment from abroad or online, which operates on a frequency band which is not assigned for use by that specific type of device in Europe.
“We have had instances where wireless DECT phones have interfered with the provision of the 3G mobile phone service,” an MCA spokesman explained. “We have indications that the equipment causing this interference has been purchased from American or Asian markets. Equipment from these continents is generally not intended to be operated in Europe, unless it is specifically manufactured for the European market. A sizeable quantity of equipment found to be causing interference locally indeed belonged to expats who returned to Malta from the US or Canada.”
Wireless equipment is classified into two different categories: Class 1 and Class 2. Class 1 equipment or devices can be used safely in Malta and do not require any type of licence. This includes access control devices, such as remote controls for automated doors and gates, alarms and movement detectors, closed-circuit television, cordless audio devices, including wireless microphones, wireless local area network equipment (Wi-Fi routers), medical implants, and remote controls.
Any equipment classified as Class 1 can be purchased freely as long as the equipment or devices carry the ‘CE’ mark and is set to operate on European standards. Some equipment can operate on both US and European standards. It is important that this is set to operate on the EU standard if to be used locally. Any other equipment most likely falls under Class 2. Such equipment has to be licensed by the MCA before purchase or import. In addition to the CE mark, all Class 2 equipment carry an alert sign “(!)” adjacent to the CE.
The MCA said the cases that have been encountered to date relate to equipment that is classified as Class 1 equipment.
“Where unauthorised use of Class 2 equipment is encountered, the MCA will ask the user to refrain from making further use of the equipment. It may also ask the user to deliver the equipment to the authority depending on the case. It may also seize and, or retain any such equipment, or cause the use of any such equipment to be restricted in any manner, under conditions and a period of time as specified by the authority.”
The MCA insists consumers need to be aware that any wireless equipment purchased online or from overseas must be compliant with European standards and guidelines and must bear the “CE” mark. Consumers should clear any equipment classified as ‘Class 2’ with the MCA before making a purchase. ‘Class 1’ equipment can be purchased freely as no license is required. Equipment with dual standards (that is, equipment bought from Europe and the US) can be used locally as long as these operate on the ‘European’ mode and on the right frequency.
Consumers should contact the MCA on any equipment classified as Class 2 before making a purchase. For information call the MCA on 2133 6840 or e-mail info@mca.org.mt.