Streamlining the Equipment Authorization Process; Implementation of Mutual Recognition Agreements and the GMPCS MOU

The Commission is amending the rules to provide the option of private sector approval of equipment that currently requires an approval by the Commission. It is also adopting rule changes to implement a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for product approvals with the European Community (EC), the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and to allow for similar agreements with other foreign trade partners. These actions will eliminate the need for manufacturers to wait for approval from the Commission before marketing equipment in the United States, thereby reducing the time needed to bring a product to market. The Commission is also adopting an interim procedure to issue equipment approvals for Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) terminals prior to domestic implementation of the GMPCS-MoU Arrangements. That action will benefit manufacturers of GMPCS terminals by allowing greater worldwide acceptance of their products.