FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

FACT SHEET

September 1997

CABLE TELEVISION

FACT SHEET

CABLE SIGNAL LEAKAGE

Q: What is signal leakage?

A: Signal leakage occurs when the frequencies transmitted within a cable system are not properly contained within the cable plant. Leakage may be caused by loose connectors; cracked or unterminated cables; and damage caused by accidents, such as cars knocking over poles supporting cable wires.

Q: What frequencies are used by cable operators?

A: Cable television systems transmit the same frequencies within their cables as a multitude of licensed over-the-air users. These over-the-air users include TV and radio stations, police and fire safety services and aeronautical radio services, among others. It should be noted that cable operators are the secondary users of these frequencies, therefore they must not interfere with the licensed over-the-air users who are the protected (primary) users of these frequencies.

Q: What problems can signal leakage cause?

A: Cable signal leakage can interfere with any of the radio services that happen to be using the same frequencies as the cable operator within the vicinity of the cable system. Such interference, especially on the safety-of-life radio services, can disable the communications of safety personnel or airplane pilots. When such interference occurs, it can endanger the lives of the public and hamper the rescue efforts of safety personnel.

Q: Can signal leakage interfere with aircraft navigational and communications equipment?

A: Yes, there have been several documented cases of interference to aeronautical communications between airplanes and air traffic control.

Q: What are the FCC's rules governing signal leakage?

A: The FCC has set maximum individual signal leakage levels for cable systems. As a further prevention, the FCC requires cable operators to have a periodic on-going program to inspect, locate and repair leaks on their systems. In light of the potential for catastrophic harm which may be caused by a cable system interfering with aeronautical navigational and communications radio systems, the Commission requires more stringent regulations for cable systems that use aeronautical frequencies.

Q: Does the FCC require me to use the coaxial cable provided and installed by the cable operator?

A: No. However, a cable operator may choose not to connect to cabling that does not meet system signal leakage integrity standards and therefore, may cause signal leakage problems to the cable operator. The coaxial cables used by the cable operator generally contain additional protective shields to prevent signal leakage.

Q: Can I hook up a second set myself?

A: In terms of the signal leakage rules, yes, but since the cable operator is responsible for leakage from the wiring, the operator can either refuse to connect to it or terminate service if the hook up causes signal leakage problems.

Q: Does a cable operator need to come into my home to monitor for signal leakage?

A: Generally no. Cable operators can use equipment to locate the general vicinity of a leak. However, sometimes to pinpoint a leakage source for subsequent repair, they may need access.

Q: Can I monitor for signal leakage myself?

A: Yes, however, self-monitoring may not relieve the signal leakage responsibilities for the cable operator under the Commission's rules. In short, the cable operator may still need to fulfill its monitoring and reparation of leaks requirements under the Commission's rules. Therefore, if the cable operator detected signal leakage problems from within your premises, they still have to remedy the problem and/or disconnect you.

Q: Am I required to let the cable operator into my home to monitor for and repair signal leakage?

A: No. Homeowners reserve the right to deny access to their premises. However, the cable operator can disconnect service to you if the leak cannot be repaired without such access.

Q: Can my cable operator terminate my service because of signal leakage?

A: Yes. The FCC requires cable operators to repair signal leakage in excess of our standards. The cable operator may discontinue service until the problem is remedied.

Q: Is the cable operator responsible for repairing the signal leakage on subscriber-owned equipment?

A: No.

Q: I believe the cable company is interfering with my home electronics equipment. Who do I contact to report this?

A: Determine whether the interference is caused by the cable system. Then, determine whether the equipment is properly shielded from over-the-air interference. Finally, contact the cable company to see if they are experiencing similar problems with other cable subscribers in your area. If the cable company cannot resolve the problem at this juncture, contact the FCC.

Q: Is signal leakage harmful?

A: The frequencies used by cable operators are the same frequencies that already exist in the air. The power levels used in a cable system are also low. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that the signal leaking from a cable plant is harmful.

Q: Does my TV or VCR leak?

A: All electronic equipment is allowed to leak so long as the leak does not exceed the maximum level allowed by the Commission's rules. These rules generally control the interference potentials from home equipment to over-the-air users.

Q: Who enforces signal leakage, the local municipalities or the FCC?

A: FCC.