> Check out this news on the CES show:
> http://apnews.excite.com/article/20100108/D9D3OF780.html
>
> "LAS VEGAS (AP) - The company behind the magicJack, the cheap Internet
> phone gadget that's been heavily promoted on TV, has made a new version
> of the device that allows free calls from cell phones in the home, in a
> fashion that's sure to draw protest from cellular carriers.
> The new magicJack uses, without permission, radio frequencies for which
> cellular carriers have paid billions of dollars for exclusive licenses.
> YMax Corp., which is based in Palm Beach, Fla., said this week at the
> International Consumers Electronics Show that it plans to start selling
> the device in about four months for $40, the same price as the original
> magicJack. As before, it will provide free calls to the U.S. and Canada
> for one year.
> The device is, in essence, a very small cellular tower for the home."

The company claims the FCC does not regulate RF in the home. I'm sure the
FCC would differ. I just did a search of the FCC equipment database for
YMax. Nothing shows up. I doubt the FCC will accept this.

There are, of course, FemtoCell stations that use VoIP to connect to the
cellular network. These are small privately owned base stations that are
used with permission of the cellular carrier.

Another interesting thing in the article is that at one point, it says it
will work with a cellphone within 8 feet. The next sentence says it will
cover a 3,000 square foot home. Interesting math there....

Harold


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