TELEPHONE INTERFERENCE
BACKGROUND
If you can hear a radio station or static on your telephone, you may have an interference problem. Interference occurs when your telephone fails to "block out" nearby radio communications.
All telephones contain electronic components that are sensitive to radio frequencies, but cordless telephones are particularly susceptible because they use radio transmitters/receivers. Cordless telephones are also highly sensitive to electrical noise, radio interference, and the communications of other nearby cordless phones. Cordless phones with more features like messaging, redial and intercom, contain more electronic components; this creates a greater potential for outside interference.
If your telephone was not equipped with interference protection when it was manufactured then it may react to nearby radio communications. For example, you could hear the transmission of a local radio station through your telephone’s handset. This is not necessarily a sign that the interference is intentional or that the interfering radio transmitter is illegal but that your equipment has no, or inadequate, protection.
HOW TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF AN INTERFERENCE PROBLEM
Interference problems begin at the factory when a telephone is built. Send your complaint to the manufacturer who built your telephone. You can also stop interference by using a specially designed "radio-proof" telephone, available by mail order. The Western Electric/ATT Desk Model is available from Pro Distributors of Lubbock, Texas; and the TPXL-D Desk Model is available from TCE Laboratories, Inc. of Canyon Lake, Texas. A recent FCC study found that these telephones, which have built-in interference protection, performed as the manufacturers claimed and in virtually all cases, they eliminated the interference.
Interference problems in telephones can also be stopped or greatly reduced with a radio filter. You can install this filter at the back of the telephone, on the line cord, and/or at the telephone wall jack. Radio filters are available at local phone product stores and by mail order.
SUMMARY
The FCC strongly encourages manufacturers to include interference protection in their telephones as a benefit to consumers. The telephone manufacturing industry has developed voluntary standards for interference protection. Please contact your telephone manufacturer for further information.
To file a consumer complaint for telephone related issues, see FCC Consumer Complaint Form 475