Verizon, Wilson Electronics join forces on cell signal boosters

Talk about strange bedfellows. Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) and cell signal booster maker Wilson Electronics made a joint filing with the FCC on the design, operation and installation of signal boosters they said will protect carriers from harmful interference. The filing, which includes support from wireless engineering consulting firm V-COMM, comes in response to a notice of proposed rulemaking the FCC issued in April on the topic. The rulemaking provided guidelines for those that operate boosters and rules for technical and RF exposure that the agency believes will prevent interference. The new technical standards apply to both mobile boosters and fixed (in-home and in-building) signal boosters. The CTIA has said it remains concerned that poorly manufactured or improperly installed boosters can create more harm than good for consumers and public-safety officials. However, Wilson took the opportunity to crow about Verizon's decision to work with the company, and thanked Verizon for its diligence and cooperation. "We also believe that if the technical specifications in the proposal have been deemed sufficient by Verizon Wireless to protect its cellular networks, they should be deemed sufficient to protect all cellular networks," Wilson COO Joe Banos said in a statement. Release