T-Mobile reportedly sold thousands of smartphones before proper quality checks were completed.

T-Mobile markets its own line of Android devices called REVVL. The REVVL 7 Pro 5G was available for purchase on May 23, 2024, but it had not yet received FCC equipment authorization.

The FCC mandates that devices emitting radio frequency radiation adhere to its technical standards. This makes sure that products sold in the U.S. do not exceed levels of harmful interference.

T-Mobile secured equipment authorization on May 29, after already selling thousands of REVVL 7 Pro 5G units. The FCC officially informed T-Mobile of an investigation into the issue on October 1, 2024.

It is unknown if the REVVL 7 Pro 5G's brief removal from stores in August was related to this matter.

T-Mobile stated that it depended on manufacturers, Wingtech in this case, to adhere to equipment authorization procedures. While T-Mobile asserted that its agreement with the company met the authorization requirement, the FCC disagreed.

T-Mobile is dedicated to ensuring adherence to all regulations. It will put in place a compliance program and voluntarily contribute $7,000 to the U.S. Treasury.

The compliance program involves appointing a senior corporate manager as a Compliance Officer, creating a Compliance Manual, and providing training. The plan must be maintained for three years, after which T-Mobile can return to standard regulatory requirements.

Although requiring T-Mobile to implement a strict compliance plan for three years is not a severe penalty, the carrier deserves the benefit of the doubt. Overall, no damage was done, but this serves as a reminder that even minor issues can be noticed by the FCC.

However, some consumers may be concerned that thousands of devices were sold before receiving certification for reducing interference.

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