Chipmaker Intel has written a $144,000 cheque to make the US Federal Communications Commission watchdog stop snapping at its heels.
An FCC investigation found the chip maker operated prototype wireless devices without FCC clearance.
It can’t have been much of an investigation given that Intel itself reported its non-compliance to the regulator.
Apparently Intel was worried in 2012 that it might have violated the agency’s rules when it tested prototype digital device models in residential areas without the FCC’s blessing.
The company also showed off a prototype device at a trade show without proper labelling.
An Intel spokesman characterised the incident as a terrible mistake and not something it would do normally.
He said that the company had created a programme that gives the FCC confidence that it is doing its best to help ensure future compliance with the rules.
