The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) requested information on interference caused from some LED and fluorescent light system ballasts, which the group said have disrupted public-safety communications and cellular wireless systems.

NPSTC said it has also been informed that some USB3-powered computer hubs will cause interference to public-safety portable radios operating in the 700 MHz band. NPSTC is working with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) to learn more about the extent of this problem. ARRL has been doing extensive research and testing into different problems and scenarios.

In 2013, the FCC issued an order directing General Electric (GE) to make some changes to its LED lighting transformers after complaints were received about interference.

“We are interested in hearing of other incidents or events in which lighting systems or computer USB hubs have caused problems for public-safety agencies,” an email said. “NPSTC plans to publish a formal survey on this topic in the next few weeks.”

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