In an Order adopted March 11, the FCC announced that a man who intentionally jammed GPS signals at the Newark Liberty International Airport, received a fine of $2,360 and an installment payment plan. Perhaps we can take comfort in the fact that that should he default, the FCC advised that it will impose an additional $29,515 forfeiture.

What is the cost in life when a plane crashes?  Is Devil’s Island still open for business?

The signals jammed were for a satellite-based navigational system that was being tested by the Federal Aviation Administration. Newark Liberty International Airport is a United Airlines hub and one of the nation’s busiest airports. This guy genuinely and purposefully threatened public safety. On the other hand, a corporation who might turn themselves in apologizing for not renewing licenses in a timely manner could well receive a forfeiture above $100,000 and the obligation to implement a plan of action to make sure that licenses never expire again.  The fee determination process seems broken.