Hauppauge-based Audiovox dismissed, not denied by FCC

Long Island Business News, Jul 20, 2006 by Jean Paul Vellotti

Dismissed, not denied, is how the Federal Communications Commission carefully worded its response to a new equipment certification request by Audiovox.

Two months ago, the FCC determined Audiovox's Xpress Model XMCK10 XM satellite subscription radio failed to comply with federal operating standards. The Hauppauge-based electronics manufacturer subsequently suspended shipments of the product.

A company spokesman said at that time, We're working with all parties to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

In keeping with that promise, Audiovox submitted new testing information to the FCC in accordance to the federal regulator's 2006 Clarification of Testing Procedures. But the FCC on Wednesday dismissed the certification without elaborating further on its reasoning.

Audiovox said in a statement the dismissal allows the equipment certification to be reinstated if the equipment is deemed compliant, but didn't give a timetable when the FCC might reevaluate the receiver.

An Audiovox spokesman said Thursday he was not authorized to comment on the FCC ruling.

Shares of Audiovox (NASDAQ: VOXX) were up slightly Thursday morning, rising 11 cents to $12.69 apiece.