FCC serves Bitcoin miner notice for static on T-Mobile calls

If you live in south Brooklyn and use T-Mobile, that call static was not your imagination.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories

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Lori Grunin

Feb. 16, 2018 9:03 a.m. PT

The US Federal Communications Commission thinks it has tracked down the culprit who interfered with cell-carrier T-Mobile's LTE band and caused static on calls in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Blame it on Bitcoin.

The agency served notice on the individual running an Antminer s5 Bitcoin Miner, giving them 20 days to respond (by snail mail, of course). What are the penalties you ask? They are "including but not limited to, substantial monetary fines, in rem arrest action to seize the offending radio."

Cryptocurrency mining uses a huge amount of electricity which can generate interference with proximate electronics. It also sends up a big red flag at NYC's Consolidated Edison power provider and probably results in a whopping bill.

Pro tip: Don't mine in densely populated areas.