radio net (fwd)

Michael Motyka mmotyka at lsil.com
Wed Sep 9 20:20:58 PDT 1998



Matthew James Gering wrote:
> 
> Isn't there a similar ban on encryption-capable telephones and other
> electronic devices (other than computers).
> 
Not that I've ever heard of. Besides, what's the difference between a
crypto telephone and a computer? None that is significant.

>         Matt

I suspect that the reason that there aren't any $99 cryptophones at
Wal-Mart is that there really is not a significant market. The average
person just doesn't care. And the consumer electronics business is so
competitive and cost-sensitive that adding cost as a matter of principle
is just not going to happen. Oh, I suppose it's possible that anyone
trying to introduce a product like this could run into LEA interference
- endless audits, supplier problems, FCC approvals, you name it but lack
of market is probably the simplest explanation.

Mike






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