The FCC ordered Dell to halt all computer production around 1986
Michael Dell · Dell Computers: Michael Dell (2018) · Jan 6, 2020 · at 30:11
Michael Dell describes an early existential regulatory crisis when Dell faced FCC enforcement over equipment authorization.
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“I remember one time we got this letter from something called the Federal Communications Commission, the FCC, and apparently, ah, you know, computers fall under something called the Federal Communications Commission Class B device, which means they have to be approved by the FCC. So I did not know this. You know, they basically said, you have to stop making these things. This was back, like, in 86, 87. So if we had followed their instructions, you know, we wouldn't be on this podcast today.”
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