Many of the mobile devices popular today use Linux [1] and other open-source software to control the Software-Defined Radio (SDR) and other device features. A new set of regulations from the FCC [2] would seem to make it more difficult for future such devices to win approval. At issue is the question of how hard it would be for someone to hack the software and re-define the radio functions: The FCC wants it to be nearly impossible and seems to believe the open-source nature of Linux makes it more likely that a hack could be developed. No devices have yet been denied acceptance, and industry vendors seem unlikely to give up less-expensive software without a fight.

For more on the FCC regulations:
- read the regulatory report [3] at LinuxDevices.com