In the United States the use of wireless radio initially was unregulated-anyone could operate a radio transmitter anywhere, at any time, on any wavelength. And most utilized the longwave signals that traveled so well across land and sea. Naturally, severe interference occurred with everyone trying to use the same wavelengths. Eventually it was decided to do something about this, and because the individuals involved were working for the United States government, the action took the form of An Act to Regulate Radio Communication, passed by the U.S. Congress on August 13, 1912.