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For FCC licenses issued under
Part 90 of the
Federal
Code of Regulations, Title 47 (Communications), the normal process to
obtain an authorization to operate (commonly called an FCC License) is, in
very broad terms, a two step process: 1. Apply to an authorized FCC
Coordinator for a frequency and,
2. Submit the request for authorization for a license to the FCC.
If only it were so simple in the real world. We
can make it almost that simple for you again. Just download our
FCC 601 Worksheet, and call us for a quote.
Click on "Licensing Services" above to see
some of our services.
Below is a SIMPLIFIED version of the
licensing process as taken from different pages from the FCC website.
This addresses business users primarily, but applies to Public Safety and
other users as well.
IF you have never had a license before,
read this for a simplified explanation of the
real world process that PROS Ltd goes through for you on most applications.
Individuals or entities desiring
to operate on frequencies listed in the Part 90 of the FCC rules are
required to obtain a radio station license for these frequencies.
A. Gathering Information
Before you begin the license process, you must have detailed information
about your radio system to provide to the frequency coordinator, such as:
1. Frequency/ Frequency Band: What frequency band or specific
frequency you want to operate on.
2. Mobile Radio Count: The number of mobile radios that will operate
on the system.
3. Output Power/ERP: The output power of the system amplifier, as
well as the effective radiated power (ERP), which is the system's power at
the antenna.
4. Emission Designators: Includes several pieces of vital
information: modulation, signal, type of information and size of the
channel. This determines the channel width your system will occupy.
5. Structure type (Building, Self-supported structure, Pipe antenna,
tower, etc)
6. Antenna Height
7. Antenna height from ground to tip, in meters.
8. Support Structure Height
9. Coordinates: All coordinates (latitude/longitude) must be
referenced to the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83). Latitude and
longitude must be listed in degrees, minutes and seconds.
10. Site Elevation: The antenna site ground elevation above sea
level. This information should always be in meters.
11. FAA Antenna Structure Registration (Refer to ASR TOWAIR
Determination to determine if your antenna needs to be registered with the
FCC).
B. Frequency Coordination
Frequency coordinators are FCC certified to recommend the most appropriate
frequencies for applicants in the designated Part 90 radio services.
Applications for new frequency assignments, changes to existing facilities
or operation at temporary locations must include a showing of frequency
coordination.
C. Filing Your Application
New applications and other actions which require frequency coordination are
normally filed with the FCC through the recognized frequency coordinator.
Other actions such as minor modifications or administrative updates may be
filed with the FCC through the Universal Licensing System (ULS). For new
users, you can learn more about ULS online systems through its getting
started tutorials
D. Immediate Operation
There are two ways to begin immediate operation of your system. The FCC
implemented a licensing procedure for conditional authority in 1995. You may
begin operating your system 10 days after your application is filed with the
FCC. In addition, you may apply for a Special Temporary Authority to operate
during emergency or other urgent conditions without filing a license
application.
E. Notification of Construction
A licensee must notify the Commission that its system is constructed and
placed into operation within 12 months of the date of grant or their license
will automatically cancel.
F. Renewal of License
You must file for renewal of your license no later than the expiration date
of your license period, and no sooner than 90 days prior to expiration by
filing FCC Form 601.
The most common question is "What is
a "coordinator"? I thought I got my license from the FCC?"
Frequency Coordinators
You have Business Frequency Coordinators.
You have Public Safety Coordinators.
In 1982, Congress provided the Commission with the statutory authority to
use frequency coordinators to assist in developing and managing the Private
Land Mobile Radio (PLMR) spectrum. Frequency coordinators, in this case, are
private organizations that have been certified by the Commission to
recommend the most appropriate frequencies for applicants in the designated
Part 90 radio services. This frequency coordination process is intended to
make more efficient use of the PLMR spectrum for the benefit of all members
of the public. In general, applications for new frequency assignments,
changes to existing facilities or operation at temporary locations must
include a showing of frequency coordination (See CFR 47, Section 90.175).
Anything that requires Frequency Coordination must be electronically
submitted by the Coordinator. Frequency Coordination is required for a new
filing. Major Modifications and Amendments that change or add frequencies,
emissions, ERP, Output Power, Antenna Height, Ground Elevation, change
location of Base, Fixed, Mobile or Control stations or number of Mobile
units and any change to station class.
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