You’ve just bought shiny new two-way radios for your business. You’re all set to become the communication hero of your company. That is until you realize you need an FCC license. Suddenly, your dreams of seamless radio banter are replaced with questions like, “Wait, what’s an FCC license?” and “How many hoops do I have to jump through to get one?”
Before you beat yourself up trying to reason with the FCC, let’s clear up a bit of the confusion with some answers to the most commonly asked questions about FCC licenses. Spoiler: it’s not as scary as it sounds!
We’ve titled this article “FCC Licenses: Commonly Asked Questions” for a reason. In this article, we will ask and answer many of the frequently asked questions regarding FCC licensing. Hopefully, this article will remove some of the mystery behind the process of licensing your new two-way radios.
What Is an FCC License?
Let’s begin by defining precisely what an FCC license is. An FCC (Federal Communications Commission) license is an official authorization issued by the United States government through the FCC.
The FCC was created according to the Communications Act of 1934 and later refined by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Its primary responsibility lies in determining the allocation of frequencies for specific applications and granting licenses accordingly.
Today, because there are many more devices than available channels, the FCC coordinates the separation of channels. This coordination keeps private users from unknowingly interfering with other private users or with public safety channels.
How Much Does an FCC License Cost?
The question, “How much does an FCC license cost?” is akin to asking, “How much does a car cost?” Check out one of our past blogs titled “How Much Do FCC Licenses Cost?” There are about as many different prices as there are types of licenses.
Are There Different FCC License Types?
Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)
Low Powered Radio Service (LPRS)
Family Radio Service (FRS)
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
According to the FCC, “the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a licensed radio service that uses channels around 462 MHz and 467 MHz. The most common use of GMRS channels is for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, mobile radios, and repeater systems.”
The GMRS license is not designed for high-powered commercial use, and the licensee is not authorized to resell the use of a GMRS channel to another user. However, because GMRS radios are licensed, they offer slightly more security and less interference than FRS. As recently as 2017, the FCC revised the GMRS license by adding additional channels in the 467 MHz band. They also increased the license term from 5 years to 10 years.
Industrial/Business Two-Way Radio
According to the FCC, “Licensees in the Industrial/Business Radio Pool use radio to support business operations. Their communications systems are used for support of day-to-day business activities, such as dispatching and diverting personnel or work vehicles, coordinating the activities of workers and machines on location, or remotely monitoring and controlling equipment.”
Industrial/Business licensees are part of Land Mobile Radio Service (LMR) and use their two-way radios as just another tool in their toolbox. Just as with any other tool, their two-way radios maximize efficiency and allow for optimum production.
Public Safety Spectrum
The Public Safety Spectrum is another part of LMR service and, according to the FCC, “serves the mission-critical communications needs of First Responders charged with the protection of life and property, such as police, firefighters, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers.”
All channels, except those in the 4.9 GHz and 5.9 GHz bands, are subject to exacting frequency coordination by the FCC. It is critical to protect all public safety entities from interference.
What Are the FCC License Requirements?
FCC license requirements vary depending on what type of license you desire. Some Free-Use licenses only require that you send in a short form that comes with your radio. In contrast, other licenses involve the filing of several long FCC forms that require a good deal of in-depth information regarding your business/organization and the specific use of your two-way radios.
It is generally advisable that for the more complicated FCC licenses, you seek a trusted partner like RCS Communications to help complete your FCC license application for the radios you purchase.
How To Get an FCC Radio License
As mentioned above, the best way to get an FCC license is to let your friendly RCS Communications expert handle it for you when you purchase your radios. Your RCS representative knows which license is required and exactly how to apply for it.
However, if you wish to apply for it yourself, here are the steps for “How to Get an FCC License.”
- To get a new license or amend the current one, you begin by sending an application to the FCC.
- Your frequency coordinator or dealer finds the frequencies that suit your requirements. This stage involves programming a radio to listen in on the frequencies to be considered for the licensing.
- The next step involves sending the application and selected frequencies to the FCC for approval.
- At this point, if the FCC gives the nod to the requested application, you first receive a short-term authorization. Later, you will receive full approval together with a copy of the license through email. A digital reference copy is available on the commission’s website, too.
- The final step involves a Notice of Construction to inform the FCC that your two-way radio system is live. (Source: RCS Communications, Quick Guide – FCC License)
This might seem like a complicated process because it IS! It needs to be. Radio channels must be coordinated appropriately to keep our communications secure and free from interference.
How long does it take to get an FCC license?
Do FCC licenses need to be renewed?
What happens if I operate without an FCC license?
How can I check the status of an FCC license?
To check the status of an FCC license, you can use the FCC’s online tools. Follow these steps:
- Visit the FCC ULS License Search.
- Enter the necessary details, such as:
- Licensee name
- Call sign
- FCC registration number
- Frequency or service type
This search should provide you with the necessary information to check the status of your FCC license.
Do you need an FCC license?
Trust RCS For Your FCC Licensing Needs
RCS Communications has been providing Kentucky and Indiana two-way radio services and solutions since 1952. We are proud to be a Motorola Solutions Channel Partner and offer our clients best-in-class Motorola two-way radio and system solutions.
We have the knowledge to provide you with excellent service and support when it comes to your FCC Licensing needs. Our FCC experts work closely with you to make sure everything goes smoothly during your FCC application process and beyond.