FCC Licensing
FCC LICENSING FOR YOUR TWO-WAY RADIO
Private Land Mobile Radio Service is shared by thousands of licensees throughout the country. The FCC's primary function is to maximize efficient frequency utilization through effective assignment of the radio spectrum to prospective users. Most users of the Private Land Mobile frequency spectrum must operate under a license issued by the FCC. It would not be possible to distribute frequencies efficiently and minimize congestion and interference if users of the spectrum were not licensed.
All frequencies are allocated to users depending on a description of the user's eligibility, based on their activities and proposed usage of the radios. There are two major categories:
Public Safety: Police, fire, local government, hospitals, medical services, ambulances, etc.
Business/Industrial: Businesses, manufacturers, power companies, telephone companies, farming, education, trucking, taxis, towing, etc.
FCC license applications are official US Government documents and must be treated as such. Every customer who buys radios must hold a license in order to transmit. Only the customer is authorized to sign an application or any other document which requires the applicant's signature.
PICKING A FREQUENCY
An independent coordinating agency is responsible for the recommendation of specific frequencies for prospective radio users. Each independent agency specializes in the coordination of frequencies for a particular activity category. The completed FCC application is sent to a coordinator who is responsible for allocating frequencies. Our most commonly used coordinator is PCIA: Personal Communications Industry Assn., for most business and educational activities.
COSTS
Most licenses can be processed for $570. This includes the $260 fee to the FCC and the fee to the frequency coordinator. Once an FCC license is granted it is good for 10 years. After that time the user must renew the license. Governmental agencies are exempt from the FCC fee. Note: The price will vary depending the type of usage, the frequency band, and the type of system you will be using.
TBS Electronics processes hundreds of license applications every year. When purchasing a new two-way radio system, we handle all the necessary paperwork to get the equipment and FCC license in your hands as quickly as possible.
WARNING! When it comes time to renew your license, there will be companies that are not affiliated with the FCC calling you or sending you a letter asking to renew your license. These companies use similar forms as the FCC and some are located in the same city. DO NOT pay these companies to renew your license. They charge you extra for their services. You will receive an official renewal reminder letter from the FCC.
If you have any questions about licensing issues, or the validity of renewal forms, please call us at 1-800-530-5550.
Copyright 2003 - TBS Electronics, Inc.
