Fcc Licensing

FCC Licensing and Drones

2014-10-16T09:30:00.004-07:00

Many commercially available drones operate at 2.4 GHz / 5.8 GHz. This is covered under part 15. General rule of thumb if they operate at less than half a watt, no license is required. The same is not true for the drones that are operating at 400 MHz. For more information about licensing contact dave@landmobile.com

Below is information regarding part 15 drones. (Its important to note that these unmanned vehicles will need to be cleared with the FAA - stayed tuned for FAA drone registration article)

FCC Rules for Unlicensed Wireless Equipment

The ISM radio bands were originally set aside for electromagnetic radiation produced by industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment. In the early 1990's the Federal Communcations Commission (FCC) allowed using three of the ISM bands for unlicensed communication equipment. These three ISM bands are:

902 to 928 MHz
2.400 to 2.4835 GHz
5.725 to 5.875 GHz

In the United States the use of these bands for communication purposes is regulated by part 15 of the FCC rules.

Maximum Transmit Output Power in the ISM bands

Several of the FCC part 15 rules govern the transmit power permitted in the ISM bands. Here is a summary of those rules:

Maximum transmitter output power, fed into the antenna, is 30 dBm (1 watt).
Maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) is 36 dBm (4 watt).
You can obtain the EIRP by simply adding the transmit output power, in dBm, to the antenna gain in dBi (if there is loss in the cable feeding the antenna you may subtract that loss).
If your equipment is used in a fixed point-to-point link, there are two exceptions to the maximum EIRP rule above:
- In the 5.8 GHz band the rule is less restrictive. The maximum EIRP allowed is 53 dBm (30 dBm plus 23 dBi of antenna gain).
- In the 2.4 GHz band you can increase the antenna gain to get an EIRP above 36 dBm but for every 3dBi increase of antenna gain you must reduce the transmit power by 1 dBm. The table below shows the combinations of allowed transmit power / antenna gain and the resulting EIRP.

Transmit Power (dBm)	Antenna Gain (dBi)	EIRP (dBm)
30	6	36
29	9	38
28	12	40
27	15	42
26	18	44
25	21	46
24	24	48
23	27	50
22	30	52

Applicable FCC Rules
The FCC regulates not only the "intentional radiation" of radio transmitters, but also the "unintentional radiation" of noise from all sorts of electrical equipment. The FCC regulations appear under part 15. The rules that affect operation of communication equipment in the ISM bands are listed below:

FCC 15.107	Conducted Emissions including AC Line
FCC 15.109	Unintentional radiation from ITE
FCC 15.205	Restricted bands of operation
FCC 15.207	Conducted emissions from intentional radiators
FCC 15.209	Radiated emission limits, general requirements
FCC 15.247	ISM Band Communication Equipment

Motorola to cancel certain two-way radio models

2014-08-26T14:52:00.002-07:00

Popular CP200 Model going away soon

By David Smith
August 26th, 2014

Motorola just released to its dealers, "its intent to cancel VHF and UHF versions of the following analog radios. CP200, CP200XLS and PR400 portables CM200, CM300 and PM400 mobiles. The last day to order these models is November 22, 2014, and the last ship date is December 22, 2014."

The company is paving the way for its new digital radios like its new DTR series pictured below.

Company fined $30,000 for unlincesed GMRS operation.

2013-06-26T11:11:00.002-07:00

Remel, Inc. and its corporate parent, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc were fined $30,000 by the Federal Comunications Commission this past week for operating a base repeater on 462.575 MHz. This frequency is part of the General Mobile Radios Service (GMRS) and licensed under part 95. The company admitted that the frequency was in use without a license since 2002. However, Remel, Inc. had apparently ceased operation sometime in 2012 due to enforcement notice of inquiry. This prompted the company to file for a Special Temporary Authorization.

In determining the amount in fines to be levied the Commission states, "Given the totality of the circumstances, ...., we conclude that a significant upward adjustment of the base forfeiture is warranted. In this regard, we are particularly mindful that the apparent unlawful operation in this case continued for more than nine years... In fact, the duration of the unauthorized operation is almost double the relevant five - year license term, and under current rules, the Companies were not even eligible to obtain a GMRS license." The FCC also took into consideration "Thermo Fisher’s status as a multi-billion dollar global enterprise".

Thermo Fisher's has a reported revenue of over $12.5 billion for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012, and has 39,000 employees.

Narrowbanding Update - FCC Action

2013-03-08T14:27:00.003-08:00

December 21st, 2012 came and the world did not come to end. Take that Mayan calendar!!!

The FCC's January 1st, 2013 narrowbanding deadline has also come and gone. The world may not have come to an end, but that does not mean the FCC is finished yet. The Commission has promised to release a public notice in April that will detail their enforcement plans. We have been told that this will include an audit letter to all existing licensees who do not appear to have complied with this mandate. By way of background, the mandate stated that operators whose frequencies fall between 150- 470 MHz are required to convert their wideband equipment over to 11.25 KHz equivalent technology.

Below are a list of frequently asked questions about the migration to this new narrowband technology and what were up against:

Q: What if I did not convert my radios over to 11.25 KHz equivalent technology?
A: The FCC will expect you to cease operations or be covered by a granted waiver.

Q: Can I get into trouble if I am still operating above 11.25 KHz bandwidth?
A: Yes, the FCC has already released an enforcement advisory detailing fines of up to $112,500 (see DA 12-1386 8-22-12)

Q: Can I still modify my license?
A: Yes, the FCC is still allowing these modifications, but its not clear for how long.

Q: Will the FCC reimburs the cost of buying new radios?
A: No, but there were a few grants that were offered to public safety entities early on.

Q: Are all licenses or services included in this requirement.
A: No, GMRS, FRS, MURS and the Amateur Ham bands are all exempt. This covers only part 90. Some paging frequencies are also exempted.

Q: How many licenses are still not narrowbanded?
A: Close to 30% at least on paper, appear to be non-compliant

Q: Is there an easy way to modify my license?
A: Yes, the Commission modified the Universal License System (ULS) to allow licensees to easily access and make fee exempt modifications for narrowbanding. Look for the Narrowband only login. If you have your FCC Registration Number (FRN) and your password, its a snap!

Stay tuned for more information about this and more about the FCC or contact

David Smith
FCC FORMS
david@fccforms.com

Narrowbanding Deadline Post Mortem

2013-01-04T08:44:00.003-08:00

Now that the narrowbanding deadline has come and gone many are asking "What now?". We contacted Mr. Roberto Mussenden of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, and Mr. Andy Leimer of the Office of Engineering and Technology for answers. Our inquiry was then forwarded to Scott Stone, Deputy Chief, Mobility Division. According to Stone the FCC will not be cancelling licenses anytime soon. The Commission is in fact allowing applications for the narrowband conversions to still be filed, even at this late date. One word of warning however, If the FCC later determines that the licensee did not actually narrowband until after January 1, the licensee could be subject to enforcement action for improper wideband operation.

Rest assured that there will be some "sacrificial lambs" for those who have not complied. The Commission is likely to take action to determine the narrowbanding status of stations that do not appear to be narrowband-compliant. The exact process and timing has not yet been decided.

.....More to come

FCC Fines - Where does the FCC come up with their fine amounts

2012-10-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

If your willing to risk not complying with the FCC's rules and regulations, know the penalties. Operating without a license or transmit a false distress call, you could be hit with fines that total many thousands of dollars. There are a lot of cheap radios that operate in the GMRS bands. Did you know that those radios require and FCC license. The fines are not arbitrary at all. Section 1.80 covers what the penalties. Below is an excerpt:

 [From CFR 47 section 1.80]

**Fines can be levied on a per day basis and/or per violation**

 
   Construction and/or operation without an instrument of authorization
   for the service $10,000
   Failure to comply with prescribed lighting and/or marking 10,000
   Violation of public file rules 10,000
   Violation of political rules: reasonable access, lowest unit charge,
   equal opportunity, and discrimination 9,000
   Unauthorized substantial transfer of control 8,000
   Violation of children's television commercialization or programming
   requirements 8,000
   Violations of rules relating to distress and safety frequencies 8,000
   False distress communications 8,000
   EAS equipment not installed or operational 8,000
   Alien ownership violation 8,000
   Failure to permit inspection 7,000
   Transmission of indecent/obscene materials 7,000
   Interference 7,000
   Importation or marketing of unauthorized equipment 7,000
   Exceeding of authorized antenna height 5,000
   Fraud by wire, radio or television 5,000
   Unauthorized discontinuance of service 5,000
   Use of unauthorized equipment 5,000
   Exceeding power limits 4,000
   Failure to respond to Commission communications 4,000
   Violation of sponsorship ID requirements 4,000
   Unauthorized emissions 4,000
   Using unauthorized frequency 4,000
   Failure to engage in required frequency coordination 4,000
   Construction or operation at unauthorized location 4,000
   Violation of requirements pertaining to broadcasting of lotteries or
   contests 4,000
   Violation of transmitter control and metering requirements 3,000
   Failure to file required forms or information 3,000
   Failure to make required measurements or conduct required monitoring
   2,000
   Failure to provide station ID 1,000
   Unauthorized pro forma transfer of control 1,000
   Failure to maintain required records 1,000

   ^1Statutory Maximum for each Service.

   Violations Unique to the Service
   Violation Services affected Amount
   Unauthorized conversion of long distance telephone service Common
   Carrier $40,000
   Violation of operator services requirements Common Carrier 7,000
   Violation of pay-per-call requirements Common Carrier 7,000
   Failure to implement rate reduction or refund order Cable 7,500
   Violation of cable program access rules Cable 7,500
   Violation of cable leased access rules Cable 7,500
   Violation of cable cross-ownership rules Cable 7,500
   Violation of cable broadcast carriage rules Cable 7,500
   Violation of pole attachment rules Cable 7,500
   Failure to maintain directional pattern within prescribed parameters
   Broadcast 7,000
   Violation of main studio rule Broadcast 7,000
   Violation of broadcast hoax rule Broadcast 7,000
   AM tower fencing Broadcast 7,000
   Broadcasting telephone conversations without authorization Broadcast
   4,000
   Violation of enhanced underwriting requirements Broadcast 2,000

FCC may fine up to $112,500 for narrowband violations

2012-08-27T10:15:00.003-07:00

In a two page release the Commission detailed their plans for imposing steep fines to radio licensees that fail to comply with the January 1st narrowbanding mandate. The FCC says that "Enforcement Bureau is committed to aggressively enforcing the narrowbanding transition deadline and violators may be subject to enforcement action. Penalties for non-compliance may include license revocation, and/or monetary forfeitures of up to $16,000 for each such violation or each day of a continuing violation, and up to $112,500 for any single act or failure to act."

The narrowbanding mandate calls for licensees operating between 150 - 470 MHz to reduce their effective bandwidth down to 12.5 KHz by January 1st, 2013.

For more information about the this release or how to become compliant you can contact David Smith at FIT. dave@landmobile.com or 541-485-8441

FCC Licensing Standards VHF, Narrowband and more

2012-05-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

landmobile.com has a lot to report today. First, the Public Safety Communications Council (PSCC) announced that it has adopted new coordination standards for narrowbanding TDMA, such as MotoTRBO. Previously, if you wanted to convert your existing license (150-170 MHz) to TDMA digital narrowband, you could only do so at a reduced transmit power of 10 watts (ERP). PSCC has agreed to relax this limitation and instead impose a reduction in power of 3 db. Effectively cutting a stations transmit power in half. For new licensees, that power is 3 db down from the maximum allowable power as prescribed by 90.205.

Next item to report today, the LMCC says that any station not in compliance with the January 1st, 2013 narrowbanding deadline will be ignored, and their channels subject to reassignment. A 30 day grace period will be observed before this policy is enacted. Conversations surrounding channel reassignment center around the FCC's exclusive trunking rules found under part 90.187. This rule section effectively gives a licensee exclusive use of a channel, or group of channels within their operating area. All the more reason for radio license holders not to ignore the FCC's narrowbanding mandate. Convert your authorization now, or risk losing your ability to use your assigned frequencies later. Rest assured commercial radio companies want your spectrum and you will lose it if your not in compliance.

If you have questions about this article you can contact:

David Smith

landmobile.com

FCC freezes T-band (470-512 MHz)

2012-04-19T12:34:00.002-07:00

The FCC is about to release a notice that includes a freeze on major modifications and new licensing for T-band (470-512 MHz). The announcement stems from a meeting in D.C. where David Furth, acting Bureau Chief of the Federal Communication Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau announced that the FCC will immediately freeze 470-512 MHz applications. The announcement was made at the annual meeting of the Land Mobile Communications Council (LMCC). Furth said the FCC would issue a public notice detailing the ban sometime in the coming week.

Contact Info:

David Furth, acting Bureau Chief
david.furth@fcc.gov

Story by David Smith
FCC Forms
http://www.fccforms.com
david@fccforms.com

FCC Fines Google $25,000 for Wi-Fi privacy violation

2012-04-16T10:59:00.003-07:00

The FCC's Enforcement Bureau has issued a heavily redacted "Notice of Apparent Liability" to Google in the amount of $25,000. As part of its Street View project, Google apparently collected data from Wi-Fi networks throughout the United States and around the world. The purpose of this Wi-Fi data collection initiative was to capture information about Wi-Fi networks that the Company could use to help establish users’ locations and provide location-based services.

The $25,000 fine surely this is pocket change to a giant like this. But the charges the Bureau makes are pretty serious. The Commission contends that the company gathered “payload” data, the content of Internet communications that was not needed for its location database project. This payload data included e-mail and text messages, passwords, Internet usage history, and other highly sensitive personal information." The release goes on to claim that "for many months, Google deliberately impeded and delayed the Bureau’s investigation by failing to respond to requests for material information and to provide certifications and verifications of its responses."

Stayed tuned to FCC FORMS for the latest on this case

You can view the release here: http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db0416/DA-12-592A1.pdf

FCC forms is a public safety license consulting and application preparation company
http://www.fccforms.com

Story by David Smith
david@fccforms.com

**STORY UPDATE**

The FCC released a sort of safety drill for Wi-Fi networks. It can be viewed here:
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db0417/DOC-313634A1.pdf

Are my radios compliant with narrowband regulations?

2012-03-12T11:03:00.001-07:00

If your not sure whether your radios are capable of the new narrowband emission standards This quick guide can help.

Before a radio can be sold it has to be "type accepted" by the FCC. So here's what to look for.

The next section of this guide will go over the steps to uncover information about your hand helds, base station, repeater, or mobile transmitter. There is a wealth of information hidden in the numbers on the back.

STEP 1) Look on the back of your radio. You will notice a sticker. If you look closely you will see there is an FCC id number

Wait, look a littttttle bit closer. There it is!

Write down the FCC ID number. It should be the first number just above the model number.

STEP 2) Now that you have your FCC ID number you can go to the FCC's website here http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/ - Enter the number from the back of your radio. Be careful to enter as pictured below:

Step 3) On the results page you'll notice a "check" next to the model that matches your radio. Its under the heading "Display Grant" Click on it (as pictured below)

Step 4) You will see that your frequency range, emission designators and power levels are all represented.

Even the relevant rule part that governs your radio (Note anything less than 12.5 kilohertz is narrowband complaint) See below for an example.

If you need more information you can always contact me at david@fccforms.com or visit us on the web at http://www.fccforms.com.

TDMA and Public Safety coordination problems

2012-03-06T15:30:00.001-08:00

On February 3rd the Public Safety Communication Council (PSCC) sent a letter to the FCC discussing interference issues with Time division multiple access (TDMA) systems. Particularly in the VHF bands(150 MHZ - 173 MHZ). PSCC contends that more data needs to be gathered about the interference potential posed to analog systems. In the interim PSCC coordinators say that,"no applications utilizing TDMA emissions in the VHF band will be deemed coordinated and recommended for licensing having an ERP greater than 10 watts for any fixed location. This limitation includes sites classified as FX1, including those fitting the 6.1 meter category.."

This appears to complicate the FCC mandated conversion to new narrowband by years end. In other words, a public safety entity, such as a police department switching over to MotoTRBO would have to comply with this 10 watt limit for VHF. Even if its an existing license. PSCC intends to revisit this issue by May of 2012.

Stay tuned to this blog.

Dave
david@fccforms.com
http://www.fccforms.com

Narrowbanding - A look back and the way forward

2012-02-28T11:10:00.000-08:00

By January 1st, 2013 all licensees between 150 MHz - 512 MHz must be operating at a bandwidth not to exceed 12.5 KHz. The Mandate is not new, in fact the process began back in 1991.

By 1996 the FCC had required that all equipment manufacturers produce new radios that were narrowband capable. By 2003 the Commission had imposed deadlines for the new narrowband migration. Essentially all non-public safety entities by January 1st 2013, and all public safety entities by January 1st 2018. In 2004 the FCC accelerated the push for public safety to comply with the narrowbanding deadline. Making it the same as non-public safety entities (January 1st, 2013).

From what we have been hearing the evidence would suggest that the FCC is going to be flooded with hundreds of waiver requests, particularly by public safety, asking for an extension of the narrowbanding deadline. Recently Federal Communications Commission sought public comment on more than two dozen that it has already received. With the deadline looming at the end of this year is there a chance the Commission may relax the deadline?A query of the FCC database reveals that nearly 180,000 licenses still need to be converted.

Watch our blog for updates on the FCC and more.

Dave

fccforms.com

FCC seeks comment on narrowband deadline waivers

2012-01-31T15:11:00.000-08:00

On Friday the FCC sent out a release (WT Docket 99-87) seeking public comments on narrowband deadline waivers filed by about 21 public safety entities. One has to wonder whether or not a declaratory ruling is on the horizon. APCO, a public safety coordinator serving fire and police, appear to be in favor of an extension of the deadline. Their comments can be viewed here.

In November of last year a bill was introduced in the house seeking a two year extension. Thus far there have been no co-sponsores and it does not appear to have progressed beyond committie.

If you wish to weigh in on this the Commission directs these comments here:

Electronic Filers: File comments electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ or the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Filers should follow the instructions provided on the website for submitting comments.

FCC Narrowbanding Reminder

2012-01-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

The FCC released a reminder today to all public safety and private wireless licensees about the looming narrowband compliance deadline. We are now less than 1 year away from the deadline that requires everything operating from 150 MHz up 512 MHz to convert to narrowband operation.

The release can be viewed here

For more visit us at fccforms.com

Related articles:
FCC NARROWBAND MANDATE
EMISSION DESIGNATORS

Lightsquared Pushes FCC says GPS Not Protected

2011-12-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

Lightsquared filed a Petition on Tuesday pushing the FCC to "resolve the regulatory
status of unlicensed commercial" GPS systems. After having pledged to resolve potential interference to the GPS industry in January the company appears to be doing a 180. In this current petition they are arguing that GPS systems be afforded no protection. View the petition in its entirety here.

New House Bill looks to suspend narrowband deadline for two years

2011-11-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

The FCC has mandated that all current licensees, operating on frequencies between 150 MHz to 512 MHz, migrate to narrowband technology of less than 12.5 KHz. (For more information click here)

House Bill H.R. 3430 if enacted would extend the narrowbanding deadline by two years. The bill was introduced by Representative Steve Rothman of New Jersey's 9th District two days ago. The full text of the bill can be viewed here H.R.3430.

There are currently no co-sponsors and its hard to imagine that the bill will pass given that the mandate was enacted nearly a decade ago. The FCC has opened the door for a waiver process that they say will implement a "high degree of scrutiny". Stay tuned as this story develops.

FCC Emission Designators, what do the codes mean?

2011-10-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

If you have ever obtained a license from the FCC or spent anytime looking at your radios manual you will notice a seven digit code. Like 11K2F3E or 20K0F3E. Its not there for decoration, it actually means something. The first four digits, in the example above, stand for occupied bandwidth in kilohertz. So 20K0 would signify 20 Kilohertz of bandwidth. 11K2 would signify 11.2 kilohertz. The last three digits signify the type of emission. F3E stands for analog voice. Below is a handy guide we put together to help you figure out what these mean:

The letter goes where the decimal point should be placed, and denotes a magnitude:

H        Hz
K        kHz
M        MHz
G        GHz

Some common bandwidths are:

400 Hz     400H
2.4 kHz    2K40
11.2 kHz   11K1
6 MHz      6M00

 

M = Modulation Type

N   None
A   AM (Amplitude Modulation), double sideband, full carrier
H   AM, single sideband, full carrier
R   AM, single sideband, reduced or controlled carrier
J   AM, single sideband, suppressed carrier
B   AM, independent sidebands
C   AM, vestigial sideband  (commonly analog TV)

F   Angle-modulated, straight FM
G   Angle-modulated, phase modulation (common; sounds like FM)

D   Carrier is amplitude and angle modulated

P   Pulse, no modulation
K   Pulse, amplitude modulation (PAM, PSM)
L   Pulse, width modulation (PWM)
M   Pulse, phase or position modulation (PPM)
Q   Pulse, carrier also angle-modulated during pulse
W   Pulse, two or more modes used

X   All cases not covered above


N =  Nature of modulating signal

0   None
1   Digital, on-off or quantized, no modulation
2   Digital, with modulation
3   Single analog channel
7   Two or more digital channels
8   Two or more analog channels
9   Composite, one or more digital channel, one or more analog

X   All cases not covered above


I = Information type

N   None
A   Aural telegraphy, for people (Morse code)
B   Telegraphy for machine copy (RTTY, fast Morse)
C   Analog fax
D   Data, telemetry, telecommand
E   Telephony, voice, sound broadcasting
F   Video, television
W   Combinations of the above

X   All cases not covered above



Packet Data/Teleprinters
  with Audio Sub-Carrier      20F2                20K0F2B

Data with Audio Sub-carrier    3F2                3K00F2D
                               6F2                6K00F2D
                              20F2                20K0F2D

Analog Voice                  20F3                20K0F3E

Digital Voice                 20F3Y               20K0F1E

Digital Facsimile without
  Audio Sub-Carrier           20F4                20K0F1C

Digital Facsimile with
  Audio Sub-Carrier           20F4                20K0F2C

Analog Facsimile              20F4                20K0F3C

Composite of Digital &
  Analog Information           3F9                3K00F9W
                               6F9                6K00F9W
                              20F9                20K0F9W

Packet Data/Teleprinters
  without Audio Sub-Carrier   20F9Y               20K0F1B

Digital Data                  20F9Y               20K0F1D



LAND MOBILE EMISSIONS               MICROWAVE EMISSIONS
old      new       old    new       old       new
 A0      N0N       P0     P0N        F9       F8W (If bw is less than
 A1      A1A       P9     P0N                      50 convert to F2D)
 A3      A3E       A2J    J2B        F9Y      F7W (If bw is less than
 A3J     J3E       A3H    H3E                      50 convert to F2D)
 A7J     J8W       A9J    J9W        F3       F3E
 A9      A9W       P1     P1D        A9Y      A7W
 A9Y     A1D       F2Y    F2D        A5       A3F
 F0      N0N       A0H    H0N        A9       A8W
 F1      F1B       A7     A8D        A5C      C3F
 F2      F2D       F7     F8D        F2       F2D
 F3      F3E                         F5       F3F
 F3Y     F1E
 F4      F3C
 F9      F9W
 F9Y     F1D
 A2H     H2D
 A2      A2D


----------------------------------------------------------------------

And here is the relevant section of FCC rules:

----------------------------------------------------------------------




                    From General Docket No. 80-739

Section 2.201  Emission, modulation, and transmission characteristics.


The   following  system  of  designating  emission,  modulation,   and 
transmission characteristics shall be employed.

(a)  Emissions  are designated according to their  classification  and 
     their necessary bandwidth.

(b)  A  minimum  of  three  symbols are used  to  describe  the  basic 
     characteristics  of  radio waves.  Emissions are  classified  and 
     symbolized according to the following characteristics:

     (1)  First symbol - type of modulation of the main carrier;

     (2)  Second  Symbol - nature  of  signal(s)  modulating  the main 
          carrier;

     (3)  Third symbol - type of information to be transmitted.

     NOTE:  A  fourth  and fifth symbol are  provided  for  additional 
     information and are shown in Appendix 6, Part A of the ITU  Radio 
     Regulations.   Use  of the fourth and fifth symbol  is  optional.  
     Therefore,  the symbols may be used as described in  Appendix  6, 
     but are not required by the Commission.

(c)  First Symbol - types of modulation of the main carrier:

     (1)  Emission of an unmodulated carrier                         N

     (2)  Emission  in  which  the  main  carrier  is  amplitude-
          modulated (including cases where sub-carriers are angle 
          modulated):
          - Double-sideband                                          A
          - Single-sideband, full carrier                            H
          - Single-sideband, reduced or variable level carrier       R
          - Single-sideband, suppressed carrier                      J
          - Independent sidebands                                    B
          - Vestigial sideband                                       C

     (3)  Emission in which the main carrier is angle-modulated:
          - Frequency modulation                                     F
          - Phase modulation                                         G     

     NOTE:  Whenever frequency modulation "F" is indicated,
     Phase modulation "G" is also acceptable.

     (4)  Emission  in  which the main carrier is  amplitude  and 
          angle-modulated  either  simultaneously or  in  a  pre-
          established sequence                                       D

     (5)  Emission of pulses:*
          - Sequence of unmodulated pulses                           P
          - A sequence of pulses:
            - Modulated in amplitude                                 K
            - Modulated in width/duration                            L
            - Modulated in position/phase                            M
            - In which the carrier is angle-modulated during  the          
              period of the pulse                                    Q
           - Which  is  a  combination of  the  foregoing  or  is 
             produced by other means                                 V

     (6)  Cases not covered above, in which an emission  consists 
          of the main carrier modulated, either simultaneously or 
          in a pre-established sequence, a combination of two  or 
          more of the following modes:  amplitude, angle, pulse      W

     (7)  Cases not otherwise covered                                X

     *Emissions where the main carrier is directly modulated by a 
     signal  which  has been coded into quantized  form  (e.g., 
     pulse  code  modulation) should be designated under  (2)  or 
     (3).

(d)  Second  Symbol- nature  of  signal(s)  modulating  the  main 
     carrier:

     (1)  No modulating signal                                       0

     (2)  A  single  channel  containing  quantized  or   digital 
          information  without  the  use  of  a  modulating  sub-
          carrier, excluding time-division multiplex                 1

     (3)  A  single  channel  containing  quantized  or   digital 
          information  with the use of a modulating  sub-carrier, 
          excluding time-division multiplex                          2

     (4)  A single channel containing analogue information           3

     (5)  Two  or more channels containing quantized  or  digital 
          information                                                7

     (6)  Two or more channels containing analogue information       8

     (7)  Composite  system with one or more channels  containing 
          quantized or digital information, together with one or 
          more channels containing analogue information              9

     (8)  Cases not otherwise covered                                X

(e)  Third Symbol - type of information to be transmitted:

     (1)  No information transmitted                                 N

     (2)  Telegraphy - for aural reception                           A

     (3)  Telegraphy - for automatic reception                       B

     (4)  Facsimile                                                  C

     (5)  Data transmission, telemetry, telecommand                  D

     (6)  Telephony (including sound broadcasting)                   E

     (7)  Television (video)                                         F

     (8)  Combination of the above                                   W

     (9)  Cases not otherwise covered                                X

(f)  Type  B emission:  As an exception to the above  principles, 
     damped  waves are symbolized in the Commission's  rules  and 
     regulations as type B emission.  The use of type B emissions 
     is forbidden.

(g)  Whenever  the full designation of an emission is  necessary, 
     the  symbol  for  that emission, as given  above,  shall  be 
     preceded  by  the  necessary bandwidth of  the  emission  as 
     indicated in Section 2.202 (b) (1).


Section 2.202 Bandwidths.

(b)   Necessary bandwidths.

     (1)  The  necessary  bandwidth shall be expressed  by  three 
          numerals  and  one  letter.  The  letter  occupies  the 
          position  of the decimal point and represents the  unit 
          of  bandwidth.   The first character shall  be  neither 
          zero nor K, M or G.

Source: landmobile.com

Do I need a radio license?

2011-10-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

I am often asked about FCC licensing. The most common question is, "I just bought some radios and I am not sure if I need a license.". The first hint should come from the manual included with your radios. Most that do have some sort of a disclaimer, "Warning operation of this radio requires an FCC license". The requirement of a license really is tied to the specific frequencies and operating power. General rule of thumb, if it puts out more than 2 watts of power it probably requires a license. Lets take a look at some common radios and what rule sections govern their use:

GMRS Licensing

One common radio, the Motorola Talkabout MR350R, uses both Family Radio Service (FRS) frequencies (which we'll talk about later) that do not require a license and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) frequencies that do. You can see a channel guide at landmobile.com. This radio (pictured to the right) boasts a 30 plus mile operating area. But of course that's not on the unlicensed FRS channels. The GMRS channels are higher power which means you'll need a license. You can apply for a GMRS license if you are 18 years or older and not a representative of a foreign government. If you receive a license, any family member, regardless of age, can operate GMRS stations and units within the licensed system. You can find information about GMRS licenses at fcc.gov or you can contact a licensing consultant like landmobile.com. The ULS radio service code and description for GMRS is ZA – General Mobile Radio Service. The FCC service rules for the GMRS are located in 47 C.F.R. Part 95.

FRS Unlicensed Band

The Family Radio Service (FRS) is in the 462 - 467 MHz spectrum range. The most common use for FRS spectrum is short-distance, two-way communications using small, portable hand-held devices that function similar to walkie-talkies. Another common radio (pictured to the left) is the Icom 4088A does not require a license. Since its limited to 2 watts power its not going to have as big an operating range. Usually about a mile.

More about the FRS Radio Service:
The Family Radio Service (FRS) dates back to 1996 when the FCC authorized the use of 14 channels within the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) for use by FRS.

Licensing:
The Family Radio Service (FRS) is licensed by rule. This means an individual license is not required to operate an FRS device. You can operate an FRS device regardless of your age and for personal or business use so long as you are not a representative of a foreign government.

The FCC service rules for the Family Radio Service (FRS) are located in 47 C.F.R. Part 95.

Channels:
There are 14 FRS channels and each channel is 12.5 kHz.

462.5625
462.5875
462.6125
462.6375
462.6625
462.6875
462.7125
467.5625
467.5875
467.6125
467.6375
467.6625
467.6875
467.7125

Business License (Part 90)

Radios like the CP200 (pictured left) have business frequencies programmed into them (Rule section 90.35) that do require an FCC license. You have to be careful about operating these without a radio license. In essence they operate in the business bands. Interfere with someone and you are asking for trouble. The FCC's enforcement bureau takes unlicensed operation very seriously and the fines can be many thousands of dollars a day. If you are a business you will need to contact an FCC Certified Frequency Coordinator. The folks at http://www.landmobile.com (Forest Industries Telecommunications) have been around since 1947. They can file the paperwork and clear the channels your radio uses. 