What FCC License Is Required for Radio Communication?
The Communications Act of 1934 authorized the Federal Communications Commission to regulate wired and radio wave communication. The FCC divides the radio wave spectrum into bands to be used for specific forms of communication. The FCC issues licenses for certain bands, such as AM/FM radio and ham radio frequencies, while other bands, such as Family Radio Services, can be used without license on approved devices.
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AM Stations
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The AM band is limited to prevent station overlap. AM stations were the earliest form of commercial radio and can reach long distances, depending on the power of the signal sent out. AM radio works on the frequencies of 540 kHz to 1700 kHz. As a result of the range, the addition of new stations to markets is limited to prevent the overlap of signals. The FCC designates "application window periods," which are limited periods of time in which to apply for an AM radio license. During a window, an applicant must fill out FCC Form 301. Commercial broadcasters must include a FCC Form 159 and pay a new station application filing fee.
FM Stations
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FM noncommercial broadcasting occurs on 88.1 MHz to 91.9 MHz. No commercial broadcasting in allowed in the spectrum. FCC Form 340 must be turned in, but no application fees are collected. FM commercial broadcasting works in the frequency of 92.1 MHz to 107.9 MHz, and like AM radio, it has application period windows in which to apply with FCC Form 301. FM commercial stations also need a construction permit for a broadcast tower, and must pay an application fee and turn in FCC Form 159.
In addition, a "petition for rulemaking" is filed, which allows the FCC to rewrite its broadcasting rules to include the new station and gives a time period for public notice and comment. The petition must list the frequency of the proposed new channel, the broadcasting class of the station and an explanation of the community to be served.
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Amateur Broadcasting
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Amateur radio, also called ham radio, is used for long-range radio communication. Internationally, this covers 27 bands in the spectrum. The FCC requires radio operators pass a test administered by volunteer examiners, to assess applicants' technical and legal knowledge of operating an amateur station.
Based on the results, the test-taker is assigned one of three operator classes that determine the license received. Technician Class is the lowest, allowing operator to use 17 bands. General Class allows operators to use all 27 bands in addition to being able to administer some testing, while Amateur Extra Class is the top level an operator can achieve and allows use of additional bandwidth in the HF (high frequency) bands. After testing, the applicant fills out FCC Form 605 to obtain a license.
General Mobile Radio Service
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General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a licensed, land-based, citizens band radio service for adult operators and their immediate family's use for personal or business reasons. An applicant must fill out Form 605 and pay a fee to use the system; the license owner is legally responsible for all uses of the license.
Family Radio Service
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Many devices support both General Mobile and Family Radio Service. Family Radio Service (FRS) is one of the citizens band radio services, similar to the GMRS, but no license is required to operate in the band when using an FCC-approved device. Several companies produce dual GMRS/FRS devices, but operating in the General Mobile Radio Service band requires a license.
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