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Wireless communications operate over particular frequencies
in the electromagnetic spectrum. Such communications
include cellular telephone, paging, microwave, aeronautical,
maritime and other commercial and private radio services.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocates
specific frequencies to individual services, and then
licenses persons or entities to provide those services
in the designated frequencies. If you wish to operate
equipment or provide wireless services of a type for
which the FCC has set aside spectrum, you will most
likely need a license from the FCC. There are exceptions,
such as for unlicensed spectrum, but generally wireless
communications require a license.
How do I know what category of license I need?
The FCC has many different categories of wireless licenses.
Go here
for a current list. Sometimes it's obvious which category
you fall into. Sometimes it takes a little research.
We can help you identify which license you will need
to provide your service, and then help you with the
application (and auctions if necessary).
Do I have to go through an auction to get my license?
Many categories of wireless licenses are subject to
the auction process. These categories are typically
the ones for commercial use (like paging, PCS, etc.).
But some commercial licenses are not subject to auction
(e.g., certain microwave licenses).
How much does it cost to get a wireless license?
The FCC charges various filing fees for the different
types of wireless licenses. Most are around a couple
hundred dollars. See here
for a list of the filing fees. Sometimes additional
filings are required that have separate filing fees,
such as a notice of completion of construction. Thomas
Lynch & Associates usually charges a flat fee to
prepare a Form 601 application and prosecute it at the
FCC. Contact us for more
information. In addtion to legal fees, and the FCC's
fees, you may have to hire an engineer for the technical
specifications of the application and/or a frequency
coordinator for certain services.
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Who Needs the License? Anyone providing services of
a regulated type or using a regulated frequency.
How Long Does It Take? Usually 21 days or less, unless
the license is subject to auction -- in which case it could
take considerably longer.
How Much Does it Cost? Legal fees, plus the FCC filing
fee and any engineering or frequency coordination fees.
How Do I Get Started? Contact us by phone or e-mail
to begin the application process. Contact information is here.
"I appreciate the
way Tom uses technology to communicate with his clients and
provide his services. From the website login to pdf versions
of FCC notices, Tom makes it easy to follow the progress of
a license application."
Larry Coble, VP Business Development
Cooper Power Systems
"Tom
Lynch is prompt, professional and affordable. His in-depth
knowledge of domestic regulatory issues and compliance is
outstanding. We now to turn to Tom for all of our licensing
needs."
Gregory Wasilewski, President
IPC Network Services, Inc.
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