Falcon Direct We keep you connected! Loading Want to know more about how to get information on this site? Click Here Home Page   -     Blog Page    -    eNewsletter    -    Twitter

The FCC and YOU!

As a 2-way radio user in the USA, you have essentially free use of the airwaves.  Unlike cellular and other forms of public communications, there are no monthly airtime charges associated with the use of privately operated radio systems.  Having said that, it should be noted that with privilege comes responsibility.   

The utilization of the airwaves is under the operational jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by authority of the Congress of the United States.  The rules, as they apply to the use of 2-way radio and/or data are fairly simple.

1)   With the exception of communications associated with the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the Multi Use Radio Service (MURS), all commercial, institutional, and governmental users MUST be licensed by the FCC.  The only exception is when one user has a master license covering the use of their radio system by others involved in a common activity such as a Sheriff allowing municipal police department’s use of their licensed radio frequencies.

2)  The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) band is a licensed service for personal use only.  Forget all that you may be told about unlicensed “color dot” frequencies.  Commercial, institutional, and governmental users can NOT use GMRS frequencies for non-personal activities.  Violation of these rules can result in significant penalties.  Click here for an example.

3)  With the exception of GMRS, the application for an FCC license generally requires the services of professionals to prepare, submit, and follow up in the licensing process.  There are exceptions, but very few.  For assistance in filing for an FCC license, click here,

4)  All VHF and UHF 2-way radio equipment operated in the United States MUST operate with an authorized bandwidth of no more than 12.5 kHz (Narrow Band) beginning January 1, 2013.  There are no exceptions, and existing licensees must modify their licenses to reflect the change when conversion from 25 to 12.5 kHz is made.  Additional information is available by clicking here.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at 205.854.2611.  There are other rules that will be of interest such as unauthorized change of tower location, requirements for station identification etc.  For additional general information on FCC matters, click here.

If you have additional questions, you can use our site search above for additional information, or you can refer to our Blog Page and/or current eNewsletter for additional information.

         Home Page       -         Blog Page        -        eNewsletter        -        Twitter

Copyright 2010 - Falcon Direct, Inc.
This page was last updated on 02/01/2010