What is an FCC License?

What is an FCC License?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for managing and licensing the electromagnetic spectrum. This includes overseeing commercial and non-commercial users such as state, county, and local governments, as well as services related to public safety, wireless communication (both fixed and mobile), broadcast radio and TV, satellites, and more.

In simpler terms, when a business uses two-way radios, it's essentially accessing a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that's regulated for communication purposes. To keep this spectrum orderly and ensure fair use, businesses must obtain an FCC license for their radio systems.

Failing to do so can result in significant fines. While the application process for an FCC license may seem time-consuming and expensive, the cost of a fine will usually be much higher than the investment in securing the license.

Which Radios Don't Require an FCC License?

Some radio services do not require an FCC license, including:

• Family Radio Service (FRS) channels
• General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
• Business Radio Service (BRS)
• Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS)

How Long Does it Take to Get FCC Approval?

The process of obtaining an FCC license can take up to six months. However, businesses are often allowed to begin operations within about 10 days of their certification date, while they wait for the final approval.

Are you interested in applying for an FCC License for your team's radios?