For land mobile spectrum, FCC licenses have a ten (10) year life span with a renewal expectancy. Other than assigning your authorization to another entity or voluntarily canceling your license, it is near impossible to lose your license during its ten-year term. But what is more likely to happen over ten years is that the administrative information that provides who is responsible for system operations, where they are physically located, and how they may be contacted changes. It is also possible that the technical information that describes the operational characteristics of the system or systems in use originally reported on the license changes as well. Nothing stays the same for ten years. Corporate addresses change, businesses are sold or merge, managers are reassigned or depart, transmitters are relocated, and technology improvements are added over time as a matter of course.
But since licenses essentially provide a title to the frequencies in use, it is imperative that licensees periodically conduct an assessment of their FCC licenses to ensure that they are administratively current, reflect actual system operational characteristics, and are in full compliance with applicable FCC rule changes. Yes, ensuring that the licenses are current is an FCC requirement, but doing so also protects your licensed wireless system investments. It is important that frequency advisory committees like EWA and potential new licensees in your area know where your system is located and what technology is in use.
Many licensees now engage EWA to conduct comprehensive reviews of their licenses and, when necessary, to prepare and file license amendments to ensure licenses are complete and accurate. Often, licensees also seek EWA’s advice on ways to provide operational system efficiencies and to maximize system capacity through technology changes and coverage solutions.
Call EWA at 800-482-8282 to discuss or request these services.