Dennis Ward ATCB FCC Overview

CFR 47 FCC Regulation Part 2 General Requirements Part 5 Experimental Radio Service Part 15 Subpart C, D, and E Unlicensed Low Power Transmitters Part 20 Common Carrier Part 21 Domestic Public Service Part 22 Public Mobile Service Part 24 Licensed PCS

Part 25 Satellite Communication Services Part 26 General Wireless services Part 27 Miscellaneous Wireless Services Part 68 Telecom Services Part 73 Education Services Part 74 Television Broadcast Part 80 Maritime Service CFR 47 FCC Regulation

Part 87 Aviation Part 90 Private Land Mobile Part 95 Personal Radio Service Part 97 Amateur Radio Part 100 Digital Satellite Broadcast (Eliminated and now requirements are in Part 25) Part 101 Fixed Microwave CFR 47 FCC Regulations

Organization of the Equipment Authorization Process Historical by nature FCC enacted by Congress so rules are hard to change. Written originally for Licensed transmitters Provide the very first “pre-standards” rules for authorization of radio transmitters Has been expanded several times as technology changes

Three methods of authorization Verification –Manufacturer tests to limits –Maintins records –Verifies compliance –No reporting to FCC required DoC –Testing done only by accredited and FCC recognized test lab Lab must be accredited and must be either in the US of in a country with an active MRA with the US DoC logo placed on equipment and DoC provided to end user

Certification Process Certification Used for new equipment authorizations Is more than just a “test report” – is in actually a legal document Requires a detailed list of “Exhibits” See for complete details. Receives a grant of equipment authorization from FCC.

Purpose of the grant –To define the capability and ratings of a transmitter for the FCC and other equipment users –To show the equipment is “Acceptable for Licensing” and what that use is If the grant isn’t correct or clear then there may be issues getting user/site license when attempts to operate the device are done. –To signify that the device has been properly tested and may be marketed in the US Compliance report should clearly state all modes of operation, which modes were tested and which were worst case. Certification Process

Uses of the grant FCC licensing bureaus use the grant information to issue licenses to equipment users/stations –Incorrect information on the grant can lead to significant problems obtaining a license –The public regularly checks the details of a grant before purchasing a product –US Customs reviews grant information when products are imported into the United States –Many other countries will allow products to be imported based on the FCC approval and information on the grant Certification Process