What is an experimental license and who can obtain one?

An experimental license is an authorization under the FCC's Experimental Radio Service, (Part 5 of the Commission's Rules) that allows for the operation of an experimental non-broadcast radio station.  Experimental authorization for broadcast frequencies may be obtained directly from the FCC's Media Bureau.  Any person or entity--corporation, individual, etc. that is not a foreign government or representative of a foreign government may obtain an experimental license.

When is an experimental license appropriate?

There are many instances in which experimental licenses are appropriate. Experimental licenses permit experimentation in scientific or technical operations directly related to the use of radio waves. The experimental radio service provides the opportunity to experiment with new techniques or new services prior to submitting proposals to the FCC to change its rules. The rules also provide for limited market studies to assist the licensee in evaluating the market potential for new equipment or services. Other types of operation the rules permit include demonstrating equipment prior to obtaining an equipment authorization and performing communications necessary for a research project, where existing communication services are not sufficient. Information provided by the licensee in the form of applications, as well as progress reports, aids the FCC in identifying what new services and technologies are being developed and in what part of the spectrum.

What frequencies may a station operate under the experimental radio service and with what powers and other technical standards?

Any frequency allocated to non-Government or Government use in the Table of Frequency Allocations may be assigned under the Experimental Radio Service, except frequencies exclusively allocated to the passive services. This Table is found in Section 2.106 of the Commission's rules. However, an application to operate on frequencies allocated primarily to Government use (unless the experiment is to fulfill a contract with the US government) or for safety of life will not be granted. No frequency will be assigned on an exclusive basis to any one applicant. In addition, experimental licensees operate only on the condition that harmful interference will not be caused to any station operating in accordance with the Table of Frequency Allocations. Powers typical to the radio service or frequency band in which the applicant wishes to experiment will be authorized. For example, an application to develop a micro-cellular system would be allowed power and bandwidth typical of the cellular systems operating under Part 22 of the Commission's rules. Other technical standards are treated in a similar fashion.

How do I obtain an experimental license?

To obtain an experimental license, an applicant must file an FCC Form 442, either online or by traditional mail. Application forms may be obtained by calling the FCC's automated form line at (800) 418-3676, via fax by calling (800) 418-0177, or download FCC Form 442 from the FCC's form page. The applicant must supply information such as particulars of operation (frequency(ies), effective radiated power, emission type), antenna height, and location of station. In addition to the form, the applicant must include a narrative statement describing in detail the proposed experiment, its specific objectives, and its contribution to the development of the radio art. Upon completing the form, the applicant must send the application and required fee ($50.00 for all types of applications) to:

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Experimental Radio Service
P.O. Box 358320
Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5320

After processing the fee, Mellon Bank will forward the application to the Experimental Licensing Branch in Washington, DC.  Applicants filing online have the option of paying directly by credit card.  If the application is not complete, the applicant will be notified and requested to supply the missing information. The Experimental Licensing Branch will review the application and either grant or deny the request for experimental station authorization at its discretion. Experimental station authorizations are issued for two year periods. At the end of this period, the applicant may file for a renewal of the existing authorization.

May I request confidentiality?

An applicant may request that a portion or all of its application be withheld from public inspection. Requests for confidentiality shall be filed in accordance with sections 0.457 and 0.459 of the Commission's rules.  Material to be kept confidential should be filed as an attachment. A request for confidentiality requires an additional fee of $50.00. If the Experimental Licensing Branch determines that the request is valid, a letter is sent to the applicant stating that the request was reviewed, found valid and granted until the end of the license period.

What length of time should I allow for processing of my application?

Typically, once the Experimental Licensing Branch receives the application, completion of processing takes between eight and twelve weeks. The longer time is necessary if the application requires coordination with other users of the spectrum.

What is the license term for experimental licenses?

Experimental station authorizations are issued for two year periods. Terms of up to five years may be granted upon request.  At the end of this period, the applicant may file for a renewal of the existing authorization.

Can my experimental license be revoked?

Yes. The Commission may revoke an experimental station authorization at any time without hearing if in its discretion the need for such action arises.

What is an STA?

A Special Temporary Authority, abbreviated STA, grants the authority to operate an experimental station for a period of six months or less.

In what situations would I apply for an STA instead of a two-year experimental authorization?

An applicant may need an STA for a temporary change in location of an existing station authorization. For example, an applicant would request an STA to demonstrate a piece of equipment at a trade show. Also, an experiment or testing that is expected to last only a few months is best treated as an STA.

How do I apply for an STA?

Unlike the procedure for regular two-year station authorizations, applicants may simply file a letter (this letter may be filed electronically) requesting an STA, which contains the following information:

• name and address
• need for special action (explain why an STA is necessary)
• type of operation to be conducted
• purpose of operation
• time and date of proposed operation
• class of station, call sign of station (if the STA is for a temporary change in an existing experimental authorization)
• nature of service
• location of proposed operation
• equipment to be used, including name of manufacturer, model and number of units
• frequency(ies) to be used
• effective radiated power
• emission type
• overall height above ground of antenna structure (if greater than six meters)

Section 5.56 of the Commission's rules outlines the procedure for obtaining an STA. STAs require a fee of $50.00. The applicant should mail the complete letter, FCC Form 159 (FCC Remittance Advice), and fee to the FCC in Pittsburgh, PA at the address stated previously.

Does the public have access to information regarding existing experimental licenses?

Yes.  Filed documents may be viewed online through the Experimental Licensing System.   The public may view all files (except for licenses withheld from public inspection at the request of the licensee) on existing experimental licenses. Help is available from the Experimental Licensing Branch at the FCC located at 445 12th Street S.W., Washington D.C.  In addition, the FCC has public reference rooms, also located at 445 12th Street S.W., and in Gettysburg, PA, where the public has access to a computer program called GENMEN. This program queries the FCC's master frequency assignment database.   Additional information regarding the FCC is available through the FCC's World Wide Web (www.fcc.gov) and anonymous FTP (ftp.fcc.gov) sites.

Do I have to evaluate station compliance with FCC rules for human exposure to radiofrequency radiation?

As defined in 47 CFR, Sections 1.1307(b) and 1.1310, all FCC-authorized transmitters are expected to comply with specific safety limits for human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. However, routine evaluation of stations authorized under Part 5 of the FCC's Rules is only required if ERP is greater than 100 W (or EIRP greater than 164 W). Further information on compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines can be found in OET Bulletin 65 (See RF Safety Program Home Page http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety/).