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FCC Search Tools



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FCC Search
FCC Search is the new full-text search tool that collects information from web pages and many types of documents including Word, WordPerfect, Acrobat, Excel, and ASCII Text, throughout the FCC's web site and the Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS), but does not collect information from the FCC's other databases. To search these systems, use the "Special Tools" links at the left side of this page, and described below. FCC Search also offers Advanced Search Options and Search Tips including examples and instructions.

FCC Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS)
EDOCS lets you search a database of Daily Digest entries for FCC documents posted to the FCC web site since March 1996. EDOCS displays information about documents in three formats: full record, condensed record, and Citator. The full record displays all indexing information contained in the system for each retrieved document, while the condensed format displays an abbreviated version of the same information. The Citator format displays citations to the FCC Record Index, FCC Reports 2nd Series, and the Federal Register. The database contains citations for documents back to 1982. The EDOCS query works with any data element or combination of data elements. Using more search terms will give a more precise result. Presently, the query searches on words that appeared in the Daily Digest title and in the description for each document, not on the full text of each document.

Document Indexes
The FCC updates on a daily basis, a cummulative set of EDOCS-based "Document Indexes" that offer a detailed FTP-style listing of Public Notices, Orders, News Releases, etc., arranged by Bureau/Office for all documents that have been entered into EDOCS since January 2000. Although the best way to find specific FCC documents is through an EDOCS Search, the Document Indexes provide an alternative general listing that improves upon the basic FTP-style listings that were used prior to 2000.

FCC General Menu Reports (GenMen)
This web application allows you to search many different FCC licensing databases from one place. Databases include Universal Licensing System, Experimental, Cable Operations, Mass Media and International Bureau. You can query on many combinations of site and administrative data to find licenses and applications. General Menu Reports acts as a portal to each individual database’s context specific license pages.

Electronic Filing & Public Access Systems
The FCC currently maintains several internet-based systems that allow the public to submit and/or review and search for different types of filings related to FCC proceedings, rulemakings, tariffs, and official forms. The Electronic Filing Page provides descriptions and links for all of the FCC's electronic filing systems.

Search for Filed Comments - ECFS
This tool allows you to research any document in the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) including non-electronic documents that have been scanned into the system. ECFS includes data and images from 1992 onward.

A simplified version of ECFS, called ECFS Express is also available and is designed specifically with the consumer in mind. ECFS Express focuses on topics most likely to generate consumer interest rather than docket numbers, and requires minimal input by consumers seeking to participate in the Commission’s public rulemaking process.

FCC ID Number Search
This equipment authorization database contains records for equipment which was either Certified, Type Accepted, Type Approved and/or Notified.

Part 68 Information
Information on Part 68 may be found on the Part 68 home page.

Rules and Regulations
FCC rules and regulations are codified in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations.



last reviewed/updated on August 31, 2012  


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