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The ULS Glossary contains a list of terms commonly used in the Universal Licensing System (ULS) in regards to filing applications. Click the first letter of the term or use the scroll bar on the right to scroll through the terms.
| A | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| A-Grant | An application that has been granted, but not yet run through the nightly batch process. |
| Accepted Status | The status of a Required Notification of Construction, Required Notification of Consummation, Spectrum Manager lease notification, or a post-notification forbearance or involuntary assignment of authorization or transfer of control that has been accepted by the Commission. |
| Action Date | Date of the last action performed by the FCC on an application. |
| Active License | A license granted by the FCC that has not expired or been cancelled or terminated. A license becomes active immediately upon grant. So long as the license is active, the licensee is authorized to operate in accordance with its terms. |
| Administrative Update |
An application filing that allows a licensee to update administrative data on its license(s) in the ULS licensing database.
Administrative changes are limited to changes in licensee name (provided there is no change in license ownership, control,
or corporate structure), address, phone number, fax number, control point, e-mail address, and point of contact information.
Administrative changes do not include changes in technical specifications to a license, control points, assignments or transfers,
or other changes that would require a modification. Previously, applicants made administrative updates with a formal FCC modification
request or an informal letter request.
See also: Modification |
| Alert List | A list maintained by the FCC staff that identifies potential categories of "problem" applications so that ULS can identify them and send them offline for manual processing. The alert list function can then be used to flag applications based on the identity of the applicant, the spectrum being applied for, or the type of license being sought. For example, if an application is received for spectrum that is the subject of an ongoing rulemaking proceeding, that application would be offlined by ULS. The staff would then need to override a system alert in order to grant the application. |
| Amendment | A request to revise a previously filed, currently pending application. If the amendment is major, the amended application is treated as a new application with a new receipt date. If the amendment is minor, the original application receipt date is retained. |
| Antenna Structure Registration (formerly Tower) | The ULS Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) system replaces our former Antenna Clearance process and automates/integrates our Antenna Registration database and TOWAIR software as functions within the ULS process. Antenna structures that require FAA studies must be registered with the FCC using the ASR system. |
| Application | This application option displays the application and any associated schedules in a format suitable for printing. To print the formatted application, select the Print command from your web browser. It is also the default screen that appears when you first access an application from the Search Results screen. |
| Application Search | A feature on the ULS web page that allows ULS users to view applications (pending, granted, returned, killed, dismissed, consented, and consummated) with their associated attachments, comments and historical data. This query feature includes all applications in ULS, including those that are dismissed. |
| Assignment of Authorization |
A transaction whereby a license is acquired from an existing licensee (the assignor) by another entity (the assignee). In
most cases, the parties must file an application and obtain Commission consent to the assignment before it can take place.
An assignment can be either full or partial. A full assignment involves acquisition of the entire license and licensed facilities.
A partial assignment involves acquisition by the assignee of a portion of the facilities, geographic area, or spectrum covered
by the license, while the assignor retains the remaining portion. In geographically licensed services, partitioning and disaggregation
are types of partial assignments.
See also: Transfer of Control See also: Non-Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer See also: Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer |
| Attachments | This application option lists all attachments included in the application. Each attachment is identified by type (Waiver, Confidentiality, Divestiture, Ownership, or Other), date that the attachment was filed, a description of the attachment, and the name of the attachment file. To view an attachment file, click the file name of the desired attachment. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed with your web browser to view .PDF attachments. |
| Auto Letters | This option lists letters generated by ULS that the FCC has sent to the applicant/licensee and/or their contact, and allows you to view a summary of the information associated with the letter. Each letter is identified by a sequential reference number assigned by the ULS, call sign, letter type (e.g., Cancel), and date the letter was generated. To view the information for a letter, click its reference number. |
| Automatic Processing | The ability of the ULS to process a request filed by an applicant without the need for staff intervention. |
| B | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Batch Electronic Filing |
An electronic interface that enables applicants (e.g., frequency coordinators, VECs, large companies) to remotely submit a
batch file containing multiple applications. This is distinct from Interactive Electronic Filing, which allows the applicant
to work interactively in the system when electronically filing individual applications.
See also: Interactive Electronic Filing |
| C | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Call Sign | A combination of letters and numbers that identify an FCC license. |
| Cancellation |
The rescinding of an existing license at the request of the licensee. This occurs, for example, if the licensee has ceased
operations and turns in its license. In the ULS database, the license status code is changed from 'A' (active) to 'C' (cancelled).
Note: a license can cancel automatically in the case where a licensee fails to meet its debt obligations to the U.S. government
with respect to an auctioned license.
See also: Termination |
| Clearance Check | An automated process performed by ULS that determines if an application requires further review/action, either automated or manual. Examples of clearance checks include alert list, international coordination, antenna structure, and basic qualifications. |
| Comments | Displays any comments regarding the application made by the FCC and the date that the comment was entered. |
| Consent |
FCC approval of an assignment or transfer of control application. This allows the parties to proceed with the transaction.
See also: Consummation |
| Construction Requirements | Rules requiring wireless licensees to construct facilities and commence service within a specified time after the license grant date (the construction period). If the licensee fails to construct and commence service within the construction period, and does not receive an extension of time, the license automatically terminates. "Commencement of service" refers to commencing actual operation of the facility. In the case of common carriers, service must be provided to at least two unaffiliated subscribers to meet this requirement. |
| Consummation | The completion by the parties of an assignment or transfer of control transaction to which the FCC has consented. Consummation must occur within 180 days of FCC consent unless an extension of time is granted. |
| CORES | Registering in the FCC's Commission Registration System (CORES) is how you provide the FCC with basic information and how you receive an FCC Registration Number (FRN). Each entity doing business with the FCC is required to provide and maintain a current official address that the FCC can use to contact you. The address you provide for your entity contact will be used to mail important FCC-related information, to verify that you have made the proper payments, and to mail annual fee schedules and other materials. |
| Coverage Requirements | In geographically licensed services, rules requiring wireless licensees to provide service covering a specified portion of the licensed area within a specified time after the license grant date (the coverage period). Typically, the portion of the licensed area that must be covered is defined in terms of population, though other criteria may be used instead of or in addition to population. If the licensee fails to provide coverage within the coverage period, and does not receive an extension of time, the license automatically terminates. |
| D | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Disaggregation |
In geographically licensed services, the acquisition of a part of a licensee's allotted spectrum by another entity. For example,
a PCS licensee with 30 MHz of spectrum could disaggregate 10 MHz to another entity.
See also: Assignment of Authorization See also: Partitioning |
| Dismissal | FCC action terminating processing of an application that is determined to be defective or otherwise not in conformance with the Commission's rules. If an application is dismissed, the applicant may be entitled to refile under applicable rules, but the refiled application will be treated as a new application. Dismissal of an application is distinct from denial of an application, which may occur if an application is contested. An application will be dismissed when the application is not grantable on its face. An application will be denied even if it is grantable on its face, if the Commission determines that grant of the application would not be in the public interest. |
| Duplicate | An applicant's request for a copy of an existing license. |
| E | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Effective Date |
The date on which a license becomes effective. In most cases this is the same as the Grant Date. For modifications, the original
Grant Date of the license will remain the same, but the Effective Date will be the day the Modification becomes effective.
See also: Grant Date |
| Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) | The exchange of information between computers by cooperating entities without human intervention. EDI will be used in the future to submit wireless radio license applications to the FCC and to provide the applicant with the status of the application received. Applicants will also use EDI to pay the FCC for these applications. |
| Entered Date | Date that the application was entered into the Universal Licensing System. |
| Expiration Date | The date after which an FCC-granted license ceases to be valid. For example, a license with a 12/1/98 expiration is no longer valid at 12:00am on 12/2/98. In most cases, wireless licenses have a 10-year license term, and the expiration date is the 10-year anniversary date of the original license grant date. |
| Extension of Time | An applicant request to either extend the deadline for meeting construction or coverage requirements, or extend the time allowed for consummation of an assignment or transfer. |
| F | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| FCC Registration Number |
The FCC Registration Number (FRN) is a 10-digit number that is assigned to an entity registering with the FCC. Every entity
doing business with the FCC that wishes to obtain a license or certificate, register an antenna structure, or submit FCC Remittance
Advice Form 159 must obtain an FRN. The entity that you register will have a unique FRN that is used to identify its business
dealings with the FCC. The FCC will use the FRN to ensure proper credit of all fees paid to the Commission, identify contact
information for distribution of FCC mailings, and other purposes. You must register through the FCC's Commission Registration
System (CORES) website to be issued an FRN. However, existing licensees who registered with ULS or ASR prior to December 3, 2001, may have been automatically assigned an FRN(s). To determine the FRN associated with an existing license, use ULS License Search and search by Call Sign or Licensee ID. The FRN will appear on the search results page. To determine the FRN associated with existing antenna structure registrations, use ASR Registration Search, and search by Registration Number or Licensee ID. The FRN will be displayed on the Owner Tab within your registration record. You may also register with CORES by using paper Form 160. For more information see: ULS License Search ASR Registration Search Form 160 |
| Fee Sufficiency / Insufficiency | Indicates whether an applicant has provided enough funds to cover required application and/or regulatory fees. |
| File Number | The FCC-assigned file number of the application. |
| G | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| General info |
This application option displays current processing information for an application:
|
| GeoSearch |
A feature of License Search and Application Search that allows ULS users to further limit searches to a specific geographic
area. After entering the initial search criteria on the License Search or Application Search screens, users can click on the
'GeoSearch' button and limit their search to a specific state or county or to a distance around a set of geographic coordinates
(latitude and longitude) or a specific address.
See also: License Search See also: Application Search |
| Grace Period | A licensee may file a renewal application up to 30 days after the expiration date of a license and have it treated as if it were timely filed. However, the licensee has no operating authority once a license expires until a timely filed renewal application is on file with the FCC. |
| Grant Date | The date on which a license becomes effective, which initiates the license term (usually 10 years) and sets the timetable for any applicable construction or coverage deadlines |
| Grant | The approval of a pending license application by the FCC. |
| Granted in Part |
The approval by the FCC of one or more markets within an application, with other markets within the same application to be
acted on at a later date or Dismissed.
See also: Dismissal |
| I | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Inactive Applications | A previous version of an application that has been superseded by a subsequent amended application. The inactive version of the application is maintained in the ULS database, though it no longer shows up in Inbox. It can be viewed in Application Search. |
| Inbox | A computerized processing tool in ULS that helps managers, examiners, and other FCC staff members to assign, track, and process applications. Note: The ULS Inbox is not related to the FCC GroupWise mail Inbox. |
| Incomplete | The status of an application in ULS that is not yet completed or submitted. Note: The system saves incomplete applications for 30 days. |
| Interactive Electronic Filing | An electronic interface that enables an applicant, via the FCC wide area network, to electronically file an application and to receive instructions and error messages from ULS in real time during the filing process. This is distinct from Batch Electronic Filing, which provides a means to electronically file multiple applications but which has no real-time responses or error messages. |
| Issue Date |
The date on which the FCC issues the license to the licensee. The initial issue date may be the same as the grant date, or
if the license was granted with conditions, it may be the date the conditions were fulfilled. When a license is assigned or
modified, it retains its original grant date, but the issue date is the date that the license was changed to reflect the assignment
or modification. This is not to be confused with print date, which is the date a license is printed. Issue date and print
date may be different.
See also: Grant |
| K | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Killed | The status of a manually filed application that the FCC has found to contain errors or duplicate information. |
| M | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Major Filing | An amendment to an application or a request for modification of license that is defined as major in Part 1 of the Commission's rules. In general, major filings have significant procedural consequences (e.g., a major amendment gets a new receipt date that changes the applicant's filing priority) and requires prior Commission approval. For example, new applications, extension of time requests, modifications to technical information, and non-Pro Forma transfer and assignment applications are major filings. |
| Manual Filing | An application filed via a hard copy form. |
| Minor Filing | An amendment to an application or a request for modification of a license that is defined as minor in Part 1 of the Commission's rules. In general, any change not defined as major is considered minor. Minor filings generally do not affect filing priority and only require the applicant to notify the FCC by filing a modification request. For example, updating contact information is a minor filing. |
| Modification |
An applicant request to change the terms, conditions, or specifications of an existing license, other than administrative
changes. Modifications may be major or minor.
See also: Administrative Update See also: Major Filing See also: Minor Filing |
| N | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Non-Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer |
An assignment of license or transfer of control in which actual control of the license changes from the licensee to an unaffiliated
entity. Non-pro forma assignments and transfers require prior Commission approval.
See also: Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer |
| Notification | A filing stating that an event pertaining to the license has occurred, that an assignment or transfer has been consummated, or that a construction or coverage requirement has been met. |
| P | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Packs |
A set of applications requesting a system or subsystem of microwave links which are related to the extent that they cannot
or must not operate independently and so must all have the same grant date and construction deadline. A pack must first be
registered in ULS in order to receive a Pack Registration Number. The Pack Registration Number is then entered on all applications
to be filed as part of the pack.
See also: Pending Pack Filing |
| Partial Assignment | Involves acquisition by the assignee of a portion of the facilities, geographic area, or spectrum covered by the license, while the assignor retains the remaining portion. In geographically licensed services, partitioning and disaggregation are types of partial assignments. |
| Partitioning |
In geographically licensed services, this is the acquisition of a portion of a licensee's geographic service area by another
entity. For example, a PCS licensee with a license for an MTA could partition a BTA within the MTA to another entity.
See also: Assignment of Authorization See also: Disaggregation |
| Pending | Status of an application that has been successfully filed in ULS and is awaiting FCC action. Pending Status 1 refers to applications that have been submitted but not processed by ULS. Pending Status 2 refers to applications that have been submitted and need examiner intervention before a decision on the application can be reached. |
| Pending Pack Filing |
Status of an application that is part of a pack that has not yet been submitted to the FCC
See also: Packs |
| Petition for Reconsideration | A petition requesting that the Commission reverse, modify, or otherwise reconsider a previous action, e.g., grant of a license or dismissal of an application. Under Section 405 of the Communications Act, a petition for reconsideration must be filed within 30 days of public notice of the FCC's action. |
| Petition to Deny | A petition filed with the FCC by an interested party requesting that the FCC deny a pending application. When a petition is filed, the applicant may file an opposition and the petitioner may file a reply. Resolution of a petition generally requires a Commission letter or order stating whether the petition is granted, denied, or dismissed, and the reasons for the Commission's decision. |
| Pleadings | This application option lists all pleadings that have been filed in regards to the application. Each pleading is identified by type, date the pleading was filed, a description of the pleading, and the name of the pleading file. To view a pleading, click its file name. Note: You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed with your web browser to view pleadings. |
| Print Date | The date on which the FCC prints a license. |
| Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer |
An assignment or transfer in which the form of ownership changes but actual control of the license remains with the same entity.
Pro forma assignments and transfers may be approved under streamlined Forbearance procedures in the case of most telecommunications
carriers (excluding licensees with installment payment or designated entity issues). These Pro Forma requests do not require
prior FCC approval provided that the parties notify the FCC of the change within 30 days. Note that private licenses are not
subject to forbearance. FCC approval is required for private pro forma transfers and assignments.
See also: Non-Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer |
| Public Notice | An official notification issued by the FCC that lists Commission actions affecting applicants or licensees, e.g., acceptance of applications for filing, or licensing actions such as grants or dismissals. In general, the Public Notice date triggers procedural deadlines for parties to file pleadings or petitions (e.g., petitions to deny or petitions for reconsideration) with the FCC regarding the matter listed on the notice. |
| Purpose Codes |
Codes referring to the purpose or type of an application. They include:
|
| R | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Radio Service Code | A unique 2-letter code used in ULS to designate each wireless service licensed within ULS. A listing of the radio services is available in the instructions to Forms 601 and 605 and in the Online Help function in ULS. |
| Receipt Date | Applications are received when the Commission is open (from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays). Applications received by the bank before midnight or electronically submitted before midnight on any Commission business day will be treated as having been received on that day. Applications received by the bank after midnight or electronically submitted after midnight, Monday through Friday, or on weekends or holidays, will be treated as having been received on the next Commission business day. |
| Renewal |
A grant to a licensee of an additional license term at the conclusion of the current license term. To obtain a renewal, licensees
must file a renewal application between 90 days prior to the license expiration date and the expiration date. Note: A 30-day grace period is also provided (see Grace Period). When the renewal is granted, the license receives a new expiration
date at the end of the renewal term. Special Temporary Authorizations and developmental authorizations may also be renewed,
subject to some restrictions.
See also: Grace Period |
| Resubmit |
The refiling of a previously filed application with additional or corrected information when it has been returned by the Commission.
A resubmitted application must be filed as an amendment to the application.
See also: Return |
| Return | The status of an application that has been sent back to the applicant with instructions to amend the application with corrections or additional information. A returned application is not dismissed. However, if the applicant fails to amend its application within a specified time, the application is dismissed. |
| T | |
|---|---|
| Term | Definition |
| Termination | An action by the Commission to rescind an existing license before its expiration date for failure by the licensee to fulfill a condition of the license, meet a construction or coverage requirement, or for another reason such as a rule violation by the licensee. ULS uses "cancellation" to refer to action requested by the licensee, while "termination" refers to action initiated by the FCC. Note that a licensee may have certain procedural rights before the FCC can terminate its license, e.g., a right to a hearing, unless the rules specifically provide for automatic termination. |
| Termination Pending | An action by the Commission to place an existing license or a particular component (location and/or frequency) of an existing license into a status that is pending Termination for failure by the licensee to fulfill a construction or coverage requirement or commitment. |
| TOWAIR | A utility on the Universal Licensing System's web page that allows users to enter the coordinates, ground elevation, and height of an antenna structure to determine if it requires registration. |
| Tower | See also: Antenna Structure Registration (formerly Tower) |
| Transactions | This application option lists any changes made to application or license data. Each change is identified by the date of the change, a description of the information that was changed (i.e., field name), the original value before the change, and new value after the change. This option appears only when the application filing purpose is Amendment or Modification |
| Transfer of Control |
A transaction in which control of the entity that holds a license passes from one entity (the transferor) to another (the
transferee). In most cases, the parties must file an application and obtain Commission consent to the transfer before it can
take place.
See also: Assignment of Authorization See also: Non-Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer See also: Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer |
