Spectrum Topics
Competition
The competitive framework for communications services should foster innovation and offer consumers reliable, meaningful selections in affordable services. The FCC pursues removing regulatory, economic and operational barriers throughout the telecommunications sector.
Frequency Allocation
The FCC regulates the use of radio frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum by a spectrum management process called frequency allocation. The FCC's Table of Frequency Allocations consists of the International Table of Frequency Allocations and the United States Table of Frequency Allocations.
Licensing
The FCC is responsible for managing and licensing the electromagnetic spectrum for commercial users and for non-commercial users including: state, county and local governments. This includes public safety, commercial and non-commercial fixed and mobile wireless services, broadcast television and radio, satellite and other services.
Auctions
The FCC uses auctions (competitive bidding) as one of the primary means of choosing among two or more mutually exclusive applications for an initial license for most commercial services, including wireless, television and radio. In a spectrum auction, parties apply to become qualified bidders for one or more spectrum licenses and take part in an online auction for those licenses.
Competition
The competitive framework for communications services should foster innovation and offer consumers reliable, meaningful selections in affordable services. The FCC pursues removing regulatory, economic and operational barriers throughout the telecommunications sector.
Enforcement
The FCC enforces provisions of the Communications Act and the commission's rules, orders and terms and conditions relating to licenses. Areas of responsibility include broadcast, cable, satellite and wireless services, as well as common carrier services.
Equipment Authorization
The FCC oversees the authorization of equipment using the radio frequency spectrum. These devices may not be imported and/or marketed until they have shown compliance with the technical standards specified by the commission.
Frequency Allocation
The FCC regulates the use of radio frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum by a spectrum management process called frequency allocation. The FCC's Table of Frequency Allocations consists of the International Table of Frequency Allocations and the United States Table of Frequency Allocations.
Interference
Interference is any unwanted radio frequency signal that prevents you from watching television, listening to your radio or stereo or talking on your cordless telephone. Interference may prevent reception altogether, cause only a temporary loss of a signal, or affect the quality of the sound or picture produced by your equipment.
International Telecommunications
The FCC has responsibility to initiate and direct, in coordination with other U.S government agencies, the development of international telecommunications policies reflecting the commission’s priorities. Areas include promoting the vital interests of the American public in international commerce, national defense and foreign policy areas.
Licensing
The FCC is responsible for managing and licensing the electromagnetic spectrum for commercial users and for non-commercial users including: state, county and local governments. This includes public safety, commercial and non-commercial fixed and mobile wireless services, broadcast television and radio, satellite and other services.
Measurement Procedures
The FCC provides a non-exclusive list of measurement procedures that may be used when testing equipment to determine its compliance with FCC rules. The list is provided as a reference tool to aid interested parties in locating measurement procedures.
Mergers & Acquisitions
The FCC reviews applications for the transfer of control and assignment of licenses and authorizations to ensure that the public interest would be served by approving the transaction.The commission's goal is a faster and more consistent review and analysis of applications.
Online Filing
The FCC maintains several online systems that allow the public to submit and access different types of filings regarding FCC proceedings, rulemakings, licensing, authorizations, complaints, tariffs and other official forms.Go to the Contact Information & Support Hours page for information about FCC’s customer support and helpdesk facilities for electronic filing and licensing systems.
Ownership
The FCC reviews applicants’ eligibility to ensure compliance with applicable ownership rules for licenses, including media licenses and other authorizations. For example, parties must disclose ownership structures when applying for a license or authorization.
Antenna
While the siting of wireless facilities is generally a local matter subject to zoning ordinances and statutes, the FCC has some rules relating to the location and construction of communications towers. For example, to ensure safe air navigation FCC rules require the registration of towers or other structures that support antennas, such as water towers or buildings, that are more than 200 feet in height or located near an airport runway.
Broadband
Broadband technology enables transmission of wide ranging information contributing to safety, health and economic well-being. Broadband is a platform for opportunity and innovation in health care, education, energy, job training, civic engagement, commercial transactions, government performance, public safety and other areas.
Broadcast Television
The FCC licenses and regulates U.S. television broadcast stations. Stations are either full power or low power stations. Low power television stations, which include Class A and television translators, provide locally-oriented television service in small communities.
Radio
The FCC administers and maintains licenses for AM, FM, LPFM, FM translator and FM booster radio stations. FM radio licenses are available for operators of full power commercial stations, as well as full and low power, noncommercial education stations.
Satellite
Satellite technology provides telecommunications service throughout the nation and the world. Because satellites orbit far above the Earth, their footprint, or service area, covers nearly every part of the United States, providing instant, ubiquitous and reliable coverage.
Telephone
The FCC aims to make telephone service available and accessible to all consumers. We offer information to aid in common consumer questions and services, including eliminating unwanted telephone communications; changing phone services; number portability; understanding consumer phone bills; and more.
Tower
While the siting of wireless facilities is generally a local matter subject to zoning ordinances and statutes, the FCC has some rules relating to the location and construction of communications towers. For example, to ensure safe air navigation FCC rules require the registration of towers or other structures that support antennas, such as water towers or buildings, that are more than 200 feet in height or located near an airport runway.
White Space
Unused spectrum between TV stations -- called white spaces -- represents a valuable opportunity for our changing wireless mobile landscape. Sometimes called “wi-fi on steroids,” this block of spectrum is ripe for innovation and experimental use, holding rich potential for research and commercial purposes. The FCC is moving forward with plans to unlock this spectrum in order to maximize white spaces’ value for consumers and businesses.
Wireless
Wireless communications services include cellular telephone, paging, personal communications services, public safety, and commercial and private radio services. Cultivating growth and encouraging innovation in the wireless arena is a key FCC goal.
9-1-1 & E9-1-1
9-1-1 is the telephone number used nationwide for callers to report emergencies. Dialing 9-1-1 for non-emergency calls is against the law. 9-1-1 service is a vital part of the nation's emergency response and disaster preparedness system.
