Subject: Wireless Microphone Licensing FAQ
Date: 1 Apr 1996 10:00:52 GMT

[Last modified 14-Mar-96]

The latest version of this file can be accessed via anonymous ftp to
agora.rdrop.com in /pub/users/billmc/wireless_faq or via my web page:
http://www.rdrop.com/users/billmc

Please send comments, additions, and corrections to me.  Relevant FCC rule
sections are shown in brackets.  Changes preceded by "|".


  Q: What?  You need a license for a wireless mic?

  A: That's what the FCC says, unless it operates in the 49 MHz, AM/FM
  broadcast, or 902-928 MHz band.  [Part 15, 90.113, 90.265(b)]


  Q: Can I use my wireless mic without a license?

  A: To quote the FCC, "It is a violation of federal law to transmit prior
  to obtaining a license."  Simply applying isn't enough.  [90.113]


  Q: What will happen to me if I use my wireless mic without a license?

  A: Probably nothing.  The FCC doesn't appear to be interested in
  enforcing this requirement, but it may if you create interference or
  someone files a complaint.  Most wireless mic users are not even aware of
  the licensing requirement.  Many who are view unlicensed operation as
  being no worse than driving at 5 MPH over the speed limit and choose to
  "beg forgiveness rather than ask permission."


  Q: Can anybody get a wireless mic license?

  A: Only businesses, schools, charitable organizations, churches, and
  hospitals are eligible under Part 90.  Part 74 covers wireless mics used
  by broadcasters but is beyond the scope of this FAQ.  [90.75(a)]


  Q: How difficult is it to get a license?

  A: It's a little difficult to fill out the form if you've never done it
  before, but this FAQ should make it easier.  If you follow the procedures
  properly, the FCC will almost certainly grant the license.  [90.143(a)]


  Q: How long does it take to get a license?

  A: Don't hold your breath.  Remember, this is the government.  It took me
  18 weeks, including a week to fill out the form.  Your mileage may vary.
  [90.143(b)]


  Q: How much does a license cost?

| A: $60 for 5 years.  However, you'll also need to keep a current copy of
  the rules, which cost extra.  [90.149(a), FCC fee filing guide]


  Q: How do I pick an operating frequency?

  A: Find out which frequencies are available for the microphone(s) you
  plan to buy.  Next, monitor those frequencies for a week (especially
  Sunday morning) using a scanner.  You should search at least 100 kHz on
  either side of the frequency of interest.  Frequencies that contain weak
  or no signals should be safe to use.


  Q: What frequencies are available?

  A: The following frequencies are available under Part 90 (MHz):  169.445,
  169.505, 170.245, 170.305, 171.045, 171.105, 171.845, and 171.905.
  [90.265(b)]


  Q: What about other wireless mic frequencies not listed above?

  A: Frequencies in the following bands may be used by broadcast stations
  or networks, cable TV operators, motion picture producers, and TV program
  producers under Part 74 (MHz):  26.1-26.48, 54-72, 76-88,
  161.625-161.775, 174-216, 450-451, 455-456, 470-608, 614-806, 944-952.
  See CFR 47 Part 74 for more information.  [74.802(a), 74.832(a)]


  Q: What if I'm not one of the entities listed above?  Can I still use a
  wireless mic?

  A: The best thing to do in this situation is to call the FCC at
  800-322-1117 and ask what frequencies you are eligible to use.


  Q: I've decided to apply for a license.  What do I need to do first?

  A: You need to get an application from the FCC and a current copy of FCC
  rules Part 90.  You can buy the rule book from the US Government Printing
  Office (202-783-3238) or your local Printing Office Book Store for $26.
  Ask for CFR 47 Part 90.  Several third party vendors also sell copies of
  the rules that meet the requirement.  The best price I have found is from
  Federal Licensing, Inc. (717-334-9262), which sells a 5-year subscription
  with automatic updates for $65.  [Form 574]


  Q: Where can I get the license application?

  A: Call your local FCC field office or the main information line at
| 800-322-1117, and ask for Form 600.  [90.117, 90.119(a)(1)]


| Q: I've got Form 600 and a current copy of the rules.  What do I need to
  do next?

| A: First of all, fill out Form 600.  Each item must be complete, correct,
  and typewritten, or the FCC will send it back, and you'll have to start
  all over again.  I wasted 10 weeks on my first attempt because of some
  missing information.  See the Appendix below for a guideline.  Next, make
| out a check or money order for $60.00, payable to FCC.  Mail the form and
| the $60 to:  Federal Communications Commission, Business Radio Service,
  P.O.  Box 358220, Pittsburgh, PA, 15251-5220.  [90.123(a), 90.123(b),
  90.127(a)(2), 90.139(b), 90.141, FCC fee filing guide]


  Q: Does my application require frequency coordination?

  A: No.  The FCC will forward your application to the Government
  coordinator for you.  [90.175(f)(2), 90.265(b)(4)]


  Q: How do I determine my geographic coordinates?

  A: Get a USGS 7.5 minute topographic map for your area.  Pinpoint your
  location on the map and determine its coordinates to the nearest second.
  I've also heard that you can obtain your coordinates from the county
  assessor's office.  Another possibility is to use a GPS receiver, if you
  happen to have one handy.  USGS maps cost a few dollars, and you can buy
  them from the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey, Washington, D.C., 20242) or
  sources listed in the yellow pages under "maps."  [Form 574 instructions]


  Q: What if I make a mistake on my application or change my mind?

  A: You can amend or withdraw your application in writing any time before
  the license is granted.  Sign and submit it in the same manner as for the
  original application.  Contact the FCC at 800-322-1117 for assistance.
  [90.131]


  Q: How can I check on the status of my application?

  A: First, there's no point in checking less than 60 days after you mail
  your application, because the FCC won't have any information for you.
  After 60 days, you can call 800-322-1117 for information.  If they ask
  for the filing number, tell them you don't have one yet.  They will ask
  for the applicant's name and zip code and the class of service (tell them
  "business").  They will tell you the application status and give you a
  filing number that you can use the next time you call.  Check back once a
  month.


  Q: What do I do when the license arrives?

  A: Post the license or a legible photocopy in plain sight near the
  wireless mic receiver or PA system controls, and enjoy the use of your
  microphone.  [90.437(a), 90.437(b)]


  Q: How do I renew my license after the five years is up?

  A: The FCC will send you a renewal form, 574-R, within 60 days of the
  license expiration.  If no changes need to be made, or only the mailing
  address or licensee name have changed (without changes in ownership,
  control, or corporate structure), you can sign and send it back with
| $60.  [90.119(h), 90.135(d)]


  Q: What is the deadline for renewing my license?

  A: You have to file a renewal application at least 30 but no more than 90
  days before the expiration date, or the license will be automatically
  cancelled.  [90.127(b), 90.149(b)]


  Q: My license is about to expire, but the FCC didn't send me a renewal
  form.  Now what do I do?

  A: If there are no changes, submit Form 405-A to FCC, Gettysburg, PA,
  17326, within 60 days of the expiration date.  [90.119(e)(1)]


  Q: What do I do if I need to make a change to my license?

  A: It depends on the change.  For changes in mailing address or licensee
  name (without changes in ownership, control, or corporate structure),
  submit Form 405-A to FCC, Gettysburg, PA, 17326.  For changes in
  frequency, number of transmitters, area of operation, ownership, control,
| or corporate structure, file Form 600.  The fee is $45 for a modification
| (or $60 if the license is up for renewal).  THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO THE
| OLD FORM (574): Fill it out the same as for a new application, except
  check "Modification" (or "Renewal" if the license is up for renewal) in
  Item 32, describe the change(s) desired in Item 35, and enter your call
  sign in Item 36.  [90.119(a)(3), 90.135]


  Q: What can I do if someone else is using my frequency?

  A: Not much.  Wireless mics operate on a secondary basis, meaning that
  you can't interfere with primary users (e.g., federal government) but
  have to accept interference from them.  If you are experiencing this kind
  of interference, your only choice may be to change frequency.  You might
  be able to exchange your microphone for one that operates on a different
  frequency or have the manufacturer re-tune it, but you'll need to get a
  license for the new frequency.  If the interference occurs only when your
  wireless mic transmitter is off, you can probably eliminate the
  interference by increasing the squelch threshold on your wireless mic
  receiver.  If you are experiencing interference from another wireless mic
  user, you may be able to find out who it is by listening to their
  transmissions.  Failing that, walk or drive around with a scanner until
  you pinpoint the source.  It is probably less than a mile away.  Contact
  the other user and try to work out a compromise.  [90.265(b)(4)]


  Q: Do I need to announce my call sign at regular intervals?

  A: No.  Wireless mics are exempt from this requirement.  [90.425(d)(9)]


  Q: Who can I call for assistance?

  A: Call the FCC customer assistance line at 800-322-1117.  I don't
  recommend calling the local field office, because one of them gave me bad
  advice that resulted in my having to resubmit an application.


  APPENDIX: Filling out the form

| NOTE: The FCC has changed to a new form (Form 600) for license
| applications.  The instructions below are for the old form.

     FORM 574

     Item 1: On the line labeled "A," list the operating frequency in MHz.
     Change the "A" to a "G" by overstriking.  Additional frequencies, if
     any, should be entered on separate lines and labeled "G" as above.
     Items 2-5 must be completed for each frequency (ditto marks are
     acceptable).

     Item 2: Enter "MO" in this box.

     Item 3: List the number of wireless mic transmitters at each frequency.

     Item 4: Enter "20K0F3E" in this box.

     Item 5: Enter ".05" in this box.

     Items 6-11: Leave blank.

     Item 12: List the total number of wireless mic transmitters after
     "Portable," and leave the other lines blank.

     Item 13: List your radius of operation in miles on the second line.
     The radius of operation is the area over which you expect to use your
     wireless mic.  If you're planning to use it from a fixed location,
     i.e., within a building, enter "0.1" on this line.  Next, list the
     latitude and longitude of your location (i.e., the center of the
     radius) in the form of DDD-MM-SS.  Finally, enter the full county name
     and the two letter state abbreviation on the appropriate lines.  Leave
     the other lines blank.

     Items 14-17: Leave blank.

     Item 18: Enter the street address and phone number (including area
     code) of the primary location from which the wireless mic will be
     used.

     Item 19: Leave blank.

     Item 20: Enter "IB" in this box.

     Item 21: List the legal name of the organization or individual
     applying for the license.

     Items 22-25: List the department or person responsible for the license
     and the corresponding mailing address.  This is the address the FCC
     will use to send you your license.  [90.147]

     Items 26-29: Leave blank.

     Item 30: Put an X in the box that describes the type of applicant.

     Item 31: Describe your business or activity, how the wireless mic will
     be used, and the FCC rule section that applies.  The appropriate rule
     sections are 90.75(a)(1) for businesses; 90.75(a)(2) for schools,
     charitable organizations, and churches; 90.75(a)(3) for clergymen
     activities (presumably not associated with a particular church); and
     90.75(a)(4) for hospitals, clinics, and medical associations.

     Item 32: Put an X in the "New Station" box.

     Item 33: Put an X in the "Yes" box.

     Item 34: Put an X in the "No" box.

     Items 35, 36: Leave blank.

     Item 37: List the name and phone number of the person who filled out
     the form (not the person who typed it, unless they are the same
     person).

     Item 38: Leave blank.

     Sign and date the form.  The application must be signed by the
     applicant, if the applicant is an individual; by an officer or
     authorized employee if the applicant is a corporation; or by a member
     who is an officer, if the applicant is an unincorporated association.
     [90.125(a)]

-- 
Bill McFadden   Tektronix, Inc.  P.O. Box 500  MS 50-350  Beaverton, OR  97077
bill.mcfadden@tek.com     http://www.rdrop.com/users/billmc     (503) 627-6920
CAUTION: Don't look into laser beam with remaining eye.
The opinions expressed above are not necessarily those of Tektronix, Inc.
