What is the FCC?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating all communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. Established in 1934, the FCC plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and lawful access to the electromagnetic spectrum—especially for services like amateur radio.
The FCC and Amateur Radio
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is governed in the U.S. under Part 97 of the FCC rules. The FCC’s role includes:
- Issuing licenses to amateur radio operators
- Managing frequency allocations to prevent interference
- Regulating technical standards (power levels, equipment use, etc.)
- Enforcing rules and resolving complaints
The FCC recognizes ham radio as a public service and supports its use for emergency communications, technical experimentation, and education.
Licensing System
The FCC operates the Universal Licensing System (ULS), where:
- Individuals can apply for a new amateur license
- Licensed hams can renew or update their records
- Vanity call signs can be requested
- Application status can be tracked online
Visit: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/universal-licensing-system
License Classes
The FCC offers three levels of amateur radio licensing:
- Technician – Entry-level, local VHF/UHF privileges
- General – Access to HF bands for long-distance communication
- Extra – Full access to all U.S. amateur frequencies
Each level requires passing a multiple-choice exam. Testing is administered by Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) such as the ARRL.
FCC Enforcement
While the amateur radio community largely self-regulates, the FCC retains the authority to:
- Issue Notices of Violation (NOVs) and Forfeitures
- Revoke licenses for serious or repeated violations
- Investigate interference or unauthorized transmissions
FCC’s Broader Impact
The FCC does more than manage amateur radio:
- Oversees public safety communications (police, fire, EMS)
- Allocates spectrum to commercial providers (cellular, broadcast, satellite)
- Protects consumers from interference and unlawful use of spectrum
- Encourages technological advancement and competition
Why It Matters
Without the FCC’s oversight, radio spectrum use would be chaotic. Amateur radio depends on the FCC to:
- Maintain order and fairness across frequency bands
- Preserve access to critical portions of the spectrum
- Enable experimentation and service during emergencies
The FCC is more than a regulatory body—it’s a cornerstone of the entire radio landscape in the U.S. For amateur radio operators, understanding the FCC’s role helps ensure legal, respectful, and effective communication across the airwaves.
Learn more at: https://www.fcc.gov