In the United States, the FCC has allocated frequencies in the 400- and 900-MHz bands for multiple-address and point-to-point radio services. GE MDS manufactures radios for these and other bands. FCC licensing in these bands is complicated, so the Technical Services group at GE MDS provides licensing as an engineering service to our customers.

The time required to obtain a license is several months, and the process requires several steps. GE MDS and our partners in licensing services have a great deal of experience and are available to help you through the entire process.

Licensing begins with a factory order, and proceeds as follows:

1. A questionnaire is used to gather the information needed to apply for the frequencies and license. The questionnaire differs for MAS and PTP applications.
2. The application for a frequency pair or single frequency is submitted for coordination via a third-party frequency coordinator, for a frequency pair, or a single frequency, depending on the information in the application.
3. Once the frequency coordination is complete, the application is submitted to the FCC for a license.

Typically, licensing services are ordered at the same time as radio equipment. Because of the frequency-specific nature of the components in GE MDS radios, it is necessary that the actual operating frequency of the radio is know prior to manufacture. As a result, radio delivery cannot be scheduled until frequency coordination (step 2 in the process above) is complete. Typically, this occurs within three weeks of order placement -- but varies depending on the timing and accuracy of the questionnaire.

Radio equipment can be shipped prior to the receipt of the license, however, FCC rules prohibit operating a radio system until the issuance of the license. For more details about the licensing process, including current pricing, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .