XTN Radios operate in a specific portion of the VHF and UHF band-plan set aside for specific business use. The VHF plan allows for 27 frequencies, and the UHF plan allows for 56 frequencies. XTN radios carry these channels internally and can be user selected. AX radios operate over a much wider range and are dealer programmed to your required frequencies.
A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Land Mobile Business license is required to operate on these business frequencies. The class of service these radios operate in is known as "IG" in the FCC rules.
The licensing process is a little difficult, technical and time consuming. A license protects the user from interference from others who may in the future intend to use the same frequencies. We strongly recommend all users get licensed as the law requires one to do so and it is the right thing to do.
The solution to the difficulty is simply to use a Frequency Coordination Service. The cost is reasonable, and the license is good for a term of ten years.
As we said, this channel assignment is done to prevent interference and assign a clear frequency to the business user. We will be glad to work with you and get the coordination set up for you if desired. Once the application is filed and pending with the FCC the user may use the channels asked for until such time the license is granted or denied. There is no need to wait for the final license in hand as you can operate so long as the proper forms have been filed and you are pending approval.
Before a particular frequency or frequencies can be licensed by the FCC, the Coordinator must first do an exhaustive study current of frequency use in the intended geographic area of operation. This is done to assure no interference will be caused by the assignment.
We will be happy to assist you with the process and put you in touch with the coordination service we recommend. The process takes about a week once you sign an application form and forward it to the coordinator along with two checks; one for the FCC license itself and one for the coordination and license application preparation and filing with the FCC. Depending on how much work is required, the average price including the FCC fee is $500. They do all the work and work it is!
So after all the license is easy to get by using a good licensing and coordination service. In urgent cases they "walk" the application through the FCC and get almost immediate approval.
The cost is usually the same whether you choose one or six operating frequencies. Repeaters cost more money to license. As your dealer we are here to help you and liaise between your company and the coordination service.