FCC Radio & Licensing Articles
Guides, explainers, and deep dives into FCC licensing — amateur radio, GMRS, maritime, aircraft, and more.
April 12, 2026
International Call Signs: How US Ham Formats Compare to Other Countries
Amateur radio call signs follow ITU international standards. Here's how US formats compare to call sign systems in other countries.
April 8, 2026
Famous Ham Radio Operators and Their Call Signs
Many well-known figures have held amateur radio licenses. Here's a look at some famous hams and the call signs that identified them on the air.
April 4, 2026
Ham Radio and Emergency Communications: ARES, RACES, and SKYWARN
Amateur radio operators play a vital role in emergency communications through ARES, RACES, and SKYWARN. Here's how these programs work and how to get involved.
March 31, 2026
What Is a Radio Club and How Do They Get Licensed by the FCC?
Amateur radio clubs can hold their own FCC licenses separate from individual members. Here's the club licensing process and what it means for the club.
March 15, 2026
Using FCC Data for Emergency Management and Public Safety
FCC license data is a valuable resource for emergency managers planning radio communication networks. Here's how public safety professionals use it.
March 11, 2026
How to Verify a Ham License Before a Contest or Net
Contest operators and net control stations sometimes need to verify that a participant holds a valid FCC license. Here's how to do a quick verification.
March 7, 2026
What Is Location and Monitoring Service (LMS) Licensing?
LMS licenses authorize systems that track vehicle locations and monitor remote equipment. Here's how this specialized FCC service works.
March 3, 2026
Wireless Communications Service (WCS): The 2.3 GHz Band Explained
WCS licenses cover the 2305–2360 MHz band — a slice of spectrum with a complicated regulatory history and growing importance for 5G.
February 27, 2026
Railroad Radio Licensing: How the FCC Licenses Train Communications
Railroads rely on licensed radio for dispatch, crew communication, and safety systems. Here's how railroad radio licensing works under FCC Part 90.
February 23, 2026
What Is a Microwave License and Who Typically Holds One?
Microwave licenses authorize point-to-point and point-to-multipoint links in high-frequency bands. Here's who uses them and how they appear in FCC records.
February 19, 2026
What Are 700 MHz Spectrum Licenses? FCC Band Allocation Explained
The 700 MHz band is one of the most valuable spectrum resources in the US, used for public safety and commercial 4G/5G networks. Here's how it's licensed.
February 15, 2026
Understanding FCC Radio Service Codes: A Complete Reference
Every FCC license is categorized by a radio service code. Here's what the most common codes mean and how to use them to filter license searches.
February 11, 2026
What Is Educational Broadband Service (EBS)? The IG License Explained
Educational Broadband Service (EBS) licenses occupy the 2.5 GHz band and have a unique history tied to educational television. Here's what the IG service code means.
February 7, 2026
How to Find All Licenses Associated With a Person's FRN
An FCC FRN ties all your licenses together. Here's how to pull up every FCC authorization associated with a single registration number.
February 3, 2026
Aircraft Radio: FCC Licensing Requirements for Private Pilots
Private pilots need to understand FCC aviation radio rules, especially for international flight. Here's what every GA pilot should know about radio licensing.
January 30, 2026
Inland Waterway Radio Licensing in the United States
The US inland waterway system has its own radio licensing rules. Here's what commercial and recreational operators on rivers, lakes, and canals need to know.
January 26, 2026
What Is AMTS? The Automated Maritime Telecommunications System Explained
AMTS is a specialized FCC-licensed maritime radio service for data and voice communication along US inland and coastal waterways. Here's how it works.
January 22, 2026
How to Look Up a Ship's FCC License and Call Sign
Every FCC-licensed vessel has a public record in the ULS. Here's how to find a ship's license, call sign, MMSI number, and owner information.
January 18, 2026
Maritime Radio Licensing: A Complete Guide for Vessel Operators
Maritime radio licensing covers everything from recreational VHF to commercial GMDSS equipment. This guide covers who needs what license for marine radio.
January 14, 2026
What Happens If You Use GMRS Without a License?
Operating on GMRS frequencies without a license is an FCC violation. Here's what the rules say and what enforcement looks like in practice.