FCC Radio & Licensing Articles
Guides, explainers, and deep dives into FCC licensing — amateur radio, GMRS, maritime, aircraft, and more.
June 3, 2026
Ham Radio Contesting: How Call Signs and Licenses Play a Role
Amateur radio contesting is a competitive operating activity where call signs and license class matter. Here's how contests work and what license you need.
May 30, 2026
DMR Networks and Amateur Radio: Licensing and Operations
DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) has become popular in amateur radio for its clear audio and talk-group networking. Here's what you need to know about licensing and using DMR.
May 26, 2026
FT8 and FT4: The Digital Revolution in Ham Radio Explained
FT8 has transformed HF amateur radio since its introduction in 2017. Here's how it works, why it's so popular, and what you need to get started.
May 22, 2026
Digital Modes in Amateur Radio: What License Do You Need?
Digital modes like FT8, PSK31, and WSPR have transformed HF amateur radio. Here's what license class you need to operate them and on which bands.
May 18, 2026
What Is APRS? Automatic Packet Reporting System and Ham Licensing
APRS is a digital communications system for real-time position tracking and data sharing. Here's how it works and what license you need to use it.
May 14, 2026
Amateur Radio Satellites: FCC Licensing for Space Stations
Amateur radio has operated satellites since the 1960s. Here's how amateur satellite stations are licensed by the FCC and how to use them.
May 10, 2026
What Is a Beacon Station License in Amateur Radio?
Amateur radio beacon stations transmit continuously to help operators assess propagation conditions. Here's how they are licensed and what they do.
May 6, 2026
How to Transfer a Club Call Sign to a New Trustee
When a club changes trustees, the FCC license record must be updated. Here's the process for transferring trusteeship without losing the club call sign.
May 2, 2026
What Is a Trustee Call Sign? How Clubs Manage Licensed Stations
A trustee is the licensed individual responsible for a club's FCC station license. Here's how the trustee relationship works and what it means in practice.
April 28, 2026
Women in Amateur Radio: Growing License Numbers Across the US
Women have always been part of amateur radio, and their numbers are growing. Here's a look at licensing trends and organizations supporting women in ham radio.
April 24, 2026
Youth in Amateur Radio: Getting Kids Licensed
Getting young people into amateur radio starts with the Technician exam. Here's how families and clubs can help kids get licensed and active.
April 20, 2026
How Ham Radio Helps During Natural Disasters
When commercial communications fail during hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires, amateur radio operators provide critical backup. Here are real examples.
April 16, 2026
What Is a Reciprocal Operating Agreement for Foreign Hams in the US?
Foreign amateur radio operators can operate in the US under reciprocal operating agreements. Here's how the system works and what is required.
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.