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Federal Communications Commission
Wireless Communications Bureau
Universal Licensing System : Everything You Need For Wireless Licensing and Research
What Is ULS?
Universal Licensing System (ULS) is the up-to-date, online answer to your wireless licensing and research needs.
Every year the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) processes more than 400,000 applications for wireless services. ULS simplifies the application, licensing, and spectrum leasing processes and provides secure, world-wide access through the Internet. This results in reduced filing time and financial savings for both customers and the Federal Government.
[Image: ULS home page. Captions: ULS contains everything you need for electronic filing of wireless applications; Do I Need an FCC Registration Number ?]
Do I Need an FCC Registration Number?
In order to file an application, register an antenna structure, or sit for an FCC radio operator exam, you must first register with the FCC and receive an FCC Registration Number (FRN). Web registration is quick and easy. Choose the “CORES/CALL SIGN” registration button on the ULS home page and follow the onscreen directions.
Note: For those submitting applications through a third party, it is highly recommended that you pre-register in CORES to obtain your password before the third party files on your behalf. This includes amateurs taking license examinations and land mobile applicants filing through frequency coordinators. Amateur clubs must have a unique FRN unrelated to that of the trustee.
Note: If you have existing licenses, check ULS License Search to see if these licenses have already been linked to an FRN. If you have an FRN but no password, contact technical support.
Who Can Use ULS?
ULS can be used by anyone who wants to file applications or research licensing information within the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau or the FCC's Antenna Structure Registration (ASR)
FCC Auction winners, commercial entities, Amateurs, Public Safety officials, coordinators and others can use the system.
ULS was designed to meet the needs of many audiences, and continues to evolve to maximize the use of improved technology and to support FCC regulatory changes. W e continue to improve the system using feedback from the public, including:
•ULS Home Page http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/
Wireless Services Supported by ULS
What Can I Do In ULS?
Access Antenna Structure Registration
As part of its ongoing effort to promote air safety, the FCC requires owners to register certain antenna structures —generally those more than 200 feet (60.96 meters) in height or those located near an airport. If you are filing for a new or modified license which requires Antenna Structure Registration (ASR), you must provide the ASR number on your application. The ASR search page allows you to check existing registration and provides a link called TOWAIR to determine if an antenna structure requires FAA notification and FCC registration.
[Image: ASR registration page.]
• Antenna Structure Registration http://wireless.fcc.gov/antenna/
•Download ULS Database Information
To stay abreast of the daily changes to the ULS databases for all WTB wireless services, you may download the daily transaction files or the complete databases. The database downloadable files are available as downloadable ZIP files and are updated weekly.
ULS also provides print formatted copies (reference copies) of licenses produced by the system. These copies are transferred to the Internet as they are printed. You may want to transfer these ASCII format files into a word processor and adjust the font for printing or viewing.
• ULS Downloads and Reference Copies http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/downloads.html
[Image: Women using ULS home page.]
What Can I Do In ULS?
ULS provides one convenient location where you can file an application, view and manage your licenses and applications, print reference copies of your license, and perform other license and application management tasks.
In addition, ULS is a powerful information tool that enables you to research wireless applications, licenses, and licensee ownership data, as well as Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) data.
[Image: License Manager web page. Captions:File an application for one or more licenses; View and manage your licenses and applications]
•File Applications
ULS contains everything you need for electronic filing of wireless applications. Simply click the “Online Filing” link on the ULS home page at http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/ and login to License Manager with your FRN number and password. You can file an application for one or more licenses. License Manager will lead you through your application question by question. After your application has been submitted, ULS automatically calculates any FCC fees and allows online payment with a credit card.
Application Types You Should Know About
Here are some important application types with which you may be less familiar.
•Required Notification Transfer of Control
A Required Notification is submitted to notify the FCC that, within the required time period, either buildout/coverage or construction requirements have been satisfied, or an Assignment of Authorization or Transfer of Control has been consummated. A Required Notification is also submitted to request a Regular Authorization for paging facilities currently operating under developmental authority.
•Assignment of Authorization
An Assignment of Authorization is a transaction whereby a license is acquired from an existing licensee (the assignor). In most cases, the parties must file an application and obtain Commission consent to the assignment before it can take place. An assignment can be either full or partial. A full assignment involves acquisition of the entire license. A partial assignment involves acquisition by the assignee of a portion of the locations, geographic area, or spectrum covered by the license, while the assignor retains the remaining portion.
•Transfer of Control
A transfer of Control is submitted when the controlling interest in the ownership of a licensee entity is transferred to another party or parties. A Transfer of Control involves a transfer of controlling interest in ownership but generally does not involve the changing of the licensee name.Definitions of controlling interest and ownership can be found in the appplicable FCC Rules. In most cases, the parties must file an applicaation and obtain Commission consent to the transfer before it can take place.
•Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer
A Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer is an assignment or transfer in which the form of ownership changes but actual control of the license remains with the same entity. Pro Forma Assignments and Transfers may be approved under streamlined forbearance procedures in the case of most telecommunications carriers (excluding licensees with installment payment or designated entity issues). These pro forma notifications do not require prior FCC approval provided that the parties notify the FCC of the change within 30 days of the assignment or transfer. Note that private licenses are not subject to forbearance. FCC approval is required for Pro Forma Assignments and Transfers involving private licenses.
•Spectrum Leasing
The Commission permits licensees to lease spectrum to third parties under certain circumstances. Licensees may enter into spectrum manager leasing arrangements or de facto transfer leasing arrangements. In the case of spectrum manager leasing arrangements, the licensee must file a notification with the Commission within 14 days of entering into the spectrum lease and at least 21 days in advance of operation of facilities by the spectrum lessee (except that for a spectrum lease of up to one year, the licensee must submit the notification at least 10 days in advance of operation). In the case of de facto transfer leasing arrangements, the licensee and the spectrum lessee must file an application and obtain Commission consent prior to putting the spectrum lease arrangement into effect.
•Coordinated Applications
ULS enhances filing for certified third party frequency coordinators, Volunteer Exam Coordinators (VECS), Commercial Operator License Exam Managers (COLEMs), and Club Station Call Sign Administrators (CSCSAs). Coordinators and exam managers have the capability to submit large numbers of electronic applications simultaneously.
•Special Temporary Authority (STA)
The FCC grants Special Temporary Authority (STA) to permit immediate or temporary operation of certain radio frequencies during emergency situations, when a delay in operation would seriously prejudice the public interest, for special functions or events, for testing purposes, and for other unusual situations. Carriers in site-based services may request an STA electronically through ULS. Initial STA requests are filed like other new applications, but STA must be selected on the online form. Note: Applicants in market-based services currently cannot file STA requests electronically; instead they should file manually using FCC Form 601.
•Search Application and License Information
You can use the powerful ULS search engines without having to register for an FRN. Application Search enables you to quickly check the status of pending applications and examine their attachments. License Search allows you to view licenses and any special conditions, comments or other filings associated with them.
ULS gives you the power to search by one or more of the designated information fields found on licenses and applications. The more fields you use for your search criteria, the more you can customize your results. If you are looking for a single application or license, search using the file number or call sign. You can also choose Geosearch to search for records by state and county, within a radius of a street address, or by latitude and longitude to within a radius of site coordinates.
•Download Search Results
The Query Download feature allows you to save the results of your license or application search. Simply enter your email address and ULS informs you when your results are ready for download. Your search results are saved in a file that can be imported into spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or Lotus 1-2-3.
•Map Your Search
One of the most exciting features of ULS is digital mapping. The Geographic Information System (GIS) creates dynamic maps and displays licensed spectrum in relation to geographical boundaries. Used with Geosearch, GIS mapping is ideal for illustrating the locations of licenses in a specific state or region.
[Image: ULS-GIS web page, with caption: GIS creates dynamic maps and displays licensed spectrum in relation to geographical boundaries]
• What If I Have Questions?
Customer Support Website
The customer support website has streamlined the customer support process and resulted in shorter turnaround times for requests. This website provides help to the public on a wealth of topics such as:
[Image: web page: Welcome to Help & Support
Find Support by Topic: Get quick answers to common questions in our FAQSs, help files, step-by-step instructions and other website content, organized by topic.
Submit a Help Request Online: You may submit a technical support request to FCC Support. You will receive a tracking number that you can use to check the status of your request online. In addition, you may have your FCC Registration Number (FRN) passwork reset.
Contact FCC Support: We encourage all of our visitors to browse Support by Topic prior to contacting the FCC If you can not find your answer on the website, contact FCC support online or by phone]
•Customer Support: http://esupport.fcc.gov
•HeIp
Help may be reached via the following.
Telephone: (877) 480-3201 then choose one of the following options:
1 - Password resets
2 - Licensing and forms support for wireless services including application purposes, license or application status, or other wireless service related matters
3 - Electronic filing for wireless services including computer access to ULS, file uploads, or submitting attachments
4- FCC Registration Number or FRN
• TTY: (202) 414-1255
Telephone support is available from Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays). To provide quality service and ensure security all telephone calls are recorded.
Additional Resources
Here are just a few of the resources available to keep you informed about wireless services:
•Accessibility
The FCC works closely with representatives from the disabled community and members of W3C Web Accessibility Initiative to improve accessibility for all users.
Disclaimer The FCC makes no warranty whatsoever with respect to ULS software. In no event shall the Commission, or any of its officers, employees or agents, be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other loss) arising out of or relating to the existence, furnishing, functioning or use of the software. Moreover, no obligation or liability will arise out of the Commission's technical, programming, or other advice or service provided in connection with ULS software.
Disclaimer The FCC makes no warranty whatsoever with respect to ULS software. In no event shall the Commission , or any of its officers, employees or agents, be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other loss) arising out of or relating to the existence, furnishing, functioning or use of the software. Moreover, no obligation or liability will arise out of the Commission's technical, programming, or other advice or service provided in connection with ULS software.
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