Fred, thank you for your detailed and informative explanation. I knew someone here would know the answers.
Thanks again and have a great weekend! On 7/25/2014 12:29, Fred Goldstein wrote: > On 7/25/2014 12:29 PM, Sam wrote: >> Two questions for you guys... >> >> Have any of you ever heard of a requirement to obtain an "Experimental >> License" (via a Form 442) to start up or operate a WISP? I'm trying to >> find something online that states what sort of radio, frequency, >> activity, or anything that defines who must obtain this license, but am >> finding nothing related to unlicensed spectrum. > > No, you don't need an Experimental license to operate a WISP. Form 442 > is the application for an experimental license, which is governed by > Part 5 of the FCC Rules. Such licenses are for "experimentation, > product development, and market trials." If equipment is type approved, > it is not experimental, but a manufacturer might use this Part in order > to test out new equipment or technology that isn't yet approved. Part 5 > devices can theoretically operate in any part of the spectrum, provided > that the license is granted -- the experimental license can be very > specific about frequency, power, etc., as it's issued on a case-by-case > basis. > > WISPs usually operate under Part 15, which regulates unlicensed devices. > (The 3650 MHz band is in Part 90, as it requires a non-exclusive > license.) So the FCC doesn't generally care about your Part 15 > operation so long as you use type-approved equipment and follow the > appropriate rules for that equipment and the frequency it's operating > on. Note that there can be some special cases; under the new U-NII > rules, if you have >1000 outdoor access points on the 5150-5250 band, > you have to give the FCC notice. But it's still unlicensed. > >> Have any of you ever heard of a requirement to register with a state's >> Public Service Commission (for a WISP providing Internet connectivity >> only - no VOIP, telephony, etc.) > > Not like a carrier. You're providing an "information service" per > federal definitions, and it's jurisdictionally interstate. It's not like > a CLEC that needs certification. But there could be some kind of state > business-licensing rules that apply to WISPs in some states; that's a > legal question. > > If a WISP wants to become an "eligible telecommunications carrier" in > order to participate in the forthcoming Universal Service Fund reverse > auctions and get federal USF money, it will need ETC certification, > which usually comes from the state PUC, but I think you don't need that > until after you win the auction. > _______________________________________________ Wireless mailing list Wireless@wispa.org http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless
