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. -- Fred R. Goldstein k1io fred "at" interisle.net Interisle Consulting Group +1 617 795 2701 _______________________________________________ Wireless mailing list Wireless@wispa.org http://lists.wispa.org/mailman/listinfo/wireless
