Universal Licensing System - Help
This article provides a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to unlicensed low power auxiliary device (LPAD) registration which includes unlicensed wireless microphones. The registration process for these devices provides interference protection from TV white space devices. Large venues that cannot accommodate all of their unlicensed LPADs including wireless microphones on channels that have been set aside for LPAD use can register for protection on additional channels.
- How do I determine the reserved channels at my location?
- How do I determine the other available TV channels at my location?
- Why do I need to register my wireless microphone?
- What if my equipment does not operate on the reserved channels or other available TV channels?
- How long before an event do I need to file for registration in order to receive protection?
- What should I do if I need a registration in less than 30 days?
- How do I make changes to a pending request for registration?
- What do I do if I need to change something after a registration is Accepted?
- How will I know when the Commission has completed review of my application?
- How will I know if someone objects to my request for registration?
- What changes can I make directly with the Database Administrators without notifying the FCC?
- How do I renew my registration?
- How do I cancel a registration?
How do I determine the reserved channels at my location?
The database administrators provide tools that identify white space channels for a particular location. If you select “Wireless Microphones” as the type of device when using the tool, it will list channels that are available for wireless microphone use. The reserved channels are annotated as “Reserved” or “Exclusive” in the results.
How do I determine the other available TV channels at my location?
The database administrators provide tools that identify white space channels for a particular location. If you select “Wireless Microphones” as the type of device when using the tool, it will list channels that are available for wireless microphone use. Other available TV channels are channels in the range of 14-51 that are annotated as “Available”. You are not required to use VHF channels (Channels 2-13) that are listed as "Available".
Why do I need to register my wireless microphone?
Most people do not need to register their wireless microphones or other unlicensed low power auxiliary devices. The FCC has set aside channels that can be used by these devices without interference from TV white space devices. These are the reserved channels and other available TV channels. You must use these channels if they are available. You do not need to register reserved channels and other available TV channels that you are using.
The registration process provides interference protection from TV white space devices. Large venues or major events that cannot accommodate all of their wireless microphones and other low power auxiliary devices on the reserved channels and other available TV channels can register for protection on additional channels. Major sporting events and live theatrical productions or shows are examples of major events that might qualify for registration
You do not need to register in order to operate a wireless microphone or other low power auxiliary device. The FCC has waived its rules to allow you to operate wireless microphones and other low power devices up to 50 milliwatts power on an unlicensed basis.
What if my equipment does not operate on the reserved channels or other available TV channels?
You are expected to obtain equipment that can operate on all of the reserved and other available channels at the venue's location. You will not qualify for registration if you do not first have equipment for, and use, all of the reserved channels and other available channels at the venue's location.
How long before an event do I need to file for registration in order to receive protection?
Requests for registration must be filed at least 30 days prior to operation. Registrations that do not fall clearly within the class of major events/productions, cover a large area, or request numerous TV white space channels may take longer to process. In these instances you should consider filing registrations further in advance to provide more time for review.
What should I do if I need a registration in less than 30 days?
You must request a waiver of Rule 15.713(h)(9) to file a registration less than 30 days prior to operation. If requesting a waiver respond "Yes" to the waiver question on the Waiver and Certification screen and attach an exhibit with information sufficient to justify a waiver.
How do I make changes to a pending request for registration?
You can change administrative information on a pending registration by emailing the Commission at UMChanges@fcc.gov. You must file a new request for registration to make significant changes that require new public notice. These types of changes include changes to venue location, increase in the maximum number of channels registered and significant increases or extension of time scheduled.
What do I do if I need to change something after a registration is Accepted?
You can change administrative information on an accepted registration by emailing the Commission at UMChanges@fcc.gov. Registration of TV white space channels up to the maximum number approved on your registration and minor changes to schedule can be submitted directly to the database administrators. You must file a new request for registration to make significant changes that require new public notice. These types of changes include changes to venue location, increase in the maximum number of channels registered and significant increases or extension of time scheduled.
How will I know when the Commission has completed review of my application?
You can track the status of your pending registration by searching for the file number on the ULS application search. The status is listed in the last column of the Search Results screen and you can click on the file number link for further details. When the FCC has completed processing your registration the application status will change from “Pending” to “Accepted”. If you provided Registrant and Contact email addresses on your registration request, we will send email notifications when your application is accepted.
How will I know if someone objects to my request for registration?
You can track the status of you pending registration by searching for the file number on the ULS application search. Registration details can be viewed by clicking on the file number in the Search Results screen. If a pleading has been filed, it will be listed under the “Pleadings” header on the registration detailed information screen.
What changes can I make directly with the Database Administrators without notifying the FCC?
After your registration is accepted by the Commission, you must register the actual TV white space channels being used and schedule for use with a Database Administrator. Change to registered TV white space channels (up to the maximum number approved on your registration) and minor changes to schedule can be submitted directly to the database administrators.
How do I renew my registration?
You can renew your registration by filing a new registration request.
How do I cancel a registration?
You can cancel an accepted registration by emailing the Commission at UMChanges@fcc.gov.
Additional Information
- List of Unlicensed Wireless Microphone Registrations on Public Notice
- Login to Unlicensed Wireless Microphone Registration System
- Unlicensed Wireless Microphone Registration Data (Raw Data in Pipe Delimited Format)
