Active License – A license granted by the FCC that has not expired or been canceled or terminated. A license becomes active immediately upon grant. So long as the license is active, the licensee is authorized to operate in accordance with its terms. 

Administrative Update – An application filing that allows a licensee to update administrative data on its license(s) in the ULS licensing database. Administrative changes are limited to changes in licensee name (provided there is no change in license ownership, control, or corporate structure), address, phone number, fax number, control point, e–mail address, and point of contact information. Administrative changes do not include changes in technical specifications to a license, control points, assignments or transfers, or other changes that would require a modification application. (See Modification.) Previously, applicants made administrative updates with a formal FCC modification request or an informal letter request.

Aircraft License - On October 26, 1996, the FCC released a Report and Order in WT Docket No. 96-82, FCC 96-421 (Word), eliminating the individual licensing requirement for all aircraft operating domestically. This means that you do not need a license to operate a two-way VHF radio, radar, or ELT aboard aircraft operating domestically. All other aircraft radio stations must be licensed by the FCC either individually or by fleet.

Alert List – A list of potential categories of "problem" applications so that ULS can identify them and send them offline for manual processing. The alert list function can then be used to flag applications based on the identity of the applicant, the spectrum being applied for, or the type of license being sought. 

Amateur License - The amateur and amateur-satellite services are for qualified persons of any age who are interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest. These services present an opportunity for self-training, intercommunication, and technical investigations. 

Amendment – A request to revise a previously filed, currently pending application. If the amendment is major, the amended application is treated as a new application with a new filing date. If the amendment is minor, the original application receipt date is retained.

Application Status Code - see Status Code, Application

Assignment – A transaction whereby a license is acquired from an existing licensee (the assignor) by another entity (the assignee). (See also Transfer of Control.) In most cases, the parties must file an application and obtain Commission consent to the assignment before it can take place. (See Non–Pro Forma Assignments or Transfers and Pro Forma Assignments or Transfers) An assignment can be either full or partial. A full assignment involves acquisition of the entire license and licensed facilities. A partial assignment involves acquisition by the assignee of a portion of the facilities, geographic area, or spectrum covered by the license, while the assignor retains the remaining portion. In geographically licensed services, partitioning and disaggregation are types of partial assignment.

Authorization, Demonstration - Authorization type that the FCC grants for the sale and/or marketing of radio equipment. Demonstration licenses may be used for purposes of demonstrating equipment to potential customers at trade shows or at other exhibitions, performing on site coverage studies for potential customers, or other uses as provided for under specific FCC rules.

Authorization, Developmental - Authorization type that the FCC grants for developmental authority to construct and operate transmitters for the purpose of developing a new radio service or a new technology not regularly authorized under specific FCC rules.

Authorization, Special Temporary Authority ( STA) - An authorization that allows the applicant to operate radio facilities for a short period (renewable, but limited to180 days) without a full license. STAs are only granted under unusual circumstances, e.g., where there is an emergency need for service before a license application can be granted, or where an STA is needed to prevent operations from being interrupted due to circumstances beyond the applicant's control.

Automated Letter - Letters generated by ULS that the FCC has sent to the licensee and/or their contact, and allows you to view a summary of the information associated with the letter. Each letter is identified by a sequential reference number assigned by the ULS, call sign, letter type (e.g., Renewal Reminder), and date the letter was generated. 

Automatic Processing – The ability of the ULS to process (grant, dismiss, etc.) a request filed by an applicant without the need for staff review or intervention. This is possible if ULS does not need to offline the file to Inbox for errors, major filings, waivers, etc. For example, renewal applications and routine construction notifications may be auto–processed.

Cancellation – The rescinding of an existing license at the request of the licensee. This occurs, for example, if the licensee has ceased operations and turns in its license. In the ULS database the license status code is changed from A active to C canceled. (Also see Termination.)

Cancellation Date - The date on which a license in canceled. (Also see Cancellation.)

Clearance Check – An automated process performed by ULS that determines if an application requires further review/action, either automated or manual. Examples of clearance checks include alert list, international coordination, Tower, and basic qualifications.

CM – see Commercial Operator License

Comment - Any comments made by the FCC relating to the license are displayed in the comments section on the License Detail screen.

Commercial Operator License - You need a commercial radio operator license to operate the following:

• Ship radio stations if: 
  • the vessel carries more than six passengers for hire; 
  • or the radio operates on medium or high frequencies; or 
  • the ship sails to foreign ports; or 
  • the ship is larger than 300 gross tons and is required to carry a radio station for safety purposes. 
     
• Coast stations which operate on medium or high frequencies, or operate with more than 1,500 watts of peak envelope power. 
• Aircraft radio stations, except those that use only VHF frequencies on domestic flights.
• International fixed public radiotelephone and radiotelegraph stations. 
• Coast and ship stations transmitting radiotelegraphy.

You need a commercial radio operator license to repair and maintain the following: 

• All ship radio and radar stations. 
• All coast stations. 
• All hand carried units used to communicate with ships and coast stations on marine frequencies. 
• All aircraft stations and aeronautical ground stations including hand-carried portable units) used to communicate with aircraft. 
• International fixed public radiotelephone and radiotelegraph stations. 

Conditions, Special - Special rules or restrictions that apply to a particular license, location, or frequency.

Consent – FCC approval of an assignment or transfer of control application. This allows the parties to proceed with the transaction. (See Consummation.)

Construction Requirements – Rules requiring wireless licensees to construct facilities and commence service within a specified time after the license grant date (the construction period). If the licensee fails to construct and commence service within the construction period, and does not receive an extension of time, the license automatically terminates. "Commencement of service" refers to commencing actual operation of the facility. In the case of common carriers, service must be provided to at least two unaffiliated subscribers to meet this requirement.

Consummation – The completion by the parties of an assignment or transfer of control transaction that has been approved by the FCC. Consummation must occur within 60 days of FCC consent unless an extension of time is granted. 

Coverage Requirements – In geographically licensed services, rules requiring wireless licensees to provide service covering a specified portion of the licensing area within a specified time after the license grant date (the coverage period). Typically, the portion of the licensing area that must be covered is defined in terms of population, though other criteria may be used instead of or in addition to population. If the licensee fails to provide coverage within the coverage period, and does not receive an extension of time, the license automatically terminates. 

Developmental Authorization - see Authorization, Developmental

Disaggregation – In geographically licensed services, the acquisition of a part of a licensee's allotted spectrum by another entity. For example, a PCS licensee with 30 MHz of spectrum could disaggregate 10 MHz to another entity. (See Assignment and Partitioning.)

Dismissal – FCC action terminating processing of an application that is determined to be defective or otherwise not in conformance with the Commission's rules. If an application is dismissed, the applicant may be entitled to re-file under applicable rules, but the re-filed application will be treated as a new application. Dismissal of an application is distinct from denial of an application, which may occur if an application is contested. An application will be dismissed when the application is not grantable on its face. An application will be denied if it is grantable on its face, but the Commission determines that grant of the application would not be in the public interest.

Duplicate – An applicant request for a copy of an existing license.

Expiration Date – The date after which an FCC–granted license ceases to be valid. For example, a license with a 12/1/98 expiration is no longer valid at 12:00am 12/2/98. In most cases, wireless licenses have a 10–year term, and the expiration date is the 10–year anniversary date of the original license grant date.

Extension of Time – An applicant request to either extend the deadline for meeting construction or coverage requirements, or extend the time allowed for consummation of an assignment or transfer.

FRN - The Licensee FCC Registration Number (FRN) is a 10-digit number that is assigned by the Commission Registration System (CORES) to an entity doing business with the FCC. Each registered entity will have a unique FRN that is used to identify the entity's business dealings with the FCC. The FCC will use the FRN to determine if all of an entity's fees have been paid for application filings requiring a fee.

GMRS License – see General Mobile Radio Service License

Grant – The approval of a pending license application by the FCC. 

Grant Date – The date on which a license becomes effective, which initiates the license term (usually 10 years) and sets the timetable for any applicable construction or coverage deadlines. In ULS, this corresponds to the date that the license is effective. In ULS choosing a future grant date is also possible.

Granted in Part – The approval of one or more markets within an application by the FCC, with other markets within the same application dismissed. (See Dismissal.) 

History - Each significant event that occurred during the processing of the license, as well as the date on which the event occurred, as displayed in the history section on the License Detail screen.

HV – see Vanity License

Incomplete – The status of an application in ULS that is not yet completed and submitted. The system saves incomplete applications for 30 days.

Issue Date – The date on which the FCC issues the license to the licensee. The initial issue date may be the same as the grant date (see Grant Date), or if the license was granted with conditions, it may be the date the conditions were fulfilled. When a license is assigned or modified, it retains its original grant date, but the issue date is the date that the license was changed to reflect the assignment or modification. This is not to be confused with print date, which is the date a license is printed. Issue date and print date may be different.

Licensee Name - The name of the individual or business entity holding the license.

License Status Code - see Status Code, License

Manual Filing – An application filed via a hard copy (paper) form.

Minor Filing – An amendment to an application or a request for modification of license that is defined as minor in Part 1 of the Commission's rules. In general, any change not defined as major is considered minor. Minor filings generally do not affect filing priority and only require the applicant to notify the FCC by filing a modification request. For example, duplicate license, withdrawal, and cancellation are minor filings.

Modification – An applicant request to change the terms, conditions, or specifications of an existing license, other than administrative changes (see Administrative Update). Modifications may be major or minor. (See Major Filing and Minor Filing)

Notification – A filing stating that an event pertaining to the license has occurred, that an assignment or transfer has been consummated, or that a construction or coverage requirement has been met.

Partial Assignment – Involves acquisition by the assignee of a portion of the facilities, geographic area, or spectrum covered by the license, while the assignor retains the remaining portion. In geographically licensed services, partitioning and disaggregation are types of partial assignment.

Partitioning – In geographically licensed services, this is the acquisition of a portion of a licensee's geographic service area by another entity. (See Assignment and Disaggregation.)

Pending – Status of an application that has been successfully filed in ULS and is awaiting FCC action. Pending Status 1 refers to applications that have been submitted but not processed by ULS. Pending Status 2 refers to applications that have been submitted and need examiner intervention before a decision on the application may be reached.

Pending Pack Filing – Status of an application that is part of a pack that has not yet been submitted to the FCC. (See Packs.)

Petition for Reconsideration – A petition requesting that the Commission reverse, modify, or otherwise reconsider a previous action, e.g., grant of a license or dismissal of an application. Under Section 405 of the Communications Act, a petition for reconsideration must be filed within 30 days of public notice of the FCC's action.

Petition to Deny – A petition filed with the FCC by an interested party requesting that the FCC deny a pending application. When a petition is filed, the applicant may file an opposition and the petitioner may file a reply. Resolution of a petition generally requires a Commission letter or order stating whether the petition is granted, denied, or dismissed, and the reasons for the Commission's decision.

Print Date – The date on which the FCC prints a license.

Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer – 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 requests do not require prior FCC approval provided that the parties notify the FCC of the change within 30 days. (See Non–Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer). Note that private licenses are not subject to forbearance. FCC approval is required for private pro forma transfers and assignments.

Protection Date – Protection date is the time and date stamp associated with the submission of an application for link registration in the Millimeter Wave 70-80-90 GHz Service (MM). It establishes the first-in-time priority of registered links for the purpose of determining interference resolution. The protection date is initially determined by the submit time and date of a new link registration. If a link registration is dismissed or denied, the protection date has no effect. If a link is subsequently modified the protection date is replaced by the time and date stamp of the modified link registration.

Public Notice – An official notification issued by the FCC that lists Commission actions affecting applicants or licensees, e.g., acceptance of applications for filing, or licensing actions such as grants or dismissals. In general, the public notice date triggers procedural deadlines for parties to file pleadings or petitions (e.g., petitions to deny, petitions for reconsideration) with the FCC regarding the matter listed on the notice.

Receipt Date – The date that an application is received by the Commission. In the case of an electronic filing in ULS, the receipt date is the date/time the application is electronically submitted by the applicant into the ULS. In the case of a manual filing, the receipt date is the date the FCC or Mellon Bank received the application by mail or by hand, not the date it is subsequently key–entered into ULS.

Register Link – A filing to register a new link, or delete or modify an existing registered link, to an existing nationwide license for Millimeter Wave 70/80/90 GHz (MM).

Reinstatement – An applicant's request that a license be restored after termination, cancellation, or expiration. Under ULS, reinstatement is no longer an available procedure. However, the licensee does have the right to file a petition for reconsideration of a Commission action terminating its license.

Renewal – A grant to a licensee of an additional license term at the conclusion of the current license term. To obtain a renewal, licensees must file a renewal application on or before the current license expiration date. When the renewal is granted, the license receives a new expiration date at the end of the renewal term. Special temporary authorizations and developmental authorizations may also be renewed, subject to some restrictions.

Restricted Operator License - Holders are authorized to operate most aircraft and aeronautical ground stations. They can also operate marine radiotelephone stations aboard pleasure craft (other than those carrying more than six passengers for hire on the Great Lakes or bays or tidewaters or in the open sea) when operator licensing is required. 

Resubmit – The refiling of a previously filed application with additional or corrected information when it has been returned by the Commission. (See Return.) A resubmittal is a type of amendment to the application.

Return – The status of an application that has been sent back to the applicant with instructions to amend the application with corrections or additional information. A returned application is not dismissed. However, if the applicant fails to amend its application within a specified time, the application is dismissed.

RR – see Restricted Operator License

Saved Applications – An incomplete application that has been partially entered by the applicant into ULS but has not been completed or submitted. Unless completed or submitted, applications in "saved" status are deleted from the ULS database after 30 days.

SB – see Ship Compulsory Equipped

Service Code – A code designating certain groups of wireless services based on the legacy databases in which licensing data was stored prior to the deployment of ULS. For example, services that have been licensed in the Microwave database are designated "MW" and services in the Land Mobile database are designated "LM" for Land Mobile. 

Ship Compulsory Equipped License - Depending on the size, purpose, or destination of a ship, its radio station must meet certain requirements established by law or treaty. For example, large passenger or cargo ships that travel on the open sea are required by the Communications Act and by international agreements to be equipped with a radio station for long distance radio communications. Passenger ships that travel along the coast must be able to communicate at shorter range with coast stations. "Compulsory ships" are required or compelled by treaty or statute to be equipped with specified telecommunications equipment if they meet the following criteria:

• Cargo ships over 300 gross tons navigating in the open sea; 
• Ships certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry more than 6 passengers for hire in the open sea or tidewaters of the U.S.; 
• Power driven ships over 20 meters in length on navigable waterways; 
• Ships of more than 100 gross tons certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry at least one passenger on navigable waterways; 
• Tow boats of more than 7.8 meters in length on navigable waterways; and, 
• Uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels required to carry a VHF radio. 

Ship Recreational or Voluntarily Equipped License - The term "voluntary ships" refers to ships that are not required by law to carry a radio. Generally, this term applies to recreation or pleasure craft. In any event, the term "voluntary ships" does not apply to the following: 

• Cargo ships over 300 gross tons navigating in the open sea; 
• Ships certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry more than 6 passengers for hire in the open sea or tidewaters of the U.S.; 
• Power driven ships over 20 meters in length on navigable waterways; 
• Ships of more than 100 gross tons certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry at least one passenger on navigable waterways; 
• Tow boats of more than 7.8 meters in length on navigable waterways; and, 
• Uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels required to carry a VHF radio. 

Special Temporary Authority (STA) – see Authorization, STA

Specified Search - On the License Search Results screen, this indicator tells you the basic level of what you searched on (e.g., "Radio Service = HV") 

STA - see Authorization, STA

Status Code, Application - Refers to the status of an application. Application status codes include: 

1 - Pending Level 1 
2 - Pending Level 2 
A - Granted, awaiting overnight processing 
C - Consented to 
D - Dismissed 
G - Granted 
I - Inactive 
K - Killed 
M - Consummated 
N - Granted In Part 
P - Pending Pack Filing
Q - Accepted
R - Returned 
T - Terminated 
W - Withdrawn 

Status Code, License - Refers to the status of a license.  License status codes include:

A - Active 
C - Canceled 
E - Expired 
T - Terminated 

Transfer of Control – A transaction in which control of the entity that holds a license passes from one entity (the transferor) to another (the transferee). (See also Assignment.) In most cases, the parties must file an application and obtain Commission consent to the transfer before it can take place. (See Non–Pro Forma Assignments or Transfers and Pro Forma Assignments or Transfers)

Withdrawal – A request by the applicant that the Commission cease processing and dismiss a pending application.