Wednesday, January 3, 2024

FCC Radio License Programme

 The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the US government, formed by the Communications Act of 1934. They basically decide who is able to use which frequencies for which purposes, and issue licenses to stations for specific frequencies. Their mission, amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, is to ensure fast and reliable wire and radio communication services across the nation and the world.

That includes broadband, wireless internet, and fixed wireless services. Why? The airwaves are considered to be a limited resource that is shared by everyone. Because of this, the FCC assigns specific frequencies to licensed operators to prevent too many services from using the same channels at the same time.

What is the FCC License?

An FCC license grants an organization legal permission to operate on a specific frequency, within a particular radio band, using a specific type of radio signal emission. Individuals, businesses, or organizations that want to operate on Industrial/Business Pool frequencies must have a license.

This includes using a network design and equipment that meets FCC guidelines for quality and clarity. In the case of fixed wireless, the FCC requires most wireless telecommunications service licensees to construct their system or meet coverage requirements within a specified time period and then notify the Commission when everything is completed.


On the days 30/11, 1/12, and 3/12, SST Astronomy Club students spent about 20 hours to learn from Mr. Hugh Mason on the FCC Radio License (Technician Class). For at least 5 hours a day, Mr. Mason patiently conducted the 9 lessons that are covered by the FCC (T class). 

The topics covered include:
1. Introduction
         What is Amateur Radio
         The FCC and Licensing    
         Amateur Radio Activities
         Getting Your Ham Radio License
2. Radio and Signals Fundamentals
         Radio Signals and Waves
         Radio Equipment Basics
3. Electricity, Components, and Circuits
         Electricity
         Components and Units
         Radio Circuits
4. Propagation, Antennas, and Feed Lines
         Propagation
         Antenna and Radio Wave Basics
         Feed Lines and SWR
         Practical Antenna Systems
5. Amateur Radio Equipment
         Modulation
         Transmitters and Receivers
         Digital Communications
         Power Supplies and Batteries
6. Communicating With Other Hams
         Band Plans
         Making Contacts
         Using Repeaters
         Nets
         Communications for Public Service
         Satellite Operating
7. Licensing Regulations
         Licensing Terms
         Bands and Privileges International Rules
         Call Signs
8. Operating Regulations
         Control Operators
         Identification
         Interference
         Third-party Communications
         Remote and Automatic Operation
         Prohibited Transmissions
9. Safety
         Electrical Safety
         Managing RF in Your Station
         RF Interference (RFI)
         RF Exposure
         Mechanical Safety

On the 17 November 2023, the class of students took the FCC Radio License (Technician Class) and achieved their radio license. They are: 












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