If you’re running a Satel 400MHz radio, you need an FCC Part 90 license before you transmit. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Satel 400 MHz radios operate in a licensed band.
So, you need a Part 90 license under the FCC’s Private Land Mobile Radio Service. It’s available to businesses, individuals, government entities, and many other groups as defined under 47 CFR § 90.35 and 47 CFR § 90.20. The license type and frequency pool depend on your use case, not just your entity type.
2. All operation requires a license.
Some operators assume low-power transmissions or specific frequencies don’t require a license. They do. If you’re operating a Satel 400 MHz radio, FCC Part 90 applies regardless of how you are using it.
3. Licensing exists because spectrum is a shared resource.
Licensing ensures access to critical long-range frequency bands is controlled so businesses, public safety agencies and more can access the wireless communications they depend on.
4. Itinerant frequencies are shared.
Itinerant frequencies are a small group of shared frequencies that can be used for wide area operation (such as statewide or nationwide). A license is still required to use them, even though they are not exclusive. Unlike coordinated, fixed location licenses, operation on itinerant frequencies may be subject to unintentional interference from other licensed users. It is recommended to have multiple itinerant frequencies available if operating on those channels.
5. Your radio has to be certified, not just your operation.
FCC Part 90 rules apply to the hardware, not just the operator. Under 47 CFR § 90.203, every transmitter marketed or operated under Part 90 must be of a type that has been certified for use under that part. Part 90 certification gives you the ability to operate, but only under the rules specified in Part 90, which requires operators to be licensed.
If you need help getting licensed, SATEL USA offers a straightforward licensing service for high-power base radios.