Do You Need an FCC License for Push-to-Talk Two-Way Radios?

Peak PTT Blog

If your company is using push-to-talk two-way radios, it is important to know whether you need an FCC license in order to avoid any violations. There are two types of radios: General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Family Radio Service (FRS). FRS radios, also known as walkie-talkies, are used by consumers and families and do not require an FCC license.

All Peak PTT’s standard radios DO NOT need FCC license, with the exception of the PTT-584G PD radio. The PTT-584G PD is a dual band radio that works on both LTE and DMR frequencies.

However, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) requires an FCC license for all radios that operate using the GMRS channels (around 462 Mhz and 467 Mhz). These radios are most commonly used with hand-held radios, mobile radios, repeaters, and other short-distance communication devices.

Why you need an FCC license

The FCC regulates the frequencies used on two-way radios, so when you get your FCC license you are given your own frequencies to operate on, and you avoid the risk of interfering with other channels. If you don’t get an FCC license, you could interfere with other channels, lose communication, and be vulnerable to being reported to the FCC and fined.

If your business operates on a frequency without a license, the FCC could assign that frequency to someone who did get an FCC license, which would leave you and your company without communication. And if you were to continue using the same frequency, you’d be interfering with transmissions between licensed individuals, and possibly fined for thousands of dollars by the FCC.

Therefore, it’s important to get an FCC license. Paying the FCC license fee is much smaller than the fines you might receive for violations, and you can rest assured you have your own frequency that doesn’t interfere, or get interfered by someone else.

How to apply for an FCC license

  1. First, go to FCC.gov to obtain your FCC registration number (FRN).
  2. After you’ve received your FRN, log into your account and click on “Apply for a New License”, and follow the instructions on the screen.
  3. You will need to fill out forms 159 and 605, which can be found here.
  4. Submit your application, and check the application search button in your account to ensure it was submitted. This process usually takes about 10 business days.

An FCC license costs about $70 and needs to be renewed every 10 years. You can renew your license 90 days before it expires to ensure that you don’t have to resubmit an application.

Peak PTT Radios

However, if you purchase Peak PTT radios, you can avoid the trouble of trying to get an FCC license yourself. If you purchase PTT-584G-PD LTE DMR Radio, which requires an FCC license, Peak PTT will procure the license for you and your company on your behalf. Also, you will get a state-of-the-art radio that has seamless communication features and is IP67 rated, waterproof, dustproof, and tested to withstand drops from up to five feet high. Please contact us for further information.