How do I go about being assigned another frequency?

Post by **alex** » Tue Mar 05, 2002 7:35 am

Currently, the ambulance corp. I work for now is licensed to use county channels to talk to the EMS Dispatcher, and other agencies. What they would like to do is to go off on their own freqency so that we can have our own private channel to use to communicate between crew members, and conduct other ambulance releated business over. (what do you want for dinner?)....

We currently have a MSF5000, Command Plus Console. The console is only programmed for 4 channels, and doesn't have any featrues enabled (what a waste IMHO...) besides the ability to dump QCII tones. We also have a valid license for the station.

From what I understand, I would have to modify the license so that I could then take it to a freqency coordinator to be assigned a frequency.

Is this the correct method of going about doing this? I sent an e-mail to one organization asking about it, and they didn't write back anything too usefull. Since there are enough people who work at MSS, and other places, I'm sure someone can tell me where to go with this...

-Alex

R F Burns · Post by **R F Burns** » Tue Mar 05, 2002 9:47 am

Step 1 - Determine if your proposal to modify your license is a major or minor modification. Below is an excerpt from the CFR pertaining to your intention.

TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION

CHAPTER I--FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

PART 1--PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE--Table of Contents

Subpart F--Wireless Telecommunications Services Applications and
Proceedings

Sec. 1.929 Classification of filings as major or minor.

Applications and amendments to applications for stations in the
wireless radio services are classified as major or minor ( see
Sec. 1.947). Categories of major and minor filings are listed in
Sec. 309 of the Communications Act of 1934.
(a) For all stations in all Wireless Radio Services, whether
licensed geographically or on a site-specific basis, the following
actions are classified as major:
(1) Application for initial authorization;
(2) Any substantial change in ownership or control, including
requests for partitioning and disaggregation;
(3) Application for renewal of authorization;
(4) Application or amendment requesting authorization for a facility
that would have a significant environmental effect, as defined by
Secs. 1.1301 through 1.1319 of the rules;
(5) Application or amendment requiring frequency coordination
pursuant to the Commission's rules or international treaty or agreement;
<font color="red">(6) Application or amendment requesting to add a frequency or
frequency block for which the applicant is not currently authorized,
excluding removing a frequency.</font>

Step 2 - OK, your proposal would be a major modification of your license. Remember this -- when filing, you have to file for a Renewal/Modification (RM). Now, choose a new frequency. Read through CFR Part 90.20 (Public Safety Pool) http://squid.law.cornell.edu/cgi-bin/ge ... &TYPE=TEXT and pick a frequency near the one you're licensed for now in the same radio service you're licensed for now -- mind the listed limitations, if any, for the frequency you choose. Note the frequency coordinator for your chosen frequency.
(Radio services are designated with abbreviations, below:
PF--Fire
PH--Highway Maintenance
PM--Emergency Medical
PO--Forestry-Conservation
PP--Police
PS--Special Emergency
PX--Any Public Safety, except Special Emergency)

Step 3 - Plug your chosen frequency into the FCC's database at http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe ... /index.hts using the Frequency/State and State/County/Frequency searches to determine the licensed users on your proposed new frequency. If the frequency is heavily licensed in your geographic area, you might want to consider choosing a different frequency.

Step 4 - You'll need to have your proposed new frequency coordinated. See who the FCC has chosen to coordinate the frequency/radio service you're going to apply for http://wireless.fcc.gov/plmrs/coord.html#sub512

Step 5 - Go to the coordinator's website and follow their instructions. You'll generally have to fill out an FCC Form 601 or it's equivalent and submit it either in hard copy or online - some coordinators accept special Form 601's to be uploaded to them for processing.) You might have to file additional paperwork. You're gonna have to pay the coordination fee, too.

Step 6 - Keep your fingers crossed that all is well with your filing(s) and wait for the reply from the coordinator.

I think this is probably complete, but I might have missed a step on the way so don't sue me. LOL. Hope it helps.

_RFB

Tom in D.C. · Post by **Tom in D.C.** » Tue Mar 05, 2002 12:39 pm

Or, save yourself a lot of work and frustration, not to mention the time spent on the learning curve, and call the Licensing Assistance Office in Gettysburg and pay their fee to make this happen for you, including coordination, if required, the FCC fee, and their fee. I used them over the years to get licenses about twenty times and they never disappointed me.

Tom, W2NJS
...in D.C.

Post by **alex** » Tue Mar 05, 2002 12:43 pm

Thanks guys.

Since this would end up being used for ambulance, I would assume it would be covered under public safety.

Any idea as to what the costs associated are with this?

Thanks,

Alex

raymond345 · Post by **raymond345** » Tue Mar 05, 2002 2:35 pm

In Canada you call Industry Canada

Fill out an application pay your yearly fee.
and use your radio on the assigned frq.

My two pennies from Canada.

Nickdap · Post by **Nickdap** » Tue Mar 05, 2002 8:17 pm

Just like down under ray. must be very complex up there in the states with so many people and different states. With only 8 states it makes it easier downunder. But the bad thing is PS cant have as much fun

all this Gov't Radio Network stuff.
Nick

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Nickdap on 2002-03-05 23:17 ]</font>