On December 9, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing that all 4.9 GHz public safety licensees must update their granular licensing data in the Universal Licensing System (ULS) by June 9, 2025. This requirement follows FCC action to adopt a framework in which a to-be-selected band manager will hold a nationwide overlay license and enter into a sharing agreement with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) to access the band in areas unused by incumbent operations. The FCC outlined the following process for licensees to provide details on their current operations and use of the band:
- Review current operations – Licensees must ensure that all active operations under existing PA licenses are correctly documented and categorize operations into two new license types: PB (base/mobile, mobile-only, or temporary fixed operations) or PF (fixed point-to-point or point-to-multi-point operations).
- Submit granular licensing data – Starting December 9, licensees must use ULS to file detailed licensing data for new PB and PF licenses. For PB licenses, licensees must use schedule D and H forms to provide details such as coordinates, antenna heights and areas of operation. For PF licenses, licensees must use schedule I forms to submit data on transmission/receiver antenna parameters, frequencies and path details. Licensees should also include a list of the relevant PA call signs in an attachment to the PB and PF service code request(s).
- Cancel PA licenses – Once licensees’ new PB and PF licenses are issued, licensees must cancel any existing PA licenses. After June 9, 2025, any remaining PA licenses will be cancelled automatically.
Incumbent public safety licensees in the 4.9 GHz band must follow this three-step process and provide the granular licensing data to remain authorized to operate in the band. Visit this page for more information on the 4.9 GHz band.
