FCC Authorization and Licenses
The Law Offices of Thomas K. Crowe, P.C. assists clients in applying for and securing a broad range of FCC authorizations and licenses. Since 1995, we have represented numerous communications service providers (e.g., wireless service providers, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), interconnected VoIP providers, long distance wholesale and resale providers, governments and non-commercial entities) in obtaining hundreds of FCC approvals. A non-exhaustive list of the FCC application and licensing services the Firm offers is summarized below.
- FCC International (Section 214) Authorizations - All communications providers seeking to offer international commercial service originating or terminating in the United States must first obtain Section 214 authority from the FCC before providing service. Our attorneys have successfully prosecuted hundreds of Section 214 applications, including applications referred to the Executive Branch agencies for closer review. For more information and our fixed fees, please see http://www.tkcrowe.com/fcc-section-214-authorization/.
- Wireless Licenses - The Firm has represented a variety of wireless providers in prosecuting authorization applications, including businesses offering Personal Communications Service (PCS), Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) service, Private Land Mobile Radio service and satellite services. Among other things, this work has covered applications for Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) status, antenna structure and tower registrations, and more.
- Spectrum Auctions - The Law Offices of Thomas K. Crowe, P.C. has assisted clients with applications to participate in auctions of licenses for electromagnetic spectrum, including auctions of advanced wireless services, SMR and PCS licenses. Further, the Firm has assisted clients with petitions for clarification or declaratory ruling regarding the acquisition of spectrum licenses and foreign ownership petitions. We have also advised clients regarding their obligations under FCC auction requirements and procedures, including payment, bidding rules and auction schedules, among other things.
- FCC Assignments of Authorization and Transfers of Control - FCC Section 214 authorized companies and wireless licensees are required to obtain approval from the FCC prior to closing on any transaction in which control over the authorization would be affected, including the purchase and sale of company stock, assets and customer accounts. The Firm has filed numerous applications with the FCC regarding corporate reorganizations, mergers, asset acquisitions and other related transfers of control/assignments for wireless and wireline providers of both domestic and international services. In connection with these applications, the Firm has obtained consent from the FCC for clients to consummate transactions, brought clients who failed to timely obtain FCC approval into regulatory compliance and obtained special temporary authorizations for clients which were operating outside of FCC authority. For more information, please see http://www.tkcrowe.com/m-a-and-the-law/.
- FCC Form 499-A Registrations - Virtually all telecommunications providers (wireline and wireless) offering U.S. domestic interstate services (calls originating in one state and terminating in another) must first register with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) by filing specified pages of FCC Form 499-A. The Firm routinely submits such registrations on behalf of start-up and established entities, and also serves as Washington, D.C. agent for service of process on the form. Cost effective flat fees are available. For further information, please see http://www.tkcrowe.com/fcc-forms-499a/.
- Radio Station Applications - Our Firm has experience assisting clients with respect to FM radio station FCC authorizations and license renewals, including broadcast auxiliary remote pickup, aural studio transmitter link and FM translator license applications, construction or coverage permits and petitions for reconsideration. We can assist with start-up licensing and modifications or renewals of existing licenses.
Having the Law Offices of Thomas K. Crowe, P.C. file and prosecute FCC applications for your organization and be available for questions from FCC and Executive Branch staff offers important benefits. For example:
- Fees: Our flat fees and hourly rates are among the most competitive in the industry.
- Experience: Our Firm is AV rated by the "Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers" and its principal attorney has over 25 years of experience in communications practice.
- Location: Our location in Washington, D.C., near the FCC and involved Executive Branch departments, facilitates our substantial practice before these regulators.
Please contact us if you are interested in having our Firm assist your organization in applying for and securing FCC authorizations and licenses.