The FCC maintains several online systems that allow the public to submit and access different types of filings regarding FCC proceedings, rulemakings, licensing, authorizations, complaints, tariffs and other official forms.
Go to the Contact Information & Support Hours page for information about FCC’s customer support and helpdesk facilities for electronic filing and licensing systems.
Systems
Antenna Structure Registration
The Commission provides for online registration and updating of antenna structure registrations. The interactive software also enables owners to review previously submitted antenna structure registrations (both electronic and hard copy submissions).
Broadcast Radio and Television Electronic Filing System (CDBS)
CDBS is the Media Bureau's Internet based system which permits electronic filing of broadcast radio and television application forms with the FCC. Public Internet access to these electronic filings as well as station, application, and authorization information is available through the CDBS Public Access Link.
Cable Operations and Licensing System (COALS)
COALS is the Media Bureau's Internet based system which permits electronic filing of Cable Operator and Multichannel Video Programming Distributor (MVPD) forms with the FCC. The Commission allows filers to obtain COALS system log-ins, submit cable community registrations and make operator information changes (see 47 CFR 76.1610). The public can also conduct searches of the Cable and CARS databases.
Call Sign Reservation and Authorization System (CSRS)
The Call Sign Reservation and Authorization System provides a fully automated Call Sign Reservation service of the Media Bureau Call Sign Desk function. The system enables broadcast radio and television licensees to change their call sign, enables permittees to acquire an initial call sign and enables call sign changes resulting from exchanges and transfers and assignments to be electronically performed over the Internet.
Children's Television Programming Report (Form 398)
Congress enacted the Children's Television Act in 1990 to enhance television's potential to teach the nation's children valuable information and skills. In August 1996, the FCC adopted new rules to strengthen the enforcement of the Act. The rules require commercial TV stations to complete quarterly reports (Form 398) regarding their educational programming and to make these reports available to the public. This website allows TV stations to complete and file the form electronically, while providing the general puiblic with access to the completed reports.
CPNI Breach Reporting Facility
Pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 64.2011, a telecommunications carrier or interconnected VOIP provider that determines that a person, without authorization or exceeding authorization, has intentionally gained access to, used, or disclosed CPNI is required to electronically notify the United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation through a central reporting facility. The Commission maintains this page to link to the central reporting facility.
CPNI Certification Submissions
This Certification Template allows companies to file their CPNI certifications pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 64.2009.
Obtaining an FCC Registration Number (FRN) from the COmmission REgistration System (CORES)
If you wish to conduct business with the FCC, you must first register using the FCC's COmmission REgistration System (CORES). Upon registration, you will be assigned a unique 10-digit FCC Registration Number (FRN). This unique number will be used to identify you in business transactions with the FCC. An FRN is required by all Commission systems that handle financial, authorization of service, and enforcement activities. Display the current listing of forms and filings requiring an FRN. Effective December 3, 2001 an FRN must be submitted by anyone doing business with the Commission. The FRN will be used by all Commission systems that handle financial, authorization of service, and enforcement activities.
Consumer Complaint Forms
An easy and inexpensive way for consumers to resolve a complaint about telephone-related issues is to file a consumer complaint with the FCC. Consumers can file this type of complaint by completing our on-line Consumer Complaint Form. Consumer complaints are forwarded to the company involved in the dispute. In many instances, consumers receive refunds or credits based on resolution of the dispute. And the best part is that the process has no fees associated with it. If you are seeking compensation for financial damages, legal action is more appropriate for handling your complaint. Financial damages are not awarded through the consumer complaint process.
Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS)
The Disaster Information Reporting System is the Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau's Internet-based system for collecting information on the status of communications networks. Wireline providers, wireless providers, broadcasters, and CATV system providers can use DIRS to report this information. This information is essential for governmental situation awareness during a major disaster.
Domain Name Data Entry
The purpose of the domain name registry is to protect cellular and other commercial moviale service (CMRS) wireless consumers from unwanted commercial electronic mail messages, by idenifying, for those who send commercial electronic mail messages, Internet domain names uses to transmit electronic messages to CRMS consumers. The collection of domain names below is only for those electronic mail domain names used to offer subscribers messaging specifically for wireless devices in connection with commercial mobile service. Please do not submit any website addresses -- this is only for mailing domain names. This web page is to provide a way for companies offering such service to comply with 47 C.F.R. 64.3100(e) and (f).
Electronic ARMIS Filing System (EAFS)
Using the World Wide Web, the general public, members of the industry, and state regulatory agencies, among others, gain access to the Automated Reporting Management Information System (ARMIS) database. This rich online resource contains financial, operational, service quality and network infrastructure data provided by the largest incumbent local exchange carriers as required by Part 43 of the Commission's Rules. Data is obtainable for individual row/column queries, or in selectable preset reports, and may be printed out or saved as an html or ASCII text file.
Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS)
The Electronic Comment Filing System is designed to give access to Commission rulemakings and docketed proceedings via the World Wide Web. ECFS accepts comments in FCC rulemakings and other docketed proceedings and enables users to search for and retrieve any documents in the system, including scanned-in paper documents. ECFS includes filings from 1992 onward.
ECFS also includes a Non-Docketed Filing Module for submitting certain types of filings for which no docket number has been assigned.
A simplified version of ECFS, called ECFS Express is also available and is designed specifically with the consumer in mind. ECFS Express focuses on topics most likely to generate consumer interest rather than docket numbers, and requires minimal input by consumers seeking to participate in the Commission’s public rulemaking process.
Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS)
EDOCS lets you search a database of Daily Digest entries for FCC documents posted to the FCC web site since March 1996. EDOCS displays information about documents in three formats: full record, condensed record, and Citator. The full record displays all indexing information contained in the system for each retrieved document, while the condensed format displays an abbreviated version of the same information. The Citator format displays citations to the FCC Record Index, FCC Reports 2nd Series, and the Federal Register. The database contains citations for documents back to 1982. The EDOCS query works with any data element or combination of data elements. Using more search terms will give a more precise result. Presently, the query searches on words that appeared in the Daily Digest title and in the description for each document, not on the full text of each document.
Electronic Tariff Filing System (ETFS)
The Electronic Tariff Filing System is an Internet based system through which Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) and Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) or non-ILECs must submit official tariffs and associated documents to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in lieu of filing paper copies with the FCC's Secretary's Office. The Public may also use the ETFS, via the Internet, to view these tariffs and associated documents which are available in Adobe Acrobat's Portable Document Format (PDF). The Public may also use the ETFS to file certain official tariff related documents.
Equipment Authorization System (OET-EAS)
The public may electronically complete and submit an application for a three-digit Grantee Code and for equipment authorization (FCC ID #) from the FCC, in order to legally market equipment that is subject to certification in the United States (Form 731). Applicants must obtain the Grantee Code prior to submitting the Equipment Authorization request. In addition, information necessary to register or renew the registration of a test firm may be submitted. Test Firm Accrediting Bodies (TFABs) may also provide information requesting the FCC "Recognize" a lab accredited by an authorized TFAB. Several on-line search options are also available that allow applicants to check the status of an Application for Equipment Authorization, perform extensive searches of FCC authorized equipment, search for Test Firms that perform work for the general public, and search for a particular Grantee.
Fee Filer
Fee Filer enables you to submit a variety of FCC fees for payment. Certain fees are automatically found based upon the FRN you use to log in, such as ULS fees, and outstanding bills and receivables. Traditional Fee Filer features enable you to pay annual regulatory fees and various electronic application fees. For annual regulatory fees, Fee Filer accepts and consolidates large volumes of data. Fees can be paid online or by printing and mailing the FCC Form 159 that Fee Filer automatically generates. Regulatory fees for a prior fiscal year may be made using the Fee Filer at any time. Filers should be aware of any fines that are owed to the FCC for late payment.
Bill paying is now easier. An FCC bill (Remittance Advice Form 159-B) is sent by regular mail to the filer’s billing address. After a filer logs into Fee Filer using their FRN (FCC registration number) and password, they can click the Bills & Receivables option, which automatically displays all outstanding bills that are owed for their FRN. To pay a bill that does not automatically appear, filers can simply type in the bill number and FRN that appear on the bill.
General Menu Reports (GenMen)
This web application allows you to search many different FCC licensing databases from one place. Databases include Universal Licensing System, Experimental, Cable Operations, Media and International Bureau. You can query on many combinations of site and administrative data to find licenses and applications. General Menu Reports acts as a portal to each individual database’s context specific license pages.
International Communications Electronic Filing System (ICFS)
ICFS is an internet-based system which allows for electronic filing of the following types of applications and forms: space station, earth station, Section 214, cable landing license, accounting rate change, recognized operating agency, international signaling point code (ISPC), data network identification code (DNIC), foreign carrier affiliation notification filings, and milestone/bond filings. ICFS also provides users with a whole host of query and reporting options. Our goal is to improve the speed and quality of service to our applicants, researchers and the general public.
Licensing and Management System (LMS)
LMS is the Media Bureau's Internet based system which permits electronic filing of broadcast radio and television application forms with the FCC. LMS will eventually replaces the CDBS e-filing system. Currently full-power TV ,Class A, low power and TV translator stations that seek to file applications for construction permits and applications for a license to cover a construction permit can use LMS to file such applications. We will be adding more filing Schedules on an ongoing basis to LMS. These new releases will be announced by public notices.
Network Outage Reporting System (NORS)
The Network Outage Reporting System is the Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau's Internet-based system for filing reports of telecommunication service disruptions pursuant to Part 4 of the FCC’s rules. The system allows companies to file Notifications, Initial Reports and Final Reports. The information on service disruptions is essential to maintain and improve the reliability and security of the telecommunications infrastructure.
OET Experimental Licensing System Electronic Filing
This website allows the public to electronically file Forms 442, 405, 702, 703, requests for Special Temporary Authority (STA) and include all necessary exhibits. In addition, several reporting options are also available.
OET Knowledge DataBase (KDB)
This site may be used to submit an inquiry to the OET Laboratory, as well as search for OET-related rule interpretations and frequently asked questions (FAQ).
OET TCB/Accreditor Electronic Filing
Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs) may complete and submit applications for equipment authorization (FCC Form 731) in order to issue Grants of Authorization. In addition, authorized Accreditors may maintain TCB information.
Red Light Display (RLD) System
The Red Light Display (RLD) system allows you to check your current Red Light status with the FCC. Delinquent debt items prohibit you from receiving FCC benefits until they are resolved. After logging in with your secure FCC Registration Number (FRN) and password, the RLD system searches for delinquent debt items for the FRN used to log in as well as every other FRN with the same Tax Payer Identification Number (TIN). If you have delinquent debt items, the system indicates that you have a RED light status and all delinquent debt items are displayed. The absence of delinquent debt items results in a GREEN light status and enables you to receive FCC benefits.
ROSIE - Remittance Over Secure Internet (E-Commerce)
ROSIE is a payment system which allows license applicants to pay their application fees electronically via credit card. The system has been built to Department of Treasury security specifications, employing the latest encryption technology and architecture to safeguard data. ROSIE is accessed via links from licensing systems which offer the electronic credit card payment option.
Special Access Data Collection
The Special Access Data Collection web portal is a secure online system through which providers and purchasers of special access services and certain entities providing "best efforts" services in areas where the incumbent local exchange carrier is subject to price cap regulation will submit data and information for a comprehensive evaluation of the special access market. Responses to the collection are due by December 15, 2014. Additional information on the data collection and the underlying special access rulemaking proceeding.
Tower Construction Notification System (TCNS)
The Tower Construction Notification System allows companies to voluntarily submit notifications of proposed tower constructions to the FCC. The Commission subsequently provides this information to federally-recognized Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs), and State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs), and allows them to respond directly to the companies if they have concerns about a proposed construction. It also provides Tribes and Historic Preservation Officers with early notification of proposed towers in order to facilitate compliance with the Commission’s rules, and streamline the review process for construction of towers and other Commission undertakings. The TCNS is intended to increase communication — in the context of the review required by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
Public Inspection Files
The Commission first adopted rules requiring broadcast stations to keep a public file more than 40 years ago and certain political programming files have been public for nearly 75 years. The public file for broadcast stations contains a variety of information about each station’s operations and service to its community of license, including information about political time sold or given away by each station, quarterly lists of the most significant programs each station aired concerning issues of importance to its community, data on ownership of each station and active applications each station has filed with the Commission. The Commission adopted the public inspection file requirement to "make information to which the public already has a right more readily available, so that the public will be encouraged to play a more active part in dialogue with broadcast licensees."
Universal Licensing System
The Universal Licensing System (ULS) allows electronic filing of applications processed by the Commission. The ULS allows you to indicate the application purpose and radio service code and guides you through the filing process until the application is submitted. The ULS also provides the ability to search for applications by providing information such as a file number, applicant name or application purpose or to search for licenses by providing information such as a call sign, licensee name or radio service. Other features of the ULS include the ability to download, in pipe delimited format, application and license data as well as the ability to use mapping software to visually display the specific location or overall geographic area of wireless licenses.