This is only a Test: Understanding Experimental Licensing

The FCC convened a public event on October 9, 2024, titled, “This is only a Test:  Understanding Experimental Licensing” as part of the Space Bureau's Transparency Initiative.

Many space organizations engage in operation of satellites or earth stations for the purposes of experimentation, product development and market trials.  In all these cases, an experimental license from the FCC is required and licensees are not permitted to provide commercial service, charge fees, or receive payments for products or services of operation.  The rules and regulations for the experimental radio service are contained in part 5 of the Commission’s Rules (CFR Title 47) and are administered by the FCC’s OET in coordination with the FCC’s Space Bureau.