About
Rule Part
47 C.F.R, Part 22 Subpart G
Radio Service Code(s)
- CA - Commercial aviation air-ground service (incumbent)
- CG - General aviation air-ground service
- CJ - Commercial aviation air-ground service (auctioned)
The air-ground radiotelephone service includes commercial and general aviation services. Licensees may offer a wide range of telecommunications services to passengers and others on aircraft.
Commercial aviation air-ground radiotelephone service licensees operate in the 800 MHz band and can provide communication services to all aviation markets, including commercial, governmental, and private aircraft. Services include, but are not limited to, voice telephony, broadband internet access, and data. However, fixed services and ancillary land mobile services are not permitted.
General aviation air-ground radiotelephone service licensees operate in the 450 MHz band and can provide a variety of telecommunications services to private aircraft such as small single engine planes and corporate jets.
In addition to the Commission’s rules governing air-ground services, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airlines have rules and policies regarding the use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) on aircraft. The use of PEDs, which include wireless telephones, pagers, personal digital assistants, portable music players, video games and laptop computers, remains subject to FAA and aircraft operator authority over inflight safety.
Licensing
As a result of Auction 65, the Commission granted two nationwide commercial air-ground licenses.
Verizon Airfone, an incumbent licensee, may operate in all four megahertz of the 800 MHz air-ground band until October 31, 2008, and in one megahertz of the band (850.5-851.0 MHz and 895.5-896.0 MHz) until its nonrenewable license expires on May 13, 2010.
Applicants file an application using FCC Form 601, which must contain any applicable supplementary information as required by the rules.
Applicants file an application using FCC Form 601, which must contain any applicable supplementary information as required by the rules.
- Commercial Aviation Air-Ground Service
The licensee authorized to use one megahertz of the 800 MHz commercial air-ground spectrum is not subject to construction requirements.
The licensee authorized to use three megahertz of the 800 MHz commercial air-ground spectrum must make a showing of substantial service within 5 years after grant of the authorization. - General Aviation Air-Ground Service
A ground station must be constructed within 12 months of its initial grant.
Depending on the type of service you are interested in providing, there are several ways you may be able to obtain an air-ground license from a current licensee. First, licensees may sell all or part of the license, subject to FCC approval, to other entities. Second, you may acquire a company, including its licenses. These transactions require Online Filing of Form 603 via the Universal Licensing System. Third, you may lease all or part of a licensee’s spectrum usage rights. Most leasing transactions require Online Filing of Form 608 via the Universal License System.
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Releases
3/9/2007
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER (DA 07-1197)
In the Matter of Intelligent Transportation & Monitoring Wireless LLC and AMTS Consortium, LLC Petition for Declaratory Ruling and Motion for Stay of Auction No. 65
This MO&O addresses two petitions for reconsideration filed by Intelligent Transportation & Monitoring Wireless LLC and AMTS Consortium, LLC involving the auction and licensing of 800 MHz Air-Ground Radiotelephone Service licenses (Auction No. 65).