Each wireless system operator is required by law to file and obtain an FCC license. FCC license can be obtained directly by the end-user/operator through an authorized agent or by using Visiplex service to file for an FCC license through an authorized agent on the end-user's behalf. The FCC application process takes approximately two weeks and provides the end-user with a ten year renewable license. After ten years the end-user will receive a notification for renewal from the FCC and will be able to renew the license for an additional ten years (at a small fee). The obtained license is the property of the end-user.

Visiplex systems can be used over approved VHF & UHF paging bands that have been authorized for commercial voice & data applications. That is why a Visiplex system can be licensed to operate with RF power of up to 350 Watt and provide full coverage to any facility size. The approved paging bands are 148-172 MHz in the VHF band and 450-470 MHz in the UHF band (federal and military end-users can also use the 400-420 MHz). When applying for an FCC license the end-user can take advantage of the wide spectrum of available frequencies and choose a VHF or UHF frequency that will not interfere with any other in-house wireless equipment. During the last few years Visiplex was able to successfully obtain FCC licenses to thousands of its customers without any restrictions of power or location to match their needs.

Some facts about other RF bands that you may want to avoid:

72-76 MHz:  TV channels 4 and 5 transmit over this band. Wireless systems operating in the 72-76 MHz band are known to cause interference with the general public's ability to receive a clear picture for channels 4 and 5. This interference issue will become even more critical with the deployment of the Digital TV broadcasting in 2009. With Analog TV stations, an interference will result in a poor picture and/or sound quality. But, with digital television, it is "all or nothing". This means that once the signal is acquired, a steady stream of data assures you'll get a perfect picture and great audio. If that bit stream is interrupted, however, there will be nothing - just a blank screen!

The FCC continues to be very restrictive (maximum RF power of 1 Watt, minimum 80 miles away from channel 4 or 5 transmitters) of any operation of a wireless system on the 72-76 MHz band. The FCC requires that any operator of a wireless system, on the 72-76 MHz band, must take full responsibility at its own expense to eliminate any interference with TV reception of channels 4 and 5. If the interference cannot be eliminated by the application of suitable techniques, then the transmitter will not be allowed to operate. For more information on the requirements of wireless system on the 72-76 MHz, check out the following FCC links and documents:

1. http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form1068A/1068a.pdf

2. FCC 47CFR90.257 Regulations:

Some wireless system manufacturers (that are using the 72-76 MHz band) are promising their clients that their system is 'FCC licensed' while signing them on a waiver document. Reading this waiver more carefully will reveal that the end-user is really signing a commitment and take full responsibility to resolve any interference issues (that can even lead to the shut-down of their wireless system), while releasing the manufacturer from any responsibility...

902-930 MHz:  A low-power band, that is mainly used for audio/video consumer applications like wireless cameras, headphone, remotes and network routers. This is 'open to the public' band that means every one can run a low-power application without any need for specific license. This results in a potential interference between in-house wireless systems, without providing the end-user with the ability to legally stop the interference of the other interfering party. When installing a system that uses this band, you must make sure that not only it is not interfering with existing onsite wireless equipment, but also will not create a problem with future expansion of other wireless systems (such as wireless network or phones).