What's Available From the FCC?

As a ham radio operator and the holder of what was formerly called the commercial First Class Radiotelephone Operator License, I have learned to use the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) database. For those who are scanner enthusiasts or others who have an interest in radio frequency assignments and coordination, the FCC General Menu Reports version 2.1.09 is the place to go to get license information.

It is very important to understand that the information in the FCC database pertains only to radio services licensed or otherwise regulated by the FCC. That specifically excludes federal radio services which are coordinated by the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC).

Negotiating the FCC database can be a little tricky, but with a little experimentation, it becomes easier. All of the information provided is public record information. The FCC license application information for various radio services can reveal a remarkable amount of information. For that reason, the FCC database can sometimes be useful to private investigators and newspaper reporters.

The database should be reviewed periodically by corporate security managers whose company holds FCC licenses. The company's information technology manager is often the person charged with the administrative responsibility for licensing. The quality and quantity of information in the FCC database can sometimes point to some operational security issues that give security managers sleepless nights.