Section 301 of the Communications Act prohibits the ``use or operat[ion
of] any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or
signals by radio'' without a license issued by the Federal
Communications Commission. Thus, generally, in order to use or operate
a radio station, the Communications Act requires that you first obtain
a license by the FCC. There are certain limited exceptions. For
example, the Commission has provided blanket authorization to operators
of CB radio, radio control stations, and domestic ship and aircraft
radios. In addition, the Commission has authorized the operation of
certain low power radios pursuant to Part 15 of the Commission's Rules.
Thus, operators of these radio facilities are not required to have
individual licenses. However, these operators are required to operate
their stations in a manner consistent with the Commission's operational
and technical rules for those services.
The Commission takes enforcement of Section 301 seriously. Parties
found operating radio stations without FCC authorization will be
subject to a variety of enforcement actions including seizure of
equipment, imposition of monetary forfeitures, ineligibility to hold
any FCC license, and criminal penalties.
Recent Enforcement Actions
Unauthorized Broadcast Stations
09-15-2008
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John Doe, Largo, FL
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09-11-2008
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Yvon Louis, Hollis, NY
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09-11-2008
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Alexander Kissi, Bronx, New York
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07-31-2008
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A-O Broadcasting Corporation, Cloudcroft, New Mexico
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07-17-2008
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Christian Family Network, Inc., Battle Creek, Michigan
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06-30-2008
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Halifax Christian Community Church, Inc., WFBO-LP, Flagler Beach, Florida
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06-30-2008
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Frank Rodriguez, Paterson, NJ
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06-26-2008
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Richard Clouden, Boston, MA
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05-22-2008
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Richard Ross, Titusville, FL
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05-07-2008
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Trevor W. Whitely, Brooklyn, NY
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05-07-2008
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Charles Clemons, Boston, MA
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04-04-2008
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Roubens Maignan, Port St. Lucie, Florida
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03-12-2008
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Craig Watkins, Bronx, NY
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03-10-2008
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Michael Stone Campbell a/k/a Monroe Campbell, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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02-21-2008
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Henry Gaye, Lake Park, Florida
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12-13-2007
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Marckenson Bazile, Tampa, Florida
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11-15-2007
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Jairo Diaz, Paterson, NJ
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08-16-2007
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Hmong American Community, Inc., Fresno, California
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08-16-2007
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Marcel Emile, East Orange, NJ
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07-17-2007
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Michael Thomas McCollum, Houston, Texas
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06-13-2007
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Donald J. Payne, San Diego, California
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05-04-2007
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Marcus A. Roberts, Houston, Texas
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04-23-2007
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Jean-Harry Pierre-Francois
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04-02-2007
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Junior Lahens Charles, Tampa, Florida
|
03-16-2007
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Ace Broadcasting, Inc., WQST-AM, Forest, Mississippi
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02-28-2007
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Jose A. Mollinedo, Victorville, CA
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02-09-2007
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Gary Toussaint, Mattapan, MA
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01-29-2007
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Mark A. Clay, Huntington, West Virginia
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01-29-2007
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David Michael Oaks, Beaverton, Oregon
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01-26-2007
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Robert A. Spiry, Tacoma, WA
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01-26-2007
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Everald Oliver Brown, Orlando, Florida
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01-26-2007
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Unique Broadcasting, L.L.C., KKJW(FM), Stanton, Texas
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01-26-2007
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Oreste Abreu, Gurabo, Puerto Rico
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01-26-2007
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Kacy R. Rankine, West Orange, NJ
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01-26-2007
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Elroy Simpson, Brooklyn, NY
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12-22-2006
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Alan M. Conrad, San Diego, California
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12-08-2006
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Adam Troy Venters, Okeechobee, Florida
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11-13-2006
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Raul Guzman Reyes, Des Moines, Iowa
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11-13-2006
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Carlos M. Colon, Coamo, Puerto Rico
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11-06-2006
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Shawn Deroux, Bronx, NY
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10-13-2006
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Shawn Deroux, Bronx, NY
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09-29-2006
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Moises Cabrera, Juan Cabrera, New York, NY
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09-29-2006
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Joni K. Craig, San Diego, California
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08-10-2006
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Matthew H. Britcher, Bettendorf, Iowa
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08-10-2006
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Jason L. Duncan, Bettendorf, Iowa
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07-13-2006
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Jhony Desinor
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06-29-2006
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William Stephen Major, Sacramento, California
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06-23-2006
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William W. Scrugham, Kamiah, ID
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02-27-2006
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Jean Harold Marius, Randolph, MA
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01-26-2006
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Sylvane Simon, Mattapan, MA
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01-13-2006
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Jose A. Mollinedo, Victorville, CA
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01-09-2006
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Louis Gentile, Philadelphia, PA
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09-14-2005
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Daniel Clephar, Orlando, Florida
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09-01-2005
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Jean L. Senatus, Spring Valley, NY
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06-24-2005
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Mark A. Clay, Huntington, West Virginia
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06-10-2005
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Universal Network Television, LLC, Universal City, CA
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06-06-2005
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Samuel E. Dacres, Stone Mountain, Georgia
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12-07-2004
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Rony Richard Louis, Orlando, Florida
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11-24-2004
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Angelo Avena, Linden, NJ
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11-05-2004
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Everald Oliver Brown, Orlando, Florida
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11-05-2004
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David Michael Oaks, Beaverton, Oregon
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10-28-2004
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Ward F. Dean, Pensacola, Florida
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10-01-2004
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Alexandre Pierre Abelard, Fort Myers, FL
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09-14-2004
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Fritzner Simon, Brandon, FL
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09-10-2004
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Hip Hop City Corp, Brooklyn, NY
|
09-10-2004
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Fritzner Simon, Brandon, FL
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09-08-2004
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Rev. Yvon Louis, Brooklyn, New York
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08-11-2004
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Wilner Simon, Port Charlotte, Florida
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08-10-2004
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Michael S. Selvanto, Elizabeth, New Jersey
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08-10-2004
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Donald Donovan Jackson, St. Petersburg, Florida
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07-29-2004
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Jhony Desinor, Naples, FL
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07-09-2004
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Stanley Mark Mayo, Victorville, California
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06-16-2004
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Mark A. Clay, Huntington, West Virginia
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05-24-2004
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Timothy J. Massett, Jacksonville, Florida
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05-20-2004
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Rony Richard Louis, Orlando, Florida
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05-20-2004
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L.A.C.A., State of New York, Inc., Bronx, New York
|
05-10-2004
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Gabriel Dorcely, Orange Park, Florida
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04-27-2004
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Jason T. Green, Naples, Florida
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04-27-2004
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Gary M. Feldman, Miami, Florida
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04-15-2004
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William Davon Upson, Orlando, Florida
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04-15-2004
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Billy Thomas Alsbrooks, Altamonte Springs, Florida
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02-26-2004
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Josue Alusma, Naples, Florida
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11-07-2003
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Annetta Lovelock Enterprises Inc. d/b/a Rum Runner Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge, Orlando, Florida
|
10-30-2003
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Pacifica Broadcasting Company, KALO (TV), Honolulu, Hawaii
|
10-23-2003
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Patrick S. Green, Naples, Florida
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10-03-2003
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Mount Rushmore Broadcasting, Inc., KAWK(FM), Custer, South Dakota
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08-18-2003
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Networx Corporation, Pittsford, New York
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08-18-2003
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Odino Joseph, Naples, Florida
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08-05-2003
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Rev. Yvon Louis, Brooklyn, NY
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06-26-2003
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Brian N. Bloom, Altamonte Springs, Florida
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05-12-2003
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Fernando Alejandro, Bronx, New York
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05-12-2003
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Emmanuel Frederic, Brooklyn, New York
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05-09-2003
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Rawlins Charles, Brooklyn, New York
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05-07-2003
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Omar A. Ebanks, Orlando, Florida
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05-05-2003
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Assondieu Fortune, Naples, Florida
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04-02-2003
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Richard Muqoz, Naples, Florida
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03-26-2003
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Homere Hyppolite, Naples, Florida
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02-04-2003
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Marcel (NMI) Charles AKA Marcel M. Charles AKA Mariel M. Charles AKA Joseph M. Charles, Immokalee, Florida
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01-31-2003
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Josue Alusma, Naples, FL
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01-31-2003
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Ian R. Walker, Jacksonville, FL
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12-24-2002
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Thomas A. Brothers, Berkley, Michigan
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12-20-2002
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Octavio Sarmiento, Jr., Naples, Florida
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12-12-2002
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Manuel M. Vázquez
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11-26-2002
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Rev. Dr. Philius Nicolas, Brooklyn, New York
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11-14-2002
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California Speedway, Fontana, CA
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10-29-2002
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Mount Rushmore Broadcasting, Inc., KAWK(FM), Custer, SD
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10-24-2002
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Richard Muñoz, Naples, Florida
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06-28-2002
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James Leger, Lake Worth, FL
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06-12-2002
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Peninsula Communications, Inc., Various Locations in Alaska
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06-06-2002
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Thomas A. Brothers, Berkley, MI
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06-05-2002
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Rev. Dr. Philius Nicholas, Brooklyn, NY
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02-06-2002
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Peninsula Communications, Inc., Various Locations in Alaska
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02-06-2002
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Peninsula Communications, Inc., Various Locations in Alaska
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01-04-2002
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Alan-Leonard Brockway, Kalispell, Montana
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08-29-2001
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Peninsula Communications, Inc., Homer, Alaska
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07-06-2001
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Alan-Leonard Brockway, Kalispell, Montana
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06-26-2001
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Leslie D. Brewer, KC4HAZ, KAE1170
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05-23-2001
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Alan-Leonard Brockway, Kalispell, Montana
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03-05-2001
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Leslie D. Brewer
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02-20-2001
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Dr. John G. Pierre, Brooklyn, NY
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02-09-2001
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Richard I. Rowland, Longwood, FL
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10-10-2000
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KNFL, Inc., Tremonton, Utah
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04-07-2000
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James N. Dispoto, Ocala, Florida
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03-29-2000
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Mark H. Fulling, Garden City, Kansas
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03-09-2000
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Edwin Valentin d/b/a Musical Radio, Pontiac, Michigan
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03-03-2000
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Leslie D. Brewer, Tampa, Florida
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Unauthorized Operation in Wireless and Satellite Services
09-08-2008
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Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation
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09-05-2008
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NOVA Chemicals, Inc.
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09-04-2008
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Mathews Readymix LLC, Marysville, California
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08-28-2008
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Mathews Readymix LLC, Marysville, California
|
08-14-2008
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OP LLC, TVCC One Six Holdings LLC
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07-30-2008
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Saga Radio Networks, LLC, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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07-18-2008
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ABS-CBN International, Inc.
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06-30-2008
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John Doe, Largo, FL
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06-24-2008
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AMERI-KING Corporation, Huntington Beach, CA
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05-07-2008
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Side by Side, Inc., Toledo, Ohio
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04-16-2008
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Dakota Central Telecommunications Cooperative, Carrington, North Dakota
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04-02-2008
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Lockheed Martin Corporation, Clarksburg, Maryland
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03-21-2008
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Dwayne Simon, Lancaster, California
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03-21-2008
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Bravo Mic Communications, LLC, Las Cruces, New Mexico
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03-13-2008
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Presbyterian Hospital, Inc., New York, New York
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03-06-2008
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Ronald Mondgock, Honeybrook, Pennsylvania
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02-22-2008
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Compatible Electronics Inc., Silverado, CA
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02-22-2008
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AMERI-KING Corporation, Huntington Beach, CA
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02-21-2008
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Five Star Parking d/b/a Five Star Taxi Dispatch
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01-30-2008
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Able Infosat Communications, Inc.
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01-28-2008
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Side by Side, Inc., Toledo, Ohio
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01-24-2008
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Family Car Service, Inc., Brooklyn, NY
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01-18-2008
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Eliandro B.Ramos, Danbury, CT
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01-10-2008
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Miller Breweries East, Inc., Trenton, Ohio
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01-09-2008
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Cooperative Light & Power Association, Two Harbors, Minnesota
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01-07-2008
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Richmond Association d/b/a Hilltop Shopping Center, Richmond, California
|
12-27-2007
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Ted Sakaida & Sons, Inc., Van Nuys, California
|
11-28-2007
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Doss Aviation Inc.
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11-19-2007
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Yellow Cab Leasing, Inc., Canton, Ohio
|
11-19-2007
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RSDC of Michigan, LLC, Holt, Michigan
|
10-25-2007
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Five Star Parking d/b/a Five Star Taxi Dispatch
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09-27-2007
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Imperial Sugar Company, Sugar Land, Texas
|
08-24-2007
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Walgreen Co., Mount Prospect, Illinois
|
08-24-2007
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General Growth Properties, Waterbury, Connecticut
|
07-10-2007
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Yellow Cab Leasing, Inc., Canton, Ohio
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07-03-2007
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Scientific Games Racing, LLC
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06-29-2007
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Kimberly Clark Corporation, Dallas, Texas
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06-22-2007
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Telenor Satellite, Inc.
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06-19-2007
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Carnival Cruise Lines Inc., San Juan, Puerto Rico
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05-31-2007
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Ted Sakaida & Sons, Inc., Van Nuys, California
|
05-22-2007
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New Relampago Car Service Corp., Brooklyn, NY
|
05-22-2007
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Mobile Car Service Inc., Brooklyn, NY
|
05-18-2007
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Kimberly Clark Corporation, Dallas, Texas
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05-15-2007
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Doss Aviation Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas
|
04-25-2007
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Hare Planting Co., Inc., Newport, Arkansas
|
04-12-2007
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RSDC of Michigan, LLC, Holt, Michigan
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04-12-2007
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Jennie Stuart Medical Center, Hopkinsville, Kentucky
|
04-05-2007
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Cooperative Light & Power Association, Two Harbors, Minnesota
|
04-02-2007
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General Growth Properties, Waterbury, Connecticut
|
04-02-2007
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Parker Construction, Inc., Panama City, FL
|
03-29-2007
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Mitchell Electric Membership Cooperative, Camilla, Georgia
|
03-29-2007
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DirecTV Enterprises, LLC, El Segundo, CA
|
03-15-2007
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Imperial Sugar Company, Sugar Land, Texas
|
03-02-2007
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Lockheed Martin Corporation, Clarksburg, Maryland
|
03-01-2007
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Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
|
02-23-2007
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Kimberly Clark Corporation
|
02-16-2007
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Larry J. Duckworth, Cordele, Georgia
|
02-14-2007
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La Carpa Corporation, Cayey, Puerto Rico
|
01-11-2007
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Alltel Corporation
|
12-28-2006
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ESP Leasing Corporation, Brookfield, Illinois
|
11-22-2006
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Hare Planting Co., Inc., Newport, Arkansas
|
10-30-2006
|
New Jersey Broadband, LP, New Jersey Broadband, LLC
|
09-14-2006
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Pacnet Incorporated, San Diego (San Ysidro), California
|
09-14-2006
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Pacnet Incorporated, San Diego (Otay), California
|
09-12-2006
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Uniradio Corporation, San Diego, California
|
08-25-2006
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More Enterprises Communications Network, Inc., San Diego, California
|
08-25-2006
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Kojo Worldwide Corporation, San Diego, California
|
08-25-2006
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Anderson Desk Company, San Diego, California
|
08-03-2006
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Lazer Broadcasting Corporation, Oxnard, California
|
07-10-2006
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Gene A. Fricke, Nashua, New Hampshire
|
06-29-2006
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American General Finance, Inc., Evansville, Indiana
|
06-05-2006
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Gilmore Broadcasting Corporation, Evansville, Indiana
|
04-14-2006
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National Weather Networks, Inc., Jackson, Mississippi
|
02-28-2006
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Pacific Spanish Network, Inc., Chula Vista, California
|
11-22-2005
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Journal Broadcast Corporation, Las Vegas, Nevada
|
11-17-2005
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Shared Data Networks, LLC, Charlotte, North Carolina
|
09-01-2005
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Bee Taxi Corporation, New Rochelle, NY
|
08-29-2005
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Jeremy R. Riels
|
06-21-2005
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Scottie E. Kennedy, Greenbrier, Arkansas
|
06-14-2005
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World Radio Network, Inc., McAllen, Texas
|
06-07-2005
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Pembroke Square Associates, Virginia Beach, VA
|
06-06-2005
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Danny R. McKinney, Bigelow, Arkansas
|
03-04-2005
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Jack Gerritsen
|
02-18-2005
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Tommie Salter, Jacksonville, Florida
|
02-09-2005
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Pang Cheng, d/b as Best Wok1
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12-21-2004
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Echonet Corporation, K49AY, Cheyenne, Wyoming
|
12-01-2004
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Western Wireless Corporation and WWC Holding Co., Inc.
|
11-09-2004
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RW Shop, Inc. and Donald Mayer, Pepperell, Massachusetts
|
10-05-2004
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Jack Gerritsen, Bell, California
|
09-22-2004
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Global Radio, Inc., New York, New York
|
09-10-2004
|
ESI Companies, Inc.
|
09-09-2004
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Jeffrey Amedro dba Cell Page, Morgantown, West Virginia
|
09-09-2004
|
ESI Companies, Inc., Memphis, Tennessee
|
07-29-2004
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Servisair, Newark, New Jersey
|
07-29-2004
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Arnold Broadcasting Company, KNEC(FM), Yuma, Colorado
|
06-07-2004
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Parkway Luxury Ride, Inc., Mt. Vernon, New York
|
05-21-2004
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Best Wok, Westville, New Jersey
|
05-07-2004
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Accessory Connection, Inc., Palm Bay, Florida
|
02-05-2004
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Alpha Ambulance, Inc., San Juan, Puerto Rico
|
11-19-2003
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Gateway Security Systems, Inc., Jamaica, NY
|
09-26-2003
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Nextel WIP License Corp., Palehua Ridge, Hawaii
|
07-22-2003
|
Everald Oliver Brown, Orlando, Florida
|
06-24-2003
|
Amethyst International, Inc., Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
|
05-14-2003
|
Alpha Ambulance, Inc., San Juan, Puerto Rico
|
05-14-2003
|
Mexicana Car and Limousine Services, Jackson Heights, NY
|
05-12-2003
|
Western Wireless Corporation and WWC Holding Co., Inc.
|
05-09-2003
|
J Transport, Inc., Paterson, New Jersey
|
05-01-2003
|
Blue Ridge Erectors, Inc.
|
02-06-2003
|
Accessory Connection Inc., Palm Bay, Florida
|
01-31-2003
|
International Car Service, Inc., Brooklyn, NY
|
12-23-2002
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Alpha Ambulance, Inc., San Juan, PR
|
06-06-2002
|
Networx Corporation, Pittsford, NY
|
03-28-2002
|
Javier Rodriguez, Boqueron, Puerto Rico
|
12-26-2001
|
David Edwin Merrell, Wichita Falls, TX
|
12-17-2001
|
Jeffrey Alan Pettrey, Princeton, WV
|
11-13-2001
|
Klaus D. Kramer, Oklahoma City, OK
|
11-08-2001
|
Carmelita T. Gossard d/b/a AA Beep, Cudjoe Key, FL
|
11-07-2001
|
WWC License LLC, Kansas
|
10-31-2001
|
Data Investments, Inc. d/b/a Star Communications, Cape Girardeau, MO
|
08-08-2001
|
Califormula, Inc., Chula Vista, CA
|
08-01-2001
|
Falcon Radio, Inc., Denver, CO
|
07-06-2001
|
Joshie Yasin Nakamura, Sr., East Palo Alto, CA
|
06-07-2001
|
WWC License LLC, WPJD256, WPJE660 and WPJA761, Kansas
|
04-23-2001
|
Waste Management Holdings, Inc.
|
04-19-2001
|
Colorado Callcomm, Inc., Denver, CO
|
04-19-2001
|
Carmelita T. Gossard d/b/a AA Beep, Cudjoe Key, FL
|
04-11-2001
|
Data Investments, Inc. d/b/a Star Communications, Cape Girardeau, MO
|
03-21-2001
|
Page-Comm, Leavenworth, TX
|
03-06-2001
|
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
|
02-21-2001
|
Ohio Bell Telephone Company, Dayton, OH
|
02-15-2001
|
AT&T Wireless PCS, Inc., Washington, D.C.
|
02-15-2001
|
Commercial Radio Service Corp., Virginia & North Carolina
|
02-14-2001
|
Checkpoint of Pennsylvania, Inc., Williamsport, PA
|
02-14-2001
|
Joe L. Ford, d/b/a/ Ford Communications
|
02-12-2001
|
Califormula, Inc., Chula Vista, CA
|
02-09-2001
|
Oregon Pacific Railroad Company, Milwaukie, OR
|
02-09-2001
|
Econopage of Cleveland, Inc., Columbus, OH
|
02-01-2001
|
Verizon Florida, Inc., Tampa, FL
|
01-25-2001
|
Verizon Southwest, Inc., Juno, Texas
|
01-22-2001
|
Carmelita T. Gossard d/b/a AA Beep, Cudjoe Key, Florida
|
01-04-2001
|
Hormigonera Chaparro, Inc., Aguada, PR
|
12-14-2000
|
Checkpoint of Pennsylvania, Inc., Williamsport, PA
|
12-11-2000
|
Commercial Radio Service Corp.
|
11-29-2000
|
The Ohio Bell Telephone Company, Dayton, OH
|
11-29-2000
|
PAGE-COMM, Leavenworth, Texas
|
11-29-2000
|
Joe L. Ford, d/b/a Ford Communications
|
11-29-2000
|
Data Investments, Inc. d/b/a Star Communications
|
11-28-2000
|
Colorado Small Business Development Assoc., Inc. (WPHX776), Westall Communications d/b/a M.T.W. (WPHI656), Denver, Colorado
|
11-09-2000
|
Leonard D. Martin, Houston, TX
|
10-27-2000
|
OnSat Network Communications, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah
|
10-23-2000
|
US Unwired, Inc., Various Locations in Louisiana
|
10-17-2000
|
Econopage of Cleveland, Inc.
|
10-10-2000
|
Carmelita T. Gossard, Cudjoe Key, Florida
|
10-10-2000
|
Oregon Pacific Railroad Company, Milwaukie, OR
|
10-10-2000
|
Robert L. Meyers, Houston, TX
|
07-31-2000
|
SouthEast Telephone, Inc., Pikeville, KY
|
07-18-2000
|
Taco Time, Rock Springs, Wyoming
|
07-12-2000
|
Leonard D. Martin, Houston, TX
|
05-26-2000
|
Jean R. Jonassaint, Orlando, Florida
|
02-10-2000
|
Bruce Alesso, Brick, NJ
|
Relevant News Releases
FCC Investigation Leads to Arrest of Unlicensed Amateur Radio Operator
FCC Investigation Leads to Arrest of Unlicensed FM Radio Operator
Virginia Man Indicted for Operating Unlicensed FM Broadcast Station
Relevant Court Decisions
U.S.A. v. Stephen Paul Dunifer; US Court of Appeals
Complaints
Written complaints alleging violations of Section 301 of the
Communications Act should be sent to the Federal Communications
Commission, Enforcement Bureau, Spectrum Enforcement Division, 445
12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554. Complaints should include the
name of the operator, if known, how the station identifies itself, the
location of the station, the operating frequency, the type of station
being operated, and whether the station's operation is causing
interference.
For complaints involving unlicensed amateur radio operations, please
click
here.
For complaints involving unlicensed broadcast station operations,
please click
here.
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