Consolidated Licensing System

Background

The Federal Communications Commission is engaged in a long-term initiative to combine the functions of our current licensing and applications systems. The purpose of this initiative is to develop a consolidated licensing system that is transparent, easy to use for the public and Commission staff, consistent with the FCC's data driven and fact-based rulemaking strategies, adaptable to evolving requirements, efficient, cost-effective and green.

The primary licensing systems and databases currently used by the Commission include:

• The Universal Licensing System (ULS) used by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and the Public Safety and Homeland Security bureau (PSHSB);
• The Consolidated Database System (CDBS) used by the Media Bureau (MB);
• The International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) used by the International Bureau (IB);
• The Experimental Licensing System (ELS) used by the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET);
• The Cable Operations and Licensing System (COALS) used by the Media Bureau (MB); and
• The Antenna Structure Registration System (ASR) used by WTB, PSHSB and MB.

The Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) currently does not have an online filing system and handles all processing manually.

In addition to the above, the Commission also maintains several secondary licensing support systems. The Commission Registration System (CORES) is a registration system for entities filing applications or making payments with the Commission. The General Menu Reports System (GENMEN) allows users to search many different FCC licensing databases, including ULS, Experimental, Cable Operations, Mass Media, and International Bureau, from one place. The Call Sign Reservation System (CSRS) supports public call sign query, reservation, and change request authorization. Finally, the Canadian Co-channel Serial Coordination System (COSER) allows the FCC to exchange data with the Industry Canada to ensure that broadcast transmission applicants will not interfere with existing broadcast facilities.

Although the systems identified above perform similar functions (e.g., accept applications; track fee payments; provide automated outputs such as Public Notices, letters, and authorizations; perform clearance checks; automate processing; and offer searches), they are managed separately by each Bureau or Office and operate on different platforms. As currently envisioned, this new consolidated licensing system would provide the public with a single portal to access all of the FCC's licensing systems and display a single user-friendly look and feel.

Potential New Features of the Consolidated Licensing System Include:

• A Single Consolidated Form for Filing Applications and License Requests
• Single Sign-On
• Enhanced Application Filing Tools
• Improved Application Filing Time
• Reminders and Notifications
• Consolidated Search
• A "Green" and Efficient System

We hope you take part in the development of this innovative project by sharing your thoughts and feedback on the best way to integrate these systems.

Previous Workshops

Workshop on Development of Consolidated Licensing System
May 6, 2010 | 10:00 AM | Washington, DC

This workshop is part of the Commission's long-term reform initiative to examine certain functions of its current licensing and application systems in an effort to improve its spectrum management and to develop a transparent, easily accessible, data driven, efficient, cost-effective and green consolidated licensing system. Learn More

Join the Discussion

• What functionality would you like to see in the Consolidated Licensing System?
• What are different ways in which the Consolidated Licensing System can serve the public?
• What features would accelerate the speed of doing business inside and outside the Commission?
• What data features and capabilities should be developed and built into the Consolidated Licensing System?