Federal Government Agencies in Telecommunications

Pursue business opportunities that US federal telecom agencies offer
By Michele Vrouvas The Federal Communications Commission has jurisdiction in ever state to regulate telecommunications in the United States. Since 1934, it has operated as a government telecommunications agency with special bureaus for media, wireless telecommunications, public safety and international communications.

As the most prominent national government telecommunications agency, the FCC supports programs that open up business opportunities for small businesses. Telecommunications' entrepreneurs can participate in FCC activities and apply to the FCC to become eligible to do business with the agency. You'll find many options available to independent vendors seeking contracts with the FCC:

1. Find grant programs from telecom federal agencies.

2. Register with the FCC to operate a broadcast station.

3. Consider attending an auction held by one of the federal agencies for telecom or contacting its office for small business programs.

Apply for grants from government telecommunications agencies

Each grant contains specific application policies and procedures.
Try:  Public Telecommunications Facilities Program awards grants to certain entities seeking to provide educational programming to the public. The Public Safety Interoperable Public Communications Program allows public safety organizations to receive funds for projects designed to upgrade telecommunications announcements made to the public during emergencies.

Apply for radio and television services with the Federal Communications Commission

The Federal Communications Commission grants frequencies to applicants seeking to provide their own broadcast services. However, the competition remains stiff. The FCC also suggests that applicants should seek legal counsel.
Try:  The FCC's How to Apply for a Broadcast Station takes you step by step through the application process for radio and television services. Complete an online application at the FCC Forms page.

Decide whether to attend an auction by a federal telecommunications agency

Auctions can get you the opportunity to apply for a license that has recently become available. Just submit an application along with the correct filing fee and you're eligible to attend one of these auctions.
Try:  Auctions on the FCC website lists current public notices you'll need to be aware of in order to apply for a license to do business with the FCC. About Auctions explains the procedures to follow so you can become a qualified bidder for a license with one of the US federal telecom agencies. Check the Wireless Auctions Site Map for the location of upcoming auctions in your area.

Get FCC advice for your small business

There are workshops, training seminars and online business compliance guides designed with small businesses in mind.
Try:  Office of Communications Business Opportunities and Archived Recordings of Workshops, Tutorials & Roundtables shows you how to pursue specific projects with Federal Government Agencies in Telecommunications.

• Ask an FCC representative about programs designed to help businesses owned by women and disadvantaged individuals apply for and receive contracts.