Although the FCC doesn't (afaik) specifically refer to part 15 AM broadcasting as one in their "Licensed by Rule" category, it most certainly is legitimate by definition to be included.
Licensed By Rule is a self explanatory term that usually refers to the FCCs Personal Radio Services. It means that he Rule itself is the licence, so in effect, our operations are licenced under Part 15.219
But let's take a quick glance at another "licenced by rule" option, specifically LPRS:
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/personal-radio-services-prs-keeping-touch
Personal Radio Services
Personal radio services are short-range, low-power radio communications using devices that operate much like walkie-talkies. ... The most popular types of personal radio services are Citizens Band Radio Service, Family Radio Service, General Mobile Radio Service, Low-Power Radio Service and Multi-Use Radio Service. Of these types of services, only General Mobile Radio Service requires an FCC license to operate.
Low Power Radio Service (LPRS)
- LPRS is a private, one-way short-distance communication service that allows stations to transmit voice data or signals for auditory assistance to people with disabilities, people who require language translation, and certain individuals in educational settings. LPRS also allows stations to transmit voice, data, or tracking signals for health care-related communications and certain law enforcement activities. Two-way communications are prohibited. LPRS can also be used for network control communications in the Automated Marine Telecommunications System (AMTS).
- LPRS transmitters can be operated anywhere in the United States.
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LPRS is a relatively new category, which when you look at it closely doesn't appear to have any real restrictions on what kind of material may be broadcast. It's one method of unlicensed broadcasting that might be interesting to look into.. but the first thing that comes to mind is what are used as the receivers?
Although the phrase "licensed by rule" is often used by the fcc, I've never seen them use it in reference to part 15. What I wonder is why the definition says it's (A) or (B), and not (A) and (B)? I mean what is the difference? Part 15 is "licenced by rule" operation too, so why do they differentiate it??
unlicensed or licensed by rule operations.
In Canada with BETS-1 specifically the certification is your "license" or permission to broadcast as the CRTC waives needing a license so I guess this is an example of license by rule. With RSS-210 the rule says it still must be certified so that still could be licensed by rule, or maybe not. but Part 15? I don't know if it would apply there as you don't need a certification. There's no conditions.
"The Commission does not issue individual licenses for certain types of personal radio equipment and mobile units used in conjunction with licensed base stations. These types of transmitters are said to be "licensed by rule."
Notice it says in conjunction with licensed base stations. So those uses listed are part of something else, a licensed base station. That's different than an independent use like part 15.
That's my take on it anyway. What do I know!
... Notice it says in conjunction with licensed base stations. So those uses listed are part of something else, a licensed base station. That's different than an independent use like part 15.
Yes it's a curious statement but the examples that follows includes everything from CBs and MURS walkie talkies to Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) • and I just looked up to see what "Dedicated Short Range Communications Services On-Board Units (DSRCS-OBUs)" are (answer below), but most of the examples don't seem to have any "conjunction with licensed base stations" at all. So I think that may be staring an example, not a stipulation. - ?
As for the construction/coverage, I just looked that up too:
AI Overview The phrase "do not have construction/coverage requirements" generally means that there are no mandatory rules, stipulations, or minimum standards for building something or providing a service to a specific area or extent. The exact meaning depends on the specific context in which it is used:
And the other:
"Dedicated Short Range Communications Services On-Board Units (DSRCS-OBUs)" refers to the devices installed in vehicles that enable communication for Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) technology. These units, in conjunction with Roadside Units (RSUs), allow for Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) data exchange for applications like electronic tolling, automatic vehicle identification, and safety features. OBUs often include a GPS antenna and other components like a microcontroller for data processing.
So I can see how that might be associated with a licenced base, but devices like CB and WalkieTalkies? How's that associated with a base? It's not
And this:
The Low Power Radio Service (LPRS) is a private, one-way short-distance communication service providing auditory assistance to persons with disabilities.The service has 260 channels within the 216.0–217.0 MHz band.
It's clearly not associated with a licenced base either, being a one-way communication.
They do however require certificated transmitters for these services, not just to sell, but to use, so your anology to the Canadian rules are essentially at play here too.
So then, is it because with Part 15 it's a matter of compliance, but with "licenced by rule" one of certification. Yes, that seems to be the difference.
Solved?
Nevertheless, our AM transmitters are certified, and thus making our transmitters a "licensed by rule" device? No? Which I turn makes our operation a "licenced by rule" service.
No?
Ahhhh... But it doesn't require that we use certified Devices. "Licenced by rule" do require it.
So I guess that's why Part 15 AM is not included in the Personal Radio Services category.
You know, not to harp on this (as I apparently am), but it's still entire accurate to say that Part 15 AM is licenced by rule broadcasting, regardless if it's classified under the Personal Radio Services category or not.