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ULS Express
Frequently Asked Questions

What is ULS Express^SM?

Comsearch's ULS Express Service facilitates the electronic filing of new, modification, and special temporary authority (STA) FCC Form 601 applications for Microwave Services. ULS Express inserts the technical and administrative data included in the prior coordination of your proposed system, completing over 90% of the application for you. ULS Express validates the information, submits the application to the FCC for processing, and confirms the FCC's acceptance of the application. ULS Express also provides you with access to advice and support from Comsearch licensing experts.

ULS Express is available for Part 101 Common Carrier Microwave, Private Operational Fixed Microwave, and Part 74 Broadcast Auxiliary Microwave Services.

What is ULS?

Universal Licensing System (ULS) is the integrated database and automated processing system developed by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) to facilitate electronic filing of wireless applications, licensing information, and public access to such information for all wireless radio services. On August 30, 1999, the WTB began use of the ULS for licensing activity related to the Microwave Services, which consists of Part 101 Common Carrier Microwave, Private Operational Fixed Microwave, and Part 74 Broadcast Auxiliary Microwave Services.

How does the ULS Express Service enhance the FCC's ULS?

The primary differentiator between Comsearch's ULS Express and the FCC's ULS is that Comsearch's ULS Express populates your application with prior coordinated data, thereby ensuring that you apply for exactly what was coordinated. This prevents application returns by the FCC. In contrast, the FCC's ULS only provides licensed and applied for data for comparison. In addition to the coordinated data, ULS Express offers access to your licensed and applied for data.

Other differentiators include:

• Access to expert technical and licensing advice and tips,
• Less layers to drill down when accessing path data and frequency schedules,
• Easy-to-use interface, and
• No limitations on browser type, both Internet Explorer and Netscape versions 4 and above can be used.

How do I know if I am eligible to use ULS Express?

ULS Express is only available for Part 101 Common Carrier Microwave, Private Operational Fixed Microwave, and Part 74 Broadcast Auxiliary Microwave Services.

How much does this service cost?

The cost for ULS Express is $200 per application or transmit site. This fee does not include the FCC filing fee. The FCC requires a separate application for each transmit site, and since a duplex microwave path has two transmit sites, it would require two applications.

Can I use ULS Express to file an amendment to my application?

ULS Express cannot currently accept amendments. To file an amendment to a pending application, you will need to know the FCC file number that Comsearch provides when your original application is accepted. File an amendment

What is an FRN and Why Do I Need It?

The FCC Registration Number (FRN) is a 10-digit unique identifying number that is assigned to entities doing business with the Commission. The FRN is obtained through the Commission's Registration System (CORES) over the Internet at the CORES link at www.fcc.gov or by filing FCC Form 160.

Pursuant to Section 1.8003 of the FCC Rules, all businesses and individuals that file applications with the Commission, whether feeable or non-feeable, or make any payments of any type to the Commission will be required to obtain an FRN and provide it to the Commission in its filings. Beginning on December 3, 2001, all microwave point-to-point applications must be accompanied by the FRN.

Do I need an account to use this service?

Yes, ULS Express requires that you first create a Comsearch Account. This is necessary to allow you to retrieve and edit applications prior to submitting them to the FCC. It is also needed to contact you by to confirm acceptance of the application.

What are my payment options?

Comsearch offers three payment options: Credit Card, Prepayment, and Purchase Order. To arrange for a Purchase Order or prepayment as your payment method, please contact us or call 703-726-5500. Comsearch will need to activate your account to accept these payment methods. If you prefer to use a credit card, you can do so immediately.

What are the benefits of the service?

There are numerous benefits to using ULS Express:

• Speed up the filing process by populating over 90% of your application,
• Eliminate data entry errors by ensuring that the data is exactly what was coordinated,
• Save and retrieve your applications prior to submitting them to the FCC,
• Have quick access to path data and frequency schedules, and
• Obtain unlimited access to advice and tips from Comsearch licensing experts.

What do I need to get started?

All you need to begin using ULS Express are:

• A login and password assigned when you create a Comsearch account,
• A Job number from your completed prior coordination, and
• If you are a new licensee, your FCC Registration Number (FRN) that is assigned by the FCC. The FRN is a ten-digit unique identifying number.

What is a Job Number?

The Job Number is assigned by your frequency coordinator to identify a Prior Coordination Notice (PCN) (ex. 001213GM01), and is listed on the PCN. ULS Express requires a valid Job Number to reference your prior coordinated data, and allows you to enter up to five Job Numbers.

How do I know if the FCC has accepted my application?

Comsearch will send you an e-mail confirmation that the FCC has accepted your application. If the FCC rejects your application, you will receive an e-mail listing the errors and direction on how to resubmit the application.

Can I use ULS Express if Comsearch did not complete my frequency coordination?

Yes, all you need is a job number for the completed prior coordination from your frequency coordinator.

How do I pay the FCC filing fee?

Once you complete your application and select the 'Submit to FCC' button, the next screen will ask if you would like Comsearch to file the FCC filing fee on your behalf. If you choose to have Comsearch file the FCC filing fee, you will need to complete some additional fields such as TIN and payment information.

If you choose to file the FCC filing fee yourself, Comsearch will send you an e-mail with the FCC Form 159 and the amount required by the FCC once your application is accepted for filing. You must mail the FCC Form 159 along with payment within ten days of filing your application.

What fields are populated with my coordination data? What fields do I need to enter?

All technical and administrative fields contained in your prior coordination are automatically populated in the FCC Form 601 when you retrieve your coordination job number.

Can I change the data in a populated field?

In most cases, you will not be able to change data that would result in dismissal of the application. Any change from the prior coordinated data typically requires a new coordination prior to submitting your application and could cause the application to be dismissed by the FCC. For example, a change in coordinates may constitute a major change that would require new interference a analysis and prior coordination.

What happens if I fill in the form incorrectly?

Comsearch's ULS Express Service provides upfront validation to minimize the likelihood of incorrect filings. However, should you need to, the FCC permits 60 days to file an amendment to your application.

Can I save my work and come back at a later date?

Yes, you can create a collection of applications, similar to a file directory. All changes to that collection of applications will be saved for 60 days from the date of the most recent change.

What else does Comsearch offer pertaining to FCC Form 601?

Comsearch provides a wide variety of engineering services for regulatory support. These include filing FCC forms, filing FAA forms, being a technical liaison with the FCC, monitoring and reviewing rules and regulations, and providing expert testimony. Contact us for more information.

How does this ULS Express tie in with Comsearch's other services?

Comsearch provides interference analysis and frequency coordination services for Microwave and Earth Station Services. In most cases, interference analysis and prior coordination for these services are necessary before filing your application with the FCC.

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