Expansion of Equipment Authorization Grantee Codes
On June 13, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order (FCC 12-60) amending Sections 2.925 and 2.926 of its Part 2 rules to expand the format of grantee codes assigned to applicants seeking radiofrequency equipment certification.
Under rules originally established in 1979, grantee codes were restricted to three alphanumeric characters. Rapid growth across the wireless industry reduced the available pool of three-character codes. The newly adopted rule permits the FCC to assign five-character grantee codes, adding more than eight million unique alphanumeric identifier codes to the equipment authorization registry.
- Action taken by Commission Order FCC 12-60 on June 13, 2012.
- Modifies 47 C.F.R. Sections 2.925 and 2.926.
- Expands grantee code length from three characters to five characters.
- Supplies over 8 million new unique grantee codes for future applicants.
Surge in Radiofrequency Device Applications
The expansion addresses accelerating demand from commercial manufacturers, component makers, and non-traditional technology entrants introducing radiofrequency devices to the United States market. Equipment subject to the program ranges from mobile handsets, Wi-Fi devices, and Bluetooth accessories to wireless medical implants, public safety radios, and inventory tracking systems.
The volume of assigned grantee codes increased from 450 in 1999 and 635 in 2001 to 954 in 2006 and 1,275 in 2011, with new assignments projected to surpass 1,300 in 2012. Increasing market diversity includes participants such as Ford Motor Company, Adidas, Gibson Guitar, and Nebraska Furniture Mart.
- Annual code assignments rose from 450 in 1999 to 1,275 in 2011.
- 1979 three-character code capacity approached exhaustion due to accelerating market entry.
- Covers diverse applications spanning consumer electronics, medical implants, smart grid systems, and industrial sensors.
Planned Equipment Authorization Program Reforms
Alongside the code expansion, the Commission and the Office of Engineering and Technology announced plans for two future rulemaking proceedings designed to update and streamline the broader equipment authorization framework.
The forthcoming proceedings will focus on clarifying and modifying administrative procedures—including permit-but-ask processes and software-defined radio rules—and reviewing the roles and operational requirements governing private Telecommunications Certification Bodies.
- First planned rulemaking will evaluate Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB) roles and responsibilities.
- Second planned rulemaking will focus on streamlining administrative processes, including permit-but-ask and software-defined radio rules.
- Staff contacts for the proceeding include Bruce Romano and Hugh L. Van Tuyl in the Office of Engineering and Technology.