Title 47 › CHAPTER 5 — WIRE OR RADIO COMMUNICATION › SUBCHAPTER III — SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO RADIO › Part I — General Provisions › § 307
The Commission must give a station license when doing so serves the public convenience, interest, or necessity and fits the rules in this chapter. When many people want licenses, the Commission must spread out licenses, frequencies, hours, and power across states and communities so service is fair and useful. Broadcast licenses last no more than 8 years. Renewals can be for up to 8 years if the Commission finds renewal serves the public. The Commission can set standard license periods for different classes of stations but may give shorter terms when needed. For renewals, applicants do not have to refile information already given or information that is not directly relevant, though the Commission can ask for new facts it needs. A license stays in effect while any administrative or court hearings, final decisions, or rehearings are pending. No renewal may be granted more than 30 days before the current license expires. The Commission may allow some radio services to operate without individual licenses if that is in the public interest. That can cover citizens band radio service, radio control service, aircraft stations on domestic flights when a radio is not otherwise required, and ship stations on domestic voyages when a radio is not otherwise required. Operators allowed to run without an individual license must follow the rest of the chapter and the Commission’s rules. The Commission sets the official meanings of the terms citizens band radio service, radio control service, aircraft station, and ship station. A license holder may also serve Alaska areas that lack over‑the‑air broadcasts using translators, microwave, or other alternative delivery, and may continue doing so even if another broadcaster starts serving that area; they cannot be fined or have penalties or revocations for continuing that service.
Full Legal Text
Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
47 U.S.C. § 307
Title 47, Telegraphs, Telephones, and Radiotelegraphs
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110