FCC ANNOUNCES ENHANCEMENTS TO ULS LICENSE ARCHIVE

The FCC has announced a redesign of the Universal Licensing System (ULS) License Archive Search. Users can access this new functionality via the "Archives" button under "SEARCH" on the ULS page.

"Each time a license is acted upon, the current version is captured within ULS," the FCC explained this week in a public notice. "The License Archive allows users to view the current and prior versions of a license."

In the redesigned License Archive, the search interface, results screen and detail pages will use the same display as ULS License Search. On the detail pages, users now will be able to directly access license information.

"There will be no need to 'drill down' -- follow link after link -- to reach the information you need," the FCC noted. "This enhancement increases functionality and improves compliance with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act."

The redesigned License Archive search interface allows a user to search using most of the criteria available in ULS Advanced License Search except for Radio Service Group, Licensee City, State and ZIP Code and Frequencies. Users will have the same ability to sort and restrict their archive search results that they have in ULS License Search, the FCC said. Licensee ID no longer will be available as a License Archive Search criterion, however. Users should now search by the Licensee's FCC Registration Number (FRN).

The search results display will be similar to the search results in License Search, with a few minor exceptions: There will be no display of a "Pending Applications" icon, a column titled "Version" will display "Archived" or "Current" depending on the version of the license and a "Last Action Date" column will be used instead of "Expiration Date."

In general, the License Archive Search details will look similar to License Search details. However, the following additional fields will be displayed for all archived licenses: Last Action Date, Version, Licensee ID, and Sub-Group Identification Number (SGIN).

Also, other License Search functions that previously were not available in the License Archive have been added, including a "Printable Page" link that allows the user to print the contents of the page pre-formatted for most common printers. A "Reference Copy" link now allows the user to print an unofficial copy of the license. A link to view "Related Applications" from the current version of the license has been added, as has the ability to view attachments and automated letters in a PDF file.

License Archive will display termination pending components similar to the manner in which they are currently displayed in License Search. Additionally, License Archive will display all terminated components of a license, regardless of when it was terminated. These components will indicate a status of "Terminated" on the component's summary and detail pages. Under the previous License Archive system, terminated components were not displayed unless the license itself was terminated as well.

For additional information or assistance, visit the FCC's at <http://esupport.fcc.gov/index.htm> or call the FCC Support Center, (877) 480-3201 or 717-338-2888 (TTY 717-338-2824) and select Option #2, Forms or Licensing Assistance. Hours are weekdays, except federal holidays, from 8 AM until 6 PM Eastern Time.

from "The ARRL Letter Vol. 26, No. 23  June 8, 2007"