2 October 2003

 

IRAQ RADIO FREQUENCY LICENSING PROCEDURE

for

THE INTERIM PERIOD

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The frequency spectrum is a limited natural resource and it should be used wisely. 

There are many requirements for spectrum during this interim period, especially for services such as broadcasting and land mobile communications.  This paper presents the applications procedures and requirements for a number of services.

 

The Iraqi government will eventually have full responsibility for radio frequency spectrum management including the licensing of all users of the radio spectrum. However, during this interim period, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), under Order Number 11, is the licensing authority and radio frequency spectrum manager.   

 

A draft joint table of frequency allocations had been developed by the CPA, the military, and the Iraqi spectrum manager.  The joint table divides the frequency bands of the allocation table into coordinating responsibilities whereby each entity is the lead coordinator for specific bands, with a number of bands with shared coordinating responsibilities between the military and the Iraqi civilian spectrum manager.   

The CPA retains the final licensing or authorization authority.    

 

AUTHORITY

 

In accordance with Coalition Provisional Authority Order 11 effective 9 June 2003, under the laws and usages of war, and consistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 1483 (2003), the frequency spectrum licensing authority in Iraq is the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

 

            This paper provides guidance on the implementation of Order Number 11.

 

Interim Application and Licensing Procedures

 

            The CPA, in coordination with the Iraqi spectrum management group, has developed a number of application and licensing procedures for the interim period.

More procedures may be developed in the future as the need arises.

 

            The following services fall in the frequency bands that are being coordinated by the Iraqi Spectrum Manager.  The completed application forms should be submitted to the ITPC Office of Spectrum Management.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

RADIO, TELEVISION, AND SATELLITE BROADCASTING STATIONS

           

An application form has been developed for radio, television, and satellite broadcasting.  All applications will be considered equally and fairly. Applicants must complete the form and be aware of and follow these procedures.

 

Good Character Requirement

 

The applicants, the applicant’s financial supporters, and the applicant’s major stockholders are required to be of good character.  Good character is defined as never being convicted of serious crimes.

 

Required Financial Disclosure Information

 

The applicant is required to provide evidence of financial resources sufficient to construct the broadcasting station or satellite broadcasting facility, and to operate it for three months without additional financial resources.

 

Broadcasting Content

 

Broadcasting content in violation of the orders and principles may result in violating principles of the Coalition Provisional Authority, taking special note of the latest edition of Coalition Provisional Authority Order Number 14, “Prohibited Media Activity.”  Applicants must also become aware of and follow the latest edition of Coalition Public Notice 1, “Regarding Public Incitement to Violence and Disorder.”   The applicant or applicants are required to sign a paper that states that they have read the order and public notice.

 

The licensee’s broadcasting content must follow the pertinent orders and applicants are required to sign a paper that states that they have read the order and public notice.

 

            Broadcasting content must conform to the Iraqi legal code unless superseded by

orders or regulations.

 

            Broadcasting content in violation of the orders and Iraqi code may result in revocation of the license and seizure of the equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcasting License New and Renewal Application Fees

 

The application fee for a new license of $500 is payable with the license application. 

 

Renewal fees are $100.

 

Broadcasting License Terms

 

The length of the license shall be six months.  The licensee may apply for renewal of a license no later than 14 days prior to its expiration date. If later than 14 days prior to the expiration date, the license will be renewed for not longer than six months. 

 

Construction Time Requirements

 

The licensee has three months from the license issuance date to construct the station such that it is operating at its licensed technical performance level, or else the license is revoked.

 

 LAND MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS (EXCEPT FOR CELLULAR)

 

            Applicants are required to submit the application form.

 

New and Renewal Application Fees

 

The application fee for a new license of $100 is payable with the license application. 

 

Renewal fees are $50.

License Terms

 

License terms are five years and may be renewed.

Construction Requirements

 

The licensee has three months from the license issuance date to construct the communications facility such that it is operating at its licensed technical performance level, or else the license is revoked.

 

COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE EARTH STATIONS

FIXED SERVICE STATIONS

            Applicants must complete the appropriate application form.

 

All VSAT’s (very small antenna terminals) must be licensed. 

 

 

 

New and Renewal Application Fees

 

The application fee for a new license of $100 is payable with the license application. 

 

Renewal fees are $50.

 

 

 

License Terms

 

License terms are six months and may be renewed.

 

Construction Time Requirements

 

The licensee has three months from the license issuance date to construct the communications facility such that it is operating at its licensed technical performance level, or else the license is revoked.

 

AMATEUR SERVICE STATIONS

 

            Iraqi amateur stations who held amateurs licenses in the past may obtain a new Iraqi amateur license by presenting evidence of having held such a license in the past and by completing the application form.

 

            Amateurs holding foreign licenses may obtain an Iraqi license by showing evidence of holding such a license and completing the amateur license application form.

________________________________________________________________________

 

Submit applications to:

 

Office of Spectrum Management

Coalition Provisional Authority

Ministry of Transportation and Communications

Republican Palace -- Room S-204

Baghdad, Iraq

DOD- DSN 318-239-5808/5809

Commercial (1) 781-280-5808/5809

 

Or e-mail to: frequencylicense@orha.centcom.mil