Terms Used in ERN

Radio Service
A category or classification of radio use.

Experimental Radio Service (ERS)
A radio service in which radio waves are employed for purposes of experimentation in the radio art or for providing essential communications for research projects. FCC Rule §5.3 includes a list of ERS uses.

“Experimental licensees are not permitted to provide commercial service, charge fees, or receive payments for products or services of operation,” the FCC said.

While the FCC typically grants a license term of two years, it will often renew the license for multiple terms to provide researchers flexibility and time to fully conduct their investigations.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Commercial and noncommercial entities and state and local governments are subject to the Commission's rules.

Stations operated by or for the U.S. Government are administered separately by a Department of Commerce agency, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Defense, intelligence, weather forecasting, space exploration and air traffic control are examples of such federal operations.

While Congress created the FCC as an independent regulatory agency, the 2026 Supreme Court decision in Trump v. Slaughter overturned longstanding precedent which shielded independent agency commissioners from at-will removal. It effectively placed the Commission under the control of the President.

High-Frequency Broadcasting
Broadcasting to the public in foreign countries, in the high-frequency (HF) or shortwave spectrum between 3 and 30 MHz. Also called International Broadcasting or Shortwave Broadcasting. Signals in the HF range can propagate worldwide.

FCC rule §73.788 prohibits such stations from broadcasting any program solely intended for and directed to U.S. audiences.

High-Frequency Trading (HFT)
Automated trading that transacts orders with extreme speed.

Spectrum Allocation
The apportionment of frequency ranges or bands in the radio spectrum to radio services. Not to be confused with allotment of frequencies to geographic areas, or assignment of licenses to specific licensees.