Unlicensed Usage

The FCC also has allocated spectrum primarily used for applications other than communications, such as microwave ovens, garage door openers, toy walkie-talkies, cordless phones, wireless speakers, home security, and a myriad of other consumer uses. This category includes industrial uses as well, such as of wireless LANs, inventory control, traffic light controls, and backhaul links for licensed services such as cellular and PCS.

Consumer devices using these spectra are dubbed FCC Part 15 unlicensed devices, after the regulation defining the etiquette rules. The main service rule limits transmit power and dictates that such devices accept interference. The basic premise is that low power cannot cause interference. No FCC license is needed to operate a Part 15 device.