Although some states have deregulated the telecommunications market entirely, some merely require registration while others require full petitions with notarized affidavits, supporting documents, and submission of tariffs. Tariff documents outline a provider’s rates, terms and conditions for the services it offers. In addition to state requirements, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires registration and international authorization of some types of providers.
State telecommunications licenses require varying degrees of preparation and interactions with state officials. Applications can take anywhere from one month to one year to be processed by a state. Several states require hearings as part of the certification process. This requirement can add significant delays in processing time. It is important to note that some states require that in-state local counsel be used to file the applications and represent the applicant on a limited basis to obtain certification.
Businesses functioning without the proper license are generally penalized based on the size of the operation and the gravity of the offense.