FAQ: Tech Support


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Browsers
General
Smart Update (Java)

Browsers

ULS does not work with my AOL browser. What should I do?

You cannot use your AOL browser directly to access ULS. The browser software provided by AOL does not support the versions of Java and Java Script used to develop ULS. Therefore, you can use AOL as your connection source, but you must use one of the ULS-compatible browsers listed in System Requirements and Download Information to use ULS.

Why do I have to upgrade my browser to use ULS?

To implement some of the functions provided by ULS, the FCC had to use the latest Internet technology; therefore, you must use one of the ULS-compatible browsers listed in System Requirements and Download Information.

I do not want to upgrade my browser. Can I still file? Are there other ways to file other than online?

Yes. You can file a paper application using FCC Form 606 (TIN Registration Form). You can obtain this form by

Downloading it from the web at http://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html.
Calling the FCC's Forms Distribution Center at 1-800-418-FORM. (The FCC will mail the form to you.)
Using the FCC's fax-on-demand service. To use this service, call 202-418-0177 from the handset of any fax machine, then follow the verbal directions. When prompted for the 6-digit Document Retrieval number, enter 000606.

NOTE: Forms either can be faxed (717-338-2693) or mailed back to the FCC at

Why can't I use Internet Explorer in ULS?

Due to the relative lack of maturity and proprietary nature of Internet Explorer, the FCC decided to use Netscape to support ULS. Because these two browsers do not support the same features, the cost of development and maintenance of front-end code would double if the FCC supported both. Although the FCC has currently limited its support to Netscape only, development of Internet Explorer will continue to be monitored, and when it can be cost supported effectively, then it will be supported by ULS.

General

When I click "Next Page," why does it leave me at the bottom of the screen on the next page?

This problem is caused by our use of Java. We are looking for a solution.

I cannot connect with ULS at any speed higher than 28.8 bps, even though I have a faster modem on my computer. What is the speed of the FCC extranet modems used to communicate with ULS users?

Because FCC modems currently operate at 28.8 bps, ULS users with higher-speed modems must connect at that rate to use the system. To improve system speed and enhance customer service, we anticipate upgrading ULS to 56.6 bps modems by September 1999. In the interim, by implementing Smart Update technology, we have decreased the amount of information users must download each time that they long in.

I am having problems printing a license for an application filed in ULS. Should I contact Technical Support or the FCC's staff?

If you experience any type of technical problem in ULS, then you should call Technical Support at (202) 414-1250 as the first point of contact. Even if you have regular contact with FCC staff members, it is important to call Technical Support first because they can quickly diagnose and resolve technical problems, which is something that FCC staff members are not specifically trained to do. If it is determined that your problem requires referral to the FCC staff, Technical Support will refer you to a FCC staff member experienced in the relevant subject matter.

My computer uses an ISDN line. Is there any way that I can access ULS from my desktop?

Because the FCC modem pool does not support ISDN, it is not possible to access ULS from an ISDN line. If you are an ISDN user, it may nevertheless be possible to configure your computer modem to dial into ULS if you have access to an analog telephone line. Contact Technical Support at (202) 414-1250 for further information.

Smart Update (Java)

Is there any way to have ULS recognize that I have already logged onto the system and not to send me the Java templates, the forms, and the information every time that I log on?

On February 26, 1999, the FCC upgraded ULS to use Smart Update technology to provide significant reductions in the amount of time it takes to file online. When connecting to ULS, the following will occur:

ULS will automatically download two files to your Netscape directory. This process will take approximately 6 minutes, during which time you will send a dialog box showing the progress of the file transfer.
Once the download is complete, you will be prompted to close and to restart your Netscape browser. NOTE: You do not need to disconnect your modem connection.
After restarting your browser, use ULS to file applications in the same way that you have in the past. You will notice significant increases in system speed.

NOTE: Other important information regarding the use of Smart Update:

You will need 3 MB free disk space on your hard drive.
Smart Update works only with the Netscape browser.
The file download happens only once. If you disconnect from ULS and reconnect at a later time, then the system will detect that it has already downloaded the necessary files and will not perform this step again.

Can I download ULS forms electronically to my computer so that I do not need to be connected to ULS while I am filling them out?

No. Because the ULS forms are Java-based, you cannot download them electronically.

Disclaimer: The Federal Communications Commission makes available this remote software. The Commission makes no warranty whatsoever with respect to the software. In no event shall the Commission, or any of its officers, employees, or agents, be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other loss) arising out of or relating to the existence, furnishing, functioning or use of the software.

Last Updated: July 09, 2001