Ala. Code § 37-4-104
Any person who, on September 28, 1971, either is engaged in the construction or operation of any radio utility system licensed by the Federal Communications Commission, or who holds a valid existing certificate previously issued by the commission to provide interconnected radio utility service, shall receive a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the commission authorizing such person to continue construction or operation of such radio utility system and to provide radio utility service in the territory served by such person on September 28, 1971, if, within 90 days thereafter, such person shall file with the commission an application in the form prescribed by the commission for such certificate, including copies of the license or licenses issued by the Federal Communications Commission to such person, and including copies of maps showing the area served by such person. The construction or operation of such radio utility system or the providing of such radio utility service may be lawfully continued pending the filing of such an application and the determination of same unless the commission shall, for cause, order otherwise.
Ala. Code § 37-4-104 (1975)