application fees

On Monday, REC Networks has filed Reply Comments in two FCC proceedings.

In MB Docket 20-343, REC opposed a suggestion by Educational Media Foundation (EMF), the largest licensee of noncommercial educational (NCE) FM broadcast stations operating under the K-Love and Air1 brands, that called for the ability to file unlimited applications outside of the urban markets as long as those proposals do not face any competing applications.

REC Networks has filed Comments with the Federal Communications Commission in MD Docket 20-270.  This FCC proceeding implements a portion of the 2018 RAY BAUM’S Act as it relates to the change in the structure of FCC application fees from a codified schedule to a cost-based method, similar to how regulatory fees are charged.

There continues to be confusion in the Amateur Radio community on how we reached this point with proposed application fees in the Amateur Radio Service.  Some have said that an "exemption for Amateur Radio was removed with RAY BAUM'S". That both is correct and incorrect.  You need to understand the 1986 law and the progress from then to the enactment of RAY BAUM'S. 

Here is some clarification on the way it used to be.  Prior to RAY BAUMS, Public Law 99-272, which was enacted in 1986 stated in Section 158 of the Communications Act, that the Commission shall charge application fees.  Those fees were listed as a fixed table. Amateur Radio was not included as a price point.