Hi all:

Mike, I agree we could have done better on the web article. We could have at least mentioned that we anticipate filing comments at the appropriate time, in other words fighting it.  

Recall the email Dave Siddall sent ODV last Thursday (ODV:30824) reporting on the proposed rulemaking and that the comment period is not open yet and that he plans to provide some comments and guidance.  We don’t know at this point what policy and strategy the Board wants to seek on this matter.  Consequently, we are limited in response to members other than we are reviewing the matter, are discussing options, intend on filing comments when the comment period opens.  Once we decide on our position and the comment period opens, then we can provide our members better guidance on how to respond.

By the way, as a reminder so we don’t get crossways, the Directors Workbook, item 2.2 in part states:

“Board policy prohibits the filing of comments in FCC proceedings by members of the Board, either on their own behalf or on behalf of other organizations. This policy is not to be construed prohibiting Board members from encouraging the filing of comments by others in support of League positions, or from contacting their own elected government representatives to gain support of League positions.”

I’d heard that some on ODV were planning to file comments so it’s worth reminding everyone of the policy.

73,
Rick – K5UR


-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Ritz <w7vo@comcast.net>
To: arrl-odv <arrl-odv@arrl.org>
Sent: Tue, Sep 1, 2020 1:18 pm
Subject: [arrl-odv:30836] Re: Proposed Amateur Radio Application Fees

OK, you guys have caused me to offload about this now. It's been brewing since last week, and I'm glad somebody else brought it up. 

When I read the press release that HQ put out over the fees last week, I noticed something important missing in the message: The "here's what YOUR ARRL is doing about it" part. The press release was just a fact sheet telling members pretty much what they already knew. IMHO there should have been something there that at least said that we are studying the proposal and would be providing a response to the FCC. What a missed opportunity to remind members that part of our "value add" is fighting for them, whether it be spectrum defense, or in this case, fees that might cause some to wonder if $50 is worth it. 


The people that are working and have jobs will see this as "it's only $5 a year! Somebody not terribly active and living on social security or disability may wind up making a choice of whether to spend that $50 on food or medical care, or renewing their ham license. For new hams the $15 fee for VE services will $65, and that will be a barrier for some.  

We need to defeat this.  

73;
Mike
W7VO
On 09/01/2020 9:50 AM rjairam@gmail.com <rjairam@gmail.com> wrote:


I agree.

ARRL needs to be driving the message. And again all I’m hearing is silence. I’m not even sure what our position is on this.

Ria
N2RJ 

On Tue, Sep 1, 2020 at 11:50 AM Matt Holden < mtholde@gmail.com> wrote:
I have given a few club presentations and they are asking "what can we do?"
Can ARRL HQ generate talking points the members can include in their personal comments to the FCC?
73,
Matt Holden KØBBC
Director, Dakota Division, American Radio Relay League

On Fri, Aug 28, 2020 at 12:59 PM Michael Ritz < w7vo@comcast.net> wrote:














It was the primary discussion on a big club Zoom meeting I attended last night, and this morning my in-box was full of "what is the ARRL doing about this?" e-mails from members.















The message to the membership should be forceful, and show we are on top of it.












73;





Mike





W7VO







On 08/28/2020 7:10 AM Shelley, Barry, N1VXY (CEO) < bshelley@arrl.org> wrote:



















It’s in the works. Should be posted today assuming EC review.


 


  --Barry, N1VXY


 


From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Mark J Tharp
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2020 9:33 AM
To: david davidsiddall-law.com <david@davidsiddall-law.com>
Cc: arrl-odv <arrl-odv@arrl.org>
Subject: [arrl-odv:30827] Re: Proposed Amateur Radio Application Fees











Barry, are we putting a story together for this?






I see QRZ and most all of the social media outlets have already done so.






Would be best to be first, but I hope we at least officially address it on the web.













Mark, HDX



























On Thu, Aug 27, 2020 at 12:52 PM david davidsiddall-law.com <david@davidsiddall-law.com> wrote:










All,





Yesterday the FCC did release a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in which it proposes to overhaul its application fee structure.  Since so many services use the same ULS system, the effect on amateurs if adopted as proposed would  be to charge amateurs the same amounts as those in other radio services for similar actions.   Specifically, for the amateur service, the FCC proposes a $50. fee for (1) new or renewal applications; (2) vanity call applications; (3) license upgrade applications.  Administrative changes to a license – such as change of address – would continue to be free.





There will be the standard opportunity to comment and lobby the Commission, as in most proceedings.  Deadlines for doing so have not yet been established.





Obviously we will be discussing this, including the Executive Committee when it comes time to comment.  The FCC proposal in its entirety can be viewed here:


https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-116A1.pdf.  Paragraphs 24-30 address applications in the amateur service (with GMRS and other similar licenses).





73,





Dave













David R. Siddall


Managing Partner


DS Law, PLLC






direct: +1 202 559 4690


 


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From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of "rjairam@gmail.com" <rjairam@gmail.com>
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 12:41 PM
To: ODV <arrl-odv@arrl.org>
Subject: [arrl-odv:30821] New amateur radio application fees?













This report says there is going to be a nee $50 fee for amateur radio license applications.













I thought we discussed this already and there was not going to be a fee.















Comments? Probably would be a good thing for david Siddal to look into.













73






Ria






N2RJ 








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