Dick,
Completely different fee at issue. On amateur application fees, don’t forget that we tried, ith others, and FCC lowered the application fee that they had originally proposed. That proceeding is now closed.
The below is about FCC regulatory fees, which are being decided in a proceeding being decided this week. Thankfully, radio amateurs are statutorily exempt from all regulatory fees. Broadcasters have to pay regulatory fees every year, in addition to application fees.
I hope this helps clarify, but let me know if not.
73, Dave K3ZJ
From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Richard Norton via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>
Reply-To: Richard Norton <richardjnorton@yahoo.com>
Date: Friday, August 27, 2021 at 9:38 PM
To: Arrl-odv <arrl-odv@arrl.org>
Subject: [arrl-odv:32773] Fw: License fees
Following received from a member -
___________________________
Why can't we get the same
courtesy as the broadcasters? The pandemic affected us also. Just a thought.
FCC reverses course on fee hike for broadcasters
The Federal Communications Commission has scrapped plans to increase regulatory fees for broadcasters to help offset the costs of broadband mapping, which the National Association of Broadcasters joined state organizations in arguing disadvantaged broadcasters. The FCC has also extended relief measures adopted last year, providing broadcasters with some flexibility on fee payments, which are due in September.
Full Story: Inside Radio (free content) (8/27)
§159. Regulatory fees
(a) General authority
(1) Recovery of costs
The Commission, in accordance with this section, shall assess and collect regulatory fees to recover the costs of the following regulatory activities of the Commission: enforcement activities, policy and rulemaking activities, user information services, and international activities.
The charges established under this section shall not be applicable to (1) governmental entities or nonprofit entities; or (2) to amateur radio operator licenses under part 97 of the Commission's regulations (47 C.F.R. Part 97).