# Schedule of Application Fees > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A2020-21530 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Proposed Rule - **Published:** October 15, 2020 - **Citation:** 85 FR 65566 ## Text FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 1 [MD Docket No. 20-270; FCC 20-116; FRS 17098] Schedule of Application Fees AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) seeks comment on new application fee rates. DATES: Comments due on or before November 16, 2020; and reply comments due on or before November 30, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by MD Docket No. 20-270, by any of the following methods: • Federal Communications Commission's Website: http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • People With Disabilities: Contact the FCC to request reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language interpreters, CART, etc.) by email: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: 202-418-0530 or TTY: 202-418-0432. For detailed instructions for submitting comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roland Helvajian, Office of Managing Director at (202) 418-0444. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 20-116, MD Docket No. 20-270, adopted on August 12, 2020 and released on August 26, 2020. The full text of this document is available for public inspection at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-116A1.pdf. The full text of this document will also be available via ECFS ( http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ ) and in alternative formats (computer diskette, large print, audio record, and braille). Persons with disabilities who need documents in these formats may contact the FCC by email: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: 202-418-0530 or TTY: 202-418-0432. I. Procedural Matters 1. Ex Parte Information. This proceeding shall be treated as a “permit-but-disclose” proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules. Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentation must (1) list all persons attending or otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments already reflected in the presenter's written comments, memoranda, or other filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must be filed consistent with § 1.1206(b) of the Commission's rules. In proceedings governed by § 1.49(f) of the Commission's rules or for which the Commission has made available a method of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format ( e.g., .doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission's ex parte rules. 2. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. An initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA) is contained in this summary. Comments to the IRFA must be identified as responses to the IRFA and filed by the deadlines for comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The Commission will send a copy of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, including the IRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. 3. Initial Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis. This document does not contain new or modified information collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104-13. In addition, therefore, it does not contain any new or modified information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees, pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4). A. A Streamlined Application Fee Schedule 4. We propose to streamline our schedule of application fees, consolidating the eight separate categories of fees currently in our rules down to five functional categories: Wireless Licensing Fees, Media Licensing Fees, Equipment Approval Fees, Domestic Service Fees, and International Service Fees. In conjunction with this consolidation, we propose to consolidate our approach to listing application fees, reducing the total number of application fees from 450 to 167, while still including new fees for services that were not listed previously in section 8 of the Act. We seek comment on this approach. 5. We propose specific application fees based on estimates of the direct labor costs to process a typical application, including all labor costs for identifiable tasks up through the first level of supervision. These estimates are based on a large number of applications processed by Commission staff and found to be typical in terms of the amount of time spent on processing. For the cost-based data, we estimate the direct labor costs to process a particular application by multiplying (1) an estimate of the number of hours needed for each identifiable task, up to first-level supervisory tasks required to process the application; by (2) an estimate of the labor cost per hour for the employee that performs the task; by (3) an estimate of the probability that the task needs to be performed; and (4) summing the products of this multiplication for each task. We estimate labor cost per hour for the various general schedule pay grades of the employees that process applications based on the 2020 federal government pay table for Washington DC, at the step 5 level, as we currently do under our Freedom Of Information Act rules; we estimate overhead costs at 20% of the salary level also per that rule, and we estimate each employee works 2,087 hours in one year. We also round each fee to the nearest $5 increment, as required by section 8, as amended. We seek comment on this approach. More broadly, we seek comment on the changes to application fees and whether they reasonably reflect current costs of application processing. 1. Wireless Licensing Fees 6. The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau processes applications for almost all wireless services, from fixed microwave links to amateur radio to mobile broadband services. The Office of Engineering and Technology administers the experimental radio service under Part 5 of the FCC rules. 7. The current application fee schedule consists of separate application fees for 19 different categories of wireless licenses as well as a separate category for experimental radio services, with each category containing multiple fees. 8. We propose to consolidate the fees into four categories so that we charge the same fees for similar types of application processing work: Site-based, personal, geographic-based, and experimental. 9. We seek comment on our approach and on the following schedule for wireless licensing fees. We note that a reference table of wireless radio service codes is contained in Appendix C of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. a. Site-Based Licenses 10. Site-based licensed services include land mobile systems (one or more base stations communicating with mobile devices, or mobile-only systems), point-to-point systems (two stations using a spectrum band to form a data communications path), point-to-multipoint systems (one or more base stations that communicate with fixed remote units), as well as radiolocation and radionavigation systems. 11. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for site-based license applications—and we give as an example the current fees for one type of site-based license, common carrier point-to-point microwave service. All fees are per call sign unless otherwise noted. Type of site-based licensing application Current fee for common carrier microwave Cost-based fee New license, major modification $305 $190 Minor modification n/a 50 Special temporary authority 140 135 Assignment/transfer of control * 110 50 Rule waiver n/a 380 Renewal 305 50 Construction Extension 110 50 Spectrum leasing * 110 50 (* first call sign); $70 each additional. 12. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for a new site-based license or a major modification of an existing license consist of program analyst review and engineer technical review. Our estimate is that this process involves $190 in costs. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for special temporary authority (STA) consist of program analyst review and processing, engineer technical review, and supervisor coordinate with management. Our estimate is that this process involves $135 in costs. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for assignment/transfer of control consist of the following: Program analyst review and processing. Our estimate is that this process involves $50 in costs. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for rule waiver consist of the following: Program analyst review and processing, engineer technical review, attorney legal review, and supervisor coordinate with management. Our estimate is that this process involves $380 in costs. 13. The applications for minor modifications, site-based renewals, construction extensions, and spectrum leasing, are all mostly automated and do not have specific staff costs for data input or review. We propose a nominal application fee of $50 due to the routine system maintenance required in ULS and for system monitoring. 14. We propose no application fee for administrative updates. For administrative updates we find that it is in the public interest to encourage licensees to update their information and thus propose no application fee is charged. In addition, we seek comment on whether certain types of minor modifications that are largely automated, such as minor modifications to remove facilities ( e.g., frequencies, sites, paths) should have no application fee because they have no identifiable direct costs and are in the public interest. In this regard, we note that cancelling a license in its entirety does not require a fee. Eliminating fees for removal of unused portions of a license could encourage licensees to return unused spectrum so that it would be available for other potential users. 15. In instances where an applicant elects to receive a physical license by mail (including requests for a duplicate authorization), the Commission incurs costs for printing and mailing the duplicate authorization. We propose a fee of $50 to cover the costs of these services. 16. We seek comment on these proposals. b. Personal Licenses 17. Personal license services include Amateur Radio Service (used for recreational, non-commercial radio services), Ship licenses (used to operate all manner of ships), Aircraft licenses (used to operate all manner of aircraft), Commercial Radio Operator (permits for ship and aircraft station operators, where required), and General Mobile Radio Service (used for short-distance, two-way voice communications using hand-held radios, as well as for short data messaging applications). With personal radio services, an applicant's initial application for authorization seeks shared use of certain spectrum bands, or a permit required for operation of certain radio equipment. In either case, these applications focus only on eligibility and do not require technical review. For these reasons, applications in these services are highly automated and should be subject to the same assessment of fees. 18. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for one type of personal license, General Mobile Radio Service, or GMRS. All fees are per call sign unless otherwise noted. Type of personal licensing application Current fee for general mobile radio service Cost-based fee New license, modification $70 $50 Minor modification n/a 50 Special temporary authority 70 135 Rule waiver 210 50 Renewal 70 50 19. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for STA consist of program analyst review and processing, engineer technical review, and supervisor coordinate action with management. Our estimate is that this process involves $135 in costs. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for rule waiver consist of program analyst review and processing. Our estimate is that this process involves $50 in costs. 20. Other applications for personal licenses are mostly automated and do not have individualized staff costs for data input or review. For these automated processes—new/major modifications, renewal, and minor modifications—we propose a nominal application fee of $50 due to automating the processes, routine ULS maintenance, and limited instances where staff input is required. Although there is currently no fee for vanity call signs in the Amateur Radio Service, we find that such applications impose similar costs in aggregate on Commission resources as new applications and therefore propose a $50 fee. 21. For administrative updates modifications, which also are highly automated, we find that it is in the public interest to encourage licensees to update their information without a charge. We thus propose no application fee for administrative updates modifications. 22. In instances where an applicant elects to receive a physical license by mail (including requests for a duplicate license), the Commission incurs costs for printing and mailing the duplicate authorization. We propose a fee of $50 to cover the costs of these services. 23. We seek comment on these proposals. c. Geographic-Based Licenses 24. Geographic-based licenses authorize an applicant to construct anywhere within a particular geographic area's boundary (subject to certain technical requirements, including interference protection) and generally do not require applicants to submit additional applications for prior Commission approval of specific transmitter locations. With these services, an applicant's initial application is generally accepted as a result of an auction and focuses on the area and spectrum of interest, as well as the applicant's eligibility and qualifications. 25. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for one type of geographic-based license, Paging and Radiotelephone. All fees are per call sign unless otherwise noted. Type of geographic-based licensing application Current fee for paging and radiotelephone Cost-based fee New License (other than Post-Auction Long Form Application), Major Modification $450 $305 New License (Pre-Auction Short Form Application) (per application; NOT per call sign) n/a 575 New License (Post-Auction Long Form Application) (per application; NOT per call sign) n/a 2,600 Renewal 70 50 Minor Modification 70 200 Construction Notification/Extensions 70 290 Special Temporary Authority 395 335 Assignment/Transfer of Control 450 195 Spectrum Leasing 450 165 Rule Waiver n/a 380 Designated Entity Licensee Reportable Eligibility Event n/a 50 26. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for a new license or a major modification consist of program analyst review and processing, engineer technical review, map review, and attorney supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $305 in costs. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for a renewal consist of analyst review and engineer technical review, exhibit review. Our estimate is that this process involves $50 in costs. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for a minor modification consist of engineer technical review and map review. Our estimate is that this process involves $200 in costs. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for construction notification or extension consist of program analyst review and processing, engineer technical review, analysis, validation of coverage, attorney legal review, and supervisor coordination with management. Our estimate is that this process involves $290 in costs. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for STA consist of a contractor entering data in the ULS, a program analyst preparing public notice accepting the application for filing, program analyst review, supervisor coordination with management, and a program analyst preparing the public notice granting or denying the application. Our estimate is that this process involves $335 in costs. 27. To apply for a license in a spectrum auction, a party must first submit an application to demonstrate its qualifications in order to participate in competitive bidding. Such an application is commonly referred to as a short-form application. We estimate that the Commission's costs in processing a short-form application to participate in an auction for spectrum licenses consist of attorney review and attorney supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $575 in costs. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a post-auction long-form application consist of program analyst review; initial attorney review; secondary attorney review; supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $2,600 in costs. We note that each applicant would be charged one fee per short-form application and one fee per long-form application, regardless of the number of licenses involved. 28. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for assignment/transfer of control consist of program analyst review, engineer technical and map review, and supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $195 in costs. We estimate that the Commission's costs in processing an application for spectrum leasing consist of program analyst review and processing, engineer technical review and map review, and attorney supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $165 in costs. 29. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for waiver consist of program analyst review and processing, engineer technical review, attorney review, and supervisor coordinate with management. Our estimate is that this process involves $380 in costs. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for a designated entity reportable eligibility event consist of attorney-supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $50 in costs. 30. We seek comment on these proposals. We also seek comment on whether we should consolidate the short-form and long-form application fees so that only winning bidders would be required to pay a combined application fee of $3,175. Would a consolidated fee be consistent with amended section 8? Would such an approach alleviate the possibility that establishing a fee for filing an auction application—regardless of whether licenses are ultimately won—might discourage auction participation, particularly by small businesses, rural telephone companies, and minority-owned businesses. Fewer applications may result in reduced competition in an auction, undermining the Commission's ability to promote the various objectives of spectrum auctions enumerated in section 309(j). Would a consolidated fee mitigate such potential harm? 31. Under such a consolidation there would be no short-form application fee at the time of filing; the fee would be due when the long-form application fee is due. Commenters should discuss whether this process, in which no fees would be assessed for short-form applications when the applicant is not a winning bidder, would be consistent with the requirement in section 8(a) that the fees “recover the costs of the Commission to process applications.” d. Experimental Radio Services 32. The experimental radio service permits broad experimentation, including assessing equipment intended to operate in existing Commission services, proof of concept testing and evaluation of new radio technologies, equipment designs, radio wave propagation characteristics, and service concepts related to the use of the radio spectrum. 33. The Commission also offers three additional types of licenses—the program license, the medical testing license, and the compliance testing license—collectively referred to as program licenses. These licenses offer an alternative streamlined process to the conventional experimental license procedures for entities that meet certain eligibility criteria. 34. Regardless of the complexity of any application, each must undergo a similar review process to determine if all required information is provided, to review the experimental description and analyze the technical data to ensure it is consistent with that description and to determine what coordination, if any, is required. The same process must also be followed for program experimental licenses. 35. Additionally, applicants seeking confidential treatment can request that designated information be considered confidential and such request is reviewed and processed by staff. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fee for these applications—and we give as an example the current fee for these services. All fees are per call sign unless otherwise noted. Experimental licensing application Current fee Cost-based fee a. New Station Authorization $70 $125 b. Modification of Authorization 70 125 c. Renewal of Station Authorization 70 125 d. Assignment of License or Transfer of Control 70 125 e. Special Temporary Authority 70 125 f. Confidentiality 70 50 36. The Experimental Radio Service application fee is currently $70 for all applications, including new station authorizations, modifications, renewals, transfers of control and assignments, STA requests, and program licenses. Applicants requesting confidential treatment currently pay an additional $70 fee. 37. The Commission's costs in processing all Experimental Radio Service applications, including new station authorizations, modifications, renewals, transfers of control and assignments, STA requests, and program licenses, consist of program analyst review, engineer technical review, and engineer supervisory review. We estimate the cost of this process is $125 for all such applications. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing quests for confidential treatment consist of program analyst review and processing. We estimate this process involves $50 in costs. We seek comment on these proposed cost-based fees. e. Amendments to Pending Applications 38. Applicants often seek to amend pending applications in order to correct errors, provide additional information requested by the Commission's staff, expand the scope of the request ( e.g., to include new licenses, spectrum, geographic areas), or narrow the scope of the request. Particularly in cases where the scope of the request is increased, Commission staff may need to completely re-review the application because of new licenses, spectrum, geography, or technical issues that were not in the original application. In that light, we seek comment on whether to charge a fee for amendments to applications that require staff to re-review those applications. We seek comment on whether and in what instances we should charge an additional fee for amendments to pending applications and how to structure that fee. 2. Media Service Fees 39. The Media Bureau processes applications for licensing broadcast television and radio spectrum for commercial and noncommercial users, and those related to the provision of cable service. Certain construction permits issued by the Media Bureau are assigned through competitive bidding. Application fees for services are currently organized according to whether they are for TV service or AM and FM radio service. We propose to retain this organization, and propose new cost-based fees for all services for which the Media Bureau processes applications. a. Commercial Full Power TV Services and Class A TV Stations 40. Full Power TV stations include all stations in the television broadcast band transmitting a vestigial sideband signal intended to be received by the general public, except for low power TV and TV translator stations. Class A TV stations are low power television stations that meet the programming and operational standards set forth in the Community Broadcasters Protection Act of 1999 and are broadcasting a minimum of 18 hours per week and an average of at least three hours per week of locally produced programming each quarter. 41. The Media Bureau staff tasks involved in processing Full Power TV applications and Class A TV Station applications are the same. A party must apply for a construction permit before building a new TV station. Once its application has been granted, the applicant is issued a construction permit authorizing it to build the station within a specified period, usually three years. After the applicant, or permittee, builds the station, it must file a license application, in which it certifies that it has constructed the station consistent with the technical and other terms specified in its construction permit. 42. Because the processing of Full Power TV applications and Class A TV Station applications are the same, we propose to adopt identical cost-based fees for Full Power TV and Class A TV applications. Below is a table showing the current application fees and the proposed cost-based fee estimates for typical Full Power and Class A television applications. 43. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Full Power TV, Class A TV, new and major change construction permit (including Post-Auction Long Form Application) $4,960 $4,260 Full Power TV, minor modification 1,110 1,335 Main Studio Request 1,110 Remove Full Power TV, Class A TV, new license 355 380 Full Power TV, Class A TV, license renewal 200 330 Full Power TV, Class A TV, license assignment, long form 1,110 1,245 Full Power TV, Class A TV, license assignment, short form 160 405 Full Power TV, Class A TV, transfer of control, long form 1,110 1,245 Full Power TV, Class A TV, transfer of control, short form 160 405 Full Power TV, Class A TV, call sign 110 170 Full Power TV, Class A TV, STA 200 270 Full Power TV, petition for rulemaking 3,065 3,395 Full Power TV, ownership report 70 85 44. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing applications for new and major change construction permits consist of significant engineering and legal analysis, as the applications tend to be highly complex. We estimate that the Commission's cost of processing applications for permits, encompassing engineer technical review, engineer supervisory review, attorney legal review, attorney pleadings review, and attorney written disposition review is $4,260. 45. Applications for new licenses, long-form license assignments, long-form transfers of control, and Full Power TV minor modifications are complex matters that require significant engineering review and legal analysis. We estimate that the Commission's cost in processing an application for a new license, which consist of engineer application review, engineer supervisory review, attorney pleading review, and attorney written disposition review, is $380. Applications for long-form license assignment and long-form transfers of control often involve petitions or objections after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's cost of processing long-form license assignment and transfers of control, including attorney application review, attorney supervisory review, attorney pleading review, and attorney written disposition review is $1,245. Commission review of minor modification construction permit applications for Full Power TV involves engineer application review, engineer supervisory review, attorney pleading review, and attorney written disposition review at an estimated cost of $1,335. 46. Other applications are of lesser complexity and therefore impose fewer costs on the Commission staff, including license renewals, short-form license assignments, short-form transfers of control and STA. The processing of these applications may involve petitions or objections after the application is filed and typically involve attorney application review, attorney supervisory review, attorney pleading review, and attorney written disposition review. We estimate that the Commission's cost of processing an application for license renewal is $330. For short-form license assignments and transfers of control, we estimate that the cost of processing is $405. We estimate that the Commission's cost of processing an STA application is $270. 47. For applications for call signs, which involves some legal analysis, we estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a TV call sign consist of analyst application review at the cost of $170. For ownership report applications, which involve minimal review by Commission staff, we estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a TV Ownership Report consist of analyst application review and that the cost of this process is $85. 48. A petition for a rulemaking to amend the DTV Table of Allotments for a new community of license has a high level of complexity and involves significant legal analysis and engineering review. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a Full Power TV petition for rulemaking consist of engineer application review, engineer supervisory review, attorney legal review, attorney pleading review, and attorney written disposition review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $3,395. 49. We seek comment on these proposed cost-based fees. We also seek comment on whether we should consolidate and streamline these proposed fees to ease the burden of administration and simplify compliance. b. TV Translators and Low Power Television (LPTV) Stations 50. A TV translator is a transmitter device which repeats, or transponds, the signal of the television station to an area not covered by the signal of the originating station. The following table summarizes the current application fees and the proposed cost-based fees. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee TV translator and LPTV, new or major change construction permit (including Post-Auction Long Form Application) $835 $775 TV translator and LPTV, new license 170 215 TV translator and LPTV, license renewal 70 145 TV translator and LPTV, STA 200 270 TV translator and LPTV, license assignment 160 335 TV translator and LPTV, transfer of control 160 335 TV translator and LPTV, call sign 110 170 51. TV translator and LPTV applications for new and major change construction permits have the highest level of complexity and significant engineering and legal analysis is needed in processing these applications. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing these applications consist of engineer technical review, engineer supervisory review, attorney pleadings review, and attorney written disposition review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $775. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a TV Translator and LPTV application for a new license, which involves some legal analysis and significant engineering review, consist of engineer application review, engineer supervisory review, attorney pleading review, and attorney written disposition review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $215. License assignments, which require significant legal analysis, may involve petitions or objections, after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a TV translator and LPTV license assignment application consist of attorney application review, attorney supervisory review, attorney pleading review, and attorney written disposition review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $335. 52. Other applications require only some legal or engineering analysis. License renewals and transfers of control each involve attorney application review, application supervisory review, attorney pleading review, and attorney written disposition review. Some applications for transfer of control subsequently involve petitions or objections after the application is filed. For license renewals, our estimate is that the cost of this process is $145. For transfers of control, our estimate is that the cost of this process is $335. 53. Applications for STA are less complex and involve some engineering and legal analysis. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a TV translator and LPTV STA consist of engineer application review, engineer supervisory review, attorney pleading review, and attorney written disposition review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $270. Call sign applications have a low level of complexity and involve some legal analysis. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a TV translator and LPTV call sign consist of analyst application review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $170. 54. We seek comment on these proposed cost-based fees. We also seek comment on whether we should consolidate and streamline these proposed fees to ease the burden of administration and simplify compliance. c. TV Booster Stations 55. We propose removing TV Booster Stations from the application fee schedule because we no longer have applications for this analog service as a result of the digital television transition. We seek comment on this proposal. d. Cable Television Services 56. Cable television is a system of delivering television programming to consumers via radio frequency signals transmitted through coaxial or fiber-optic cables. The Media Bureau processes cable system registration, cable television relay service (CARS) applications, special relief and show cause petitions involving technical matters, requests for rulings on technical matters, and requests for waivers of the rules. The below table summarizes the current application fees and the proposed cost-based fees. 57. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. We also seek comment on whether we should consolidate and streamline these proposed fees to ease the burden of administration and simplify compliance. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Cable television, CARS license $305 $450 Cable television, CARS license modification, major 305 345 Cable television, CARS license modification, minor n/a 50 Cable television, CARS license renewal 305 260 Cable television, CARS, license assignment 305 365 Cable television, CARS, transfer of control 305 465 Cable television, CARS, STA 200 225 Cable television, special relief petition 1,550 1,615 Cable television, CARS license, registration statement 70 105 Cable television, multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) aeronautical frequency usage notification 70 90 58. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for a new CARS license consist of analyst application review, engineer application evaluation, and engineer application approval. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $450. For major license modifications, we estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application consist of analyst application review, engineer application evaluation, and engineer application approval. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $345. We estimate that the Commission's processing of an application for a CARS license minor modification consists of analyst application review, analyst application evaluation, and engineer application approval. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $50. 59. The Commission's processing of an application for a CARS license renewal consists of analyst application review, engineer application evaluation, and engineer application approval. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $260. The processing of license assignments involves an analyst reviewing the application, an engineer evaluating the application, and an attorney approving the application. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $365. The Commission's processing an application for a CARS transfer of control application consists of an analyst reviewing the application, an engineer evaluating the application, and an attorney approving the application. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $465. The Commission processes applications for STA by having an analyst review the application and an engineer evaluate and approve it. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $225. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for a special relief petition consist of an analyst reviewing the application, an engineer evaluating it, a supervisory engineer evaluating it, and an attorney approving the application. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $1,615. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for a registration statement consist of an analyst reviewing the application, an analyst evaluating the application, and an engineer approving the application. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $105. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for an MVPD aeronautical frequency usage notification consist of an analyst reviewing the application, an analyst evaluating the application, and an engineer approving the application. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $90. e. Commercial AM and FM Radio Stations 60. The radio broadcast service includes the commercial and noncommercial educational AM and FM radio services, and also the noncommercial educational low power FM radio service. A party must apply for a construction permit before building a new AM or FM radio station. The applicant must demonstrate that it is legally, technically, and financially qualified to construct and operate the station as specified in its application and that the proposed facility will not cause objectionable interference to any other station. Once its application has been granted, the applicant is issued a construction permit, which authorizes the applicant to build the station within a specified period of time, usually three years. After the applicant, now a permittee, builds the station, it must file a license application, in which it certifies that it has constructed the station consistent with the technical and other terms specified in its construction permit. Upon grant of that license application, the FCC issues the new license to operate to the permittee, now a licensee, which authorizes the new licensee to operate for a stated period of time, up to eight years. At the close of this period, the licensee must seek renewal of its license. 61. Commercial AM Stations. The following table summarizes the current application fees and the proposed cost-based fees. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee AM radio new construction permit (including Post-Auction Long Form Application) $4,415 $3,980 AM radio, minor modification 1,110 1,625 AM radio, Main Studio Request 1,110 Remove AM radio, new license 725 645 AM radio, directional antenna 835 1,260 AM Remote Control 70 Remove AM radio, license renewal 200 325 AM radio, license assignment, long-form 1,110 1,005 AM radio, license assignment, short-form 160 425 AM radio, transfer of control, long-form 1,110 1,005 AM radio, transfer of control, short-form 160 425 AM radio, call sign 110 170 AM radio, STA 200 290 AM radio, ownership report 70 85 62. Applications for new construction permits have the highest level of complexity and significant engineering and legal analysis is needed in processing these applications. Many of these applications result in petitions or objections after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for a new AM construction permit consist of engineering technical review, an attorney reviewing multiple ownership, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $3,980. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for an AM minor change construction permit consist of engineer technical review, engineer supervisory review, an attorney reviewing multiple ownership, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $1,625. 63. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for an AM license consist of a legal analyst reviewing application, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Some of the applications involve petitions or objections. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $645. An AM directional antenna application involves some legal analysis and significant engineering review. Some of the applications result in petitions or objections after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for an AM directional antenna consist of engineer technical review, engineer supervisory review, an attorney reviewing multiple ownership, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $1,260. AM license renewal applications have a medium level of complexity and involve some legal analysis and significant engineering review. Some of the applications result in petitions or objections after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for renewal consist of a legal analyst reviewing the application, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $325. 64. Long-form applications for AM license assignments involve significant legal analysis, with some assignments involving petitions or objections, after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a long-form application for an AM license assignment consist of a legal analyst reviewing the application, an attorney reviewing multiple ownership, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $1,005. Short-form license applications have a lower level of complexity and require some, though less, legal analysis than long form applications. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a short-form application for an AM license assignment consist of a legal analyst reviewing the application, an attorney reviewing the pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $425. Long-form applications for AM transfers of control involve significant legal analysis. Some applications for transfer of control involve petitions or objections, after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a long-form application for AM transfer of control consist of legal a analyst reviewing the application, an attorney reviewing multiple ownership, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $1,005. Short-form applications for transfer of control involve some legal analysis. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a short-form application for transfer of control consist of a legal analyst reviewing the application, an attorney reviewing the pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $410. 65. AM radio call sign applications involve some legal analysis, and we estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an AM call sign application consist of analyst application review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $170. Applications for STA involve some engineering and legal analysis. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an AM STA application consist of engineer technical review, attorney pleading review, and supervisory attorney written disposition review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $290. AM ownership report applications involve minimal review by Media Bureau staff. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an AM ownership report consist of analyst application review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $85. 66. We seek comment on these proposed cost-based fees. We also seek comment on whether we should consolidate and streamline these proposed fees to ease the burden of administration and simplify compliance. 67. Commercial FM Stations. The following table summarizes the current application fees and the proposed cost-based fees for commercial FM stations. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee FM radio new construction permit (including Post-Auction Long-Form Application) $3,975 $3,295 FM radio, minor modification 1,110 1,265 FM radio, Main Studio Request 1,110 Remove FM radio, new license 225 235 FM radio, directional antenna 695 630 FM radio, license renewal 200 325 FM radio, license assignment, long-form 1,110 1,005 FM radio, license assignment, short-form 160 425 FM radio, transfer of control, long-form 1,110 1,005 FM radio, transfer of control, short-form 160 425 FM radio, call sign 110 170 FM radio, STA 200 210 FM radio, petition for rulemaking 3,065 3,180 FM radio, ownership report 70 85 68. Applications for new construction permits have the highest level of complexity and significant engineering and legal analysis is needed in processing these applications. Many of these applications result in petitions or objections after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for a new FM construction permit consist of engineering technical review, supervisory engineer review, an attorney reviewing multiple ownership, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and a supervisory attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $3,295. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for an FM minor modification construction permit consist of engineer review, engineer supervisory review, an attorney reviewing multiple ownership, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and a supervisory attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $1,265. 69. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for an FM license consist of an analyst reviewing the application, an engineering review, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and a supervisory attorney reviewing written disposition. Some of the applications involve petitions or objections. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $235. An application for an FM directional antenna involves some legal analysis and significant engineering review. Some of the applications result in petitions or objections after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for an FM directional antenna consist of engineer review, engineer supervisory review, an attorney reviewing multiple ownership, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and a supervisory attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $630. 70. An application for an FM license involves some legal analysis and significant engineering review. Some of the applications result in petitions or objections after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for FM license renewal consist of a legal analyst reviewing the application, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $325. Long-form applications for FM license assignment involve significant legal analysis. Some of these applications involve petitions or objections, after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a long-form application for an FM assignment consist of a legal analyst reviewing the application, an attorney reviewing multiple ownership, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $1,005. Short-form applications for FM license assignment involve some legal analysis. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a short-form application for an FM license assignment consist of a legal analyst reviewing the application, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $425. Long-form applications for FM transfers of control involve significant legal analysis. Some applications for transfer of control involve petitions or objections after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a long-form application for FM transfer of control consist of a legal analyst reviewing application, an attorney reviewing multiple ownership, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $1,005. Short-form applications for FM transfers involve some legal analysis. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a short form application for FM transfer of control consist of a legal analyst reviewing the application, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $425. 71. Applications for FM call signs involve some legal analysis. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an FM call sign consist of analyst application review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $170. Applications for STA involve some engineering and legal analysis. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an FM STA application consist of engineer technical review, supervisory engineer review, attorney pleading review, and supervisory attorney written disposition review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $210. Applications for FM ownership report involve minimal review by Media Bureau staff. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for FM ownership report consist of analyst application review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $85. 72. A petition for rulemaking to amend the FM Table of Allotments for a new community of license has a high level of complexity and involves significant legal analysis and engineering review. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an FM petition for rulemaking consist of an engineering technical review, an attorney reviewing multiple ownership, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $3,180. 73. We seek comment on these proposed cost-based fees. We also seek comment on whether we should consolidate and streamline these proposed fees to ease the burden of administration and simplify compliance. 74. FM Translators and Boosters. FM translators and FM boosters comprise a low power service on the FM broadcast band (88 to 108 MHz) that complement the primary FM service. Translator stations simultaneously re-broadcast the signal of a primary station on a different frequency. Those translator stations that provide service within the primary station's protected service area are classified as fill-in stations. FM booster stations are essentially fill-in translator stations on the same frequency as the main station, and must be owned by the licensee of the primary FM station. 75. The following table summarizes the current application fees and the proposed cost-based fees. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee FM translator new construction permit (including Post-Auction Long-Form Application) $835 $705 FM translator, minor modification None 210 FM translator, new license 170 180 FM translator, license renewal 70 175 FM translator, STA 200 170 FM translator, license assignment 160 290 FM translator, transfer of control 160 290 FM booster, new or major change construction permit 835 705 FM booster, new license fee 170 180 FM booster, STA 200 170 76. An application for either a new FM translator or an FM booster construction permit involves legal analysis and significant engineering review. Some applications may involve petitions or objections after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing either an application for a new FM translator or an FM booster construction permit consist of engineering technical review, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and a supervisory attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $705 for either a new FM translator or an FM booster construction permit. 77. There is no current fee for an application for a minor change FM translator construction permit. Originally, the definition of minor change was so narrow that very few such applications could be submitted, and therefore the engineering analysis required to review them was minimal. The rule has since been revised so that chances for filing a minor change have increased. These FM translator minor change applications involve some legal analysis and significant engineering review. Some applications will involve petitions or objections, after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an FM translator minor modification application consist of engineer technical review, supervisory engineer review, attorney pleading review, and supervisory attorney written disposition review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $210. 78. Applications for either new FM translator or FM booster licenses involve some engineering analysis. Some applications may involve petitions or objections, after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for either a new FM translator license or a new FM booster license consist of an analyst reviewing the application, an engineer supervising, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and a supervisory attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $180 for either a new FM translator or a new FM booster license. Applications for renewal of existing FM translator or FM booster licenses have a low level of complexity. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing either type of application consist of a legal analyst reviewing the application, an attorney supervising, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process for renewal of either an FM translator or an FM booster is $175. 79. Applications for either FM translator or FM booster STA involve some engineering and legal analysis. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing either type of STA application consist of engineering technical review, attorney pleading review, and supervisory attorney written disposition review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $170 for either an FM translator STA or an FM booster STA. 80. Applications for FM translator license assignments involve some legal analysis. Some assignments involve petitions or objections, after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for FM translator assignment consist of a legal analyst reviewing the application, an attorney supervising, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $290. Applications for FM translator transfers of control involve some legal analysis. Some assignments involve petitions or objections, after the application is filed. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an application for an FM translator transfer of control consist of a legal analyst reviewing the application, an attorney supervising, an attorney reviewing pleadings, and an attorney reviewing written disposition. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $290. 81. We seek comment on these proposed cost-based fees. We also seek comment on whether we should consolidate and streamline these proposed fees to ease the burden of administration and simplify compliance. f. Broadcast Services Auction Short Form Fees 82. A party must submit an application in order to participate in an auction for broadcast services construction permits. We propose to adopt a cost-based application fee for all short-form applications for such auctions. We estimate that the Commission's costs in processing a short-form application to participate in an auction consist primarily of attorney review and attorney supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $575 in costs. We seek comment on a cost-based fee of $575 for broadcast services short-form auction applications. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Broadcast Services Auction Short-Form Application n/a $575 83. Each winning bidder in an auction of construction permits for broadcast services must also file a long-form application that is specific to the permit that is won at auction. For example, winners of a Full Power TV Construction Permit auction would then pay the proposed Full Power TV, Class A TV, new and major change construction permit application fee of $4,260. We seek comment on whether we should consolidate the Media Bureau short-form and long-form auction application fees such that only winning bidders would be required to pay a combined application fee of the total of the short form application fee plus the applicable long form application fee. Would a consolidated fee be consistent with amended section 8? Would such an approach alleviate the possibility that establishing a fee for filing an auction application might discourage auction participation, particularly by small or minority-owned businesses? Fewer applications may result in reduced competition in an auction, undermining the Commission's ability to promote the various objectives of spectrum auctions enumerated in section 309(j). Would a consolidated fee mitigate such potential harm? 84. Under such a consolidation there would be no short-form auction application fee due at the time of filing; the fee would be due when the long-form application fee is due. Commenters should discuss whether this process, in which no fees would be assessed for short-form auction applications when the applicant is not a winning bidder, would be consistent with the requirement in section 8(a) that the fees “recover the costs of the Commission to process applications.” g. Media Services Foreign Ownership Petitions 85. We propose adding a new category for foreign ownership petitions for declaratory ruling filed pursuant to section 310(b)(4) of the Act. This proposed fee is a separate fee in addition to the fee required for the underlying application, if any. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Media Services 310(b) petitions for declaratory ruling n/a $2,485 86. Currently, there is no fee for a section 310(b)(4) petition for declaratory ruling. Typically, the petition includes complex ownership structures and requires substantial review by staff. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a section 310(b) petition for declaratory ruling consist of attorney legal review, attorney coordination with other agencies, attorney pleading review, and attorney written disposition review. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $2,485. 3. Equipment Approval Fees 87. The Office of Engineering and Technology processes applications for the approval of equipment through the equipment authorization program under part 2 of the FCC rules. The equipment authorization program is one of the principal ways the Commission ensures that radiofrequency (RF) devices operate effectively without causing harmful interference and otherwise comply with the Commission's rules. 88. We propose to begin charging a cost-based fee for applications for the assignment of a grantee code and to eliminate the fee associated with the certification of subscription TV systems, as that service is no longer performed by the Commission. a. Certification and Advance Approval of Subscription TV Systems 89. The equipment certification functions were mostly shifted from the Commission to Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCB) in 1999 and fully shifted to the TCBs in 2014. Since that time, certification services have been provided by accredited TCBs which are approved by the Commission and the Commission retains oversight of the program through routine guidance to the TCBs and test labs as well as participation in regular teleconferences as well as TCB workshops. Additionally, the Commission no longer performs advance approval of subscription TV systems, and so we propose to remove these categories from the Commission's schedule of application fees. We seek comment on this proposal. b. Assignment of Grantee Code Application Current fee Cost-based fee Assignment of Grantee Code n/a $50 90. The fee for an assignment of grantee code is assessed automatically after an applicant (or their authorized agent) files for a grantee code on the FCC Equipment Authorization Electronic Filing System (EAS) website. Approximately 4,000 new grantee codes are assigned each year. This process generally does not require intervention by Commission staff, but staff must intervene if an applicant encounters a payment issue or if special action is necessary after a grantee code is assigned, such as a grantee name change or a transfer of control transaction. Such issues arise approximately 500 to700 times per year and staff time to address these issues, when required, is nominal. For this largely automated process, we propose a nominal application fee of $50, which will cover staff costs associated with name change requests, transfers of control issues, and payment problems that arise. We seek comment on this proposal. 4. Domestic Service Fees 91. The Commission processes a wide range of applications not directly related to the issuance of licenses. In this section, we propose to update the application fees for matters overseen by the Wireline Competition Bureau, Enforcement Bureau, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. Where appropriate, we propose to add, in accordance with the new law, cost-based fees for services the Commission performs but are not included within the current fee schedule. We also propose to eliminate fees for services as appropriate. a. Wireline Competition Services 92. The Wireline Competition Bureau processes applications for the services currently listed in § 1.1105 of the Commission's rules. Specifically, it processes domestic 214 applications, tariff filings, applications for special permission for waiver of tariff rules, long-form applications for Universal Service Fund (USF) auction winners, and accounting applications. In addition to proposing adjustments to existing application fees based on costs, we propose to add fees for applications that were established after the current schedule was put in place and recommend elimination of fees that have become obsolete. 93. Transfers of Control. Under §§ 63.03-63.04 of the Commission's rules, a carrier seeking domestic section 214 authorization for a transfer of control must file an application providing certain information about the parties and the transaction. Referring to § 1.1105 of the Commission's rules, we propose to rename “Domestic 214 Applications” as “Domestic 214 Applications-Part 63 Transfers of Control” to more clearly specify the applications subject to the fee. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Domestic 214 Applications-Part 63 Transfers of Control $1,195 $1,230 Domestic 214 Applications-Special Temporary Authority n/a 675 94. Applicants submit applications to transfer control of domestic section 214 authorizations into the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), and staff then undertakes a manual review of the application. An applicant may submit an application to transfer only a domestic authorization or may file a joint application to transfer both domestic and international section 214 authorizations, as permitted in § 63.04 of the Commission's rules. An applicant submits copies of a joint application in both ECFS and in the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) and pays separate fees applicable to each filing. In addition, all applications are reviewed for compliance with specific domestic section 214 requirements, and routinely coordinated with the International Bureau and Wireline Competition Bureau. We estimate that this process involves approximately $1,230 in costs for all domestic section 214 transfer of control applications, whether filed as a single domestic application or as a joint domestic/international application. 95. A domestic section 214 authorization holder or applicant may request an STA in certain situations, such as to provide service prior to Commission action on an underlying domestic section 214 transfer of control application. Domestic wireline carriers typically file STA requests with their underlying applications in pleading or letter form, using ECFS. While STA requests associated with international section 214 applications have a filing fee, there is currently no filing fee for STA requests associated with domestic section 214 transfer of control applications. We estimate the Commission's resources for processing a typical domestic STA to consist of the following: industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review with an estimated cost of $675. 96. We seek comment on these proposals. 97. Discontinuance of Service. Under § 63.71 of the Commission's rules, any domestic carrier that seeks to discontinue, reduce, or impair service must provide notice, as specified in § 63.71(a), and file an application with the Commission. We propose to add “Domestic 214 Applications-Part 63 Discontinuances” as a service requiring an application fee in § 1.1105 of our rules and set that application fee based on our cost estimates. We seek comment on whether adding this fee could act as a disincentive to filers to provide timely notice of service discontinuances to their end user customers, and if so, whether we have authority to consider such a disincentive in making our fee determination. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fee for these applications. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Domestic 214 Applications-Part 63 Discontinuances (Non-Standard Review) n/a $1,230 Domestic 214 Applications-Part 63 Discontinuances (Standard Streamlined Review) n/a 335 98. Similar to the processing of the other domestic section 214 applications required by Part 63 of our rules, processing section 214 discontinuance applications includes industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. We estimate that this process involves $1,230 in costs for review and coordination on section 214 discontinuance filings that address technology transitions subject to the adequate replacement test under § 63.71(f)(2)(i), for section 214 discontinuance filings that address technology transitions that are not subject to any streamlined processing, and for section 214 discontinuance filings from dominant carriers. We estimate that this process involves $335 in costs for review of all other domestic 214 discontinuance filings including streamlined filings from non-dominant carriers and interconnected VoIP service providers, filings for the emergency discontinuance of service under § 63.63, filings that meet the alternative options test for streamlined processing under § 63.71(f)(2)(ii), filings subject to copper retirement auto grant under § 63.71(i), and filings for the discontinuance or grandfathering of voice or data services under §§ 63.71(k) or 63.71(l). 99. Voice over internet Protocol Numbering. Interconnected Voice over internet Protocol (VoIP) providers seeking to obtain numbering resources directly from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (or the Pooling Administrator) must first receive authorization from the Commission. This nationwide authorization is designed to assess the eligibility of an interconnected VoIP provider to obtain numbers directly and will fulfill the requirement under the Commission's rules to provide evidence of authorization to provide service. Under § 52.15(g)(2) and (3), a VoIP provider must file an application for numbering resources. We propose to add “Interconnected VoIP Numbering Authorization Applications-Part 51” as a service requiring an application fee in § 1.1105 of our rules and set that application fee based on our cost estimates. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Interconnected VoIP Numbering Authorization Applications-Part 51 n/a $1,330 100. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a typical VoIP numbering application consist of the following: Program analyst assisting applicants with filing, application input, application intake, draft initial accepted for filing public notice, legal analysis and application review by staff attorney, staff attorney coordinating with counsel and other Bureaus/Offices, reviewing supplemental filing, and editing accepted for filing public notice, program analyst releasing and posting the accepted for filing public notice, and supervision of this process by a first level supervisor. Our estimate is that this process involves $1,330 in costs. We seek comment on this proposal. 101. Tariffs. Tariffs contain the rates, terms, and conditions of certain services provided by telecommunications carriers. Tariffs for interstate local access service are filed by local exchange carriers, or LECs. The access services include end user access, switched access, and special access. Tariffs must be just and reasonable and may not be unjustly or unreasonably discriminatory under sections 201(b) and 202(a) of the Communications Act. Tariffs are typically filed under a process that gives the public 15 days' notice on proposed price increases and changes in terms and conditions; and seven days' notice on proposed price reductions. Carriers file tariffs using the Commission's Electronic Tariff Filing System. Tariff filings are reviewed by staff and by industry. If staff takes no action, filings become effective and may be deemed lawful. Staff can suspend or reject tariffs. 102. The following table summarizes the current application fees and the proposed cost-based fees. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Tariff Filing $960 $930 Complex Tariff Filing (Large) n/a 6,540 Complex Tariff Filing (Small) n/a 3,270 Application for Special Permission for Waiver of Tariff Rules 960 375 103. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a typical tariff filing consist of the following: Public utility specialist assisting applicants with filing, public utility specialist reviewing the record, and supervision of this entire process by an attorney. Our estimate is that the cost of this process for a tariff filing is $930. 104. Carriers also file tariffs that are more complex and require more review by Bureau staff than a typical tariff filing. One such category would include the filing of the annual access charge tariffs by incumbent LECs. Other types of more complex filings could include the introduction of new rate plans or the restructuring of existing rate plans. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a more complex filing consist of the following: Public utility specialist assisting applicants with filing, public utility specialist/attorney reviewing the record, and supervision of this entire process by an attorney. The cost for these filings will vary based on the size of the carrier or the number of entities included in a tariff filing. We propose to create two categories of complex tariff filers: One composed of price cap LECs and complex tariff filings by entities involving more than 100 LECs (Complex Large), and a second category for other entities filing a complex tariff (Complex Small). Our estimate is that the cost of this process for a Complex Large tariff filing is $6,540, and that for a Complex Small filing is $3,270. 105. Parties can also file an application for special permission to request a waiver of the tariff filing rules. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a typical special permission request consist of the following: Public utility specialist assisting applicants with filing, public utility specialist reviewing and acting on the request, and attorney supervising the process. Our estimate is that the cost of this process for a special permission request is $375. We seek comment on these proposals. 106. Waivers. Parties may file petitions seeking waivers of the Commission's rules in parts 61 and 69. Because parties may generally seek waiver of many Commission rules without paying a fee, we propose to eliminate the fees associated with the general Part 61 and Part 69 waiver requests as follows. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Waivers, Part 61 and Part 69 $960 Remove 107. We seek comment on this proposal. 108. Universal Service Fund Auctions. A party must submit an application in order to participate in competitive bidding for universal service support. The Commission's rules require that each universal service auction applicant submit specific information on its legal, financial, and technical qualifications to participate in an auction. Such applications are commonly referred to as a short-form application. The Commission does not currently apply a fee to universal service auction short-form applications. We propose to add a cost-based short-form application fee. 109. We estimate that the Commission's costs in processing a short-form application to participate in an auction for universal service support consist of attorney review, engineer technical review, and attorney supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves approximately $1,030 in costs. 110. Universal service auction winners are required to be authorized to receive universal service support through an application commonly referred to as a long-form application. The Commission reviews this application to determine if a winning bidder should be authorized to receive universal service support for its winning bids. The Commission does not currently apply a fee to USF long form applications. We propose to add a cost-based long form application fee. 111. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a long-form application of a winning bidder after the auction to consist of the following: Attorney review, engineer technical review, and attorney supervisor legal review. Our estimated cost for this process is approximately $1,935. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Universal Service Short-Form Auction Application n/a $1,030 Universal Service Long Form Auction Application n/a 1,935 112. We seek comment on this proposal. As with auctions for spectrum licenses, should we consider consolidating the short-form and long-form application fees so that only winning bidders would be required to pay a combined application fee? Would such an approach alleviate the possibility that establishing a fee for filing an auction application—regardless of whether support is ultimately won—might suppress competition in an auction and reduce the cost-efficiencies and other benefits that would otherwise be achieved by using competitive bidding? Could this approach reduce the likelihood that the amendment of section 8 would have the unintended consequence of raising additional funds for the U.S. Treasury at the expense of a less efficient distribution of universal service support funds? 113. Accounting. Currently, the fee for review of a depreciation update study for a single state is $40,465. The fee for each additional state is $1,335. We have not had an application for a depreciation update study in many years and we propose to eliminate these application fees from the fee schedule. 114. Parties may petition for a waiver of part 69 accounting rules, part 32 accounting rules, part 43 reporting requirements, part 64 allocation of costs rules, part 65 rate of return rules, or part 36 of the separation rules. The Commission has a complex set of accounting requirements and proposes assessment of a fee for requests for deviation from such requirements. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Accounting studies-Depreciation Update Study $40,465 Remove Waiver of Accounting Rules 9,120 $4,415 115. Petitions for waiver are reviewed by staff who draft a bureau or Commission level order addressing the petition. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a typical waiver application for one of these categories consist of the following: Attorney/accountant assisting applicants with filing, application input, application intake, attorney/accountant drafting and releasing a public notice, reviewing the record, and drafting an order, attorney/accountant coordinating order, program specialist releasing order and posting on website, and supervision of this entire process by an attorney/accountant. Our estimate is that the cost of this process is $4,415. We seek comment on these proposals. b. Enforcement Services 116. The Enforcement Bureau processes applications for the services listed in § 1.1106 of the Commission's rules, specifically, Formal Complaints, Accounting and Audits, Development and Review of Agreed upon Procedures Engagement, and Pole Attachment Complaints. 117. The Commission also processes informal consumer complaints through the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau's Consumer Complaint Center. The informal consumer complaint process provides consumers with an efficient and effective way to file complaints involving various telecommunications issues. Informal consumer complaints involving billing and service issues are served on the consumer's provider. The provider is required to respond to the consumer and the Commission within 30 days. We find that such informal consumer complaints are not applications as contemplated under section 8 of the Act. Moreover, we believe that the public interest would be served best by assessing no fee whatsoever for the submission of informal consumer complaints. 118. Formal Complaints and Pole Attachment Complaints. Section 208 of the Act provides for the filing of formal complaints against common carriers. Section 224 of the Act states that the Commission has a duty to ensure that the rates, terms, and conditions for pole attachments are just and reasonable, and that cable television systems and telecommunications carriers have non-discriminatory access to utility poles, ducts, conduits, and rights-of-way. Sections 1.720-1.740 and 1.1401-1.1414 of the Commission's rules govern formal section 208 and section 224 complaints. The rules require the filing of a complaint, an answer, a reply, and often discovery, motions, and briefs. The following table summarizes the current application fees and the proposed cost-based fees. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Section 208 Formal Complaint $235 $540 Section 224 Pole Attachment Complaint 295 540 119. Filing of the application for a formal section 208 complaint or a section 224 pole attachment complaint is automated using the Commission's ECFS's Non-Docketed Filing portal. Staff then reviews the complaint for general conformance with the Commission's complaint rules to determine if it is accepted for adjudication. If the formal complaint or pole attachment complaint is accepted, staff arranges for its placement in a case-specific ECFS docket. Staff drafts a letter to the parties indicating that the filing has been accepted or rejected and posts that letter in ECFS. 120. We propose to consolidate the section 208 formal complaints and section 224 pole attachment complaints in the new section 8 application fee schedule. We seek comment on this proposal. 121. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a formal complaint or a pole attachment complaint consist of the following: Analyst review, attorney review and attorney supervisory review. Based on staff analysis, we estimate this cost to be $540 for either formal complaints or pole attachment complaints. We seek comment on this proposal. 122. Accounting and Audits and Agreed upon Procedures Engagement. Currently, the application fee for a field audit is $121,845 and for review of an attest audit is $66,510. The application fee for the development and review of an agreed upon procedures engagement is $66,510. We propose to eliminate these applications from the application fee schedule because no applications have been filed in many years. We seek comment on this proposal. c. Petitions Regarding Law Enforcement Assistance Capability 123. The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) imposes law-enforcement-assistance capability requirements on common carriers as the Commission has interpreted that term under CALEA. Any person may petition the Commission to issue technical standards for capability assistance that the person believes are deficient and telecommunications carriers and other interested persons may petition for a determination of whether an assistance capability is “reasonably achievable,” and the Commission must reach a determination on such petitions within one year. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for this application—and we give as an example the current fee for this service. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Petition regarding law enforcement assistance capability (CALEA) $6,945 $3,875 124. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a typical petition regarding law enforcement assistance capability consist of the following: Analyst review petition, process, and distribute petition; economist evaluate financial information submitted; engineer review; attorney determining rule compliance and conducting a preliminary evaluation of the scope and nature of the request for understanding of rules and issues implicated; attorney evaluating the nature and scope of the request and identifying issues presented; and review by supervisor. We estimate that this process will cost $3,875. We seek comment on this proposal. 5. International Service Fees 125. The International Bureau administers international telecommunications and satellite programs and policies, including licensing and regulatory functions. We seek comment on cost-based application fees for international services, including our proposals to create a separate fee category for applications related to cable landing licenses, a new category for section 310(b) foreign ownership review, and to adopt fees for international services that now do not currently have an application fee such as foreign carrier affiliation notifications and requests to become a recognized operating agency (ROA). We also propose to eliminate some fees and consolidate fees for earth stations and space stations. With respect to earth stations, we propose to create a new application fee for typical applications for initial authority for earth stations with multiple sites, per call sign, including fixed and temporary fixed and transmit and transmit/receive earth stations. We also seek comment on the elimination of some current filing fees and the creation of new cost-based filing fees. For space stations, we seek comment on a new fee category: Application for authority to operate, per satellite, a space station that is already in orbit as a U.S. licensed space station. We propose to remove the separate application fee for extension of launch authority, which is already covered as a space station modification. In addition, we seek comment on adopting a new application fee for petitions for declaratory ruling to access the U.S. market by foreign-licensed space stations. We propose new cost-based rules for satellites that may be licensed under the Commission's small satellite rules. Finally, we propose to create separate fee categories for all amendments and all modifications, regardless whether the space station involved is a geostationary orbit satellite or a nongeostationary orbit satellite. a. Cable Landing License 126. To land or operate a submarine cable in the United States, submarine cable operators must obtain a cable landing license from the Commission pursuant to the Cable Landing Licensing Act of 1921 and Executive Order No. 10530. The Commission also authorizes assignments or transfers of existing cable landing licenses and modifications of licenses. The Commission coordinates the applications with the Department of State and any other federal agencies, as necessary. The requirements for filing an application for a new cable landing license, assignments or transfers or modifications of existing cable landing licenses are set out in § 1.767 of the Commission's rules. Currently, there are different application fees for new licenses based on whether the license is for a common carrier or non-common carrier license. There are also fees for substantive assignments or transfers of control of a license, and requests for STA. 127. New Cable Landing License Category. We propose to create a new cable landing license category for all cable landing license applications. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Single cable landing, new license $19,855 $3,835 Assignment/transfer of control, substantive 1,195 1,230 Assignment/transfer of control, pro forma n/a 675 Foreign Carrier Affiliation Notification n/a 495 Modification n/a 1,230 Renewal n/a 2,440 Special Temporary Authority 1,195 675 Waiver n/a 335 128. We propose to have a single fee that applies to any new application to construct, land, and operate a submarine cable. Application fees for new cable landing licenses are currently based on whether the application is for a common or non-common carrier license. Currently, the fee for a non-common carrier cable landing license is $19,855. The fee for a common carrier cable landing license is $2,005 but the applicant must also pay for an overseas cable construction authorization, which has a fee of $17,805. The combined total fees for a common carrier application equal the fee for a non-common carrier application, $19,855. The processing of applications for common carrier and non-common carrier cable landing license applications is the same. We see no reason to continue to separate application fees by common carrier or non-common carrier going forward. 129. New cable landing license applications are filed online using the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) and involve International Bureau staff review. Staff must review the application for compliance with our rules and the technical aspects of the proposed submarine cable system, including information regarding cable landing stations and ownership of the applicants. As noted above, the Commission coordinates the application with the State Department and other federal agencies, as necessary. We estimate that the Commission's resources to process a typical new cable landing license application consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $3,835 in costs for a typical cable landing license application. 130. Applications regarding assignment or transfer of control of a cable landing license can be for either substantive or pro forma transactions. We propose to charge a fee for pro forma assignment or transfer of control applications. Applications to assign or transfer control of a cable landing license are filed online using IBFS and involve International Bureau staff review. The Commission must also coordinate the application with the State Department and other federal agencies, as necessary. Based on our experience, staff conduct a similar review of the pro forma and substantive assignment or transfer of control applications by ensuring compliance with our rules. However, the review of substantive assignment or transfer of control applications takes staff more time than review of pro forma assignments. 131. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a substantive application to assign or transfer control of a cable landing license consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $1,230 in costs for an application for assignment or transfer of control of a cable landing license. We propose and seek comment on adopting a cost-based filing fee for this application based on this estimate. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a pro forma application to assign or transfer control of a cable landing license consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $675 in costs for an application for assignment or transfer of control of a cable landing license. 132. A cable landing licensee may request to modify its existing license to make changes such as adding new landing points or to add an additional licensee. We propose to charge a fee for a modification to a cable landing license application. Modifications to a cable landing license application are filed online using IBFS and involve staff review. The Commission also coordinates the modification with the State Department and other federal agencies, as necessary. Currently, there is no fee for a modification. However, staff time is required for processing and reviewing the modification for compliance with our rules. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a modification to a cable landing license consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $1,230 in costs for a typical modification to a cable landing license application. We propose and seek comment on adopting a cost-based filing fee for this application based on this estimate. 133. We propose to charge fees for additional license applications related to cable landing for which there currently are no fees: Renewals, foreign carrier affiliation notifications, and waivers. A cable landing license is issued for a 25-year term from the date when the cable goes into service. A licensee may apply to renew the cable landing license. An application to renew or extend an existing cable landing license is filed online using IBFS, involves International Bureau staff review, and coordination with the State Department and other federal agencies, as necessary. Many cables are reaching their 25-year expiration and recently we received requests for renewal of licenses. Staff time is required for processing and reviewing the renewal application. We estimate the Commission's resources of processing a renewal application consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $2,440 in costs for a renewal of a cable landing license application. Section 1.768 requires a cable landing licensee to file a foreign carrier affiliation notification if it becomes, or seeks to become, affiliated with a foreign carrier that is authorized to operate in the destination market of the submarine cable system. Applicants submit foreign carrier affiliation notification applications electronically through IBFS. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a foreign carrier affiliation notification application consist of the following: Program analyst review and processing, attorney legal review, and attorney supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $495 in costs. For waivers sought under § 1.767 or 1.768, staff must process the request and review the request under our rules. A standalone waiver request related to the cable landing license rules is filed online using IBFS, involves International Bureau staff review, and coordination with the State Department and other federal agencies, as necessary. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a waiver request filed separately from another application consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $335 in costs for a typical request to waive the cable landing license rules that is filed separately from an application. 134. For STA applications, an applicant may request such authority in certain situations, such as to construct and land the submarine cable prior to Commission action on the underlying cable landing license application. STA requests are filed online using IBFS and involve staff review. The Commission may also need to coordinate the STA request with the State Department and other federal agencies, as necessary. We estimate the Commission's resources of processing an STA consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $675 in costs for a typical request for an STA related to a cable landing license. We propose and seek comment on adopting a cost-based filing fee for this application based on this estimate. 135. We seek comment on these proposals. b. International Section 214 Applications 136. Any entity that seeks to provide U.S.-international common carrier service must obtain prior Commission approval pursuant to section 214 of the Communications Act by filing an international section 214 application. The requirements for filing an application for an international section 214 authorization are set out in § 63.18 of the Commission's rules. The requirements for an assignment or transfer of control of such an authorization, in turn, are set out in § 63.24. Currently, there is a fee for new international section 214 authorizations, for substantive assignments and transfers of control of the authorization, and requests for STA. 137. The following table summarizes the current application fees where they exist and the cost-based fees. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee International section 214 application, new authorization $1,195 $785 Assignment/transfer of control, substantive 1,195 1,230 Assignment/transfer of control, pro forma n/a 675 Foreign Carrier Affiliation Notification n/a 495 Modification n/a 675 Special Temporary Authority 1,195 675 Waiver n/a 335 Discontinuance of services n/a 335 138. Applications to obtain an international section 214 authorization are filed online using IBFS and involve staff review. The Commission may also need to coordinate applications with other federal agencies. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing an application for an international section 214 authorization consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $785 in costs for an application for an international section 214 authorization. 139. Applications regarding assignment or transfer of control of an international section 214 authorization can be for either substantive or pro forma transactions. Currently, there is a $1,230 fee for substantive assignment or transfer applications. We propose to charge a fee for pro forma assignment or transfer of control applications. Applications to assign or transfer control of an international section 214 authorization are filed online using IBFS and involve staff review. The Commission may also need to coordinate the application with other bureaus and offices within the Commission as well as with other federal agencies, as necessary. Based on our experience, staff conduct a similar review for both pro forma and substantive assignment or transfer of control applications by ensuring compliance with our rules. However, the review of substantive assignment or transfer of control applications typically take staff additional time compared to pro forma assignments. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing an application for a substantive assignment or transfer control of an international section 214 authorization consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $1,230 in costs. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a typical pro forma assignment or transfer control of an international section 214 authorization consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $675 in costs for an application for pro forma assignment or transfer of control of an international section 214 authorization. 140. A carrier may request to modify its international section 214 authorization, for example to change its classification from dominant to non-dominant. We propose to charge fees for a modification to an international section 214 application. Modifications to an international section 214 authorization are filed online using IBFS and involve staff review. The Commission may need to coordinate the modification with other federal agencies, as necessary. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a modification to an international section 214 application consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $675 in costs for a modification to an international section 214 application. 141. An international section 214 authorization holder or applicant may request an STA in certain situations, such as to provide service prior to Commission action on the underlying application. STA requests are filed online using IBFS and involve staff review. The Commission may also need to coordinate the STA request with other federal agencies, as necessary. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing an STA related to an international section 214 authorization consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $675 in costs. 142. We also propose to charge fees for foreign carrier affiliation notification, waiver requests, and discontinuances of international service. As set forth in § 63.11 of the Commission's rules, if a carrier is authorized by the Commission to provide service between the United States and a particular foreign destination market ( i.e., a holder of an international 214 authorization) and it becomes, or seeks to become, affiliated with a foreign carrier that is authorized to operate in that market, then its authorization to provide that international service is conditioned upon notifying the Commission of that affiliation. Applicants submit foreign carrier affiliation notification applications electronically through IBFS. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a foreign carrier affiliation notification application consist of the following: Program analyst review and processing, attorney legal review, and attorney supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $495 in costs. An individual or entity may request a waiver of the requirements under part 63 of the Commission's rules. A standalone waiver request related to the international section 214 authorization rules is filed online using IBFS and involves International Bureau staff review. We estimate the Commission's resources processing a waiver request filed separately from another application consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $335 in costs for a typical request to waive the international section 214 authorization rules that is filed separately from an application. Any international carrier that seeks to discontinue, reduce, or impair service, including the retiring of international facilities, dismantling or removing of international trunk lines, must file a notification or application, depending on whether the carrier is considered dominant in the provision of a particular international service, pursuant to § 63.19 of the Commission's rules. Discontinuance notifications and applications are filed online using IBFS and staff process and review them. We estimate that the Commission's costs in processing an international 214 discontinuance consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and red-light check, attorney legal review, supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $335 in costs. We seek comment on these proposals. c. Foreign Ownership Petitions for Declaratory Ruling 143. Section 310(b) of the Communications Act contains specific restrictions on who can hold a broadcast, common carrier, or aeronautical radio station license. Section 310(b)(3) prohibits foreign individuals, governments, and corporations from owning more than 20% of the capital stock of a broadcast, common carrier, or aeronautical radio station licensee. Section 310(b)(4) establishes a 25% benchmark for investment by foreign individuals, governments, and corporations in U.S.-organized entities that directly or indirectly control a broadcast, common carrier, or aeronautical radio station licensee, unless the Commission finds that foreign ownership above that benchmark would serve the public interest. The Commission's rules set out procedures for seeking a prior Commission approval to exceed the benchmarks set out in the statute. The International Bureau processes petitions for declaratory ruling seeking approval to exceed the benchmarks set out in sections 310(b)(3) and 310(b)(4) for common carrier wireless or aeronautical licenses. Currently, there is no fee for a 310(b) petition for declaratory ruling or associated applications. 144. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Section 310(b) petitions for declaratory ruling n/a $2,485 Waiver n/a 335 145. Section 310(b) petitions for declaratory ruling to exceed the statutory benchmarks in sections 310(b)(3) and 310(b)(4) for a common carrier wireless license are filed online using IBFS and involve staff review. The Commission also coordinates the 310(b) petition for declaratory ruling with other federal agencies, as necessary. Currently there is no fee for a 310(b) petition for declaratory ruling but typically the petition includes complex ownership structures and requires substantial review by staff. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a 310(b) petition for declaratory ruling to exceed the statutory benchmark in section 310(b)(3) or 310(b)(4) consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $2,485 in costs. 146. We propose to charge a fee for waiver requests related to a 310(b) petition for declaratory ruling. An individual or entity may request a waiver of the requirements under §§ 1.5000-1.5004. Currently, there is no fee for such a waiver request. A standalone waiver request related to the foreign ownership rules is filed online using IBFS and involves International Bureau staff review. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a typical waiver request filed separately from a 310(b) petition for declaratory ruling consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $335 in costs for a typical request to waive the foreign ownership rules that is filed separately from a 310(b) petition for declaratory ruling. We seek comment on these proposals. d. Recognized Operating Agency 147. Any individual or corporation, other than a government establishment, that seeks recognition to operate an international public correspondence or radio service capable of causing harmful interference and upon which are imposed obligations provided for in Article 44 of the International Telecommunication Convention, must file an ROA application via IBFS. The purpose of the ROA is to assure members of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that private communications entities that are not themselves parties to the Convention will nonetheless be required to observe the rights of other member states under the treaty. If the application is approved, a recommendation letter is sent to the State Department. Currently, there is a fee for an ROA application but no fees for any associated requests, such as waivers. 148. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based estimate for typical application ROA $1,195 $1,145 Waiver n/a 335 149. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an ROA application consist of the following: Program analyst review and processing, attorney legal review, and attorney supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $1,145 in costs. 150. We propose to charge a fee for waiver requests related to an ROA. An individual or entity may request a waiver of the requirements under § 63.701. A standalone waiver request related to an ROA is filed online using IBFS and involves International Bureau staff review. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a separately filed waiver request consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $335 in costs for a typical request to waive the ROA application rules that is filed separately from an application. We seek comment on these proposals. e. Data Network Identification Code 151. The data network identification code (DNIC) is a four-digit number used to identify data networks and is the central device of the international data numbering plan developed by the ITU and set forth in Recommendation X.121. The primary function of the DNIC is to identify and to facilitate routing of traffic to a particular data-network subscriber. Any public network provider seeking to obtain a DNIC must file an application through IBFS for a request for assignment of a DNIC. Currently, there is no fee for a DNIC. 152. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee DNIC n/a $785 Waiver n/a 335 153. We propose to charge a fee for requesting a DNIC. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing a DNIC application consist of the following: Program analyst review and processing, attorney legal review, and attorney supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $785 in costs. We seek comment on this proposal. 154. We propose to charge a fee for waiver requests related to a DNIC. An individual or entity may request a waiver of the DNIC requirements set forth in the ITU's DNIC guidance. A standalone waiver request related to the DNIC use is filed online using IBFS and involves International Bureau staff review. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a separately filed waiver request consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $335 in costs for a typical request to waive the DNIC requirements that is filed separately from an application. We seek comment on these proposals. f. International Signaling Point Code 155. The ITU defines a signaling point code as a “part of the label in a signaling [sic] message that uniquely identifies each signaling point which belongs to the international signaling network” and is used for signaling message routing and identification of signaling points at the international level. Such signaling points are within a Signaling System 7 switch. For this reason, only carriers that operate their own switch would need a signaling point code. Carriers that need an international signaling point code must file an application through IBFS for a Request for Assignment of International Signaling Point Codes (ISPC) for Signaling System No. 7. The ISPC application must include information demonstrating compliance with the standards set forth in ITU-T Recommendation Q.708. Currently, there is no fee for an ISPC or associated requests, such as amendments. 156. We propose and seek comment on adopting the following cost-based fees for these applications—and we give as an example the current fees for these services. Application Current fee Cost-based fee ISPC n/a $785 Transfer of Control n/a 675 Modification n/a 675 Waiver n/a 335 157. We propose to charge a fee for filing an ISPC. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an ISPC application consist of the following: Program analyst review and processing, attorney legal review, and attorney supervisor legal review. Our estimate is that this process involves $785 in costs. 158. We also propose to charge a fee for notification of a transfer of an ISPC from one entity to another in the course of a merger, acquisition, divestiture, or joint venture. FCC staff must review a notification of an ISPC transfer. Although an ISPC transfer application is likely to be filed only in connection with the transfer of control or assignment of the signaling point operator's international section 214 authorization, we believe a fee for the ISPC notification is warranted. Transfer of an ISPC is not necessarily a component of every section 214 transaction, and staff review and processing of the notification will be necessary. Staff review would include coordination with staff reviewing the underlying section 214 transaction. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a transfer notification consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $675 in costs. 159. Signaling point operators may modify how they use an assigned ISPC. ITU Q.708 requires a notification for changes such as name changes and changing the city where the ISPC is located. Operators must file a modification notification application in the event that they implement such changes. We propose to charge a fee for modification of an ISPC assignment. FCC staff must review an ISPC modification notification and notify the ITU of such changes. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a modification notification consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $675 in costs. 160. We propose to charge a fee for waiver requests related to an ISPC. An individual or entity may request a waiver of the ISPC requirements set forth in the ITU's ISPC guidance. A standalone waiver request related to the ISPC use is filed online using IBFS and involves International Bureau staff review. We estimate the Commission's resources in processing a separately filed waiver request consist of the following: Industry analyst processing and review, staff attorney review, and supervisory review. Our estimate is that this process involves $335 in costs for a typical request to waive the ISPC requirements that is filed separately from an application. We seek comment on these proposals. g. Satellite Earth Stations 161. Below is a table showing the current fees and proposed fees based on costs for the processing of filings related to earth stations, up to the release of public notice of acceptance for filing and through the first-level of supervision. We propose and seek comment on elimination of some current filing fees, creation of new cost-based filing fees, and addition of filing fees by subdividing some existing fees into separate fees for single and multiple sites. Application Current fee Cost-based fee Fixed or Temporary Fixed Transmit or Transmit/Receive Earth Stations, per Call Sign: Initial application, single site $2,985 $360. Initial application, multiple sites n/a $6,515. Fixed Satellite transmit/receive Earth Stations (2 meters or less operating in the 4/6 GHz band) $6,615 Eliminate (use Fixed or Temporary Fixed Transmit or Transmit/Receive Earth Stations, per Call Sign). Receive Only Earth Stations License or Registration, per Call Sign or Registration: Initial application or registration, single site, per site $450 $175. Initial application or registration, multiple sites, per system n/a $465. Fixed Satellite Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Systems, per Call Sign $11,015 Eliminate (use Blanket Earth Stations, per Call Sign). Blanket Earth Stations, per Call Sign $11,015 for VSAT Systems $360. Mobile Earth Stations, per Call Sign: Initial Application for Blanket Authorization, per system, per Cal Sign $11,015 $815. Initial Application for Individual Earth Station $2,645 Eliminate. Amendments to Earth Station Applications or Registrations: Single Site $210 $430. Multiple Sites $210 $630. Modification of Earth Station Licenses or Registrations, per Call Sign $210 $545. Assignment or Transfer of Control of Earth Station Licenses or Registrations, per Call Sign $590 to $2,945 $745. Pro Forma Assignment or Transfer of Control of Earth Station Licenses or Registrations, per Call Sign n/a $400. Renewals of Earth Station Licenses, per Call Sign: Single Site $210 $115. Multiple Sites n/a $145. Earth Station Extension of Construction Permit $210 Eliminate. Requests for U.S. Market for Non-U.S. Licensed Space Stations, per request See Space Stations below. 162. We first seek comment on cost-based application fees for licenses for earth stations transmitting, or transmitting and receiving signals, either at a fixed location or temporarily at a fixed location. These licensees include entities that operate earth stations to provide fixed-satellite service (FSS) as well as other services. We propose adopting separate filing fees for applications involving a single site and applications involving multiple sites. 163. We estimate that the Commission's processing of the following types of applications involves five steps, with the particular estimated costs below: Program analyst processing the application; program analyst initial review; engineer technical review; program analyst placing the application on public notice; and first-level supervision. Those types of applications are: An initial application for a fixed or temporary fixed transmit or transmit receive earth station: $360; an initial application for a license or registration of a single receive-only earth station, $175; an initial application for a license or registration of multiple receive-only earth stations at multiple sites, $465; an initial application for a blanket earth station license, $360; an initial application for a mobile earth station fixed blanket license, $815; amendment to application involving a single earth station site, $430; an amendment to application involving multiple earth station sites, $630; a modification application requiring prior Commission approval, $545; an application for an STA, $205; an application for renewal of an earth station license involving a single earth station site, $112; and an application for renewal of an earth station license involving multiple earth station sites, $145. 164. We propose to create a new application fee for typical applications for initial authority for earth stations with multiple sites, per call sign, including fixed and temporary fixed and transmit and transmit/receive earth stations. We estimate that the Commission's resources in processing an initial application consist of the following: One program analyst processing the application; initial program analyst r [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A2020-21530. Public record. Not legal advice.