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If removing an archaic restriction is "bolstering amateur radio" then what does the FCC call the recently imposed $35 fees for new or modified ham licenses that

If removing an archaic restriction is "bolstering amateur radio" then what does the FCC call the recently imposed $35 fees for new or modified ham licenses that up to now had been one of the few government courtesies left?

Nifty3929 3y ago
Sounds like a way to fund ongoing support without budget headaches. And a cheap way at that.
- Crunchified 3y ago
  Well, other FCC users are commercial users of the airwaves. Wouldn’t it make sense that their fees would cover the costs of “ongoing support” of the citizenry’s non-commercial use of radio spectrum? It’s not like they have to build roads or buildings to make this happen - it’s just some rulemaking and a database. If you’re not aware, hams have for many years received paltry (at best) support from the FCC in terms of any enforcement.
  - hiatus 3y ago
    > If you’re not aware, hams have for many years received paltry (at best) support from the FCC in terms of any enforcement. Could you expand on what you mean here? What enforcement is lacking?
tzs 3y ago
I believe they call it is following this law [1] that requires them to do so, which was passed by the House and Senate in 2018 and signed by President Trump. Search for "section 8 of the communications" to find the place within the bill text where it requires the FCC to start charging such fees. [1] https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1625 https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1625
- Crunchified 3y ago
  I’m not ignorant of why this happened, although a bit bitter nonetheless. I can only hope that the FCC can respond by becoming more of an enforcer and more mindful that we hams (about a million of us, iirc) are now paying for their services.
lb1lf 3y ago
It could have been worse, unless the fee has changed since it was imposed around 2002 or so, fresh Norwegian hams need to cough up NOK2000/USD180 or so. It replaced an annual fee, though, so if you were in it for the long run, you came up ahead - but it hardly is the best sell-in to a new hobby that first you need to study for a test, then, if you pass,pay $180 and only then can you start figuring out if it is for you...

Nifty3929 3y ago

Sounds like a way to fund ongoing support without budget headaches. And a cheap way at that.

Crunchified 3y ago
Well, other FCC users are commercial users of the airwaves. Wouldn’t it make sense that their fees would cover the costs of “ongoing support” of the citizenry’s non-commercial use of radio spectrum? It’s not like they have to build roads or buildings to make this happen - it’s just some rulemaking and a database. If you’re not aware, hams have for many years received paltry (at best) support from the FCC in terms of any enforcement.
- hiatus 3y ago
  > If you’re not aware, hams have for many years received paltry (at best) support from the FCC in terms of any enforcement. Could you expand on what you mean here? What enforcement is lacking?

tzs 3y ago

I believe they call it is following this law [1] that requires them to do so, which was passed by the House and Senate in 2018 and signed by President Trump. Search for "section 8 of the communications" to find the place within the bill text where it requires the FCC to start charging such fees. [1] https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1625 https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1625

Crunchified 3y ago
I’m not ignorant of why this happened, although a bit bitter nonetheless. I can only hope that the FCC can respond by becoming more of an enforcer and more mindful that we hams (about a million of us, iirc) are now paying for their services.

lb1lf 3y ago

It could have been worse, unless the fee has changed since it was imposed around 2002 or so, fresh Norwegian hams need to cough up NOK2000/USD180 or so. It replaced an annual fee, though, so if you were in it for the long run, you came up ahead - but it hardly is the best sell-in to a new hobby that first you need to study for a test, then, if you pass,pay $180 and only then can you start figuring out if it is for you...