WASHINGTON-The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is taking steps to solve both the millennium-bug problem and inconsistencies that exist between radio-frequency services applications rules by issuing a notice of proposed rule making that will consolidate and streamline the filing of electronic applications.
At its Feb. 19 open meeting, Federal Communications Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward on the WTB’s universal licensing system initiative that, when fully operational next September, will replace 11 different systems and databases with one. In addition, 40 applications forms will be consolidated into five.
“This is a common-sense item,” commented WTB chief Dan Phythyon. “We undertake this as part of our biennial review, and it will enhance the quality of licensing information to the public. Our rules have not been consistent service over service.”
What the NPRM asks is for comments on the following proposals: consolidating most WTB application procedural rules into a single section and eliminating 200 rules; replacing 40 forms with five that will be filed in a database; requiring all applicants by Jan. 1, 1999, to file all applications electronically, with some manual exceptions; and to streamline the process to amend, modify and transfer licenses.
All that is needed to access licensing information and applications is a computer, a modem and a current browser; and the system will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, thus extending filing deadlines to midnight each day instead of 5 p.m., as they currently are set. Software can be downloaded free from the FCC’s web site. Applicants will be able to access the secure, private databases by furnishing a tax-identification number or an auction-ID number, and the online fee-at least initially-will be $2.30 per minute, payable by credit card. Normal filing fees also will apply.
Users will be able to search for license-application information by name, frequency range, auction ID or market code. In addition, information on alien ownership, basic qualification requirements and all original license applications for a given market will be included. The new databases also will contain the geographic information necessary for mapping. Error-correction screens will help the applicant make sure all information about a license has been entered accurately.
Personal information provided electronically through the new universal filing system will be shielded from the public and from most commission staff. Proprietary information and confidential attachments will require a separate password for access. If a password is lost, there will be a mechanism for getting that information by following verification procedures.
“These changes will relieve the public of paying for 700,000 FCC man hours per year,” Phythyon added. He also said that applicants who access the new system may be able to cut down on fees paid to attorneys and paralegals to access the same types of licensing information.
A public demonstration and seminar regarding the new electronic-filing capabilities is planned at FCC headquarters for March 19 at 10 a.m. No dates have been set for the comment cycle on this item.
