SB QST @ ARL $ARLB003
ARLB003 FCC suspends vanity call sign processing

ZCZC AG03
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 3  ARLB003
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  January 12, 2007
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB003
ARLB003 FCC suspends vanity call sign processing

The FCC has put new Amateur Radio vanity call sign processing on
hold while it modifies the software that handles vanity
applications. The suspension is a result of a rule change that went
into effect December 15 to discourage the filing of multiple
applications by one individual for the same call sign. The FCC is
still processing vanity call sign renewal applications.

"The Commission continues to accept vanity call sign applications,"
says a brief announcement on the FCC's Universal Licensing System
(ULS) Web page, http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/. "However, these
applications will not be processed until software changes in
accordance with the recent rule making have been fully implemented."
Just when that might happen is not known.

As revised in the FCC's recent Report and Order (R&O) in WT Docket
04-140, §97.19(d)(1) stipulates that if the FCC receives more
than one application requesting a vanity call sign from a single
applicant on the same receipt day, it will process only the first
application entered into the ULS. "Subsequent vanity call sign
applications from that applicant with the same receipt date will not
be accepted," the rule concludes.

The FCC says that when it resumes processing new vanity
applications, it will handle pending applications "consistent with
the date order in which they were received."

This suspension affects new vanity call sign applications submitted
on December 18 or later. Typically, it takes 18 days from the time
the FCC receives a vanity application until the call sign is issued
-- or the application is denied. The FCC granted the last new
Amateur Radio vanity call signs on January 4 for applications
received December 15.

All vanity call sign renewal applications, including those for club
stations, must be filed via the ULS. The current vanity call sign
fee, payable for new applications as well as renewals, is $20.80 for
the 10-year license term.
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