SB QST @ ARL $ARLB041
ARLB041 FCC puts priority on electronic applications

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ARRL Bulletin 41  ARLB041
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  July 22, 1997
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB041
ARLB041 FCC puts priority on electronic applications

When vanity call sign Gate 3 opens on August 6, 1997, the FCC will
process electronic applications ahead of paper applications each
day.  Previously, the FCC did not distinguish in how it handled
electronic and paper Form 610V applications.  In recent months, the
FCC has been receiving more electronic applications than paper
applications.  The FCC says it will process electronic applications,
then paper applications received on any given day.

The FCC also has established a firm deadline for receipt of
application fees to accompany electronic applications.  After Gate 3
opens, fees for electronic applications must be received by the
FCC's fiscal agent, Mellon Bank, within 10 days of the date of
application or the application will be dismissed.  The fee will
remain at $30 for the ten-year term until September 15, 1997, when
it will increase to $50 for the ten-year term.

Applicants can find the electronic Form 610V on the FCC's Web site
at http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/amradsrv.html.  Electronic applications
require a Form 159 for any method of payment.  Mail payments
accompanying electronic applications to Federal Communications
Commission, Box 358994, Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5994.

Paper applications require an FCC Form 159 if payment is by credit
card or if the application package contains multiple applications
being paid for with one check.  Individual applications do not
require a Form 159 if payment is by personal check or money order.
Send paper applications containing payments to Federal
Communications Commission, Box 358924, Pittsburgh, PA 15251-5924.

To avoid processing delays, applicants should make sure the
information on their license is up to date.  If you have changed
your name or address, you must file Form 610 with the FCC to request
modification of your license to show the correct information.  In
the case of a club station, you must file Form 610B.

Gate 3 opens the vanity call sign program to Advanced class
amateurs.  The FCC has not said when it will open Gate 4, for
General, Technician Plus, Technician and Novice class operators.
For more information, call the FCC Consumer Information line at,
888-225-5322 (CALL FCC).
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