In March 2021 we speculated on the question as to when the FCC would begin implementation of the new application fees on radio licenses, particularly those for the GMRS and amateur radio services. Well here it is. The FCC announced the effective date of the new application fees. The new $35 GMRS and Amateur license application fees go into effect April 19, 2022!
According to the public notice released July 6, 2021, the "As indicated in the 2020 Application Fee Report and Order, the new application fee rates will become effective when the Commission’s “information technology systems and internal procedures have been updated, and the Commission publishes notice(s) in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of such rules." At this time, the systems and internal procedures have been updated for the Office of Engineering and Technology and for the Media Bureau.
On March 23, 2022, the FCC released the effective date of the new application fee rates for the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, stating "This Public Notice announces that the new application fee rates for the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, codified at 47 CFR § 1.1102, will become effective on
April 19, 2022."
CFR § 1.1102 includes the fee rates for Personal Radio Services, including the amateur and GMRS.
Update 4/19/2022 - A notice on the FCC website states the following: System: Universal Licensing System (ULS) April 19, 2022, New Application Fees have been implemented. Please reference Wireless Telecommunications Fee Guide for fees related to applications filed in ULS. Please reference DA 22-307.
NOTE: This is a developing story. Keep bookmarked for updates.
