The FCC is leveling the playing field among space stations by assessing a regulatory fee on non-U.S. licensed space stations with United States market access and including those non-U.S. licensed space stations in the current regulatory fee categories for geostationary (GSO) and non-geostationary (NGSO) space stations. The fee is imposed regardless of whether the non-U.S. licensed space station operator obtains the market access through a declaratory ruling or through an earth station applicant as a point of communication. The FCC is also seeking comment on the Commission’s proposed regulatory fees for fiscal year (FY) 2020. Specifically, the FCC proposes to collect $339,000,000 in regulatory fees for FY 2020. See Report and Order for full details.
Month: May 2020
FCC Denies An Auxiliary Facility Upgrade
The FCC has denied Blackbelt Broadcasting an authorization to operate using an auxiliary license at a higher ERP than currently authorized for a Class A station. Blackbelt was seeking a waiver due to “special and unique circumstances” based on access to listeners that are working at home due to the Corona virus. See attached letter for full details.