FCC Draft Would Order Collection of Over $350 Million in Regulatory Fees, Initiate Changes
An FCC draft order would require collection of more than $350 million in regulatory fees from industry in FY 2017 and adopt some changes to the methodology, a spokesman said. An accompanying draft Further NPRM would seek comment "related to…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
international bearer circuits and the bulk rate calculation for cable," he emailed Monday. The draft item circulated Aug. 4, said the circulation list updated Friday (see 1708110055). A previous NPRM proposed "to reduce the relative contribution of smaller stations to the total amount to be paid by the broadcast industry by increasing the contribution of larger stations in larger markets," Wilkinson Barker broadcast lawyer David Oxenford blogged. "Also proposed was a reduction in the amount to be paid by TV satellite stations, and increasing the exemption for 'de minimis' obligations -- allowing those companies with a total fee obligation of less than $1000 to avoid paying fees altogether (an increase from the $500 in previous years)." Once the FCC issues the order, it usually puts out a public notice setting payment dates and the bureaus usually put out fee guides with further details, he said, suggesting this year's fees will likely be due in September.