  COMMISSION AMENDS RULES TO PERMIT ELECTRONIC FILING OF 
          PRIVATE RADIO LICENSE APPLICATIONS 

Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street NW
Washington DC 20554, April 1, 1993
    The Commission has amended its rules governing 
signature requirements for license applications in the 
private radio services to facilitate the implementation of 
electronic filing of private radio license applications.  
This amendment will allow more efficient processing of 
these applications with the ultimate goal of eliminating, 
to the maximum extent possible, the filing of paper 
applications.
    Currently, all license applications filed with the 
Commission must include a handwritten signature.  In 
October 1992, Congress amended the Communications Act of 
1934 to allow electronic filing of license and 
construction permit applications.  Specifically, the Act 
was amended to allow applications to be signed  "in any 
manner or form, including by electronic means, as the 
Commission may prescribe by regulation."
    Pursuant to the authority expressly delegated by  
Congress, the Commission has modified the handwritten 
signature requirement as it applies to applications in the 
private radio services.  The amended rules allow 
applicants to "sign" applications electronically, and 
gives the Private Radio Bureau authority to establish 
procedures for electronic filing of such applications
    The Commission emphasized that until the Private Radio 
Bureau establishes specific procedures for electronic 
filing, handwritten signatures will continue to be 
required on all private radio applications under the 
amended rules.  Specific electronic filing procedures will 
be implemented by future Public Notice in the Federal 
Register, modified application forms, and other published 
procedures.
    Action by the Commission April 1 1993, by order (FCC 
93-174). Chairman Quello, Commissioners Marshall, Barrett, 
and Duggan.

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