VANITY PROCESSING COULD BE ON HIATUS TIL LATE DEC.

[AA7BQ]

Thanks to Hurricane Wilma, the FCC likely will not be processing any vanity
call sign applications until late December. The Wireless Telecommunications
Bureau (WTB) halted vanity processing on or about September 23 after
realizing that filing and regulatory deadline extensions for licensees in
certain states affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita could affect the
vanity program. This week, the FCC announced an additional extension--until
December 22--for licensees adversely affected by Hurricane Wilma. Because
all three extensions apply to Amateur Radio's two-year "grace period," they
could have an impact on vanity call sign processing. A WTB spokesperson said
that the Wilma deadline extension probably would have the same effect on
vanity processing as the previous two.

"It looks like it's going to be the same thing carried forward," Tracy
Simmons told ARRL. He said amateur licensees can continue to file vanity
call sign applications, but these will not be acted upon until the WTB
resumes vanity processing. Then, all pending vanity call sign applications
will be processed in the order they were received. Simmons indicated that
the WTB would revise its Universal Licensing System (ULS) Web page "alert"
telling applicants that vanity processing has been suspended "until further
notice" to reflect the latest deadline extension.

In a public notice issued October 25, the WTB made clear that the Hurricane
Wilma deadline extension only applies to "affected licensees and applicants
in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico." For Part 97 licensees, the extension
applies primarily to license modification and renewal application deadlines.
According to this week's public notice, the WTB will require affected
applicants to attach a "Hurricane Relief Certification" with any filings
taking advantage of the extended deadlines.

"WTB will rely on certifications by licensees and applicants at the time
they submit their filings as proof that relief is due and the filings are
timely," the FCC said.

The FCC halted vanity processing to avoid such potential problems as
re-issuing the call sign of an affected individual in one of the designated
states whose license has expired but remains within the two-year grace
period for renewal.

Under Part 97, Amateur Radio licensees have two years from the date of
license expiration to renew their tickets without having to retest or risk
losing their call signs to a vanity applicant. WTB has temporarily disabled
the "auto-termination" feature of the ULS so that it will not automatically
cancel any licenses not renewed by the end of the grace period.

On September 1, the FCC extended until October 31 all filing and regulatory
deadlines falling between August 29 and October 30 for licensees in
Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana affected by Hurricane Katrina. On
September 24, it extended until November 21 all filing and regulatory
deadlines falling between September 20 and November 20 for licensees in
Louisiana and Texas affected by Hurricane Rita.

The FCC has not announced when vanity processing will resume, but at this
point it appears unlikely that the date will be any sooner than December 23.
It typically takes approximately three weeks for the FCC to process a vanity
call sign application. In August, the FCC raised the vanity application fee
to $21.90.

The October 25 public notice is available on the FCC's Web site
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-2778A1.pdf

Material from The ARRL Letter may be republished or reproduced in whole or
in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to
The ARRL Letter and The American Radio Relay League.

[ai4me]

Ok, so this may seem like a dumb question. If they are stil taking applications and when processing resumes, they take them on a first come, first serve basis, then does that mean that if an application is received a day later than another application, it is pointless for the second application?

In other words, lets say I file an application, and it is dated a day later than someone elses application, mine will not even be considered?

[k5co]

I quote "In other words, lets say I file an application, and it is dated a day later than someone elses application, mine will not even be considered? "

We are talking government here; please don't ask such challenging questions.

[AC0Y]

The DIPSTICKS just stopped processing the licenses just two days before the twenty day wate for the Callsign that I applied for, for our club. The call sign that I applied for has had the grace period expired for two years, and the person that last held the call sign died more than four years ago.....I'm pretty sure that he won't be sending a renewal to the FCC. this is what burns me they could be processing the ones that have NO impact but instead they sit on their thumbs......I wish that I could take a paid vacation when there is a thunderstorm....... May be we could get the IRS to take a three month vacation during this time too.

73 http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[k4lem]

Quote[/b] (ai4me @ Oct. 29 2005,10:20)]Ok, so this may seem like a dumb question. If they are stil taking applications and when processing resumes, they take them on a first come, first serve basis, then does that mean that if an application is received a day later than another application, it is pointless for the second application?

In other words, lets say I file an application, and it is dated a day later than someone elses application, mine will not even be considered?
[QUOTE]

No, what it means is the FCC processes applications in the time order they were received. Let's say you apply a day later than someone else wanting same vanity call. You will be denied because you application is filed later than other applicant.

Now, as for FCC stopping the vanity system and for the apparent excuse," The FCC halted vanity processing to avoid such potential problems as
re-issuing the call sign of an affected individual in one of the designated
states whose license has expired but remains within the two-year grace
period for renewal."

How many applicants would common sense tell you would qualify for such a waiver. If they even get TWO such applications, I'd be surprised. Anyone who has waited almost 24 months to suddenly decide to apply, is a very improbable screnario.

The FCC should have kept the system working as it was and dealt with any "problems" only IF they did materialize.

The mind of the FCC is quite frankly impossible to fathom. Talk about "chicken littles".

Now, they have inconvenienced perhaps thousands of applicants for a phantom problem.
Sound familar ?
# http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[k4lem]

the FCC likely will not be processing any vanity


The FCC halted vanity processing to avoid such potential problems as
re-issuing the call sign of an affected individual in one of the designated
states whose license has expired but remains within the two-year grace
period for renewal.


In other words, if the US continues to get "bad weather", the Vanity system could be on hold indefinately. The stupidity of such a policy astounds. Or, maybe having watched the things they routinely historically, have done, it shouldn't.

Maybe next tornado in Oklahoma will put it on hold?

[ai4me]

Ahh so this brings up another question....

Here is another scenario I came across. There is yet another call sign I am interested in. It actually does not become available until Nov 5th, 2005. The person who had it will not be sending in a renewal because.. well... hes a silent key.

So I noticed that people have already applied for this call sign. Wouldnt it stand to reason that any application received before the actual availability date be dismissed? If this is the case, I would go ahead and wait until Nov 5th and apply. Basically, I need to know if I should even bother?

73
Don

[VE7NOT]

this is all silly... let me tell you how licencing is done in canada..

1. study study study info
2. get a copy of latest rules and study that
3. Take test at industry canada office
4. Pick an avalible callsign or go home and have them pick

I picked NOT<<< I t was avalible and i could really not care less. I'm happy with it. My elmer didn't even get a chnace to pick his. He couldn't care less.

We really need to start looking at our stations and operating instead of making more work for the government

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (ai4me @ Oct. 29 2005,20:08)]Ahh so this brings up another question....

Here is another scenario I came across. There is yet another call sign I am interested in. It actually does not become available until Nov 5th, 2005. The person who had it will not be sending in a renewal because.. well... hes a silent key.

So I noticed that people have already applied for this call sign. Wouldnt it stand to reason that any application received before the actual availability date be dismissed? If this is the case, I would go ahead and wait until Nov 5th and apply. Basically, I need to know if I should even bother?

73
Don
If people have applied before the callsign actually comes available, their applications will be rejected. You should apply as soon as it is available, but be careful to not go before. I applied, online, at 12:02 AM on the day it became available to get this call. There was another applicant, but he applied too early.

[ai4me]

VE7NOT,

Hmmm.. well... I think since your Canadian, this really doesnt concern you.

I am offended by your comment. I have not had any problem with Canadians, or Canadian Amateurs, until now.

In case you are not familiar with the US Government, it is a Government of the people, by the people and for the people. This is what a majority of US Amateurs want, a vanity call sign program. It is done rather efficiently these days through computers so it does not really take away from other vital government processes.

You got to PICK your call sign. This is our way of "picking" our own call signs.

Many of these vanity call signs are being picked by people who have EARNED the right to do so. Some of the most desired "vanity" call signs are those available to the highest class license. They do not issue 1x2's or 2x1's, you have to apply for them. It is a source of pride, tradition and honor.

[ai4me]

Sweet! Thanks K4JF! Ill be sure and do that. Its so difficult finding a 1x2 in 4 land these days.

[VE7NOT]

sheeeesh to think i have dual citizenship...

My comments dont really havething to do with policy..m it has to do with radio... we are ametuer radio ops.. no matter what country we are in the government gives us frequencies to use as a hobby.

The point is i doubt commercial radio stations get to pick their call letter, pilots ususally cant, maritimers cant, hams sort of can. But does it really matter.. a book i learned ham radio with stated ham radio calls are the STATION name. Not yours. To me ve7not is just my station not me. if you see it the other way I respect that just personally dont see the point.

[ai4me]

Ok. Ill accept that. By the way, commercial radio stations can and often do pick their own call signs.

Unless, of course, by "commercial" you actually mean business, public safety and government two way radio users and not broadcast stations.

[kd5rjz]

I've got two different things to say about this subject:

1: Suspending the Vanity call system is definately overkill. If you have let your license expire anywhere near the two year grace period, tough luck. You should be able to pass the test for your license class anyways. Honestly, if you can't pass a retest (Which the FCC could demand of you at any time anyways, though they don't usually), you shouldn't be on the air to begin with. That's one of the problems with people who study the test pool but have no concept of the material.

2: No Offense to anyone that has a vanity call, but what's the point? I've got a 4 year old 2x3 call, and I'm happy with it. I'm not going to change it so I appear at first QSO to have been licensed in 1935. I'm proud of the fact that I started as a no code tech, if you don't like it, talk to someone else. There is no reason to hide your license class. If you have a call sign that is nothing but T's C's E's and Z's, I see why you might want to change it for the purpose of easing confusion; but isn't that why phonetics were invented? My call sign ends with a Z, and 90% of the time someone hears it, they copy it wrong, I reply with phonetics, and the problem is solved. It's a station call sign, not a teenagers vanity license plate; if you want a handle instead of a callsign, get a CB.

I'm suprised there aren't people griping about wanting vanity social-security numbers.

73
Michael Darrol KD5RJZ

[k9il]

I wonder what the next excuse will be. This is CYA politics. I worked for the Feds for 32 yrs. and if management #can figure a way to foul things royally they do. Someone in my family is a 9 lander applying for another 9 land call. They are frozen because of hurricane politics. They don't live in the affected area or have anything pertaining to the affected area on their application. Do you ever remember any wx problem ever changing FCC policy? This is pure politics. They are scared of the media pointing out #their errors and failings. So the ordinary person suffers as usual. Try writing or calling these cretins. If you email or write you get a form letter telling you to check the web sites often in case something changes. A joke. Do you remember #that it didn't take all this hand wringing and soul searching when they jumped the fees. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[np3hp]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif LOL http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[ab2m]

Conspiracy theories run amok!

Yes, it's perhaps not the nicest way to handle the situation, but it is assuredly the easiest, cheapest, and fairest way to do so for ALL concerned, not just those with applications awaiting processing.

And as for the comments about the lack of potential hams who will want to renew their calls almost 2 years later - do you honestly think that some lapsed hams in LA, MS, TX, and FL aren't looking at what has happened this and last year and thinking that having their ticket again might not be such a bad idea? Imagine if you were in that circumstance and the FCC did not extend your filing deadline while you were busy finding someplace to live because your house was destroyed. Then you'd be screaming that the FCC had no heart and couldn't wait a lousy few months for you to get your life in order, and, on top of that, they gave your callsign away!

I don't see that the FCC did anything wrong. In fact, the way I see it, they got it RIGHT (this time!). OK, so you have to wait perhaps 4 months to get your VANITY CALL. It's not like you can't operate with the one you currently hold.....

[k4lem]

Quote[/b] (VE7NOT @ Oct. 29 2005,21:12)]sheeeesh to think i have dual citizenship...

My comments dont really havething to do with policy..m it has to do with radio... we are ametuer radio ops.. no matter what country we are in the government gives us frequencies to use as a hobby. #

The point is i doubt commercial radio stations get to pick their call letter, pilots ususally cant, maritimers cant, hams sort of can. #But does it really matter.. a book i learned ham radio with stated ham radio calls are the STATION name. Not yours. #To me ve7not is just my station not me. #if you see it the other way I respect that just personally dont see the point.
[QUOTE]

Yes, in the US a commericial broadcaster can pick a call sign if its available. In the "golden days" of AM radio, FCC decided all stations east of Mississippi would get a W(fill in three letters) and west a K.

FCC has very much made commercial broadcasting a rich man's monopoly by actually auctioning frequencies for sometimes millions of dollars. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

When the Republicans came to power, Bush was able to select an FCC chair person. Since then all community low power broadcast licenses have been on HOLD. Figures, huh?

[ai4me]

Quote[/b] (kd5rjz @ Oct. 30 2005,03:04)]I've got two different things to say about this subject:

1: #Suspending the Vanity call system is definately overkill. #If you have let your license expire anywhere near the two year grace period, tough luck. #You should be able to pass the test for your license class anyways. #Honestly, if you can't pass a retest (Which the FCC could demand of you at any time anyways, though they don't usually), you shouldn't be on the air to begin with. #That's one of the problems with people who study the test pool but have no concept of the material.

2: #No Offense to anyone that has a vanity call, but what's the point? #I've got a 4 year old 2x3 call, and I'm happy with it. #I'm not going to change it so I appear at first QSO to have been licensed in 1935. #I'm proud of the fact that I started as a no code tech, if you don't like it, talk to someone else. #There is no reason to hide your license class. #If you have a call sign that is nothing but T's C's E's and Z's, I see why you might want to change it for the purpose of easing confusion; #but isn't that why phonetics were invented? #My call sign ends with a Z, and 90% of the time someone hears it, they copy it wrong, I reply with phonetics, and the problem is solved. #It's a station call sign, not a teenagers vanity license plate; if you want a handle instead of a callsign, get a CB.

I'm suprised there aren't people griping about wanting vanity social-security numbers.

73
Michael Darrol KD5RJZ
1. Agree 100%

2. Disagree. #I wont try and convince you otherwise, because it is everyones freedom to choose how they think. My only problem with peoples freedoms are when they infringe upon mine.

#I like the vanity call sign system. #I did not apply for a vanity call until I made Extra, so Im not hiding anything. If anything, I would be hiding the fact I am an Extra by maintaining the call sign I got when I was a tech. #I am proud of the acheivment obtaining Extra class, and want to show it. #I applied for my first 1x2, although I learned there is no chance in getting it because I was a day later than about 30 other people applying for the call sign. #So it appears that I'm not the only "crazy" person out there that wants one of those stupid vanity call signs, especially based on the competition for them.

#How many people have Amateur Radio License Plates issued by their state? Those are considered vanity plates. The assumption that only teenagers have vanity plates is wrong. Out of all the vanity plates I see, they are the 30+ age group, with a majority being the retired and semi retired group.

So you imply that because people want a vanity call sign, they are CB'ers and not real Hams?

# I am not trying to convince you to embrace the vanity call sign system, just share with you there are other legitimate reasons for wanting a vanity call sign.

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (kd5rjz @ Oct. 30 2005,00:04)]I've got two different things to say about this subject:

1: #Suspending the Vanity call system is definately overkill. #If you have let your license expire anywhere near the two year grace period, tough luck. #You should be able to pass the test for your license class anyways. #Honestly, if you can't pass a retest (Which the FCC could demand of you at any time anyways, though they don't usually), you shouldn't be on the air to begin with. #That's one of the problems with people who study the test pool but have no concept of the material.

2: #No Offense to anyone that has a vanity call, but what's the point? #I've got a 4 year old 2x3 call, and I'm happy with it. #I'm not going to change it so I appear at first QSO to have been licensed in 1935. #I'm proud of the fact that I started as a no code tech, if you don't like it, talk to someone else. #There is no reason to hide your license class. #If you have a call sign that is nothing but T's C's E's and Z's, I see why you might want to change it for the purpose of easing confusion; #but isn't that why phonetics were invented? #My call sign ends with a Z, and 90% of the time someone hears it, they copy it wrong, I reply with phonetics, and the problem is solved. #It's a station call sign, not a teenagers vanity license plate; if you want a handle instead of a callsign, get a CB.

I'm suprised there aren't people griping about wanting vanity social-security numbers.

73
Michael Darrol KD5RJZ
Understand your points, Mike. But each of us is entitled to his/her/its own opinion.

As for me, I kept WA4LHL all the way through earned Extra (yes, I slowed down to 20 wpm for the exam - easiest part by far). But when my initials came available, matching my license class, with a great CW rythm to boot, just couldn't resist.

So what? I like it. It cost nobody but me, and I seriously doubt it cost the FCC $50 to issue it.

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (ai4me @ Oct. 30 2005,09:09)]#How many people have Amateur Radio License Plates issued by their state? Those are considered vanity plates.
Uhhh, no they are not. They are considered "public service" plates in most states. Just like "volunteer fire" and "EMT" plates. They are even marked as such in some states.

That's why you don't pay the vanity plate fee.

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (kd5rjz @ Oct. 30 2005,00:04)]It's a station call sign, not a teenagers vanity license plate; if you want a handle instead of a callsign, get a CB.
73
Michael Darrol KD5RJZ
There is no difference between "vanity" car plates and "vanity" callsigns. Both are selected identification for an object, not a person. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with either.

And neither is a CB "handle", which is something intended to hide the real identity.

[ai4me]

Although they may be treated as "special service" plates, they still incure a fee here in Virginia. Instead of $10 for the vanity fee, its $1. You get to choose whats on the plate, same as the vanity plate system.

Thats like calling Mountains "Hills" and Hills "Mountains". It all depends if your looking at it from a Geological or Geographical perspective.

If you get to choose what goes on the plate, its vanity in my opinion. Dont get me wrong, I see nothing wrong with vanity plates, and even have one myself. They are harmless and fun! Why would anyone have a problem with that?

Actually, in Virginia, you do not need to have your call sign on an Amateur Plate. We have one ham in the area that has two vehicles. On one is his call sign, and the other is a Amateur plate that simply states "A HAM". Turns out there is no statement in the Amateur Plate rules that say you have to use your call sign. Since he couldnt have his call sign on both vehicles, he went with a statement instead.

If you go to the Vrignia DMV website, you can choose whatever you want to say on your Amateur Plate.

P.S. From an end useers perspective, they can be viewed as vanity plates because they fit similar criteria. You must opt for it, pay an additional fee and you choose whats on the plate, even if from a governmental perspective it is considered a special service plate instead. Thats why I said what I said. Clear as mud now?

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (ai4me @ Oct. 30 2005,10:15)]Although they may be treated as "special service" plates, they still incure a fee here in Virginia. Instead of $10 for the vanity fee, its $1. You get to choose whats on the plate, same as the vanity plate system.

Thats like calling Mountains "Hills" and Hills "Mountains". It all depends if your looking at it from a Geological or Geographical perspective.

If you get to choose what goes on the plate, its vanity in my opinion. Dont get me wrong, I see nothing wrong with vanity plates, and even have one myself. They are harmless and fun! Why would anyone have a problem with that?

Actually, in Virginia, you do not need to have your call sign on an Amateur Plate. We have one ham in the area that has two vehicles. On one is his call sign, and the other is a Amateur plate that simply states "A HAM". Turns out there is no statement in the Amateur Plate rules that say you have to use your call sign. Since he couldnt have his call sign on both vehicles, he went with a statement instead.

If you go to the Vrignia DMV website, you can choose whatever you want to say on your Amateur Plate.

P.S. From an end useers perspective, they can be viewed as vanity plates because they fit similar criteria. You must opt for it, pay an additional fee and you choose whats on the plate, even if from a governmental perspective it is considered a special service plate instead. Thats why I said what I said. Clear as mud now?
As I should have emphasized, the procedure varies by state. #Here in S.C., there is a $1 mailing fee, (as there is for any tag that you don't pick up at the local office) #but otherwise a ham plate is free while a vanity plate is rather expensive. #Here we have no choice, as a ham plate must match your license. #Therefore it is quite different from a vanity. #No fee, no choice about what's on it. #The law even says "renewable" license, as novices were once excluded from having callsign tags.

When I was in Tennessee, there was no fee and the plate says "EMERGENCY" right on the bottom. #Again, no choice about what is on it. # When I lived in N.C. and Miss., there was, again, no choice about what was on it.

So we opt for it, but we don't pay a fee and don't have a choice about what is on it. Very different from vanity.

[KG4ZQZ]

Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Oct. 30 2005,12:43)]Quote[/b] (ai4me @ Oct. 30 2005,09:09)] How many people have Amateur Radio License Plates issued by their state? Those are considered vanity plates.
Uhhh, no they are not. They are considered "public service" plates in most states. Just like "volunteer fire" and "EMT" plates. They are even marked as such in some states.

That's why you don't pay the vanity plate fee.
- apparently not here in Florida... just like a vanity plate and no break on the price... (different form though)...

- so i did my own... went to Homeless Despot and bought six reflective mailbox letters, then stuck 'em on the back of the truck... (in correct order too, can you believe it?)

- works great and only cost $3.99 (tax included!) ... can't use a callsign plate anyway, because one can't read my plate because of my bike rack in the hitch...

:-)

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (KG4ZQZ @ Oct. 30 2005,15:38)]Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Oct. 30 2005,12:43)]Quote[/b] (ai4me @ Oct. 30 2005,09:09)] How many people have Amateur Radio License Plates issued by their state? Those are considered vanity plates.
Uhhh, no they are not. #They are considered "public service" plates in most states. #Just like "volunteer fire" and "EMT" plates. #They are even marked as such in some states. #

That's why you don't pay the vanity plate fee.
- apparently not here in Florida... just like a vanity plate and no break on the price... (different form though)...

- so i did my own... went to Homeless Despot and bought six reflective mailbox letters, then stuck 'em on the back of the truck... (in correct order too, can you believe it?)

- works great and only cost $3.99 (tax included!) ... can't use a callsign plate anyway, because one can't read my plate because of my bike rack in the hitch...

:-)
Hmmm, Florida is not quite being fair to hams, as compared to other states. Why am I not surprised?

[nc5s]

Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Oct. 30 2005,18:03)]Quote[/b] (KG4ZQZ @ Oct. 30 2005,15:38)]Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Oct. 30 2005,12:43)]Quote[/b] (ai4me @ Oct. 30 2005,09:09)] How many people have Amateur Radio License Plates issued by their state? Those are considered vanity plates.
Uhhh, no they are not. #They are considered "public service" plates in most states. #Just like "volunteer fire" and "EMT" plates. #They are even marked as such in some states. #

That's why you don't pay the vanity plate fee.
- apparently not here in Florida... just like a vanity plate and no break on the price... (different form though)...

- so i did my own... went to Homeless Despot and bought six reflective mailbox letters, then stuck 'em on the back of the truck... (in correct order too, can you believe it?)

- works great and only cost $3.99 (tax included!) ... can't use a callsign plate anyway, because one can't read my plate because of my bike rack in the hitch...

:-)
Hmmm, Florida is not quite being fair to hams, as compared to other states. #Why am I not surprised?
In Georgia, as a reward for the Amateurs voluntary contributions to public service, there is no charge for an Amateur Call plate. All other "special" plate have a $25 manufacturing fee and an annual tag fee of $25. The Amateur Radio plate has neither.

Most state refer to any/all special plates as "vanity" plates.

[ai4me]

Muhahaha.. See.. Im not so crazy after all. ;)

On second thought.....

[AC0Y]

Quote[/b] (kd5rjz @ Oct. 30 2005,00:04)]I've got two different things to say about this subject:

1: #Suspending the Vanity call system is definately overkill. #If you have let your license expire anywhere near the two year grace period, tough luck. #You should be able to pass the test for your license class anyways. #Honestly, if you can't pass a retest (Which the FCC could demand of you at any time anyways, though they don't usually), you shouldn't be on the air to begin with. #That's one of the problems with people who study the test pool but have no concept of the material.

2: #No Offense to anyone that has a vanity call, but what's the point? #I've got a 4 year old 2x3 call, and I'm happy with it. #I'm not going to change it so I appear at first QSO to have been licensed in 1935. #I'm proud of the fact that I started as a no code tech, if you don't like it, talk to someone else. #There is no reason to hide your license class. #If you have a call sign that is nothing but T's C's E's and Z's, I see why you might want to change it for the purpose of easing confusion; #but isn't that why phonetics were invented? #My call sign ends with a Z, and 90% of the time someone hears it, they copy it wrong, I reply with phonetics, and the problem is solved. #It's a station call sign, not a teenagers vanity license plate; if you want a handle instead of a callsign, get a CB.

I'm suprised there aren't people griping about wanting vanity social-security numbers.

73
Michael Darrol KD5RJZ
Well I agree If you wait for 23 months to renew your license...well you deserve to loose them After all they are given away these days......"read a Q&A book and Take a test". all it costs you is the price of the exam. You don't have to know anything about electronics. Just how to operate your new appliance.
I had to pass seven exams to get my EXTRA.
73

[w5rkl]

I find it amusing when folks, in this forum thread, say:

Most states call them vanity plates

then someone else says:

No, they're called public service plates in most states

My question is:

Have you researched this and know, for sure, the facts pertaining, "most states...."? Somehow I think not.

As for vanity callsigns, it's there for your use. You either want to use it or not. I could care less either way. #

The issue I have with this whole thing is folks saying things that appear to have not been researched. This is, in my opinion, what causes many things in Amateur Radio to get blown out of proportion. All it takes is for someone to post some information they received, many post the actual information, then the assumptions start. Assumptions that appear to have no facts to back them up. Assumptions, for example, such as "It's politics". Really...? Somehow I doubt it!

How many times have there been a posting regarding other countries illiminating the morse code requirement and what happens when it's posted here? People start making statements about the FCC, the ARRL and Billy Bob down the street. #Assumptions that, from my perspective, do not have the facts to back them up. A simple posting to keep folks informed about amateur radio gets blown way out of proportion. Who cares whether Istanbul or the UK or any other country for that matter, no longer has a morse code requirement for their amateur radio license exams. The governing agency for amateur radio license in this country, the United States of America, is the FCC, not the agency in some other country. The only time any other country gets involved is with Reciperal License Agreement, CEPT, and that is an agreement the FCC has signed up for and agreed to adhere to. #Other than that, we are bound by the amateur radio rules and regulations set by the FCC and the FCC alone. The ARRL is not a governing agency for amateur radio rules and regulations, the FCC is. Vanity callsign assignments is governed by the FCC not ARRL, CQ or any other amateur radio organization.

Whether Canada has or doesn't have a vanity callsign service is not the point and we should not bad mouth other countries because they do it differently. American amateur radio is not the only amateur radio service on this planet. Many other countries amateur radio service may operate differently and may have completely different requirements. #That doesn't mean they're wrong, it means that's the way they administer their amateur radio service. The ultimate result appears to be pretty much the same, obtaining a license to operate an amateur radio station.

Amateur radio requires an examination to be taken, it's difficulty level is based on the level of knowledge required for a given license class. A license with a #callsign is assigned upon successful completion and passing the exam. Whether it's a callsign you like or not, you have the vanity callsign service to change the callsign. Having said that, you can't get just any callsign you feel like. The FCC has rules and regulations that govern what type of callsign, i.e. 1x2, 1x3, 2x2 or 3x3, for example. It's all based on your class of license. So if you don't like your callsign, that's fine, use the vanity callsign to change it. On the other hand, if you like it, good for you, I'm happy for you. #If you want to keep your callsign, make sure you follow the rules and regulations pertaining to renewal. The FCC does what their rules and regulations say. So if you fail to pay attention to your license and don't renew within the grace period you run the risk of losing your callsign and possibly having to retake the license exam, it's that simple.

That's my 2 cents worth

73's

Michael

[aa1mn]

Quote[/b] ]We are talking government here; please don't ask such challenging questions.

Challenging questions that confuse government officials:

1. How are you, today?

2. Nice weather we're having isn't it?

3. Paper or plastic?

Chuck, AA1MN

[n2nh]

So, the obvious question is, what's happening to the monies they collect to pay for vanity processing? Are we getting a refund or are they dropping future fees?

It could happen.

[KE5FYG]

I sent an email to support at wtb asking about the money and they basically said they would keep it. Nice deal to earn interest on our money with no service provided.

I wonder what the people that are doing that are usally processing these applications? Are the good tax payers still paying them a good salary?

What I don't understand is why they don't process the ones for call signs that have never been issued. I applied for mine on 9/15/05 so was close to getting it when they stopped processing. As far as I can tell the one I requested has never been used. Seems that there are a lot of things they could be doing but have chosen not to do anything.

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (w5rkl @ Oct. 31 2005,06:41)]I find it amusing when folks, in this forum thread, say:

Most states call them vanity plates

then someone else says:

No, they're called public service plates in most states

My question is:

Have you researched this and know, for sure, the facts pertaining, "most states...."? Somehow I think not.
OK, would you feel better if we said "most states that I am aware of"? Actually, the one that disagreed was talking about a single state, Florida. Or did you miss that part? And I listed several states.

This is a discussion board. You discuss things and each person has something to contribute. It is not an encyclopedia, where documented facts are listed. Heck, you can't get facts even from the news media these days.

Relax, I say. And enjoy the flow of discussion....

[nc5s]

Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Oct. 31 2005,07:37)][quote=w5rkl,Oct. 31 2005,06:41]I find it amusing when folks, in this forum thread, say:

Most states call them vanity plates

quote]
OK, would you feel better if we said "most states that I am aware of"? #Actually, the one that disagreed was talking about a single state, Florida. #Or did you miss that part? #And I listed several states.


Relax, I say. #And enjoy the flow of discussion....
Actually, I stand corrected.

In Georgia, such license plates are referred to as "Prestige" plates.


In Alabama, Tennessee and Texas, they are called specialty plates.

In Florida, they are called personalized plates.


Now, I hope that satisfies the "nit picking"

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (nc5s @ Oct. 31 2005,08:15)]Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Oct. 31 2005,07:37)][quote=w5rkl,Oct. 31 2005,06:41]I find it amusing when folks, in this forum thread, say:

Most states call them vanity plates

quote]
OK, would you feel better if we said "most states that I am aware of"? #Actually, the one that disagreed was talking about a single state, Florida. #Or did you miss that part? #And I listed several states.


Relax, I say. #And enjoy the flow of discussion....
Actually, I stand corrected.

In Georgia, such license plates are referred to as "Prestige" plates.


In Alabama, Tennessee and Texas, they are called specialty plates.

In Florida, they are called personalized plates.


Now, I hope that satisfies the "nit picking"
>chuckle< very good. Let's see.... there are 50 states, plus D.C. All of them, I understand, do ham plates and most do so-called "vanity" plates. I would suggest that there are at LEAST 10 - 15 different names for them. Each. South Carolina, for the record, calls ham plates "Amateur" plates, and "vanity" are called "personal" (I think - never had one).

Just for curiosity, South Carolina puts personal plates on a different design plate from the regular issue ("Nothing Could Be Finer"). As far as I know, nobody else does. Any info?

[nc5s]

Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Oct. 31 2005,12:22)]Quote[/b] (nc5s @ Oct. 31 2005,08:15)]Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Oct. 31 2005,07:37)][quote=w5rkl,Oct. 31 2005,06:41]I find it amusing when folks, in this forum thread, say:

Most states call them vanity plates

quote]
OK, would you feel better if we said "most states that I am aware of"? #Actually, the one that disagreed was talking about a single state, Florida. #Or did you miss that part? #And I listed several states.


Relax, I say. #And enjoy the flow of discussion....
Actually, I stand corrected.

In Georgia, such license plates are referred to as "Prestige" plates.


In Alabama, Tennessee and Texas, they are called specialty plates.

In Florida, they are called personalized plates.


Now, I hope that satisfies the "nit picking"
>chuckle< #very good. #Let's see.... there are 50 states, plus D.C. #All of them, I understand, do ham plates and most do so-called "vanity" plates. #I would suggest that there are at LEAST 10 - 15 different names for them. #Each. #South Carolina, for the record, calls ham plates "Amateur" plates, and "vanity" are called "personal" (I think - never had one).

Just for curiosity, #South Carolina puts personal plates on a different design plate from the regular issue ("Nothing Could Be Finer"). #As far as I know, nobody else does. #Any info?
Here's a good link.

http://www2.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/local/plates.html

[AC0Y]

Quote[/b] (KG4ZQZ @ Oct. 30 2005,15:38)]Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Oct. 30 2005,12:43)]Quote[/b] (ai4me @ Oct. 30 2005,09:09)] How many people have Amateur Radio License Plates issued by their state? Those are considered vanity plates.
Uhhh, no they are not. #They are considered "public service" plates in most states. #Just like "volunteer fire" and "EMT" plates. #They are even marked as such in some states. #

That's why you don't pay the vanity plate fee.
- apparently not here in Florida... just like a vanity plate and no break on the price... (different form though)...

- so i did my own... went to Homeless Despot and bought six reflective mailbox letters, then stuck 'em on the back of the truck... (in correct order too, can you believe it?)

- works great and only cost $3.99 (tax included!) ... can't use a callsign plate anyway, because one can't read my plate because of my bike rack in the hitch...

:-)
Sorry...here in Florida their 5 bucks but who's counting.. and thoes letters that you stuck on the back of your truck looks just like a cheep someone trying to cut corners

[wu5e]

[B]Who cares! if you can't change your callsign til late DEC. You guys are crying over something you can't change.

Jim
W5SSG

ham it up!

[n2nh]

Is the FCC doing the same with License renewals? If the ops in LA, MS and TX are unable to renew and a grace period is being extended to them, wouldn't it be fair to do that for all FCC renewals?

Just a thought, but it fits that line of thinking... http://www.hostboard.com/ubb/smilies/famous/pacman.gif

[ai4me]

Quote[/b] (w5ssg @ Nov. 01 2005,00:22)]Who cares! if you can't change your callsign til late DEC. You guys are crying over something you can't change.

Jim
W5SSG

ham it up!
No one is really complaining about it. The only question was about how they were going to handle it when it does start up again. I think the original question that started this was mine. I simply asked if they were going to lump all applications together no matter what day it came in, or if, when they resume processing, they would only look at those that came in on the day the call was available, barring anyone renewing it of course.

[N0WK]

I have found that when you don't have to work for something you lose interest quickly because you have nothing invested. It seems to hold true for Ham Radio. I have seem "Hams" who bought there license through friendship, Money,or accident and soon gave it up because there was no challenge. It will continue and the "Fad" will come and go. The died in the wool CBer will still operate illegally because of the thrill and having participate in talking with his buddies out of band he will still continue to do so. Five word a minute code only stops the people who want something of value for nothing.

N0WK

[k2we]

How about letting FEMA take over the vanity callsign program?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[k6br]

Quote[/b] (kd5rjz @ Oct. 30 2005,00:04)]I've got two different things to say about this subject:

1: #Suspending the Vanity call system is definately overkill. #If you have let your license expire anywhere near the two year grace period, tough luck. #You should be able to pass the test for your license class anyways. #Honestly, if you can't pass a retest (Which the FCC could demand of you at any time anyways, though they don't usually), you shouldn't be on the air to begin with. #That's one of the problems with people who study the test pool but have no concept of the material.

2: #No Offense to anyone that has a vanity call, but what's the point? #I've got a 4 year old 2x3 call, and I'm happy with it. #I'm not going to change it so I appear at first QSO to have been licensed in 1935. #I'm proud of the fact that I started as a no code tech, if you don't like it, talk to someone else. #There is no reason to hide your license class. #If you have a call sign that is nothing but T's C's E's and Z's, I see why you might want to change it for the purpose of easing confusion; #but isn't that why phonetics were invented? #My call sign ends with a Z, and 90% of the time someone hears it, they copy it wrong, I reply with phonetics, and the problem is solved. #It's a station call sign, not a teenagers vanity license plate; if you want a handle instead of a callsign, get a CB.

I'm suprised there aren't people griping about wanting vanity social-security numbers.

73
Michael Darrol KD5RJZ
I do not mean to be disrespectful to you, but if you had earned a an extra call you may think differently about changing your call to one (1x2 or 2x1) that you would have been issued a few years before. Look at it as recycling, a good thing.

Mike AB6WN

[K9QJ]

Has anyone found out if the FCC is going to charge $16.30 for a re-load?

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (K9QJ @ Nov. 12 2005,08:09)]Has anyone found out if the FCC is going to charge $16.30 for a re-load?
I believe the "Vanity" fee for all (including renewals) will be a little over $20 next year. Much less than I paid for mine. Don't really know why there would be a fee for renewal of a "vanity" as the processing is identical to a standard and the fee was supposed to cover "extra cost".

[w4ass]

IM a little confused about the whole thig? why are we all affected by this? why not just the affected area?,does the entire united states have to suffer cause a few hams could not remew thier tickets in time?,2 years is plenty of time to remew thier ticket, i had to retake the test over so why not them?
i fell just the states affected by the hurricanes shouldhave the vanity prog. suspended , and not all the rest of the country.am i wrong?is their a problem with this line of thinking?



73's
bob
ki4ltg

[ad6qd]

where is the vanity listing to submit a vanity call on qrz? tom ad6qd or where is a link to apply for one?:rock:

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (ad6qd @ Nov. 21 2005,18:53)]where is the vanity #listing to submit a vanity call on qrz? #tom #ad6qd #or where is a link to apply for one?:rock:
When they start back up, you can file at:

http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/

[AE7Q]

Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Nov. 27 2005,19:48)]When they start back up, you can file at:

http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/
Huh? The FCC is still accepting vanity applications; they just aren't processing them (if you don't understand the difference, keep reading). All vanity applications will be processed according to the date received, when the FCC resumes vanity grants. Meanwhile, those who file during the hurricane extensions are putting themselves in line to get some decent callsigns, while others are throwing up their hands and walking away.

[wb6jan]

Quick http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif: Since I applied for my dad's call sign in October of this year (He passed away in October 1966), and the FCC debited my checking account for the $21.90, do you think I'll be getting it when the time comes? Would like to know.

Thanks! 73 from Kathey KG6AXU

[wb6jan]

OK I give up. I'm a ham but I'm not good with computers. I sent my query about my vanity call sign application, got 20 replies, but do not know how to access them from this page! I'm frustrated, to say the least! Can you please tell me how to access my 20 replies?

Thanks & 73! Kathey KG6AXU

[n2nh]

Quote[/b] (ab2m @ Oct. 30 2005,09:52)]Conspiracy theories run amok!

Yes, it's perhaps not the nicest way to handle the situation, but it is assuredly the easiest, cheapest, and fairest way to do so for ALL concerned, not just those with applications awaiting processing.
FEMA fiasco fallout. http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/calvin.gif

[wb6jan]

Quote[/b] (n2nh @ Dec. 06 2005,21:08)]Quote[/b] (ab2m @ Oct. 30 2005,09:52)]Conspiracy theories run amok!

Yes, it's perhaps not the nicest way to handle the situation, but it is assuredly the easiest, cheapest, and fairest way to do so for ALL concerned, not just those with applications awaiting processing.
FEMA fiasco fallout. #http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/calvin.gif
Dear N2NH,

Thanks for answering me.
You mean, the FCC takes our $$$ then decides?

73, KG6AXU http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[kb3mpu]

My understanding is that they take the money at the time of application and if you don't end up "winning" any of the call-signs you chose, the money is refunded.

[n9ape]

The latest from the FCC is that they won't begin processing requests for vanity call signs until the first week in January. #Or, who knows......?
KC9IFQ

[n1ynh]

Based on the latest Public Notice DA-05-3224A1, vanity call sign processing will resume on 4 January 2006. See the following link: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-05-3224A1.pdf for specific information.

[wb6jan]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Thanks, KB3MPU, KC9IFQ & N1FBH!
Guess I'll be patient. I hadn't a clue how FCC did these things!
Happy New Year & 73!
KG6AXU

[AE7Q]

The FCC canceled over 6000 expired callsigns in the evening of 2006-01-04, in preparation for resumption of vanity application processing.

[K6BTM]

Quote[/b] (AE7Q @ Jan. 05 2006,06:23)]The FCC canceled over 6000 expired callsigns in the evening of 2006-01-04, in preparation for resumption of vanity application processing.
Excellent news. Thanks for posting it. Now hopefully the FCC software can crank through the 2100+ backlog of applications in short order. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kc9ilv]

FYI - In case you see this on the fcc website 'Y - your application had problems'.

This is what it means: since there is such a back log of applications, they had to put this tag on some applications for the system to work. I just called them and they said the there is no 'problem' with the application, but it is just a way for them to get the applications processed by the computer.

[k6kn]

The vanity program was reactivated Jan. 4. 2006. I was able to reclaim the call I had in 1955! K6INB Bill