47 C.F.R. Subpart Y—International Bureau Filing System


Title 47 - Telecommunication


Title 47: Telecommunication
PART 1—PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

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Subpart Y—International Bureau Filing System

Source:  69 FR 29895, May 26, 2004, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 69 FR 40327, July 2, 2004.

§ 1.10000   What is the purpose of these rules?

(a) These rules are issued under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151 et seq., and the Submarine Cable Landing License Act, 47 U.S.C. 34–39.

(b) This subpart describes procedures for electronic filing of International and Satellite Services applications using the International Bureau Filing System.

(c) More licensing and application descriptions and directions, including but not limited to specifying which International and Satellite service applications must be filed electronically, are in parts 1, 25, 63, and 64 of this chapter.

[69 FR 47793, Aug. 6, 2004]

§ 1.10001   Definitions.

Application. A request for an earth or space station radio station license, an international cable landing license, or an international service authorization, or a request to amend a pending application or to modify or renew licenses or authorizations. The term also includes the other requests that may be filed in IBFS such as transfers of control and assignments of license applications, earth station registrations, and foreign carrier affiliation notifications.

Authorizations. Generally, a written document or oral statement issued by us giving authority to operate or provide service.

International Bureau Filing System. The International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) is a database, application filing system, and processing system for all International and Satellite services. IBFS supports electronic filing of many applications and related documents in the International Bureau, and provides public access to this information.

International Services. All international services authorized under parts 1, 63 and 64 of this chapter.

Official Filing Date.

Satellite Space Station Applications (other than DBS and DARS) and Applications for Earth Stations to Access a Non-U.S. Satellite Not Currently Authorized to Provide the Proposed Service in the Proposed Frequencies in the United States. We consider a Satellite Space Station application (other than DBS and DARS) and an Application for an Earth Station to Access a Non-U.S. Satellite Not Currently Authorized to Provide the Proposed Service in the Proposed Frequencies in the United States officially filed the moment you file them through IBFS. The system tracks the date and time of filing (to the millisecond). For purposes of the queue discussed in §25.158 of this chapter, we will base the order of the applications in the queue on the date and time the applications are filed, rather than the “Official Filing Date” as defined here.

All Other Applications. We consider all other applications officially filed once you file the application in IBFS and applicable filing fees are received and approved by the FCC, unless the application is determined to be fee-exempt. We determine your official filing date based on one of the following situations:

------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------1. You file your Satellite Space     Your official filing date is the Station Application (other than      date and time (to the millisecond) DBS and DARS) or your Application    you file your application and for Earth Stations to Access a Non-  receive a confirmtion of filing U.S. Satellite Not Currently         and submission ID. Authorized to provide the Proposed Service in the Proposed Frequencies in the United States in IBFS.2. You file all other applications   Your official filing date is: in IBFS and then do one of the following:.Send your payment (via check, bank   The date Mellon Bank stamps your draft, money order, credit card,     payment as received. or wire transfer) and FCC Form 159 to Mellon Bank.Pay by online credit card (through   The date your online credit card IBFS)..                              payment is approved. (Note: you                                      will receive a remittance ID and                                      an authorization number if your                                      transaction is successful).Determine your application type is   The date you file in IBFS and fee-exempt or your application       receive a confirmation of filing qualifies for exemption to charges   and submission ID. as provided in Part 1 of the Commission's Rules.------------------------------------------------------------------------

Satellite Services. All satellite services authorized under part 25 of this chapter.

Submission ID. The Submission ID is the confirmation number you receive from IBFS once you have successfully filed your application. It is also the number we use to match your filing to your payment. Your IBFS Submission ID will always start with the letters “IB” and include the year in which you file as well as a sequential number, (e.g., IB2003000123).

Us. In this subpart, “us” refers to the Commission.

We. In this subpart, “we” refers to the Commission.

You. In this subpart, “you” refers to applicants, licensees, your representatives, or other entities authorized to provide services.

§ 1.10002   What happens if the rules conflict?

The rules concerning parts 1, 25, 63 and 64 of this chapter govern over the electronic filing in this subpart.

§ 1.10003   When can I start operating?

You can begin operating your facility or providing services once we grant your application to do so, under the conditions set forth in your license or authorization.

§ 1.10004   What am I allowed to do if I am approved?

If you are approved and receive a license or authorization, you must operate in accordance with, and not beyond, your terms of approval.

§ 1.10005   What is IBFS?

(a) The International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) is a database, application filing system, and processing system for all International and Satellite Services. IBFS supports electronic filing of many applications and related documents in the International Bureau, and provides public access to this information.

(b) We maintain applications, notifications, correspondence, and other materials filed electronically with the International Bureau in IBFS.

§ 1.10006   Is electronic filing mandatory?

Electronic filing is mandatory for all applications for international and satellite services for which an International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) form is available. Applications for which an electronic form is not available must be filed by paper until new forms are introduced. See §§63.20 and 63.53. As each new IBFS form becomes available for electronic filing, the Commission will issue a public notice announcing the availability of the new form and the effective date of mandatory filing for this particular type of filing. As each new form becomes effective, manual filings will not be accepted by the Commission and the filings will be returned to the applicant without processing. Mandatory electronic filing requirements for applications for international and satellite services are set forth in parts 1, 25, 63, and 64 of this chapter. A list of forms that are available for electronic filing can be found on the IBFS homepage. For information on electronic filing requirements, see part 1, §§1.1000 through 1.10018 and the IBFS homepage at http://www.fcc.gov/ibfs.

[70 FR 38797, July 6, 2005]

§ 1.10007   What applications can I file electronically?

(a) For a complete list of applications or notifications that must be filed electronically, see the IBFS Web site at http://www.fcc.gov/ibfs.

(b) Many applications require exhibits or attachments. If attachments are required, you must attach documentation to your electronic application before filing. We accept attachments in the following formats: Word, Adobe Acrobat, Excel and Text.

(c) For paper filing rules and procedures, see parts 1, 25, 63 or 64.

[69 FR 29895, May 26, 2004. Redesignated at 69 FR 40327, July 2, 2004. Amended at 69 FR 47793, Aug. 6, 2004; 70 FR 38797, July 6, 2005]

§ 1.10008   What are IBFS file numbers?

(a) We assign file numbers to electronic applications in order to facilitate processing.

(b) We only assign file numbers for administrative convenience; they do not mean that an application is acceptable for filing.

(c) For a description of file number information, see The International Bureau Filing System File Number Format Public Notice, DA–04–568 (released February 27, 2004).

§ 1.10009   What are the steps for electronic filing?

(a) Step 1: Register for an FCC Registration Number (FRN). (See Subpart W, §§1.8001 through 1.8004.)

(1) If you already have an FRN, go to Step 2.

(2) In order to process your electronic application, you must have an FRN. You may obtain an FRN either directly from the Commission Registration System (CORES) at http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/, or through IBFS as part of your filing process. If you need to know more about who needs an FRN, visit CORES at http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/.

(3) If you are a(n):

(i) Applicant,

(ii) Transferee and assignee,

(iii) Transferor and assignor,

(iv) Licensee/Authorization Holder, or

(v) Payer, you are required to have and use an FRN when filing applications and/or paying fees through IBFS.

(4) We use your FRN to give you secured access to IBFS and to pre-fill the application you file.

(a) Step 2: Register with IBFS.

(1) If you are already registered with IBFS, go to Step 3.

(2) In order to complete and file your electronic application, you must register in IBFS, located at http://www.fcc.gov/ibfs.

(3) You can register your account in:

(i) Your name,

(ii) Your company's name, or

(iii) Your client's name.

(4) IBFS will issue you an account number as part of the registration process. You will create your own password.

(5) If you forget your password, send an e-mail to the IBFS helpline at [email protected] or contact the helpline at (202) 418–2222 for assistance.

(c) Step 3: Log into IBFS, select the application you want to file, provide the required FRN(s) and password(s) and fill out your application. You must completely fill out forms and provide all requested information as provided in parts 1, 25, 63 and 64 of this chapter.

(1) You must provide an address where you can receive mail delivery by the United States Postal Service. You are also encouraged to provide an e-mail address. This information is used to contact you regarding your application and to request additional documentation, if necessary.

(2) Reference to material on file. You must answer questions on application forms that call for specific technical data, or that require yes or no answers or other short answers. However, if documents or other lengthy showings are already on file with us and contain the required information, you may incorporate the information by reference, as long as:

(i) The referenced information is filed in IBFS or, if manually filed, the information is more than one “81/2 inch by 11 inch” page.

(ii) The referenced information is current and accurate in all material respects; and

(iii) The application states where we can find the referenced information as well as:

(A) The application file number, if the reference is to previously-filed applications

(B) The title of the proceeding, the docket number, and any legal citation, if the reference is to a docketed proceeding.

(a) Step 4: File your application. If you file your application successfully through IBFS, a confirmation screen will appear showing you the date and time of your filing and your submission ID. Print this verification for your records as proof of online filing.

(b) Step 5: Pay for your application.

(1) Most applications require that you pay a fee to us before we can begin processing your application. You can determine the amount of your fee in three ways:

(i) You can refer to §1.1107,

(ii) You can refer to the International and Satellite Services fee guide located at http://www.fcc.gov/fees/appfees.html, or

(iii) You can run a draft Form 159 through IBFS, in association with a filed application, and the system will automatically enter your required fee on the form.

(2) A complete FCC Form 159 must accompany all fee payments. You must provide the FRN for both the applicant and the payer. You also must include your IBFS Submission ID number on your FCC Form 159 in the box labeled “FCC Code 2.” In addition, for applications for transfer of control or assignment of license, call signs involved in the transaction must be entered into the “FCC Code 1” box on the FCC Form 159. (This may require the use of multiple rows on the FCC Form 159 for a single application where more than one call sign is involved.)

(i) You may use a paper version of FCC Form 159, or

(ii) You can generate a pre-filled FCC Form 159 from IBFS using your IBFS Submission ID. For specific instructions on using IBFS to generate your FCC Form 159, go to the IBFS Web site (http://www.fcc.gov/ibfs) and click on the “Getting Started” button.

(3) You have 3 payment options:

(i) Pay by credit card (through IBFS or by regular mail),

(ii) Pay by check, bank draft or money order, or

(iii) Pay by wire transfer or other electronic payments.

(4) You have 14 calendar days from the date you file your application in IBFS to submit your fee payment to Mellon Bank. Your FCC Form 159 must be stamped “received” by Mellon Bank by the 14th day. If not, we will dismiss your application.

(5) If you send your Form 159 and payment to Mellon Bank in paper form, you should mail your completed Form 159 and payment to the address specified in §1.1107 of the Commission's rules. If you file electronically, do not send copies of your application with your payment and Form 159.

(6) For more information on fee payments, refer to Payment Instructions found on the IBFS Internet site at http://www.fcc.gov/ibfs.

(7) Step 5 is not applicable if your application is fee exempt.

§ 1.10010   Do I need to send paper copies with my electronic applications?

(a) If you file electronically through IBFS, the electronic record is the official record.

(b) If you file electronically, you do not need to submit paper copies of your application.

(c) If you submit paper copies of your application with your payment, we will consider them as copies and may not retain them.

§ 1.10011   Who may sign applications?

(a) “Signed” in this section refers to electronically filed applications. An electronic application is “signed” when there is an electronic signature. An electronic signature is the typed name of the person “signing” the application, which is then electronically transmitted via IBFS.

(b) For all electronically filed applications, you (or the signor) must actually sign a paper copy of the application, and keep the signed original in your files for future reference.

(c) You only need to sign the original of applications, amendments, and related statements of fact.

(d) Sign applications, amendments, and related statements of fact as follows (either electronically or manually):

(1) By you, if you are an individual;

(2) By one of the partners, if you are a partnership;

(3) By an officer, director, or duly authorized employee, if you are a corporation; or

(4) By a member who is an officer, if you are an unauthorized association.

(e) If you file applications, amendments, and related statements of fact on behalf of eligible government entities, an elected or appointed official who may sign under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction must sign the document. Eligible government entities are:

(1) States and territories of the United States,

(2) Political subdivisions of these states and territories,

(3) The District of Columbia, and

(4) Units of local government.

(f) If you are either physically disabled or absent from the United States, your attorney may sign applications, amendments and related statements of facts on your behalf.

(1) Your attorney must explain why you are not signing the documents.

(2) If your attorney states any matter based solely on his belief (rather than knowledge), your attorney must explain his reasons for believing that such statements are true.

(g) It is unnecessary to sign applications, amendments, and related statements of fact under oath. However, willful false statements are punishable by a fine and imprisonment, 18 U.S.C. 1001, and by administrative sanctions.

§ 1.10012   When can I file on IBFS?

IBFS is available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week for filing.

§ 1.10013   How do I check the status of my application after I file it?

You can check the status of your application through the “Search Tools” on the IBFS homepage. The IBFS homepage is located at www.fcc.gov/ibfs.

§ 1.10014   What happens after officially filing my application?

(a) We give you an IBFS file number.

(b) We electronically route your application to an analyst who conducts an initial review of your application. If your application is incomplete, we will either dismiss the application, or contact you by telephone, letter or email to ask for additional information within a specific time. In cases where we ask for additional information, if we do not receive it within the specified time, we will dismiss your application. In either case, we will dismiss your application without prejudice, so that you may file again with a complete application.

(c) If your application is complete, and we verify receipt of your payment, it will appear on an “Accepted for Filing” Public Notice, unless public notice is not required. An “Accepted for Filing” Public Notice gives the public a certain amount of time to comment on your filing. This period varies depending upon the type of application.

(1) Certain applications do not have to go on an “Accepted for Filing” Public Notice prior to initiation of service, but instead are filed as notifications to the Commission of prior actions by the carriers as authorized by the rules. Examples include pro forma notifications of transfer of control and assignment and certain foreign carrier notifications.

(2) Each “Accepted for Filing” Public Notice has a report number. Examples of various types of applications and their corresponding report number (the “x” represents a sequential number) follow.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------        Type of application                       Report No.------------------------------------------------------------------------325-C Applications.................  325-xxxxxAccounting Rate Change.............  ARC-xxxxxForeign Carrier Affiliation          FCN-xxxxx Notification.International High Frequency.......  IHF-xxxxxInternational Public Fixed.........  IPF-xxxxxRecognized Operating Agency........  ROA-xxxxxSatellite Space Station............  SAT-xxxxxSatellite Earth Station............  SES-xxxxxInternational Telecommunications:    Streamlined....................  TEL-xxxxxS    Non-streamlined................  TEL-xxxxxNS and/or DASubmarine Cable Landing:    Streamlined....................  SCL-xxxxxS    Non-streamlined................  SCL-xxxxxNS and/or DA------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) After the Public Notice, your application may undergo legal, technical and/or financial review as deemed necessary. In addition, some applications require coordination with other government agencies.

(e) After review, we decide whether to grant or deny applications or whether to take other necessary action. Grants, denials and any other necessary actions are noted in the IBFS database. Some filings may not require any affirmative action, such as some Foreign Carrier Affiliation Notification Filings. Other filings, such as some International Section 214 Applications, International Accounting Rate Change Filings and Requests for assignment of Data Network Identification Codes, may be granted automatically on a specific date unless the applicant is notified otherwise prior to that date, as specified in the rules.

(f) We list most actions taken on public notices. Each “Action Taken” Public Notice has a report number. Examples of various types of applications and their corresponding report number (the “x” represents a sequential number) follow.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------        Type of application                       Report No.------------------------------------------------------------------------325-C Applications.................  325-xxxxxAccounting Rate Change.............  No action taken PN releasedForeign Carrier Affiliation          No action taken PN released Notification.International High Frequency.......  IHF-xxxxxInternational Public Fixed.........  IPF-xxxxxRecognized Operating Agency........  No action taken PN releasedSatellite Space Station............  SAT-xxxxx (occasionally)Satellite Earth Station............  SES-xxxxxInternational Telecommunications...  TEL-xxxxx and DASubmarine Cable Landing............  TEL-xxxxx and DA------------------------------------------------------------------------

(g) Other actions are taken by formal written Order, oral actions that are followed up with a written document, or grant stamp of the application. In all cases, the action dates are available online through the IBFS system.

(h) Issuing and Mailing Licenses for Granted Applications. Not all applications handled through IBFS and granted by the Commission result in the issuance of a paper license or authorization. A list of application types and their corresponding authorizations follows.

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------                                        Type of license/authorization        Type of application                         issued------------------------------------------------------------------------325-C Application..................  FCC permit mailed to permittee or                                      contact, as specified in the                                      application.Accounting Rate Change.............  No authorizing document is issued                                      by the Commission. In some cases,                                      a Commission order may be issued                                      related to an Accounting Rate                                      Change filing.Data Network Identification Code     Letter confirming the grant of a Filing.                              new DNIC or the reassignment of an                                      existing DNIC is mailed to the                                      applicant or its designated                                      representative.Foreign Carrier Affiliation          No authorizing document is issued Notification.                        by the Commission. In some cases,                                      a Commission order may be issued                                      related to a Foreign Carrier                                      Affiliation Notification.International High Frequency:    Construction Permits,..........  For all applications, an original,    Licenses,......................   stamped authorization is issued to    Modifications,.................   the applicant and a copy of the    Renewals, and..................   authorization is sent to the    Transfers of Control/Assignment   specified contact.     of License.International Public Fixed:    1. Construction Permits........  1. Once the operating license is                                      granted, the construction period                                      therein is specified as a                                      condition on the license.    2. Request for Special           2. Letter, grant-stamped request,     Temporary Authority.             or short order.    3. New Authorization...........  3. License issued and mailed to                                      applicant (original) and specified                                      contact (copy).    4. Amendment...................  4. If granted, the action is                                      incorporated into the license for                                      the underlying application.    5. Modification................  5. License issued and mailed to                                      applicant (original) and specified                                      contact (copy).    6. Renewal.....................  6. License issued and mailed to                                      applicant (original) and specified                                      contact (copy).    7. Transfer of Control/          7. If granted, Form A-732     Assignment of License.           authorization issued and mailed to                                      applicant (original), parties to                                      the transaction, and the                                      applicant's specified contact                                      (copy).Recognized Operating Agency........  The FCC sends a letter to the                                      Department of State requesting                                      grant or denial of recognized                                      operating agency status. (The                                      applicant is mailed a courtesy                                      copy.) The Department of State                                      issues a letter to both the                                      Commission and the Applicant                                      advising of their decision.Satellite Space Station:    1. Request for Special           1. Letter, grant-stamped request,     Temporary Authority.             or short order.    2. New Authorization...........  2. Generally issued by Commission                                      Order.    3. Amendment...................  3. Generally issued as part of a                                      Commission Order acting upon the                                      underlying application.    4. Modification................  4. Generally issued by Commission                                      Order.    5. Transfer of Control/          5. Generally issued by Commission     Assignment of License.           Order or Public Notice. Also, Form                                      A-732 authorization issued and                                      mailed to applicant (original),                                      parties to the transaction, and                                      the applicant's specified contact                                      (copy).Satellite Earth Station:    1. Request for Special           1. Letter, grant-stamped request,     Temporary Authority.             or short order.    2. New Authorization...........  2. License issued and mailed to                                      applicant (original) and specified                                      contact (copy).    3. Amendment...................  3. If granted, the action is                                      incorporated into the license for                                      the underlying application.    4. Modification................  4. License issued and mailed to                                      applicant (original) and specified                                      contact (copy).    5. Renewal.....................  5. License issued and mailed to                                      applicant (original) and specified                                      contact (copy).    6. Transfer of Control/          6. If granted, Form A-732     Assignment of License.           authorization issued and mailed to                                      applicant (original), parties to                                      the transaction, and the                                      applicant's specified contact                                      (copy).International Telecommunications_Section 214:    1. Streamlined (New, Transfer    1. Action Taken Public Notice     of Control, Assignment).         serves as the authorization                                      document. This notice is issued                                      weekly and is available online                                      both at IBFS (http://www.fcc.gov/                                      ibfs) and the Electronic Document                                      Management System (EDOCS) (http://                                      www.fcc.gov/e-file/).    2. Non-streamlined (New,         2. Decisions are generally issued     Transfer of Control,             by PN; some are done by Commission     Assignment).                     Order.    3. Request for Special           3. Letter, grant-stamped request     Temporary Authority.             issued to applicant.International Signaling Point Code   Letter issued to applicant. Filing.Submarine Cable Landing License Application:    1. Streamlined (New, Transfer    1. Action Taken Public Notice     of Control, Assignment).         serves as the authorization                                      document. This notice is issued                                      weekly and is available online                                      both at IBFS, which can be found                                      at http://www.fcc.gov/ibfs, and                                      the Electronic Document Management                                      System (EDOCS), which can be found                                      at http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/.    2. Non-Streamlined (New,         2. Decisions are generally issued     Transfer of Control,             by PN; some are done by Commission     Assignment).                     Order.------------------------------------------------------------------------

§ 1.10015   Are there exceptions for emergency filings?

(a) Sometimes we grant licenses, modifications or renewals even if no one files an application. Instances where this may occur include:

(1) If we find there is an emergency involving danger to life or property, or because equipment is damaged;

(2) If the President proclaims, or if Congress declares, a national emergency;

(3) During any war in which the United States is engaged and when grants, modifications or renewals are necessary for national defense, security or in furtherance of the war effort; or

(4) If there is an emergency where we find that it is not feasible to secure renewal applications from existing licensees or to follow normal licensing procedures.

(b) Emergency authorizations stop at the end of emergency periods or wars. After the emergency period or war, you must submit your request by filing the appropriate form either manually or electronically.

(c) The procedures for emergency requests, as described in this section, are as specified in §§25.120 and 63.25 of this chapter.

§ 1.10016   How do I apply for special temporary authority?

(a) Requests for Special Temporary Authority (STA) may be filed via IBFS for most services. We encourage you to file STA applications through IBFS as it will ensure faster receipt of your request.

(b) For specific information on the content of your request, refer to §§25.120 and 63.25 of this chapter.

§ 1.10017   How can I submit additional information?

In response to an official request for information from the International Bureau, you can submit additional information electronically directly to the requestor, or by mail to the Office of the Secretary, Attention: International Bureau.

§ 1.10018   May I amend my application?

(a) If the service rules allow, you may amend pending applications.

(b) If an electronic version of an amendment application is available in IBFS, you may file your amendment electronically through IBFS.

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