ARRL to FCC: Keep the Paper Coming, Please
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| W8PAL paper license, circa 1935. |
The ARRL has asked the FCC to continue routinely sending
paper licenses to new amateurs, even as it begins to phase them out overall.
The FCC has indicated that it plans to stop routinely issuing printed license
documents to Wireless Service licensees (including hams), unless they are
specifically requested. For the FCC's purposes, your listing on the Universal
Licensing System (ULS) database is your official license document. According to
the ARRL Letter, the League pointed out in its comments that requiring
individuals to go online to either download or request a printed license may be
a roadblock to some applicants, and pointed out that official license documents
are still required for such things as taking upgrade exams or applying for call
sign license plates. The ARRL proposed sending a printed license to newly-licensed
hams, along with instructions on selecting a preferred method for future
renewals and upgrades.