FCC Lightens USPS Load

In migration to cloud-based platform, FCC stops mailing some ULS, ASR notices.

If you're a frequent flyer in the FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS) or Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) system, don't panic if you notice a sudden drop-off in hard-copy letters from the FCC. The FCC is moving both systems to a cloud-based platform and, in preparation, it's cleaning house before packing up for the move.

Historically, ULS and ASR system have generated a total of 33 different types of automated paper notices which the FCC then sends through the U.S. mail. These notices generally inform applicants and licensees about things like the status of their applications or licenses. Needless to say, much of the same information can also be found in public notices or online in the ULS or ASR systems. In other words, reliance on snail mail dead tree notices is largely redundant.

So, as of September 23, the Commission won't be sending out as many notices. Of the 33 types of notices historically sent, 15 have been abandoned, leaving a mere 18 types (15 in ULS, three in ASR). Lists of the notices being terminated and those being retained can be found here.

The 18 types of notices still being sent out include, among others, notices that require a response and notices about approaching deadlines that require action by the applicant, licensee or registrant. Of the 18 notices retained, more will be migrated to the cloud platform eventually, including notices about things you will probably really want to know about, like application dismissal letters. It's unclear whether the FCC will continue to reach out to applicants as to such matters, or expect us to go digging through ULS.

The only kind of notice not slated for eventual migration are license cancellations in ULS, although even those will be eliminated in "services as they are deployed in the new wireless licensing system". In the latter cases, the Commission promises unspecified "electronic safeguards" to help prevent licensees from inadvertently cancelling a license.

So going forward, you can expect fewer of those envelopes with the blue return address. But the ones you do get will probably not be good news.