No more free ham ticket?

[DainBramage]

I kinda think it is O.K.

some people have been "hoarding" 1 x 2 and 2 x 1 calls.

There is one idiot that rotates thru 63,......... Yes, 63 calls so no one else can get them.

$50 isn't much over 10 years.
OTOH, I can see younger people not wanting to spend it.

Maybe, they should make your FIRST license free, and $50 for every renewal/change afterward. (but, that ain't gonna happen)

 

[sunbulls]

I don’t mind paying the fee, but I seriously doubt they can justify their expenses. It’s just another unjustifiable money grab IMO.

Their words: "Applications for personal licenses are mostly automated and do not have individualized staff costs for data input or review,” the FCC said in its NPRM. “For these automated processes — new/major modifications, renewal, and minor modifications — we propose a nominal application fee of $50 due to automating the processes, routine ULS maintenance, and limited instances where staff input is required.”

Fact: Data entry jobs pay very little. The Ham community has already taken most of the cost burden away through voluntary services.

I agree that this new fee will not affect most adults, but every dime counts among our youth. This will further discourage them from getting their ticket. Many have enough problems already convincing mom and pop. I hear new hams every day talking about their radio, stating that it was either given to them or they’re using a Baofeng. The first question every new prospective Ham asks is, “How much is this hobby going to cost?” To get them started, I’ll either give or loan them whatever equipment they need, but I’ll dread the thought of telling them you need to fork out a $50 license fee.

 

[ForestRunner98]

Well in LA Co. we have around 12 million people. So odds are that some people will have GMRS radios. Obviously if you hit a repeater your chances are great for contact. Simplex...not so much. Depends on the radio. I can hit that repeater with my handytalkie with no problem. It’s a straight shot right to the repeater. Oh it’s also where all TV and radio antennas are. Prime location for transmitting signals!!

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Anybody that thinks $50 is too much for ham ticket for ten years is either a cheap SOB or has serious financial issues and probably can't afford even a basic radio anyway. That is less than one and a half cents per day. Just my opinion mind you but I have never been a cheapskate. I should be a little tighter with the $$$ mind you but you can't take it with you.

 

[Tokin]

Anybody that thinks $50 is too much for ham ticket for ten years is either a cheap SOB or has serious financial issues and probably can't afford even a basic radio anyway. That is less than one and a half cents per day. Just my opinion mind you but I have never been a cheapskate. I should be a little tighter with the $$$ mind you but you can't take it with you.

Heeeeyyyy buddy!

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

I wonder how many of the people that think $50 is too much smoke or buy a coffee every day and think nothing of it.

 

[Tallman]

I have been reading the pdf on it and certain non-profit organizations will not have to pay. I think we should form a non-profit organization and call ourselves,"The educators of the amateur radio spectrum."
Am I cheap SOB? No just on a fixed income that barely covers my expenses as they are.

 

[Tallman]

I wonder how many of the people that think $50 is too much smoke or buy a coffee every day and think nothing of it.

We don't smoke or do we drink coffee outside of the house. If we must, we take a Thermos bottle of some coffee with us.

 

[sunbulls]

I’d spend a hell of a lot more than $50 on a Ham ticket if they would show the needed justification. Where’s the audit? No matter how cheap, its theft as far as I'm concerned. That’s my point. Remember, Ham radio and CB provides for an unpaid disaster service, and they're not asking for any handout either. Tit for Tat...

 

[Tallman]

The local Law Enforcement Agencies and first responders know if they need assistance I am at their beck and call. Whatever they need as long as they buy the gas for the generator I'm at their service.

 

[BJ radionut]

XYL and I pay over $500 a YEAR+ for our License Plates for our 2 vehicles.
Plus almost $3000 a year in School Taxes (NEVER had a Child in the system!)
$50 for 10 years for my Ham ticket...pocket change!

 

[tba02]

I'd like to see some of that 50 bucks go to RFI reduction. Like the fee, all I see is my meter go from bad to worse as more and more non-compliant devices spew RFI.

 

[Rwb]

I was on phone with rodger kerr at yaesu tech department.told him n he looked it up,said why? They are automated and youth that are being educated to pay their way be having a hard time paying,work n save all year just to pay license,let alone buy a new radio.
This could end some from being hams when your living on limited budget

 

[big_sho9]

I’d spend a hell of a lot more than $50 on a Ham ticket if they would show the needed justification.

I agree 100%. What do they do with the current money? Allow idiots to carry on on 40meters, get drunk, yell, and jam people? I think the fcc is Almost as worthless as Nasa.

 

[fogdog]

My license expires in 8 years. If I start saving now I might be able to come up with $50.00 LOL!