CFR > Title 47 - Telecommunication > CHAPTER I—FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION > SUBCHAPTER A—GENERAL (Parts 0–19) > PART 1—PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE > SUBPART Y—International Bureau Filing System (§1.10000 to §1.10018) > 1.10000—What is the purpose of these rules?

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]
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 Station Application (other than DBS and DARS) or your Application 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 in IBFS Your official filing date is the date and time (to the millisecond) you file your application and receive a confirmation of filing and submission ID.
2. You file all other applications in IBFS and then do one of the following: Your official filing date is:
Send your payment (via check, bank draft, money order, credit card, or wire transfer) and FCC Form 159 to U.S. Bank The date U.S. Bank stamps your payment as received.
Pay by online credit card (through IBFS) The date your online credit card payment is approved. (Note: You will receive a remittance ID and an authorization number if your transaction is successful).
Determine your application type is fee-exempt or your application qualifies for exemption to charges as provided in Part 1 of the Commission's Rules The date you file in IBFS and receive a confirmation of filing and submission ID.
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.
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.
[69 FR 29895, May 26, 2004. Redesignated at 69 FR 40327, July 2, 2004, as amended at 73 FR 9029, Feb. 19, 2008]
The rules concerning parts 1, 25, 63 and 64 of this chapter govern over the electronic filing in this subpart.
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.
If you are approved and receive a license or authorization, you must operate in accordance with, and not beyond, your terms of approval.
(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.
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]
(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]
(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).
(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.
(b) 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 ibfsinfo@fcc.gov 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 “8 1/2 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.
(d) 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.
(e) 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 U.S. Bank. Your FCC Form 159 must be stamped “received” by U.S. Bank by the 14th day. If not, we will dismiss your application.
(5) If you send your Form 159 and payment to U.S. 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.
[73 FR 9029, Feb. 19, 2008]