COMMISSION AMENDS RULES TO PERMIT ELECTRONIC FILING OF PRIVATE RADIO LICENSE APPLICATIONS Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street NW Washington DC 20554, April 1, 1993 The Commission has amended its rules governing signature requirements for license applications in the private radio services to facilitate the implementation of electronic filing of private radio license applications. This amendment will allow more efficient processing of these applications with the ultimate goal of eliminating, to the maximum extent possible, the filing of paper applications. Currently, all license applications filed with the Commission must include a handwritten signature. In October 1992, Congress amended the Communications Act of 1934 to allow electronic filing of license and construction permit applications. Specifically, the Act was amended to allow applications to be signed "in any manner or form, including by electronic means, as the Commission may prescribe by regulation." Pursuant to the authority expressly delegated by Congress, the Commission has modified the handwritten signature requirement as it applies to applications in the private radio services. The amended rules allow applicants to "sign" applications electronically, and gives the Private Radio Bureau authority to establish procedures for electronic filing of such applications The Commission emphasized that until the Private Radio Bureau establishes specific procedures for electronic filing, handwritten signatures will continue to be required on all private radio applications under the amended rules. Specific electronic filing procedures will be implemented by future Public Notice in the Federal Register, modified application forms, and other published procedures. Action by the Commission April 1 1993, by order (FCC 93-174). Chairman Quello, Commissioners Marshall, Barrett, and Duggan.