[ETSList] ULS Manager facelift

[Drew_Moore]

FCC ANNOUNCES UNIVERSAL LICENSING SYSTEM MAKEOVER

At week's end, the FCC was preparing to put a new face on the Universal
Licensing System (ULS) <http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls>, which includes the
Amateur Service. The Commission was set to unveil the new on-line ULS
filing interface December 14.

To implement the changes, the ULS on-line filing system will be down from
12 AM EST Saturday, December 13, until 10 AM EST Sunday, December 14.

Among other features, the ULS makeover will include easier-to-read
on-screen forms that guide users through filing and simplify such routine
tasks as applying for license renewal, address change or vanity call sign.
The FCC says the introduction of its new system, called "ULS License
Manager," concludes phase one of an ongoing ULS overhaul by the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau.

ULS License Manager will be compatible with most, if not all, major Web
browsers and computer platforms and no longer will require downloading
Java and Java Script files. Screens also will be compliant with Web
screen-to-voice reader software. An FCC staffer involved with implementing
ULS License Manager notes that all features may not be in place when the
system debuts.

The ULS will require all filers to log into the system using an FCC
Registration Number (FRN) and Commission Registration System (CORES)
password. The FCC said it would no longer accept a Taxpayer Identification
Number (TIN)--a Social Security Number for most individuals--for log-in
purposes.

Once the new system is up and running, all licenses and applications in
the ULS database will be converted to the new ULS License Manager filing
environment.

There's also a new paper version of FCC Form 605, dated December 2003. One
change is that Form 605 no longer requests a date of birth and will only
accept an FRN and CORES password. There are no Amateur Service-related
changes to any Form 605 schedules. The FCC says Amateur Service applicants
may continue to use the March 2001 (or later) edition of Form 605,
although it encourages use of the newest version. The new FCC Form 605 now
is available via the FCC Web site
<http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form605/605.html>.

To assist with any ULS issues after the changeover, the Technical Support
Hotline staff will be available Sunday, December 14, from 10 AM until 6 PM
EST. Normal hours are weekdays (except holidays) from 8 AM until 6 PM
Eastern Time. Technical Support is available via the FCC Web site
<http://esupport.fcc.gov> or telephone 877-480-3201 (TTY 202-414-1255).

ULS licensing support and forms information is available weekdays (except
holidays) from 8 AM until 5:30 PM Eastern Time via e-mail
<ulshelp@fcc.gov> or telephone 888-CALLFCC (225-5322), Option 2 (users
also may call 717-338-2888).