How to File FCC Form 605: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Form 605 is crucial for anyone involved in the telecommunications industry. This form is used to report the sale or transfer of control of broadcast stations, cable systems, and satellite licenses. Whether you’re a station owner, a broker, or an attorney, knowing how to file Form 605 correctly is essential. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
What is FCC Form 605?
FCC Form 605 is a document that must be filed with the FCC when there is a sale, lease, or transfer of control of a broadcast station, cable system, or satellite license. The form requires detailed information about the transaction, including the parties involved, the terms of the agreement, and the financial aspects of the deal.
Who Needs to File Form 605?
Several parties are required to file Form 605, including:
- Buyers and sellers of broadcast stations, cable systems, and satellite licenses
- Brokers who facilitate the sale or transfer of these assets
- Attorneys representing the parties involved in the transaction
When to File Form 605
Form 605 must be filed within 30 days of the effective date of the transaction. If the transaction is not yet effective, the form must be filed within 30 days of the execution of the agreement.
How to Prepare Form 605
Preparing Form 605 requires gathering specific information about the transaction. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Names and addresses of the buyer and seller
- Names and addresses of the parties involved in the transaction
- Details of the transaction, including the purchase price, terms of the agreement, and any other relevant information
- Information about the broadcast station, cable system, or satellite license being transferred
How to File Form 605
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can file Form 605 in one of the following ways:
- Online: The FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) allows you to file Form 605 online. This is the most convenient and efficient method.
- By Mail: You can also file Form 605 by mail. However, this method is slower and may result in delays.
Online Filing Process
Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing Form 605 online:
- Visit the FCC’s ECFS website.
- Register for an account if you don’t already have one.
- Log in to your account.
- Search for Form 605 in the “Search for Filing” section.
- Follow the instructions to complete and submit the form.
- Pay any required filing fees.
- Review the confirmation page to ensure your form was submitted successfully.
By Mail Filing Process
Here’s how to file Form 605 by mail:
- Print out the completed Form 605.
- Include a check or money order for any required filing fees.
- Mail the form and payment to the following address:
| Address |
|---|
| Federal Communications Commission |
| Media Bureau |
| 445 12th Street, SW |
| Washington, DC 20554 |
Required Filing Fees
The filing fee for Form 605 varies depending on the type of transaction. Here’s a table summarizing the fees:
| Type of Transaction | Filing Fee |
|---|
