Red Light Display System
Do you owe money to the FCC? You will not be able to do business with the FCC if you have an outstanding debt. Any applications or other requests for benefits submitted to the FCC will be put on hold until the debt has been paid. If payment is not made within thirty days, the application or other request for benefit will be dismissed. This is referred to by the Commission as the Red Light Rule.
The Red Light Rule was placed into effect by the FCC on June 16, 2004 as they endeavor to enforce the requirements set forth in the Debt Collection Improvement Act (DCIA). Congress enacted the DCIA in 1996 to strengthen Federal debt collection procedures.
The FCC uses an applicant’s FRN to determine if there is an overdue debt. The Commission will search its database of debts where the applicant’s FRN will be linked with all other FRNs that have been registered using the same taxpayer identification number (TIN). Types of debt recorded in the FCC database include unpaid or underpaid regulatory and application fees or regulatory fees that were paid late and are subject to a 25% late fee.
The FCC has a Red Light Display (RLD) System on their website where you can check to see if you have any delinquent debts. This system, initiated on September 23, 2004, is accessed by entering your FRN and password. Any debts found will be indicated by a red status followed by a listing of the individual debts. A green status indicates that you have no outstanding debts. It is a good idea to check this site prior to doing any business with the FCC in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
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