REC Rate Card for 2026 NCE FM Translator Filing Winow

The following rate card is applicable only for applications filed in the 2026 Reserved Band NCE FM Translator Filing Window.  The regular FM Translator Rate Card will take effect after the license to cover application is granted. 

Please note that we are taking a different approach for this filing window compared to previous ones.  In this window, we are unbundling the original construction permit and the license applications.  Overall, it results in the same rates we charged in the 2023 LPFM filing window ($1,000 for simple applications, $1,100 for applications needing a waiver).  We are also not accumulating charges for different "add ons" (such as second/third-adjacent waivers, channel 6 studies, etc.).  It's simply "basic" or "advanced". We are also doing this because of the higher likelihood of mutual exclusivity. This change in the structure reduces the risk in the event that the application is not successful due to the competitive nature of the window.

Market premiums do not apply for these window filings. 

"Documents only" will be provided at 50% of the rate shown for original construction permits and in-window minor modifications.

Rates are per proposed translator facility. Due to the low rate, there are no multi-application or LPFM discounts offered in this window campaign.  These rates are similar to those we charged in the 2023 LPFM filing window campaign.

REC Terms and Conditions specific to this filing window

Basic vs. Advanced price points

The Basic rate will be charged unless one or more of the following are needed where the Advanced :

Location is within the distance to be an affected station pursuant §74.1205 for protection of TV channel 6 facilities.  Includes the various studies necessary to demonstrate compliance with those regulations.  This fee may be waived if client presents a letter of consent by the licensee of the affected Channel 6 station(s).

In all cases where a directional antenna is proposed.

All applications in the area bounded by 39-15-0.4 to the north, 78-29-59.0 to the east, 37-30-0.4 to the south and 80-29-59.2 to the west for coordination with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and the Naval Radio Research Laboratory as well as all applications in Puerto Rico that require coordination with the Arecibo Observatory.  

Facility has prohibited overlap of second or third-adjacent channel contours pursuant to §74.1204(a) and a request for a waiver based on a showing of no interference is needed.

Locations near the international borders of Canada and Mexico where an additional study to demonstrate compliance with international agreements is necessary

"Documents only" requests

Occasionally, we receive requests for just the exhibit documents so the applicant can file and follow up the application themselves.  REC normally only accepts "docs only" requests from known engineers, attorneys, consultants and advocates.  REC will accept docs only requests from others who have demonstrated their familiarity with FCC processes and demonstrated an acumen in the LMS application filing process.  

Requests for docs only will be billed at 50% of the total rate.  Docs only requests will not include any post grant filings such as license to cover and only limited application tracking will be provided

No refund policy

Broadcast applications filed are subject to grant at the discretion of the FCC following existing law, regulations, policies, and precedence.  Applications may also be subject to competition.  By using REC, you cannot be guaranteed a grant of the application as that action is at the discretion of the FCC and out of our control.  As such, REC will not provide any refunds in the event of applications that get dismissed or for any other reason.  It is REC's policy to not collect money unless we know that the application in grantable on its face.  Other factors, such as competing applications, information not disclosed to REC at the time of the transaction, informal objections and petitions to deny, interference claims and not constructing per the terms of the authorization may result in an application dismissal

Pre-pay policy

Services requested by entities, other than public sector entities and W-9 requests will require payment in advance of filing services.  While we may start preparation of materials prior to payment, no disclosure of those materials nor any filing may take place until payment is received.  REC may waive the pre-pay policy on a case by case basis depending on past relationships with the requesting entity.

Public sector and private sector entities needing a W-9 form

Requests for these entities will be handled by Michelle Bradley, as an individual and not REC Networks as an unincorporated entity.  A purchase order is required.  Invoice will be issued after filing of the initial application and is due upon receipt.  Requests requiring a W-9 and/or a purchase order are subject to a base rate at 120% of what is shown on the rate card or the market premium rate, whichever is higher

Past REC Clients/Definition of "REC Spend"

Certain application types are either REC fee waived or fee reduced. In addition, LPFM stations enjoy certain REC benefits such as extended features on the myLPFM.com portal.  To achieve this status, the facility must have a minimum of $350 in spend with REC.  Spend includes any fees paid as part of an invoice.  This includes voluntary tips. REC considers a tip a donation to the REC advocacy.  If a tip is added to an invoice, REC increases the amount of the invoice to include the cost of the tip and thus can be added to REC spend.  Voluntary donations that are received through the [Donate] buttons on the various REC websites or any money received by REC which is not directly related to an invoice cannot be considered as REC spend.  Spend history is per facility and does survive ownership changes through assignments.  Extending spend benefits past this policy (such as to commonly-owned stations) as at the discretion of REC.

Amendments and Changes

Once an application is filed through REC and an amendment is requested to make significant changes, which may result in the need to produce all new exhibits, REC's fees for processing an significant amendment is 30% of the base rate for Basic applications at 50% of the base rate for Advanced applications.  Extremely small changes made through amendments may be fee waived at the discretion of REC. 

Very minor amendments specifically requested by FCC Staff in order to move the application to a grantable state will, in most cases, not incur any additional REC fees.

REC policy on pleadings

Pleadings can include filings such as Petitions to Deny, Informal Objections, Petitions for Reconsideration and Applications for Review as well as all responsive pleadings (i.e. Oppositions and Replies).  REC Networks has no practicing attorneys on staff.  We must decline any request from an applicant or another party to file a pleading of any type, especially in return for consideration as this would be considered practicing law without a license. 

REC can, on our own accord, file an Informal Objection and a responsive Reply in cases, where on the determination of REC, has a national impact of the broadcast service as a whole.  These types of pleadings would originate under the banner of REC Networks and cannot be requested by any other person.  REC cannot make any formal filings (such as Petitions to Deny, Petitions for Reconsideration or Applications for Review) as we do not have standing to make those types of pleadings. 

REC strongly recommends that when pleadings are necessary, that the services of a qualified attorney who specializes in Federal Communications Commission regulations and laws be retained.  REC can refer any person needing legal assistance to a qualified attorney.

"The advice is free" policy

REC provides advice to broadcasters and potential broadcasters all the time through our websites, through email and live telephone conversation.  REC normally provides this information at no cost.  REC reserves the right to limit the information provided, especially in cases where providing such information would conflict with a paid service.  An example is channel availability.  While we may provide "yes/no" answers on availability, we may not always disclose channel numbers or maximum effective radiated powers.  Existing LPFM stations can also use exclusive resources such as myLPFM in order to obtain some information regarding available channels and move potential.

At REC, the advice is free. If you feel that it is worth more, please feel free to send us a donation.  Donations received through this method are not invoiced and therefore do not go towards a station's client spend amount.

Payment policy

With the exception of purchase orders by public sector and select private sector applicants, REC will send an invoice using PayPal as the service provider.  The station is not required to have a PayPal account.  The system will accept a major credit or debit card as well as PayPal balance for payment. 

Those who wish to pay by check, as well as all payments that involve purchase orders, must make their check payable to "Michelle Bradley" (do not make it out to REC) and then mail it to:
Michelle Bradley
11541 Riverton Wharf Rd.
Mardela Springs, MD 21837