I have in past blogs brought to the attention of EWA members solicitation efforts from the likes of Federal Licensing and Federal License Management who advise licensees on the need to renew FCC licenses in a timely manner or potentially face financial forfeitures and/or time in the Big House in upstate New York (just kidding). The threats are, however, tiresome and excessive. Phishing attempts oftentimes rely on the threat of financial penalties and intimidation if one does not respond to the solicitor’s instructions. Just offering to take care of a government filing for busy industrial/business entities must be lucrative since it seems there is always another entity organized to help folks renew their licenses. There is nothing wrong with using an outside entity to process your renewals if you do not wish to do it yourself through the FCC’s web site. But I’m not telling you anything that you don’t know already - avoid those that threaten you with financial repercussions, demand a quick response from you, and/or charge what would appear to be an exorbitant fee. We have seen fees ranging from $150 to over $1,750 (!) to renew a single license. Finally, you are accountable for the renewal application and the corresponding certifications that include advising the FCC that you have not discontinued use of the channels, the frequency(s) was in constant use, and, that you will comply with all applicable FCC regulations during the forthcoming 10-year renewal period. These are not threats, but actual FCC requirements as your license provides you title to a national asset, the radio spectrum you use within your communications infrastructure. Renewing an FCC license is serious business. Be careful who you entrust with the responsibility.