I suspect most hams paid $50 for their foot switch. Or double that for a microphone. While some may oppose it for some frivolous stated reason like emcom, it’s opponents are likely doing so only as a principle matter because it’s a government fee to which they are opposed rather than any financial consideration.
The NPRM indicates that the proposed “nominal” fee is supposed to reimburse the FCC for their “costs” in administering new and renewal license processing.
OK. What costs?
Who does all the work for new licenses? The VECs.
Who does all the work for renewal processing? Either the VECs or the Amateurs themselves when directly renewing via the ULS. How much work does the FCC do again?
The ONLY reason specifically stated in the NPRM for the proposed $50 fee is... that’s what they currently charge for GMRS licenses, so if it’s good enough for one, it’s good enough for all. Now, I don’t know how much work the FCC actually does for GMRS tickets... if its a lot, that may justify the fee. Amateur license processing, with as much is either automated or handled by third parties, can’t possibly cost anywhere near that.
And another $50 for a mailed license? Really? Talk about a rip-off.
I do not object to a reasonable license renewal fee.
I do object to being gouged.