FCC Issues Fine for Using Fictitious Name on Application

Don't use a fictitious name to sign an FCC application! C5 Communications used the pseudonym "Noel Imitz" to sign two STA applications to operate a 1.0-meter Ku-band uplink and has found themselves in hot water with the commission.

"Noel Imitz," the company said, was created to respond to public inquiries regarding engineering and support issue. While Eric Smith, chief operating officer of C5 Communications said the company's use of the pseudonym on FCC application was not intended to deceive the FCC, the commission in a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture disagreed.

The FCC said "...applicable precedent is clear that the submission of false information with knowledge of its falsity demonstrates fraudulent intent. Indeed, C5's culpability is further demonstrated by its disregard for the express language of the FCC Form 312 STA Applications it filed, which state directly below the signature block that 'Willful False Statements Made On This Form Are Punishable by Fine and/or Imprisonment.' Despite this clear warning, C5 Communications misled the Commission by submitting two applications under a fictitious name."

The forfeiture amount for "willfully violating Section 1.17 of the Commission's rules" was set at $17,500.