Persistent applicant seeks successive reconsiderations; Quoth the FCC, “Nevermore!”

This is another in our continuing series on people who just don’t give up.

Back in 2000, an individual with interests in several wireless companies filed applications to provide maritime radio service along various U.S. waterways. The FCC dismissed the applications because they did not meet the coverage requirements then in effect. Unhappy with the outcome, the applicant filed petitions for reconsideration (denied in 2001), a petition for further reconsideration (denied in 2001), applications for review (denied in 2002), and then appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals (terminated by the court in 2007).

In 2002, the FCC changed the coverage requirements. The same applicant filed a request to have his applications reinstated (denied in 2004), a petition for reconsideration (dismissed in 2005 as untimely), a petition for reconsideration (denied in 2006), an application for review (denied in 2008), and a petition for reconsideration (dismissed in January, 2010). The FCC tossed this last one as repetitious because, in the Commission’s view, it offered no new relevant information. In an unusual move, the FCC added: “We plan to give no further consideration to this matter, and the staff is hereby directed to dismiss summarily any subsequent pleadings filed by [this applicant] or related parties with respect to these applications . . . .”

That makes nine separate times the FCC rejected the same applications. Most people, by then, would have concluded that “No!” means no. That last dismissal for repetitiousness would deter even the most determined applicant. Even fewer of those would have the nerve to try again, after the FCC ordered its staff not to consider further requests.

But this gentleman is apparently cut from different cloth. Undaunted, he filed a petition seeking reconsideration of the dismissal for repetitiousness of his last reconsideration request.

That one did not even make it to the full Commission. In two brief paragraphs, with a terse citation to the “no further consideration” order, a Deputy Bureau Chief dismissed the arguments yet again.

This is an exciting time for those with an interest in someone so indomitable of spirit.  They will eagerly scan the FCC daily releases over the weeks to come. Will he try to extend his streak at the FCC? Or challenge the most recent dismissal in court? Watch this space for updates.