[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 166 (Wednesday, August 26, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52821-52849]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16769]
[[Page 52821]]
Vol. 85
Wednesday,
No. 166
August 26, 2020
Part XXV
Federal Communications Commission
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 166 / Wednesday, August 26, 2020 /
UA: Reg Flex Agenda
[[Page 52822]]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Ch. I
Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions--
Spring 2020
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Twice a year, in spring and fall, the Commission publishes in
the Federal Register a list in the Unified Agenda of those major items
and other significant proceedings under development or review that
pertain to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (U.S.C. 602). The Unified
Agenda also provides the Code of Federal Regulations citations and
legal authorities that govern these proceedings. The complete Unified
Agenda will be published on the internet in a searchable format at
www.reginfo.gov.
ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maura McGowan, Telecommunications
Policy Specialist, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, (202) 418-0990.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Unified Agenda of Major and Other Significant Proceedings
The Commission encourages public participation in its rulemaking
process. To help keep the public informed of significant rulemaking
proceedings, the Commission has prepared a list of important
proceedings now in progress. The General Services Administration
publishes the Unified Agenda in the Federal Register in the spring and
fall of each year.
The following terms may be helpful in understanding the status of
the proceedings included in this report:
Docket Number--assigned to a proceeding if the Commission has
issued either a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or a Notice of Inquiry
concerning the matter under consideration. The Commission has used
docket numbers since January 1, 1978. Docket numbers consist of the
last two digits of the calendar year in which the docket was
established plus a sequential number that begins at 1 with the first
docket initiated during a calendar year (e.g., Docket No. 15-1 or
Docket No. 17-1). The abbreviation for the responsible bureau usually
precedes the docket number, as in ``MB Docket No. 17-289,'' which
indicates that the responsible bureau is the Media Bureau. A docket
number consisting of only five digits (e.g., Docket No. 29622)
indicates that the docket was established before January 1, 1978.
Notice of Inquiry (NOI)--issued by the Commission when it is
seeking information on a broad subject or trying to generate ideas on a
given topic. A comment period is specified during which all interested
parties may submit comments.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)--issued by the Commission when
it is proposing a specific change to Commission rules and regulations.
Before any changes are actually made, interested parties may submit
written comments on the proposed revisions.
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM)--issued by the
Commission when additional comment in the proceeding is sought.
Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O)--issued by the Commission to
deny a petition for rulemaking, conclude an inquiry, modify a decision,
or address a petition for reconsideration of a decision.
Rulemaking (RM) Number--assigned to a proceeding after the
appropriate bureau or office has reviewed a petition for rulemaking,
but before the Commission has taken action on the petition.
Report and Order (R&O)--issued by the Commission to state a new or
amended rule or state that the Commission rules and regulations will
not be revised.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
Consumer and Govermental Affairs Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
288....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI14
Implementing the
Telephone Consumer
Protection Act (TCPA) of
1991 (CG Docket No. 02-
278).
289....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI15
Implementing Section 225
of the Communications Act
(Telecommunications Relay
Service) (CG Docket No.
03-123).
290....................... Consumer Information, 3060-AI61
Disclosure, and Truth in
Billing and Billing
Format (CC Docket No. 98-
170; CG Docket No. 09-
158; WC Docket No. 04-36).
291....................... Structure and Practices of 3060-AJ42
the Video Relay Service
(VRS) Program (CG Docket
No. 10-51).
292....................... Misuse of Internet 3060-AK01
Protocol (IP) Captioned
Telephone Service;
Telecommunications Relay
Services and Speech-to-
Speech Services; CG
Docket No. 13-24.
293....................... Advanced Methods to Target 3060-AK62
and Eliminate Unlawful
Robocalls (CG Docket No.
17-59).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Engineering and Technology--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
294....................... Encouraging the Provision 3060-AK80
of New Technologies and
Services to the Public
(GN Docket No. 18-22).
295....................... Spectrum Horizon (ET 3060-AK81
Docket No. 18-21).
296....................... Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz 3060-AK96
Band (ET Docket No. 19-
138).
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[[Page 52823]]
Office of Engineering and Technology--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
297....................... Federal Earth Stations-- 3060-AK09
Non-Federal Fixed
Satellite Service Space
Stations; Spectrum for
Non-Federal Space Launch
Operations; ET Docket No.
13-115.
298....................... Authorization of Radio 3060-AK10
Frequency Equipment; ET
Docket No. 13-44.
299....................... Unlicensed White Space 3060-AK46
Devices (ET Docket No. 16-
56).
300....................... Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 3060-AK82
15, 90, and 95 of the
Commission's Rules to
Permit Radar Services in
the 76-81 GHz Band (ET
Docket No. 15-26).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
301....................... International Settlements 3060-AJ77
Policy Reform (IB Docket
No. 11-80).
302....................... Update to Parts 2 and 25 3060-AK59
Concerning
NonGeostationary, Fixed-
Satellite Service
Systems, and Related
Matters: IB Docket No. I6-
408.
303....................... Amendment of Parts 2 and 3060-AK84
25 of the FCC Rules to
Facilitate the Use of
Earth Stations in Motion
Communicating With
Geostationary Orbit Space
Stations in FSS Bands: IB
Docket No. 17-95.
304....................... Further Streamlining Part 3060-AK87
25 Rules Governing
Satellite Services: IB
Docket No. 18-314.
305....................... Streamlining Licensing 3060-AK88
Procedures for Small
Satellites; IB Docket No.
18-86.
306....................... Facilitating the 3060-AK89
Communications of Earth
Stations in Motion With
Non-Geostationary Orbit
Space Stations: IB Docket
No. 18-315.
307....................... Mitigation of Orbital 3060-AK90
Debris in the New Space
Age: IB Docket No. 18-313.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Media Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
308....................... Authorizing Permissive Use 3060-AK56
of the ``Next
Generation'' Broadcast
Television Standard (GN
Docket No. 16-142).
309....................... Electronic Delivery of 3060-AK70
MVPD Communications (MB
Docket No. 17-317).
310....................... 2018 Quadrennial 3060-AK77
Regulatory Review of the
Commission's Broadcast
Ownership Rules (MB
Docket 18-349).
311....................... Children's Television 3060-AK78
Programming Rules (MB
Docket 18-202).
312....................... Amendment of Part 74 of 3060-AK79
the Commission's Rules
Regarding FM Translator
Interference (MB Docket
18-119).
313....................... Equal Employment 3060-AK86
Opportunity Enforcement
(MB Docket 19-177).
314....................... Use of Common Antenna Site 3060-AK99
(MB Docket No. 19-282).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Managing Director--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
315....................... Assessment and Collection 3060-AK64
of Regulatory Fees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
316....................... Wireless E911 Location 3060-AJ52
Accuracy Requirements: PS
Docket No. 07-114.
317....................... Improving Outage Reporting 3060-AK39
for Submarine Cables and
Enhancing Submarine Cable
Outage Data; GN Docket
No. 15-206.
318....................... Amendments to Part 4 of 3060-AK40
the Commission's Rules
Concerning Disruptions to
Communications: PS Docket
No. 15-80.
319....................... New Part 4 of the 3060-AK41
Commission's Rules
Concerning Disruptions to
Communications; ET Docket
No. 04-35.
320....................... Wireless Emergency Alerts 3060-AK54
(WEA): PS Docket No. 15-
91.
321....................... Blue Alert EAS Event Code. 3060-AK63
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
322....................... Expanding Flexible Use of 3060-AK76
the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band:
GN Docket No. 18-122.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 52824]]
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
323....................... Universal Service Reform 3060-AJ58
Mobility Fund (WT Docket
No. 10-208).
324....................... Expanding the Economic and 3060-AJ82
Innovation Opportunities
of Spectrum Through
Incentive Auctions (GN
Docket No. 12-268).
325....................... Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 3060-AJ87
22, 24, 27, 90, and 95 of
the Commission's Rules to
Improve Wireless Coverage
Through the Use of Signal
Boosters (WT Docket No.
10-4).
326....................... Amendment of the 3060-AJ88
Commission's Rules
Governing Certain
Aviation Ground Station
Equipment (Squitter) (WT
Docket Nos. 10-61 and 09-
42).
327....................... Promoting Technological 3060-AK06
Solutions to Combat
Wireless Contraband
Device Use in
Correctional Facilities;
GN Docket No. 13-111.
328....................... Promoting Investment in 3060-AK12
the 3550-3700 MHz Band;
GN Docket No. 17-258.
329....................... Use of Spectrum Bands 3060-AK44
Above 24 GHz for Mobile
Services--Spectrum
Frontiers: WT Docket 10-
112.
330....................... Transforming the 2.5 GHz 3060-AK75
Band.
331....................... Amendment of the 3060-AK92
Commission's Rules to
Promote Aviation Safety:
WT Docket No. 19-140.
332....................... Establishing the Digital 3060-AK93
Opportunity Data
Collection; WC Docket
Nos. 19-195 and 11-10.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
333....................... Service Rules for Advanced 3060-AJ86
Wireless Services of the
Middle Class Tax Relief
and Job Creation Act of
2012 Related to the 1915-
1920 MHz and 1995-2000
MHz Bands (WT Docket No.
12-357).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireline Competition Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
334....................... Numbering Resource 3060-AH80
Optimization.
335....................... Jurisdictional Separations 3060-AJ06
336....................... Development of Nationwide 3060-AJ15
Broadband Data to
Evaluate Reasonable and
Timely Deployment of
Advanced Services to All
Americans.
337....................... Local Number Portability 3060-AJ32
Porting Interval and
Validation Requirements
(WC Docket No. 07-244).
338....................... Rural Call Completion; WC 3060-AJ89
Docket No. 13-39.
339....................... Rates for Inmate Calling 3060-AK08
Services; WC Docket No.
12-375.
340....................... Comprehensive Review of 3060-AK20
the Part 32 Uniform
System of Accounts (WC
Docket No. 14-130).
341....................... Restoring Internet Freedom 3060-AK21
(WC Docket No. 17-108);
Protecting and Promoting
the Open Internet (GN
Docket No. 14-28).
342....................... Technology Transitions; GN 3060-AK32
Docket No. 13-5, WC
Docket No. 05-25;
Accelerating Wireline
Broadband Deployment by
Removing Barriers to
Infrastructure
Investment; WC Docket No.
17-84.
343....................... Implementation of the 3060-AK57
Universal Service
Portions of the 1996
Telecommunications Act.
344....................... Toll Free Assignment 3060-AK91
Modernization and Toll
Free Service Access
Codes: WC Docket No. 17-
192, CC Docket No. 95-155.
345....................... Call Authentication Trust 3060-AL00
Anchor.
346....................... Implementation of the 3060-AL01
National Suicide
Improvement Act of 2018.
347....................... Modernizing Unbundling and 3060-AL02
Resale Requirements in an
Era of Next-Generation
Networks and Services.
348....................... Deregulation and 3060-AL03
Detariffing of Retail
Access Charges.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
Long-Term Actions
288. Rules and Regulations Implementing the Telephone Consumer
Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 (CG Docket No. 02-278)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 227
Abstract: In this docket, the Commission considers rules and
policies to implement the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991
(TCPA). The TCPA places requirements on robocalls (calls using an
automatic telephone dialing system, an autodialer, a prerecorded or, an
artificial voice), telemarketing calls, and unsolicited fax
advertisements.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/08/02 67 FR 62667
FNPRM............................... 04/03/03 68 FR 16250
Order............................... 07/25/03 68 FR 44144
Order Effective..................... 08/25/03
Order on Reconsideration............ 08/25/03 68 FR 50978
Order............................... 10/14/03 68 FR 59130
FNPRM............................... 03/31/04 69 FR 16873
Order............................... 10/08/04 69 FR 60311
Order............................... 10/28/04 69 FR 62816
Order on Reconsideration............ 04/13/05 70 FR 19330
Order............................... 06/30/05 70 FR 37705
NPRM................................ 12/19/05 70 FR 75102
Public Notice....................... 04/26/06 71 FR 24634
Order............................... 05/03/06 71 FR 25967
NPRM................................ 12/14/07 72 FR 71099
Declaratory Ruling.................. 02/01/08 73 FR 6041
R&O................................. 07/14/08 73 FR 40183
Order on Reconsideration............ 10/30/08 73 FR 64556
NPRM................................ 03/22/10 75 FR 13471
R&O................................. 06/11/12 77 FR 34233
Public Notice....................... 06/30/10 75 FR 34244
[[Page 52825]]
Public Notice (Reconsideration 10/03/12 77 FR 60343
Petitions Filed).
Announcement of Effective Date...... 10/16/12 77 FR 63240
Opposition End Date................. 10/18/12
Rule Corrections.................... 11/08/12 77 FR 66935
Declaratory Ruling (release date)... 11/29/12
Declaratory Ruling (release date)... 05/09/13
Declaratory Ruling and Order........ 10/09/15 80 FR 61129
NPRM................................ 05/20/16 81 FR 31889
Declaratory Ruling.................. 07/05/16
R&O................................. 11/16/16 81 FR 80594
Declaratory Ruling.................. 12/06/19
Declaratory Ruling.................. 12/09/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kristi Thornton, Associate Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-2467, Email: kristi.thornton@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AI14
289. Rules and Regulations Implementing Section 225 of the
Communications Act (Telecommunications Relay Service) (CG Docket No.
03-123)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225
Abstract: This proceeding continues the Commission's inquiry into
improving the quality of telecommunications relay service (TRS) and
furthering the goal of functional equivalency, consistent with
Congress' mandate that TRS regulations encourage the use of existing
technology and not discourage or impair the development of new
technology. In this docket, the Commission explores ways to improve
emergency preparedness for TRS facilities and services, new TRS
technologies, public access to information and outreach, and issues
related to payments from the Interstate TRS Fund.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/25/03 68 FR 50993
R&O, Order on Reconsideration....... 09/01/04 69 FR 53346
FNPRM............................... 09/01/04 69 FR 53382
Public Notice....................... 02/17/05 70 FR 8034
Declaratory Ruling/Interpretation... 02/25/05 70 FR 9239
Public Notice....................... 03/07/05 70 FR 10930
Order............................... 03/23/05 70 FR 14568
Public Notice/Announcement of Date.. 04/06/05 70 FR 17334
Order............................... 07/01/05 70 FR 38134
Order on Reconsideration............ 08/31/05 70 FR 51643
R&O................................. 08/31/05 70 FR 51649
Order............................... 09/14/05 70 FR 54294
Order............................... 09/14/05 70 FR 54298
Public Notice....................... 10/12/05 70 FR 59346
R&O/Order on Reconsideration........ 12/23/05 70 FR 76208
Order............................... 12/28/05 70 FR 76712
Order............................... 12/29/05 70 FR 77052
NPRM................................ 02/01/06 71 FR 5221
Declaratory Ruling/Clarification.... 05/31/06 71 FR 30818
FNPRM............................... 05/31/06 71 FR 30848
FNPRM............................... 06/01/06 71 FR 31131
Declaratory Ruling/Dismissal of 06/21/06 71 FR 35553
Petition.
Clarification....................... 06/28/06 71 FR 36690
Declaratory Ruling on 07/06/06 71 FR 38268
Reconsideration.
Order on Reconsideration............ 08/16/06 71 FR 47141
MO&O................................ 08/16/06 71 FR 47145
Clarification....................... 08/23/06 71 FR 49380
FNPRM............................... 09/13/06 71 FR 54009
Final Rule; Clarification........... 02/14/07 72 FR 6960
Order............................... 03/14/07 72 FR 11789
R&O................................. 08/06/07 72 FR 43546
Public Notice....................... 08/16/07 72 FR 46060
Order............................... 11/01/07 72 FR 61813
Public Notice....................... 01/04/08 73 FR 863
R&O/Declaratory Ruling.............. 01/17/08 73 FR 3197
Order............................... 02/19/08 73 FR 9031
Order............................... 04/21/08 73 FR 21347
R&O................................. 04/21/08 73 FR 21252
Order............................... 04/23/08 73 FR 21843
Public Notice....................... 04/30/08 73 FR 23361
Order............................... 05/15/08 73 FR 28057
Declaratory Ruling.................. 07/08/08 73 FR 38928
FNPRM............................... 07/18/08 73 FR 41307
R&O................................. 07/18/08 73 FR 41286
Public Notice....................... 08/01/08 73 FR 45006
Public Notice....................... 08/05/08 73 FR 45354
Public Notice....................... 10/10/08 73 FR 60172
Order............................... 10/23/08 73 FR 63078
2nd R&O and Order on Reconsideration 12/30/08 73 FR 79683
Order............................... 05/06/09 74 FR 20892
Public Notice....................... 05/07/09 74 FR 21364
NPRM................................ 05/21/09 74 FR 23815
Public Notice....................... 05/21/09 74 FR 23859
Public Notice....................... 06/12/09 74 FR 28046
Order............................... 07/29/09 74 FR 37624
Public Notice....................... 08/07/09 74 FR 39699
Order............................... 09/18/09 74 FR 47894
Order............................... 10/26/09 74 FR 54913
Public Notice....................... 05/12/10 75 FR 26701
Order Denying Stay Motion (Release 07/09/10 .......................
Date).
Order............................... 08/13/10 75 FR 49491
Order............................... 09/03/10 75 FR 54040
NPRM................................ 11/02/10 75 FR 67333
NPRM................................ 05/02/11 76 FR 24442
Order............................... 07/25/11 76 FR 44326
Final Rule (Order).................. 09/27/11 76 FR 59551
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/22/11 76 FR 72124
Effective Date.
Proposed Rule (Public Notice)....... 02/28/12 77 FR 11997
Proposed Rule (FNPRM)............... 02/01/12 77 FR 4948
First R&O........................... 07/25/12 77 FR 43538
Public Notice....................... 10/29/12 77 FR 65526
Order on Reconsideration............ 12/26/12 77 FR 75894
Order............................... 02/05/13 78 FR 8030
Order (Interim Rule)................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8032
NPRM................................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8090
Announcement of Effective Date...... 03/07/13 78 FR 14701
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/13/13
FNPRM............................... 07/05/13 78 FR 40407
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/18/13
R&O................................. 07/05/13 78 FR 40582
R&O................................. 08/15/13 78 FR 49693
FNPRM............................... 08/15/13 78 FR 49717
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/30/13
R&O................................. 08/30/13 78 FR 53684
FNPRM............................... 09/03/13 78 FR 54201
NPRM................................ 10/23/13 78FR 63152
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/18/13
Petiton for Reconsideration; Request 12/16/13 78 FR 76096
for Comment.
Petition for Reconsideration; 12/16/13 78 FR 76097
Request for Comment.
Request for Clarification; Request 12/30/13 78 FR 79362
for Comment; Correction.
Petition for Reconsideration Comment 01/10/14
Period End.
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/21/14
Announcement of Effective Date...... 07/11/14 79 FR 40003
Announcement of Effective Date...... 08/28/14 79 FR 51446
Correction--Announcement of 08/28/14 79 FR 51450
Effective Date.
Technical Amendments................ 09/09/14 79 FR 53303
Public Notice....................... 09/15/14 79 FR 54979
R&O and Order....................... 10/21/14 79 FR 62875
FNPRM............................... 10/21/14 79 FR 62935
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/22/14
Final Action (Announcement of 10/30/14 79 FR 64515
Effective Date).
Final Rule Effective................ 10/30/14
FNPRM............................... 11/08/15 80 FR 72029
[[Page 52826]]
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/01/16
Public Notice....................... 01/20/16 81 FR 3085
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 02/16/16
R&O................................. 03/21/16 81 FR 14984
FNPRM............................... 08/24/16 81 FR 57851
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/14/16
NOI and FNPRM....................... 04/12/17 82 FR 17613
NOI and FNPRM Comment Period End.... 05/30/17
R&O................................. 04/13/17 82 FR 17754
R&O................................. 04/27/17 82 FR 19322
FNPRM............................... 04/27/17 82 FR 19347
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 07/11/17
R&O................................. 06/23/17 82 FR 28566
Public Notice....................... 07/21/17 82 FR 33856
Public Notice--Correction........... 07/25/17 82 FR 34471
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 07/31/17
Public Notice--Correction Comment 08/17/17
Period End.
R&O................................. 08/22/17 82 FR 39673
Announcement of Effective Date...... 10/17/17 82 FR 48203
Public Notice; Petition for 10/25/17 82 FR 49303
Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due Date................ 11/20/17
R&O and Declaratory Ruling.......... 06/27/18 83 FR 30082
FNPRM............................... 07/18/18 83 FR 33899
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/15/18
Public Notice....................... 08/23/18 83 FR 42630
Public Notice Opposition Period End. 09/17/18
Announcement of Effective Date...... 02/04/19 84 FR 1409
R&O................................. 03/08/19 84 FR 8457
FNPRM............................... 03/14/19 84 FR 9276
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 04/29/19
R&O................................. 06/06/19 84 FR 26364
FNPRM............................... 06/06/19 84 FR 26379
Petition for Recon Request for 06/18/19 84 FR 28264
Comment.
Petition for Recon Comment Period 07/15/19
End.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 08/05/19
R&O................................. 01/06/20 85 FR 462
R&O................................. 01/09/20 85 FR 1125
NPRM................................ 01/09/20 85 FR 1134
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/13/20
Announcement of Effective Date...... 02/19/20 85 FR 9392
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email:
eliot.greenwald@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AI15
290. Consumer Information, Disclosure, and Truth in Billing and Billing
Format (CC Docket No. 98-170; CG Docket No. 09-158; WC Docket No. 04-
36)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 258
Abstract: In these dockets, the Commission examines issues
concerning consumer confusion related to billing for telecommunications
services. It has considered and adopted rules and policies ensuring
truth-in-billing and addressing ``cramming,'' the unlawful placement of
unauthorized charges on a telephone bill.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FNPRM............................... 05/25/05 70 FR 30044
R&O................................. 05/25/05 70 FR 29979
NOI................................. 08/28/09
Public Notice....................... 05/20/10 75 FR 28249
Public Notice....................... 06/11/10 75 FR 33303
NPRM................................ 11/26/10 75 FR 72773
NPRM................................ 08/23/11 76 FR 52625
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/21/11
Order (Reply Comment Period 11/30/11 76 FR 74017
Extended).
Reply Comment Period End............ 12/05/11
R&O................................. 05/24/12 77 FR 30915
FNPRM............................... 05/24/12 77 FR 30972
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 07/09/12
Order (Comment Period Extended)..... 07/17/12 77 FR 41955
Comment Period End.................. 07/20/12
Announcement of Effective Dates..... 10/26/12 77 FR 65230
Correction of Final Rule............ 11/30/12 77 FR 71353
Correction of Final Rule............ 11/30/12 77 FR 71354
NPRM................................ 08/14/17 82 FR 37830
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/13/17
Public Notice....................... 01/13/20 85 FR 1798
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Erica McMahon, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0346, Email:
erica.mcmahon@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AI61
291. Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service (VRS) Program
(CG Docket No. 10-51)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47
U.S.C. 303(r)
Abstract: The Commission takes a fresh look at its VRS rules to
ensure that it is available to and used by the full spectrum of
eligible users, encourages innovation, and is provided efficiently to
be less susceptible to the waste, fraud, and abuse that have plagued
the program and threatened its long-term viability. The Commission also
considers the most effective and efficient way to make VRS available
and to determine what is the most fair, efficient, and transparent
cost-recovery methodology. In addition, the Commission looks at various
ways to measure the quality of VRS so as to ensure a better consumer
experience.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Declaratory Ruling.................. 05/07/10 75 FR 25255
Declaratory Ruling.................. 07/13/10 75 FR 39945
Order............................... 07/13/10 75 FR 39859
Notice of Inquiry................... 07/19/10 75 FR 41863
NPRM................................ 08/23/10 75 FR 51735
Interim Final Rule.................. 02/15/11 76 FR 8659
Public Notice....................... 03/02/11 76 R 11462
R&O................................. 05/02/11 76 FR 24393
FNPRM............................... 05/02/11 76 FR 24437
NPRM................................ 05/02/11 76 FR 24442
R&O (Correction).................... 05/27/11 76 FR 30841
Order............................... 07/25/11 76 FR 44326
2nd R&O............................. 08/05/11 76 FR 47469
Order (Interim Final Rule).......... 08/05/11 76 FR 47476
Final Rule; Announcement of 09/26/11 76 FR 59269
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Petition for 09/27/11 76 FR 59557
Reconsideration; Public Notice.
Oppositions Due Date................ 10/07/11 .......................
Final Rule; Clarification (MO&O).... 10/31/11 76 FR 67070
FNPRM............................... 10/31/11 76 FR 67118
Interim Final Rule; Announcement of 11/03/11 76 FR 68116
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/04/11 76 FR 68328
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/07/11 76 FR 68642
Effective Date.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/30/11
[[Page 52827]]
FNPRM............................... 02/01/12 77 FR 4948
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 03/19/12
Final Rule; Correction.............. 03/27/12 77 FR 18106
Correcting Amendments............... 06/07/12 77 FR 33662
Order (Release Date)................ 07/25/12
Correcting Amendments............... 10/04/12 77 FR 60630
Public Notice....................... 10/29/12 77 FR 65526
Comment Period End.................. 11/29/12
FNPRM............................... 07/05/13 78 FR 40407
R&O................................. 07/05/13 78 FR 40582
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/18/13
Public Notice....................... 09/11/13 78 FR 55696
Public Notice....................... 09/15/14 79 FR 54979
Comment Period End.................. 10/10/14
Final Action (Announcement of 10/30/14 79 FR 64515
Effective Date).
Final Rule Effective................ 10/30/14
FNPRM............................... 11/18/15 80 FR 72029
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 02/01/16
R&O................................. 03/21/16 81 FR 14984
FNPRM............................... 08/24/16 81 FR 57851
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/14/16
NOI and FNPRM....................... 04/12/17 82 FR 17613
NOI and FNPRM Comment Period End.... 05/30/17
R&O................................. 04/13/17 82 FR 17754
R&O................................. 04/27/17 82 FR 19322
FNPRM............................... 04/27/17 82 FR 19347
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 07/01/17
Order............................... 06/23/17 82 FR 28566
Public Notice....................... 07/21/17 82 FR 33856
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 07/31/17
Public Notice Correction............ 07/25/17 82 FR 34471
Public Notice Correction Comment 08/17/17
Period End.
R&O and Order....................... 08/22/17 82 FR 39673
Announcement of Effective Date...... 10/17/17 82 FR 48203
Public Notice; Petition for 10/25/17 82 FR 49303
Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due Date................ 11/20/17
R&O................................. 06/06/19 84 FR 26364
FNPRM............................... 06/06/19 84 FR 26379
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 08/05/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email:
eliot.greenwald@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ42
292. Misuse of Internet Protocol (IP) Captioned Telephone Service;
Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services; CG
Docket No. 13-24
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225
Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated
this proceeding in its effort to ensure that Internet-Protocol
Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) is provided effectively and in the
most efficient manner. In doing so, the FCC adopted rules to address
certain practices related to the provision and marketing of IP CTS, as
well as compensation of TRS providers. IP CTS is a form of relay
service designed to allow people with hearing loss to speak directly to
another party on a telephone call and to simultaneously listen to the
other party and read captions of what that party is saying over an IP-
enabled device. To ensure that IP CTS is provided efficiently to
persons who need to use this service, the Commission adopted rules
establishing several requirements and issued an FNPRM to address
additional issues.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8090
Order (Interim Rule)................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8032
Order............................... 02/05/13 78 FR 8030
Announcement of Effective Date...... 03/07/13 78 FR 14701
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/12/13
R&O................................. 08/30/13 78 FR 53684
FNPRM............................... 09/03/13 78 FR 54201
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/18/13
Petition for Reconsideration Request 12/16/13 78 FR 76097
for Comment.
Petiton for Reconsideration Comment 01/10/14
Period End.
Announcement of Effective Date...... 07/11/14 79 FR 40003
Announcement of Effective Date...... 08/28/14 79 FR 51446
Correction--Announcement of 08/28/14 79 FR 51450
Effective Date.
Technical Amendments................ 09/09/14 79 FR 53303
R&O and Declaratory Ruling.......... 06/27/18 83 FR 30082
FNPRM............................... 07/18/18 83 FR 33899
Public Notice....................... 08/23/18 83 FR 42630
Public Notice Opposition Period End. 09/17/18
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/15/18
Announcement of Effective Date...... 02/04/19 84 FR 1409
R&O................................. 03/08/19 84 FR 8457
FNPRM............................... 03/14/19 84 FR 9276
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 04/29/19
Petition for Recon Request for 06/18/19 84 FR 28264
Comment.
Petition for Recon Comment Period 07/15/19
End.
R&O................................. 01/06/20 85 FR 462
Announcement of Effective Date...... 02/19/20 85 FR 9392
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email:
eliot.greenwald@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK01
293. Advanced Methods To Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls (CG
Docket No. 17-59)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201 and 202; 47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C.
251(e)
Abstract: The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 restricts
the use of robocalls autodialed or prerecorded calls in certain
instances. In CG Docket No. 17-59, the Commission considers rules and
policies aimed at eliminating unlawful robocalling. Among the issues it
examines in this docket are whether to allow carriers to block calls
that purport to be from unallocated or unassigned phone numbers through
the use of spoofing, whether to allow carriers to block calls based on
their own analyses of which calls are likely to be unlawful and whether
to establish a database of reassigned phone numbers to help prevent
robocalls to consumers, who did not consent to such calls.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM/NOI............................ 05/17/17 82 FR 22625
2nd NOI............................. 07/13/17
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/31/17
[[Page 52828]]
FNPRM............................... 01/08/18 83 FR 770
R&O................................. 01/12/18 83 FR 1566
2nd FNPRM........................... 04/23/18 83 FR 17631
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 06/07/18
2nd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 07/09/18
2nd R&O............................. 03/26/19 84 FR 11226
3rd FNPRM........................... 06/24/19 84 FR 29478
Declaratory Ruling.................. 06/24/19 84 FR 29387
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Josh Zeldis, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0715, Email: josh.zeldis@fcc.gov.
Karen Schroeder, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-
0654, Email: karen.schroeder@fcc.gov.
Jerusha Burnett, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-
0526, Email: jerusha.burnett@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK62
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Office of Engineering and Technology
Long-Term Actions
294. Encouraging the Provision of New Technologies and Services to the
Public (GN Docket No. 18-22)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(3)
Abstract: In this proceeding, the FCC seeks to establish rules
describing guidelines and procedures to implement the stated policy
goal of section 7 to encourage the provision of new technologies and
services to the public. Although the forces of competition and
technological growth work together to enable the development and
deployment of many new technologies and services to the public, the
Commission has at times been slow to identify and take action to ensure
that important new technologies or services are made available as
quickly as possible. The Commission has sought to overcome these
impediments by streamlining many of its processes but all too often
regulatory delays can adversely impact newly proposed technologies or
services.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/04/18 83 FR 14395
Comment Period End.................. 05/04/18
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Paul Murray, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445
12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0688, Fax: 202
418-7447, Email: paul.murray@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK80
295. Spectrum Horizon (ET Docket No. 18-21)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C.
157; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303; 47
U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 332; sec. 76 of 1996 Telecom Act,
as amended, 47 U.S.C. 302 and sec. 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the FCC seeks to implement a plan to
make the spectrum above 95 GHz more readily accessible for new
innovative services and technologies. Throughout its history, when the
Commission has expanded access to what was thought to be the upper
reaches of the usable spectrum, new technological advances have emerged
to push the boundary of usable spectrum even further. The frequencies
above 95 GHz are today's spectrum horizons. The Notice sought comment
on proposed rules to permit licensed fixed point-to-point operations in
a total of 102.2 gigahertz of spectrum; on making 15.2 gigahertz of
spectrum available for unlicensed use; and on creating a new category
of experimental licenses to increase opportunities for entities to
develop new services and technologies from 95 GHz to 3 THz with no
limits on geography or technology.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/02/18 83 FR 13888
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 05/02/18
R&O................................. 06/14/19 84 FR 25685
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Ha, Deputy Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 201 418-2099, Email: michael.ha@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK81
296. Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 19-138)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 1; 47 U.S.C. 4(i); 47 U.S.C. 301; 47
U.S.C. 302; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 CFR 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes to amend its
rules for the 5.850-5.925 GHz (5.9 GHz) band. The proposal would permit
unlicensed devices to operate in the lower 45-megahertz portion of the
band at 5.850-5.895 GHz under part 15 of the Commission's rules. It
would also permit Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) operations in
the upper 30-megahertz portion of the band at 5.895-5.925 GHz under
parts 90 and 95 of the Commission's rules. ITS operations would consist
of Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) devices at 5.905-5.925 GHz,
and C-V2X and/or Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) devices at
5.895-5.905 GHz.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/06/20 85 FR 6841
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/09/20
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Howard Griboff, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445
12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0657, Fax: 202
418-2824, Email: howard.griboff@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK96
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Office of Engineering and Technology
Completed Actions
297. Federal Earth Station--Non-Federal Fixed Satellite Service Space
Stations; Spectrum for Non-Federal Space Launch Operations; ET Docket
No. 13-115
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
[[Page 52829]]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303; 47
U.S.C. 336
Abstract: The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes to make
spectrum allocation proposals for three different space-related
purposes. The Commission makes two alternative proposals to modify the
Allocation Table to provide interference protection for Fixed-Satellite
Service (FSS) and Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS) earth stations
operated by Federal agencies under authorizations granted by the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in
certain frequency bands. The Commission also proposes to amend a
footnote to the Allocation Table to permit a Federal MSS system to
operate in the 399.9 to 400.05 MHz band; it also makes alternative
proposals to modify the Allocation Table to provide access to spectrum
on an interference protected basis to Commission licensees for use
during the launch of launch vehicles (i.e., rockets). The Commission
also seeks comment broadly on the future spectrum needs of the
commercial space sector. The Commission expects that, if adopted, these
proposals would advance the commercial space industry and the important
role it will play in our Nation's economy and technological innovation
now and in the future.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/01/13 78 FR 39200
Resolution of NOI, 2nd R&O, NPRM, 12/04/19
and MO&O (release date).
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Nicholas Oros, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0636, Email: nicholas.oros@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK09
298. Authorization of Radio Frequency Equipment; ET Docket No. 13-44
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157(a);
47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303(f); 47 U.S.C. 303(g); 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47
U.S.C. 307(e); 47 U.S.C. 332
Abstract: The Commission is responsible for an equipment
authorization program for radio frequency (RF) devices under part 2 of
its rules. This program is one of the primary means that the Commission
uses to ensure that the multitude of RF devices used in the United
States operate effectively without causing harmful interference and
otherwise comply with the Commission rules. All RF devices subject to
equipment authorization must comply with the Commission's technical
requirement before they can be imported or marketed. The Commission or
a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) must approve some of these
devices before they can be imported or marketed, while others do not
require such approval. The Commission last comprehensively reviewed its
equipment authorization program more than 10 years ago. The rapid
innovation in equipment design since that time has led to ever-
accelerating growth in the number of parties applying for equipment
approval. The Commission therefore believes that the time is now right
for us to comprehensively review our equipment authorization processes
to ensure that they continue to enable this growth and innovation in
the wireless equipment market. In May 2012, the Commission began this
reform process by issuing an Order to increase the supply of available
grantee codes. With this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the
Commission continues its work to review and reform the equipment
authorization processes and rules. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
proposes certain changes to the Commission's part 2 equipment
authorization processes to ensure that they continue to operate
efficiently and effectively. In particular, it addresses the role of
TCBs in certifying RF equipment and post-market surveillance, as well
as the Commission's role in assessing TCB performance. The NPRM also
addressed the role of test laboratories in the RF equipment approval
process, including accreditation of test labs and the Commission's
recognition of laboratory accreditation bodies, and measurement
procedures used to determine RF equipment compliance. Finally, it
proposes certain modifications to the rules regarding TCBs that approve
terminal equipment under part 68 of the rules that are consistent with
our proposed modifications to the rules for TCBs that approve RF
equipment. Specifically, the Commission proposes to recognize the
National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) as the
organization that designates TCBs in the United States and to modify
the rules to reference the current International Organization for
Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC)
guides used to accredit TCBs.
This Report and Order updates the Commission's radiofrequency (RF)
equipment authorization program to build on the success realized by its
use of Commission-recognized Telecommunications Certification Bodies
(TCBs). The rules the Commission is adopting will facilitate the
continued rapid introduction of new and innovative products to the
market while ensuring that these products do not cause harmful
interference to each other or to other communications devices and
services.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/03/13 78 FR 25916
R&O................................. 06/12/15 80 FR 33425
Memorandum, Opinion & Order......... 06/29/16 81 FR 42264
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Hugh Van Tuyl, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445
12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7506, Fax: 202
418-1944, Email: hugh.vantuyl@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK10
299. Unlicensed White Space Devices (ET Docket No. 16-56)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157(a);
47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303(F); 47 U.S.C. 303(R)
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission amends part 15 subpart
H of its rules to improve the quality of the geographic location and
other data submitted for fixed white space devices operating on unused
frequencies in the TV bands and, in the future, the new 600 MHz band
for wireless services (600 MHz band). The rules are designed to improve
the integrity of the white space database system and, as white space
device deployments grow, to increase the confidence of all spectrum
users of these frequency bands that the white space geolocation/
database spectrum management scheme fully protects licensees and other
authorized users. The rules eliminate the professional installer option
for fixed white space devices and require that each fixed white space
device incorporate a geo-location capability to determine its location.
The proceeding also proposes
[[Page 52830]]
options to accommodate fixed white space device installations in
locations where an internal geo-location capability is not able to
provide this information. Further, we clarify and modify other rules
regarding fixed white space device registration to ensure the integrity
of the information provided by white space device users.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/22/16 81 FR 15210
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/16/16
R&O................................. 07/19/19 84 FR 34792
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Hugh Van Tuyl, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445
12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7506, Fax: 202
418-1944, Email: hugh.vantuyl@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK46
300. Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 15, 90, and 95 of the Commission's Rules
To Permit Radar Services in the 76-81 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 15-26)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
301; 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303(f)
Abstract: In this Report and Order, the FCC establishes a flexible
and streamlined regulatory framework for radar applications that will
operate within the 76-81 GHz band. Specifically, the FCC give vehicular
radars and certain airport-based radars protection from harmful
interference as well as a contiguous five gigahertz allocation,
facilitating the development and deployment of new safety devices.
Doing so also harmonizes FCC rules with international efforts to create
a global allocation for vehicular radars, while promoting efficient use
of spectrum by consolidating such radars into a single band. In
addition, the FCC established a comprehensive and consistent set of
rules and policies to govern the operation of vehicular radars and
certain airport-based radars in the 76-81 GHz band.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/06/15 80 FR 12120
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/06/15
R&O................................. 09/20/17 82 FR 43865
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Howard Griboff, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445
12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0657, Fax: 202
418-2824, Email: howard.griboff@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK82
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
International Bureau
Long-Term Actions
301. International Settlements Policy Reform (IB Docket No. 11-80)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 152; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 201
to 205; 47 U.S.C. 208; 47 U.S.C. 211; 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 303(r);
47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 403
Abstract: The FCC is reviewing the International Settlements Policy
(ISP). It governs the ways U.S. carriers negotiate with foreign
carriers for the exchange of international traffic and is the structure
by which the Commission has sought to respond to concerns that foreign
carriers with market power are able to take advantage of the presence
of multiple U.S. carriers serving a particular market. In 2011, the FCC
released an NPRM that proposed to further deregulate the international
telephony market and enable U.S. consumers to enjoy competitive prices
when they make calls to international destinations. First, it proposed
to remove the ISP from all international routes except Cuba. Second,
the FCC sought comment on a proposal to enable the Commission to better
protect U.S. consumers from the effects of anticompetitive conduct by
foreign carriers in instances necessitating Commission intervention. In
2012, the FCC adopted a Report and Order that eliminated the ISP on all
routes but maintained the nondiscrimination requirement of the ISP on
the U.S.-Cuba route and codified it in 47 CFR 63.22(f). In the Report
and Order, the FCC also adopted measures to protect U.S. consumers from
anticompetitive conduct by foreign carriers. In 2016, the FCC released
an FNPRM seeking comment on removing the discrimination requirement on
the U.S.-Cuba route.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/13/11 76 FR 42625
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/02/11
Report and Order.................... 02/15/13 78 FR 11109
FNPRM............................... 03/04/16 81 FR 11500
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 04/18/16
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: David Krech, Assoc. Chief, Telecommunications &
Analysis Division, Federal Communications Commission, International
Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7443,
Fax: 202 418-2824, Email: david.krech@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ77
302. Update to Parts 2 and 25 Concerning Nongeostationary, Fixed-
Satellite Service Systems, and Related Matters: IB Docket No. I6-408
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: On January 11, 2017, the Commission began a rulemaking to
update its rules and policies concerning non-geostationary-satellite
orbit (NGSO), fixed-satellite service (FSS) systems and related
matters. The proposed changes would, among other things, provide for
more flexible use of the 17.8-20.2 GHz bands for FSS, promote shared
use of spectrum among NGSO FSS satellite systems, and remove
unnecessary design restrictions on NGSO FSS systems. The Commission
subsequently adopted a Report and Order establishing new sharing
criteria among NGSO FSS systems and providing additional flexibility
for FSS spectrum use. The Commission also released a Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking proposing to remove the domestic coverage
requirement for NGSO FSS systems.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/11/17 82 FR 3258
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/10/17
FNPRM............................... 11/15/17 82 FR 52869
R&O................................. 12/18/17 82 FR 59972
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/02/18
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Clay DeCell, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
[[Page 52831]]
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0803, Email:
clay.decell@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK59
303. Amendment of Parts 2 and 25 of the FCC Rules To Facilitate the Use
of Earth Stations in Motion Communicating With Geostationary Orbit
Space Stations in FSS Bands: IB Docket No. 17-95
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157(a); 47 U.S.C. 303;
47 U.S.C. 308(b); 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: In June 2017, the Commission began a rulemaking to
streamline, consolidate, and harmonize rules governing earth stations
in motion (ESIMs) used to provide satellite-based services on ships,
airplanes and vehicles communicating with geostationary-satellite orbit
(GSO), fixed-satellite service (FSS) satellite systems. In September
2018, the Commission adopted rules governing communications of ESIMs
with GSO satellites. These rules addressed communications in the
conventional C-, Ku-, and Ka-bands, as well as portions of the extended
Ku-band. At the same time, the Commission also released a Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that sought comment on allowing ESIMs to
operate in all of the frequency bands in which earth stations at fixed
locations operating in GSO FSS satellite networks can be blanket-
licensed. Specifically, comment was sought on expanding the frequencies
available for communications of ESIMs with GSO FSS satellites to
include the following frequency bands: 10.7-10.95 GHz, 11.2-11.45 GHz,
17.8-18.3 GHz, 18.8-19.3 GHz, 19.3-19.4 GHz, 19.6-19.7 GHz (space-to-
Earth); and 28.6-29.1 GHz (Earth-to-space).
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/16/17 82 FR 27652
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/30/17
OMB-approval for Information 08/28/18
Collection of R&O Comment Period
End.
FNPRM............................... 02/22/19 84 FR 5654
R&O................................. 03/25/19 84 FR 11090
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 04/28/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Cindy Spiers, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-1593, Email: cindy.spiers@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK84
304. Further Streamlining Part 25 Rules Governing Satellite Services:
IB Docket No. 18-314
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. secs. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 161; 47 U.S.C.
303; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: Under the Commission's rules, satellite operators must
follow separate application and authorization processes for the
satellites and earth stations that make up their networks and have no
option for a single, unified network license. In this Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC proposes to create a new, optional,
unified license to include both space stations and earth stations
operating in a geostationary-satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service
(GSO FSS) satellite network. In addition, the Commission proposes to
repeal or modify unnecessarily burdensome rules in Part 25 governing
satellite services, such as annual reporting requirements. These
proposals would greatly simplify the Commission's licensing and
regulation of satellite systems.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/31/19 84 FR 638
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/18/19
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 04/16/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Clay DeCell, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0803, Email: clay.decell@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK87
305. Streamlining Licensing Procedures for Small Satellites; IB Docket
No. 18-86
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 158; 47
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 308; 47 U.S.C. 309
Abstract: On April 17, 2018, the Commission released a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to modify the Commission's part 25
satellite licensing rules to create a new category of application
specific to small satellites. The Commission sought comment on criteria
that would define this new category and proposed that applicants
meeting the criteria could take advantage of a simplified application,
faster processing, and lower fees, among other things. The proposed
streamlined licensing process was developed based on the features and
characteristics that typically distinguish small satellite operations
from other types of satellite operations, such as shorter orbital
lifetime and less intensive frequency use. The NPRM detailed this small
satellite procedure, which would serve as an optional alternative to
existing procedures for authorization of small satellites. The NPRM
also provided background information on the Commission's other
processes for licensing and authorizing small satellites, including
under the experimental (part 5) and amateur (part 97) rules, although
no changes were proposed to either of those parts. The NPRM also sought
comment on topics related to spectrum use by small satellites. The
Commission asked for comment on typical small satellite frequency use
characteristics, how to facilitate compatibility with Federal
operations, use of particular spectrum for inter-satellite links by
small satellites, and other issues related to operations by small
satellites in frequency bands. Finally, the NPRM sought comment on the
appropriate application fee that would apply to the proposed optional
part 25 streamlined process. The Commission proposed a $30,000
application fee. It noted that any changes to the annual regulatory
fees applicable to the small satellites authorized under the
streamlined process would be addressed through the separate annual
proceeding for review of regulatory fees.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/18/18 83 FR 24064
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/07/18
R&O (adopted date).................. 08/01/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Merissa Velez, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0751, Email: merissa.velez@fcc.gov.
[[Page 52832]]
RIN: 3060-AK88
306. Facilitating the Communications of Earth Stations in Motion With
Non-Geostationary Orbit Space Stations: IB Docket No. 18-315
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157(a); 47 U.S.C. 303;
47 U.S.C. 308(b); 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: In November 2018, the Commission adopted a notice of
proposed rulemaking that proposed to expand the scope of the
Commission's rules governing ESIMs operations to cover communications
with NGSO FSS satellites. Comment was sought on establishing a
regulatory framework for communications of ESIMs with NGSO FSS
satellites that would be analogous to that which exists for ESIMs
communicating with GSO FSS satellites. In this context, comment was
sought on: (1) Allowing ESIMs to communicate in many of the same
conventional Ku-band, extended Ku-band, and Ka-band frequencies that
were allowed for communications of ESIMs with GSO FSS satellites (with
the exception of the 18.6-18.8 GHz and 29.25-29.5 GHz frequency bands);
(2) extending blanket licensing to ESIMs communicating with NGSO
satellites; and (3) revisions to specific provisions in the
Commission's rules to implement these changes. The specific frequency
bands for communications of ESIMs with NGOS FSS satellites on which
comment was sought are as follows: 10.7-11.7 GHz; 11.7-12.2 GHz; 14.0-
14.5 GHz; 17.8-18.3 GHz; 18.3-18.6 GHz; 18.8-19.3 GHz; 19.3-19.4 GHz;
19.6-19.7 GHz; 19.7-20.2 GHz; 28.35-28.6 GHz; 28.6-29.1 GHz; and 29.5-
30.0 GHz.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/28/18 83 FR 67180
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/13/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Cindy Spiers, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-1593, Email: cindy.spiers@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK89
307. Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age: IB Docket No.
18-313
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 301; 47
U.S.C. 302; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 308; 47 U.S.C. 309;
47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C. 336; 47 U.S.C.
605; 47 U.S.C. 721
Abstract: The Commission's current orbital debris rules were first
adopted in 2004. Since then, significant changes have occurred in
satellite technologies and market conditions, particularly in Low Earth
Orbit, i.e., below 2000 kilometers altitude. These changes include the
increasing use of lower cost small satellites and proposals to deploy
large constellations of non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO)
systems, some involving thousands of satellites.
The NPRM proposes changes to improve disclosure of debris
mitigation plans. The NPRM also makes proposals and seeks comment
related to satellite disposal reliability and methodology, appropriate
deployment altitudes in low-Earth-orbit, and on-orbit lifetime, with a
particular focus on large NGSO satellite constellations. Other aspects
of the NPRM include new rule proposals for geostationary orbit
satellite (GSO) license term extension requests, and consideration of
disclosure requirements related to several emerging technologies and
new types of commercial operations, including rendezvous and proximity
operations.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/19/19 84 FR 4742
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/06/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Merissa Velez, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0751, Email: merissa.velez@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK90
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Media Bureau
Long-Term Actions
308. Authorizing Permissive Use of the ``Next Generation'' Broadcast
Television Standard (GN Docket No. 16-142)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47
U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 325(b); 47 U.S.C. 336; 47 U.S.C. 399(b); 47
U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C. 534; 47 U.S.C. 535
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks to authorize
television broadcasters to use the ``Next Generation'' ATSC 3.0
broadcast television transmission standard on a voluntary, market-
driven basis, while they continue to deliver current-generation digital
television broadcast service to their viewers. In the Report and Order,
the Commission adopted rules to afford broadcasters flexibility to
deploy ATSC 3.0-based transmissions, while minimizing the impact on,
and costs to, consumers and other industry stakeholders.
The FNPRM sought comment on three topics: (1) Issues related to the
local simulcasting requirement, (2) whether to let broadcasters use
vacant channels in the broadcast band, and (3) the import of the Next
Gen standard on simulcasting stations.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/10/17 82 FR 13285
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/09/17
FNPRM............................... 12/20/17 82 FR 60350
R&O................................. 02/02/18 83 FR 4998
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 02/20/18
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 03/20/18
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Evan Baranoff, Attorney, Policy Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7142, Email:
evan.baranoff@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK56
309. Electronic Delivery of MVPD Communications (MB Docket No. 17-317)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C., sec. 151
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission addresses ways to
modernize certain notice provisions in part 76 of the Commission's
rules governing multichannel video and cable television service. The
Commission considers allowing various types of written communications
from cable
[[Page 52833]]
operators to subscribers to be delivered electronically. Additionally,
the Commission considers permitting cable operators to reply to
consumer requests or complaints by email in certain circumstances. The
Commission also evaluates updating the requirement in the Commission's
rules that requires broadcast television stations to send carriage
election notices via certified mail.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/16/18 83 FR 2119
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/15/18
R&O and FNPRM....................... 08/30/19 84 FR 45703
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Lyle Elder, Attorney, Policy Division, Media
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2120, Email: lyle.elder@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK70
310. 2018 Quadrennial Regulatory Review of the Commission's Broadcast
Ownership Rules (MB Docket 18-349)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 152(a); 47 U.S.C. 154(i);
47 U.S.C. 257; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 309 and 310; 47
U.S.C. 403; sec. 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act
Abstract: Section 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996
requires the Commission to review its broadcast ownership rules every 4
years and to determine whether any such rules are necessary in the
public interest as the result of competition. The rules subject to
review in the 2018 quadrennial review are the Local Radio Ownership
Rule, the Local Television Ownership Rule, and the Dual Network Rule.
The Commission also sought comment on potential pro-diversity proposals
including extending cable procurement requirements to broadcasters,
adopting formulas aimed at creating media ownership limits that promote
diversity, and developing a model for market-based, tradeable diversity
credits to serve as an alternative method for setting ownership limits.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/28/19 84 FR 6741
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brendan Holland, Chief, Industry Analysis Division,
Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2486, Email:
brendan.holland@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK77
311. Children's Television Programming Rules (MB Docket 18-202)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 303b; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47
U.S.C. 336
Abstract: The Children's Television Act (CTA) of 1990 requires that
the Commission consider, in its review of television license renewals,
the extent to which the licensee has served the educational and
informational needs of children through its overall programming,
including programming specifically designed to serve such needs. The
Commission adopted rules implementing the CTA in 1991 and revised these
rules in 1996, 2004, and 2006. In this proceeding, the Commission
proposes to revise the children's television programming rules to
modify outdated requirements and to give broadcasters greater
flexibility in serving the educational and informational needs of
children.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/25/18 83 FR 35158
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/28/18
R&O................................. 08/16/19 84 FR 41947
FNPRM............................... 08/16/19 84 FR 41949
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/16/19
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 10/15/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kathy Berthot, Attorney, Policy Division Media
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7454, Email:
kathy.berthot@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK78
312. Amendment of Part 74 of the Commission's Rules Regarding FM
Translator Interference (MB Docket 18-119)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 154(j); 47
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47
U.S.C. 319
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes to streamline
the rules relating to interference caused by FM translators and
expedite the translator complaint resolution process. The rule changes
are intended to limit or avoid protracted and contentious interference
resolution disputes, provide translator licensees both additional
flexibility to remediate interference and additional investment
certainty, and allow earlier and expedited resolution of interference
complaints by affected stations.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/06/18 83 FR 26229
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/06/18
R&O................................. 06/14/19 84 FR 27734
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Christine Goepp, Attorney, Audio Div., Media
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7834, Email:
christine.geopp@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK79
313. Equal Employment Opportunity Enforcement (MB Docket 19-177)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j);
47 U.S.C. 334; 47 U.S.C. 554
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks comment on ways
in which it can make improvements to equal employment opportunity (EEO)
compliance and enforcement.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/22/19 84 FR 35063
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Radhika Karmarker, Attorney Advisor, IAD, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
[[Page 52834]]
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1523, Email:
radhika.karmarkar@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK86
314. Use of Common Antenna Site (MB Docket No. 19-282)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j);
47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 309
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks comment on
whether the common antenna siting rules for FM and TV broadcaster
applicants and licensees are necessary given the current broadcasting
marketplace.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
R&O................................. 08/16/19 84 FR 41947
FNPRM............................... 11/06/19 84 FR 59756
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/06/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kim Matthews, Attorney, Policy Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2154, Fax: 202 418-2053, Email:
kim.matthews@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK99
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Office of Managing Director
Long-Term Actions
315. Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 159
Abstract: Section 9 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended
(47 U.S.C. 159), requires the Federal Communications Commission to
recover the cost of its activities by assessing and collecting annual
regulatory fees from beneficiaries of the activities.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/06/17 82 FR 26019
R&O................................. 09/22/17 82 FR 44322
NPRM................................ 06/14/18 83 FR 27846
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/21/18
R&O................................. 09/18/18 83 FR 47079
NPRM................................ 06/05/19 84 FR 26234
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/07/19
R&O................................. 09/26/19 84 FR 50890
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roland Helvajian, Office of the Managing Director,
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-0444, Email: roland.helvajian@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK64
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
Long-Term Actions
316. Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Requirements: PS Docket No. 07-114
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 332
Abstract: This rulemaking is related to the proceedings in which
the FCC previously acted to improve the quality of all emergency
services. Wireless carriers must provide specific automatic location
information in connection with 911 emergency calls to Public Safety
Answering Points (PSAPs). Wireless licensees must satisfy enhanced 911
location accuracy standards at either a county-based or a PSAP-based
geographic level.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/20/07 72 FR 33948
R&O................................. 02/14/08 73 FR 8617
Public Notice....................... 09/25/08 73 FR 55473
FNPRM; NOI.......................... 11/02/10 75 FR 67321
Public Notice....................... 11/18/09 74 FR 59539
2nd R&O............................. 11/18/10 75 FR 70604
Second NPRM......................... 08/04/11 76 FR 47114
Second NPRM Comment Period End...... 11/02/11
Final Rule.......................... 04/28/11 76 FR 23713
NPRM, 3rd R&O, and 2nd FNPRM........ 09/28/11 76 FR 59916
3rd FNPRM........................... 03/28/14 79 FR 17820
Order Extending Comment Period...... 06/10/14 79 FR 33163
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 07/14/14
Public Notice (Release Date)........ 11/20/14
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 12/17/14
4th R&O............................. 03/04/15 80 FR 11806
Final Rule.......................... 08/03/15 80 FR 45897
Order Granting Waiver............... 07/10/17
NPRM................................ 09/26/18 83 FR 54180
4th NPRM............................ 03/18/19 84 FR 13211
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brenda Boykin, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2062, Email:
brenda.boykin@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ52
317. Improving Outage Reporting for Submarine Cables and Enhancing
Submarine Cable Outage Data; GN Docket No. 15-206
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 34 to 39;
47 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: This proceeding takes steps toward assuring the
reliability and resiliency of submarine cables, a critical piece of the
Nation's communications infrastructure, by proposing to require
submarine cable licensees to report to the Commission when outages
occur and communications are disrupted. The Commission's intent is to
enhance national security and emergency preparedness by these actions.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM (Release Date)................. 09/18/15
R&O................................. 06/24/16 81 FR 52354
Petitions for Recon................. 09/08/16
Petitions for Recon--Public Comment. 10/17/16 81 FR 75368
Order on Recon...................... 12/20/19
Order on Recon...................... 12/20/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brenda Villanueva, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety
and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445
12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7005, Email:
brenda.villanueva@fcc.gov.
[[Page 52835]]
RIN: 3060-AK39
318. Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning
Disruptions to Communications: PS Docket No. 15-80
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: Sec. 1, 4(i), 4(j), 4(o), 251(e)(3), 254, 301,
303(b), 303(g), 303(r), 307, 309(a), 309(j); 316, 332, 403, 615a-1, and
615c of Pub. L. 73-416, 4 Stat. 1064, as amended; and section 706 of
Pub. L. 104-104, 110 Stat. 56; 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i)-(j) & (o),
251(e)(3), 254, 301, 303(b), 303(g), 303(r), 307; 309(a), 309(j), 316,
332, 403, 615a-1, 615c, and 1302, unless otherwise noted
Abstract: The 2004 Report and Order (R&O) extended the Commission's
communication disruptions reporting rules to non-wireline carriers and
streamlined reporting through a new electronic template (see docket ET
Docket 04-35). In 2015, this proceeding, PS Docket 15-80, was opened to
amend the original communications disruption reporting rules from 2004
in order to reflect technology transitions observed throughout the
telecommunications sector. The Commission seeks to further study the
possibility to share the reporting database information and access with
State and other Federal entities. In May 2016, the Commission released
a Report and Order, FNPRM, and Order on Reconsideration (see also
Dockets 11-82 and 04-35). The R&O adopted rules to update the part 4
requirements to reflect technology transitions. The FNPRM sought
comment on sharing information in the reporting database. Comments and
replies were received by the Commission in August and September 2016.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM, 2nd R&O, Order on Recon....... 06/16/15 80 FR 34321
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/31/15
R&O................................. 07/12/16 81 FR 45055
FNPRM, 1 Part 4 R&O, Order on Recon. 08/11/16 81 FR 45059
Order Denying Reply Comment Deadline 09/08/16
Extension Request.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/12/16
Announcement of Effective Date for 06/22/17 82 FR 28410
Rule Changes in R&O.
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robert Finley, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7835, Email:
robert.finley@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK40
319. New Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to
Communications; ET Docket No. 04-35
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154 and 155; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C.
251; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: The proceeding creates a new part 4 in title 47 and
amends part 63.100. The proceeding updates the Commission's
communication disruptions reporting rules for wireline providers
formerly in 47 CFR 63.100 and extends these rules to other non-wireline
providers. Through this proceeding, the Commission streamlines the
reporting process through an electronic template. The Report and Order
received several petitions for reconsideration, of which two were
eventually withdrawn. In 2015, seven were addressed in an Order on
Reconsideration and in 2016 another petition was addressed in an Order
on Reconsideration. One petition (CPUC Petition) remains pending
regarding NORS database sharing with States, which is addressed in a
separate proceeding, PS Docket 15-80. To the extent the communication
disruption rules cover VoIP, the Commission studies and addresses these
questions in a separate docket, PS Docket 11-82.
In May 2016, the Commission released a Report and Order, FNPRM, and
Order on Reconsideration (see Dockets 11-82 and 15-80). The Order on
Reconsideration addressed outage reporting for events at airports, and
the FNPRM sought comment on database sharing. The Commission received
comments and replies in August and September 2016.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/26/04 69 FR 15761
R&O................................. 11/26/04 69 FR 68859
Denial for Petition for Partial Stay 12/02/04
Seek Comment on Petition for Recon.. 02/02/10
Reply Period End.................... 03/19/10
Seek Comment on Broadband and 07/02/10
Interconnected VOIP Service
Providers.
Reply Period End.................... 08/16/12
2nd R&O, and Order on Recon, NPRM... 06/16/15 80 FR 34321
R&O................................. 07/12/16 81 FR 45055
FNPRM, 1 Part 4 R&O, Order on Recon. 08/11/16 81 FR 45095, 81 FR
45055
Order Denying Extension of Time to 09/08/16
File Reply Comments.
Announcement of Effective Date for 06/22/17 82 FR 28410
Rule Changes in R&O.
-----------------------------------
Second Further Notice of Proposed To Be Determined
Rulemaking.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robert Finley, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7835, Email:
robert.finley@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK41
320. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): PS Docket No. 15-91
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 109-347, title VI; 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i)
Abstract: This proceeding was initiated to improve Wireless
Emergency Alerts (WEA) messaging, ensure that WEA alerts reach only
those individuals to whom they are relevant, and establish an end-to-
end testing program based on advancements in technology.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/19/15 80 FR 77289
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/13/16
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 02/12/16
Order............................... 11/01/16 81 FR 75710
FNPRM............................... 11/08/16 81 FR 78539
Comment Period End.................. 12/08/16
Petition for Recon.................. 12/19/16 81 FR 91899
Order on Recon...................... 12/04/17 82 FR 57158
[[Page 52836]]
2nd R&O and 2nd Order on Recon...... 02/28/18 83 FR 8619
Public Notice....................... 04/26/18 83 FR 18257
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 05/29/18
Public Notice Reply Comment Period 06/11/18
End.
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Wiley, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1678, Email:
james.wiley@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK54
321. Blue Alert EAS Event Code
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and
154(o); 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303(r) and (v); 47 U.S.C. 307; 47
U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 335; 47 U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C.544(g); 47 U.S.C.
606 and 615
Abstract: In 2015, Congress adopted the Blue Alert Act to help the
States provide effective alerts to the public and law enforcement when
police and other law enforcement officers are killed or are in danger.
To ensure that these State plans are compatible and integrated
throughout the United States as envisioned by the Blue Alert Act, the
Blue Alert Coordinator made a series of recommendations in a 2016
Report to Congress. Among these recommendations, the Blue Alert
Coordinator identified the need for a dedicated EAS event code for Blue
Alerts, and noted the alignment of the EAS with the implementation of
the Blue Alert Act. On June 22, 2017, the FCC released an NPRM
proposing to revise the EAS rules to adopt a new event code, which
would allow transmission of Blue Alerts to the public over the EAS and
thus satisfy the stated need for a dedicated EAS event code. On
December 14, 2017, the Commission released an Order adopting a new Blue
Alert EAS Code-BLU. EAS participants must be able to implement the BLU
code by January 19, 2019. BLU alerts must be available to wireless
emergency alerts by July, 2019.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/30/17 82 FR 29811
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/31/17
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 08/29/17
Order............................... 12/14/18 83 FR 2557
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Linda Pintro, Attorney Advisor, Policy and
Licensing Division, PSHSB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 21043, Phone: 202 418-7490, Email:
linda.pintro@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK63
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Final Rule Stage
322. Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band: GN Docket No.
18-122
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 153; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C
157; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 301 to 304; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 310; 47
U.S.C. 1302; . . .
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission is pursuing the joint
goals of making spectrum available for new wireless uses, while
balancing desired speed to the market, efficiency of use, and
effectively accommodating incumbent Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) and
Fixed Service (FS) operations in the band. To gain a clearer
understanding of the operations of current users in the band, the
Commission collects information on current FSS uses. The Commission
then seeks comment on various proposals for transitioning all or part
of the band for flexible use, terrestrial mobile spectrum, with
clearing for flexible use beginning at 3.7 GHz and moving higher up in
the band as more spectrum is cleared. The Commission also seeks comment
on potential changes to the Commission's rules to promote more
efficient and intensive fixed use of the band on a shared basis
starting in the top segment of the band and moving down the band. To
add a mobile, except aeronautical mobile, allocation and to develop
rules that would enable the band to be transitioned for more intensive
fixed and flexible uses, the Commission encourages commenters to
discuss and quantify the costs and benefits associated with any
proposed approach along with other helpful technical or procedural
details.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/29/18 83 FR 44128
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/27/18
Public Notice....................... 05/20/19 84 FR 22733
Certifications and Data Filing 05/28/19
Deadline.
Public Notice....................... 06/03/19 84 FR 22514
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 07/03/19
Public Notice Reply Comment Period 07/18/19
End.
R&O................................. 06/00/20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Peter Daronco, Deputy Division Chief, Broadband
Division, Federal Communications Commission, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-7235, Email: peter.daronco@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK76
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Long-Term Actions
323. Universal Service Reform Mobility Fund (WT Docket No. 10-208)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 155; 47
U.S.C. 160; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 205; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 254;
47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 303(c); 47 U.S.C. 303(f); 47
U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 303(y); 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 310
Abstract: This proceeding establishes the Mobility Fund, which the
Commission is implementing in two phases. Mobility Fund Phase I
consisted of two reverse auctions that provided initial infusions of
funds toward solving persistent gaps in mobile services through
targeted, one-time support for the build-out of current and next-
generation wireless infrastructure in areas where these services are
unavailable. The Mobility Fund Phase II (MF-II) reverse auction aims to
provide support funds over a 10-year term to support build-out of
current and next-generation wireless infrastructure in areas where
unsubsidized services are
[[Page 52837]]
unavailable. MF-II began with a one-time collection of existing
wireless broadband coverage data from current providers to determine
the areas in which qualified service has been deployed, which data was
used to create a map of areas presumptively eligible for MF-II support.
Entities could challenge asserted unsubsidized 4G LTE coverage through
the Mobility Fund Phase II challenge process, and providers may file
response data countering challenges. The results of the challenge
process will determine the final list of areas eligible for funding
through the MF-II auction.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/14/10 75 FR 67060
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/18/11
R&O................................. 11/29/11 76 FR 73830
FNPRM............................... 12/16/11 76 FR 78384
R&O................................. 12/28/11 76 FR 81562
2nd R&O............................. 07/03/12 77 FR 39435
4th Order on Recon.................. 08/14/12 77 FR 48453
FNPRM............................... 07/09/14 79 FR 39196
R&O, Declaratory Ruling, Order, 07/09/14 79 FR 39163
MO&O, and 7th Order on Recon.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/08/14
R&O................................. 10/07/16 81 FR 69696
FNPRM............................... 10/07/16 81 FR 69772
FNPRM............................... 03/13/17 82 FR 13413
R&O................................. 03/28/17 82 FR 15422
R&O Correction...................... 04/04/17 82 FR 16297
Order on Recon and 2nd R&O.......... 09/08/17 82 FR 42473
2nd Order on Recon.................. 04/25/18 83 FR 17934
Order and MO&O...................... 08/30/18 83 FR 44241
NPRM................................ 08/30/18 83 FR 44254
3rd R&O............................. 03/06/19 84 FR 8003
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Audra Hale-Maddox, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-2109, Email: audra.hale-maddox@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ58
324. Expanding the Economic and Innovation Opportunities of Spectrum
Through Incentive Auctions (GN Docket No. 12-268)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(G); 47 U.S.C. 1452
Abstract: In February 2012, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job
Creation Act was enacted (Pub. L. 112-96, 126 Stat. 156 (2012)). Title
VI of that statute, commonly known as the Spectrum Act, provides the
Commission with the authority to conduct incentive auctions to meet the
growing demand for wireless broadband. Pursuant to the Spectrum Act,
the Commission may conduct incentive auctions that will offer new
initial spectrum licenses subject to flexible-use service rules on
spectrum made available by licensees that voluntarily relinquish some
or all of their spectrum usage rights in exchange for a portion, based
on the value of the relinquished rights as determined by an auction, of
the proceeds of bidding for the new licenses. In addition to granting
the Commission general authority to conduct incentive auctions, the
Spectrum Act requires the Commission to conduct an incentive auction of
broadcast TV spectrum and sets forth special requirements for such an
auction.
The Spectrum Act requires that the BIA consist of a reverse auction
``to determine the amount of compensation that each broadcast
television licensee would accept in return for voluntarily
relinquishing some or all of its spectrum usage rights'' and a forward
auction of licenses in the reallocated spectrum for flexible-use
services, including mobile broadband. Broadcast television licensees
who elected to voluntarily participate in the auction had three bidding
options: Go off-the-air, share spectrum with another broadcast
television licensee, or move channels to the upper or lower VHS band in
exchange for receiving part of the proceeds from auctioning that
spectrum to wireless providers. The Spectrum Act also authorized the
Commission to reorganize the 600 MHz band following the BIA including,
as necessary, reassigning full power and Class A television stations to
new channels in order to clear the spectrum sold in the BIA. That post-
auction reorganization (known as the repack) is currently underway and
all of the stations who were assigned new channels are scheduled to
have vacated their pre-auction channels by July 3, 2020, pursuant to a
10-phase transition schedule adopted by the Commission.
In May 2014, the Commission adopted a Report and Order that laid
out the general framework for the BIA. The auction started on March 29,
2016, with the submission of initial commitments by eligible broadcast
licensees. The BIA ended on April 13, 2017, with the release of the
Auction Closing and Channel Reassignment Public Notice that also marked
the start of the 39-month transition period during which 987 of the
full power and Class A television stations remaining on-the-air will
transition their stations to their post-auction channel assignments in
the reorganized television band. Pursuant to the Spectrum Act, the
Commission will reimburse 957 of those full power and Class A stations
for the reasonable costs associated with relocating to their post-
auction channel assignments and will reimburse multichannel video
programming distributors for their costs associated with continuing to
carry the signals of those stations.
In March 2018, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 115-
141, at Div. E, Title V, 511, 132 Stat. 348 (2018), codified at 47
U.S.C. 1452(j)-(n)) (the Reimbursement Expansion Act or REA), extended
the deadline for reimbursement of eligible entities from April 2020 to
no later than July 3, 2023, and also expanded the universe of entities
eligible for reimbursement to include low-power television stations and
TV translator stations displaced by the BIA for their reasonably
incurred costs to relocate to a new channel, and FM broadcast stations
for their reasonably incurred costs for facilities necessary to
reasonably minimize disruption of service as a result of the post-
auction reorganization of the television band. On March 15, 2019, the
Commission adopted a Report and Order setting rules for the
reimbursement of eligible costs to those newly eligible entities.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/21/12 77 FR 69933
R&O................................. 08/15/14 79 FR 48441
Final Rule.......................... 10/11/17 82 FR 47155
NPRM................................ 08/27/18 83 FR 43613
R&O................................. 03/26/19 84 FR 11233
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jean L. Kiddoo, Chair, Incentive Auction Task
Force, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7757, Email: jean.kiddoo@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ82
325. Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 22, 24, 27, 90, and 95 of the
Commission's Rules To Improve Wireless Coverage Through the Use of
Signal Boosters (WT Docket No. 10-4)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 79; 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47
U.S.C. 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 155; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47
[[Page 52838]]
U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C. 303(r)
Abstract: This action adopts new technical, operational, and
registration requirements for signal boosters. It creates two classes
of signal boosters--consumer and industrial--with distinct regulatory
requirements for each, thereby establishing a two-step transition
process for equipment certification for both consumer and industrial
signal boosters sold and marketed in the United States.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/10/11 76 FR 26983
R&O................................. 04/11/13 78 FR 21555
Petition for Reconsideration........ 06/06/13 78 FR 34015
Order on Reconsideration............ 11/08/14 79 FR 70790
FNPRM............................... 11/28/14 79 FR 70837
2nd R&O and 2nd FNPRM............... 03/23/18 83 FR 17131
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Amanda Huetinck, Attorney Advisor, WTB, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-7090, Email: amanda.huetinck@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ87
326. Amendment of the Commission's Rules Governing Certain Aviation
Ground Station Equipment (Squitter) (WT Docket Nos. 10-61 and 09-42)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 48 Stat. 1066, 1082 as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47
U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307(e); 47 U.S.C. 151 to 156; 47 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: This action amends part 87 rules to authorize new ground
station technologies to promote safety and allow use of frequency 1090
MHz by aeronautical utility mobile stations for airport surface
detection equipment (commonly referred to as ``squitters'') to help
reduce collisions between aircraft and airport ground vehicles.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/28/10 75 FR 22352
R&O................................. 03/01/13 78 FR 61023
NPRM (release date)................. 06/07/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Tim Maguire, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-2155, Fax: 202 418-7247, Email: tim.maguire@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ88
327. Promoting Technological Solutions To Combat Wireless Contraband
Device Use in Correctional Facilities; GN Docket No. 13-111
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
154(j); 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303(a); 47 U.S.C. 303(b); 47 U.S.C.
307 to 310; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C. 302(a)
Abstract: In the Report and Order, the Commission addresses the
problem of illegal use of contraband wireless devices by inmates in
correctional facilities by streamlining the process of deploying
contraband wireless device interdiction systems (CIS)--systems that use
radio communications signals requiring Commission authorization--in
correctional facilities. In particular, the Commission eliminates
certain filing requirements and provides for immediate approval of the
lease applications needed to operate these systems.
In the Further Notice, the Commission seeks comment on a process
for wireless providers to disable contraband wireless devices once they
have been identified. The Commission also seeks comment on additional
methods and technologies that might prove successful in combating
contraband device use in correctional facilities, and on various other
proposals related to the authorization process for CISs and their
deployment.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/18/13 78 FR 36469
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/08/13
FNPRM............................... 05/18/17 82 FR 22780
R&O................................. 05/18/17 82 FR 22742
Final Rule Effective (Except for 06/19/17
Rules Requiring OMB Approval).
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 07/17/17
Final Rule Effective for 47 CFR 10/20/17 82 FR 48773
1.9020(n), 1.9030(m), 1.9035(o),
and 20.23(a).
Final Rule Effective for 47 CFR 02/12/18
1.902(d)(8), 1.9035(d)(4),
20.18(a), and 20.18(r).
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Melissa Conway, Attorney Advisor, Mobility Div.,
Wireless Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2887, Email:
melissa.conway@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK06
328. Promoting Investment in the 3550-3700 MHz Band; GN Docket No. 17-
258
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
154(j); 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303 and 304; 47 U.S.C. 307(e); 47
U.S.C. 316
Abstract: The Report and Order and Second Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission established a new
Citizens Broadband Radio Service for shared wireless broadband use of
the 3550 to 3700 MHz band. The Citizens Broadband Radio Service is
governed by a three-tiered spectrum authorization framework to
accommodate a variety of commercial uses on a shared basis with
incumbent Federal and non-Federal users of the band. Access and
operations will be managed by a dynamic spectrum access system. The
three tiers are: Incumbent Access, Priority Access, and General
Authorized Access. Rules governing the Citizens Broadband Radio Service
are found in part 96 of the Commission's rules.
The Order on Reconsideration and Second Report and Order addressed
several Petitions for Reconsideration submitted in response to the
Report and Order and resolved the outstanding issues raised in the
Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
The 2017 NPRM sought comment on limited changes to the rules
governing Priority Access Licenses in the band, adjacent channel
emissions limits, and public release of base station registration
information.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/08/13 78 FR 1188
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/19/13
[[Page 52839]]
FNPRM............................... 06/02/14 79 FR 31247
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 08/15/14
R&O and 2nd FNPRM................... 06/15/15 80 FR 34119
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 08/14/15
Order on Recon and 2nd R&O.......... 07/26/16 81 FR 49023
NPRM................................ 11/28/17 82 FR 56193
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/29/18
R&O................................. 12/07/18 83 FR 6306
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Paul Powell, Assistant Chief, Mobility Division,
WTB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1613, Email: paul.powell@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK12
329. Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Services--Spectrum
Frontiers: WT Docket 10-112
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C.
160; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C. 301 and
302; 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303 and 304; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C.
309 and 310; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47 U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C.
336; 47 U.S.C. 1302
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission adopted service rules
for licensing of mobile and other uses for millimeter wave (mmW) bands.
These high frequencies previously have been best suited for satellite
or fixed microwave applications; however, recent technological
breakthroughs have newly enabled advanced mobile services in these
bands, notably including very high speed and low latency services. This
action will help facilitate Fifth Generation mobile services and other
mobile services. In developing service rules for mmW bands, the
Commission will facilitate access to spectrum, develop a flexible
spectrum policy, and encourage wireless innovation.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/13/16 81 FR 1802
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/26/16
FNPRM............................... 08/24/16 81 FR 58269
Comment Period End.................. 09/30/16
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 10/31/16
R&O................................. 11/14/16 81 FR 79894
R&O................................. 01/02/18 83 FR 37
FNPRM............................... 01/02/18 83 FR 85
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/23/18
R&O................................. 07/20/18 83 FR 34478
FNPRM............................... 07/20/18 83 FR 34520
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/28/18
R&O................................. 02/05/19 84 FR 1618
R&O................................. 05/01/19 84 FR 18405
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Schauble, Deputy Chief, Broadband Division,
Federal Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0797, Email:
john.schauble@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK44
330. Transforming the 2.5 GHz Band
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 153; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
157; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 301 and 302; 47 U.S.C. 304; 47 U.S.C. 307
to 310; 47 U.S.C. 1302
Abstract: The 2.5 GHz band (2496-2690 MHz) constitutes the single
largest band of contiguous spectrum below 3 GHz and has been identified
as prime spectrum for next generation mobile operations, including 5G
uses. Significant portions of this band, however, currently lie fallow
across approximately one-half of the United States, primarily in rural
areas. Moreover, access to the Educational Broadband Service (EBS) has
been strictly limited since 1995, and current licensees are subject to
a regulatory regime largely unchanged from the days when educational TV
was the only use envisioned for this spectrum. The Commission proposes
to allow more efficient and effective use of this spectrum band by
providing greater flexibility to current EBS licensees as well as
providing new opportunities for additional entities to obtain unused
2.5 GHz spectrum to facilitate improved access to next generation
wireless broadband, including 5G. The Commission also seeks comment on
additional approaches for transforming the 2.5 GHz band, including by
moving directly to an auction for some or all of the spectrum.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/07/18 83 FR 26396
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 06/21/18 83 FR 31515
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/07/18
Final Rule.......................... 10/25/19 84 FR 57343
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Schauble, Deputy Chief, Broadband Division,
Federal Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0797, Email:
john.schauble@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK75
331. Amendment of the Commission's Rules To Promote Aviation Safety: WT
Docket No. 19-140
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 303; 307(e)
Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission regulates the
Aviation Radio Service, a family of services using dedicated spectrum
to enhance the safety of aircraft in flight, facilitate the efficient
movement of aircraft both in the air and on the ground, and otherwise
ensure the reliability and effectiveness of aviation communications.
Recent technological advances have prompted the Commission to open this
new rulemaking proceeding to ensure the timely deployment and use of
today's state-of-the-art safety-enhancing technologies. With this
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposes changes to its
part 87 Aviation Radio Service rules to support the deployment of more
advanced avionics technology, increase the efficient use of limited
spectrum resources, and generally improve aviation safety.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/02/19 84 FR 31542
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/03/19
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 09/30/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jeff Tobias, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireless
[[Page 52840]]
Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-1617, Email: jeff.tobias@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK92
332. Establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection; WC
Docket Nos. 19-195 and 11-10
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 35 to 39; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 211;
47 U.S.C. 219; 47 U.S.C. 220; 47 U.S.C. 402(b)2(B); Pub. L. 104-104; .
. .
Abstract: In the Report and Order, the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC), moving to better identify gaps in broadband coverage
across the nation, initiated a new process for collecting fixed
broadband data to better pinpoint where broadband service is lacking.
The Report and Order concluded that there is a compelling and immediate
need to develop more granular broadband deployment data to meet this
goal and, accordingly, created the new Digital Opportunity Data
Collection.
The Digital Opportunity Data Collection will collect geospatial
broadband coverage maps from fixed broadband internet service providers
of areas where they make fixed service available. This geospatial data
will facilitate development of granular, high-quality fixed broadband
deployment maps, which should improve the FCC's ability to target
support for broadband expansion through the agency's Universal Service
Fund programs. The Report and Order also adopts a process to collect
public input on the accuracy of service providers' broadband maps,
facilitated by a crowd-sourcing portal that will gather input from
consumers as well as from state, local, and Tribal governments.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/03/17 82 FR 40118
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/25/17
Final Action........................ 08/01/19 84 FR 43705
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Ray, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-
0357, Email: michael.ray@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK93
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Completed Actions
333. Service Rules for Advanced Wireless Services of the Middle Class
Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 Related to the 1915-1920 MHz
and 1995-2000 MHz Bands (WT Docket No. 12-357)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 301 to 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 310
Abstract: The Commission proposes rules for the Advanced Wireless
Services (AWS) H Block that would make available 10 megahertz of
flexible use. The proposal would extend the widely deployed Personal
Communications Services (PCS) band, which is used by the four national
providers as well as regional and rural providers to offer mobile
service across the Nation. The additional spectrum for mobile use will
help ensure that the speed, capacity, and ubiquity of the Nation's
wireless networks keeps pace with the skyrocketing demand for mobile
services.
Today's action is a first step to implement the congressional
directive in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012
(Spectrum Act) to grant new initial licenses for the 1915-1920 MHz and
1995-2000 MHz bands (the Lower H Block and Upper H Block, respectively)
through a system of competitive bidding--unless doing so would cause
harmful interference to commercial mobile service licenses in the 1930-
1985 MHz (PCS downlink) band. The potential for harmful interference to
the PCS downlink band relates only to the Lower H Block transmissions,
and may be addressed by appropriate technical rules, including reduced
power limits on H Block devices. We, therefore, propose to pair and
license the Lower H Block and the Upper H Block for flexible use,
including mobile broadband, aiming to assign the licenses through
competitive bidding in 2013. In the event that we conclude that the
Lower H Block cannot be used without causing harmful interference to
PCS, we propose to license the Upper H Block for full power, and seek
comment on appropriate use for the Lower H Block, including Unlicensed
PCS.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/08/13 78 FR 1166
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/06/13
R&O................................. 08/16/13 78 FR 50213
Order on Recon...................... 06/06/19 84 FR 26363
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Peter Daronco, Deputy Division Chief, Broadband
Division, Federal Communications Commission, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-7235, Email: peter.daronco@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ86
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Wireline Competition Bureau
Long-Term Actions
334. Numbering Resource Optimization
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 201 et
seq.; 47 U.S.C. 251(e)
Abstract: To slow the rate of numbering exhaust in the U.S. and
prolong the life of the North American Numbering Plan, this proceeding
considers and implements a number of strategies to ensure that
telephone numbers are used efficiently, and that all carriers have the
numbering resources they need to compete in the rapidly expanding
telecommunications marketplace.
In 1999, the Commission released the Numbering Resource
Optimization Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) in CC Docket 99-
200. The Notice examined and sought comment on several administrative
and technical measures aimed at improving the efficiency with which
telecommunications numbering resources are used and allocated. It
incorporated input from the North American Numbering Council (NANC), a
Federal advisory committee, which advises the Commission on issues
related to number administration.
In the Numbering Resource Optimization First Report and Order and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NRO First Report and Order),
released on March 31, 2000, the Commission adopted a mandatory
utilization data reporting requirement, a uniform set of categories of
numbers for which carriers must report their utilization, and a
utilization threshold framework to increase carrier
[[Page 52841]]
accountability and incentives to use numbers efficiently. In addition,
the Commission adopted a single system for allocating numbers in blocks
of 1,000, rather than 10,000, wherever possible, and established a plan
for national rollout of thousands-block number pooling. The Commission
also adopted numbering resource reclamation requirements to ensure that
unused numbers are returned to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP)
inventory for assignment to other carriers. Also, to encourage better
management of numbering resources, carriers are required, to the extent
possible, to first assign numbering resources within thousands blocks
(a form of sequential numbering).
In the NRO Second Report and Order, the Commission adopted a
measure that requires all carriers to use at least 60 percent of their
numbering resources before they may get additional numbers in a
particular area. That 60 percent utilization threshold increases to 75
percent over the next three years. The Commission also established a 5-
year term for the national pooling administrator and an auditing
program to verify carrier compliance with the Commission's rules.
Furthermore, the Commission declined to amend the existing Federal
rules for area code relief or specify any new Federal guidelines for
the implementation of area code relief. The Commission also declined to
state a preference for either all-services overlays or geographic
splits as a method of area code relief. Regarding mandatory nationwide
10-digit dialing, the Commission declined to adopt this measure at the
present time. Furthermore, the Commission declined to mandate
nationwide expansion of the ``D digit'' (the ``N'' of an NXX or central
office code) to include zero or one, or to grant State commissions the
authority to implement the expansion of the ``D'' digit as a numbering
resource optimization measure presently.
In the NRO Third Report and Order, the Commission addressed
national thousands-block number pooling administration issues,
including declining to alter the implementation date for covered CMRS
carriers to participate in pooling. The Commission also addressed
Federal cost recovery for national thousands-block number pooling, and
continued to require States to establish cost recovery mechanisms for
costs incurred by carriers participating in pooling trials. The
Commission reaffirmed the Months-To-Exhaust (MTE) requirement for
carriers. The Commission declined to lower the utilization threshold
established in the Second Report and Order, and declined to exempt
pooling carriers from the utilization threshold. The Commission also
established a safety valve mechanism to allow carriers that do not meet
the utilization threshold in a given rate center to obtain additional
numbering resources. In the NRO Third Report and Order, the Commission
lifted the ban on technology-specific overlays (TSOs) and delegated
authority to the Common Carrier Bureau, in consultation with the
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, to resolve any such petitions.
Furthermore, the Commission found that carriers who violate its
numbering requirements, or fail to cooperate with an auditor conducting
either a ``for cause'' or random audit, should be denied numbering
resources in certain instances. The Commission also reaffirmed the 180-
day reservation period, declined to impose fees to extend the
reservation period, and found that State commissions should be allowed
password-protected access to the NANP Administrator database for data
pertaining to NPAs located within their State. The measures adopted in
the NRO orders will allow the Commission to monitor more closely the
way numbering resources are used within the NANP, and will promote more
efficient allocation and use of NANP resources by tying a carrier's
ability to obtain numbering resources more closely to its actual need
for numbers to serve its customers.
In NRO Third Order on Recon in CC Docket No. 99-200, Third Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 99-200, and Second
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No, 95-116, the
Commission reversed its clarification that those requirements extend to
all carriers in the largest 100 MSAs, regardless of whether they have
received a request from another carrier to provide LNP. The Commission
also sought comment on whether the Commission should again extend the
LNP requirements to all carriers in the largest 100 MSAs, regardless of
whether they receive a request to provide LNP. The Commission also
sought comment on whether all carriers in the top 100 MSAs should be
required to participate in thousands-block number pooling, regardless
of whether they are required to be LNP capable. In addition, the
Commission sought comment on whether all MSAs included in Combined
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (CMSAs) on the Census Bureau's list of
the largest 100 MSAs should be included on the Commission's list of the
top 100 MSAs.
In the NRO Fourth Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, the Commission reaffirmed that carriers must deploy LNP in
switches within the 100 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs)
for which another carrier has made a specific request for the provision
of LNP. The Commission delegated the authority to State commissions to
require carriers operating within the largest 100 MSAs that have not
received a specific request for LNP from another carrier to provide
LNP, under certain circumstances and on a case-by-case basis. The
Commission concluded that all carriers, except those specifically
exempted, are required to participate in thousands-block number pooling
in accordance with the national rollout schedule, regardless of whether
they are required to provide LNP, including commercial mobile radio
service (CMRS) providers that were required to deploy LNP as of
November 24, 2003. The Commission specifically exempted from the
pooling requirement rural telephone companies and Tier III CMRS
providers that have not received a request to provide LNP. The
Commission also exempted from the pooling requirement carriers that are
the only service provider receiving numbering resources in a given rate
center. Additionally, the Commission sought further comment on whether
these exemptions should be expanded to include carriers where there are
only two service providers receiving numbering resources in the rate
center. Finally, the Commission reaffirmed that the 100 largest MSAs
are identified in the 1990 U.S. Census reports, as well as those areas
included on any subsequent U.S. Census report of the 100 largest MSAs.
In the NRO Order and Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
the Commission granted petitions for delegated authority to implement
mandatory thousands-block pooling filed by the Public Service
Commission of West Virginia, the Nebraska Public Service Commission,
the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the Michigan Public Service
Commission, and the Missouri Public Service Commission. In granting
these petitions, the Commission permitted these States to optimize
numbering resources and further extend the life of the specific
numbering plan areas. In the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the
Commission sought comment on whether it should delegate authority to
all States to implement mandatory thousands-block number pooling
[[Page 52842]]
consistent with the parameters set forth in the NRO Order.
In its 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposed
to allow interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) providers
to obtain telephone numbers directly from the North American Numbering
Plan Administrator and the Pooling Administrator, subject to certain
requirements. The Commission also sought comment on a forward-looking
approach to numbers for other types of providers and uses, including
telematics and public safety, and the benefits and number exhaust risks
of granting providers other than interconnected VoIP providers direct
access.
In its 2015 Report and Order, the Commission established an
authorization process to enable interconnected VoIP providers that
choose to obtain access to North American Numbering Plan telephone
numbers directly from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator
and/or the Pooling Administrator (Numbering Administrators), rather
than through intermediaries. The Order also set forth several
conditions designed to minimize number exhaust and preserve the
integrity of the numbering system. Specifically, the Commission
required interconnected VoIP providers obtaining numbers to comply with
the same requirements applicable to carriers seeking to obtain numbers.
The requirements included any State requirements pursuant to numbering
authority delegated to the States by the Commission, as well as
industry guidelines and practices, among others. The Commission also
required interconnected VoIP providers to comply with facilities
readiness requirements adapted to this context, and with numbering
utilization and optimization requirements. In addition, as conditions
to requesting and obtaining numbers directly from the Numbering
Administrators, the Commission required interconnected VoIP providers
to (1) provide the relevant State commissions with regulatory and
numbering contacts when requesting numbers in those States, (2) request
numbers from the Numbering Administrators under their own unique OCN,
(3) file any requests for numbers with the relevant State commissions
at least 30 days prior to requesting numbers from the Numbering
Administrators, and (4) provide customers with the opportunity to
access all abbreviated dialing codes (N11 numbers) in use in a
geographic area. Finally, the Order also modified Commission's rules in
order to permit VoIP Positioning Center providers to obtain pseudo-
Automatic Number Identification codes directly from the Numbering
Administrators for purposes of providing E911 services.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/17/99 64 FR 32471
R&O and FNPRM....................... 06/16/00 65 FR 37703
Second R&O and Second FNPRM......... 02/08/01 66 FR 9528
Third R&O and Second Order on Recon. 02/12/02 67 FR 643
Third R&O on Recon and Third FNPRM.. 04/05/02 67 FR 16347
Fourth R&O and Fourth NPRM.......... 07/21/03 68 FR 43003
Order and Fifth FNPRM............... 03/15/06 71 FR 13393
Order............................... 06/19/13 78 FR 36679
NPRM & NOI.......................... 06/19/13 78 FR 36725
R&O................................. 10/29/15 80 FR 66454
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Marilyn Jones, Senior Counsel, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2357, Fax: 202 418-2345,
Email: marilyn.jones@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AH80
335. Jurisdictional Separations
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 154(j); 47
U.S.C. 205; 47 U.S.C. 221(c); 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C.
410
Abstract: Jurisdictional separations is the process, pursuant to
part 36 of the Commission's rules, by which incumbent local exchange
carriers apportion regulated costs between the intrastate and
interstate jurisdictions. In 1997, the Commission initiated a
proceeding seeking comment on the extent to which legislative changes,
technological changes, and marketplace changes warrant comprehensive
reform of the separations process. In 2001, the Commission adopted the
Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations' Joint Board's
recommendation to impose an interim freeze on the part 36 category
relationships and jurisdictional cost allocation factors for a period
of 5 years, pending comprehensive reform of the part 36 separations
rules. In 2006, the Commission issued an Order and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that extended the separations freeze for a period
of 3 years and sought comment on comprehensive reform. In 2009, the
Commission issued a Report and Order extending the separations freeze
an additional year to June 2010. In 2010, the Commission issued a
Report and Order extending the separations freeze for an additional
year to June 2011. In 2011, the Commission adopted a Report and Order
extending the separations freeze for an additional year to June 2012.
In 2012, the Commission issued a Report and Order extending the
separations freeze for an additional 2 years to June 2014. In 2014, the
Commission issued a Report and Order extending the separations freeze
for an additional 3 years to June 2017.
In 2016, the Commission issued a Report and Order extending the
separations freeze for an additional 18 months until January 1, 2018.
In 2017, the Joint Board issued a Recommended Decision recommending
changes to the part 36 rules designed to harmonize them with the
Commission's previous amendments to its part 32 accounting rules. In
February 2018, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
proposing amendments to part 36 consistent with the Joint Board's
recommendations. In October 2018, the Commission issued a Report and
Order adopting each of the Joint Board's recommendations and amending
the Part 36 consistent with those recommendations. In July 2018, the
Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to extend
the separations freeze for an additional 15 years and to provide rate-
of-return carriers that had elected to freeze their category
relationships a time limited opportunity to opt out of that freeze. In
December 2018, the Commission issued a Report and Order extending the
freeze for up to 6 years until December 31, 2024, and granting rate-of-
return carriers that had elected to freeze their category relationships
a one-time opportunity to opt out of that freeze.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/05/97 62 FR 59842
NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/10/97
Order............................... 06/21/01 66 FR 33202
Order and FNPRM..................... 05/26/06 71 FR 29882
Order and FNPRM Comment Period End.. 08/22/06
R&O................................. 05/15/09 74 FR 23955
R&O................................. 05/25/10 75 FR 30301
R&O................................. 05/27/11 76 FR 30840
R&O................................. 05/23/12 77 FR 30410
[[Page 52843]]
R&O................................. 06/13/14 79 FR 36232
R&O................................. 06/02/17 82 FR 25535
Recommended Decision................ 10/27/17
NPRM................................ 03/13/18 83 FR 10817
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/27/18
NPRM................................ 07/27/18 83 FR 35589
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/10/18
R&O................................. 12/11/18 83 FR 63581
R&O................................. 02/15/19 84 FR 4351
Announcement of OMB Approval........ 03/01/19 84 FR 6977
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Kehoe, Senior Counsel, PPD, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7122, Fax: 202 418-1413,
Email: william.kehoe@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ06
336. Development of Nationwide Broadband Data To Evaluate Reasonable
and Timely Deployment of Advanced Services to All Americans
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 251; 47 U.S.C. 252; 47 U.S.C. 257; 47
U.S.C. 271; 47 U.S.C. 1302; 47 U.S.C. 160(b); 47 U.S.C. 161(a)(2)
Abstract: The Report and Order streamlined and reformed the
Commission's Form 477 Data Program, which is the Commission's primary
tool to collect data on broadband and telephone services.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/16/07 72 FR 27519
Order............................... 07/02/08 73 FR 37861
Order............................... 10/15/08 73 FR 60997
NPRM................................ 02/08/11 76 FR 10827
Order............................... 06/27/13 78 FR 49126
NPRM................................ 08/24/17 82 FR 40118
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/25/17
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 10/10/17
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Suzanne Mendez, Program Analyst, OEA, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0941, Email: suzanne.mendez@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ15
337. Local Number Portability Porting Interval and Validation
Requirements (WC Docket No. 07-244)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j);
47 U.S.C. 251; 47 U.S.C. 303(r)
Abstract: In 2007, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking in WC Docket No. 07-244. The Notice sought comment on
whether the Commission should adopt rules specifying the length of the
porting intervals or other details of the porting process. It also
tentatively concluded that the Commission should adopt rules reducing
the porting interval for wireline-to-wireline and intermodal simple
port requests, specifically, to a 48-hour porting interval.
In the Local Number Portability Porting Interval and Validation
Requirements First Report and Order and a further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, released on May 13, 2009, the Commission reduced the
porting interval for simple wireline and simple intermodal port
requests, requiring all entities subject to its local number
portability (LNP) rules to complete simple wireline-to-wireline and
simple intermodal port requests within one business day. In a related
further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the Commission sought
comment on what further steps, if any, the Commission should take to
improve the process of changing providers.
In the LNP Standard Fields Order, released on May 20, 2010, the
Commission adopted standardized data fields for simple wireline and
intermodal ports. The Order also adopts the NANC's recommendations for
porting process provisioning flows and for counting a business day in
the context of number porting.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/21/08 73 FR 9507
R&O and NPRM........................ 07/02/09 74 FR 31630
R&O................................. 06/22/10 75 FR 35305
Public Notice....................... 12/21/11 76 FR 79607
Public Notice....................... 06/06/13 78 FR 34015
R&O................................. 05/26/15 80 FR 29978
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michelle Sclater, Attorney, Wireline Competition
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0388, Email:
michelle.sclater@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ32
338. Rural Call Completion; WC Docket No. 13-39
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 217; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47
U.S.C. 202; 47 U.S.C. 218; 47 U.S.C. 220; 47 U.S.C. 262; 47 U.S.C.
403(b)(2)(B); 47 U.S.C. 251(a); 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 620; 47 U.S.C.
251; 47 U.S.C. 251(e); 47 U.S.C. 254(k); 47 U.S.C. 616; 47 U.S.C. 226;
47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C. 228; 47 U.S.C. 1401-1473
Abstract: The Third RCC Order began implementation of the Improving
Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 (RCC Act), by adopting
rules designed to ensure the integrity of our nation's telephone
network and prevent unjust or unreasonable discrimination among areas
of the United States in the delivery of telephone service. In
particular, the Third RCC Order adopted rules to establish a registry
for intermediate providers entities that transmit, but do not originate
or terminate, voice calls. The Order requires intermediate providers to
register with the Commission before offering to transmit covered voice
communications, and requires covered providers entities that select the
initial long-distance route for a large number of lines to use only
registered intermediate providers to transmit covered voice
communications.
The Fourth RCC Order completed the Commission's implementation of
the RCC Act by adopting service quality standards for intermediate
providers, as well as an exception to those standards for intermediate
providers that qualify for the covered provider safe harbor in our
existing rules. The Order also set forth procedures to enforce our
intermediate provider requirements. Finally, the Fourth RCC Order
adopted provisions to sunset the rural call completion data recording
and retention requirements adopted in the First RCC Order one year
after the effective date of the new intermediate provider service
quality standards.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/12/13 78 FR 21891
Public Notice....................... 05/07/13 78 FR 26572
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/28/13
R&O and FNPRM....................... 12/17/13 78 FR 76218
PRA 60 Day Notice................... 12/30/13 78 FR 79448
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 02/18/14
[[Page 52844]]
PRA Comments Due.................... 03/11/14
Public Notice....................... 05/06/14 79 FR 25682
Order on Reconsideration............ 12/10/14 79 FR 73227
Erratum............................. 01/08/15 80 FR 1007
Public Notice....................... 03/04/15 80 FR 11593
2nd FNPRM........................... 07/27/17 82 FR 34911
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 08/28/17
Reply Comment Period End............ 09/25/17
2nd Order........................... 04/17/18 83 FR 21723
3rd FNPRM........................... 04/17/18 83 FR 21983
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 06/04/18
3rd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 06/19/18
3rd Order........................... 08/13/18 83 FR 47296
4th Order........................... 03/15/19 84 FR 25692
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Zachary Ross, Attorney Advisor, Competiton Policy
Division, WCB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1033, Email: zachary.ross@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AJ89
339. Rates for Inmate Calling Services; WC Docket No. 12-375
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and (j);
47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 276; 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 CFR 64; 47 U.S.C.
201
Abstract: In the Second Report and Order, the Federal
Communications Commission adopted rule changes to ensure that rates for
both interstate and intrastate inmate calling services (ICS) are fair,
just, and reasonable limits on ancillary service charges imposed by ICS
providers. In the Second Report and Order, the Commission set caps on
all interstate and intrastate calling rates for ICS, established a
tiered rate structure based on the size and type of facility being
served, limited the types of ancillary services that ICS providers may
charge for and capped the charges for permitted fees, banned flat-rate
calling, facilitated access to ICS by people with disabilities by
requiring providers to offer free or steeply discounted rates for calls
using TTY, and imposed reporting and certification requirements to
facilitate continued oversight of the ICS market. In the Third Further
Notice portion of the item, the Commission sought comment on ways to
promote competition for ICS, video visitation, and rates for
international calls, and considered an array of solutions to further
address areas of concern in the ICS industry. In an Order on
Reconsideration, the Commission amended its rate caps and the
definition of ``mandatory tax or mandatory fee.''
On June 13, 2017, the D.C. Circuit vacated the rate caps adopted in
the Second Report and Order, as well as reporting requirements related
to video visitation. The court held that the Commission lacked
jurisdiction over intrastate ICS calls and that the rate caps the
Commission adopted for interstate calls were arbitrary and capricious.
The court also remanded the Commission's caps on ancillary fees. On
September 26, 2017, the court denied a petition for rehearing en banc.
On December 21, 2017, the court issued two separate orders: One
vacating the 2016 Order on Reconsideration insofar as it purports to
set rate caps on inmate calling services, and one dismissing as moot
challenges to the Commission's First Report and Order on ICS.
On February 4, 2020, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau
released a Public Notice seeking to refresh the record on ancillary
service charges imposed in connection with inmate calling services.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/22/13 78 FR 4369
FNPRM............................... 11/13/13 78 FR 68005
R&O................................. 11/13/13 78 FR 67956
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/20/13
Announcement of Effective Date...... 06/20/14 79 FR 33709
2nd FNPRM........................... 11/21/14 79 FR 69682
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 01/15/15
2nd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 01/20/15
3rd FNPRM........................... 12/18/15 80 FR 79020
2nd R&O............................. 12/18/15 80 FR 79136
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 01/19/16
3rd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 02/08/16
Order on Reconsideration............ 09/12/16 81 FR 62818
Announcement of OMB Approval........ 03/01/17 82 FR 12182
Correction to Announcement of OMB 03/08/17 82 FR 12922
Approval.
Announcement of OMB Approval........ 02/06/20 85 FR 6947
Public Notice....................... 02/19/20 85 FR 9444
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 03/20/20
Public Notice Reply Comment Period 04/06/20
End.
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William Kehoe, Senior Counsel, PPD, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7122, Fax: 202 418-1413,
Email: william.kehoe@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK08
340. Comprehensive Review of the Part 32 Uniform System of Accounts (WC
Docket No. 14-130)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 201(b);
47 U.S.C. 219 and 220
Abstract: The Commission initiates a rulemaking proceeding to
review the Uniform System of Accounts (USOA) to consider ways to
minimize the compliance burdens on incumbent local exchange carriers
while ensuring that the Agency retains access to the information it
needs to fulfill its regulatory duties. In light of the Commission's
actions in areas of price cap regulation, universal service reform, and
intercarrier compensation reform, the Commission stated that it is
likely appropriate to streamline the existing rules even though those
reforms may not have eliminated the need for accounting data for some
purposes. The Commission's analysis and proposals are divided into
three parts. First, the Commission proposes to streamline the USOA
accounting rules while preserving their existing structure. Second, the
Commission seeks more focused comment on the accounting requirements
needed for price cap carriers to address our statutory and regulatory
obligations. Third, the Commission seeks comment on several related
issues, including state requirements, rate effects, implementation,
continuing property records, and legal authority.
On February 23, 2017, the Commission adopted a Report and Order
that revised the part 32 USOA to substantially reduce accounting
burdens for both price cap and rate-of-return carriers. First, the
Order streamlines the USOA for all carriers. In addition, the USOA will
be aligned more closely with
[[Page 52845]]
generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. Second, the Order
allows price cap carriers to use GAAP for all regulatory accounting
purposes as long as they comply with targeted accounting rules, which
are designed to mitigate any impact on pole attachment rates.
Alternatively, price cap carriers can elect to use GAAP accounting for
all purposes other than those associated with pole attachment rates and
continue to use the part 32 accounts for pole attachment rates for up
to 12 years. Third, the Order addresses several miscellaneous issues,
including referral to the Federal-State Joint Board on Separations the
issue of examining jurisdictional separations rules in light of the
reforms adopted to part 32.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 09/15/14 79 FR 54942
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/14/14
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 12/15/14
R&O................................. 04/04/17 82 FR 20833
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robin Cohn, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-2747, Email: robin.cohn@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK20
341. Restoring Internet Freedom (WC Docket No. 17-108); Protecting and
Promoting the Open Internet (GN Docket No. 14-28)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and (j); 47 U.S.C.
201(b)
Abstract: In December 2017, the Commission adopted the Restoring
Internet Freedom Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, and Order
(Restoring Internet Freedom Order), which restored the light-touch
regulatory framework under which the internet had grown and thrived for
decades by classifying broadband Internet access service as an
information service. The Restoring Internet Freedom Order ends title II
regulation of the internet and returns broadband internet access
service to its long-standing classification as an information service;
reinstates the determination that mobile broadband internet access
service is not a commercial mobile service and returns it to its
original classification as a private mobile service; finds that
transparency, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) economic incentives,
and antitrust and consumer protection laws will protect the openness of
the internet, and that title II regulation is unnecessary to do so; and
adopts a transparency rule similar to that in the 2010 Open Internet
Order, requiring disclosure of network management practices,
performance characteristics, and commercial terms of service.
Additionally, the transparency rule requires ISPs to disclose any
blocking, throttling, paid prioritization, or affiliate prioritization,
and eliminates the internet conduct standard and the bright-line
conduct rules set forth in the 2015 title II Order.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/01/14 79 FR 37448
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/18/14
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 09/15/14
R&O on Remand, Declaratory Ruling, 04/13/15 80 FR 19737
and Order.
NPRM................................ 06/02/17 82 FR 25568
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/03/17
Declaratory Ruling, R&O, and Order.. 02/22/18 83 FR 7852
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Melissa Kirkel, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7958, Fax: 202 418-1413,
Email: melissa.kirkel@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK21
342. Technology Transitions; GN Docket No. 13-5, WC Docket No. 05-25;
Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to
Infrastructure Investment; WC Docket No. 17-84
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On April 20, 2017, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, Notice of Inquiry, and Request for Comment
(Wireline Infrastructure NPRM, NOI, and RFC) seeking input on a number
of actions designed to accelerate: (1) The deployment of next-
generation networks and services by removing barriers to infrastructure
investment at the Federal, State, and local level; (2) the transition
from legacy copper networks and services to next-generation fiber-based
networks and services; and (3) the reduction of Commission regulations
that raise costs and slow, rather than facilitate, broadband
deployment.
On November 16, 2017, the Commission adopted a Report and Order
(R&O), Declaratory Ruling, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(Wireline Infrastructure Order) that takes a number of actions and
seeks comment on further actions designed to accelerate the deployment
of next-generation networks and services through removing barriers to
infrastructure investment.
The Wireline Infrastructure Order took a number of actions. First,
the Report and Order revised the pole attachment rules to reduce costs
for attachers, reforms the pole access complaint procedures to settle
access disputes more swiftly, and increases access to infrastructure
for certain types of broadband providers. Second, the Report and Order
revised the section 214(a) discontinuance rules and the network change
notification rules, including those applicable to copper retirements,
to expedite the process for carriers seeking to replace legacy network
infrastructure and legacy services with advanced broadband networks and
innovative new services. Third, the Report and Order reversed a 2015
ruling that discontinuance authority is required for solely wholesale
services to carrier-customers. Fourth, the Declaratory Ruling abandoned
the 2014 ``functional test'' interpretation of when section 214
discontinuance applications are required, bringing added clarity to the
section 214(a) discontinuance process for carriers and consumers alike.
Finally, the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking sought comment on
additional potential pole attachment reforms, reforms to the network
change disclosure and section 214(a) discontinuance processes, and ways
to facilitate rebuilding networks impacted by natural disasters.
On June 7, 2018, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order
(Wireline Infrastructure Second Report and Order) taking further
actions designed to expedite the transition from legacy networks and
services to next generation networks and advanced services that benefit
the American public and to promote broadband deployment by further
streamlining the section 214(a) discontinuance rules, network change
disclosure processes,
[[Page 52846]]
and part 68 customer notification process.
The Wireline Infrastructure NPRM, NOI, and RFC sought comment on
additional issues not addressed in the November Wireline Infrastructure
Order or the June Wireline Infrastructure Second Report and Order. It
sought comment on changes to the Commission's pole attachment rules to:
(1) Streamline the timeframe for gaining access to utility poles; (2)
reduce charges paid by attachers for work done to make a pole ready for
new attachments; and (3) establish a formula for computing the maximum
pole attachment rate that may be imposed on an incumbent LEC.
The Wireline Infrastructure NPRM, NOI, and RFC also sought comment
on whether the Commission should enact rules, consistent with its
authority under section 253 of the Act, to promote the deployment of
broadband infrastructure by preempting State and local laws that
inhibit broadband deployment. It also sought comment on whether there
are State laws governing the maintenance or retirement of copper
facilities that serve as a barrier to deploying next-generation
technologies and services that the Commission might seek to preempt.
Previously, in November 2014, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking and Declaratory Ruling that: (1) Proposed new
backup power rules; (2) proposed new or revised rules for copper
retirements and service discontinuances; and (3) adopted a functional
test in determining what constitutes a service for purposes of section
214(a) discontinuance review. In August 2015, the Commission adopted a
Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that: (i) Lengthened and revised the copper
retirement process; (ii) determined that a carrier must obtain
Commission approval before discontinuing a service used as a wholesale
input if the carrier's actions will discontinue service to a carrier-
customer's retail end users; (iii) adopted an interim rule requiring
incumbent LECs that seek to discontinue certain TDM-based wholesale
services to commit to certain rates, terms, and conditions; (iv)
proposed further revisions to the copper retirement discontinuance
process; and (v) upheld the November 2014 Declaratory Ruling. In July
2016, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order, Declaratory
Ruling, and Order on Reconsideration that: (i) Adopted a new test for
obtaining streamlined treatment when carriers seek Commission
authorization to discontinue legacy services in favor of services based
on newer technologies; (ii) set forth consumer education requirements
for carriers seeking to discontinue legacy services in favor of
services based on newer technologies; (iii) allowed notice to customers
of discontinuance applications by email; (iv) required carriers to
provide notice of discontinuance applications to Tribal entities; (v)
made a technical rule change to create a new title for copper
retirement notices and certifications; and (vi) harmonized the timeline
for competitive LEC discontinuances caused by incumbent LEC network
changes.
On August 2, 2018, the Commission adopted a Third Report and Order
and Declaratory Ruling (Wireline Infrastructure Third Report and Order)
establishing a new framework for the vast majority of pole attachments
governed by Federal law by instituting a one-touch make-ready regime,
in which a new attacher may elect to perform all simple work to prepare
a pole for new wireline attachments in the communications space. This
new framework includes safeguards to promote coordination among parties
and ensures that new attachers perform work safely and reliably. The
Commission retained its multi-party pole attachment process for
attachments that are complex or above the communications space of a
pole, but made significant modifications to speed deployment, promote
accurate billing, expand the use of self-help for new attachers when
attachment deadlines are missed, and reduce the likelihood of
coordination failures that lead to unwarranted delays. The Commission
also improved its pole attachment rules by codifying and redefining
Commission precedent that requires utilities to allow attachers to
overlash existing wires, thus maximizing the usable space on the pole;
eliminating outdated disparities between the pole attachment rates that
incumbent carriers must pay compared to other similarly-situated cable
and telecommunications attachers; and clarifying that the Commission
will preempt, on an expedited case-by-case basis, State and local laws
that inhibit the rebuilding or restoration of broadband infrastructure
after a disaster. The Commission also adopted a Declaratory Ruling that
interpreted section 253(a) of the Communications Act to prohibit State
and local express and de facto moratoria on the deployment of
telecommunications services or facilities and directed the Wireline
Competition and Wireless Telecommunications Bureaus to act promptly on
petitions challenging specific alleged moratoria.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/06/15 80 FR 450
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/05/15
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 03/09/15
FNPRM............................... 09/25/15 80 FR 57768
R&O................................. 09/25/15 80 FR 57768
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 10/26/15
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 11/24/15
2nd R&O............................. 09/12/16 81 FR 62632
NPRM................................ 05/16/17 82 FR 224533
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/15/17
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 07/17/17
R&O................................. 12/28/17 82 FR 61520
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/17/18
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 02/16/18
2nd R&O............................. 07/09/18 83 FR 31659
3rd R&O............................. 09/14/18 83 FR 46812
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michele Berlove, Special Counsel, Competition
Policy Div., WCB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1477, Email:
michele.berlove@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK32
343. Implementation of the Universal Service Portions of the 1996
Telecommunications Act
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.
Abstract: The Telecommunications Act of 1996 expanded the
traditional goal of universal service to include increased access to
both telecommunications and advanced services such as high-speed
internet for all consumers at just, reasonable and affordable rates.
The Act established principles for universal service that specifically
focused on increasing access to evolving services for consumers living
in rural and insular areas, and for consumers with low-incomes.
Additional principles called for increased access to high-speed
internet in the nation's schools, libraries, and rural healthcare
facilities.
[[Page 52847]]
The FCC established four programs within the Universal Service Fund to
implement the statute: Connect America Fund (formally known as High-
Cost Support) for rural areas; Lifeline (for low-income consumers),
including initiatives to expand phone service for Native Americans;
Schools and Libraries (E-rate); and Rural Healthcare.
The Universal Service Fund is paid for by contributions from
telecommunications carriers, including wireline and wireless companies,
and interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers,
including cable companies that provide voice service, based on an
assessment on their interstate and international end-user revenues. The
Universal Service Administrative Company, or USAC, administers the four
programs and collects monies for the Universal Service Fund under the
direction of the FCC.
On April 19, 2018, the Commission decided the legacy support issue
arising from the ongoing reform and modernization of the universal
service fund and intercarrier compensation systems.
On May 29, 2018, the Commission approved additional funding to
restore communications networks in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
and sought comment on almost $900 million in long-term funding for
network expansion.
On June 25, 2018, the Commission addressed the current funding
shortfall in the Rural Healthcare Program by raising the annual program
budget cap to $571 million.
On January 31, 2019, the Commission temporarily waived the E-Rate
amortization requirement and proposed to eliminate the requirement.
On July 11, 2019, the Commission brought Telehealth services to
low-income patients, veterans and areas lacking adequate health care.
On August 2, 2019, the Commission targeted areas with at least 4
million rural homes, small businesses that lacked modern broadband
service.
On August 20, 2019, the Commission increased transparency,
predictability, and efficiency of RHC program funding decisions.
On September 30, 2019, the Commission investment was boosted high-
speed internet access on islands.
On October 31, 2019, the Commission took steps to enforce quality
standards for Rural Broadband Networks and provided additional
flexibility to reduce burden on companies.
On November 15, 2019, the Commission further Strengthened Lifeline
Against Waste, Fraud, and Abuse.
On December 3, 2019, the Commission acted to speed the deployment
of Wi-Fi in schools and Libraries.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
R&O and FNPRM....................... 01/13/17 82 FR 4275
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/13/17
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 02/27/17
R&O and Order on Recon.............. 03/21/17 82 FR 14466
Order on Recon...................... 05/19/17 82 FR 22901
Order on Recon...................... 06/08/17 82 FR 26653
Memorandum, Opinion & Order......... 06/21/17 82 FR 228224
NPRM................................ 07/30/19 84 FR 36865
NPRM................................ 08/21/19 84 FR 43543
R&O and Order on Recon.............. 11/07/19 84 FR 59937
Order on Recon...................... 12/09/19 84 FR 67220
R&O................................. 12/20/19 84 FR 70026
R&O................................. 12/27/19 84 FR 71308
R&O................................. 01/17/20 85 FR 3044
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Nakesha Woodward, Program Support Assistant,
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-1502, Email: kesha.woodward@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK57
344. Toll Free Assignment Modernization and Toll Free Service Access
Codes: WC Docket No. 17-192, CC Docket No. 95-155
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 201(b);
47 U.S.C. 251(e)(1)
Abstract: In this Report and Order (Order), the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) initiates an auction to distribute
certain toll free numbers. The numbers to be auctioned will be in the
new 833 toll free code for which there have been multiple, competing
requests.
By using an auction, the FCC will ensure that sought-after numbers
are awarded to the parties that value them most. In addition, the FCC
will reserve certain 833 numbers for distribution to government and
non-profit entities that request them for public health and safety
purposes. The FCC will study the results of the auction to determine
how to best use the mechanism to distribute toll-free numbers equitably
and efficiently in the future as well. Revenues from the auction will
be used to defray the cost of toll-free numbering administration,
reducing the cost of numbering for all users. The Order establishing
the toll-free number auction will also authorize and accommodate the
use of a secondary market for numbers awarded at auction to further
distribute these numbers to the entities that value them most. The
Order also adopted several definitional and technical updates to
improve clarity and flexibility in toll-free number assignment.
The Commission sought comment and then adopted auctions procedures
and deadlines on August 2, 2019. Bidding for the auction occurred on
December 17, 2019, and Somas issued an announcement of the winning
bidders on December 20, 2019. On December 16, 2019, to facilitate the
preparation of its study of the auction, the Bureau charged the North
American Numbering Council, via its Toll Free Access Modernization
Working Group, to issue a report evaluating various aspects of the 833
Auction, and recommending improvements for any future toll free number
auctions.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/13/17 82 FR 47669
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/13/17
Final Rule.......................... 10/23/18 83 FR 53377
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Matthew Collins, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-7141, Email: matthew.collins@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AK91
345. Call Authentication Trust Anchor
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On July 13, 2017, the Commission issued a Notice of
Inquiry that sought comment on a number of issues involving voice
service providers adopting a call authentication system. (WC Docket No.
17-97) First, the Commission sought comment on how a call
authentication system would be governed, including: (1) The
Commission's role in requiring, encouraging, or enabling a call
authentication system; (2) who or what
[[Page 52848]]
entities should set the rules and procedures for the system; and (3)
what criteria those entities should set for who may be qualified to
issue certificates and serve as an authenticating telephone service
provider. The Commission also sought comment on technical
implementation and operation of the authentication system, including:
(1) How the service providers or telephone numbers to be authenticated
should be enrolled in the system; and (2) what alternatives might exist
for certain specific technical and structural proposals of the system.
The Commission further sought comment on the scope and policy effects
of a call authentication system, including: (1) Whether and how the
system can address call authentication issues on legacy systems; (2)
how a U.S.-based call authentication system might integrate with the
systems of other countries; (3) other policy effects of a call
authentication system, including effects upon privacy and security; and
(4) the potential costs and benefits of the system, including how it
may be funded.
In a November 5, 2018 Press Release, the FCC Chairman called on
voice service providers to deploy the SHAKEN/STIR call authentication
standards into their networks over the next year. On June 6, 2019, the
Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposed
requiring voice service providers to implement the SHAKEN/STIR caller
ID authentication framework, if major voice service providers fail to
do so by the end of 2019. (WC Docket No. 17-97)
In December 2019, Congress enacted the Pallone-Thune Telephone
Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. Along
with numerous other provisions directed at addressing robocalls, the
TRACED Act directs the Commission to require all voice service
providers to implement STIR/SHAKEN in the IP portions of their
networks, and to implement an effective caller ID authentication
framework in the non-IP portions of their networks. The TRACED Act
further creates processes by which voice service providers may be
exempt from this mandate if the Commission determines they have
achieved certain implementation benchmarks, and by which voice service
providers may be granted a delay in compliance based on a finding of
undue hardship because of burdens or barriers to implementation or
based on a delay in development of a caller ID authentication protocol
for calls delivered over non-IP networks.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOI................................. 07/14/17
NPRM................................ 06/24/19 84 FR 29478
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/23/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Matthew Collins, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-7141, Email: matthew.collins@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AL00
346. Implementation of the National Suicide Improvement Act of
2018
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On August 14, 2018, Congress passed the National Suicide
Hotline Improvement Act (Act). Public Law 115-233, 132 Stat. 2424
(2018). The purpose of the Act was to study and report on the
feasibility of designating a 3-digit dialing code to be used for a
national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system by
considering each of the current N11 designations. The Act directed the
Commission to: (1) Conduct a study that examines the feasibility of
designating a simple, easy-to-remember, 3-digit dialing code to be used
for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline
system; and (2) analyze how well the current National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline is working to address the needs of veterans. The
Act also directed the Commission to coordinate with the Department of
Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the
North American Numbering Council (NANC) in conducting the study, and to
produce a report on the study by August 14, 2019.
On August 14, 2019, the Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of
Economics and Analytics submitted its report to Congress recommending
that: (1) A 3-digit dialing code be used for a national suicide
prevention and mental health crisis hotline system; and (2) the
Commission should initiate a rulemaking proceeding to consider
designating 988 as the 3-digit code.
On December 12, 2019, the Commission released a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to designate 988 as a new, nationwide, 3-
digit dialing code for a suicide prevention and mental health crisis
hotline. WC Docket No. 18-336. The NPRM proposes that calls made to 988
be directed to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which
is made up of an expansive network of over 170 crisis centers located
across the United States, and to the Veterans Crisis Line. The NPRM
also proposes to require all telecommunications carriers and
interconnected VoIP service providers to make, within 18 months, any
changes necessary to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/15/20 85 FR 2359
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/16/20
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michelle Sclater, Attorney, Wireline Competition
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0388, Email:
michelle.sclater@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AL01
347. Modernizing Unbundling and Resale Requirements in an Era
of Next-Generation Networks and Services
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 10; 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On November 22, 2019, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on proposals to update the
unbundling and avoided-cost resale obligations stemming from the 1996
Act and applicable only to incumbent LECs. Many of these obligations
appear to no longer be necessary in many geographic areas due to
vigorous competition for mass market broadband services in urban areas
and numerous intermodal voice capabilities and services. But
recognizing that rural areas pose special challenges for broadband
deployment, the NPRM does not propose any change to unbundling
requirements for broadband-capable loops in rural areas. The NPRM seeks
to promote the Commission's efforts to reduce unnecessary and outdated
regulatory burdens that appear to discourage the deployment of next-
generation networks, delay the IP transition, unnecessarily burden
incumbent LECs with no similar obligations placed on
[[Page 52849]]
their competitors, and no longer benefit consumers or serve the purpose
for which they were intended.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/06/20 85 FR 472
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/06/20
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michele Berlove, Special Counsel, Competition
Policy Div., WCB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1477, Email:
michele.berlove@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AL02
348. Deregulation and Detariffing of Retail Access Charges
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 160; 47
U.S.C. 201 to 203; 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 251; 47
U.S.C. 254; 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 616
Abstract: The NPRM proposes to deregulate and detariff Retail
Access Charges, which represent the last handful of interstate end-user
charges that remain subject to regulation. The Notice also proposes to
prohibit all carriers from separately listing Retail Access Charges on
customers' bills. Because of the relationship between these Retail
Access Charges and the Federal Universal Service Fund and other federal
programs, this Notice also proposes and seeks comment on ways to
prevent any adverse impacts of the proposals on these programs.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/00/00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Victoria Goldberg, Attorney-Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7353, Email:
victoria.goldberg@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060-AL03
[FR Doc. 2020-16769 Filed 8-25-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P