[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 144 (Friday, July 30, 2021)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 41330-41358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14879]



[[Page 41329]]

Vol. 86

Friday,

No. 144

July 30, 2021

Part XXIII





Federal Communications Commission





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 144 / Friday, July 30, 2021 / UA: Reg 
Flex Agenda  

[[Page 41330]]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Ch. I


Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions--
Spring 2021

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, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maura McGowan, Telecommunications 
Policy Specialist, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, 
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 clarify 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 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 acted 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.

    Dated: March 2, 2021.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.

       Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
300.......................  Rules and Regulations              3060-AI14
                             Implementing the
                             Telephone Consumer
                             Protection Act (TCPA) of
                             1991 (CG Docket No. 02-
                             278).
301.......................  Rules and Regulations              3060-AI15
                             Implementing Section 225
                             of the Communications Act
                             (Telecommunications Relay
                             Service) (CG Docket No.
                             03-123).
302.......................  Structure and Practices of         3060-AJ42
                             the Video Relay Service
                             (VRS) Program (CG Docket
                             No. 10-51).
303.......................  Misuse of Internet                 3060-AK01
                             Protocol (IP) Captioned
                             Telephone Service;
                             Telecommunications Relay
                             Services and Speech-to-
                             Speech Services; CG
                             Docket No. 13-24.
304.......................  Advanced Methods to Target         3060-AK62
                             and Eliminate Unlawful
                             Robocalls (CG Docket No.
                             17-59).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                      Economics--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
305.......................  Development of Nationwide          3060-AJ15
                             Broadband Data to
                             Evaluate Reasonable and
                             Timely Deployment of
                             Advanced Services to All
                             Americans.
306.......................  Expanding the Economic and         3060-AJ82
                             Innovation Opportunities
                             of Spectrum Through
                             Incentive Auctions (GN
                             Docket No. 12-268).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


         Office of Engineering and Technology--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
307.......................  Encouraging the Provision          3060-AK80
                             of New Technologies and
                             Services to the Public
                             (GN Docket No. 18-22).

[[Page 41331]]

 
308.......................  Spectrum Horizon (ET               3060-AK81
                             Docket No. 18-21).
309.......................  Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz         3060-AK96
                             Band (ET Docket No. 19-
                             138).
310.......................  Allowing Earlier Equipment         3060-AL18
                             Marketing and Importation
                             Opportunities; Petition
                             to Expand Marketing
                             Opportunities for
                             Innovative Technologies
                             (ET Docket No. 20-382 &
                             RM-11857) NPRM, 86 FR
                             2337, January 1.
311.......................  Unlicensed White Space             3060-AL22
                             Device Operations in the
                             Television Bands (ET
                             Docket No. 20-36).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


         Office of Engineering and Technology--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
312.......................  Unlicensed White Space             3060-AL17
                             Device Operations in the
                             Television Bands (ET
                             Docket No. 20-36).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 International Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
313.......................  International Settlements          3060-AJ77
                             Policy Reform (IB Docket
                             No. 11-80).
314.......................  Update to Parts 2 and 25           3060-AK59
                             Concerning
                             NonGeostationary, Fixed-
                             Satellite Service
                             Systems, and Related
                             Matters: IB Docket No. I6-
                             408.
315.......................  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.
316.......................  Further Streamlining Part          3060-AK87
                             25 Rules Governing
                             Satellite Services: IB
                             Docket No. 18-314.
317.......................  Facilitating the                   3060-AK89
                             Communications of Earth
                             Stations in Motion With
                             Non-Geostationary Orbit
                             Space Stations: IB Docket
                             No. 18-315.
318.......................  Mitigation of Orbital              3060-AK90
                             Debris in the New Space
                             Age: IB Docket No. 18-313.
319.......................  Process Reform for                 3060-AL12
                             Executive Branch Review
                             of Certain FCC
                             Applications and
                             Petitions Involving
                             Foreign Ownership (IB
                             Docket No. 16-155).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                     Media Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
320.......................  Revision of EEO Rules and          3060-AH95
                             Policies (MM Docket No.
                             98-204).
321.......................  Establishment of Rules for         3060-AI38
                             Digital Low-Power
                             Television, Television
                             Translator, and
                             Television Booster
                             Stations (MB Docket No.
                             03-185).
322.......................  Amendment of the                   3060-AJ55
                             Commission's Rules
                             Related to Retransmission
                             Consent (MB Docket No. 10-
                             71).
323.......................  Preserving Vacant Channels         3060-AK43
                             in the UHF Television
                             Band for Unlicensed Use;
                             (MB Docket No. 15-146).
324.......................  Authorizing Permissive Use         3060-AK56
                             of the ``Next
                             Generation'' Broadcast
                             Television Standard (GN
                             Docket No. 16-142).
325.......................  2018 Quadrennial                   3060-AK77
                             Regulatory Review of the
                             Commission's Broadcast
                             Ownership Rules (MB
                             Docket 18-349).
326.......................  Children's Television              3060-AK78
                             Programming Rules (MB
                             Docket 18-202).
327.......................  Equal Employment                   3060-AK86
                             Opportunity Enforcement
                             (MB Docket 19-177).
328.......................  Revision of the                    3060-AL08
                             Commission's Part 76
                             Review Procedures (MB
                             Docket No. 20-70).
329.......................  Duplication of Programming         3060-AL19
                             on Commonly Owned Radio
                             Stations (MB Docket No.
                             19-310).
330.......................  Sponsorship Identification         3060-AL20
                             Requirements for Foreign
                             Government-Provided
                             Programming (MB Docket
                             No. 20-299).
331.......................  FM Broadcast Booster               3060-AL21
                             Stations (MB Docket 20-
                             401).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Office of Managing Director--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
332.......................  Assessment and Collection          3060-AK64
                             of Regulatory Fees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
333.......................  Wireless E911 Location             3060-AJ52
                             Accuracy Requirements: PS
                             Docket No. 07-114.

[[Page 41332]]

 
334.......................  Improving Outage Reporting         3060-AK39
                             for Submarine Cables and
                             Enhancing Submarine Cable
                             Outage Data; GN Docket
                             No. 15-206.
335.......................  Amendments to Part 4 of            3060-AK40
                             the Commission's Rules
                             Concerning Disruptions to
                             Communications: PS Docket
                             No. 15-80.
336.......................  New Part 4 of the                  3060-AK41
                             Commission's Rules
                             Concerning Disruptions to
                             Communications; ET Docket
                             No. 04-35.
337.......................  Wireless Emergency Alerts          3060-AK54
                             (WEA): PS Docket No. 15-
                             91..
338.......................  Blue Alert EAS Event Code.         3060-AK63
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          Wireless Telecommunications Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
339.......................  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).
340.......................  Amendment of the                   3060-AJ88
                             Commission's Rules
                             Governing Certain
                             Aviation Ground Station
                             Equipment (Squitter) (WT
                             Docket Nos. 10-61 and 09-
                             42).
341.......................  Promoting Technological            3060-AK06
                             Solutions to Combat
                             Wireless Contraband
                             Device Use in
                             Correctional Facilities;
                             GN Docket No. 13-111.
342.......................  Promoting Investment in            3060-AK12
                             the 3550-3700 MHz Band;
                             GN Docket No. 17-258.
343.......................  Use of Spectrum Bands              3060-AK44
                             Above 24 GHz for Mobile
                             Services--Spectrum
                             Frontiers: WT Docket 10-
                             112.
344.......................  Transforming the 2.5 GHz           3060-AK75
                             Band, WT Docket No.18-
                             120..
345.......................  Expanding Flexible Use of          3060-AK76
                             the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band:
                             GN Docket No. 18-122.
346.......................  Amendment of the                   3060-AK92
                             Commission's Rules to
                             Promote Aviation Safety:
                             WT Docket No. 19-140.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Wireline Competition Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
347.......................  Local Telephone Networks           3060-AH44
                             That LECs Must Make
                             Available to Competitors.
348.......................  Numbering Resource                 3060-AH80
                             Optimization.
349.......................  Jurisdictional Separations         3060-AJ06
350.......................  Rural Call Completion; WC          3060-AJ89
                             Docket No. 13-39.
351.......................  Comprehensive Review of            3060-AK20
                             the Part 32 Uniform
                             System of Accounts (WC
                             Docket No. 14-130).
352.......................  Restoring Internet Freedom         3060-AK21
                             (WC Docket No. 17-108);
                             Protecting and Promoting
                             the Open Internet (GN
                             Docket No. 14-28).
353.......................  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.
354.......................  Implementation of the              3060-AK57
                             Universal Service
                             Portions of the 1996
                             Telecommunications Act.
355.......................  Toll Free Assignment               3060-AK91
                             Modernization and Toll
                             Free Service Access
                             Codes: WC Docket No. 17-
                             192, CC Docket No. 95-155.
356.......................  Establishing the Digital           3060-AK93
                             Opportunity Data
                             Collection; WC Docket
                             Nos. 19-195 and 11-10.
357.......................  Call Authentication Trust          3060-AL00
                             Anchor.
358.......................  Implementation of the              3060-AL01
                             National Suicide
                             Improvement Act of 2018.
359.......................  Modernizing Unbundling and         3060-AL02
                             Resale Requirements in an
                             Era of Next-Generation
                             Networks and Services.
360.......................  Eliminating Ex Ante                3060-AL03
                             Pricing Regulation and
                             Tariffing of Telephone
                             Access Charges (WC Docket
                             20-71).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


             Wireline Competition Bureau--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
361.......................  Service Quality                    3060-AJ08
                             Measurement Plan for
                             Interstate Special Access
                             (WC Docket No. 02-112; CC
                             Docket No. 00-175; WC
                             Docket No. 06-120).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 41333]]

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau

Long-Term Actions

300. Rules and Regulations Implementing the Telephone Consumer 
Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 (CG Docket No. 02-278)

    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
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
Order...............................   03/17/20
Declaratory Ruling..................   03/20/20
Declaratory Ruling..................   06/25/20
Declaratory Ruling and Order........   06/25/20
Order on Reconsideration............   08/28/20
Declaratory Ruling..................   09/04/20
Declaratory Ruling..................   09/21/20
NPRM................................   10/09/20  85 FR 64091
Public Notice.......................   12/17/20
Declaratory Ruling..................   12/18/20
Declaratory Ruling..................   01/15/21
Order on Recon......................   02/12/21  86 FR 9299
R&O.................................   02/25/21  86 FR 11443
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kristi Thornton, Deputy Division Chief, Federal 
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 
202 418-2467, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AI14

301. Rules and Regulations Implementing Section 225 of the 
Communications Act (Telecommunications Relay Service) (CG Docket No. 
03-123)

    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

[[Page 41334]]

 
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
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
Final Rule; removal of compliance      05/06/20  85 FR 26857
 notices.
Report & Order......................   05/08/20  85 FR 27309
Final Rule; correction..............   08/26/20  85 FR 52489
R&O and Order on Recon..............   10/14/20  85 FR 64971
Final Rule; announcement of            10/23/20  85 FR 67447
 effective and compliance dates.
FNPRM...............................   02/01/21  86 FR 7681
FNPRM Comment Period End............   04/02/21
Public Notice; Petition for            02/22/21  86 FR 10458
 Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due Date................   03/19/21
R&O.................................   02/23/21  86 FR 10844
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights 
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, 
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AI15

302. Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service (VRS) Program 
(CG Docket No. 10-51)

    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.

[[Page 41335]]

 
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
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
Report & Order......................   05/08/20  85 FR 27309
R&O and Order on Recon..............   10/14/20  85 FR 64971
Final rule; announcement of            10/23/20  85 FR 67447
 effective and compliance dates.
FNPRM...............................   02/01/21  86 FR 7681
FNPRM Comment Period End............   04/02/21
Public Notice; Petition for            02/22/21  86 FR 10458
 Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due Date................   03/19/21
                                     -----------------------------------
Next Action Undetermined............           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights 
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, 
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AJ42

303. Misuse of Internet Protocol (IP) Captioned Telephone Service; 
Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-To-Speech Services; CG 
Docket No. 13-24

    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  78FR 54201
FNPRM Comment Period End............   11/18/13
Petition for Reconsideration Request   12/16/13  78 FR 76097
 for Comment.
Petition 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
Final Rule; Removal of Compliance      05/06/20  85 FR 26857
 Notes.
Final Rule; correction..............   08/26/20  85 FR 52489
R&O and Order on Recon..............   10/14/20  85 FR 64971
FNPRM...............................   02/01/21  86 FR 7681
Public Notice; Petition for            02/22/21  86 FR 10458
 Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due Date................   03/19/21
FNPRM Comment Period End............   04/02/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 41336]]

    Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights 
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, 
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK01

304. Advanced Methods To Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls (CG 
Docket No. 17-59)

    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
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
Public Notice Seeking Input on         12/30/19
 Report.
Public Notice Seeking Comment on       01/24/20
 Reassigned Numbers.
Public Notice Seeking Comment on RND   02/26/20
 Cost/Fee Structure.
Public Notice Establishing             04/16/20
 Guidelines for RND.
Report..............................   06/25/20
3rd NPRM Comment Date...............   06/26/20
Announcement of Compliance Dates....   06/26/20  85 FR 38334
3rd R&O, Order of Reconsideration,     07/31/20  85 FR 46063
 4th FNPRM.
4th R&O (release date)..............   12/30/20
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Karen Schroeder, Associate Division Chief, Federal 
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 
202 418-0654, Email: [email protected].
    Jerusha Burnett, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications 
Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0526, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK62

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Economics

Long-Term Actions

305. Development of Nationwide Broadband Data To Evaluate Reasonable 
and Timely Deployment of Advanced Services to All Americans

    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
R&O and FNPRM.......................   08/22/19  84 FR 43764
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Suzanne Mendez, Program Analyst, OEA, Federal 
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 
202 418-0941, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AJ15

306. Expanding the Economic and Innovation Opportunities of Spectrum 
Through Incentive Auctions (GN Docket No. 12-268)

    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

[[Page 41337]]

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, 45 L Street NE, Washington, 
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7757, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AJ82

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Office of Engineering and Technology

Long-Term Actions

307. Encouraging the Provision of New Technologies and Services to the 
Public (GN Docket No. 18-22)

    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: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK80

308. Spectrum Horizon (ET Docket No. 18-21)

    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: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK81

309. Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 19-138)

    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:

[[Page 41338]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               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, 45 L Street NE, 45, Washington, DC 20554, 
Phone: 202 418-0657, Fax: 202 418-2824, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK96

310.  Allowing Earlier Equipment Marketing and Importation 
Opportunities; Petition To Expand Marketing Opportunities for 
Innovative Technologies (ET Docket No. 20-382 & RM-11857) NPRM, 86 FR 
2337, January 1

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 301, 302a, 303(c), 303(f), and 
303(r)
    Abstract: In this document, the Commission recognize that our 
equipment authorization rules have in some ways failed to keep pace 
with developments in the modern device ecosystem. In particular, our 
rules limit the ability of device manufacturers to market and import 
radiofrequency devices in the most efficient and cost-effective ways 
possible. We therefore take the opportunity here to propose specific 
rule changes that would allow device manufacturers to take full 
advantage of modern marketing and importation practices.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/12/21  86 FR 2337
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/11/21  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Thomas Struble, Federal Communications Commission, 
45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2470, Email: 
[email protected].
    Brian Butler, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L 
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2702, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AL18

311.  Unlicensed White Space Device Operations in the 
Television Bands (ET Docket No. 20-36)

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 302a; 
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 1.407 and 1.411
    Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission revises its rules to 
provide additional opportunities for unlicensed white space devices 
operating in the broadcast television bands (TV bands) to deliver 
wireless broadband services in rural areas and applications associated 
with the Internet of Things (IoT). This region of the spectrum has 
excellent propagation characteristics that make it particularly 
attractive for delivering communications services over long distances, 
coping with variations in terrain, as well as providing coverage into 
and within buildings. We offer several proposals to spur continued 
growth of the white space device ecosystem, especially for providing 
affordable broadband service to rural and underserved communities that 
can help close the digital divide.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/03/20  85 FR 18901
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/03/20  .......................
R&O.................................   01/12/21  86 FR 2278
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Hugh Van Tuyl, Electronics Engineer, Federal 
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 
202 418-7506, Fax: 202 418-1944, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AL22

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Office of Engineering and Technology

Completed Actions

312.  Unlicensed White Space Device Operations in the 
Television Bands (ET Docket No. 20-36)

    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Duplicate of 3060-AL22..............   04/01/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    RIN: 3060-AL17

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

International Bureau

Long-Term Actions

313. International Settlements Policy Reform (IB Docket No. 11-80)

    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

[[Page 41339]]

12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7443, Fax: 202 
418-2824, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AJ77

314. Update to Parts 2 and 25 Concerning Nongeostationary, Fixed-
Satellite Service Systems, and Related Matters: IB Docket No. I6-408

    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 Commission proposed among other things, to 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 and later adopted a Second Report and 
Order removing this requirement.
    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  .......................
2nd R&O.............................   02/21/21  86 FR 11642
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Clay DeCell, Attorney Advisor, Federal 
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0803, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK59

315. 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

    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...............................   07/24/20  85 FR 44818
R&O.................................   07/24/20  85 FR 44772
FNPRM Comment Period End............   09/22/20  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Sean O'More, Attorney Advisor, Federal 
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0803, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK84

316. Further Streamlining Part 25 Rules Governing Satellite Services: 
IB Docket No. 18-314

    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 a Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking, the FCC proposed 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 proposed 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. In a subsequent Report and Order, the Commission streamlined 
its rules governing satellite services by creating an optional 
framework for the authorization of blanket-licensed earth stations and 
space stations in a satellite system through a unified license. The 
Commission also aligned the build-out requirements for earth stations 
and space stations and eliminated unnecessary reporting rules.
    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  .......................
Report & Order......................   03/01/21  86 FR 11880
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Clay DeCell, Attorney Advisor, Federal 
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0803, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK87

317. Facilitating the Communications of Earth Stations in Motion With 
Non-Geostationary Orbit Space Stations: IB Docket No. 18-315

    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.

[[Page 41340]]

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  .......................
R&O.................................   07/24/20  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Cindy Spiers, Attorney Advisor, Federal 
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1593, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK89

318. Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age: IB Docket No. 
18-313

    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  .......................
R&O.................................   08/25/20  85 FR 52422
FNPRM...............................   08/25/20  85 FR 52455
FNPRM Comment Period End............   10/09/20  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Merissa Velez, Attorney Advisor, Federal 
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0751, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK90

319. Process Reform for Executive Branch Review of Certain FCC 
Applications and Petitions Involving Foreign Ownership (IB Docket No. 
16-155)

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C 154(l); 47 U.S.C . 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 214; 
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 413; 47 U.S.C. 
34-39; E.O. 10530; 3 U.S.C. 301
    Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission considers rules and 
procedures that streamline and improve the timeliness and transparency 
of the process by which the Commission refers certain applications and 
petitions for declaratory ruling to the Executive Branch agencies for 
assessment of any national security, law enforcement, foreign policy or 
trade policy issues related to foreign investment in the applicants and 
petitioners.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/24/16  81 FR 46870
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/02/16  .......................
Public Notice.......................   04/27/20  85 FR 29914
Public Notice Comment Period End....   09/02/20  .......................
Report & Order......................   10/01/20  85 FR 76360
Public Notice.......................   12/30/20  85 FR 12312
Public Notice Comment Period End....   04/19/21  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Arthur T. Lechtman, Attorney Advisor, Federal 
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1465, Fax: 202 418-0175, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AL12

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Media Bureau

Long-Term Actions

320. Revision of EEO Rules and Policies (MM Docket No. 98-204)

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 257; 47 
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47 U.S.C. 334; 47 
U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C. 554
    Abstract: FCC authority to govern Equal Employment Opportunity 
(EEO) responsibilities of cable television operators was codified in 
the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984. This authority was 
extended to television broadcast licensees and other multi-channel 
video programming distributors in the Cable and Television Consumer 
Protection Act of 1992. In the Second Report and Order, the FCC adopted 
new EEO rules and policies. This action was in response to a decision 
of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that 
found prior EEO rules unconstitutional. The Third Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (NPRM) requests comment as to the applicability of the EEO 
rules to part-time employees. The Third Report and Order adopted 
revised forms for broadcast station and MVPDs Annual Employment Report. 
In the Fourth NPRM, comment was sought regarding public access to the 
data contained in the forms.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/14/02  67 FR 1704
Second R&O and Third NPRM...........   01/07/03  68 FR 670
Correction..........................   01/13/03  68 FR 1657
Fourth NPRM.........................   06/23/04  69 FR 34986
Third R&O...........................   06/23/04  69 FR 34950
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 41341]]

    Agency Contact: Brendan Holland, Chief, Industry Analysis Division, 
Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2486, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AH95

321. Establishment of Rules for Digital Low-Power Television, 
Television Translator, and Television Booster Stations (MB Docket No. 
03-185)

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 336
    Abstract: This proceeding initiated the digital television 
conversion for low-power television (LPTV) and television translator 
stations. The rules and policies adopted as a result of this proceeding 
provide the framework for these stations' conversion from analog to 
digital broadcasting.
    The Report and Order adopts definitions and permissible use 
provisions for digital TV translator and LPTV stations. The Second 
Report and Order takes steps to resolve the remaining issues in order 
to complete the low-power television digital transition. The third 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on a number of issues 
related to the potential impact of the incentive auction and the 
repacking process.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/26/03  68 FR 55566
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/25/03  .......................
R&O.................................   11/29/04  69 FR 69325
FNPRM and MO&O......................   10/18/10  75 FR 63766
2nd R&O.............................   07/07/11  76 FR 44821
3rd NPRM............................   11/28/14  79 FR 70824
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/29/14  .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End.......   01/12/15  .......................
3rd R&O.............................   02/01/16  81 FR 5041
4th NPRM............................   02/01/16  81 FR 5086
Comment Period End..................   02/22/16  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Shaun Maher, Attorney, Video Division, Federal 
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-2324, Fax: 202 418-2827, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AI38

322. Amendment of the Commission's Rules Related to Retransmission 
Consent (MB Docket No. 10-71)

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 325; 47 U.S.C. 534
    Abstract: Cable systems and other multichannel video programming 
distributors are not entitled to retransmit a broadcast station's 
signal without the station's consent. This consent is known as 
``retransmission consent.'' Since Congress enacted the retransmission 
consent regime in 1992, there have been significant changes in the 
video programming marketplace. In this proceeding, comment is sought on 
a series of proposals to streamline and clarify the Commission's rules 
concerning or affecting retransmission consent negotiations.
    In the 2014 Report and Order, the Commission adopted a rule 
providing that it is a violation of the duty to negotiate 
retransmission consent in good faith for a television station that is 
ranked among the top four stations to negotiate retransmission consent 
jointly with another such station if the stations are not commonly 
owned and serve the same geographic market.
    In 2019, the Commission sought comment on amending the rules 
concerning notices cable operators must provide to subscribers.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/28/11  76 FR 17071
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/27/11
R&O.................................   05/19/14  79 FR 28615
NPRM................................   10/02/15  80 FR 59706
NPRM................................   01/07/20  85 FR 656
Report & Order......................   11/12/20  85 FR 71843
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John Cobb, Attorney, Policy Division, Media Bureau, 
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-2120 Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AJ55

323. Preserving Vacant Channels in the UHF Television Band for 
Unlicensed Use; (MB Docket No. 15-146)

    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; 47 U.S.C. 308; 47 U.S.C. 309; 
47 U.S.C. 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. 403
    Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission considers proposals to 
preserve vacant television channels in the UHF television band for 
shared use by white space devices and wireless microphones following 
the repacking of the band after the conclusion of the Incentive 
Auction. In the NPRM, the Commission proposed preserving in each area 
of the country at least one vacant television channel. In the Public 
Notice, the Commission notes that a limited number of broadcast 
television stations may be reassigned during the incentive auction and 
repacking process to channels within the duplex gap established as part 
of the 600 MHz Band Plan, resulting in a restriction on the ability of 
white space devices and wireless microphone to use this spectrum. To 
address this concern, the Public Notice tentatively concluded that a 
second available television channel should be preserved in the 
remaining television band in such areas for shared use by white space 
devices and wireless microphones, in addition to the one such channel 
proposed in the NPRM.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   07/02/15  80 FR 38158
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/03/15
NPRM Reply Comment Period End.......   08/31/15
Public Notice.......................   09/01/15  80 FR 52715
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Shaun Maher, Attorney, Video Division, Federal 
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-2324, Fax: 202 418-2827, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK43

324. Authorizing Permissive Use of the ``Next Generation'' Broadcast 
Television Standard (GN Docket No. 16-142)

    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

[[Page 41342]]

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.
    In the 2nd R&O, the Commission provided additional guidance to 
broadcasters deploying Next Gen TV.
    In 2021, the Commission made a technical modification to the rules 
governing the use of a distribution transmission system by a television 
station to account for deployment of ATSC 3.0.
    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
NPRM................................   05/13/20  85 FR 28586
2nd R&O Order on Recon..............   07/17/20  85 FR 43478
Report & Order......................      To Be  Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Evan Baranoff, Attorney, Policy Division, Federal 
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-7142, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK56

325. 2018 Quadrennial Regulatory Review of the Commission's Broadcast 
Ownership Rules (MB Docket 18-349)

    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  84FR 6741
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Brendan Holland, Chief, Industry Analysis Division, 
Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2486, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK77

326. Children's Television Programming Rules (MB Docket 18-202)

    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 Rerply Comment Period End.....   10/15/19
Move to Inactive Status.............   01/25/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kathy Berthot, Attorney, Policy Division Media 
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, 
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7454, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK78

327. Equal Employment Opportunity Enforcement (MB Docket 19-177)

    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, Media 
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, 
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1523, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK86

328. Revision of the Commission's Part 76 Review Procedures (MB Docket 
No. 20-70)

    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. 536; 47 U.S.C. 548; 47 U.S.C. 573
    Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission considers changes to 
procedural rules governing the resolution of program carriage disputes 
between video programming vendors and multichannel video programming 
distributors. The rule changes are intended to make the Commission's 
procedures more consistent and encourage the timely resolution of 
program carriage disputes.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/16/20  85 FR 21131
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/18/20
Report & Order......................   12/17/20  85 FR 81805
Move to Inactive Status.............   01/25/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John Cobb, Attorney, Policy Division, Media Bureau, 
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-2120, Email: [email protected].

[[Page 41343]]

    RIN: 3060-AL08

329.  Duplication of Programming on Commonly Owned Radio 
Stations (MB Docket No. 19-310)

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151. 154(i), 154(j), and 303(r)
    Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks comment on 
whether to modify or eliminate the radio duplication rule. The rule 
bars same-service (AM or FM) commercial radio stations from duplicating 
more than 25% of their total hours of programming in an average 
broadcast week if the stations have 50% or more contour overlap and are 
commonly owned or subject to a time brokerage agreement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/23/19  84 FR 70485
Report & Order......................   10/22/20  85 FR 67303
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jamile Kadre, Industry Analysis Division, Media 
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, 
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2245, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AL19

330.  Sponsorship Identification Requirements for Foreign 
Government-Provided Programming (MB Docket No. 20-299)

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151. 154, 155, 301, 303, 307, 309, 310, 
334, 336, 339
    Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks comment on rules 
proposing to require specific disclosure requirements for broadcast 
programming that is paid for, or provided by a foreign government or 
its representative.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/24/20  85 FR 74955
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Radhika Karmarker, Attorney Advisor, IAD, Media 
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, 
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1523, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AL20

331.  FM Broadcast Booster Stations (MB Docket 20-401)

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154, 157, 301, 302, 303, 307, 308, 
309, 316, 319, 324
    Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes to amend its 
rules to enable FM broadcasters to use FM booster stations to air geo-
targeted content (e.g., news, weather, and advertisements) independent 
of the signals of its primary station within different portions of the 
primary station's protected service contour for a limited period of 
time during the broadcast hour.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/11/21  86 FR 1909
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Al Shuldiner, Chief, Audio Div., Media Bureau, 
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-2700, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AL21

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Office of Managing Director

Long-Term Actions

332. Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees

    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
NPRM................................   05/08/20  85 FR 32256
R&O.................................   06/22/20  85 FR 37364
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: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK64

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau

Long-Term Actions

333. Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Requirements: PS Docket No. 07-114

    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............
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 41344]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Brenda Boykin, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and 
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L 
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2062, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AJ52

334. Improving Outage Reporting for Submarine Cables and Enhancing 
Submarine Cable Outage Data; GN Docket No. 15-206

    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. 
In December 2019, the Commission adopted an Order on Reconsideration 
that modifies the requirement for submarine cable licensees to report 
outages to the Commission.
    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  84 FR 15733
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Scott Cinnamon, Attorney-Advisor, Federal 
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 
202 418-2319, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK39

335. Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning 
Disruptions to Communications: PS Docket No. 15-80

    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.
    In March 2020, the Commission adopted a Second Further Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking in PS Docket No. 15-80 that proposed a framework to 
provide state and federal agencies with access to outage information to 
improve their situational awareness while preserving the 
confidentiality of this data, including proposals to: Provide direct, 
read-only access to NORS and DIRS filings to qualified agencies of the 
50 states, the District of Columbia, Tribal nations, territories, and 
federal government; allow these agencies to share NORS and DIRS 
information with other public safety officials that reasonably require 
NORS and DIRS information to prepare for and respond to disasters; 
allow participating agencies to publicly disclose NORS or DIRS filing 
information that is aggregated and anonymized across at least four 
service providers; condition a participating agency's direct access to 
NORS and DIRS filings on their agreement to treat the filings as 
confidential and not disclose them absent a finding by the Commission 
that allows them to do so; and establish an application process that 
would grant agencies access to NORS and DIRS after those agencies 
certify to certain requirements related to maintaining confidentiality 
of the data and the security of the databases. In March 2021, the 
Commission adopted the proposed information sharing framework with some 
modifications in a Second Report and Order.
    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.
Announcement of Effective Date for     06/22/17  82 FR 28410
 Rule Changes in R&O.
Second Further NPRM.................   02/28/20  85 FR 17818
Second Further NPRM Comment Period     06/01/20
 End.
2nd R&O.............................   03/17/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Robert Finley, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and 
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L 
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7835, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK40

336. New Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to 
Communications; ET Docket No. 04-35

    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

[[Page 41345]]

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.
    In March 2020, the Commission adopted a Second Further Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking in PS Docket No. 15-80 that proposed a framework to 
provide state and federal agencies with access to outage information to 
improve their situational awareness while preserving the 
confidentiality of this data, including proposals to: Provide direct, 
read-only access to NORS and DIRS filings to qualified agencies of the 
50 states, the District of Columbia, Tribal nations, territories, and 
federal government; allow these agencies to share NORS and DIRS 
information with other public safety officials that reasonably require 
NORS and DIRS information to prepare for and respond to disasters; 
allow participating agencies to publicly disclose NORS or DIRS filing 
information that is aggregated and anonymized across at least four 
service providers; condition a participating agency's direct access to 
NORS and DIRS filings on their agreement to treat the filings as 
confidential and not disclose them absent a finding by the Commission 
that allows them to do so; and establish an application process that 
would grant agencies access to NORS and DIRS after those agencies 
certify to certain requirements related to maintaining confidentiality 
of the data and the security of the databases.
    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 NPRM.................   02/28/20  85 FR 17818
Second Further Notice of Proposed      03/31/20  .......................
 Rulemaking.
Second Further NPRM Comment Period     06/01/20  .......................
 End.
                                     -----------------------------------
Report & Order......................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Robert Finley, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and 
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L 
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7835, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK41

337. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): PS Docket No. 15-91

    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
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, 45 L 
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1678, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK54

338. Blue Alert EAS Event Code

    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:

[[Page 41346]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               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, 45 L 
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7490, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK63

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

Long-Term Actions

339. 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)

    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 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: Jaclyn Rosen, Federal Communications Commission, 
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-0154, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AJ87

340. Amendment of the Commission's Rules Governing Certain Aviation 
Ground Station Equipment (Squitter) (WT Docket Nos. 10-61 and 09-42)

    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, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L 
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2155, Fax: 202 418-
7247, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AJ88

341. Promoting Technological Solutions To Combat Wireless Contraband 
Device Use in Correctional Facilities; GN Docket No. 13-111

    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: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK06

342. Promoting Investment in the 3550-3700 MHz Band; GN Docket No. 17-
258

    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

[[Page 41347]]

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.
    The 2018 Report and Order addressed the issues raised in the 2017 
NPRM and implemented changes rules governing Priority Access Licenses 
in the band and public release of base station registration 
information.
    On July 2020, the Commission commenced an auction of Priority 
Access Licenses in the band. ``Winning bidders were announced on 
September 2, 2020''.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/08/13  78 FR 1188
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/19/13
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, Wireless Telecommunications 
Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1613, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK12

343. Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Services--Spectrum 
Frontiers: WT Docket 10-112

    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, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-0797, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK44

344. Transforming the 2.5 GHz Band, WT Docket No. 18-120

    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
Dismissal of Petitions for             02/23/21  86 FR 10839
 Reconsideration.
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: John Schauble, Deputy Chief, Broadband Division, 
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-0797, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK75

345. Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band: GN Docket No. 
18-122

    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 the 2020 Report and Order, the Commission adopted 
rules to make 280 megahertz of mid-band

[[Page 41348]]

spectrum available for flexible use (plus a 20-megahertz guard band) 
throughout the contiguous United States. Pursuant to the Report and 
Order, existing fixed satellite service (FSS) and fixed services (FS) 
must relocate operations out of the lower portion of the 3.7-4.0 GHz 
band. The Commission will issue flexible use licenses in the 3.7-3.98 
GHz portion of the band in the contiguous United States via a system of 
competitive bidding. The Commission established rules to govern the 
transition including optional payments for satellite operators that 
choose to relocate on an accelerated schedule and provide reimbursement 
to FSS operators and their associated earth stations for reasonable 
expenses incurred to facilitate the transition. The Report and Order 
also established service and technical rules for the new flexible use 
licenses that will be issued in the 3.7-3.98 GHz portion of the band. 
``On December 8, 2020, the Commission began an auction of licenses in 
the 3.7-3.98 GHz portion of the band. the winning bidders were 
announced on February 24, 2021''.
    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.................................   04/23/20  85 FR 22804
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Peter Daronco, Deputy Division Chief, Broadband 
Division, Federal Communications Commission, Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 
202 418-7235, Email: [email protected].
    Paul Powell, Assistant Chief, Mobility Division, WTB, Federal 
Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L 
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1613, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK76

346. Amendment of the Commission's Rules To Promote Aviation Safety: WT 
Docket No. 19-140

    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 Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L 
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1617, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK92

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Wireline Competition Bureau

Long-Term Actions

347. Local Telephone Networks That LECS Must Make Available to 
Competitors

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 251
    Abstract: The Commission adopted rules applicable to incumbent 
local exchange carriers (LECs) to permit competitive carriers to access 
portions of the incumbent LECs' networks on an unbundled basis. 
Unbundling allows competitors to lease portions of the incumbent LECs' 
network to provide telecommunications services. These rules, adopted in 
dockets CC 96-98, WC 01-338, and WC 04-313, are intended to accelerate 
the development of local exchange competition.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second FNPRM........................   04/26/99  64 FR 20238
Fourth FNPRM........................   01/14/00  65 FR 2367
Errata Third R&O and Fourth FNPRM...   01/18/00  65 FR 2542
Second Errata Third R&O and Fourth     01/18/00  65 FR 2542
 FNPRM.
Supplemental Order..................   01/18/00  65 FR 2542
Third R&O...........................   01/18/00  65 FR 2542
Correction..........................   04/11/00  65 FR 19334
Supplemental Order Clarification....   06/20/00  65 FR 38214
Public Notice.......................   02/01/01  66 FR 8555
Public Notice.......................   03/05/01  66 FR 18279
Public Notice.......................   04/10/01
Public Notice.......................   04/23/01
Public Notice.......................   05/14/01
NPRM................................   01/15/02  67 FR 1947
Public Notice.......................   05/29/02
Public Notice.......................   08/01/02
Public Notice.......................   08/13/02
NPRM................................   08/21/03  68 FR 52276
R&O and Order on Remand.............   08/21/03  68 FR 52276
Errata..............................   09/17/03
Report..............................   10/09/03  68 FR 60391
Order...............................   10/28/03
Order...............................   01/09/04
Public Notice.......................   01/09/04
Public Notice.......................   02/18/04
Order...............................   07/08/04
Second R&O..........................   07/08/04  69 FR 43762
Order on Recon......................   08/09/04  69 FR 54589
Interim Order.......................   08/20/04  69 FR 55111
NPRM................................   08/20/04  69 FR 55128
Public Notice.......................   09/10/04
Public Notice.......................   09/13/04
Public Notice.......................   10/20/04
Order on Recon......................   12/29/04  69 FR 77950
Order on Remand.....................   02/04/04
Public Notice.......................   04/25/05  70 FR 29313
Public Notice.......................   05/25/05  70 FR 34765
Declaratory Ruling..................   05/26/11
NPRM................................   01/06/20  85 FR 472
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/06/20
Report & Order......................   01/08/21  86 FR 1636
                                     -----------------------------------
Next Action Undetermined............           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Edward Krachmer, Attorney Advisor, Federal 
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1525 Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AH44

[[Page 41349]]

348. Numbering Resource Optimization

    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 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

[[Page 41350]]

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 
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: Jordan Marie Reth, Attorney[dash]Advisor (PU), 
Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L 
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202-418-1418, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AH80

349. Jurisdictional Separations

    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

[[Page 41351]]

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
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 A. Kehoe III, Senior Counsel, Policy & 
Program Planning Division, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline 
Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 
418-1580, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AJ06

350. Rural Call Completion; WC Docket No. 13-39

    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
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, Wireline Competition 
Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1033, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AJ89

351. Comprehensive Review of the Part 32 Uniform System of Accounts (WC 
Docket No. 14-130)

    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

[[Page 41352]]

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 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, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2747, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK20

352. Restoring Internet Freedom (WC Docket No. 17-108); Protecting and 
Promoting the Open Internet (GN Docket No. 14-28)

    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
Order on Remand.....................   01/07/21  86 FR 994
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Melissa Kirkel, Attorney Advisor, Federal 
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7958, Fax: 202 418-1413, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK21

353. 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

    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. 
Various parties filed a Petition for Review of the Wireline 
Infrastructure Order in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth 
Circuit. The Ninth Circuit denied the Petition on January 23, 2020 on 
the grounds that the parties lacked standing.
    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

[[Page 41353]]

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, 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. Numerous parties 
filed appeals of the Wireline Infrastructure Third Report and Order, 
and the appeals were consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals of the 
Ninth Circuit. On August 12, 2020, the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion 
upholding the Wireline Infrastructure Third Report and Order in all 
respects.
    On August 8, 2018, Public Knowledge filed a Petition for 
Reconsideration of the Second Report and Order and Motion to Hold in 
Abeyance. On October 20, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) 
adopted a Declaratory Ruling, Order on Reconsideration, and Order. In 
the Declaratory Ruling, the Bureau clarified that any carrier seeking 
to discontinue legacy voice service to a community or part of a 
community that is the last retail provider of such legacy TDM service 
to that community or part of the community is subject to the 
Commission's technology transition discontinuance rules, including the 
requirements to receive streamlined treatment of its discontinuance 
application. In the Order on Reconsideration, the Bureau denied the 
Public Knowledge Petition for Reconsideration because all of Public 
Knowledge's arguments were fully considered, and rejected, by the 
Commission in the underlying proceeding. It also dismissed as moot the 
accompanying motion to have the Commission hold that Order in abeyance 
pending the outcome of the appeal that the Ninth Circuit ultimately 
denied.
    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

[[Page 41354]]

 
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
Order on Reconsideration............   02/02/21  86 FR 8872
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michele Berlove, Special Counsel, Competition 
Policy Div., WCB, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline 
Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 
418-1477, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK32

354. Implementation of the Universal Service Portions of the 1996 
Telecommunications Act

    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. 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 February 7, 2020, the Commission launched $20 Billion Rural 
Digital Opportunity Fund.
    On April 2, 2020, the Commission fought COVID-19 with $200M; Adopts 
Long-Term Connected Care Study.
    On July 17, 2020, the Commission integrated provisions of the 
recently enacted Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Acts of 
2019 into the existing supply chain rulemaking.
    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
Report & Order......................   03/10/20  85 FR 13773
Report & Order......................   05/11/20  85 FR 19892
Declaratory Ruling/2nd FNPRM........   08/04/20  85 FR 48134
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Nakesha Woodward, Program Analyst, Wireline 
Competition Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline 
Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 
418-1502, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK57

355. Toll Free Assignment Modernization and Toll Free Service Access 
Codes: WC Docket No. 17-192, CC Docket No. 95-155

    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 Somos 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.
    On January 16, 2020, Somos released all of the 833 Auction data for 
public review. On March 13, 2020, the Bureau invited public comment on 
the 833 Auction in preparation for issuing a report on the lessons 
learned from the Auction. Comments were due on April 13, 2020. On July 
14, 2020, the North American Numbering Council approved the Toll Free 
Assignment Modernization Working Group's report, Perspectives on the 
December 2019 Auction of Numbers in the 833 Numbering Plan Area.
    On January 15, 2021, the Bureau released a report that examined 
various aspects of this toll free number assignment experiment, 
including lessons learned, examination of auction outcomes, and 
recommendations for future toll free number assignment. The Bureau 
concluded that the 833 Auction was a successful experiment that 
provided invaluable experience and data that can facilitate further 
Commission efforts to continue to

[[Page 41355]]

modernize toll free number allocation in the future.
    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, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7141, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK91

356. Establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection; WC Docket 
Nos. 19-195 and 11-10

    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; 
47. U.S.C. 151-154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 332; 
47 U.S.C. 641 to 646; Pub. L 116-130; . . .
    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.
    The Second Further NPRM sought comment on additional technical 
standards for fixed broadband providers that could ensure greater 
precision for the Digital Opportunity Data Collection deployment 
reporting and on ways the Commission could incorporate crowdsourced and 
location-specific fixed broadband deployment data into this new data 
collection. The Second Further NPRM also sought comment on 
incorporating the collection of accurate, reliable mobile wireless 
voice and broadband coverage data into the Digital Opportunity Data 
Collection. In addition, the Second Further NPRM sought comment on 
sunsetting the Form 477 broadband deployment collection following the 
creation of the Digital Opportunity Data Collection.
    The Second Report and Order established requirements for: (1) 
Collecting fixed broadband availability and quality of service data; 
(2) collecting mobile broadband deployment data, including the 
submission of standardized propagation maps, propagation model details, 
and infrastructure information; (3) establishing a common dataset of 
all locations in the United States where fixed broadband service can be 
installed; (4) verifying the accuracy of broadband availability data; 
(5) collecting crowdsourced data; (6) enforcing the requirements of the 
Broadband DATA Act; (7) creating coverage maps from the data submitted; 
and (8) ensuring the privacy, confidentiality, and security of 
information submitted by broadband providers.
    The Third Further NPRM sought comment on a range of additional 
measures to implement the requirements of the Broadband DATA Act, 
including additional processes for verifying broadband availability 
data submitted by providers, the development of a challenge process, 
and FCC Form 477 reforms.
    The Third Report and Order specified which fixed and mobile 
broadband internet access service providers are required to report 
broadband availability data and expanded the reporting and 
certification requirements for certain fixed and mobile broadband 
filers in order to ensure that Commission staff have the necessary 
tools to assess the quality and accuracy of its broadband coverage 
maps. The Third Report and Order also adopted standards for collecting 
verified broadband data from State, local, and Tribal entities and 
certain third parties and adopted processes for submitting challenges 
to fixed and mobile coverage map data and data in the location Fabric, 
along with processes for providers to respond to such challenges. In 
addition, the Third Report and Order established standards for 
identifying locations that will be included in the broadband 
serviceable locations Fabric and for enforcement of the requirements 
associated with the Digital Opportunity Data Collection.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/03/17  82 FR 40118
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/25/17
Report & Order......................   08/01/19  84 FR 43705
Second Further Notice of Proposed      08/01/19  84 FR 43764
 Rulemaking.
Second Further NPRM Comment Period     10/07/19
 End.
2nd R&O.............................   07/16/20  85 FR 50886
3rd FNPRM...........................   07/16/20  85 FR 50911
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........   09/08/20
3rd R&O.............................   01/13/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Ray, Attorney, Federal Communications 
Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-0357, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AK93

357. Call Authentication Trust Anchor

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 251; 47 U.S.C. 227; 47 
U.S.C. 227b; 47 U.S.C. 503
    Abstract: On June 6, 2019, the Commission adopted a Declaratory 
Ruling and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (CG Docket No. 
17-59, WC Docket No. 17-97) that proposed and sought comment on 
mandating implementation of STIR/SHAKEN in the event that major voice 
service providers did not voluntarily implement the framework by the 
end of 2019.
    On December 30, 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 internet Protocol (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

[[Page 41356]]

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.
    On March 31, 2020, the Commission adopted a Report and Order and 
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (WC Docket Nos. 17-97, 20-67). 
The Report and Order mandated that all originating and terminating 
voice service providers implement the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID 
authentication framework in the IP portions of their networks by June 
30, 2021. In the Further Notice the Commission sought comment on 
proposals to further promote caller ID authentication and implement the 
TRACED Act.
    On September 29, 2020, the Commission adopted a Second Report and 
Order (WC Docket No. 17-97). The Second Report and Order implemented 
rules (1) granting extensions for compliance with the STIR/SHAKEN 
implementation mandate for small voice service providers, voice service 
providers that cannot obtain a SPC token from the Governance Authority, 
services scheduled for section 214 discontinuance, for those portions 
of a voice service provider's network that rely on non-IP technology, 
and establishing a process for individual voice service providers to 
seek provider specific extensions; (2) requiring voice service 
providers using non-IP technology either to upgrade their networks to 
IP to enable STIR/SHAKEN implementation, or work to develop non-IP 
caller ID authentication technology and implement a robocall mitigation 
program in the interim; (3) establishing a process whereby a voice 
service provider may be exempt from the STIR/SHAKEN implementation 
mandate if the provider has achieved certain implementation benchmarks; 
(4) prohibiting voice service providers from imposing line item charges 
on consumer and small business subscribers for caller ID 
authentication; and (5) requiring intermediate providers to implement 
STIR/SHAKEN.
    On January 13, 2021, the Commission adopted a Second Further Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking proposing and seeking comment on a limited role 
for the Commission to oversee certificate revocation decisions by the 
private STIR/SHAKEN Governance Authority that would have the effect of 
placing providers in noncompliance with the Commission's rules.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOI.................................   07/14/17
DR and 3rd FNPRM....................   06/06/19  84 FR 29478
NPRM................................   06/24/19  84 FR 29478
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/23/19
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........   08/23/19
R&O and FNPRM.......................   03/31/20  85 FR 22029
FNPRM Comment Period End............   05/29/20
2nd R&O.............................   09/29/20  85 FR 73360
2nd FNPRM...........................   01/13/21  86 FR 9894
2nd FNPRM Comment Period............   03/19/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Alexander McMennamin Hobbs, Attorney-Advisor, 
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-7433, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AL00

358. Implementation of the National Suicide Improvement Act of 2018

    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). Pub. L. 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.
    On July 16, 2020, the Commission adopted an Order designating 988 
as the 3-digit number to reach the Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line 
(800-273-TALK or 800-273-8255) and requiring all telecommunications 
carriers, interconnected voice over internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, 
and one-way VoIP providers to make any network changes necessary to 
ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the Lifeline by July 16, 2022.
    On October 16, 2020, the Communications Equality Advocates filed a 
petition for partial reconsideration of the FCC's July 16, 2020 Report 
and Order. In their petition, Communications Equality Advocates 
requested that the FCC revise the Order to mandate text-to-988 and 
direct video calling (DVC) requirements and to have such requirements 
be implemented on the same timeline as voice calls to 988, by July 16, 
2022.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/15/20  85 FR 2359
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/16/20  .......................
Report & Order......................   07/16/20  .......................
PFR.................................   10/16/20  .......................
Oppositions Due.....................   12/02/20  .......................
Replies Due.........................   12/14/20  .......................
Next Action Undetermined............             .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michelle Sclater, Attorney, Wireline Competition 
Bureau,

[[Page 41357]]

Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L 
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0388, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AL01

359. Modernizing Unbundling and Resale Requirements in an Era of Next-
Generation Networks and Services

    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 did not propose any change to unbundling 
requirements for broadband-capable loops in rural areas. The NPRM 
sought 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 their competitors, 
and no longer benefit consumers or serve the purpose for which they 
were intended.
    On October 27, 2020, the Commission adopted a Report and Order (1) 
eliminating unbundling requirements, subject to a reasonable transition 
period, for enterprise-grade DS1 and DS3 loops where there is evidence 
of actual and potential competition, for broadband-capable DS0 loops 
and associated subloops in the most densely populated areas, and for 
voice-grade narrowband loops nationwide, but preserving unbundling 
requirements for DS0 loops in less densely populated areas and DS1 and 
DS3 loops in areas without sufficient evidence of competition; (2) 
eliminating unbundling requirements for network interface devices and 
multiunit premises subloops; (3) eliminating unbundled dark fiber 
transport provisioned from wire centers within a half-mile of 
competitive fiber networks, but providing an eight-year transition 
period for existing circuits so as to avoid stranding investment and 
last-mile deployment by competitive LECs that may harm consumers; (4) 
eliminating unbundling requirements for operations support systems, 
except where carriers are continuing to manage UNEs and for purposes of 
local interconnection and local number portability; and (5) eliminating 
remaining avoided-cost resale requirements. The Report and Order ended 
unbundling and resale requirements where they stifle technology 
transitions and broadband deployment, but preserved unbundling 
requirements where they are still necessary to realize the 1996 Act's 
goal of robust intermodal competition benefiting all Americans.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/06/20  85 FR 472
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/06/20  .......................
Report & Order......................   01/08/21  86 FR 1636
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michele Berlove, Special Counsel, Competition 
Policy Div., WCB, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline 
Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE., Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 
418-1477, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AL02

360. Eliminating Ex Ante Pricing Regulation and Tariffing of Telephone 
Access Charges (WC Docket 20-71)

    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 Telephone 
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 these charges on 
customers' bills. given that some Telephone Access Charges are used to 
calculate contributions to the Federal Universal Service Fund and other 
federal programs as well as high cost support this Notice also proposes 
and seeks comment on ways to ensure stability in funding these 
programs.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/01/20  85 FR 30899
Next Action Undetermined............             .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Victoria Goldberg, Attorney[dash]Advisor, Federal 
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, 
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7353, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AL03

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Wireline Competition Bureau

Completed Actions

361. Service Quality Measurement Plan for Interstate Special Access (WC 
Docket No. 02-112; CC Docket No. 00-175; WC Docket No. 06-120)

    Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and (j); 
47 U.S.C. 201 to 204; 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 220(a); 47 U.S.C. 251 
and 252; 47 U.S.C. 272; 47 U.S.C. 303(r)
    Abstract: Pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 
the Commission imposed two information collections as conditions of 
substantial regulatory relief granted to the Bell Operating Companies 
(BOCs), including their independent incumbent local exchange carrier 
affiliates. The first information collection requires the BOCs, 
including their independent incumbent local exchange carrier (LEC) 
affiliates, to report special access performance metrics on a quarterly 
basis. The second information collection required the BOCs, and their 
independent incumbent LEC affiliates, to provide their residential 
customers with the total number of long distance telecommunications 
service minutes they use each month. The second information collection 
expired in 2011.
    On May 4, 2018, USTelecom filed a forbearance petition in which it 
sought forbearance from, among other things, obligations under section 
272 of the Communications Act, including special access performance 
metrics reporting requirements for all carriers. See Petition of 
USTelecom for Forbearance Pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 160(c) to Accelerate 
Investment in Broadband and Next-Generation Networks, WC Docket No. 18-
141 (filed May 4, 2018).
    The Commission has sought comment on the USTelecom petition--
Petition of USTelecom for Forbearance Pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 160(c) to 
Accelerate Investment in Broadband and Next-Generation Networks, WC 
Docket No. 18-141, Order, DA 18-574 (June 1, 2018).
    Comments and oppositions were due June 7, 2018, and replies by June 
22, 2018 (DA18-475). These dates were extended until August 6, 2018, 
and September 5, 2018 (DA-18-574). The Commission extended the date by 
which the petition would be deemed

[[Page 41358]]

granted in the absence of a Commission decision that the petition fails 
to meet the standards for forbearance under section 10(a) of the Act by 
90 days until August 2, 2019. (DA 19-75).
    The Commission terminated these two information collections. See 
Petition of USTelecom for Forbearance Pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 160(c) to 
Accelerate Investment in Broadband and Next-Generation Networks, 
Memorandum Opinion and Order, WC Docket No. 18-141, FCC 19-31 (April 
15, 2019).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/02/01  66 FR 50139
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/01/01  .......................
NPRM................................   05/29/03  68 FR 32007
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/30/03  .......................
R&O.................................   10/12/07  72 FR 58021
NPRM................................   01/22/13  78 FR 4369
R&O.................................   11/13/13  78 FR 67956
FNPRM...............................   11/13/13  78 FR 68005
FNPRM Comment Period End............   12/20/13  .......................
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End......   01/13/14  .......................
OMB Approval........................   06/12/14  79 FR 33709
Inactive per Maura McGowan..........   03/31/16  .......................
Notice and Request for Comment......   05/16/17  82 FR 22545
Comment Period End..................   07/17/17  .......................
OMB Approval........................   09/06/17  .......................
US Telecom Petition for Forbearance    08/06/18  .......................
 Comment Period End.
US Telecom Petition for Forbearance    09/05/18  .......................
 Reply Comment Period End.
Withdrawn...........................   03/31/21  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Heather Hendrickson, Federal Communications 
Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, Phone: 202 418-7295, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3060-AJ08

[FR Doc. 2021-14879 Filed 7-29-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P