[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 151 (Monday, August 8, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48378-48412]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-14618]
[[Page 48377]]
Vol. 87
Monday,
No. 151
August 8, 2022
Part XXIII
Federal Communications Commission
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 87 , No. 151 / Monday, August 8, 2022 / UA:
Reg Flex Agenda
[[Page 48378]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Ch. I
Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions--
Spring 2022
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, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, (202) 418-0990.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Unified Agenda of Major and Other Significant Proceedings
The Commission encourages public participation in its rulemaking
process. To help keep the public informed of significant rulemaking
proceedings, the Commission has prepared a list of important
proceedings now in progress. The General Services Administration
publishes the Unified Agenda in the Federal Register in the spring and
fall of each year.
The following terms may be helpful in understanding the status of
the proceedings included in this report:
Docket Number--assigned to a proceeding if the Commission has
issued either a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or a Notice of Inquiry
concerning the matter under consideration. The Commission has used
docket numbers since January 1, 1978. Docket numbers consist of the
last two digits of the calendar year in which the docket was
established plus a sequential number that begins at 1 with the first
docket initiated during a calendar year (e.g., Docket No. 15-1 or
Docket No. 17-1). The abbreviation for the responsible bureau usually
precedes the docket number, as in ``MB Docket No. 17-289,'' which
indicates that the responsible bureau is the Media Bureau. A docket
number consisting of only five digits (e.g., Docket No. 29622)
indicates that the docket was established before January 1, 1978.
Notice of Inquiry (NOI)--issued by the Commission when it is
seeking information on a broad subject or trying to generate ideas on a
given topic. A comment period is specified during which all interested
parties may submit comments.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)--issued by the Commission when
it is proposing a specific change to Commission rules and regulations.
Before any changes are actually made, interested parties may submit
written comments on the proposed revisions.
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM)--issued by the
Commission when additional comment in the proceeding is sought.
Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O)--issued by the Commission to
deny a petition for rulemaking, conclude an inquiry, modify a decision,
or address a petition for reconsideration of a decision.
Rulemaking (RM) Number--assigned to a proceeding after the
appropriate bureau or office has reviewed a petition for rulemaking,
but before the Commission has 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.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
282....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI14
Implementing the
Telephone Consumer
Protection Act (TCPA) of
1991 (CG Docket No. 02-
278).
283....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI15
Implementing Section 225
of the Communications Act
(Telecommunications Relay
Service) (CG Docket No.
03-123).
284....................... Structure and Practices of 3060-AJ42
the Video Relay Service
(VRS) Program (CG Docket
No. 10-51).
285....................... Implementation of the 3060-AJ84
Middle Class Tax Relief
and Job Creation Act of
2012/Establishment of a
Public Safety Answering
Point Do-Not-Call
Registry (CG Docket No.
12-129).
286....................... Misuse of Internet 3060-AK01
Protocol (IP) Captioned
Telephone Service;
Telecommunications Relay
Services and Speech-to-
Speech Services; CG
Docket No. 13-24.
287....................... Advanced Methods to Target 3060-AK62
and Eliminate Unlawful
Robocalls (CG Docket No.
17-59).
288....................... Empowering Broadband 3060-AL33
Consumers Through
Transparency.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economics--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
289....................... Development of Nationwide 3060-AJ15
Broadband Data to
Evaluate Reasonable and
Timely Deployment of
Advanced Services to All
Americans.
290....................... Expanding the Economic and 3060-AJ82
Innovation Opportunities
of Spectrum Through
Incentive Auctions (GN
Docket No. 12-268).
291....................... Broadband Data Collection. 3060-AL42
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 48379]]
Office of Engineering and Technology--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
292....................... Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz 3060-AK96
Band (ET Docket No. 19-
138).
293....................... 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.
294....................... Unlicensed White Space 3060-AL22
Device Operations in the
Television Bands (ET
Docket No. 20-36).
295....................... Protecting Against 3060-AL23
National Security Threats
to the Communications
Supply Chain through the
Equipment Authorization
and Competitive Bidding
Programs; ET Docket No.
21-232, EA Docket No. 21-
233.
296....................... Wireless Microphones in 3060-AL27
the TV Bands (ET Docket
No. 21-115), 600 MHz
Guard Band, 600 MHz
Duplex Gap, and the 941.5-
944 MHz, 944-952 MHz,
952.850-956.250 MHz,
956.45-959.85 MHz, 1435-
1525 MHz.
297....................... FCC Seeks to Enable State- 3060-AL36
of-the-Art Radar Sensors
in 60 GHz Band.
298....................... FCC Proposes to Update 3060-AL39
Equipment Authorization
Rules to Incorporate New
and Revised Industry
Standards.
299....................... Allocation of Spectrum for 3060-AL44
Non-Federal Space Launch
Operations (ET Docket No.
13-115).
300....................... FCC Looks to Open the Door 3060-AL45
to New Wireless
Microphone Technologies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
301....................... Update to Parts 2 and 25 3060-AK59
Concerning
NonGeostationary, Fixed-
Satellite Service
Systems, and Related
Matters: IB Docket No. I6-
408.
302....................... 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.
303....................... Further Streamlining Part 3060-AK87
25 Rules Governing
Satellite Services: IB
Docket No. 18-314.
304....................... Facilitating the 3060-AK89
Communications of Earth
Stations in Motion With
Non-Geostationary Orbit
Space Stations: IB Docket
No. 18-315.
305....................... Mitigation of Orbital 3060-AK90
Debris in the New Space
Age: IB Docket No. 18-313.
306....................... Process Reform for 3060-AL12
Executive Branch Review
of Certain FCC
Applications and
Petitions Involving
Foreign Ownership (IB
Docket No. 16-155).
307....................... Parts 2 and 25 to Enable 3060-AL28
GSO FSS in the 17.3-17.8
GHz Band, Modernize Rules
for 17/24 GHz BSS Space
Stations, and Establish
Off-Axis Uplink Power
Limits for Extended Ka-
Band FSS (IB Doc. No. 20-
330).
308....................... Revising Spectrum Sharing 3060-AL41
Rules for Non-
Geostationary Orbit,
Fixed-Satellite Service
Systems: IB Docket No. 21-
456.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Media Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
309....................... Revision of EEO Rules and 3060-AH95
Policies (MM Docket No.
98-204).
310....................... Establishment of Rules for 3060-AI38
Digital Low-Power
Television, Television
Translator, and
Television Booster
Stations (MB Docket No.
03-185).
311....................... Preserving Vacant Channels 3060-AK43
in the UHF Television
Band for Unlicensed Use;
(MB Docket No. 15-146).
312....................... Authorizing Permissive Use 3060-AK56
of the ``Next
Generation'' Broadcast
Television Standard (GN
Docket No. 16-142).
313....................... 2018 Quadrennial 3060-AK77
Regulatory Review of the
Commission's Broadcast
Ownership Rules (MB
Docket 18-349).
314....................... Equal Employment 3060-AK86
Opportunity Enforcement
(MB Docket 19-177).
315....................... Duplication of Programming 3060-AL19
on Commonly Owned Radio
Stations (MB Docket No.
19-310).
316....................... Sponsorship Identification 3060-AL20
Requirements for Foreign
Government-Provided
Programming (MB Docket
No. 20-299).
317....................... FM Broadcast Booster 3060-AL21
Stations (MB Docket 20-
401).
318....................... Revisions to Political 3060-AL25
Programming and Record-
Keeping Rules (MB Docket
No. 21-93).
319....................... Updating Broadcast Radio 3060-AL26
Technical Rules (MB
Docket 21-263).
320....................... FM Broadcast Radio Service 3060-AL32
Directional Antenna
Performance Verification
(MB Docket No. 21-422).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Managing Director--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
321....................... Assessment and Collection 3060-AK64
of Regulatory Fees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 48380]]
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
322....................... Wireless E911 Location 3060-AJ52
Accuracy Requirements: PS
Docket No. 07-114.
323....................... Improving Outage Reporting 3060-AK39
for Submarine Cables and
Enhancing Submarine Cable
Outage Data; GN Docket
No. 15-206.
324....................... Amendments to Part 4 of 3060-AK40
the Commission's Rules
Concerning Disruptions to
Communications: PS Docket
No. 15-80.
325....................... New Part 4 of the 3060-AK41
Commission's Rules
Concerning Disruptions to
Communications; ET Docket
No. 04-35.
326....................... Wireless Emergency Alerts 3060-AK54
(WEA): PS Docket No. 15-
91.
327....................... 911 Fee Diversion 3060-AL31
Rulemaking: PS Docket
Nos. 20-291, 09-14.
328....................... Resilient Networks, 3060-AL43
Amendments to Part 4 of
the Commission's Rules
Concerning Disruptions to
Communications; PS Docket
No 21-346, PS Docket No.
15-80, ET Docket No. 04-
35.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
329....................... Blue Alert EAS Event Code. 3060-AK63
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
330....................... 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).
331....................... Promoting Technological 3060-AK06
Solutions to Combat
Wireless Contraband
Device Use in
Correctional Facilities;
GN Docket No. 13-111.
332....................... Promoting Investment in 3060-AK12
the 3550-3700 MHz Band;
GN Docket No. 17-258.
333....................... Updating Part 1 3060-AK28
Competitive Bidding Rules
(WT Docket No. 14-170).
334....................... Use of Spectrum Bands 3060-AK44
Above 24 GHz for Mobile
Services--Spectrum
Frontiers: WT Docket 10-
112.
335....................... Expanding Flexible Use of 3060-AK76
the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band:
GN Docket No. 18-122.
336....................... Amendment of the 3060-AK92
Commission's Rules to
Promote Aviation Safety:
WT Docket No. 19-140.
337....................... Implementation of State 3060-AL29
and Local Governments'
Obligation to Approve
Certain Wireless Facility
Modification Requests
Under Section 6409(a) of
the Spectrum Act of 2012
(WT Docket No.19-250).
338....................... Expanding Flexible Use of 3060-AL40
the 12.2-12.7 GHz Band,
et al., WT Docket No. 20-
443, et al.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
339....................... Revisions to Reporting 3060-AK72
Requirements Governing
Hearing Aid Compatible
Mobile Handsets (WT
Docket No. 17-228).
340....................... Transforming the 2.5 GHz 3060-AK75
Band, WT Docket No.18-120.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireline Competition Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
341....................... Local Telephone Networks 3060-AH44
That LECs Must Make
Available to Competitors.
342....................... Jurisdictional Separations 3060-AJ06
343....................... Rural Call Completion; WC 3060-AJ89
Docket No. 13-39.
344....................... Rates for Inmate Calling 3060-AK08
Services; WC Docket No.
12-375.
345....................... Comprehensive Review of 3060-AK20
the Part 32 Uniform
System of Accounts (WC
Docket No. 14-130).
346....................... Restoring Internet Freedom 3060-AK21
(WC Docket No. 17-108);
Protecting and Promoting
the Open Internet (GN
Docket No. 14-28).
347....................... 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.
348....................... Numbering Policies for 3060-AK36
Modern Communications, WC
Docket No. 13-97.
349....................... Implementation of the 3060-AK57
Universal Service
Portions of the 1996
Telecommunications Act.
350....................... Toll Free Assignment 3060-AK91
Modernization and Toll
Free Service Access
Codes: WC Docket No. 17-
192, CC Docket No. 95-155.
351....................... Establishing the Digital 3060-AK93
Opportunity Data
Collection; WC Docket
Nos. 19-195 and 11-10.
352....................... Call Authentication Trust 3060-AL00
Anchor.
353....................... Implementation of the 3060-AL01
National Suicide
Improvement Act of 2018.
354....................... Modernizing Unbundling and 3060-AL02
Resale Requirements in an
Era of Next-Generation
Networks and Services.
355....................... Eliminating Ex Ante 3060-AL03
Pricing Regulation and
Tariffing of Telephone
Access Charges (WC Docket
20-71).
[[Page 48381]]
356....................... Establishing a 5G Fund for 3060-AL15
Rural America; GN Docket
No. 20-32.
357....................... Improving Competitive 3060-AL35
Broadband Access to
Multiple Tenant
Environments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
Long-Term Actions
282. Rules and Regulations Implementing the Telephone Consumer
Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 (CG Docket No. 02-278) [3060-AI14]
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
Public Notice....................... 06/28/18 83 FR 26284
Public Notice....................... 10/03/18
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
Public Notice (Reconsideration 04/12/21 86 FR 18934
Petitions Filed).
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
283. Rules and Regulations Implementing Section 225 of the
Communications Act (Telecommunications Relay Service) (CG Docket No.
03-123) [3060-AI15]
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
[[Page 48382]]
Public Notice....................... 08/05/08 73 FR 45354
Public Notice....................... 10/10/08 73 FR 60172
Order............................... 10/23/08 73 FR 63078
2nd R&O and Order on Reconsideration 12/30/08 73 FR 79683
Order............................... 05/06/09 74 FR 20892
Public Notice....................... 05/07/09 74 FR 21364
NPRM................................ 05/21/09 74 FR 23815
Public Notice....................... 05/21/09 74 FR 23859
Public Notice....................... 06/12/09 74 FR 28046
Order............................... 07/29/09 74 FR 37624
Public Notice....................... 08/07/09 74 FR 39699
Order............................... 09/18/09 74 FR 47894
Order............................... 10/26/09 74 FR 54913
Public Notice....................... 05/12/10 75 FR 26701
Order Denying Stay Motion (Release 07/09/10 .......................
Date).
Order............................... 08/13/10 75 FR 49491
Order............................... 09/03/10 75 FR 54040
NPRM................................ 11/02/10 75 FR 67333
NPRM................................ 05/02/11 76 FR 24442
Order............................... 07/25/11 76 FR 44326
Final Rule (Order).................. 09/27/11 76 FR 59551
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/22/11 76 FR 72124
Effective Date.
Proposed Rule (Public Notice)....... 02/28/12 77 FR 11997
Proposed Rule (FNPRM)............... 02/01/12 77 FR 4948
First R&O........................... 07/25/12 77 FR 43538
Public Notice....................... 10/29/12 77 FR 65526
Order on Reconsideration............ 12/26/12 77 FR 75894
Order............................... 02/05/13 78 FR 8030
Order (Interim Rule)................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8032
NPRM................................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8090
Announcement of Effective Date...... 03/07/13 78 FR 14701
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/13/13
FNPRM............................... 07/05/13 78 FR 40407
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/18/13
R&O................................. 07/05/13 78 FR 40582
R&O................................. 08/15/13 78 FR 49693
FNPRM............................... 08/15/13 78 FR 49717
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/30/13
R&O................................. 08/30/13 78 FR 53684
FNPRM............................... 09/03/13 78 FR 54201
NPRM................................ 10/23/13 78 FR 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
NPRM................................ 03/19/21 86 FR 14859
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/03/21
NPRM................................ 06/04/21 86 FR 29969
NPRM Correction..................... 06/15/21 86 FR 31668
Order on Recon...................... 07/07/21 86 FR 35632
Public Notice....................... 07/15/21 86 FR 37328
NPRM Correction Comment Period End.. 07/30/21
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 08/09/21
Order on Recon; Correction.......... 10/05/21 86 FR 54871
NPRM................................ 10/05/21 86 FR 64440
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/18/22
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
[[Page 48383]]
284. Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service (VRS) Program
(CG Docket No. 10-51) [3060-AJ42]
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 FR 11462
R&O................................. 05/02/11 76 FR 24393
FNPRM............................... 05/02/11 76 FR 24437
NPRM................................ 05/02/11 76 FR 24442
R&O (Correction).................... 05/27/11 76 FR 30841
Order............................... 07/25/11 76 FR 44326
2nd R&O............................. 08/05/11 76 FR 47469
Order (Interim Final Rule).......... 08/05/11 76 FR 47476
Final Rule; Announcement of 09/26/11 76 FR 59269
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Petition for 09/27/11 76 FR 59557
Reconsideration; Public Notice.
Oppositions Due Date................ 10/07/11
Final Rule; Clarification (MO&O).... 10/31/11 76 FR 67070
FNPRM............................... 10/31/11 76 FR 67118
Interim Final Rule; Announcement of 11/03/11 76 FR 68116
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/04/11 76 FR 68328
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/07/11 76 FR 68642
Effective Date.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/30/11
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
NPRM................................ 03/19/21 86 FR 14859
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/03/21
NPRM................................ 06/04/21 86 FR 29969
NPRM Correction..................... 06/15/21 86 FR 31668
NPRM Correction Comment Period End.. 07/30/21
Order on Recon...................... 07/07/21 86 FR 35632
Order on Recon; Correction.......... 10/05/21 86 FR 54871
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-AJ42
285. Implementation of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act
of 2012/Establishment of a Public Safety Answering Point Do-Not-Call
Registry (CG Docket No. 12-129) [3060-AJ84]
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 112-96, sec. 6507
Abstract: The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012
required the Commission to create a Do-Not-Call Registry for public
safety answering point (PSAP) telephone numbers and to prohibit the use
of automated dialing equipment to place calls to PSAP numbers on the
Registry. In this docket, the Commission adopted rules and policies
implementing these statutory requirements.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/21/12 77 FR 37362
R&O................................. 10/29/12 77 FR 71131
Correction Amendments............... 02/13/13 78 FR 10099
Announcement of Effective Date...... 03/26/13 78 FR 18246
FNPRM............................... 11/01/21 86 FR 60189
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/01/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Richard D. Smith, Special Counsel, Consumer Policy
Division, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental
Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 717
338-2797, Fax: 717 338-2574, Email: [email protected].
[[Page 48384]]
RIN: 3060-AJ84
286. Misuse of Internet Protocol (IP) Captioned Telephone Service;
Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services; CG
Docket No. 13-24 [3060-AK01]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225
Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated
this proceeding in its effort to ensure that internet-Protocol
Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) is provided effectively and in the
most efficient manner. In doing so, the FCC adopted rules to address
certain practices related to the provision and marketing of IP CTS, as
well as compensation of TRS providers. IP CTS is a form of relay
service designed to allow people with hearing loss to speak directly to
another party on a telephone call and to simultaneously listen to the
other party and read captions of what that party is saying over an IP-
enabled device. To ensure that IP CTS is provided efficiently to
persons who need to use this service, the Commission adopted rules
establishing several requirements and issued an FNPRM to address
additional issues.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8090
Order (Interim Rule)................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8032
Order............................... 02/05/13 78 FR 8030
Announcement of Effective Date...... 03/07/13 78 FR 14701
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/12/13
R&O................................. 08/30/13 78 FR 53684
FNPRM............................... 09/03/13 78 FR 54201
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/18/13
Petition for Reconsideration Request 12/16/13 78 FR 76097
for Comment.
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.
NPRM................................ 03/19/21 86 FR 14859
Oppositions Due Date................ 03/19/21
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 04/02/21
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/03/21
Public Notice....................... 07/15/21 86 FR 37328
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 08/09/21
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-AK01
287. Advanced Methods To Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls (CG
Docket No. 17-59) [3060-AK62]
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
Public Notice....................... 02/08/21 86 FR 8558
Public Notice....................... 04/13/21
Public Notice....................... 06/15/21
Public Notice....................... 10/01/21 86 FR 61077
5th FNPRM........................... 10/26/21 86 FR 59084
Public Notice....................... 12/29/21
Order on Reconsideration, 6th FNPRM, 12/30/21 86 FR 74399
Waiver Order.
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].
[[Page 48385]]
Jerusha Burnett, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0526,
Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK62
288. Empowering Broadband Consumers Through Transparency
[3060-AL33]
Legal Authority: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L.
117-58, 135 Stat. 429, 60504(a) (2021)
Abstract: In this docket, the Commission requires that broadband
internet access service providers (ISPs) display, at the point of sale,
labels to disclose to consumers certain information about prices,
introductory rates or promotions, data allowances, broadband speeds,
and management practices, among other things.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/07/22 87 FR 6827
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/09/22
Reply NPRM Comment Period End....... 03/24/22
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Erica McMahon, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0346, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL33
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Economics
Long-Term Actions
289. Development of Nationwide Broadband Data To Evaluate Reasonable
and Timely Deployment of Advanced Services to All Americans [3060-AJ15]
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
290. Expanding the Economic and Innovation Opportunities of Spectrum
Through Incentive Auctions (GN Docket No. 12-268) [3060-AJ82]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(G); 47 U.S.C. 1452
Abstract: In February 2012, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job
Creation Act was enacted (Pub. L. 112-96, 126 Stat. 156 (2012)). Title
VI of that statute, commonly known as the Spectrum Act, provides the
Commission with the authority to conduct incentive auctions to meet the
growing demand for wireless broadband. Pursuant to the Spectrum Act,
the Commission may conduct incentive auctions that will offer new
initial spectrum licenses subject to flexible-use service rules on
spectrum made available by licensees that voluntarily relinquish some
or all of their spectrum usage rights in exchange for a portion, based
on the value of the relinquished rights as determined by an auction, of
the proceeds of bidding for the new licenses. In addition to granting
the Commission general authority to conduct incentive auctions, the
Spectrum Act requires the Commission to conduct an incentive auction of
broadcast TV spectrum and sets forth special requirements for such an
auction.
The Spectrum Act requires that the BIA consist of a reverse auction
``to determine the amount of compensation that each broadcast
television licensee would accept in return for voluntarily
relinquishing some or all of its spectrum usage rights'' and a forward
auction of licenses in the reallocated spectrum for flexible-use
services, including mobile broadband. Broadcast television licensees
who elected to voluntarily participate in the auction had three bidding
options: go off-the-air, share spectrum with another broadcast
television licensee, or move channels to the upper or lower VHS band in
exchange for receiving part of the proceeds from auctioning that
spectrum to wireless providers. The Spectrum Act also authorized the
Commission to reorganize the 600 MHz band following the BIA including,
as necessary, reassigning full power and Class A television stations to
new channels in order to clear the spectrum sold in the BIA. That post-
auction reorganization (known as the repack) is currently underway and
all of the stations who were assigned new channels are scheduled to
have vacated their pre-auction channels by July 3, 2020, pursuant to a
10-phase transition schedule adopted by the Commission.
In May 2014, the Commission adopted a Report and Order that laid
out the general framework for the BIA. The auction started on March 29,
2016, with the submission of initial commitments by eligible broadcast
licensees. The BIA ended on April 13, 2017, with the release of the
Auction Closing and Channel Reassignment Public Notice that also marked
the start of the 39-month transition period during which 987 of the
full power and Class A television stations remaining on-the-air will
transition their stations to their post-auction channel assignments in
the reorganized television band. Pursuant to the Spectrum Act, the
Commission will reimburse 957 of those full power and Class A stations
for the reasonable costs associated with relocating to their post-
auction channel assignments and will reimburse multichannel video
programming distributors for their costs associated with continuing to
carry the signals of those stations.
In March 2018, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 115-
141, at Div. E, Title V, 511, 132 Stat. 348 (2018), codified at 47
U.S.C. 1452(j)-(n)) (the Reimbursement Expansion Act or REA), extended
the deadline for reimbursement of eligible entities from April 2020 to
no later than July 3, 2023, and also expanded the universe of entities
eligible for reimbursement to include low-power television stations and
TV translator stations displaced by the BIA for their reasonably
incurred costs to relocate to a new channel, and FM broadcast stations
for their reasonably incurred costs for facilities necessary to
reasonably minimize disruption of service as a result of the post-
auction reorganization of the television band. On March 15, 2019, the
Commission adopted a Report and
[[Page 48386]]
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
291. Broadband Data Collection [3060-AL42]
Legal Authority: 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. 641-646
Abstract: On August 6, 2019, the Commission adopted a new data
collection of precise, granular broadband availability data from fixed
broadband providers, including a mechanism for incorporating public
feedback into the data. On March 23, 2020, the Broadband Deployment
Accuracy and Technology Availability Act (Broadband DATA Act) was
enacted, establishing requirements for the Commission to adopt rules
and carry out other steps for the collection and publication of
granular data on the quality and availability of broadband internet
service. On July 16, 2020, the Commission adopted a Second Report and
Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that took steps
to implement requirements of the Broadband DATA Act, including the
adoption of rules for the collection and verification of improved, more
precise data on both fixed and mobile broadband availability. On
January 13, 2021, the Commission adopted a Third Report and Order that
took key additional steps to ensure that both the new data collection
itself, and the measures for verifying the accuracy of the data
collected, will yield a robust and reliable data resource for the
Commission, Congress, federal and state policymakers, and consumers to
evaluate the status of broadband deployment throughout the United
States.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd FNPRM........................... 08/12/20 85 FR 50911
2nd R&O............................. 08/18/20 85 FR 50886
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 09/08/20
3rd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 09/17/20
3rd R&O............................. 04/07/21 86 FR 18124
Proposed Rule....................... 07/28/21 86 FR 40398
Proposed Rule Comment Period End.... 09/10/21
Proposed Rule Reply Comment Period 09/27/21
End.
Order (release date)................ 03/09/22
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: John Cobb, Legal Advisor, Broadband Data Task
Force, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2655, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL42
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Office of Engineering and Technology
Long-Term Actions
292. Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 19-138) [3060-AK96]
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, we repurpose 45 megahertz of the
5.850-5.925 GHz band (the 5.9 GHz band) to allow for the expansion of
unlicensed mid-band spectrum operations, while continuing to dedicate
30 megahertz of spectrum for vital intelligent transportation system
(ITS) operations. In addition, to promote the most efficient and
effective use of this ITS spectrum, we are requiring the ITS service to
use cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) based technology at the end
of a transition period. By splitting the 5.9 GHz band between
unlicensed and ITS uses, today's decision puts the 5.9 GHz band in the
best position to serve the needs of the American public.
In the Further Notice, the Commission addresses issues remaining to
finalize the restructuring of the 5.9 GHz band. Specifically, the
Commission addresses: The transition of ITS operations in the 5.895-
5.925 GHz band from Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) based
technology to Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) based technology;
the codification of C-V2X technical parameters in the Commission's
rules; other transition considerations; and the transmitter power and
emissions limits, and other issues, related to full-power outdoor
unlicensed operations across the entire 5.850-5.895 GHz portion of the
5.9 GHz band. The Commission modified the Further Notice released on
November 20, 2020, with an Erratum released on December 11, 2020. The
Commission released a Second Erratum on February 9, 2021. The
corrections from these errata are included in this document.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/06/20 85 FR 6841
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/09/20
R&O & Order of Proposed Modification 05/03/21 86 FR 23281
FNPRM............................... 05/03/21 86 FR 23323
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Howard Griboff, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone:
202 418-0657, Fax: 202 418-2824, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK96
293. 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 [3060-AL18]
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:
[[Page 48387]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/12/21 86 FR 2337
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/11/21
R&O, published 09/20/21............. 04/05/22
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
294. Unlicensed White Space Device Operations in the Television Bands
(ET Docket No. 20-36) [3060-AL22]
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
Proposed Rule FR published 2/25/21 04/05/22
at 86 FR 11490.
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
295. Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications
Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization and Competitive
Bidding Programs; ET Docket No. 21-232, EA Docket No. 21-233 [3060-
AL23]
Legal Authority: secs. 4(i), 301, 302, 303, 309(j), 312, and 316 of
the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. secs. 154(i),
301, 302a, 303, 309(j), 312, 316, and sec. 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes prohibiting
the authorization of any communications equipment on the list of
equipment and services (Covered List) that the Commission maintains
pursuant to the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019.
Such equipment has been found to pose an unacceptable risk to the
national security of the United States or the security and safety of
United States persons. We also seek comment on whether and under what
circumstances we should revoke any existing authorizations of such
covered communications equipment. We invite comment on whether we
should require additional certifications relating to national security
from applicants who wish to participate in Commission auctions. In the
Notice of Inquiry, we seek comment on other actions the Commission
should consider taking to create incentives in its equipment
authorization processes for improved trust through the adoption of
cybersecurity best practices in consumer devices.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM and NOI........................ 08/19/21 86 FR 46644
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/20/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jamie Coleman, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone:
202 418-2705, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL23
296. Wireless Microphones in the TV Bands (ET Docket No. 21-115), 600
MHz Guard Band, 600 MHz Duplex Gap, and the 941.5-944 MHz, 944-952 MHz,
952.850-956.250 MHz, 956.45-959.85 MHz, 1435-1525 MHz [3060-AL27]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. secs. 154(i), 201, 302a, 303, and secs.
1.407 and 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks to enhance the
spectral efficiency of wireless microphones by permitting a recently
developed type of wireless microphone system, termed herein as a
Wireless Multi-Channel Audio System (WMAS), to operate in certain
frequency bands. This emerging technology would enable more wireless
microphones to operate in the spectrum available for wireless
microphone operations, and thus advances an important Commission goal
of promoting efficient spectrum use. The Commission proposes to revise
the applicable technical rules for operation of low-power auxiliary
station (LPAS) devices to permit WMAS to operate in the broadcast
television (TV) bands and other LPAS frequency bands on a licensed
basis. The Commission also proposes to update the existing LPAS and
wireless microphone rules to reflect the end of the post-Incentive
auction transition period and update references to international
wireless microphone standards.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/01/21 86 FR 35046
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/02/21
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-AL27
297. FCC Seeks To Enable State-of-the-Art Radar Sensors in 60
GHz Band [3060-AL36]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 201, 302a, 303, and secs. 1.407
and 1.411
Abstract: In this preceding, the Commission proposes to revise the
Commission's rules to provide expanded operational flexibility to
unlicensed field disturbance sensor (FDS) devices (e.g., radars) that
operate in the 57-64 GHz band (60 GHz band).
[[Page 48388]]
The Commission's proposal recognizes the increasing practicality of
using mobile radar devices in the 60 GHz band to perform innovative and
life-saving functions, including gesture control, detection of
unattended children in vehicles, and monitoring of vulnerable medical
patients, and it is designed to stimulate the development of new
products and services in a wide variety of areas to include, for
example, personal safety, autonomous vehicles, home automation,
environmental control, and healthcare monitoring, while also ensuring
coexistence among unlicensed FDS devices and current and future
unlicensed communications devices in the 60 GHz band.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/19/21 86 FR 46661
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/18/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Anh Wride, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0577, Fax: 202 418-1944, Email: [email protected].
Thomas Struble, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2470, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL36
298. FCC Proposes To Update Equipment Authorization Rules To
Incorporate New and Revised Industry Standards [3060-AL39]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 301, 302a, 303, and sections
1.407 and 1.411
Abstract: We propose targeted updates to our rules to incorporate
four new and updated standards that are integral to the testing of
equipment and accreditation of laboratories that test RF devices.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/17/22 87 FR 15180
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/16/22
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brian Butler, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2702,
Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL39
299. Allocation of Spectrum for Non-Federal Space Launch
Operations (ET Docket No. 13-115) [3060-AL44]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151. 152, 154(i), 155(c), 301, 303(c),
303(f), and 303(r)
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Federal Communications Commission
(Commission) takes steps towards establishing a spectrum allocation and
licensing framework that will provide regulatory certainty and improved
efficiency and that will promote innovation and investment in the
United States commercial space launch industry. In the Further Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission seeks comment on the definition
of space launch operations, the potential allocation of spectrum for
the commercial space launch industry, including the 420-430 MHz, 2025-
2110 MHz, and 5650-5925 MHz bands. In addition, the Commission seeks
comment on establishing service rules, including licensing and
technical rules and coordination procedures, for the use of spectrum
for commercial space launch operations. Finally, the Commission seeks
to refresh the record on potential ways to facilitate Federal use of
commercial satellite services in what are currently non-Federal
satellite bands and enable more robust federal use of the 399.9-400.05
MHz band.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/10/21 86 FR 30860
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/09/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Nicholas Oros, Supervisory Attorney Advisor,
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-0636, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL44
300. FCC Looks To Open the Door to New Wireless Microphone
Technologies [3060-AL45]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 201, 302a, 303, and secs. 1.407
and 1.411
Abstract: In this document, the Commission aims to enhance the
spectral efficiency of wireless microphones by permitting a recently
developed type of wireless microphone system, termed herein as a
Wireless Multi-Channel Audio System (WMAS), to operate in certain
frequency bands. This emerging technology would enable more wireless
microphones to operate in the spectrum available for wireless
microphone operations, and thus advances an important Commission goal
of promoting efficient spectrum use. The Commission proposes to revise
the applicable technical rules for operation of low-power auxiliary
station (LPAS) devices to permit WMAS to operate in the broadcast
television (TV) bands and other LPAS frequency bands on a licensed
basis. The Commission also proposes to update the existing LPAS and
wireless microphone rules to reflect the end of the post-Incentive
auction transition period and update references to international
wireless microphone standards.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/10/21 86 FR 35036
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/30/21
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-AL45
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
International Bureau
Long-Term Actions
301. Update to Parts 2 and 25 Concerning Nongeostationary, Fixed-
Satellite Service Systems, and Related Matters: IB Docket No. I6-408
[3060-AK59]
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
[[Page 48389]]
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
302. 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 [3060-AK84]
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: 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-AK84
303. Further Streamlining Part 25 Rules Governing Satellite Services:
IB Docket No. 18-314 [3060-AK87]
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
304. Facilitating the Communications of Earth Stations in Motion With
Non-Geostationary Orbit Space Stations: IB Docket No. 18-315 [3060-
AK89]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157(a); 47 U.S.C. 303;
47 U.S.C. 308(b); 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: In November 2018, the Commission adopted a notice of
proposed rulemaking that proposed to expand the scope of the
Commission's rules governing ESIMs operations to cover communications
with NGSO FSS satellites. Comment was sought on establishing a
regulatory framework for communications of ESIMs with NGSO FSS
satellites that would be analogous to that which exists for ESIMs
communicating with GSO FSS satellites. In this context, comment was
sought on: (1) allowing ESIMs to communicate in many of the same
conventional Ku-band, extended Ku-band, and Ka-band frequencies that
were allowed for communications of ESIMs with GSO FSS satellites (with
the exception of the 18.6-18.8 GHz and 29.25-29.5 GHz frequency bands);
(2) extending blanket licensing to ESIMs communicating with NGSO
satellites; and (3) revisions to specific provisions in the
Commission's rules to implement these changes. The specific frequency
bands for communications of ESIMs with NGOS FSS satellites on which
comment was sought are as follows: 10.7-11.7 GHz; 11.7-12.2 GHz; 14.0-
14.5 GHz; 17.8-18.3 GHz; 18.3-18.6 GHz; 18.8-19.3 GHz; 19.3-19.4 GHz;
19.6-19.7 GHz; 19.7-20.2 GHz; 28.35-28.6 GHz; 28.6-29.1 GHz; and 29.5-
30.0 GHz.
Timetable:
[[Page 48390]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
305. Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age: IB Docket No.
18-313 [3060-AK90]
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
306. Process Reform for Executive Branch Review of Certain FCC
Applications and Petitions Involving Foreign Ownership (IB Docket No.
16-155) [3060-AL12]
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
307. Parts 2 and 25 To Enable GSO FSS in the 17.3-17.8 GHz Band,
Modernize Rules for 17/24 GHz BSS Space Stations, and Establish Off-
Axis Uplink Power Limits for Extended KA-Band FSS (IB Doc. No. 20-330)
[3060-AL28]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C.
309(j)
Abstract: This item addresses the addition of an allocation in the
17.3-17.7 GHz and 17.7-17.8 GHz bands to the fixed-satellite service in
the space-to-Earth direction. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
proposes to add these allocations to the U.S. Table of Frequency
Allocations (non-Federal), and proposes modification of existing
technical rules to prevent harmful interference between services in
these bands.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/01/21 86 FR 7660
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/03/21
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 03/18/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Sean O'More, Attorney Advisor, International
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 245 418-2453, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL28
308. Revising Spectrum Sharing Rules for Non-Geostationary
Orbit, Fixed-Satellite Service Systems: IB Docket No. 21-456 [3060-
AL41]
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: This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeks comment
on revisions to the spectrum sharing requirements among non-
geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO), fixed-satellite service (FSS)
systems. The NPRM proposes that the Commission's existing spectrum
sharing mechanism for NGSO FSS systems will be limited to those systems
approved in the same processing round. The NPRM also proposes to adopt
a rule providing that later-round NGSO FSS systems will have to protect
earlier-round systems, and invites comment on how to define such
protection. In addition, the NPRM seeks comment on whether to sunset,
after a period of time, the interference protection afforded to an NGSO
FSS system because of its processing round status.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/24/22 87 FR 3481
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/25/22
[[Page 48391]]
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-AL41
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Media Bureau
Long-Term Actions
309. Revision of EEO Rules and Policies (MM Docket No. 98-204) [3060-
AH95]
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 (MVPDs) 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) requested 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 MVPD Annual Employment
Reports. The 2021 NPRM sought to update the existing record.
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
FNPRM............................... 08/31/21 86 FR 48610
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/30/21
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: 202 418-2757, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AH95
310. Establishment of Rules for Digital Low-Power Television,
Television Translator, and Television Booster Stations (MB Docket No.
03-185) [3060-AI38]
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
311. Preserving Vacant Channels in the UHF Television Band for
Unlicensed Use; (MB Docket No. 15-146) [3060-AK43]
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 2015 NPRM, the Commission proposed preserving in each
area of the country at least one vacant television channel. In the 2021
Report and Order, the Commission declined to adopt rules proposed in
the 2015 NPRM. Petitions for reconsideration are pending.
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
R&O................................. 02/12/21 86 FR 9297
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
312. Authorizing Permissive Use of the ``Next Generation'' Broadcast
Television Standard (GN Docket No. 16-142) [3060-AK56]
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
[[Page 48392]]
service to their viewers. In the Report and Order, the Commission
adopted rules to afford broadcasters flexibility to deploy ATSC 3.0-
based transmissions, while minimizing the impact on, and costs to,
consumers and other industry stakeholders.
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. Further, the Commission
released an FNPRM that sought comment on rule changes designed to
preserve over-the-air viewers access to the widest possible range of
television programming.
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...................... 04/22/21 86 FR 21217
FNPRM............................... 12/13/21 86 FR 70793
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 02/11/22 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ty Bream, Attorney Advisor, Industry Analysis Div.,
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-0644, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK56
313. 2018 Quadrennial Regulatory Review of the Commission's Broadcast
Ownership Rules (MB Docket 18-349) [3060-AK77]
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: 202 418-2757, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK77
314. Equal Employment Opportunity Enforcement (MB Docket 19-177) [3060-
AK86]
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
315. Duplication of Programming on Commonly Owned Radio Stations (MB
Docket No. 19-310) [3060-AL19]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151. 154(i), 154(j), and 303(r)
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission eliminated 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. Petitions for reconsideration are pending.
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: Brendan Holland, Chief, Industry Analysis Division,
Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2757, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL19
316. Sponsorship Identification Requirements for Foreign Government-
Provided Programming (MB Docket No. 20-299) [3060-AL20]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154, 155, 301, 303, 307, 309, 310,
334, 336, 339
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission modifies its rules to
require specific disclosure requirements for broadcast programming that
is paid for, or provided by a foreign government or its representative.
Petitions for reconsideration are pending.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/24/20 85 FR 74955
R&O................................. 06/17/21 86 FR 32221
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
317. FM Broadcast Booster Stations (MB Docket 20-401) [3060-AL21]
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
[[Page 48393]]
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
318. Revisions to Political Programming and Record-Keeping Rules (MB
Docket No. 21-93) [3060-AL25]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C secs. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 303, 307, 312,
315, 335, and 403
Abstract: This proceeding was initiated to update the political
programming and recordkeeping rules for broadcast licensees, cable
television system operators, Direct Broadcast Satellite service
providers, and Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service licensees. Given
the substantial growth of such programming in recent years, the updates
adopted in this proceeding are intended to conform the Commission's
rules with statutory amendments, increase transparency, and account for
modern campaign practices.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 09/01/21 86 FR 48942
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/01/21 .......................
R&O................................. 02/10/22 87 FR 7748
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robert Baker, Assistant Division Chief, Policy
Division, Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street
NE, Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1417, Email:
[email protected]
RIN: 3060-AL25
319. Updating Broadcast Radio Technical Rules (MB Docket 21-263) [3060-
AL26]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. secs. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 301, 303,
307, 308, 309, 316, and 319
Abstract: This proceeding was initiated to update the Commission's
rules for the broadcast radio services by eliminating or amending
outmoded or unnecessary regulations. This update ensures that the
Commission's rules are accurate, reducing any potential confusion and
alleviating unnecessary burdens.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/12/21 86 FR 43145
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/07/21 .......................
R&O................................. 03/18/22 87 FR 15339
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Christine Goepp, Attorney Advisor, Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-7834, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL26
320. FM Broadcast Radio Service Directional Antenna
Performance Verification (MB Docket No. 21-422) [3060-AL32]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 301; 47
U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47 U.S.C. 319
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes to allow FM
broadcasters using directional antennas to verify the antennas'
directional patterns through use of computer modeling rather than the
physical modeling and measurement required under our current rules.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/30/21 86 FR 67886
NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/30/21 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Thomas Nessinger, Senior Counsel, Audio Division,
Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2700, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL32
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Office of Managing Director
Long-Term Actions
321. Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees [3060-AK64]
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
NPRM................................ 05/13/21 86 FR 26262
R&O................................. 05/17/21 86 FR 26677
NPRM................................ 09/21/21 86 FR 52429
R&O................................. 09/22/21 86 FR 52742
NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/21/21 .......................
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
322. Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Requirements: PS Docket No. 07-114
[3060-AJ52]
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
[[Page 48394]]
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
5th R&O............................. 01/16/20 85 FR 2660
5th NPRM............................ 01/16/20 85 FR 2683
5th NPRM Comment Period End......... 03/16/20 .......................
6th R&O and Order on Recon.......... 08/28/20 85 FR 53234
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
323. Improving Outage Reporting for Submarine Cables and Enhancing
Submarine Cable Outage Data; GN Docket No. 15-206 [3060-AK39]
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
PRA Approval for new collection..... 03/25/21 .......................
Public Notice re effective date..... 04/28/21 .......................
Compliance Date for New Rules....... 10/28/21 .......................
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
324. Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning
Disruptions to Communications: PS Docket No. 15-80 [3060-AK40]
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 sec. 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. In April 2021, in a Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposed to codify a rule
adopted in 2016 that exempts satellite and terrestrial wireless
[[Page 48395]]
providers from reporting outages that potentially affect special
offices and facilities, as defined in Commission rules. This proceeding
addresses the Commission's efforts to improve the utility of its
efforts to track network outages and disruptions and does not promote
the administration's specified priorities.
In May 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
filed a Petition for Reconsideration (PFR) requesting that the
Commission reconsider its decision in the Second Report and Order to
maintain the presumption of confidentiality applied to NORS and DIRS
filings. The Commission sought comment on the PFR's requests.
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............................. 04/29/21 86 FR 22796
3rd NPRM............................ 06/30/21 86 FR 34679
CPUC PFR Comment Period End......... 08/23/21 86 FR 40801
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Saswat Misra, Attorney-Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0944, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK40
325. New Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to
Communications; ET Docket No. 04-35 [3060-AK41]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154 and 155; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C.
251; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: The proceeding creates a new part 4 in title 47 and
amends part 63.100. The proceeding updates the Commission's
communication disruptions reporting rules for wireline providers
formerly in 47 CFR 63.100 and extends these rules to other non-wireline
providers. Through this proceeding, the Commission streamlines the
reporting process through an electronic template. The Report and Order
received several petitions for reconsideration, of which two were
eventually withdrawn. In 2015, seven were addressed in an Order on
Reconsideration and in 2016 another petition was addressed in an Order
on Reconsideration. One petition (CPUC Petition) remains pending
regarding NORS database sharing with States, which is addressed in a
separate proceeding, PS Docket 15-80. To the extent the communication
disruption rules cover VoIP, the Commission studies and addresses these
questions in a separate docket, PS Docket 11-82.
In May 2016, the Commission released a Report and Order, FNPRM, and
Order on Reconsideration (see Dockets 11-82 and 15-80). The Order on
Reconsideration addressed outage reporting for events at airports, and
the FNPRM sought comment on database sharing. The Commission received
comments and replies in August and September 2016.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/26/04 69 FR 15761
R&O................................. 11/26/04 69 FR 68859
Denial for Petition for Partial Stay 12/02/04
Seek Comment on Petition for Recon.. 02/02/10
Reply Period End.................... 03/19/10
Seek Comment on Broadband and 07/02/10
Interconnected VOIP Service
Providers.
Reply Period End.................... 08/16/12
2nd R&O, and Order on Recon, NPRM... 06/16/15 80 FR 34321
R&O................................. 07/12/16 81 FR 45055
FNPRM, 1 Part 4 R&O, Order on Recon. 08/11/16 81 FR 45095, 81 FR
45055
Order Denying Extension of Time to 09/08/16
File Reply Comments.
Announcement of Effective Date for 06/22/17 82 FR 28410
Rule Changes in R&O.
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-AK41
326. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): PS Docket No. 15-91 [3060-AK54]
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,
[[Page 48396]]
Phone: 202 418-1678, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK54
327. 911 Fee Diversion Rulemaking: PS Docket Nos. 20-291, 09-
14 [3060-AL31]
Legal Authority: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Pub. L.
116-260, Division FF, Title 1X, Section 902, Don't Break Up the T-Band
Act of 2020 (section 902).
Abstract: In 2020, Congress adopted the ``Don't Break Up the T-Band
Act'' (section 902) to help address the diversion of 911 fees by states
and other jurisdictions for purposes unrelated to 911. Among other
requirements, Congress mandated that the Commission should issue final
rules designating the uses of 911 fees by states and taxing
jurisdictions that constitute 911 fee diversion for purposes of 47
U.S.C. 615a-1, as amended by section 902. The Commission initiated this
proceeding and issued new rules at 47 CFR 9.21-9.26 that: (1) clarify
the purposes and functions for which expenditures of 911 fees are
acceptable and which would be considered unacceptable and constitute
diversion, with illustrative, non-exhaustive examples of each; (2)
establish a declaratory ruling process for providing further guidance
to states and taxing jurisdictions on fee diversion issues; and (3)
codify the specific obligations and restrictions that section 902
imposes on states and taxing jurisdictions, including those that engage
in diversion as defined by the Commission's rules.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Inquiry................... 10/02/20
NOI Comment Period End.............. 11/02/20
NOI Reply Comment Period End........ 12/02/20
NPRM................................ 02/17/21 86 FR 12399
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/23/21
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 04/02/21 86 FR 12399
Report & Order...................... 06/25/21 86 FR 45892
R&O Erratum......................... 08/12/21 86 FR 45892
Petition for Recon.................. 12/22/21 86 FR 72546
Oppositions to Petition for Recon... 01/06/22
Replies to Oppositions to Petition 01/18/22
for Recon.
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-AL31
328. Resilient Networks, Amendments to Part 4 of the
Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications; PS Docket
No. 21-346, PS Docket No. 15-80, ET Docket No. 04-35. [3060-AL43]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i)-(j); 47 U.S.C.
154(n)-(o); 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 202; 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 218;
47 U.S.C. 251(e)(3); 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303(b); 47
U.S.C. 303(g); 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 309(a); 47
U.S.C. 309(j); 47 U.S.C. 316; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C. 403; . . .
Abstract: In October 2021, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to investigate ways to improve the
reliability and resiliency of communications networks during
emergencies and ways to ensure that communications services remain
operational when disasters strike. The NPRM sought comment on: (i)
potential improvements to the voluntary Wireless Resiliency Cooperative
Framework (Framework), including evaluating what triggers its
activation, its scope of participants, whether existing Framework
elements can be strengthened, any gaps that need to be addressed, and
whether the public would benefit from codifying some or all of the
Framework, (ii) ways to enhance the information available to the
Commission through Network Outage Reporting System (NORS) and Disaster
Information Reporting System (DIRS) during disasters and network
outages to improve situational awareness, and (iii) communications
resiliency strategies for power outages, including improved
coordination between communications service providers and power
companies and deploying onsite backup power or other alternative
measures to reduce the frequency, duration, or severity of power-
related disruptions to communications services. This proceeding
addresses network reliability in the context of public safety and does
not promote the administration's specified priorities.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/01/21 86 FR 61103
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/14/22
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Saswat Misra, Attorney-Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0944, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL43
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
Completed Actions
329. Blue Alert EAS Event Code [3060-AK63]
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 48397]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
330. 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) [3060-AJ87]
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
331. Promoting Technological Solutions To Combat Wireless Contraband
Device Use in Correctional Facilities; GN Docket No. 13-111 [3060-AK06]
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 2017 Report and Order, 82 FR 22742, the Commission
addressed 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 eliminated certain filing requirements and provides for
immediate approval of the lease applications needed to operate these
systems. In the 2017 Further Notice, 82 FR 22780, the Commission sought
comment on a process for wireless providers to disable contraband
wireless devices once they have been identified. The Commission also
sought 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.
In the Second Report and Order, the Commission takes further steps
to facilitate the deployment and viability of technological solutions
used to combat contraband wireless devices in correctional facilities.
The Second Report and Order adopts a framework requiring the disabling
of contraband wireless devices detected in correctional facilities upon
satisfaction of certain criteria, and the Commission addresses issues
involving oversight, wireless provider liability, and treatment of 911
calls. The Second Report and Order further adopts rules requiring
advance notice of certain wireless provider network changes to promote
and maintain contraband interdiction system effectiveness. In the
Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission takes
further steps to facilitate the deployment and viability of
technological solutions used to combat contraband wireless devices in
correctional facilities. The Second Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking seeks further comment on the relative effectiveness,
viability, and cost of additional technological solutions to combat
contraband phone use in correctional facilities previously identified
in the record.
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).
2nd FNPRM........................... 08/13/21 86 FR 44681
2nd R&O............................. 08/13/21 86 FR 44635
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 09/13/21
Final Rules Effective (except for 09/13/21
those requiring OMB approval).
Reply Comment Period End............ 10/12/21
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
332. Promoting Investment in the 3550-3700 MHz Band; GN Docket No. 17-
258 [3060-AK12]
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
[[Page 48398]]
framework to accommodate a variety of commercial uses on a shared basis
with incumbent Federal and non-Federal users of the band. Access and
operations will be managed by a dynamic spectrum access system. The
three tiers are: Incumbent Access, Priority Access, and General
Authorized Access. Rules governing the Citizens Broadband Radio Service
are found in part 96 of the Commission's rules.
The Order on Reconsideration and Second Report and Order addressed
several Petitions for Reconsideration submitted in response to the
Report and Order and resolved the outstanding issues raised in the
Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
The 2017 NPRM sought comment on limited changes to the rules
governing Priority Access Licenses in the band, adjacent channel
emissions limits, and public release of base station registration
information.
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
333. Updating Part 1 Competitive Bidding Rules (WT Docket No. 14-170)
[3060-AK28]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 303(r);
47 U.S.C. 309(j); 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: This proceeding was initiated to revise some of the
Commission's general part 1 rules governing competitive bidding for
spectrum licenses to reflect changes in the marketplace, including the
challenges faced by new entrants, as well as to advance the statutory
directive to ensure that small businesses, rural telephone companies,
and businesses owned by members of minority groups and women are given
the opportunity to participate in the provision of spectrum-based
services. In July 2015, the Commission revised its competitive bidding
rules, specifically adopting revised requirements for eligibility for
bidding credits, a new rural service provider bidding credit, a
prohibition on joint bidding agreements and other changes.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/14/14 79 FR 68172
Public Notice....................... 03/16/15 80 FR 15715
Public Notice....................... 04/23/15 80 FR 22690
R&O................................. 09/18/15 80 FR 56764
Public Notice on Petitions for 11/10/15 80 FR 69630
Reconsideration.
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kelly Quinn, Assistant Chief, Auctions and Spectrum
Access Division, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0660, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK28
334. Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Services--Spectrum
Frontiers: WT Docket 10-112 [3060-AK44]
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
335. Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band: GN Docket No.
18-122 [3060-AK76]
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 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
[[Page 48399]]
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: 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
336. Amendment of the Commission's Rules To Promote Aviation Safety: WT
Docket No. 19-140 [3060-AK92]
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
337. Implementation of State and Local Governments' Obligation To
Approve Certain Wireless Facility Modification Requests Under Section
6409(a) of the Spectrum Act of 2012 (WT Docket No. 19-250) [3060-AL29]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. chs. 2, 5, 9, 13; 28 U.S.C. 2461, unless
otherwise noted.
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks to reduce
regulatory barriers to wireless infrastructure deployment by further
streamlining the state and local government review process for
modifications to existing wireless infrastructure under section 6409(a)
of the Spectrum Act of 2012.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/02/20 85 FR 39859
Declaratory Ruling.................. 07/27/20 85 FR 45126
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/03/20
R&O................................. 12/03/20 85 FR 78005
Petition for Recon.................. 03/03/21 86 FR 12898
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Georgios Leris, Federal Communications Commission,
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-1994, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL29
338. Expanding Flexible Use of the 12.2-12.7 GHz Band, et al.,
WT Docket No. 20-443, et al. [3060-AL40]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 152; 47 U.S.C. 153; 47
U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 155; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 302;
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 304; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C.
310; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: The Commission seeks input on feasibility of allowing
mobile services in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band while protecting incumbents
from harmful interference.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/08/21 86 FR 13266
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/07/21
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 07/07/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Madelaine Major, Assistant Division Chief,
Broadband Div., WTB, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1466, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL40
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Completed Actions
339. Revisions to Reporting Requirements Governing Hearing Aid
Compatible Mobile Handsets (WT Docket No. 17-228) [3060-AK72]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 152(a) 154(i), 157, 160, 201, 214,
222, 251(e), 301, 302, 303, 303(b), 303(r), 307, 307(a), 309,
309(j)(3), 316, 316(a), 332, 610, 615, 615a, 615b, 615c
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks to provide
relief to non-nationwide service providers by revising the Commission's
wireless hearing aid compatibility reporting requirements. In doing so,
the Commission seeks to reduce the regulatory burden and provide a cost
savings for service providers, while maintaining its enforcement
objectives.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/13/17 82 FR 47663
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/17/17
[[Page 48400]]
R&O................................. 12/07/18 83 FR 63098
Final Rule.......................... 08/01/19 84 FR 37591
Final Action........................ 08/01/19 84 FR 37591
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eli Johnson, Senior Attorney, CIPD, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1395, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK72
340. Transforming the 2.5 GHz Band, WT Docket No. 18-120 [3060-AK75]
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Wireline Competition Bureau
Long-Term Actions
341. Local Telephone Networks That LECS Must Make Available to
Competitors [3060-AH44]
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
342. Jurisdictional Separations [3060-AJ06]
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
[[Page 48401]]
and Order extending the separations freeze for an additional year to
June 2012. In 2012, the Commission issued a Report and Order extending
the separations freeze for an additional 2 years to June 2014. In 2014,
the Commission issued a Report and Order extending the separations
freeze for an additional 3 years to June 2017.
In 2016, the Commission issued a Report and Order extending the
separations freeze for an additional 18 months until January 1, 2018.
In 2017, the Joint Board issued a Recommended Decision recommending
changes to the part 36 rules designed to harmonize them with the
Commission's previous amendments to its part 32 accounting rules. In
February 2018, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
proposing amendments to part 36 consistent with the Joint Board's
recommendations. In October 2018, the Commission issued a Report and
Order adopting each of the Joint Board's recommendations and amending
the Part 36 consistent with those recommendations. In July 2018, the
Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to extend
the separations freeze for an additional 15 years and to provide rate-
of-return carriers that had elected to freeze their category
relationships a time limited opportunity to opt out of that freeze. In
December 2018, the Commission issued a Report and Order extending the
freeze for up to 6 years until December 31, 2024, and granting rate-of-
return carriers that had elected to freeze their category relationships
a one-time opportunity to opt out of that freeze.
On March 31, 2020, the United States Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia Circuit affirmed the Commission's December 2018
Report and Order.
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
418-7122, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ06
343. Rural Call Completion; WC Docket No. 13-39 [3060-AJ89]
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........................... 05/10/18 83 FR 21723
3rd FNPRM........................... 05/11/18 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
PRA 60 Day Notice................... 05/22/18 83 FR 23681
PRA 60 Day Notice................... 09/18/18 83 FR 47153
Public Notice....................... 10/24/18 83 FR 53588
Public Notice....................... 04/15/19 84 FR 15124
PRA 60 Day Notice................... 05/17/21 86 FR 26722
PRA Comment Period End.............. 07/16/21
PRA 60 Day Notice................... 08/24/21 86 FR 47307
PRA Comment Period End.............. 10/25/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Connor Ferraro, Attorney Advisor, Competition
Policy Division, WCB, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street
NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1322, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ89
344. Rates for Inmate Calling Services; WC Docket No. 12-375 [3060-
AK08]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and (j);
47 U.S.C.
[[Page 48402]]
201(b); 47 U.S.C. 218; 47 U.S.C. 220; 47 U.S.C. 276; 47 U.S.C. 403; 47
CFR 64
Abstract: In the Second Report and Order, the Federal
Communications Commission adopted rule changes to ensure that rates for
both interstate and intrastate inmate calling services (ICS) are fair,
just, and reasonable limits on ancillary service charges imposed by ICS
providers. In the Second Report and Order, the Commission set caps on
all interstate and intrastate calling rates for ICS, established a
tiered rate structure based on the size and type of facility being
served, limited the types of ancillary services that ICS providers may
charge for and capped the charges for permitted fees, banned flat-rate
calling, facilitated access to ICS by people with disabilities by
requiring providers to offer free or steeply discounted rates for calls
using TTY, and imposed reporting and certification requirements to
facilitate continued oversight of the ICS market. In the Third Further
Notice portion of the item, the Commission sought comment on ways to
promote competition for ICS, video visitation, and rates for
international calls, and considered an array of solutions to further
address areas of concern in the ICS industry. In an Order on
Reconsideration, the Commission amended its rate caps and the
definition of ``mandatory tax or mandatory fee.''
On June 13, 2017, the D.C. Circuit vacated the rate caps adopted in
the Second Report and Order, as well as reporting requirements related
to video visitation. The court held that the Commission lacked
jurisdiction over intrastate ICS calls and that the rate caps the
Commission adopted for interstate calls were arbitrary and capricious.
The court also remanded the Commission's caps on ancillary fees. On
September 26, 2017, the court denied a petition for rehearing en banc.
On December 21, 2017, the court issued two separate orders: one
vacating the 2016 Order on Reconsideration insofar as it purports to
set rate caps on inmate calling services, and one dismissing as moot
challenges to the Commission's First Report and Order on ICS.
On February 4, 2020, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau
released a Public Notice seeking to refresh the record on ancillary
service charges imposed in connection with inmate calling services.
On August 6, 2020, the Commission adopted a Report and Order on
Remand and a Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking responding to
remands by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit and proposing to comprehensively reform rates and charges for
the inmate calling services within the Commission's jurisdiction. The
Report and Order on Remand found that the Commission's five permitted
ancillary service charges (1) automated payment fees; (2) fees for
single-call and related services; (3) live agent fees; (4) paper bill/
statement fees; and (5) third-party financial transaction fees
generally, cannot be practically segregated between interstate and
intrastate inmate telephone calls, except in a limited number of cases.
Accordingly, the Commission prohibited inmate calling services
providers from imposing ancillary service fees higher than the
Commission's caps,or imposing fees for additional ancillary services
unless imposed in connection with purely intrastate inmate telephone
service calls. The Order also reinstated a rule prohibiting providers
from marking up third-party fees for single-call services; reinstated
rule language that prohibits providers from marking up mandatory taxes
or fees that they pass on to inmate telephone service consumers; and
amended certain of the inmate calling services rules consistent with
the D.C. Circuit's mandates to reflect that the Commission's rate and
fee caps on inmate calling service apply only to interstate and
international inmate calling. The Fourth FNPRM proposes to
substantially reduce the interstate rate cap for inmate telephone calls
from the current interim rate caps of $0.21 per minute for debit or
prepaid calls and $0.25 per minute for collect calls for all types of
correctional facilities, to permanent rate caps of $0.14 per minute for
all interstate calls from prisons and $0.16 for all interstate calls
from jails. The Fourth FNPRM also proposes to adopt rate caps for
international inmate calling services calls for the first time based on
the proposed interstate rate caps, plus the amount that the provider
must pay its underlying international service provider for an
international call. It also proposes a waiver process for providers
that believe the Commission's rate caps would not allow them to recover
their costs of serving a particular facility or contract. Finally, it
seeks comment on a further mandatory data collection to continue
efforts to reform these rates and fees.
On November 23, 2020, Global Tel*Link Corporation filed a petition
for reconsideration of the August 6, 2020 Order on Remand. On December
3, 2020, the Commission established the opposition and reply comment
dates for the petition.
On May 24, 2021 the Commission released the Third Report and Order,
Order on Reconsideration and Fifth Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking. In the Third Report and Order, the Commission: (1)
substantially reduced the interim rate caps for interstate inmate
calling services from prisons and larger jails (those with 1,000 or
more incarcerated people) from $0.21 per minute for debit and prepaid
calls and $0.25 per minute for collect calls to new uniform interim
interstate caps of $0.12 per minute for prisons and $0.14 per minute
for larger jails; (2) maintained the current interim interstate rate
cap of $0.21 for jails with less than 1,000 incarcerated people because
of insufficient record evidence to determine providers' costs of
serving those facilities at this time; (3) eliminated separate
treatment of collect calls, resulting in a uniform interim interstate
rate cap for all types of calls at each facility, as proposed; (4)
reformed the treatment of site commission payments by specifying that
providers may pass through to consumers (without any markup) site
commission payments that are mandated by federal, state, or local law
and that providers may pass through to consumers no more than $ 0.02
per minute site commission payments resulting from contractual
obligations negotiated between providers and correctional officials;
(5) capped, for the first time, international calling rates at all
facilities at the applicable facility's total interstate rate cap, plus
the amount the inmate calling services provider pays to its underlying
wholesale carriers for completing international calls; (6) reformed the
ancillary service charge caps for third-party financial transaction
fees, including those related to calls that are billed on a per-call
basis; and (7) adopted a new mandatory data collection to obtain more
uniform cost data based on consistent, prescribed allocation
methodologies to determine just and reasonable, permanent, interstate
and international cost-based rates for facilities of all sizes.
In the Order on Reconsideration, the Commission denied GTL's
petition seeking reconsideration of a single sentence from the 2020
Remand Order, in which the Commission reminded providers that the
jurisdictional nature of a call, that is whether it is interstate or
intrastate, depends on the physical location of the endpoints of the
call and not on whether the area code or NXX prefix of the telephone
number associated with the account are associated with a particular
state. The Commission determined that the end-to-end analysis has been,
and remains, the generally applicable test for all telecommunications
carriers in determining the jurisdiction of their
[[Page 48403]]
calls and the Commission continues to use the traditional end-to-end
jurisdictional analysis in setting rates for calls placed by inmate
calling services consumers.
In the Fifth Further Notice, the Commission proposed to amend the
Commission's rules to require calling service providers to provide
access to all forms of Telecommunications Relay Services, including
internet-based services, to facilitate greater accessibility for
incarcerated people with hearing and speech disabilities. The
Commission also sought comment on: (1) the methodology the Commission
should use to set permanent per-minute rate caps for interstate and
international inmate calling services; (2) site commission costs for
facilities of all sizes and site commission reform generally; (3) the
costs of providing services to jails with average daily populations of
fewer than 1,000 incarcerated people; (4) whether and how the
Commission should reform the ancillary service charge caps and how the
Commission can curtail potentially abusive practices related to these
charges; (5) whether to institute a recurring periodic data collection;
and (6) whether some providers have market power in the bidding
process, thereby impacting the competitiveness of the bidding process.
On September 22, 2021, WCB and OEA (collectively, WCB/OEA) issued a
Public Notice seeking comment on the contours and specific requirements
of the Third Mandatory Data Collection, including proposed instructions
and a proposed template for that collection. In issuing this Public
Notice, WCB/OEA were acting pursuant to the Commission's directive, in
the 2021 ICS Order, that the new data collection obtain data on
providers' operations, costs, demand, and revenues, among other
information. As the Commission explained in that order, the collected
information will allow the Commission to set permanent interstate and
international inmate calling services rate caps and to evaluate and, if
warranted, revise the current ancillary service charge caps.
On December 15, 2021, WCB/OEA issued a Public Notice seeking
comment on revised requirements for ICS Annual Reports, including
proposed instructions, templates, and a provider certification.
Specifically, the Public Notice proposed changes in the reporting
requirements to align them with ICS rule changes adopted in the 2021
ICS Order.
On January 18, 2022, WCB adopted an Order implementing the Third
Mandatory Data Collection and adopted accompanying instructions,
reporting templates, and a certification form. The collected
information will allow the Commission to set permanent interstate and
international inmate calling services rate caps and to evaluate and, if
warranted, revise the current ancillary service charge caps. On
February 9, 2022, WCB released a public notice announcing that the
providers' mandatory data collection responses will be due no later
than June 20, 2022.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/22/13 78 FR 4369
FNPRM............................... 11/13/13 78 FR 68005
R&O................................. 11/13/13 78 FR 67956
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/20/13 .......................
2nd FNPRM........................... 11/21/14 79 FR 69682
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 01/15/15 .......................
2nd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 01/20/15 .......................
3rd FNPRM........................... 12/18/15 80 FR 79020
2nd R&O............................. 12/18/15 80 FR 79136
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 01/19/16 .......................
3rd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 02/08/16 .......................
Order on Reconsideration............ 09/12/16 81 FR 62818
Announcement of OMB Approval........ 03/01/17 82 FR 12182
Correction to Announcement of OMB 03/08/17 82 FR 12922
Approval.
Announcement of OMB Approval........ 02/06/20 85 FR 6947
Public Notice....................... 02/19/20 85 FR 9444
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 03/20/20 .......................
Public Notice Reply Comment Period 04/06/20 .......................
End.
Letter.............................. 07/15/20 .......................
R&O on Remand & 4th FNPRM........... 08/06/20 85 FR 67450; 85 FR
67480; 85 FR 73233
Order............................... 09/01/20 .......................
Public Notice....................... 09/24/20 85 FR 66512
Public Notice....................... 10/23/20 .......................
Letter.............................. 11/13/20 .......................
Public Notice....................... 12/03/20 85 FR 83000
Order Extending Reply Comment 12/17/20 .......................
Deadline.
Public Notice....................... 01/08/21 .......................
Comment Period End on 12/3/2020, 01/11/21 .......................
Public Notice End.
Comment Period End on 12/3/2020, 01/21/21 .......................
Public Notice End.
Public Notice....................... 03/03/21 .......................
Inactive per Maura McGowan.......... 03/31/21 .......................
5th FNPRM........................... 07/28/21 86 FR 40416
3rd R&O............................. 07/28/21 86 FR 40682
3rd R&O............................. 07/28/21 86 FR 40340
Order............................... 08/10/21 86 FR 48952
Public Notice (MDC)................. 09/22/21 86 FR 54897
5th NPRM Comment Period End......... 09/27/21 .......................
Order Extending Reply Comment 10/15/21 86 FR 60438
Deadline.
5th NPRM Reply Comment Period End... 10/27/21 .......................
Comment Period End on 09/22/2021, 11/04/21 .......................
Public Notice End.
Reply Comment Period on 09/22/2021, 11/19/21 .......................
Public Notice End.
Public Notice on Annual Reports..... 12/15/21 .......................
5th NPRM Reply Comment Period End... 12/17/21 .......................
Comment Period End on 12/15/2021, 01/12/22 .......................
Public Notice End.
Order Adopting MDC.................. 01/18/22 .......................
Reply Period on 12/15/2021, Public 01/27/22 .......................
Notice End.
Public Notice....................... 02/09/22 .......................
Public Notice....................... 02/14/22 .......................
Public Notice....................... 03/02/22 .......................
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
418-7122, Email: [email protected].
Erik Raven-Hansen, Assistant Division Chief, Federal Communications
Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1532,
Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK08
345. Comprehensive Review of the Part 32 Uniform System of Accounts (WC
Docket No. 14-130) [3060-AK20]
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
[[Page 48404]]
Abstract: The Commission initiates a rulemaking proceeding to
review the Uniform System of Accounts (USOA) to consider ways to
minimize the compliance burdens on incumbent local exchange carriers
while ensuring that the Agency retains access to the information it
needs to fulfill its regulatory duties. In light of the Commission's
actions in areas of price cap regulation, universal service reform, and
intercarrier compensation reform, the Commission stated that it is
likely appropriate to streamline the existing rules even though those
reforms may not have eliminated the need for accounting data for some
purposes. The Commission's analysis and proposals are divided into
three parts. First, the Commission proposes to streamline the USOA
accounting rules while preserving their existing structure. Second, the
Commission seeks more focused comment on the accounting requirements
needed for price cap carriers to address our statutory and regulatory
obligations. Third, the Commission seeks comment on several related
issues, including state requirements, rate effects, implementation,
continuing property records, and legal authority.
On February 23, 2017, the Commission adopted a Report and Order
that revised the part 32 USOA to substantially reduce accounting
burdens for both price cap and rate-of-return carriers. First, the
Order streamlines the USOA for all carriers. In addition, the USOA will
be aligned more closely with 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: 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
418-7122, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK20
346. Restoring Internet Freedom (WC Docket No. 17-108); Protecting and
Promoting the Open Internet (GN Docket No. 14-28) [3060-AK21]
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 reclassified broadband
internet access service as an information service; reinstates the
determination that mobile broadband internet access service is not a
commercial mobile service and 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 Open internet 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
347. 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 [3060-AK32]
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, NOl, 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
[[Page 48405]]
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 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
[[Page 48406]]
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.
In September 2019, CTIA filed a Petition for Declaratory Ruling
seeking clarification of certain issues raised in the 2018 Third Report
and Order. On July 29, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau issued a
Declaratory Ruling clarifying that (1) the imposition of a blanket
ban'' by a utility on attachments to any portion of a utility pole is
inconsistent with the federal requirement that a denial of access . . .
be specific'' to a particular request; and (2) while utilities and
attachers have the flexibility to negotiate terms in their pole
attachment agreements that differ from the requirements in the
Commission's rules, a utility cannot use its significant negotiating
leverage to require an attacher to give up rights to which the attacher
is entitled under the rules without the attacher obtaining a
corresponding benefit.
On July 20, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Public
Notice seeking comment on a Petition for Declaratory Ruling filed on
July 16, 2020 by NCTA The internet & Television Association. NCTA asked
the Commission to declare that: (1) pole owners must share in the cost
of pole replacements in unserved areas pursuant to section 224 of the
Communications Act, section 1.1408(b) of the Commission's rules, and
Commission precedent; (2) pole attachment complaints arising in
unserved areas should be prioritized through placement on the
Accelerated Docket under section 1.736 of the Commission's rules; and
(3) section 1.1407(b) of the Commission's rules authorizes the
Commission to order any pole owner to complete a pole replacement
within a specified period of time or designate an authorized contractor
to do so. Comments on the NCTA Petition were due by September 2, 2020,
and reply comments by September 17, 2020.
On July 23, 2021, the Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Public
Notice seeking comment on a Petition for Declaratory Ruling filed by
the Edison Electric Institute asking the Commission to declare that:
(1) when the Commission determines that a pole attachment rate, term,
or condition is unjust and unreasonable and orders a refund pursuant to
section 1.1407(a)(3) of the Commission's rules, the applicable statute
of limitations'' is the same as the two-year period prescribed by
section 415(b) of the Act; and (2) refunds in pole attachment complaint
proceedings are not appropriate'' for any period preceding good-faith
notice of a dispute. Deadlines for filing comments and reply comments
were set for August 23, 2021, and September 10, 2021, respectively.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/06/15 80 FR 450
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/05/15 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 03/09/15 .......................
FNPRM............................... 09/25/15 80 FR 57768
R&O................................. 09/25/15 80 FR 57768
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 10/26/15 .......................
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 11/24/15 .......................
2nd R&O............................. 09/12/16 81 FR 62632
NPRM................................ 05/16/17 82 FR 224533
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/15/17 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 07/17/17 .......................
R&O................................. 12/28/17 82 FR 61520
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/17/18 .......................
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 02/16/18 .......................
2nd R&O............................. 07/09/18 83 FR 31659
3rd R&O............................. 09/14/18 83 FR 46812
NCTA Public Notice.................. 07/20/20 .......................
CTIA Declaratory Ruling............. 07/29/20 .......................
Order on Reconsideration............ 02/02/21 86 FR 8872
EEI Public Notice................... 07/23/21 .......................
EEI Public Notice Comment Period End 08/23/21 .......................
EEI Public Notice Reply Comment 09/10/21 .......................
Period End.
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
348. Numbering Policies for Modern Communications, WC Docket No. 13-97
[3060-AK36]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 153 to 154; 47 U.S.C. 201
to 205; 47 U.S.C. 251; 47 U.S.C. 303(r)
Abstract: This Order establishes a process to authorize
interconnected VoIP providers to obtain North American Numbering Plan
(NANP) telephone numbers directly from the numbering administrators,
rather than through intermediaries. Section 52.15(g)(2)(i) of the
Commission's rules limits access to telephone numbers to entities that
demonstrate they are authorized to provide service in the area for
which the numbers are being requested. The Commission has interpreted
this rule as requiring evidence of either a State certificate of public
convenience and necessity (CPCN) or a Commission license. Neither
authorization is typically available in practice to interconnected VoIP
providers. Thus, as a practical matter, generally only
telecommunications carriers are able to provide the proof of
authorization required under our rules, and thus able to obtain numbers
directly from the numbering administrators. This Order establishes an
authorization process to enable interconnected VoIP providers that
choose direct access to request numbers directly from the numbering
administrators. Next, the Order sets forth several conditions designed
to minimize number exhaust and preserve the integrity of the numbering
system.
The Order requires interconnected VoIP providers obtaining numbers
to comply with the same requirements applicable to carriers seeking to
obtain numbers. These requirements include any State requirements
pursuant to numbering authority delegated to the States by the
Commission, as well as industry guidelines and practices, among others.
The Order also requires interconnected VoIP providers to comply with
facilities readiness requirements adapted to this context, and with
numbering utilization and optimization requirements. As conditions to
requesting and obtaining numbers directly from the numbering
administrators, interconnected VoIP providers are also required 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
[[Page 48407]]
administrators; and (4) provide customers with the opportunity to
access all abbreviated dialing codes (N11 numbers) in use in a
geographic area.
The Order also modifies Commission's rules in order to permit VoIP
Positioning Center (VPC) providers to obtain pseudo-Automatic Number
Identification (p-ANI) codes directly from the numbering administrators
for purposes of providing E911 services.
Based on experiences and review of the direct access authorization
process established by the 2015 Order, the Commission adopted a FNPRM
which proposes clarifications and revisions to the Commission's rules
to better ensure that interconnected VoIP providers that obtain direct
access authorization to not facilitate illegal robocalls, spoofing, or
fraud, pose national security risks, or evade or abuse intercarrier
compensation requirements. The FNPRM proposes to require additional
certifications as part of the direct access authorization applications
process, that would include certification of compliance with anti-
robocalling obligations. The FNPRM also proposes to clarify that
applicants disclose foreign ownership information on their direct
access application. It would also propose to generally refer those
applications with 10% or greater foreign ownership to the Executive
Branch agencies for their review, consistent with the Commission's
referral of other types of applications. The FNPRM also proposes to
clarify that holders of a direct access authorization must update the
Commission and applicable states within 30 days of changes to ownership
information submitted to the Commission. The FNPRM further proposes to
clarify that Commission staff retain the authority to determine when to
accept filings as complete and proposes to direct Commission staff to
reject an application if an applicant has engaged in behavior contrary
to the public interest or has been found to originate or transmit
illegal robocalls. Finally, the FNPRM seeks comment on whether to
expand the direct access authorization to one-way VoIP providers or
other entities that use numbering resources.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/19/13 78 FR 36725
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/19/13 .......................
R&O................................. 10/29/15 80 FR 66454
FNPRM (Release Date)................ 08/06/21 86 FR 51081
FNPRM (Comment Period End).......... 10/14/21 86 FR 51081
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Michelle Sclater, Attorney, Wireline Competition
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau,
45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0388, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK36
349. Implementation of the Universal Service Portions of the 1996
Telecommunications Act [3060-AK57]
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 October 1, 2021, the Commission proposed to update the
definition of library in the Commission's rules to provide clarity
regarding the eligibility of Tribal libraries and promote increased
participation of underrepresented Tribal libraries in the E-Rate
Program.
On October 27, 2021, the Commission announced third set of Pilot
projects that have been selected for the Connected Care Pilot Program.
The program will support connected care services across the country,
focusing on low-income and veteran patients.
On December 2, 2021, the Commission granted the State E-rate
Coordinators' Alliance's (SECA) petition for an expedited waiver of the
Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) Program's invoice filing deadline and
clarified the service delivery date.
On December 16, 2021, the Commission sought comment on a proposal
to implement a bidding portal for the E-Rate program.
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
Public Notice....................... 03/22/21 86 FR 15172
Report & Order on Recon............. 04/09/21 86 FR 18459
R&O................................. 05/28/21 86 FR 29136
2nd R&O............................. 07/14/21 86 FR 37061
Public Notice....................... 08/02/21 86 FR 41408
NPRM................................ 10/14/21 86 FR 57097
Order............................... 12/14/21 86 FR 70983
NPRM................................ 01/27/22 87 FR 4182
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
[[Page 48408]]
350. Toll Free Assignment Modernization and Toll Free Service Access
Codes: WC Docket No. 17-192, CC Docket No. 95-155 [3060-AK91]
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 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
351. Establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection; WC Docket
Nos. 19-195 and 11-10 [3060-AK93]
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
[[Page 48409]]
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.
On July 16, 2021, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Office of
Economics and Analytics, and Office of Engineering and Technology
released a Public Notice seeking comment on the technical requirements
for the mobile challenge, verification, and crowdsourcing processes
required under the Broadband DATA Act for the new Broadband Data
Collection (formerly known as the Digital Opportunity Data Collection).
Deadlines for filing comments and reply comments have been set for
September 10, 2021, and September 27, 2021, respectively.
On February 22, 2022, the Task Force and OEA released a Public
Notice announcing the filing deadline for the inaugural Broadband Data
Collection, as required by the Commission in the July 2020 Second
Report and Order.
On March 4, 2022, the Task Force and OEA published data
specifications related to the biannual submission of subscription,
availability, and supporting data for the Broadband Data Collection
(BDC). The specifications set forth how data files required for the BDC
must be formatted for submission in the BDC system, which fields the
files should contain, and the data type of each field.
On March 9, 2022, the Task Force, OEA, the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, and the Office of Engineering and Technology
released the BDC Mobile Technical Requirements Order, which adopts
technical requirements to implement the BDC mobile challenge,
verification, and crowdsourcing processes. Specifically, the Order (1)
adopts detailed processes for mobile providers to respond to
challenges, for the Commission to initiate a verification request to a
service provider, and for providers to respond to verification requests
to confirm broadband coverage in areas they claim have service; (2)
sets forth the parameters and metrics that must be collected both for
on-the-ground test data to support challenge submissions, rebuttals to
cognizable challenges, and responses to verification requests, and for
infrastructure information to support challenge rebuttals and responses
to verification requests; and (3) describes the methodology staff will
use in determining when a critical mass of crowdsourced filings
suggests that a provider has submitted inaccurate or incomplete data.
The Task Force, OEA, and WTB also published two data specifications
that provide additional detail about the technical elements of the data
to be collected as part of the mobile challenge, verification, and
crowdsource processes. The Data Specifications for Mobile Speed Test
Data provides information on the on-the-ground speed test data that
must be collected and reported by approved third-party mobile speed
test apps that consumers will use to run crowdsource or challenge speed
tests and submit those test results to the Commission's BDC system;
other entities participating in the BDC mobile challenge process or
collecting crowdsource data; and service providers responding to mobile
challenges or verification inquiries. The Data Specifications for
Provider Infrastructure Data in the Mobile Challenge and Mobile
Verification Process specifies the data files that mobile service
providers must submit when they choose to respond to a mobile challenge
or verification inquiry with infrastructure data.
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
Public Notice....................... 07/16/21 86 FR 40398
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 09/27/21
Order............................... 03/09/22
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
352. Call Authentication Trust Anchor [3060-AL00]
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 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
[[Page 48410]]
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 where by 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 May 20, 2021, the
Commission released a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
proposing to shorten the small provider extension from two years to one
for a subset of small voice service providers that are at a heightened
risk of originating an especially large amount of robocall traffic.
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. On
August 5, 2021, the Commission adopted a Third Report and Order which
adopted rules creating this oversight role.
On September 30, 2021, the Commission adopted a Fourth Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to require gateway providers to
apply STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication to, and perform robocall
mitigation on, foreign-originated calls with U.S. numbers, seeking
comment on revisions to the information that filers must submit to the
Robocall Mitigation Database, and clarifying the obligations of voice
service providers and intermediate providers with respect to calls to
and from Public Safety Answer Points and other emergency services
providers.
On December 9, 2021, the Commission adopted a Fourth Report and
Order adopting rules requiring non-facilities based small voice
providers implement SITR/SHAKEN by June 30, 2022, and requiring small
voice providers of any kind suspected of originating illegal robocalls
to implement STIR/SHAKEN on an accelerated timeline.
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
3rd FNPRM........................... 05/20/21 86 FR 30571
3rd R&O............................. 08/05/21 86 FR 48511
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 08/19/21
4th FNPRM........................... 10/01/21 86 FR 59084
4th FNPRM Comment Period End........ 11/26/21
4th R&O............................. 12/09/21
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
353. Implementation of the National Suicide Improvement Act of 2018
[3060-AL01]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On August 14, 2018, Congress passed the National Suicide
Hotline Improvement Act (Act). Public Law 115-233, 132 Stat. 2424
(2018). The purpose of the Act was to study and report on the
feasibility of designating a 3-digit dialing code to be used for a
national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system by
considering each of the current N11 designations. The Act directed the
Commission to: (1) conduct a study that examines the feasibility of
designating a simple, easy-to-remember, 3-digit dialing code to be used
for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline
system; and (2) analyze how well the current National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline is working to address the needs of veterans. The
Act also directed the Commission to coordinate with the Department of
Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the
North American Numbering Council (NANC) in conducting the study, and to
produce a report on the study by August 14, 2019.
On August 14, 2019, the Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of
Economics and Analytics submitted its report to Congress recommending
that: (1) a 3-digit dialing code be used for a national suicide
prevention and mental health crisis hotline system; and (2) the
Commission should initiate a rulemaking proceeding to consider
designating 988 as the 3-digit code.
On December 12, 2019, the Commission released a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to designate 988 as a new, nationwide, 3-
digit dialing code for a suicide prevention and mental health crisis
hotline. WC Docket No. 18-336. The NPRM proposes that calls made to 988
be directed to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which
is made up of an expansive network of over 170 crisis centers located
across the United States, and to the Veterans Crisis Line. The NPRM
also proposes to require all telecommunications carriers and
interconnected VoIP service providers to make, within 18 months, any
changes necessary to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line.
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
[[Page 48411]]
such requirements be implemented on the same timeline as voice calls to
988, by July 16, 2022.
On October 17, 2020, Congress enacted the National Suicide Hotline
Designation Act of 2020 (2020 Act). Public Law 116-172, 134 Stat. 832
(2020). The 2020 Act, among other things, designates 988 as the
universal telephone number within the United States for the purpose of
the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system
operating through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline,'' with
designation occurring one year after enactment.
On November 9, 2020, pursuant to 2020 Act's requirements that the
Commission submit a report on the feasibility and cost of attaching an
automatic dispatchable location with 988 calls, the Commission issued a
Public Notice that sought comment on these issues.
On April 22, 2021 the Commission adopted a Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) that proposes to require text service
providers support text messages to 988 by routing texts to the toll
free number.
On November 19, 2020, pursuant to 2020 Act's requirements that the
Commission submit a report on the feasibility and cost of attaching an
automatic dispatchable location with 988 calls, the Commission issued a
Public Notice that sought comment on these issues. A Report to Congress
regarding geolocation was released on April 15, 2021.
On April 22, 2021 the Commission adopted a Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) that proposes to require text service
providers support text messages to 988 by routing texts to the toll
free number. On November 19, 2021, the Commission adopted an Order
requiring the industry to enable texting to 988 by the same deadline as
for voice calls, 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
Public Notice....................... 12/08/20 85 FR 79014
Replies Due......................... 12/14/20
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 01/11/21
FNPRM............................... 06/11/21 86 FR 31404
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 08/10/21
Report & Order...................... 11/19/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michelle Sclater, Attorney, Wireline Competition
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau,
45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0388, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL01
354. Modernizing Unbundling and Resale Requirements in an Era of Next-
Generation Networks and Services [3060-AL02]
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
355. Eliminating Ex Ante Pricing Regulation and Tariffing of Telephone
Access Charges (WC Docket 20-71) [3060-AL03]
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.
[[Page 48412]]
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/01/20 85 FR 30899
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/06/20
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 08/04/20
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Gil Strobel, Deputy Pricing Policy Division Chief,
WCB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7084.
RIN: 3060-AL03
356. Establishing a 5G Fund for Rural America; GN Docket No.
20-32 [3060-AL15]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 254; 47
U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 403
Abstract: The 5G Fund for Rural America will distribute up to $9
billion in universal service support through competitive bidding in two
phases to bring mobile voice and 5G broadband service to rural areas of
the country. 5G public interest obligations and performance
requirements imposed on carriers continuing to receive legacy mobile
high-cost support will help ensure that the areas they serve enjoy the
benefits that 5G promises.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/26/20 85 FR 31616
Final Action........................ 11/25/20 85 FR 75770x
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kirk Burgee, Chief of Staff, Wireline Competition
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1599, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL15
357. Improving Competitive Broadband Access to Multiple Tenant
Environments [3060-AL35]
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151-54, 201(b), 303(r), 521(4), 521(6),
544(i), and 548
Abstract: In June 2017, the Commission issued a Notice of Inquiry
seeking comment on the state of broadband competition in multiple
tenant environments (MTEs) and whether additional Commission action in
this area is warranted to eliminate or reduce barriers faced by
broadband providers that seek to serve MTE occupants. In July 2019, the
Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking further
targeted comment on a variety of issues that may affect the
provisioning of broadband to MTEs, including exclusive marketing and
wiring arrangements, revenue sharing agreements, state and local
regulations, and the Commission's legal authority to address broadband,
telecommunications, and video deployment and competition in MTEs. In
February 2022, the Commission adopted a Report and Order and
Declaratory Ruling that (1) adopted new rules prohibiting providers
from entering into certain types of revenue sharing agreements that are
used to evade our existing rules; (2) adopted new rules requiring
providers to disclose the existence of exclusive marketing arrangements
in simple, easy-to-understand language; and (3) clarified that existing
Commission rules regarding cable inside wiring prohibit so-called sale-
and-leaseback arrangements which effectively deny access to alternative
providers. In taking these actions, the Commission is promoting tenant
choice and competition in the provision of communications services to
the benefit of those who live and work in MTEs.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of Inquiry................... 06/22/17
Notice of Inquiry Comment Period End 08/22/17
NPRM................................ 07/31/19 84 FR 37219
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/30/19
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-AL35
[FR Doc. 2022-14618 Filed 8-5-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P