[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 28 (Friday, February 9, 2024)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 9674-9716] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-00466] [[Page 9673]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 28 February 9, 2024 Part XXII Federal Communications Commission ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 9674]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Ch. I Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-- Fall 2023 AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In the Spring and Fall of each year, the Federal Communications Commission publishes in the Federal Register a list in the Unified Agenda of those major items and other significant regulatory proceedings under development or review that pertain to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 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: Joy Ragsdale, Director, The Office of Communications Business Opportunities at [email protected] or Andrea Brown, Program Specialist, Office of Communications Business Opportunities, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, (202) 418-1663. 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--the Commission will assign a Docket Number 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. 15-137,'' 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)--the Commission will issue an NOI when it is seeking information on a broad subject or trying to generate ideas on a given topic. Interested parties may submit comments during the specified comment period. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)--the Commission will issue an NPRM when it is proposing new rules or changes to existing rules and regulations. Before any changes are actually made, the Commission requests interested parties to submit written comments on the proposed rules or revisions. Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM)--the Commission will issue an FNPRM when it is seeking additional information from the public and requests the public to submit comments in the proceeding. Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O)--the Commission will issue an MO&O in response to a petition for rulemaking, to conclude an inquiry, modify a decision, amend a Report and Order, or state that the Report and Order will not be changed. 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)--the Commission may issue an R&O that will either adopt new rules, change existing rules, or state that no rule or regulation changes will be made. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 516....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI14 Implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 (CG Docket No. 02- 278). 517....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI15 Implementing Section 225 of the Communications Act (Telecommunications Relay Service) (CG Docket No. 03-123). 518....................... Structure and Practices of 3060-AJ42 the Video Relay Service (VRS) Program (CG Docket No. 10-51). 519....................... 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). 520....................... Implementation of Sections 3060-AK00 716 and 717 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CG Docket No. 10-213). 521....................... Misuse of Internet 3060-AK01 Protocol (IP) Captioned Telephone Service; Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to- Speech Services; CG Docket No. 13-24. 522....................... Advanced Methods to Target 3060-AK62 and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls (CG Docket No. 17-59). 523....................... Empowering Broadband 3060-AL33 Consumers Through Transparency (CG Docket No 22-2). 524....................... Targeting and Eliminating 3060-AL49 Unlawful Text Messages, CG Docket 21-403, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. 525....................... Misuse of Internet 3060-AL58 Protocol (IP) Relay Service; CG Docket No. 12- 38. 526....................... Compensation for Internet 3060-AL59 Protocol Captioned Telephone Service, (CG Docket No. 22-408). 527....................... Access to Video 3060-AL66 Conferencing, (CG Docket No. 23-161). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 9675]] Economics--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 528....................... Development of Nationwide 3060-AJ15 Broadband Data to Evaluate Reasonable and Timely Deployment of Advanced Services to All Americans. 529....................... Expanding the Economic and 3060-AJ82 Innovation Opportunities of Spectrum Through Incentive Auctions (GN Docket No. 12-268). 530....................... Broadband Data Collection. 3060-AL42 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Office of Engineering and Technology--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 531....................... Unlicensed Operation in 3060-AI52 the TV Broadcast Bands (ET Docket No. 04-186). 532....................... Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz 3060-AK96 Band; (ET Docket No. 19- 138), FCC 19-129. 533....................... Unlicensed White Space 3060-AL22 Device Operations in the Television Bands, ET Docket No. 20-36. 534....................... 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. 535....................... 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. 536....................... FCC Seeks to Enable State- 3060-AL36 of-the-Art Radar Sensors in 60 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 21-264). 537....................... FCC Proposes to Update 3060-AL39 Equipment Authorization Rules to Incorporate New and Revised Industry Standards, (ET Docket No. 21-363). 538....................... Allocation of Spectrum for 3060-AL44 Non-Federal Space Launch Operations (ET Docket No. 13-115). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ International Bureau--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 539....................... Update to Parts 2 and 25 3060-AK59 Concerning NonGeostationary, Fixed- Satellite Service Systems, and Related Matters: IB Docket No. I6- 408. 540....................... 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. 541....................... Facilitating the 3060-AK89 Communications of Earth Stations in Motion With Non-Geostationary Orbit Space Stations: IB Docket No. 18-315. 542....................... Space Innovation; 3060-AK90 Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age: IB Docket Nos. 18- 313, 22-271. 543....................... Process Reform for 3060-AL12 Executive Branch Review of Certain FCC Applications and Petitions Involving Foreign Ownership, IB Docket No. 16-155. 544....................... 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). 545....................... Revising Spectrum Sharing 3060-AL41 Rules for Non- Geostationary Orbit, Fixed-Satellite Service Systems: IB Docket No. 21- 456. 546....................... Expediting Initial 3060-AL51 Processing of Satellite and Earth Station Applications; Space Innovation (IB Docket Nos. 22-411 and 22-271). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Media Bureau--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 547....................... Revision of EEO Rules and 3060-AH95 Policies (MB Docket No. 98-204). 548....................... Establishment of Rules for 3060-AI38 Digital Low-Power Television, Television Translator, and Television Booster Stations (MB Docket No. 03-185). 549....................... Authorizing Permissive Use 3060-AK56 of the ``Next Generation'' Broadcast Television Standard (GN Docket No. 16-142). 550....................... 2018 Quadrennial 3060-AK77 Regulatory Review of the Commission's Broadcast Ownership Rules (MB Docket 18-349). 551....................... Equal Employment 3060-AK86 Opportunity Enforcement (MB Docket 19-177). 552....................... Duplication of Programming 3060-AL19 on Commonly Owned Radio Stations (MB Docket No. 19-310). 553....................... Sponsorship Identification 3060-AL20 Requirements for Foreign Government-Provided Programming (MB Docket No. 20-299). 554....................... FM Broadcast Booster 3060-AL21 Stations (MB Docket 20- 401). 555....................... Amendment of Part 73 Rules 3060-AL50 to Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations (MB Docket No. 22-227). 556....................... Implementation of the Low 3060-AL63 Power Protection Act, MB Docket No. 23-126. 557....................... Video Description, MB 3060-AL64 Docket No. 11-43. 558....................... 2022 Quadrennial Review of 3060-AL65 Media Ownership Rules, MB Docket No. 22-459. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 9676]] Media Bureau--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 559....................... Preserving Vacant Channels 3060-AK43 in the UHF Television Band for Unlicensed Use; (MB Docket No. 15-146). 560....................... Amendment of Part 74 of 3060-AK79 the Commission's Rules Regarding FM Translator Interference (MB Docket 18-119). 561....................... Use of Common Antenna Site 3060-AK99 (MB Docket No. 19-282). 562....................... Updating Broadcast Radio 3060-AL26 Technical Rules (MB Docket 21-263). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Office of Managing Director--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 563....................... Assessment and Collection 3060-AK64 of Regulatory Fees. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 564....................... Wireless E911 Location 3060-AJ52 Accuracy Requirements: PS Docket No. 07-114. 565....................... Improving Outage Reporting 3060-AK39 for Submarine Cables and Enhancing Submarine Cable Outage Data; GN Docket No. 15-206. 566....................... Amendments to Part 4 of 3060-AK40 the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications: (PS Docket No. 15-80, 18-336, 23-5). 567....................... New Part 4 of the 3060-AK41 Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications; ET Docket No. 04-35. 568....................... Wireless Emergency Alerts 3060-AK54 (WEA): PS Docket No. 15- 91, 15-94, 22-329. 569....................... 911 Fee Diversion 3060-AL31 Rulemaking: PS Docket Nos. 20-291, 09-14. 570....................... Resilient Networks, 3060-AL43 Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications; PS Docket No 21-346. 571....................... Location--Based Routing 3060-AL52 for Wireless 911 Calls (P.S. Docket 18-64). 572....................... Next Generation 9-1-1, PS 3060-AL67 Docket No. 21-479, FCC 23- 47. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wireless Telecommunications Bureau--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 573....................... 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). 574....................... Promoting Technological 3060-AK06 Solutions to Combat Wireless Contraband Device Use in Correctional Facilities; GN Docket No. 13-111. 575....................... Promoting Investment in 3060-AK12 the 3550-3700 MHz Band; GN Docket No. 17-258. 576....................... Updating Part 1 3060-AK28 Competitive Bidding Rules (WT Docket No. 14-170). 577....................... Use of Spectrum Bands 3060-AK44 Above 24 GHz for Mobile Services--Spectrum Frontiers: WT Docket 10- 112. 578....................... Expanding Flexible Use of 3060-AK76 the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band: GN Docket No. 18-122. 579....................... Amendment of the 3060-AK92 Commission's Rules to Promote Aviation Safety: WT Docket No. 19-140. 580....................... 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). 581....................... Expanding Flexible Use of 3060-AL40 the 12.2-12.7 GHz Band, et al., WT Docket No. 20- 443, et al. 582....................... Facilitating Shared Use in 3060-AL57 the 3100-3550 MHz Band. 583....................... Shared Use of the 42-.42.5 3060-AL68 GHz Band (WT Docket No. 23-158, GN Docket No. 14- 177). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wireline Competition Bureau--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 584....................... Telecommunications 3060-AG43 Carriers' Use of Customer Proprietary Network Information and Other Customer Information (CC Docket No. 96-115), Data Breach Reporting Requirements (WC Docket No. 22-21). 585....................... Local Telephone Networks 3060-AH44 That LECs Must Make Available to Competitors. 586....................... Jurisdictional Separations 3060-AJ06 587....................... Rates for Inmate Calling 3060-AK08 Services; WC Docket No. 12-375; Incarcerated People's Communications Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act, WC Docket No. 23-62. 588....................... Comprehensive Review of 3060-AK20 the Part 32 Uniform System of Accounts (WC Docket No. 14-130). 589....................... Restoring Internet Freedom 3060-AK21 (WC Docket No. 17-108); Protecting and Promoting the Open Internet (GN Docket No. 14-28). 590....................... 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. 591....................... Numbering Policies for 3060-AK36 Modern Communications, WC Docket No. 13-97. [[Page 9677]] 592....................... Implementation of the 3060-AK57 Universal Service Portions of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. 593....................... Toll Free Assignment 3060-AK91 Modernization and Toll- Free Service Access Codes: WC Docket No. 17- 192, CC Docket No. 95-155. 594....................... Establishing the Digital 3060-AK93 Opportunity Data Collection; WC Docket Nos. 19-195 and 11-10. 595....................... Call Authentication Trust 3060-AL00 Anchor. 596....................... Implementation of the 3060-AL01 National Suicide Improvement Act of 2018, 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline (WC Docket 18- 336, PS Docket No. 23.5, PS Docket No. 15-80). 597....................... Modernizing Unbundling and 3060-AL02 Resale Requirements in an Era of Next-Generation Networks and Services. 598....................... Establishing a 5G Fund for 3060-AL15 Rural America; GN Docket No. 20-32. 599....................... Protecting Consumers From 3060-AL34 SIM Swap and Port-Out Fraud, WC Docket No. 21- 341. 600....................... Supporting Survivors of 3060-AL48 Domestic and Sexual Violence (WC Docket No. 22-238,11-42, 21-450). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Long-Term Actions 516. 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). Declaratory Ruling and Order........ 12/14/22 87 FR 76425 Order on Reconsideration and 01/20/23 88 FR 3668 Declaratory Ruling. NPRM................................ 06/29/23 88 FR 42034 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 517. 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 [[Page 9678]] Declaratory Ruling/Clarification.... 05/31/06 71 FR 30818 FNPRM............................... 05/31/06 71 FR 30848 FNPRM............................... 06/01/06 71 FR 31131 Declaratory Ruling/Dismissal of 06/21/06 71 FR 35553 Petition. Clarification....................... 06/28/06 71 FR 36690 Declaratory Ruling on 07/06/06 71 FR 38268 Reconsideration. Order on Reconsideration............ 08/16/06 71 FR 47141 MO&O................................ 08/16/06 71 FR 47145 Clarification....................... 08/23/06 71 FR 49380 FNPRM............................... 09/13/06 71 FR 54009 Final Rule; Clarification........... 02/14/07 72 FR 6960 Order............................... 03/14/07 72 FR 11789 R&O................................. 08/06/07 72 FR 43546 Public Notice....................... 08/16/07 72 FR 46060 Order............................... 11/01/07 72 FR 61813 Public Notice....................... 01/04/08 73 FR 863 R&O/Declaratory Ruling.............. 01/17/08 73 FR 3197 Order............................... 02/19/08 73 FR 9031 Order............................... 04/21/08 73 FR 21347 R&O................................. 04/21/08 73 FR 21252 Order............................... 04/23/08 73 FR 21843 Public Notice....................... 04/30/08 73 FR 23361 Order............................... 05/15/08 73 FR 28057 Declaratory Ruling.................. 07/08/08 73 FR 38928 FNPRM............................... 07/18/08 73 FR 41307 R&O................................. 07/18/08 73 FR 41286 Public Notice....................... 08/01/08 73 FR 45006 Public Notice....................... 08/05/08 73 FR 45354 Public Notice....................... 10/10/08 73 FR 60172 Order............................... 10/23/08 73 FR 63078 2nd R&O and Order on Reconsideration 12/30/08 73 FR 79683 Order............................... 05/06/09 74 FR 20892 Public Notice....................... 05/07/09 74 FR 21364 NPRM................................ 05/21/09 74 FR 23815 Public Notice....................... 05/21/09 74 FR 23859 Public Notice....................... 06/12/09 74 FR 28046 Order............................... 07/29/09 74 FR 37624 Public Notice....................... 08/07/09 74 FR 39699 Order............................... 09/18/09 74 FR 47894 Order............................... 10/26/09 74 FR 54913 Public Notice....................... 05/12/10 75 FR 26701 Order Denying Stay Motion (Release 07/09/10 Date). Order............................... 08/13/10 75 FR 49491 Order............................... 09/03/10 75 FR 54040 NPRM................................ 11/02/10 75 FR 67333 NPRM................................ 05/02/11 76 FR 24442 Order............................... 07/25/11 76 FR 44326 Final Rule (Order).................. 09/27/11 76 FR 59551 Final Rule; Announcement of 11/22/11 76 FR 72124 Effective Date. Proposed Rule (Public Notice)....... 02/28/12 77 FR 11997 Proposed Rule (FNPRM)............... 02/01/12 77 FR 4948 First R&O........................... 07/25/12 77 FR 43538 Public Notice....................... 10/29/12 77 FR 65526 Order on Reconsideration............ 12/26/12 77 FR 75894 Order............................... 02/05/13 78 FR 8030 Order (Interim Rule)................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8032 NPRM................................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8090 Announcement of Effective Date...... 03/07/13 78 FR 14701 NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/13/13 FNPRM............................... 07/05/13 78 FR 40407 FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/18/13 R&O................................. 07/05/13 78 FR 40582 R&O................................. 08/15/13 78 FR 49693 FNPRM............................... 08/15/13 78 FR 49717 FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/30/13 R&O................................. 08/30/13 78 FR 53684 FNPRM............................... 09/03/13 78 FR 54201 NPRM................................ 10/23/13 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 [[Page 9679]] 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 Report & Order...................... 07/18/22 87 FR 42656 Report & Order...................... 09/21/22 87 FR 57645 Report & Order...................... 11/25/22 87 FR 72409 NPRM................................ 12/08/22 87 FR 75199 NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/06/23 Public Notice....................... 01/31/23 88 FR 6220 Public Notice Opposition Period End. 02/27/23 NPRM................................ 02/02/23 88 FR 7049 NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/03/23 Order on Reconsideration............ 02/22/22 Final Rule; Announcement of 03/08/23 88 FR 14251 Effective Date. Report and Order.................... 08/01/23 88 FR 50053 NPRM................................ 08/07/23 88 FR 52088 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/06/23 NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 10/06/23 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights Office, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AI15 518. 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 Report & Order...................... 09/21/22 87 FR 57645 Report & Order...................... 11/25/22 87 FR 72409 NPRM................................ 12/08/22 87 FR 75199 [[Page 9680]] NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/06/23 Public Notice....................... 01/31/23 88 FR 6220 Public Notice Opposition Period End. 02/27/23 Final Rule; Announcement of 03/08/23 88 FR 14251 Effective Date. Public Notice....................... 04/25/23 88 FR 24986 Public Notice Comment Period End.... 05/09/23 Public Notice Reply Comment Period 05/19/23 End. ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights Office, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AJ42 519. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Richard D. Smith, Special Counsel, Consumer Policy Division, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 717 338-2797, Fax: 717 338-2574, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AJ84 520. Implementation of Sections 716 and 717 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CG Docket No. 10-213) [3060-AK00] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 255; 47 U.S.C. 617 to 619 Abstract: These proceedings implement sections 716, 717, and 718 of the Communications Act, which were added by the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA), related to the accessibility of advanced communications services and equipment (section 716), recordkeeping and enforcement requirements for entities subject to sections 255, 716, and 718 (section 717), and accessibility of internet browsers built into mobile phones (section 718). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 03/14/11 76 FR 13800 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 04/12/11 76 FR 20297 NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/13/11 FNPRM............................... 12/30/11 76 FR 82240 R&O................................. 12/30/11 76 FR 82354 FNPRM Comment Period End............ 03/14/12 Announcement of Effective Date...... 04/25/12 77 FR 24632 2nd R&O............................. 05/22/13 78 FR 30226 R&O on Remand, Declaratory Ruling, 04/13/15 80 FR 19738 and Order. Public Notice....................... 05/19/22 87 FR 30442 Public Notice Comment Period End.... 07/18/22 Report and Order.................... 08/01/23 88 FR 50053 NPRM................................ 08/07/23 88 FR 52088 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/06/23 NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 10/06/23 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Darryl Cooper, Attorney, Disability Rights Office, CGB, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7131, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK00 521. 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 ....................... [[Page 9681]] 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 ....................... Report & Order...................... 09/21/22 87 FR 57645 NPRM................................ 12/08/22 87 FR 75199 NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/06/23 ....................... Public Notice....................... 01/31/23 88 FR 6220 Public Notice Opposition Period End. 02/27/23 ....................... NPRM................................ 02/02/23 88 FR 7049 NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/03/23 ....................... Order on Reconsideration............ 02/22/23 88 FR 10853 Final Rule; Announcement of 03/08/23 88 FR 14251 Effective Date. ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights Office, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK01 522. 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. Public Notice....................... 02/08/22 87 FR 7044 Seventh Further Notice of Proposed 05/19/22 87 FR 42670 Rulemaking. Sixth Report and Order.............. 05/19/22 87 FR 42916 Public Notice....................... 08/24/22 87 FR 51920 Public Notice....................... 11/18/22 87 FR 69206 Seventh Report and Order (Proposed 05/19/23 88 FR 43489 Rule). Eighth Further Notice, and Third 05/19/23 88 FR 43446 Notice of Inquiry (Final Rule). ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Karen Schroeder, Associate Division Chief, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0654, Email: [email protected]. Jerusha Burnett, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0526, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK62 523. Empowering Broadband Consumers Through Transparency (CG Docket No. 22-2) [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 adopted rules requiring broadband internet access service providers (ISPs) to 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 ....................... NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 03/24/22 ....................... [[Page 9682]] Report & Order and FNPRM............ 12/16/22 87 FR 77048 FNPRM Comment Period Extended....... 01/04/23 ....................... FNPRM Comment Period End............ 03/16/23 ....................... Petition for Reconsideration........ 01/31/23 88 FR 6219 Petition for Reconsideration Comment 02/27/23 ....................... Period End. Order............................... 08/07/23 88 FR 52043 Order of Reconsideration............ 09/18/23 88 FR 63853 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Erica McMahon, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0346, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL33 524. Targeting and Eliminating Unlawful Text Messages, CG Docket 21- 403, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [3060-AL49] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 227(e), 251(e), 303 Abstract: In this docket, the Commission considers rules and policies concerning the ability for mobile wireless service providers to block illegal text messages. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/27/22 87 FR 61271 Report & Order...................... 03/17/23 88 FR 21497 FNPRM............................... 03/17/23 88 FR 20800 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Mika Savir, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0384, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL49 525. Misuse of Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service; CG Docket No. 12- 38 [3060-AL58] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 152 and 154; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 616 Abstract: Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires the Federal Communications Commission to ensure the availability of telecommunications relay services. IP Relay is a form of TRS that permits an individual with a hearing or a speech disability to communicate in text using an internet Protocol-enabled device via the internet. In CG Docket No. 12-38, the Commission considers rules and policy for the provision of IP Relay, including the process for registering users for IP CTS and the methodology for determining TRS Fund support.The Commission takes these steps to ensure the provision of IP Relay in a functionally equivalent manner to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf blind or have speech disabilities. In doing so, the Commission balances several different factors including regulating the recovery of costs caused by the service, encouraging the use of existing technology and not discouraging or impairing the development of improved technology, and ensuring IP Relay is available, to the extent possible and in the most efficient manner. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Public Notice....................... 02/08/12 77 FR 11997 Public Notice Comment Period End.... 03/20/12 ....................... Final Rule.......................... 07/25/12 77 FR 43538 Final Rule Effective................ 07/25/12 ....................... NPRM................................ 03/19/21 86 FR 14859 NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/03/21 ....................... Final Rule.......................... 11/25/22 87 FR 72409 Final Rule Effective................ 12/27/22 ....................... ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael Scott, Attorney Advisor, Disability Rights Office, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1264, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL58 526. Compensation for Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service, (CG Docket No. 22-408) [3060-AL59] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 225 Abstract: Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires the Federal Communications Commission to ensure the availability of telecommunications relay. Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Services (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. In CG Docket No. 22-408, the Commission considers rules and policy for the adoption of a compensation methodology and compensation levels for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund support of providers of IP CTS.The Commission takes these steps to ensure the provision of IP CTS in a functionally equivalent manner to persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf, blind or have speech disabilities. In doing so, the Commission balances several different factors including regulating the recovery of costs caused by the service, encouraging the use of existing technology and not discouraging or impairing the development of improved technology, and ensuring IP CTS is available, to the extent possible and in the most efficient manner. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 02/02/23 88 FR 7049 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael Scott, Attorney Advisor, Disability Rights Office, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1264, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL59 527.Access to Video Conferencing, (CG Docket No. 23-161) [3060-AL66] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 617 Abstract: Section 716 of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA) (47 U.S.C. 617) requires the Federal Communications Commission to ensure the accessibility and usability of advanced communications services (ACS), including interoperable video conferencing services (IVCS), for individual with disabilities, unless such requirements are not achievable. IVCS is defined by the CVAA as a service that provides real-time video communications, including audio, to enable users to share information of the user's choosing.'' In CG Docket No. 23-161, the Commission considers rules and policies for the adoption of usability and accessibility requirements for IVCS and the integration of IVCS [[Page 9683]] with telecommunications relay services (TRS). The Commission takes these steps to ensure that IVCS are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities and that users of TRS are able to participate in video conferencing services in a functionally equivalent manner to persons without hearing and speech disabilities. In doing so, the Commission balances several different factors including regulating IVCS, encouraging the use of advanced technology, not discouraging or impairing the development of improved technology, and ensuring IVCS are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Report and Order.................... 08/01/23 88 FR 50053 NPRM................................ 08/07/23 88 FR 52088 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/06/23 ....................... NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 10/06/23 ....................... ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Ike Ofobike, Attorney Advisor, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1028, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL66 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) Economics Long-Term Actions 528. 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 09/09/2022 Order ended the collection of broadband deployment data through Form 477. Broadband and voice subscribership data will continue to be submitted through Form 477. Beginning with data as of December 31, 2022, and beyond, Form 477 subscribership data is submitted in the Broadband Data Collection (BDC) filing system. The Form 477 filing system remains open for filers to submit and make corrections to filings through June 30, 2022. 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 Order............................... 12/16/22 87 FR 76949 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Suzanne Mendez, Supervisory Program Manager, OEA, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0941, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AJ15 529. 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 [[Page 9684]] necessary to reasonably minimize disruption of service as a result of the post-auction reorganization of the television band. On March 15, 2019, the Commission adopted a Report and Order setting rules for the reimbursement of eligible costs to those newly eligible entities. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 11/21/12 77 FR 69933 R&O................................. 08/15/14 79 FR 48441 Final Rule.......................... 10/11/17 82 FR 47155 NPRM................................ 08/27/18 83 FR 43613 R&O................................. 03/26/19 84 FR 11233 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 530. Broadband Data Collection [3060-AL42] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 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 Abstract: The Commission has long recognized that precise, granular data on the availability of fixed and mobile broadband are vital to bringing digital opportunity to all Americans, no matter where they live, work, or travel. On March 23, 2020, the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act (Broadband DATA Act) was signed into law requiring the Commission to create a new set of broadband availability maps. Among other things, the Broadband DATA Act requires the Commission to collect standardized, granular data on the availability and quality of both fixed and mobile broadband internet access services, to create a common dataset of all locations where fixed broadband internet access service can be installed (the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric or Fabric), and to create publicly available coverage maps. The Act further requires the Commission to establish processes for members of the public and other entities to (1) provide verified data for use in the coverage maps; (2) challenge the coverage maps, the broadband availability data submitted by broadband internet access service providers (providers), and the Fabric; and (3) submit specific crowdsource information about the development and availability of broadband service. In July 2020, implementing the Broadband DATA Act and building off of an August 2019 Report and Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that adopted rules for the collection and verification of improved, more precise data on both fixed broadband availability. In January 2021, the Commission released a Third Report and Order that established new requirements for the BDC and took additional steps to implement the Broadband DATA Act. The rules to specify which fixed and mobile providers are required to report broadband availability data and expanded the reporting and certification requirements for filing data in the BDC. It also adopted standards for collecting verified broadband data from state, local, and Tribal governmental entities and certain third parties, and for identifying locations that would be included in the Fabric. Importantly, in the Third Report and Order, the Commission also established processes for verifying the accuracy of provider-submitted data and the Fabric, including challenge processes which invite input from the public and other stakeholders in order to improve the accuracy of the maps. Implementing the Broadband DATA Act and these new rules, the Commission created a new data platform and system to collect and map availability data collected from over 2,500 providers and for consumers and other stakeholders to submit challenges to that data; established the Fabric dataset of locations upon which to overlay provider availability data; and established a dedicated help center to provide technical assistance to providers, consumers, and other stakeholders. In July 2021, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB), Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA), and Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) 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 (BDC). In March 2022, the Broadband Data Task Force (Task Force), WTB, OEA, and OET released a detailed order, technical appendix, rules, and technical data specifications setting forth technical requirements and specifications for the mobile challenge, verification, and crowdsource processes required by the Act. To help facilitate the mobile challenge process, in April 2022, the Task Force and OET issued a Public Notice announcing the technical requirements and procedures for approving third-party mobile speed test procedures for use in collecting and submitting mobile network performance data as part of the BDC. To assist entities that choose to file mobile challenges in bulk, in September 2022 the Task Force and WTB established a process for entities to use their own software and hardware to collect on-the-ground mobile speed test data for use in the BDC mobile challenge process. Also in April 2022, the Task Force, WCB, WTB, OEA, and OET released a Public Notice providing details on the procedures for state, local, and Tribal governmental entities to submit verified availability data through the BDC system. To clarify the Commission's rules for filing data in the BDC, in July 2022, WCB, WTB, OEA, and the Taskforce issued a Declaratory Ruling on certain aspects of a rule regarding the engineering certification in BDC filings and issued a limited waiver of the requirement that providers have an engineer certification their biannual BDC filings for the first three filing cycles of the BDC. On June 15, 2022, the FCC Enforcement Bureau issued an Enforcement Advisory reminding all facilities-based providers of their duty to timely file complete and accurate data in the BDC by September 1, 2022. In February 2022, the Commission announced that the initial filing window of the BDC would open on June 30, 2022, and that availability data as of June 30 were due no later than September 1, 2022. In September 2022, the Commission announced that as of September 12, 2022, state, local, and Tribal governments, service providers, and other entities may begin to file bulk challenges to location data in the Fabric. In November 2022, the Commission released a pre-production draft of its new National Broadband Map displaying version 1 of the Fabric overlayed with provider reported availability data as of June 30, 2022. The new map was the most comprehensive, granular, and standardized data the Commission had ever published on broadband availability. With the launch of the pre-production draft map, the Commission began accepting challenges to provider reported availability data, as well as individual consumer challenges to the location data in the Fabric. To date, the [[Page 9685]] mapping team has reviewed and processed more than 4 million availability challenges. Most of those challenges have already been resolved and the majority have led to updates in the data on the map showing where broadband is available. The Commission adopted an Order in December 2022, to sunset the Form 477 broadband deployment data collection and eliminate a largely duplicative requirement on providers. As a result, providers will no longer be required to submit Form 477 broadband deployment data, but must still submit broadband and voice subscription data using the FCC Form 477. To further streamline the FCC's data collection efforts the BDC system allows filers to submit both their BDC data and 477 subscription data as a combined filing using a single interface. The Commission has long recognized that precise, granular data on the availability of fixed and mobile broadband are vital to bringing digital opportunity to all Americans, no matter where they live, work, or travel. On March 23, 2020, the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act (Broadband DATA Act) was signed into law requiring the Commission to create a new set of broadband availability maps. Among other things, the Broadband DATA Act requires the Commission to collect standardized, granular data on the availability and quality of both fixed and mobile broadband internet access services, to create a common dataset of all locations where fixed broadband internet access service can be installed (the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric or Fabric), and to create publicly available coverage maps. The Act further requires the Commission to establish processes for members of the public and other entities to (1) provide verified data for use in the coverage maps; (2) challenge the coverage maps, the broadband availability data submitted by broadband internet access service providers (providers), and the Fabric; and (3) submit specific crowdsource information about the development and availability of broadband service. In July 2020, implementing the Broadband DATA Act and building off of an August 2019 Report and Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that adopted rules for the collection and verification of improved, more precise data on both fixed and mobile broadband availability. In January 2021, the Commission released a Third Report and Order that established new requirements for the BDC and took additional steps to implement the Broadband DATA Act. The Commission adopted rules to specify which fixed and mobile providers are required to report broadband availability data and expanded the reporting and certification requirements for filing data in the BDC. It also adopted standards for collecting verified broadband data from state, local, and Tribal governmental entities and certain third parties, and for identifying locations that would be included in the Fabric. Importantly, in the Third Report and Order, the Commission also established processes for verifying the accuracy of provider-submitted data and the Fabric, including challenge processes which invite input from the public and other stakeholders in order to improve the accuracy of the maps. Implementing the Broadband DATA Act and these new rules, the Commission created a new data platform and system to collect and map availability data collected from over 2,500 providers and for consumers and other stakeholders to submit challenges to that data; established the Fabric dataset of locations upon which to overlay provider availability data; and established a dedicated help center to provide technical assistance to providers, consumers and other stakeholders. In July 2021, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB), Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA), and Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) 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 (BDC). In March 2022, the Broadband Data Task Force (Task Force), WTB, OEA, and OET released a detailed order, technical appendix, rules, and technical data specifications setting forth technical requirements and specifications for the mobile challenge, verification, and crowdsource processes required by the Act. To help facilitate the mobile challenge process, in April 2022, the Task Force and OET issued a Public Notice announcing the technical requirements and procedures for approving third-party mobile speed test procedures for use in collecting and submitting mobile network performance data as part of the BDC. To assist entities that choose to file mobile challenges in bulk, in September 2022 the Task Force and WTB established a process for entities to use their own software and hardware to collect on-the-ground mobile speed test data for use in the BDC mobile challenge process. Also in April 2022, the Task Force, WCB, WTB, OEA, and OET released a Public Notice providing details on the procedures for state, local, and Tribal governmental entities to submit verified availability data through the BDC system. To clarify the Commission's rules for filing data in the BDC, in July 2022, WCB, WTB, OEA, and the Taskforce issued a Declaratory Ruling on certain aspects of a rule regarding the engineering certification in BDC filings and issued a limited waiver of the requirement that providers have an engineer certification their biannual BDC filings for the first three filing cycles of the BDC. On June 15, 2022, the FCC Enforcement Bureau issued an Enforcement Advisory reminding all facilities-based providers of their duty to timely file complete and accurate data in the BDC by September 1, 2022. In February 2022, the Commission announced that the initial filing window of the BDC would open on June 30, 2022, and that availability data as of June 30 were due no later than September 1, 2022. In September 2022, the Commission announced that as of September 12, 2022, state, local, and Tribal governments, service providers, and other entities may begin to file bulk challenges to location data in the Fabric. In November 2022, the Commission released a pre-production draft of its new National Broadband Map displaying version 1 of the Fabric overlayed with provider reported availability data as of June 30, 2022. The new map was the most comprehensive, granular, and standardized data the Commission had ever published on broadband availability. With the launch of the pre-production draft map, the Commission began accepting challenges to provider reported availability data, as well as individual consumer challenges to the location data in the Fabric. To date, the mapping team has reviewed and processed more than 4 million availability challenges. Most of those challenges have already been resolved and the majority have led to updates in the data on the map showing where broadband is available. The Commission adopted an Order in December 2022, to sunset the Form 477 broadband deployment data collection and eliminate a largely duplicative requirement on providers. As a result, providers will no longer be required to submit Form 477 broadband [[Page 9686]] deployment data, but must still submit broadband and voice subscription data using the FCC Form 477. To further streamline the FCC's data collection efforts the BDC system allows filers to submit both their BDC data and 477 subscription data as a combined filing using a single interface. The second version of the Fabric was made available to providers and other stakeholders in December 2022. This updated Fabric contained a net increase of more than one million new serviceable locations, as compared to the initial version. It also reflected the outcome of over 1 million location challenges. The second filing window of the BDC opened on January 3, 2023, and required all fixed and mobile providers to submit broadband availability data as of December 31, 2022, no later than March 1, 2023. On May 30, 2023,the National Broadband Map was updated to reflect availability data as of December 31, 2022, and version 2 of the Fabric. On July 3, 2023, the Commission announced the opening of the third filing window for broadband availability data as of June 30, 2023. The BDC will continue to collect updated availability data from providers every 6 months. Updates to the National Broadband Map will be iterative and ongoing. The challenge processes will also continue on an ongoing basis in order to allow the public to provide input and help improve the accuracy of the National Broadband Map. 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 R&O............................. 01/13/21 86 FR 18124 Public Notice....................... 07/16/21 86 FR 40398 Public Notice Comment Period End.... 09/27/21 Order............................... 03/09/22 87 FR 21476 Order............................... 12/16/22 87 FR 76949 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kimia Nikseresht, Legal Advisor, Broadband Data Task Force, OEA, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1636, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL42 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) Office of Engineering and Technology Long-Term Actions 531. Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands (ET Docket No. 04- 186) [3060-AI52] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 302; 47 U.S.C. 303(e) and 303(f); 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 307 Abstract: The Commission adopted rules to allow unlicensed radio transmitters to operate in the broadcast television spectrum at locations where that spectrum is not being used by licensed services. (This unused TV spectrum is often termed ``white spaces.'') This action will make a significant amount of spectrum available for new and innovative products and services, including broadband data and other services for businesses and consumers. The actions taken are a conservative first step that includes many safeguards to prevent harmful interference to incumbent communications services. Moreover, the Commission will closely oversee the development and introduction of these devices to the market and will take whatever actions may be necessary to avoid and, if necessary, correct any interference that may occur. The Second Memorandum Opinion and Order finalizes rules to make the unused spectrum in the TV bands available for unlicensed broadband wireless devices. This particular spectrum has excellent propagation characteristics that allow signals to reach farther and penetrate walls and other structures. Access to this spectrum could enable more powerful public internet connections--super Wi-Fi hot spots--with extended range, fewer dead spots, and improved individual speeds as a result of reduced congestion on existing networks. This type of ``opportunistic use'' of spectrum has great potential for enabling access to other spectrum bands and improving spectrum efficiency. The Commission's actions here are expected to spur investment and innovation in applications and devices that will be used not only in the TV band, but eventually in other frequency bands as well. This Order addressed five petitions for reconsideration of the Commission's decisions in the Second Memorandum Opinion and Order (``Second MO&O'') in these proceeding and modified rules in certain respects. In particular, the Commission: (1) increased the maximum height above average terrain (HAAT) for sites where fixed devices may operate; (2) modified the adjacent channel emission limits to specify fixed rather than relative levels; and (3) slightly increased the maximum permissible power spectral density (PSD) for each category of TV bands device. These changes will result in decreased operating costs for fixed TVBDs and allow them to provide greater coverage, thus increasing the availability of wireless broadband services in rural and underserved areas without increasing the risk of interference to incumbent services. The Commission also revised and amended several of its rules to better effectuate the Commission's earlier decisions in this docket and to remove ambiguities. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 06/18/04 69 FR 34103 First R&O........................... 11/17/06 71 FR 66876 FNPRM............................... 11/17/06 71 FR 66897 R&O and MO&O........................ 02/17/09 74 FR 7314 Petitions for Reconsideration....... 04/13/09 74 FR 16870 Second MO&O......................... 12/06/10 75 FR 75814 Petitions for Reconsideration....... 02/09/11 76 FR 7208 2 Order on Reconsideration, FNPRM, 05/17/12 77 FR 29236 and Order. FNPRM--Proposed Rule................ 06/01/22 87 FR 33109 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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-AI52 532. Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz Band; (ET Docket No. 19-138), FCC 19- 129 [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 [[Page 9687]] 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 FNPRM............................... 05/03/21 86 FR 23323 R&O & Order of Proposed Modification 05/03/21 86 FR 23281 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 533. Unlicensed White Space Device Operations in the Television Bands, ET Docket No. 20-36 [3060-AL22] Legal Authority: 7 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 Report & Order...................... 01/12/21 86 FR 2278 R&O--Final Rule..................... 01/12/21 86 FR 2278 FNPRM--Proposed Rule................ 02/25/21 86 FR 11490 2nd Order on Recon, FNPRM, and Order 06/01/22 87 FR 33109 Order of Reconsideration, R&O, MO&O-- 05/22/23 88 FR 32682 Final Rule. ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 534. 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 Report & Order and FNPRM............ 11/25/22 FNPRM--Proposed Rule................ 03/08/23 88 FR 14312 Report & Order--Final Rule.......... 02/06/23 88 FR 7592 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 535. 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 [[Page 9688]] 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 536. FCC Seeks To Enable State-of-the-Art Radar Sensors in 60 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 21-264) [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). 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 Report and Order--Final Rule........ 07/24/23 88 FR 47384 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 537. FCC Proposes To Update Equipment Authorization Rules To Incorporate New and Revised Industry Standards, (ET Docket No. 21-363) [3060-AL39] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 301, 302a, 303, and secs. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brian Butler, Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2702, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL39 538. 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 and NOI........................ 07/01/13 78 FR 39200 FNPRM--Proposed Rule................ 06/10/21 86 FR 30860 Report & Order--Final Rule.......... 06/28/21 86 FR 33902 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) International Bureau Long-Term Actions 539. 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 [[Page 9689]] of the 17.8-20.2 GHz bands for FSS, promote shared use of spectrum among NGSO FSS satellite systems, and remove unnecessary design restrictions on NGSO FSS systems. The Commission subsequently adopted a Report and Order establishing new sharing criteria among NGSO FSS systems and providing additional flexibility for FSS spectrum use. The Commission also released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to remove the domestic coverage requirement for NGSO FSS systems and later adopted a Second Report and Order removing this requirement. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 01/11/17 82 FR 3258 NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/10/17 FNPRM............................... 11/15/17 82 FR 52869 R&O................................. 12/18/17 82 FR 59972 FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/02/18 2nd R&O............................. 02/21/21 86 FR 11642 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 540. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 541. 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: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 542. Space Innovation; Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age: IB Docket Nos. 18-313, 22-271 [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 [[Page 9690]] requirements related to several emerging technologies and new types of commercial operations, including rendezvous and proximity operations. The Report and Order in this proceeding adopted a number of these proposals. In addition a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking sought comment on topics such as collision risk and casualty risk for multi- satellite systems, de-orbit timelines, maneuverability requirements, and indemnification and post mission disposal bond issues. The Commission issued a Second Report and Order adopting a 5-year de-orbit timeframe for satellites ending their missions in or passing through the low-Earth Orbit region. 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 ....................... Second R&O.......................... 09/29/22 ....................... ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Alexandra Horn, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1376, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK90 543. 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. The Commission, in this proceeding, also adopted Standard Questions that certain applicants with reportable foreign ownership will be required to answer as part of the Executive Branch review process of their applications. 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 ....................... Secord Report and Order Adopted..... 09/30/21 86 FR 68428 Second R&O Released................. 10/01/21 86 FR 68428 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 544. 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 ....................... R&O................................. 09/03/22 ....................... ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Stephanie Neville, Attorney Advisor, International Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1672, Email: [email protected]. 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 545. 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: In 2021, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on revisions to the spectrum sharing requirements among non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO), fixed- satellite service (FSS) systems. The NPRM proposed 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 proposed to adopt a rule providing that later-round NGSO FSS systems will have to protect earlier-round systems, and invited comment on how to define such protection. In addition, the NPRM sought 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. In 2023, the Commission released a Report and Order (R&O) in this proceeding. The R&O adopted rules clarifying protection obligations between NGSO FSS systems authorized through different processing rounds by using a degraded throughput methodology, and subjected those protections to a sunset period. After the sunset period, new entrants authorized in later processing rounds would share spectrum on an equal basis with earlier-round incumbents. The R&O also clarified that all NGSO FSS operators licensed or granted market access in the United States must coordinate with each other in good faith, regardless of their processing round status, and explained the Commission's expectations for [[Page 9691]] information sharing during this good-faith coordination. In an accompanying Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), the Commission sought comment on which specific metrics should be used to define the protection afforded to an earlier-round NGSO FSS system from a later-round system, and sought specific comment on implementation of the degraded throughput methodology. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 01/24/22 87 FR 3481 NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/25/22 ....................... Report and Order.................... 06/20/23 88 FR 39783 FNPRM............................... 06/21/23 88 FR 40142 FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/05/23 ....................... ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 546. Expediting Initial Processing of Satellite and Earth Station Applications; Space Innovation (IB Docket Nos. 22-411 and 22-271) [3060-AL51] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 157(a); 47 U.S.C. 303 and 308(b) Abstract: In December 2022, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek comment on changes to its rules, policies, or practices to facilitate the acceptance for filing of satellite and earth station applications under 47 CFR part 25. The Commission proposed to revise a procedural rule to formally allow consideration of satellite for applications and petitions that request waiver of the Table of Frequency Allocations to operate in a frequency band without an international allocation. The Commission also sought comment on typical processing timeframes for satellite applications. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 01/17/23 88 FR 2590 NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/03/23 ....................... ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Julia Malette, Attorney Advisor, Space Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2453, Email: [email protected]. 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-AL51 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) Media Bureau Long-Term Actions 547. Revision of EEO Rules and Policies (MB 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Radhika Karmarkar, Chief, Industry Analysis Division, Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1523, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AH95 548. 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 revised rules reflect an effort to simplify, streamline, and modernize existing rules and procedures that will enable stations to comply with licensing requirements more easily through familiar and low-cost measures. 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 ....................... NPRM................................ 12/23/19 84 FR 70489 5th NPRM............................ 06/17/22 87 FR 36440 Report and Order.................... 05/12/23 88 FR 30654 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 [[Page 9692]] 549. 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 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. 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 ....................... 3rd FNPRM........................... 07/07/22 87 FR 40464 3rd R&O............................. 07/17/23 88 FR 45347 4th FNPRM........................... 07/17/23 88 FR 45378 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 550. 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 84 FR 6741 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Radhika Karmarkar, Chief, Industry Analysis Division, Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1523, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK77 551. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Radhika Karmarkar, Chief, IAD, Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1523, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK86 552. Duplication of Programming on Commonly Owned Radio Stations (MB Docket No. 19-310) [3060-AL19] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 154(j) and 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 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 contours 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Radhika Karmarkar, Chief, Industry Analysis Division, Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1523, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL19 553. Sponsorship Identification Requirements for Foreign Government- Provided Programming (MB Docket No. 20-299) [3060-AL20] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 154 ; 47 U.S.C. 155; 47 U.S.C. 301 and 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 and 309 ; 47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 334; 47 U.S.C. 336 and 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. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 11/24/20 85 FR 74955 R&O................................. 06/17/21 86 FR 32221 Second NPRM......................... 11/17/22 87 FR 68960 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. [[Page 9693]] Agency Contact: Radhika Karmarkar, Chief, IAD, Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1523, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL20 554. FM Broadcast Booster Stations (MB Docket 20-401) [3060-AL21] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154 and 157; 47 U.S.C. 301 to 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47 U.S.C. 316 and 319; 47 U.S.C. 324 Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks comment on a proposal to amend its rules to enable FM broadcasters to use FM booster stations to air geo-targeted content (e.g., news, weather, and advertisements) independent of the signals of its primary station within different portions of the primary station's protected service contour for a limited period of time during the broadcast hour. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 01/11/21 86 FR 1909 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 555. Amendment of Part 73 Rules To Update Television and Class A Television Broadcast Station Rules, and Rules Applicable to all Broadcast Stations (MB Docket No. 22-227) [3060-AL50] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 154; 47 U.S.C. 301 and 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 308; 47 U.S.C. 309 to 310; 47 U.S.C. 316 and 319; 47 U.S.C. 336 Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes to adopt revisions to rules in part 0, part 27, subparts E, H, I, J, and L of part 73, and certain parts of parts 74 and 90 in light of the fact that all television services have ceased analog operations. The Commission proposes to eliminate entire rules and portions of rules that provide for analog-to-analog and analog-to-digital interference protection requirements and other analog operating requirements. The Commission proposes to amend section headings and language in rules to remove references to DTV, digital, and analog television service, as these distinctions are no longer necessary. The Commission also propose to delete outdated rules that are no longer valid given changes in Commission-adopted policy. The Commission also proposes other non- substantive, technical revisions. The Commission also proposes to update rules to reference the current designation for form numbers (e.g., FCC Form 2100) and by requiring electronic filing in the Commission's Licensing and Management System. The Commission also propose to make corrections or updates, inter alia, to section headings, spelling, contact information, and rule cross-references, or to language inadvertently omitted from a rule. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 02/09/23 88 FR 8636 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Joyce Bernstein, Attorney Advisor, Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1647, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL50 556. Implementation of the Low Power Protection Act, MB Docket No. 23-126 [3060-AL63] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 and 309; 47 U.S.C. 311 and 336(f) Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks to implement the Low Power Protection Act (LPPA) consistent with Congressional direction. The LPPA provides certain low power television stations with an opportunity to apply for primary spectrum use status as Class A television stations. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 04/14/23 88 FR 2980 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kim Matthews, Attorney, Policy Division, Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2154, Fax: 202 418-2053, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL63 557. Video Description, MB Docket No. 11-43 [3060-AL64] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 613 Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes to expand audio description requirements to additional market areas. The proposed expansion would help ensure that a greater number of individuals who are blind or visually impaired can be connected, informed, and entertained by television programming. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 03/29/23 88 FR 18505 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Diana Sokolow, Attorney, Policy Division, Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2120, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL64 558. 2022 Quadrennial Review of Media Ownership Rules, MB Docket No. 22-459 [3060-AL65] Legal Authority: 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 Abstract: Section 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the Commission to review its media ownership rules every four years to determine whether they remain necessary in the public interest as the result of competition. This proceeding will examine the media ownership rules in light of the media landscape of 2022 and beyond. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Public Notice....................... 01/17/23 88 FR 2595 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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-AL65 [[Page 9694]] FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) Media Bureau Completed Actions 559. 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. 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 Order on Recon...................... 06/24/22 87 FR 37754 Withdrawn........................... 08/17/23 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 560. Amendment of Part 74 of the Commission's Rules Regarding FM Translator Interference (MB Docket 18-119) [3060-AK79] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47 U.S.C. 319 Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes to streamline the rules relating to interference caused by FM translators and expedite the translator complaint resolution process. The rule changes are intended to limit or avoid protracted and contentious interference resolution disputes, provide translator licensees both additional flexibility to remediate interference and additional investment certainty, and allow earlier and expedited resolution of interference complaints by affected stations. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 06/06/18 83 FR 26229 NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/06/18 ....................... R&O................................. 06/14/19 84 FR 27734 Withdrawn........................... 08/17/23 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Christine Goepp, Attorney, Audio Div., Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7834, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK79 561. Use of Common Antenna Site (MB Docket No. 19-282) [3060-AK99] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 309 Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission eliminates the common antenna siting rules for FM and TV broadcaster applicants and licensees are necessary given the current broadcasting marketplace. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ R&O................................. 08/16/19 84 FR 41947 FNPRM............................... 11/06/19 84 FR 59756 FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/06/19 ....................... NPRM................................ 08/05/20 85 FR R&O (release date).................. 08/05/20 ....................... Withdrawn........................... 08/17/23 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kim Matthews, Attorney, Policy Division, Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2154, Fax: 202 418-2053, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK99 562. 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 Withdrawn........................... 08/17/23 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) Office of Managing Director Long-Term Actions 563. 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 ....................... NPRM................................ 06/28/22 87 FR 38588 Report & Order...................... 09/14/22 87 FR 56494 NPRM................................ 06/01/23 88 FR 36154 NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/29/23 ....................... ----------------------------------- [[Page 9695]] Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 564. 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 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 Order of Reconsideration............ 01/01/21 86 FR 8714 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brenda Boykin, Deputy Chief, Policy & Licensing Division, 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 565. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 566. Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications: (PS Docket No. 15-80, 18-336, 23-5) [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 [[Page 9696]] 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 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Logan Bennett, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7790, Email: [email protected]. 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 567. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Logan Bennett, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7790, Email: [email protected]. 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]. [[Page 9697]] RIN: 3060-AK41 568. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): PS Docket No. 15-91, 15-94, 22- 329 [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. In April 2023, the Commission released an FNPRM seeking comment on proposals to make WEA alerts understandable to people with disabilities and people with native languages other than English and Spanish, communities that would otherwise be underserved by WEA. 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............................... 12/08/16 81 FR 75710 FNPRM............................... 09/29/16 81 FR 78539 Comment Period End.................. 12/08/16 ....................... Petition for Recon.................. 12/19/16 81 FR 91899 Order on Recon...................... 02/04/17 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. Report and Order and FNPRM.......... 06/17/21 86 FR 46783 FNPRM............................... 04/21/22 87 FR 30857 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: James Wiley, Deputy Division Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1678, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK54 569. 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, sec. 902, Don't Break Up the T-Band Act of 2020 (sec. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brenda Boykin, Deputy Chief, Policy & Licensing Division, 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 570. Resilient Networks, Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications; PS Docket No 21-346 [3060- AL43] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 1; 47 U.S.C. 4(i) and 4(o); 47 U.S.C. 201(b) and 214(d); 47 U.S.C. 218 and 251(e)(3); 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303(b) and 303(g); 47 U.S.C. 303(j) and 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 309(a) and 309(j); 47 U.S.C. 316 and 332; 47 U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C. 615a-1 ; 47 U.S.C. 615c of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154(i)-(j) and (o); 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C 4(j); . . . 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. In June 2022, the Commission adopted a Report & Order (R&O) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) following up on and further addressing matters related to the Framework. The R&O introduced the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative (MDRI), which largely codified the Framework's five substantive provisions as mandatory, extended the reach of these provisions to all facilities-based mobile wireless providers, expanded the real-world criteria that trigger activation of the MDRI (as compared to the Framework) and introduced new provisions requiring providers to test [[Page 9698]] their roaming capabilities and report on the performance of their implementation of the MDRI to the Commission after disaster events. The FNPRM examined whether and how the new reporting requirement can be standardized to ensure that the Commission obtains vital and actionable information on the performance of providers' implementation of the MDRI in the aftermath of exigency, while also minimizing associated burdens. This proceeding addresses network reliability in the context of public safety and does not promote the administration's specified priorities. In October 2022, CTIA and the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) filed a Petition for Clarification and Partial Reconsideration in response to the 2022 Resilient Networks R&O. Particularly, Petitioners asked that the Commission: (1) provide a list of potential providers to which the MDRI may apply; (2) provide sufficient time for wireless providers to achieve compliance (by requesting 12 months for non-small providers and 18 months for small providers); (3) align the definitions of non-small'' and small'' with the Commission's existing definitions of nationwide'' and non-nationwide'' as used in the 911 context; (4) establish the process in which the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (Bureau) will inform providers that the MDRI is active; and (5) affirm that Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review is required for all information collection obligations and that the Commission will treat all roaming arrangements as presumptively confidential under Section 4.17(d). A draft Order on Reconsideration was circulated for Commission consideration on July 28, 2023 Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/01/21 86 FR 61103 NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/14/22 ....................... FNPRM............................... 06/27/22 87 FR 59379 R&O................................. 06/27/22 87 FR 59329 FNPRM Comment Period End............ 10/31/22 ....................... FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 11/29/22 ....................... Petition for Reconsideration........ 10/31/22 ....................... Public Notice Comment............... 12/02/22 87 FR 7102 Extends Deadline to File Replies.... 12/19/22 87 FR 79263 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Logan Bennett, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7790, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL43 571. Location-Based Routing for Wireless 911 Calls (P.S. Docket 18-64) [3060-AL52] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 152(a); 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 160; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 222; 47 U.S.C. 251(e); 47 U.S.C. 301 to 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 316 and 332; 47 U.S.C. 615; 47 U.S.C. 615a; 47 U.S.C. 615b; 47 U.S.C. 615c Abstract: In this proceeding, the Federal Communications Commission proposes rules to more precisely route wireless 911 calls and texts to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), which can result in faster response times during emergencies. Wireless 911 calls have historically been routed to PSAPs based on the location of the cell tower that handles the call. Sometimes, however, the 911 call is routed to the wrong PSAP because the cell tower is not in the same jurisdiction as the 911 caller. This can happen, for instance, when an emergency call is placed near a county border. These misrouted 911 calls must be transferred from one PSAP to another, which consumes time and resources and can cause confusion and delay in emergency response. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposes to require wireless and covered text providers to deploy technology that supports location-based routing, a method that relies on precise information about the location of the wireless caller's device, on some networks and to use location- based routing to route 911 voice calls and texts originating on those networks when caller location is accurate and timely. In addition, the NPRM proposes to require CMRS and covered text providers to deliver 911 calls, texts, and associated routing information in internet Protocol (IP) format upon request of certain 911 authorities. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 01/17/23 88 FR 2565 NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/16/23 ....................... Reply Comments Due.................. 03/20/23 ....................... ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brenda Boykin, Deputy Chief, Policy and Licensing Div., PSHSB, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2062, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL52 572. Next Generation 9-1-1, PS Docket No. 21-479, FCC 23-47 [3060-AL67] Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission (the FCC or Commission) proposes rules that will advance the nationwide transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911). The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposes requiring certain service providers to complete all translation and routing to deliver 911 calls in the requested internet Protocol (IP)-based format to an Emergency Services IP network (ESInet) or other designated point(s) that allow emergency calls to be answered upon request of 911 authorities who have certified the capability to accept IP-based 911 communications. In addition, the NPRM proposes to require service providers to transmit all 911 calls to destination point(s) in those networks designated by a 911 authority upon request of 911 authorities who have certified the capability to accept IP-based 911 communications. Finally, the NPRM proposes that in the absence of agreements by states or localities on alternative cost recovery mechanisms, service providers must cover the costs of transmitting 911 calls to the point(s) designated by a 911 authority. In addition, the NPRM seeks comment on promoting diversity and inclusion. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/10/23 88 FR 43514 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brenda Boykin, Deputy Chief, Policy & Licensing Division, 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-AL67 [[Page 9699]] FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Long-Term Actions 573. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Morgan Mendenhall, Attorney Advisor, Wireless Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0154, Email: [email protected]. 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 574. 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 ....................... Final Rule Effective................ 05/03/22 87 FR 26139 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 575. 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 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 [[Page 9700]] 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 576. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 577. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 578. 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 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 [[Page 9701]] 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 579. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 580. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Allison Jones, Division Chief, CIPD, Wireless Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1571, Email: [email protected]. Garnet Hanly, Division Chief, Wireless Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0995, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL29 581. 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 Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) finds that it is not in the public interest to add a mobile allocation to permit a two-way terrestrial 5G service in the 12.2 GHz band based on the current record and seeks further comment on how it could facilitate more robust terrestrial operations in the 12.212.7 GHz band. The item specifically seeks comment on how its proposals may promote or inhibit advances in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, as well as the scope of the Commission's relevant legal authority. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 03/08/21 86 FR 13266 NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/07/21 ....................... NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 05/07/21 ....................... NPRM................................ 04/16/21 86 FR 20111 NPRM Extension Comment Period End... 05/07/21 ....................... NPRM Extension Reply Comment Period 06/07/21 ....................... End. NPRM Denial of Further Extension of 05/27/21 86 FR 28520 Deadlines for Filing Comments and Reply Comments. NPRM................................ 06/22/21 86 FR 32669 NPRM Extension Reply Comment Period. 07/07/21 ....................... Report and Order.................... 07/10/23 88 FR 43462 FNPRM............................... 07/10/23 88 FR 43502 FNPRM Comment Period End............ 08/09/23 ....................... FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 09/08/23 ....................... ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Madelaine Maior, Assistant Division Chief, Broadband Div., WTB, Federal Communications [[Page 9702]] Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1466, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL40 582. Facilitating Shared Use in the 3100-3550 MHz Band [3060-AL57] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 155(c) and 157; 47 U.S.C. 301 and 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 and 308; 47 U.S.C. 309 ; 47 U.S.C. 309(j)(3)(B) and 309(j)(4)(D); 47 U.S.C. 310 and 316; 47 U.S.C. 923(g) and 928; 47 U.S.C. 1502; Pub. L. 115-141, sec. 603; Pub. L. 116-260, sec. 905 Abstract: In the 3.45 GHz Band Second R&O, the Commission adopted rules to make 100 megahertz of mid-band spectrum available for flexible use throughout the contiguous United States. To facilitate this goal, the Commission previously had determined that secondary, nonfederal radiolocation licensees in the band would be relocated to the 2.9-3.0 GHz band. In the 3.45 GHz Band Second R&O, the Commission further determined that secondary, non-federal radiolocation authorizations would sunset 180 days after new 3.45 GHz Service licenses are granted in the band. On January 4, 2022, the auction for these new licenses concluded and licenses were granted on May 4, 2022. The non-federal radiolocation authorizations sunset on October 31, 2022. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 01/22/20 85 FR 3579 NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/23/20 ....................... Final Rule.......................... 10/09/20 85 FR 64062 Report & Order and FNPRM............ 10/21/20 85 FR 66888 FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/20/20 ....................... Correction to Final Rule............ 11/03/20 85 FR 69515 Report & Order, Order on 04/07/21 86 FR 17920 Reconsideration and Order of Proposed Modification. Final Rule and Order................ 12/22/22 87 FR 78579 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Morgan Mendenhall, Attorney Advisor, Wireless Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0154, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL57 583. Shared Use of the 42-.42.5 GHz Band (WT Docket No. 23- 158, GN Docket No. 14-177) [3060-AL68] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 thru 152; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 301 and 302a; 47 U.S.C. 303 and 304; 47 U.S.C. 307 and 309 Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission seeks comment on how innovative, non-exclusive spectrum access models might be deployed in the 42 GHz band (42-42.5 GHz) to provide increased access to high- band spectrum, particularly by smaller wireless service providers, and to support efficient, intensive use of the band. The Commission also seeks comment on how potential sharing and licensing regimes might lower barriers to entry for smaller or emerging wireless service providers, encourage competition, and prevent spectrum warehousing. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/31/23 88 FR 49423 NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/30/23 ....................... NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 09/29/23 ....................... ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Katherine Schroder, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7400, Email:[email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL68 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) Wireline Competition Bureau Long-Term Actions 584. Telecommunications Carriers' Use of Customer Proprietary Network Information and Other Customer Information (CC Docket No. 96-115), Data Breach Reporting Requirements (WC Docket No. 22-21) [3060-AG43] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 222; 47 U.S.C. 272; 47 U.S.C. 303(r) Abstract: The Commission adopted rules implementing the new statutory framework governing carrier use and disclosure of customer proprietary network information (CPNI) created by section 222 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. CPNI includes, among other things, to whom, where, and when a customer places a call, as well as the types of service offerings to which the customer subscribes and the extent to which the service is used. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 05/28/96 61 FR 26483 Public Notice....................... 02/25/97 62 FR 8414 Second R&O and FNPRM................ 04/24/98 63 FR 20364 Order on Recon...................... 10/01/99 64 FR 53242 Final Rule, Announcement of 01/26/01 66 FR 7865 Effective Date. Clarification Order and Second NPRM. 09/07/01 66 FR 50140 Third R&O and Third FNPRM........... 09/20/02 67 FR 59205 NPRM................................ 03/15/06 71 FR 13317 NPRM................................ 06/08/07 72 FR 31782 Final Rule, Announcement of 06/08/07 72 FR 31948 Effective Date. Public Notice....................... 07/13/12 77 FR 35336 Final Rule.......................... 09/21/17 82 FR 44188 NPRM................................ 01/23/23 88 FR 3953 NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/23/23 ....................... NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 03/24/23 ....................... ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Melissa Kirkel, Deputy Division Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, 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-AG43 585. 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. [[Page 9703]] 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, Deputy Division Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1525, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AH44 586. 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 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 587. Rates for Inmate Calling Services; WC Docket No. 12-375; Incarcerated People's Communications Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act, WC Docket No. 23-62 [3060-AK08] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and (j); 47 U.S.C. 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; Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of [[Page 9704]] 2022; Pub. L. 117-338, 136 Stat. 6156 ; 47 U.S.C. 152(b) and 153(1)(E); 47 U.S.C. 276(b)(1)(A) and (d) Abstract: In the Second Report and Order, the Federal Communications Commission (the 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 purported 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 (WCB) released a Public Notice seeking to refresh the record on ancillary service charges imposed in connection with ICS. 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 D.C. Circuit and proposing to comprehensively reform rates and charges for the ICS 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 ICS 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 ICS rules consistent with the D.C. Circuit's mandates to reflect that the Commission's rate and fee caps on ICS apply only to interstate and international inmate calling. The Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposed 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 Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking also proposed to adopt rate caps for international ICS 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 proposed 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 sought comment on a further mandatory data collection to continue efforts to reform these rates and fees. On November 23, 2020, Global Tel*Link Corporation (GTL) 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 ICS 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 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 the time; (3) eliminated separate treatment of collect calls, resulting in a uniform interim interstate rate cap for all types of calls at each facility; (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 for 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 [[Page 9705]] determining the jurisdiction of their calls and the Commission continues to use the traditional end-to-end jurisdictional analysis in setting rates for calls placed by ICS consumers. In the Fifth Further Notice, the Commission proposed to amend its 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 the Office of Economics and Analytics (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, made 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 would allow the Commission to set permanent interstate and international inmate calling services rate caps and to evaluate and, if warranted, revise the 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 would 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 30, 2022. On June 24, 2022, WCB adopted an Order implementing revisions to its annual reporting requirements, including accompanying instructions, reporting templates, and a certification form. The revisions were consistent with changes made in the Third Report and Order. On September 30, 2022, the Commission released the Fourth Report and Order, and Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The Report and Order required ICS providers to provide access to all relay services eligible for Telecommunications Relay Services fund support in any correctional facility that is located where broadband is available and is part of a correctional system with 50 or more incarcerated people. This included the ability to place point-to-point video calls using American Sign Language. The rules also restricted provider charges for relay services and point-to-point video calls. More generally, the rules reduced certain charges and curtailed abusive practices related to ICS to ease the financial burdens on all incarcerated people and their families. To ensure that the rates, terms, and practices related to interstate and international ICS are just and reasonable, the Order prohibited providers from taking control of funds in inactive calling accounts until at least 180 calendar days of continuous inactivity had passed, after which providers are required to refund the balance or dispose of the funds in accordance with applicable state law. The Order also lowered the current ancillary fee caps on charges for single call services, and lowered the cap on provider charges for processing credit card, debit card, and other payments to calling services accounts. Finally, the Commission revised the definitions of ``Prison'' and ``Jail'' in its rules to conform with the Commission's intent in adopting them in 2015. In the Sixth Further Notice, the Commission sought additional comment on whether to allow enterprise registration for internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service in carceral settings and how to address the special circumstances faced by some ICS providers in jurisdictions with average daily populations of fewer than 50 incarcerated persons. This Notice sought comment on refining the rules adopted in the Fifth Report and Order concerning the treatment of balances in inactive accounts. It also sought comment on expanding the breadth and scope of the Commission's consumer disclosure requirements. The Commission asked for comment on how it should use the data filed in response to the Third Mandatory Data Collection to establish just and reasonable permanent caps on interstate and international rates and associated ancillary service charges consistent with the Telecommunications Act of 1934 (the Act). The Commission invited further comment on allowing ICS providers to offer pilot programs allowing consumers to purchase calling services under alternative pricing structures. On March 17, 2023, the Commission opened a new docket, WC Docket No. 23-62, and released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order to begin implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022, which was signed into law on January 5, 2023. The Martha Wright-Reed Act expands the Commission's authority over rates charged for incarcerated people's communications services, including intrastate services, and directs the Commission to adopt just and reasonable rates and charges for incarcerated people's audio and video communications services not earlier than 18 months and not later than 24 months after the date of its enactment. The Notice seeks comment on (1) the expansion of the Commission's authority over incarcerated people's communications services to include advanced communications services (including audio and video services) and intrastate services; (2) the meaning of ``just and reasonable'' in the context of the Act's other provisions; (3) the rate-making methodology the Commission should use to fulfill its mandate to ensure that rates and charges for incarcerated people's communications services are just and reasonable; (4) the safety and security costs necessary for the provision of incarcerated people's communications services; and (5) the actions the Commission should take to ensure that incarcerated people's communications services are accessible to, and usable by, people with communication disabilities. The accompanying Order reaffirmed the Commission's prior delegation of data [[Page 9706]] collection authority to WCB/OEA and directed staff to initiate a collection of provider data to inform the Commission's responsibilities to implement the requirements of the Martha Wright-Reed Act. [Note: The Commission has historically used the term inmate calling services'' or ICS'' when referencing payphone service in the incarceration context. With the passage of the Martha Wright-Reed Act, the Commission now uses the term incarcerated people's communications services'' or IPCS'' instead of inmate calling services'' or ICS'' to refer to the broader range of communications services and providers subject to the Commission's jurisdiction as a result of the Act.] On April 28, 2023, the Wireline Competition Bureau and the Office of Economics and Analytics released a Public Notice seeking comment on a proposal to update the Commission's Third Mandatory Data Collection to encompass and collect data on all incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS) from all providers of those services subject to the Commission's expanded authority under the Martha Wright- Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act. The proposed modifications included collecting information concerning any audio or video communications service used by incarcerated people for the purpose of communicating with non-incarcerated individuals, regardless of technology used. The Public Notice also sought comment on proposed modifications to the instructions, reporting template, and certification form to implement the modified mandatory data collection. On July 26, 2023, the Wireline Competition Bureau and the Office of Economics and Analytics released an Order adopting the modifications to the Third Mandatory Data Collection proposed in the April 28, 2023, Public Notice. The modifications included collecting information concerning any audio or video communications service used by incarcerated people for the purpose of communicating with non- incarcerated individuals, regardless of technology used. The Order adopted the proposed instructions, reporting template, and certification form. On August 3, 2023, the Wireline Competition Bureau and the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau released a Public Notice seeking comment on proposed revisions to the Annual Reports and Annual Certifications that the Commission requires certain providers of IPCS to submit. The Public Notice proposed changes to the Annual Reports to (1) reflect expanded reporting requirements regarding access to IPCS by persons with communication disabilities and (2) seek data about video IPCS necessary to implement the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act. The Public Notice also sought comment on proposed modifications to the instructions, reporting templates, and certification form for the Annual Reports data collection. 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 ....................... 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. 5th NPRM Reply Comment Period End... 12/17/21 ....................... Public Notice on Annual Reports..... 01/04/22 87 FR 212 Comment Period End on 01/04/2022, 01/12/22 ....................... Public Notice End. Reply Period on 01/04/2022, Public 01/27/22 ....................... Notice End. Order Adopting MDC.................. 03/22/22 87 FR 16560 Order Adopting Annual Reports 08/02/22 87 FR 47103 Revisions. 4th R&O............................. 09/30/22 ....................... 6th FNPRM........................... 09/30/22 ....................... NPRM--Proposing Implementation of 04/07/23 88 FR 20804 Martha Wright-Reed Act. Public Notice--Proposing 2023 MDC... 05/03/23 88 FR 27850 Order--Adopting 2023 Mandatory Data 08/03/23 88 FR 51240 Collection. Public Notice--Proposing Annual 08/09/23 88 FR 53850 Report Revisions. ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: David Zesiger, Deputy Division Chief, PPD, WCB, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2081; Email: [email protected]. Erik Raven-Hansen, Assistant Division Chief, Pricing Policy Division, [[Page 9707]] Wireline Comp., Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1532, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK08 588. 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 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. On June 5, 2017, NCTA-The internet & Television Association filed a petition for reconsideration of the Report and Order requesting that the Commission: (a) clarify that parties making pole attachments will have access to all accounting information needed to verify the reasonableness of pole attachment rates; and (b) establish additional substantive protections to ensure that pole attachment rates based on GAAP are consistent with the requirements of Section 224 of the Communication Act and the assurances contained in the Part 32 Order. Oppositions to that petition were due on July 21, 2017, and replies were due on July 31, 2017. 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 Petition for Reconsideration........ 06/05/17 82 FR 31282 Comment Period on Petition for 07/21/17 ....................... Reconsideration End. Reply Comment Period on Petition for 07/31/17 ....................... Reconsideration End. ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 589. 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Melissa Kirkel, Deputy Division Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, 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 590. 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 [[Page 9708]] deployment of next-generation networks and services by removing barriers to infrastructure investment at the Federal, State, and local level; (2) the transition from legacy copper networks and services to next-generation fiber-based networks and services; and (3) the reduction of Commission regulations that raise costs and slow, rather than facilitate, broadband deployment. On November 16, 2017, the Commission adopted a Report and Order (R&O), Declaratory Ruling, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Wireline Infrastructure Order) that takes a number of actions and seeks comment on further actions designed to accelerate the deployment of next-generation networks and services through removing barriers to infrastructure investment. The Wireline Infrastructure Order took a number of actions. First, the Report and Order revised the pole attachment rules to reduce costs for attachers, reforms the pole access complaint procedures to settle access disputes more swiftly, and increases access to infrastructure for certain types of broadband providers. Second, the Report and Order revised the section 214(a) discontinuance rules and the network change notification rules, including those applicable to copper retirements, to expedite the process for carriers seeking to replace legacy network infrastructure and legacy services with advanced broadband networks and innovative new services. Third, the Report and Order reversed a 2015 ruling that discontinuance authority is required for solely wholesale services to carrier-customers. Fourth, the Declaratory Ruling abandoned the 2014 ``functional test'' interpretation of when section 214 discontinuance applications are required, bringing added clarity to the section 214(a) discontinuance process for carriers and consumers alike. Finally, the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking sought comment on additional potential pole attachment reforms, reforms to the network change disclosure and section 214(a) discontinuance processes, and ways to facilitate rebuilding networks impacted by natural disasters. Various parties filed a Petition for Review of the Wireline Infrastructure Order in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit denied the Petition on January 23, 2020 on the grounds that the parties lacked standing. On June 7, 2018, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order (Wireline Infrastructure Second Report and Order) taking further actions designed to expedite the transition from legacy networks and services to next 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 [[Page 9709]] interpreted section 253(a) of the Communications Act to prohibit State and local express and de facto moratoria on the deployment of telecommunications services or facilities and directed the Wireline Competition and Wireless Telecommunications Bureaus to act promptly on petitions challenging specific alleged moratoria. Numerous parties filed appeals of the Wireline Infrastructure Third Report and Order, and the appeals were consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals of the Ninth Circuit. On August 12, 2020, the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion upholding the Wireline Infrastructure Third Report and Order in all respects. On August 8, 2018, Public Knowledge filed a Petition for Reconsideration of the Second Report and Order and Motion to Hold in Abeyance. On October 20, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) adopted a Declaratory Ruling, Order on Reconsideration, and Order. In the Declaratory Ruling, the Bureau clarified that any carrier seeking to discontinue legacy voice service to a community or part of a community that is the last retail provider of such legacy TDM service to that community or part of the community is subject to the Commission's technology transition discontinuance rules, including the requirements to receive streamlined treatment of its discontinuance application. In the Order on Reconsideration, the Bureau denied the Public Knowledge Petition for Reconsideration because all of Public Knowledge's arguments were fully considered, and rejected, by the Commission in the underlying proceeding. It also dismissed as moot the accompanying motion to have the Commission hold that Order in abeyance pending the outcome of the appeal that the Ninth Circuit ultimately denied. 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 January 19, 2021, WCB released a Declaratory Ruling on the subject of pole replacements. WCB declined to rule on the NCTA Petition, finding that the questions raised were better suited to a rulemaking. However, in response to the Petition's record, WCB issued a narrow clarification: a utility may not impose the entire cost of a pole replacement on a requesting attacher when the attacher is not the sole cause of the pole replacement (for instance, where the pole has been red-tagged''i.e., placed on a utility's pole replacement schedule due to non-compliance with safety standards). 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. In March 2022, the Commission began the rulemaking contemplated by the January 2021 Declaratory Ruling, by adopting a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on several issues relating to pole replacements, including (1) whether and to what extent utilities directly benefit from various types of pole replacements in situations where a pole replacement is not necessitated solely'' by a new attachment request; (2) whether requiring utilities to pay a portion of the costs of a pole replacement would positively or negatively affect negotiations of pole attachment agreements and broadband deployment; (3) what measures the Commission could adopt to expedite the resolution of pole replacement disputes; and (4) what scope of refunds the Commission should order when it determines that a pole attachment rate, term, or condition is unjust and unreasonable. Comments on the Second FNPRM were due on June 27, 2022, while reply comments were due on August 26, 2022. 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 ....................... Declaratory Ruling.................. 01/19/21 ....................... 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. Second FNPRM........................ 03/18/22 87 FR 25181 [[Page 9710]] Second Further NPRM Comment Period 06/27/22 ....................... End. Second Further NPRM Reply Comment 08/26/22 ....................... Period End. ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michele Berlove, Assistant Division Chief, 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 591. 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 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 propose 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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jordan Marie Reth, Attorney-Advisor (PU), Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1418, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK36 592. 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 [[Page 9711]] telecommunications carriers, including wireline and wireless companies, and interconnected Voice over internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, including cable companies that provide voice service, based on an assessment on their interstate and international end-user revenues. The Universal Service Administrative Company, or USAC, administers the four programs and collects monies for the Universal Service Fund under the direction of the FCC. On February 17, 2023, the Commission proposed simplifying rules for accessing program offering high-speed internet for Schools and Libraries. On March 27, 2023, the Commission sought comment on continued filing of Alaska Plan FCC Form 477 Mobile Deployment Data and waived interim PR-USVI Mobile Milestone Filing and provides information for Final Milestone Filing. On April 19, 2023, the Commission adopted an Order to ensure support for providers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to continue strengthening their existing networks. On May 12, 2023, the Commission granted, in part, the Request for Waiver filed by SHLB and CoSN, by waiving and extending the service delivery deadline for certain applicants who received Emergency Connectivity Fund support. 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 FNPRM............................... 03/15/22 87 FR 14422 NPRM................................ 06/16/22 87 FR 36283 NPRM................................ 06/23/22 87 FR 37459 2nd R&O............................. 09/06/22 87 FR 54311 3rd R&O............................. 09/06/22 87 FR 54401 Further Notice of Proposed 11/19/22 87 FR 67660 Rulemaking. Public Notice....................... 01/06/23 88 FR 1035 NPRM................................ 03/13/23 88 FR 14529 Public Notice....................... 04/11/23 88 FR 21580 Report and Order on Review.......... 05/05/23 88 FR 28993 Order............................... 06/05/23 88 FR 36510 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 593. 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 tol-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............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Heather Hendrickson, Deputy Division Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7295, Email: [email protected]. Matthew Collins, Deputy Division Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, [[Page 9712]] Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7141, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AK91 594. 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: The Commission has long recognized that precise, granular data on the availability of fixed and mobile broadband are vital to bringing digital opportunity to all Americans, no matter where they live, work, or travel. On March 23, 2020, the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act (Broadband DATA Act) was signed into law requiring the Commission to create a new set of broadband availability maps. Among other things, the Broadband DATA Act requires the Commission to collect standardized, granular data on the availability and quality of both fixed and mobile broadband internet access services, to create a common dataset of all locations where fixed broadband internet access service can be installed (the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric or Fabric), and to create publicly available coverage maps. The Act further requires the Commission to establish processes for members of the public and other entities to (1) provide verified data for use in the coverage maps; (2) challenge the coverage maps, the broadband availability data submitted by broadband internet access service providers (providers), and the Fabric; and (3) submit specific crowdsource information about the development and availability of broadband service. In July 2020, implementing the Broadband DATA Act and building off of an August 2019 Report and Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that adopted rules for the collection and verification of improved, more precise data on both fixed and mobile broadband availability. In January 2021, the Commission released a Third Report and Order that established new requirements for the BDC and took additional steps to implement the Broadband DATA Act. The Commission adopted rules to specify which fixed and mobile providers are required to report broadband availability data and expanded the reporting and certification requirements for filing data in the BDC. It also adopted standards for collecting verified broadband data from State, local, and Tribal entities and certain third parties, and for identifying locations that would be included in the Fabric. Importantly, in the Third Report and Order, the Commission also established processes for verifying the accuracy of provider-submitted data and the Fabric, including a third-party challenge process. Implementing the Broadband DATA Act and these new rules, the Commission created a complex data platform and system to collect and map availability data collected from over 2500 providers and for consumers and other stakeholders to submit challenges to that data; established the Fabric dataset of locations upon which to overlay provider availability data; and established a dedicated help center to provide technical assistance to providers, consumers and other stakeholders. In July 2021, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB), Office of Economics and Analytics (OEA), and Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) 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 (BDC). In March 2022, the Broadband Data Task Force (Task Force), WTB, OEA, and OET released a detailed order, technical appendix, rules, and technical data specifications setting forth technical requirements and specifications for the mobile challenge, verification, and crowdsource processes required by the Act. To help facilitate the mobile challenge process, in April 2022, the Task Force and OET issued a Public Notice announcing the technical requirements and procedures for approving third-party mobile speed test procedures for use in collecting and submitting mobile network performance data as part of the BDC. To assist entities that choose to file mobile challenges in bulk, in September 2022 the Task Force and WTB established a process for entities to use their own software and hardware to collect on-the-ground mobile speed test data for use in the BDC mobile challenge process. Also in April 2022, the Task Force, WCB, WTB, OEA, and OET released a Public Notice providing details on the procedures for state, local, and Tribal governmental entities to submit verified availability data through the BDC system. Seeking to clarify the Commission's rules for filing data in the BDC, in July 2022 WCB, WTB, OEA, and the Task Force issued a Declaratory Ruling on certain aspects of a rule regarding the engineering certification in BDC filings and issued a limited waiver of the requirement that providers have an engineer certification their biannual BDC filings for the first three filing cycles of the BDC. On June 15, 2022, the FCC Enforcement Bureau issued an Enforcement Advisory reminding all facilities-based providers of their duty to timely file complete and accurate data in the BDC by September 1, 2022. In February 2022, the Commission announced the opening of the initial filing window of the BDC would open on June 30, 2022, and was due no later than September 1, 2022. In December 2022, the Commission announced that the second filing window of the BDC would open on January 3, 2023, and required all fixed and mobile providers to submit broadband availability data as of December 31, 2022, and was due no later than March 1, 2023. In November 2022, the Commission released a pre-production draft of its new National Broadband Map based on version 1 of the Fabric and the availability data submitted by providers as of June 30, 2022. The new map is the most comprehensive, granular, and standardized data the Commission has ever published on broadband availability. With the launch of the pre-production draft map, the Commission began accepting challenges to provider reported availability data, as well as individual consumer challenges to the location data in the Fabric. To date, the mapping team has reviewed and processed more than 4 million availability challenges. Most of those challenges have already been resolved and the majority have led to updates in the data on the map showing where broadband is available. The Commission adopted an Order in December 2022, to sunset the Form 477 broadband deployment dateliminate a largely duplicative requirement on providers. As a result, providers will no longer be required to submit Form 477 broadband deployment data, but must still submit broadband and voice subscription data using the FCC Form 477; those filers will submit their data through the BDC system. [[Page 9713]] 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 86 FR 18124 Public Notice....................... 07/16/21 86 FR 40398 Public Notice Comment Period End.... 09/27/21 Order............................... 03/09/22 87 FR 21476 Order............................... 12/16/22 87 FR 76949 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 595. 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 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 Commissioned 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. On May 19, 2022, the Commission adopted a Fifth Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, Order, and Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The Fifth Report and Order and Order required gateway providers to submit a certification to the Robocall Mitigation Database, implement STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication as well as several other requirements, including an obligation to mitigate illegal robocall traffic and submit a mitigation plan to the Robocall Mitigation Database regardless of their STIR/SHAKEN implementation status. The Order on Reconsideration expanded the obligation of domestic providers to block calls carrying US NANP numbers from foreign providers not listed in the Robocall Mitigation Database. The Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking sought comment on further steps to combat illegal robocalls, including extending requirements for authentication and filing in the Robocall Mitigation Database, requiring additional measures for robocall mitigation, enhancing enforcement mechanisms and other related issues [[Page 9714]] aimed at closing existing potential loopholes. On March 16, 2023, the Commission adopted a Sixth Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The Sixth Report and Order required intermediate providers to implement STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication for certain calls, expanded robocall mitigation requirements for all providers, and adopted more robust enforcement tools. The Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on additional measures to combat illegal robocalls, including whether any changes should be made to the Commission's rules to permit, prohibit, or limit the use of third-party caller ID authentication solutions and whether to eliminate the STIR/SHAKEN implementation extension for providers that cannot obtain Service Provider Code tokens, which are necessary to participate in the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication framework''. On May 18, 2023, the Commission adopted a Seventh Repot and Order. The Seventh Report and Order required voice service providers and non- gateway intermediate providers to commit in their Robocall Mitigation Database certification to respond to traceback requests from the Commission, law enforcement, and the industry traceback consortium within 24 hours. 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 5th R&O, Order on Reconsideration... 05/19/22 87 FR 42916 5th FNPRM........................... 05/19/22 87 FR 42670 5th FNPRM Comment Period End........ 09/16/22 6th Report and Order................ 03/16/23 88 FR 40096 6th FNPRM........................... 03/16/23 88 FR 29035 6th FNPRM Comment Period End........ 07/05/23 7th Report and Order................ 05/18/23 88 FR 43446 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jonathan Lechter, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0984, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL00 596. Implementation of the National Suicide Improvement Act of 2018, 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline (WC Docket 18-336, PS Docket No. 23.5, PS Docket No. 15-80) [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 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 [[Page 9715]] 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. On May 24, 2022, the Commission, following up on its report to Congress, hosted a forum in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that convened various stakeholders to discuss issues surrounding geolocation. Participants included state and local entities; suicide prevention and mental health experts and advocates; communications industry leaders; and technical experts. The Commission opened the event to the public via live feed on the Commission's website, and audience members submitted questions to panelists by email. On October 14, 2022, in accordance with the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau submitted its first 988 Fee Accountability Report to Congress reporting on the collection and distribution of 988 fees and charges by the states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and Tribal authorities for the period of January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. On January 26, 2023, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to help ensure that the public has access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if a service outage occurs. Those rules were adopted on July 20, 2023. 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 NPRM................................ 01/27/23 88 FR 20790 NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/08/23 NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 06/06/23 Report and Order.................... 07/21/23 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 597. 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 Petition for Reconsideration filed 09/29/22 by Sonic Telecom. Replies to Oppositions to Petition 10/04/22 for Reconsideration. ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michele Berlove, Assistant Division Chief, Competition Policy Div., WCB, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline [[Page 9716]] Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1477, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL02 598. 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 75770 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 599. Protecting Consumers From SIM Swap and Port-Out Fraud, WC Docket No. 21-341 [3060-AL34] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154, 201, 222, 251, 303(r), 332 Abstract: The FCC proposed to amend its Customer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI) and Local Number Portability (LNP) rules to require providers to adopt secure methods of authenticating a customer before redirecting a customer's phone number to a new device or carrier. The FCC also proposed to require providers to immediately notify customers whenever a SIM change or port request is made on customers' accounts, and sought comment on other ways to protect consumers from SIM swapping and port-out fraud. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/15/21 86 FR 57390 NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/15/21 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jordan Marie Reth, Attorney-Advisor (PU), Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1418, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 3060-AL34 600. Supporting Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence (WC Docket No. 22-238,11-42, 21-450) [3060-AL48] Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151.201(b); 47 U.S.C. 301 and 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 and 309; 47 U.S.C. 316 and 345; 47 U.S.C. 403 and sec. 5(b); Pub. L. 117-223 and 136 Stat. 2280 Abstract: On July 14, 2022, the Commission initiated an inquiry into steps that the Commission could take to assist survivors of domestic violence. In the Notice of Inquiry, the Commission sought information on the scope of connectivity-based difficulties survivors face, as well as potential means by which current Commission programs could be better adapted and new programs could be developed to address survivors' needs. In particular, the Commission sought comment relating to potentially developing a centralized database of telephone numbers relating to domestic abuse support that could be used by service providers to prevent survivors' communications with support organizations from appearing on logs of calls and text messages that may be available to abusers. In the NPRM, the Commission begins the process of implementing the Safe Connections Act of 2022 (Safe Connections Act), enacted on December 7, 2022. The legislation amends the Communications Act of 1934 (Communications Act) to require mobile service providers to separate the line of a survivor of domestic violence (and other related crimes and abuse), and any individuals in the care of the survivor, from a mobile service contract shared with an abuser within two business days after receiving a request from the survivor. The Safe Connections Act also directs the Commission to issue rules, within 18 months of the statute's enactment, implementing the line separation requirement. Further, the legislation also requires the Commission to open a rulemaking within 180 days of enactment to consider whether to, and how the Commission should, establish a central database of domestic abuse hotlines to be used by service providers and require such providers to omit, subject to certain conditions, any records of calls or text messages to the hotlines from consumer-facing call and text message logs. The NPRM proposes rules as directed by these statutory requirements. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOI................................. 08/18/22 Comment Period End.................. 08/18/22 Reply Comment Period End............ 09/19/22 NPRM................................ 02/17/23 88 FR 15558 NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/10/23 Reply Comment Period End............ 05/10/23 ----------------------------------- Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Edward Kracher, Deputy Division Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1525. RIN: 3060-AL48 [FR Doc. 2024-00466 Filed 2-8-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P