[United States Government Manual] [June 01, 1999] [Pages 523-529] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 445 Twelfth Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone, 202-418-0200; 888-225-5322 (toll-free). TTY, 202-418-2555; 888- 835-5322 (toll-free). Internet, http://www.fcc.gov/. Chairman William E. Kennard Commissioners Harold Furchtgott- Roth, Susan Ness, Michael Powell, Gloria Tristani Managing Director Andrew S. Fishel General Counsel Christopher J. Wright Inspector General H. Walker Feaster III Director, Office of Public Affairs Joy Howell Director, Office of Legislative and Sheryl J. Wilkerson Intergovernmental Affairs Chief, International Bureau Roderick Porter Chief, Office of Plans and Policy Robert M. Pepper Chief, Office of Administrative Law Judges Joseph Chachkin Chief, Mass Media Bureau Roy L. Stewart Chief, Common Carrier Bureau Lawrence E. Strickling Chief, Compliance and Information Bureau Richard D. Lee Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Thomas Sugrue Chief, Cable Services Bureau Deborah Lathen Director, Office of Communications Business Catherine Sandoval Opportunities Director, Office of Workplace Diversity Jack W. Gravely Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology Dale N. Hatfield [For the Federal Communications Commission statement of organization, see the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Part 0] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and foreign communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. It is responsible for [[Page 524]] the orderly development and operation of broadcast services and the provision of rapid, efficient nationwide and worldwide telephone and telegraph services at reasonable rates. Its responsibilities also include the use of communications for promoting safety of life and property and for strengthening the national defense. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was created by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) to regulate interstate and foreign communications by wire and radio in the public interest. The Commission was assigned additional regulatory jurisdiction under the provisions of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 (47 U.S.C. 701-744), and a major overhaul of the Communications Act of 1934 was enacted with passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-104, 110 Stat. 56). The scope of FCC regulation includes radio and television broadcasting; telephone, telegraph, and cable television operation; two-way radio and radio operators; and satellite communication. The Commission is composed of five members, who are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. One of the members is designated by the President as Chairman. The Commission's Office of the General Counsel reviews initial decisions, writes decisions, and assists the Commission and individual Commissioners in the disposition of matters arising in cases of adjudication, as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. note prec. 551), that have been designated for hearings. The Commission's administrative law judges, qualified and appointed pursuant to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, conduct evidentiary adjudicatory hearings and write initial decisions. Activities Mass Media The Mass Media Bureau administers the regulatory program for amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), television, low- power TV, translators, multipoint distribution service (MDS), instructional TV, and auxiliary services. The Bureau issues construction permits, operating licenses, and renewals or transfers of such broadcast licenses except for broadcast auxiliary services. It also oversees compliance by broadcasters with statutes and Commission policies. For further information, contact the Mass Media Bureau. Phone, 202-418- 2600. Common Carrier Communications The Common Carrier Bureau administers the regulatory program for interstate common carrier communications by telephone. Common carriers include companies, organizations, or individuals providing communications services to the public for hire, who must serve all who wish to use them at established rates. In providing interstate communications services, common carriers may employ landline wire or electrical or optical cable facilities. For further information, contact the Common Carrier Bureau. Phone, 202- 418-1500. Wireless Telecommunications The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau administers all domestic commercial and private wireless telecommunications programs and rules. The commercial wireless services include cellular, paging, personal communications, specialized mobile radio, air-ground, and basic exchange telecommunications services. The private wireless services generally serve the specialized internal communications needs of eligible users, and include the public safety, microwave, aviation, and marine services. Additionally, the Bureau serves as FCC's principal policy and administrative resource with regard to all spectrum auctions. It also implements the compulsory provisions of laws and treaties covering the use of radio for the safety of life and property at sea and in the air. The commercial and amateur [[Page 525]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T185193.038 [[Page 526]] radio operator programs are also administered by the Bureau. For further information, contact the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Phone, 202-418-0600. International Bureau The International Bureau manages all FCC international telecommunications and satellite programs and policies, and has the principal representational role on behalf of the Commission at international conferences, meetings, and negotiations. The Bureau consists of three divisions: Telecommunications, Satellite and Radiocommunication, and Planning and Negotiations. The Telecommunications Division develops and administers policy, rules, and procedures for the regulations of telecommunications facilities and services under section 214 of the Communications Act and Cable Landing License Act. In addition, the Division develops and administers regulatory assistance and training programs in conjunction with the administration's global information infrastructure (GII) initiative. The Satellite and Radiocommunication Division develops and administers policy, rules, standards, and procedures for licensing and regulation of satellite and earth station facilities, both international and domestic, and oversight of Comsat as the U.S. Signatory to INTELSAT and Inmarsat. The Planning and Negotiations Division represents the Commission in negotiations of international agreements with Mexico, Canada, and other countries on the coordination and notification of domestic radio frequency assignments and resolution of international radio interference involving U.S. licensees. The Division processes license applications and conducts international coordination for high frequency (HF) international broadcast stations and acts on applications for delivery of broadcast programs to foreign stations. For further information, contact the International Bureau. Phone, 202- 418-0420, or 888-225-5322 (toll-free). Cable Services Communications The Cable Services Bureau develops, recommends, and administers policies and programs for the regulation of cable television systems. The Bureau advises and recommends to the Commission, or acts for the Commission under delegated authority, in matters pertaining to the regulation and development of cable television. The Bureau is responsible for: --investigating complaints and answering general inquiries from the public; --planning and developing proposed rulemakings and conducting comprehensive studies and analyses (legal, social, and economic) of various petitions for policy or rule changes; --processing applications for authorizations in the cable television relay service; --participating in hearings before Administrative Law Judges and the Commission; --conducting studies and compiling data relating to the cable industry for the Commission to develop and maintain an adequate regulatory program; --collaborating and coordinating with State and local authorities in matters involving cable television systems; and --advising and assisting the public, other Government agencies, and industry groups on cable television regulation and related matters. For further information, contact the Cable Services Bureau. Phone, 202- 418-7200 or 888-225-5322 (toll-free). Engineering and Technology The Office of Engineering and Technology administers the Table of Frequency Allocations which specifies the frequency ranges that can be utilized by various radio services. The Office also administers the Experimental Radio Service and the Equipment Authorization Program. The Experimental Radio Service permits the public to experiment with new uses of radio frequencies. This allows development of radio equipment and exploration of new radio techniques prior to licensing under other regulatory programs. The Equipment Authorization Program includes several specific procedures by which the agency [[Page 527]] approves radio equipment as a prerequisite to importation, marketing, or use. The procedures involve either an FCC review of applications and accompanying test reports submitted by the applicants, or a self- authorization, whereby the manufacturer certifies that the product complies with the standards. For further information, contact the Office of Engineering and Technology. Phone, 202-418-2470, or 888-225-5322 (toll-free). Compliance Much of the investigative and enforcement work of the Commission is carried out by its field staff. The Compliance and Information Bureau has 3 regional offices and 16 field offices, as well as resident agents in 9 additional cities. It also operates a nationwide fleet of mobile radio direction-finding vehicles for technical enforcement purposes. The field staff, in effect, are the Commission's ``eyes and ears'' in detecting problems in the telecommunications environment and enforcing communications legislation and Commission rules. For further information, contact the Compliance and Information Bureau. Phone, 888-225-5322 (toll-free). Compliance and Information Bureau ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office Address Director ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regional Offices Kansas City, MO......................... Rm. 320, 8800 E. 63d St., 64133. Dennis P. Carlton Park Ridge, IL.......................... Rm. 306, 1550 Northwest Hwy., Russell D. Monie 60068-1460. San Francisco, CA....................... Rm. 420, 3777 Depot Rd., Serge Marti-Volkoff Hayward, CA 94545-2756. Field Offices Atlanta, GA............................. Rm. 320, 3575 Koger Blvd., Fred L. Broce Duluth 30136-4958. Boston, MA.............................. 1 Batterymarch Pk., Quincy 02169- Vincent F. Kajunski 7495. Chicago, IL............................. Rm. 306, 1550 Northwest Hwy., George M. Moffitt Park Ridge 60068-1460. Columbia, MD............................ 9200 Farm House Ln., 21046...... Charles C. Magin Dallas, TX.............................. Rm. 1170, 9330 LBJ Fwy., 75243- James D. Wells 3429. Denver, CO.............................. Rm. 860, 165 S. Union Blvd., Leo E. Cirbo 80228-2213. Detroit, MI............................. 24897 Hathaway St., Farmington James A. Bridgewater Hills 48335-1552. Kansas City, MO......................... Rm. 320, 8800 E. 63d St., 64133- Robert C. McKinney 4895. Los Angeles, CA......................... Rm. 660, 1800 Studebaker Rd., Jim Zoulek Cerritos 90703-3130. New Orleans, LA......................... Rm. 460, 2424 Edenborn Ave., James C. Hawkins Metarie, 70001. New York, NY............................ Rm. 1151, 201 Varick St., 10014- Alexander J. Zimney 4870. Philadelphia, PA........................ Rm. 404, 2300 E. Lincoln Hwy., John Rahtes Langhorne 19047-1859. San Francisco, CA....................... Rm. 420, 3777 Depot Rd., Hayward Thomas N. Van Stavern 94545-2756. San Diego, CA........................... Rm. 370, 4542 Ruffner St., 92111- Jim Zoulek, Acting 2216. Seattle, WA............................. Rm. 312, 11410 NE. 122d Way, Dennis Anderson Kirkland 98034-6927. Tampa, FL............................... Rm. 1215, 2203 N. Lois Ave., Ralph M. Barlow 33607-2356. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sources of Information Inquiries for information on the special subjects listed in the following paragraphs and those concerning licensing/grant requirements in the various services may be directed to the person or office specified or to the Chief of the Bureau or Office listed below as having responsibility for the service: Federal Communications Commission, 445 Twelfth Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. Licensing/Grant Responsibility--Federal Communications Commission ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Service Bureau or Office ------------------------------------------------------------------------ All broadcasting (except broadcast auxiliary services) Mass Media and multipoint distribution services Bureau Cable TV relay services (CARS) Cable Services Bureau Cable signal leakage Registration of cable systems ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Common carrier radio Common Carrier Bureau Section 214 of FCC Act Equipment approval services: Office of Engineering and Technology Certification Type acceptance Type approval Notification Verification [[Page 528]] Experimental radio Office of Engineering and Technology ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Amateur radio Wireless Telecommunicati ons Bureau Auxiliary broadcast services Aviation radio Commercial radio operators Common carrier microwave services Interactive video and data services Land mobile radio Marine radio Private microwave radio ------------------------------------------------------------------------ International Section 214 International Bureau Direct broadcast satellites (DBS) Foreign carrier affiliation notification International accounting rate change applicationa International high frequency broadcast stations International public fixed radio communication applications Permit to deliver programs to foreign broadcast stations (Section 325-C applications) Requests for data network identification code (DNIC) assignment Requests for international signalling point code (ISPC) assignment Recognized private operating agencies Satellite Earth stations Satellite space stations (GSO) Satellite space stations (NGSO) Submarine cable landing license applications ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Advisory Committee Management Direct inquiries to the Office of Performance Evaluation and Records Management. Phone, 202-418-0442. Consumer Assistance Inquiries concerning general information on Commission operations and public participation in the decisionmaking process should be addressed to the Public Service Division, Room CY- B523, 445 Twelfth Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. Phone, 202-418-0200, or 888-225-5322 (toll-free). Contracts and Procurement Direct inquiries to the Chief, Acquisitions Branch. Phone, 202-418-0930. Electronic Access Information regarding the Commission is also available electronically through the Internet, at http://www.fcc.gov/. Employment and Recruitment The Commission's programs require attorneys, electronics engineers, economists, accountants, administrative management and computer specialists, and clerical personnel. Requests for employment information should be directed to the Chief, Staffing and Recruitment Service Center. Phone, 202-418-0130. Equal Employment Practices by Industry Direct inquiries to the Public Service Division. Phone, 888-225-5322 (toll-free). Internal Equal Employment Practices Direct Inquiries to the Office of Workplace Diversity. Phone, 202-418-1799. Ex-Parte Presentations Information concerning ex-parte presentations should be directed to the Commission's Office of General Counsel. Phone, 202-418-1720. Fees Inquiries concerning the Commission's Fee Program should be addressed to the Public Service Division, Room CY-B523, 445 Twelfth Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. Phone, 202-418-0220. Freedom of Information Act Requests Requests should be directed to the Managing Director. Phone, 202-418-1919. Information Available for Public Inspection At the Commission's headquarters office in Washington, DC, dockets concerning rulemaking and adjudicatory matters, copies of applications for licenses and grants, and reports required to be filed by licensees and cable system operators are [[Page 529]] maintained in the public reference rooms (some reports are by law held confidential). The Library has on file Commission rules and regulations (phone, 202-418-0450). General information is also available through the Commission's fax-on-demand (phone, 202-418-2830). In addition to the information available at the Commission, each broadcasting station makes available for public reference certain information pertaining to the operation of the station, a current copy of the application filed for license, and nonconfidential reports filed with the Commission. Publications The Office of Public Affairs distributes publications, public notices, and press releases. Phone, 202-418-0500. For further information, contact the Public Service Division, Federal Communications Commission, 445 Twelfth Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. Phone, 202-418-0200, or 888-522-5322. TTY, 202-418-2555, or 888-835- 5322. Internet, http://www.fcc.gov/. ------------------------------------------------------------------------