Part XIX
May 5, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 87)
Unified Agenda
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
DOCID: f:ua080519.wais
Page 24788-24830
Federal Communications Commission
Part XIX
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Page 24788
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Ch. I
Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-Spring 2008
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
SUMMARY: Twice a year, in spring and fall, the Commission publishes in the Federal Register a list in the Unified Agenda of those major items and other significant proceedings under development or review that pertain to the Regulatory Flexibility Act. See 5 U.S.C. 602. The
Unified Agenda also provides the Code of Federal Regulations citations and legal authorities that govern these proceedings.
ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maura McGowan, Telecommunications
Specialist, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554; (202) 418-0990.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Unified Agenda of Major and Other Significant Proceedings
The Commission encourages public participation in its rulemaking process. To help keep the public informed of significant rulemaking proceedings, the Commission has prepared a list of important proceedings now in progress. The General Services
Administration publishes the Unified Agenda in the Federal Register in the spring and fall of each year.
The following terms may be helpful in understanding the status of the proceedings included in this report:
Docket Number--assigned to a proceeding if the Commission has issued either a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or a Notice of
Inquiry concerning the matter under consideration. The Commission has used docket numbers since January 1, 1978. Docket numbers consist of the last two digits of the calendar year in which the docket was established plus a sequential number that begins at 1 with the first docket initiated during a calendar year (e.g.,
Docket No. 96-1 or Docket No. 99-1). The abbreviation for the responsible bureau usually precedes the docket number, as in ``MM
Docket No. 96-222,'' which indicates that the responsible bureau is the Mass Media Bureau (now the Media Bureau). A docket number consisting of only five digits (e.g., Docket No. 29622) indicates that the docket was established before January 1, 1978.
Notice of Inquiry (NOI)--issued by the Commission when it is seeking information on a broad subject or trying to generate ideas on a given topic. A comment period is specified during which all interested parties may submit comments.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)--issued by the Commission when it is proposing a specific change to Commission rules and regulations. Before any changes are actually made, interested parties may submit written comments on the proposed revisions.
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM)--issued by the
Commission when additional comment in the proceeding is sought.
Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O)--issued by the Commission to deny a petition for rulemaking, conclude an inquiry, modify a decision, or address a petition for reconsideration of a decision.
Rulemaking (RM) Number--assigned to a proceeding after the appropriate bureau or office has reviewed a petition for rulemaking, but before the Commission has taken action on the petition.
Report and Order (R&O)--issued by the Commission to state a new or amended rule or state that the Commission rules and regulations will not be revised.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
CONSUMER AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS BUREAU--Long-Term Actions
Regulation
Sequence
Title
Identifier
Number
Number
275
Policies and Rules Governing Interstate Pay-Per-Call and Other Information Services
3060-AG42
Pursuant to the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (CC Docket Nos. 96-146, 93-22)......... 276
Implementation of the Subscriber Selection Changes Provision of the Telecommunications 3060-AG46
Act of 1996; CC Docket No. 94-129..................................................... 277
Implementation of Section 255 and Section 251(a)(2) of the Telecommunications Act of
3060-AG58 1996; Access to Telecommunications Services Equipment and Customer Premise Equipment for Persons With Disabilities......................................................... 278
In the Matter of the Telecommunications Relay Services, the Americans With
3060-AG75
Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Telecommunications Act of 1996; CC Docket No. 90-571 279
Rules and Regulations Implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of
3060-AI14 1991 (CG Docket No. 02-278) (Section 610 Review)...................................... 280
Rules and Regulations Implementing Section 225 of the Communications Act
3060-AI15
(Telecommunications Relay Service) (CG Docket No. 03-123) (Section 610 Review)........ 281
Rules and Regulations Implementing the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited
3060-AI20
Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CG Docket No. 04-53)........................... 282
Rules and Regulations Implementing Minimum Customer Account Record Exchange (CARE)
3060-AI58
Obligations on All Local and Interexchange Carriers (CG Docket No. 02-386)............ 283
Truth in Billing and Billing Format................................................... 3060-AI61 284
Closed Captioning of Video Programming................................................ 3060-AI72
Page 24789
OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY--Long-Term Actions
Regulation
Sequence
Title
Identifier
Number
Number
285
Revision of the Rules Regarding Ultra-Wideband Transmission........................... 3060-AH47 286
New Advanced Wireless Services; ET Docket No. 00-258.................................. 3060-AH65 287
Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields..................................... 3060-AI17 288
Unlicensed Operation of the 3650-3700 Band (ET Docket No. 04-151)..................... 3060-AI50 289
Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands (ET Docket No. 04-186)................. 3060-AI52 290
Unlicensed Devices and Equipment Approval (ET Docket No. 03-201)...................... 3060-AI54
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU--Long-Term Actions
Regulation
Sequence
Title
Identifier
Number
Number
291
Streamlining the Commission's Rules and Regulations for Satellite Application and
3060-AD70
Licensing Procedures (IB Docket No. 95-117)........................................... 292
Establishing Rules and Policies for the Use of Spectrum for Mobile Satellite Service
3060-AF89 in the L-Band (IB Docket No. 96-132).................................................. 293
Establishment of Rules and Policies for the Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service in
3060-AF93 the 2310-2360 MHz Frequency Band (IB Docket No. 95-91; GEN Docket No. 90-357)......... 294
Allocate & Designate: Spec for Fixed-Sat Srv (37.5-38.5, 40.5-41.5 & 48.2-50.2 GHz
3060-AH23
Bands); Allocate: Fixed & Mobile 40.5-42.5 GHz; Wireless 46.9-47 GHz; Gov Oper 37-38 & 40-40.5 GHz (IB Docket No. 97)........................................................ 295
Space Station Licensing Reform (IB Docket No. 02-34).................................. 3060-AH98 296
Mitigation of Orbital Debris (IB Docket No. 02-54).................................... 3060-AI06 297
Amendment of Parts 1 and 63 of the Commission's Rules (Docket No. 04-47).............. 3060-AI41 298
Reporting Requirements for U.S. Providers of International Telecommunications Services 3060-AI42
(IB Docket No. 04-112)................................................................ 299
Review of the Spectrum Sharing Plan Among Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit Mobile
3060-AI44
Satellite Service Systems in the 1.6/2.4 GHz Bands (IB Docket No. 02-364)............. 300
Amendment of Parts 2 and 25 of the Commission's Rules To Allocate Spectrum and Adopt
3060-AI90
Service Rules and Procedures To Govern the Use of Vehicle-Mounted Earth Stations; IB
Docket No. 07-101.....................................................................
MEDIA BUREAU--Long-Term Actions
Regulation
Sequence
Title
Identifier
Number
Number
301
Cable Television Rate Regulation...................................................... 3060-AF41 302
Cable Television Rate Regulation: Cost of Service..................................... 3060-AF48 303
Cable Home Wiring..................................................................... 3060-AG02 304
Competitive Availability of Navigation Devices (97-80)................................ 3060-AG28 305
Horizontal Ownership Limits and Attribution Rules..................................... 3060-AH09 306
Digital Audio Broadcasting Systems (MM Docket No. 99-325)............................. 3060-AH40 307
Second Periodic Review of Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to DTV.......... 3060-AH54 308
Direct Broadcast Public Interest Obligations (MM Docket No. 93-25).................... 3060-AH59 309
Revision of EEO Rules and Policies (MM Docket No. 98-204)............................. 3060-AH95 310
Broadcast Multiple and Cross-Ownership Limits......................................... 3060-AH97 311
Establishment of Rules for Digital Low Power Television, Television Translator, and
3060-AI38
Television Booster Stations (MB Docket No. 03-185).................................... 312
Joint Sales Agreements in Local Television Markets.................................... 3060-AI55 313
Significantly Viewed Out-of-Market Broadcast Stations (Docket No. 05-49).............. 3060-AI56 314
Revision of Procedures Governing Amendments to FM Table of Allotments and Changes of
3060-AI63
Community of License in the Radio Broadcast Services (MB Docket No. 05-210)........... 315
Digital Television Distributed Transmission System Technologies (Docket No. 05-312)... 3060-AI68 316
Implementation of Section 621(a)(1) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 as
3060-AI69
Amended by the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992....... 317
Program Access Rules--Sunset of Exclusive Contracts Prohibition & Examination of
3060-AI87
Programming Tying Arrangements; (Docket No. 07-29) (MB Docket No. 07-198)............. 318
Third Periodic Review of the Commission's Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion
3060-AI89 to Digital Television; MB Docket No. 07-91............................................
Page 24790
319
DTV Consumer Education Initiative; MB Docket No. 07-148............................... 3060-AI96 320
Broadcast Localism (MB Docket No. 04-233)............................................. 3060-AJ04
OFFICE OF MANAGING DIRECTOR--Long-Term Actions
Regulation
Sequence
Title
Identifier
Number
Number
321
Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees.......................................... 3060-AI79
PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU--Long-Term Actions
Regulation
Sequence
Title
Identifier
Number
Number
322
Revision of the Rules To Ensure Compatibility With Enhanced 911 Emergency Calling
3060-AG34
Systems............................................................................... 323
Enhanced 911 Services for Wireline.................................................... 3060-AG60 324
In the Matter of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act................ 3060-AG74 325
Development of Operational, Technical, and Spectrum Requirements for Public Safety
3060-AG85
Communications Requirements........................................................... 326
1998 Biennial Regulatory Review--Review of Accounts Settlement in Maritime Mobile and
3060-AH30
Maritime Mobile-Satellite Radio Services; (IB Docket No. 98-96)....................... 327
Implementation of 911 Act............................................................. 3060-AH90 328
Commission Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications............................. 3060-AI22 329
E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers.................................... 3060-AI62 330
Recommendations of the Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on
3060-AI78
Communications Networks............................................................... 331
The Commercial Mobile Alert System.................................................... 3060-AJ03
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU--Long-Term Actions
Regulation
Sequence
Title
Identifier
Number
Number
332
Amendment of the Commission's Rules Concerning Maritime Communications................ 3060-AF14 333
Resale and Roaming Obligations Pertaining to Commercial Mobile Radio Services......... 3060-AF58 334
Implementation of Section 309(j) of the Communications Act, Competitive Bidding; 218-
3060-AG00 219 MHz Competitive Bidding Rules..................................................... 335
39 GHz Channel Plan................................................................... 3060-AG16 336
Implementation of 309(j) of the Communications Act, Amendment of Parts 20 and 24 of
3060-AG21 the Commission's Rules--Broadband PCS Competitive Bidding and the Commercial Mobile
Radio Service Spectrum Cap............................................................ 337
Multiple Access Systems............................................................... 3060-AG86 338
Amendment of Part I of the Commission's Rules--Competitive Bidding Procedures......... 3060-AG87 339
Amendment of Part 90 of the Rules To Adopt Regulations for Automatic Vehicle
3060-AH12
Monitoring Systems.................................................................... 340
Fixed Satellite Service and Terrestrial System in the Ku-Band......................... 3060-AH17 341
Service Rules for the 746-764 and 776-794 MHz Bands, and Revisions to Part 27 of the
3060-AH32
Commission's Rules.................................................................... 342
Implementation of Sections 309(j) and 337 of the Communications Act of 1934 as Amended 3060-AH33 343
Amendment to Parts 1, 2, 87, and 101 of the Rules To License Fixed Services at 24 GHz. 3060-AH41 344
Amendment of Parts 13 and 80 Governing Maritime Communications........................ 3060-AH55 345
Competitive Bidding Procedures........................................................ 3060-AH57 346
Transfer of the 3650 Through 3700 MHz Band From Federal Government Use................ 3060-AH75 347
2000 Biennial Regulatory Review Spectrum Aggregation Limits for Commercial Mobile
3060-AH81
Radio Services........................................................................ 348
In the Matter of Promoting Efficient Use of Spectrum Through Elimination of Barriers
3060-AH82 to the Development of Secondary Markets............................................... 349
Reexamination of Roaming Obligations of Commercial Mobile Radio Service Providers..... 3060-AH83 350
Amendment to Licensing Low Power Operations in 450-470 MHz Band....................... 3060-AH84
Page 24791
351
Review of Quiet Zones Application Procedures.......................................... 3060-AH88 352
Reallocation and Service Rules for the 698-746 MHz Spectrum Band (Television Channels
3060-AH89 52-59)................................................................................ 353
Year 2000 Part 22 Biennial Review (WT Docket No. 01-108).............................. 3060-AI26 354
Air-Ground Telecommunications Services................................................ 3060-AI27 355
Amendments of Various Rules Affecting Wireless Radio Services (WT Docket No. 03-264).. 3060-AI30 356
Facilitating the Provision of Spectrum-Based Services to Rural Areas.................. 3060-AI31 357
Extending Wireless Telecommunications Services to Tribal Lands........................ 3060-AI32 358
Amendment of Commission Rules Concerning Airport Terminal Use Frequencies 450-470 MHz
3060-AI33
Band of the Private Land Mobile Radio Services, WT 02-318............................. 359
Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band Industrial/Land
3060-AI34
Transportation and Business Channels.................................................. 360
Review of Part 87 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Aviation; WT Docket No. 01-289. 3060-AI35 361
Digital Broadcast Content Protection (MB Docket No. 02-230)........................... 3060-AI37 362
Hearing Aid-Compatible Telephones (WT Docket Nos. 01-309 & 06-150).................... 3060-AI57 363
Implementation of the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act (CSEA) and Modernization of
3060-AI88 the Commission's Competitive Bidding Rules and Procedures; WT Docket No. 05-211.......
WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU--Long-Term Actions
Regulation
Sequence
Title
Identifier
Number
Number
364
Implementation of the Universal Service Portions of the 1996 Telecommunications Act... 3060-AF85 365
Telecommunications Carriers' Use of Customer Proprietary Network Information and Other 3060-AG43
Customer Information.................................................................. 366
Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of
3060-AG50 1996.................................................................................. 367
Local Telephone Networks That LECs Must Make Available to Competitors................. 3060-AH44 368
2000 Biennial Regulatory Review--Telecommunications Service Quality Reporting
3060-AH72
Requirements.......................................................................... 369
Access Charge Reform and Universal Service Reform..................................... 3060-AH74 370
Numbering Resource Optimization....................................................... 3060-AH80 371
National Exchange Carrier Association Petition........................................ 3060-AI47 372
IP-Enabled Services................................................................... 3060-AI48 373
Consumer Protection in the Broadband Era.............................................. 3060-AI73 374
Establishing Just and Reasonable Rates for Local Exchange Carriers; WC Docket No. 07-
3060-AJ02 135................................................................................... 375
Jurisdictional Separations............................................................ 3060-AJ06
WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU--Completed Actions
Regulation
Sequence
Title
Identifier
Number
Number
376
Detariffing of Competitive Local Exchange Carriers' Interstate Exchange Access
3060-AG73
Services.............................................................................. 377
Regulation of Prepaid Calling Card Services; WC Docket No. 05-68...................... 3060-AI83
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Long-Term Actions
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
-
POLICIES AND RULES GOVERNING INTERSTATE PAY-PER-CALL AND OTHER
INFORMATION SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 (CC
DOCKET NOS. 96-146, 93-22)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 228
Abstract: The Commission received comments on proposed rules designed to implement the 1996 Telecommunications Act with respect to information services to prevent abusive and deceptive practices by entities that might try to circumvent the statutory requirements. The proposed rules address generally the use of dialing sequences other than the 900 service access code to provide information services. The
Commission issued an NPRM on these issues July 16, 2004.
Page 24792
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
07/26/96
61 FR 39107
Order
07/26/96
61 FR 39084
NPRM Comment Period End
09/16/96
Notice to Refresh Record
03/27/03
68 FR 14939
Comment Period End
05/27/03
NPRM
10/15/04
69 FR 61184
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Erica H. McMahon, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2512
Email: erica.mcmahon@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG42
-
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUBSCRIBER SELECTION CHANGES PROVISION OF THE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996; CC DOCKET NO. 94-129
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201; 47 USC 258
Abstract: In December 1998, the Commission established new rules and policies implementing section 258 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which makes it unlawful for any telecommunications carrier to ``submit or execute a change in a subscriber's selection of a provider of telecommunications exchange service or telephone toll service except in accordance with such verification procedures as the Commission shall prescribe.'' The rules provide, among other things, that any telecommunications carrier that violates such verification procedures and that collects charges for telephone exchange service or telephone toll service from a subscriber shall be liable to the carrier previously selected by the subscriber in an amount equal to 150 percent of all charges paid by the subscriber after such violation. In April 2000, the Commission modified the slamming liability rules by giving victims of slamming adequate redress, ensuring that carriers that slam do not profit from their fraud, and allowing States to act as the primary administrator of slamming complaints.
In July 2000, the Commission took further action to improve the existing carrier change process for both consumers and carriers. In
December 2000, the Commission adopted a Biennial Review FNPRM seeking comment on proposals to amend the slamming rules to lighten administrative burdens associated with selling or transferring customer bases by eliminating the need to obtain a waiver, while continuing to protect consumers. In February 2001, the Commission adopted an order modifying and clarifying certain aspects of the reporting and registration requirements it had adopted in July 2000. In May 2001, the
Commission adopted streamlined procedures for the carrier-to-carrier sale or transfer of customer bases, as proposed in the Biennial Review
FNPRM.
In February, 2003, the Commission adopted a Reconsideration Order and
Second FNPRM. The Reconsideration Order addresses, amongst other things, the requirement that a carrier's sales agent drop-off a carrier change request phone call once the customer has been connected to an independent third party verifier, and the applicability of our slamming rules to local exchange carriers. In the Second FNPRM, the Commission sought comment on rule modifications with respect to third party verifications.
In July, 2004, the Commission released a Fourth Order on
Reconsideration disposing of petitions for reconsideration of the streamlined rules for compliance with section 258 of the Act. In
November, 2004, a Fifth Order on Reconsideration was released that confirmed certain carrier change verification rules.
On January 4, 2008, the Commission release an Order that confirmed that a LEC that is executing a carrier change on behalf of another carrier may not re-verify whether the person listed on the change order is actually authorized to do so.
On January 9, 2008, the Commission released a Fourth Report and Order that modified the slamming rules regarding the content of independent third party verifications of a consumer's intent to switch carriers.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
MO&O on Recon and FNPRM
08/14/97
62 FR 43493
FNPRM Comment Period End
09/30/97
Second Report & Order and Second
FNPRM
02/16/99
64 FR 7745
First Order on Recon
04/13/00
65 FR 47678
Third Report & Order and Second
Order on Recon
11/08/00
65 FR 66934
Third FNPRM
01/29/01
66 FR 8093
Order
03/01/01
66 FR 12877
First Report & Order and Fourth
Report & Order
06/06/01
66 FR 30334 2nd FNPRM
03/17/03
68 FR 19176 3rd Order on Recon
03/17/03
68 FR 19152 2nd FNPRM Comment Period End 06/17/03 4th Order on Recon & First Order on Recon
07/17/04 5th Order on Recon (Release
Date)
11/24/04
Order
02/04/08
73 FR 6444
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Nancy Stevenson, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2512
TDD Phone: 202 418-7172
Fax: 202 418-1196
Email: nancy.stevenson@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG46
-
IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 255 AND SECTION 251(A)(2) OF THE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996; ACCESS TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
EQUIPMENT AND CUSTOMER PREMISE EQUIPMENT FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 255; 47 USC 251(a)(2)
Abstract: This proceeding is initiated to implement the provisions of sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act and related sections of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 regarding the accessibility of telecommunications equipment and services to persons with disabilities.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
Notice
03/07/96
61 FR 9164
Notice
07/30/96
61 FR 39657
Page 24793
R&O
08/14/96
61 FR 42181
NOI
09/26/96
61 FR 50465
Notice
10/23/96
61 FR 54999
NPRM
05/22/98
63 FR 28456
Notice
10/28/98
63 FR 57686
Notice
04/13/99
64 FR 18021
Notice
04/19/99
64 FR 19178
Notice
06/02/99
64 FR 29644
Report & Order
11/19/99
64 FR 63235
Further NOI
11/19/99
64 FR 63277
Public Notice
07/13/00
65 FR 43372
Public Notice
01/07/02
67 FR 678
Notice
04/23/02
67 FR 19753
Notice
09/06/02
67 FR 57009
Notice
10/30/02
67 FR 66154
Public Notice
07/21/04
69 FR 43586
Notice
07/29/04
69 FR 45318
Notice
02/14/05
70 FR 7503
Notice
04/06/05
70 FR 17456
Public Notice
07/20/05
70 FR 41754
Notice
03/29/06
71 FR 15738
Notice
07/26/06
71 FR 42396
Public Notice
08/02/06
71 FR 43768
R&O
08/06/07
72 FR 43546
Notice
08/06/07
72 FR 43638
Comment Period End
10/05/07
Notice
12/10/07
72 FR 69686
PRA Comment Period End
02/08/08
Notice
12/11/07
72 FR 70324
PRA Comment Period End
01/10/08
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Cheryl J. King, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights Office,
Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs
Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2284
TDD Phone: 202 418-0410
Fax: 202 418-6219
Email: cheryl.king@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG58
-
IN THE MATTER OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES, THE
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, AND THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT
OF 1996; CC DOCKET NO. 90-571
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 225
Abstract: This item addresses the requirement that telecommunications relay services be capable of handling any type of call normally provided by common carriers, including coin sent-paid calls. On April 5, 2001, the Commission published a Second FNPRM seeking comment on the coin sent-paid issue. This Second FNPRM suspended the enforcement of section 64.604(a)(3) of our rules until final rules in this proceeding are adopted and published in the Federal Register.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
12/04/90
55 FR 50037
R&O and Request for Comments 08/01/91
56 FR 36729
Order on Recon & Second R&O
03/03/93
58 FR 12175
FNPRM
03/30/93
58 FR 12204
MO&O
11/28/95
60 FR 58626
Order
09/08/97
62 FR 47152 2nd NPRM
04/05/01
66 FR 18059 5th R&O
02/07/03
68 FR 6352
R & O (Correction)
02/24/03
68 FR 8553
Recon of 5th R&O and Order
Comment Deadline
04/04/03
Public Notice
04/15/03
68 FR 18205
Comment Period End for Petitions for Recon
04/30/03
Notice
08/27/04
69 FR 52694
Petitions for Recon of 5th R&O
Denied
09/01/04
69 FR 53346
Notice
09/01/04
69 FR 53442
Comment Period End
11/01/04
Public Notice
11/12/04
69 FR 65401
Comment Period End
11/30/04
Notice
12/27/04
69 FR 77246
Comment Period End
01/26/05
Notice
04/06/05
70 FR 17456
Notice
04/19/06
71 FR 20101
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Thomas Chandler, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1475
Email: thomas.chandler@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG75
-
RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE TELEPHONE CONSUMER
PROTECTION ACT (TCPA) OF 1991 (CG DOCKET NO. 02-278) (SECTION 610
REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 227
Abstract: The Commission released an NPRM on September 18, 2002, seeking comment on the rules implementing the Telephone Consumer
Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA). The NPRM sought comment on whether the
Commission should revise its existing rules, or adopt additional rules, on the use of autodialers, prerecorded messages, and unsolicited facsimile advertisements. The NPRM also sought comment on the effectiveness of the company-specific do-not-call lists and whether to revisit the option of establishing a national do-not-call list.
On July 3, 2003, the Commission released a Report and Order establishing, along with the FTC, a national do-not-call registry. The
Commission's Report and Order also adopted rules on the use of predictive dialers, the transmission of caller ID information by telemarketers, and the sending of unsolicited fax advertisements.
On September 21, 2004, the Commission released an Order adopting a limited safe harbor period from the prohibition on placing automatic telephone dialing systems or prerecorded message calls to wireless numbers when such calls are made to numbers that have been recently ported from wireline service to wireless service. In addition, the
Commission amended its existing safe harbor rules for telemarketers subject to the do-not-call registry to require such telemarketers to access the do-not-call list every 31 days, rather than every three months.
On February 18, 2005, the Commission released a Second Order on
Reconsideration to Address issues raised in petitions for reconsideration of the Commission's 2003 TCPA Report and Order.
On December 9, 2005 the Commission released an NPRM proposing to amend the fax advertising rules to implement the Junk Fax Protection Act of 2005. On April 5, 2006, the Commission adopted a Report and Order and
Third Order on Reconsideration amending its facsimile advertising rules. On April 5, 2006, the Commission released a Public Notice seeking comment on a petition for declaratory ruling filed by ACA
International, which asks the Commission to clarify that the TCPA's restriction on calls to wireless numbers do not apply to creditors calling to recover payments.
On December 4, 2007, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, in which it tentatively concluded that the Commission should amend its rules under the TCPA to require telemarketers to honor
Page 24794
registrations with the National Do-Not-Call Registry so that registrations will not automatically expire based on the current five year registration period. The period for filing comments closed on
January 28,2008.
On January 4, 2008, the Commission released a Declaratory Ruling to address the ACA International petition, clarifying that autodialed and prerecorded message calls to wireless numbers that are provided by the called party to a creditor in connection with an existing debt are permissible as calls made with the ``prior express consent'' of the called party.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
10/08/02
67 FR 62667
NPRM Comment Period Extended 11/29/02
67 FR 71126
Reply Comment Period Extended 12/26/02
67 FR 78763
Comment Period End
01/31/03
FNPRM
04/03/03
68 FR 16250
Order
07/25/03
68 FR 44144
Order Effective
08/25/03
Order on Recon
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 Recon
04/13/05
70 FR 19330
Order
06/30/05
70 FR 37705
NPRM
12/19/05
70 FR 75102
Notice
04/26/06
71 FR 24634
Order
05/03/06
71 FR 25967
NPRM
12/14/07
72 FR 71099
Order
02/01/08
73 FR 6041
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Erica H. McMahon, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2512
Email: erica.mcmahon@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI14
-
RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING SECTION 225 OF THE
COMMUNICATIONS ACT (TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE) (CG DOCKET NO. 03- 123) (SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 225; 47 USC 255; 47 USC 610
Abstract: This proceeding establishes a new docket flowing from the previous telecommunications relay service (TRS) history, CC Docket No. 98-67. This proceeding contains an NPRM continuing the Commission's inquiry into improving the quality of TRS and furthering the goal of functional equivalency consistent with the Congress' mandate that TRS regulations encourage the use of existing technology and not discourage or impair the development of new technology. The Commission seeks comment on 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
NPRM Comment Period End
10/09/03
Public Notice
07/26/04
69 FR 44534
Comment Period End
08/30/04
R&O, Order on Recon
09/01/04
69 FR 53346
FNPRM
09/01/04
69 FR 53382
Public Notice
11/12/04
69 FR 65401
FNPRM Comment Period End
11/15/04
Comment Period End
11/30/04
Comment Period End
12/30/04
Public Notice
01/11/05
70 FR 2360
Comment Period End
01/19/05
Public Notice
02/17/05
70 FR 8034
Declaratory Ruling/
Interpretation
02/25/05
70 FR 9239
Comment Period End
03/04/05
Public Notice
03/07/05
70 FR 10930
Public Notice
03/16/05
70 FR 12884
Order
03/23/05
70 FR 14568
Public Notice/ Announcement of
Date
04/06/05
70 FR 17334
Comment Period End
05/02/05
Public Notice
05/11/05
70 FR 24790
Comment Period End
05/25/05
Order
07/01/05
70 FR 38134
Deadline
07/01/05
Public Notice
07/13/05
70 FR 38134
Order on Recon
08/31/05
70 FR 51643
R&O
08/31/05
70 FR 51649
Public Notice
09/07/05
70 FR 53191
Order on Clarification
09/14/05
70 FR 54294
Notice
09/14/05
70 FR 54381
Order on Clarification
09/14/05
70 FR 54298
Comment Period End
10/07/05
Public Notice
10/12/05
70 FR 59346
Public Notice
11/30/05
70 FR 71849
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
Notice
01/11/06
71 FR 1753
Notice
01/11/06
71 FR 1755
Comment Period End
01/17/06
Public Notice/Petition for
Rulemaking Withdrawn
01/18/06
71 FR 2942
NPRM
02/01/06
71 FR 5221
Notice
02/01/06
71 FR 5221
Comment Period End
02/10/06
Comment Period End
03/08/06
Notice/ Announcement of
Effective Date
03/15/06
71 FR 13281
Notice
03/24/06
71 FR 14893
Public Notice
05/10/06
71 FR 27252
Notice
05/24/06
71 FR 29961
Declaratory Ruling/Clarification05/31/06
71 FR 30818
FNPRM
05/31/06
71 FR 30848
Declaratoy Ruling/Dismissal of
Petition
06/21/06
71 FR 35553
Clarification
06/28/06
71 FR 36690
Public Notice
06/28/06
71 FR 36795
Public Notice
06/28/06
71 FR 36796
Public Notice
06/28/06
71 FR 36794
Declaratory Ruling on Recon
07/06/06
71 FR 38268
Comment Period End
07/17/06
Comment Period End
07/17/06
Public Notice
08/02/06
71 FR 43768
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
Correction
09/27/06
71 FR 56442
FNPRM Comment Period End
10/30/06
FNPRM Comment Period End
11/13/06
PRA Comment Period End
11/13/06
Final Rule; Clarification
02/14/07
72 FR 6960
Notice
02/14/07
72 FR 7031
Notice Comment Period End
04/16/07
Public Notice
03/01/07
72 FR 9333
Notice
03/01/07
72 FR 9332
Public Notice
03/07/07
72 FR 10214
Order
03/14/07
72 FR 11789
Public Notice
04/12/07
72 FR 18478
Notice
04/18/07
72 FR 19501
Notice
05/02/07
72 FR 24305
Public Notice
05/16/07
72 FR 27570
Public Notice
05/16/07
72 FR 27569
Notice
06/06/07
72 FR 31327
Notice
06/13/07
72 FR 32661
Public Notice
07/18/07
72 FR 39423
R&O
08/06/07
72 FR 43546
Notice
08/06/07
72 FR 43638
Page 24795
Public Notice
08/16/07
72 FR 46060
Order
11/01/07
72 FR 61813
Public Notice
11/01/07
72 FR 61882
Notice
12/11/07
72 FR 70324
Public Notice
01/04/08
73 FR 863
R&O / Declaratory Ruling
01/17/08
73 FR 3197
Notice
01/17/08
73 FR 3253
Order
02/19/08
73 FR 9031
Public Notice
02/19/08
73 FR 9118
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Agency Contact: Thomas Chandler, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1475
Email: thomas.chandler@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI15
-
RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE CONTROLLING THE ASSAULT OF
NON-SOLICITED PORNOGRAPHY AND MARKETING ACT OF 2003 (CG DOCKET NO. 04- 53)
Legal Authority: 15 USC 7706; 15 USC 7712; PL 108-187
Abstract: The Commission has adopted rules to protect consumers from unwanted electronic mobile service messages to implement the
Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/31/04
69 FR 16873
NPRM Comment Period End
05/17/04
Order
09/16/04
69 FR 55765
Order Cross Referencing Federal
Trade Commission Definitions 03/25/05
70 FR 34665
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Julie Saulnier, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Consumer and Government Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1598
Email: julie.saulnier@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI20
-
RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING MINIMUM CUSTOMER ACCOUNT RECORD
EXCHANGE (CARE) OBLIGATIONS ON ALL LOCAL AND INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS (CG
DOCKET NO. 02-386)
Legal Authority: Communications Act of 1934, as amended
Abstract: On December 20, 2002, the Commission issued a Public Notice directing interested parties to file comments on issues raised in a petition filed with the Commission by Americatel Corporation and on a separate petition filed by AT&T, Sprint, and MCI. The petitions asked the Commission to address problems relating to the exchange of customer account records between local and long distance telephone service providers. On March 25, 2004, the Commission released a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking in CG Docket No. 02-386 seeking further comment on the two petitions and seeking comment as to whether to replace the current voluntary industry process for the exchange of customer account information between local and long distance service providers with mandatory, minimum standards applicable to all such providers.
On February 25, 2005, the Commission released a Report and Order and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CG Docket No. 02-386. The
Report and Order adopted final rules governing the exchange of customer account information between local and long distance telephone service providers. The Commission adopted these rules to help to ensure that consumers' phone service bills are accurate and that their carrier selection requests are honored and executed without undue delay. In the
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission sought comment on the need for rules governing the exchange of customer account information between local telephone service providers. On April 15, 2005 and June 15, 2005, a coalition of local and long distance carriers proposed minor modifications and clarifications to section 64.4002 of the Commission's CARE rules. On August 29, 2005, the Commission released a public notice requesting comment on the coalition's proposed clarifications and modifications. Notice of the proposed changes was published in the Federal Register on September 7, 2005 (70 FR 53137).
The comment cycle established by the August 29 public notice closed
October 3, 2005.
On September 13, 2006, the Commission released an Order on
Reconsideration adopting the clarifications and technical corrections to the Report and Order, as proposed by the coalition of carriers.
On December 21, 2007, the Commission released a Report and Order declining to adopt mandatory data exchange requirements between local exchange carriers.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
04/19/04
69 FR 20845
NPRM Comment Period End
06/18/04
R&O and FNPRM (Release Date) 02/25/05
FNPRM Comment Period End
08/01/05
Public Notice
08/29/05
70 FR 53137--01
Public Notice Comment Period
End
10/03/05
Order on Reconsideration
12/13/06
71 FR 74819
Order
01/08/08
73 FR 1297
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lisa Boehley, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7395
Fax: 202 418-0236
Email: lisa.boehley@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI58
-
TRUTH IN BILLING AND BILLING FORMAT
Legal Authority: 47 USC 201; 47 USC 258
Abstract: In 1999, the Commission adopted truth-in-billing rules to address concerns that there is consumer confusion relating to billing for telecommunications services. On March 18, 2005, the Commission released an Order and FNPRM to further facilitate the ability of telephone consumers to make informed choices among competitive service offerings.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
FNPRM
05/25/05
70 FR 30044
Page 24796
Order
05/25/05
70 FR 29979
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Richard D. Smith, Special Counsel, Federal
Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 717 338-2797
Fax: 717 338-2574
Email: richard.smith@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI61
-
CLOSED CAPTIONING OF VIDEO PROGRAMMING
Legal Authority: 47 USC 613
Abstract: This proceeding is initiated to seek comment on rules the FCC adopted in 1997 regarding closed captioning and whether changes are needed to make the rules more effective in making video programming more accessible to deaf and hard of hearing Americans.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
R&O
09/16/97
62 CFR 48487
Notice
10/02/97
62 FR 54848
Order on Recon
10/28/98
63 FR 55959
Notice
09/29/00
65 FR 58552
Notice
01/05/01
66 FR 1136
Notice
12/31/03
68 FR 75558
Notice
05/11/04
69 FR 26095
NPRM
09/26/05
70 FR 56150
Comment Period Extended
11/25/05
70 FR 71077
Comment Period End
12/16/05
Notice
09/27/07
72 FR 70324
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Amelia L. Brown, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2799
TDD Phone: 202 418-7804
Fax: 202 418-6947
Email: amelia.brown@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI72
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Long-Term Actions
Office of Engineering and Technology
-
REVISION OF THE RULES REGARDING ULTRA-WIDEBAND TRANSMISSION
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302 to 304; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 544A
Abstract: The First Report and Order amends the Commission's rules to permit the marketing and operation of certain types of new products incorporating Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. UWB devices operate by employing very narrow or short duration pulses that result in very large or wideband transmission bandwidths. UWB technology holds great promise for a vast array of new applications that we believe will provide significant benefits for public safety, businesses and consumers. With appropriate technical standards, UWB devices can operate using spectrum occupied by existing radio services without causing interference, thereby permitting scarce spectrum resources to be used more efficiently.
The Memorandum Opinion and Order responded to fourteen petitions for reconsideration that were filed in response to the regulations for unlicensed ultra wideband (UWB) operations. In general, this document does not make any significant changes to the existing UWB parameters as the Commission is reluctant to do so until it has more experience with
UWB devices. The Commission believes that any major changes to the rules for existing UWB product categories at this early stage would be disruptive to current industry product development efforts.
The Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making proposed new rules to address issues raised by some of the petitions for reconsideration that were outside the scope of the proceeding. New rules were proposed to address issues regarding the operation of low pulse repetition frequency UWB systems, including vehicular radars, in the 3.1-10.6 GHz band; and the operation frequency hopping vehicular radars in the 22-29
GHz band as UWB devices. The Commission also proposed new rules that would establish new peak power limits for wideband part 15 devices that do no operate as UWB devices and proposed to eliminate the definition of a UWB device.
The 2nd Report & Order and 2nd Memorandum Opinion & Order responds to two petitions for reconsideration that were filed in response to the
Commission's decision to establish regulations for unlicensed ultra- wideband (``UWB'') operation. It also responds to the rule making proposals contained in the Memorandum Opinion and Order and Further
Notice of Proposed Rule Making in this docket. The order establishes new rules for wideband unlicensed devices operating in the 5925-7250
MHz, 16.2-17.7 GHz, and 22.12-29 GHz bands.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
06/14/00
65 FR 37332
NPRM Comment Period End
10/12/00 1st R&O
05/16/02
67 FR 34852
MO&O
04/22/03
68 FR 19746
FNPRM
04/22/03
68 FR 19773 2nd R&O and 2nd MO&O
02/09/05
70 FR 6771
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: John Reed, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications
Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2455
Fax: 202 418-1944
Email: jreed@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH47
-
NEW ADVANCED WIRELESS SERVICES; ET DOCKET NO. 00-258
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 157(a); 47 USC 303(c); 47 USC 303(f); 47 USC 303(g); 47 USC 303(r)
Abstract: This proceeding explores the possible uses of frequency bands below 3 GHz to support the introduction of
Page 24797
new advanced wireless services, including third generations as well as future generations of wireless systems. Advanced wireless systems could provide for a wide range of voice data and broadband services over a variety of mobile and fixed networks.
The Third Notice of Proposed Rule Making discusses the frequency bands that are still under consideration in this proceeding and invites additional comments on their disposition. Specifically, it addresses the Unlicensed Personal Communications Service (UPCS) band at 1910-1930
MHz, the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) spectrum at 2155-2160/62
MHz bands, the Emerging Technology spectrum, at 2160-2165 MHz, and the bands reallocated from MSS 91990-2000 MHz, 2020-2025 MHz and 2165-2180
MHz. We seek comment on these bands with respect to using them for paired or unpaired Advance Wireless Service (AWS) operations or as relocation spectrum for existing services.
The 7th Report & Order facilitates the introduction of Advanced
Wireless Service (AWS) in the band 1710-1755 MHz--an integral part of a 90 MHz spectrum allocation recently reallocated to allow for such new and innovative wireless services. We largely adopt the proposals set forth in our recent AWS Fourth NPRM in this proceeding that are designed to clear the 1710-1755 MHz band of incumbent Federal
Government operations that would otherwise impede the development of new nationwide AWS services. These actions are consistent with previous actions in this proceeding and with the United States Department of
Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(``NTIA'') 2002 Viability Assessment, which addressed relocation and reaccommodation options for Federal Government operations in the band.
The 8th Report and Order reallocated the 2155-2160 MHz band for Fixed and Mobile services and designates the 2155-2175 MHz band for Advanced
Wireless Service (AWS) use. This proceeding continues the Commission's ongoing efforts to promote spectrum utilization and efficiency with regard to the provision of new services, including Advanced Wireless
Services.
The Order requires Broadband Radio Service (BRS) licensees in the 2150- 2160/62 MHz band to provide information on the construction status and operational parameters of each incumbent BRS system that would be the subject of relocation.
The Notice of Proposed Rule Making requested comments on the specific relocation procedures applicable to Broadband Radio Service (BRS) operations in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band, which the Commission recently decided will be relocated to the newly restructured 2495-2690 MHz band.
The Commission also requested comments on the specific relocation procedures applicable to Fixed Microwave Service (FS) operations in the 2160-2175 MHz band.
The Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) and the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) set forth the specific data that
Broadband Radio Service (BRS) licensees in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band must file along with the deadline date and procedures for filing this data on the Commission's Universal Licensing System (ULS). The data will assist in determining future AWS licensee's relocation obligations.
The 9th Report and Order established procedures for the relocation of
Broadband Radio Service (BRS) operations from the 2150-2160/62 MHz band, as well as for the relocation of Fixed Microwave Service (FS) operations from the 2160-2175 MHz band, and modified existing relocation procedures for the 2110-2150 MHz and 2175-2180 MHz bands. It also established cost-sharing rules to identify the reimbursement obligations for Advanced Wireless Service (AWS) and Mobile Satellite
Service (MSS) entrants benefiting from the relocation of incumbent FS operations in the 2110-2150 MHz and 2160-2200 MHz bands and AWS entrants benefiting from the relocation of BRS incumbents in the 2150- 2160/62 MHz band. The Commission continues its ongoing efforts to promote spectrum utilization and efficiency with regard to the provision of new services, including AWS. The Order dismisses a petition for reconsideration filed by the Wireless Communications
Association International, Inc. (WCA) as moot.
Two petitions for Reconsideration were filed in response to the 9th
Report and Order.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
01/23/01
66 FR 7438
NPRM Comment Period End
03/09/01
Final Report
04/11/01
66 FR 18740
FNPRM
09/13/01
66 FR 47618
MO&O
09/13/01
66 FR 47591
First R&O
10/25/01
66 FR 53973
Petition for Reconsideration 11/02/01
66 FR 55666 2nd R&O
01/24/03
68 FR 3455 3rd NPRM
03/13/03
68 FR 12015 7th R&O
12/29/04
69 FR 7793
Petition for Reconsideration 04/13/05
70 FR 19469 8th R&O
10/26/05
70 FR 61742
Order
10/26/05
70 FR 61742
NPRM
10/26/05
70 FR 61752
Public Notice
12/14/05
70 FR 74011 9th R&O and Order
05/24/06
71 FR 29818
Petition for Recon
07/19/06
71 FR 41022
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Rodney Small, Economist, Federal Communications
Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2452
Fax: 202 418-1944
Email: rodney.small@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH65
-
EXPOSURE TO RADIOFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 302 to 303; 47 USC 309(j); 47 USC 336
Abstract: The notice of proposed rulemaking proposed amendments to the
FCC rules relating to compliance of transmitters and facilities with guidelines for human exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
09/08/03
68 FR 52879
NPRM Comment Period End
12/08/03
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ira Keltz, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications
Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0616
Page 24798
Fax: 202 418-1944
Email: ikeltz@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI17
-
UNLICENSED OPERATION OF THE 3650-3700 BAND (ET DOCKET NO. 04-151)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154
Abstract: The notice of proposed rulemaking proposed to maximize the efficient use of the 3650-3700 MHz band. The proposal would allow unlicensed devices to operate in either all, or portions of, this radiofrequency (RF) band under flexible technical limitations with smart/cognitive features that should prevent interference to licensed satellite services. The proposal fostered the introduction of new and advanced services to the American public, especially in rural areas.
The Report and Order adopted rules that provide for nationwide, non- exclusive, licensing of terrestrial operations, utilizing technology with a contention-base protocol, in the 3650-3700 MHz band. The
Commission also adopted a streamlined licensing mechanism with minimal regulatory entry requirements that will encourage multiple entrants and stimulate the rapid expansion of wireless broadband services-- especially in rural American and will also serve as a safeguard to protect incumbent satellite earth stations from harmful interference.
In the MO&O, the Commission addressed several petitions for reconsideration and an emergency motion for stay that were filed in response 3650 MHz Allocation Order in ET Docket No. 98-237.
In light of its full review of the refreshed record in this proceeding, and in light of the decisions made in the companion R&O, the Commission denied the aspects of the petitions that challenge and seek to reverse the allocation decisions made in the 3650 MHz Allocation Order.
The Commission denied the motion for stay. When the Commission established the November 30, 2000, filing deadline, it did so because it found that additional new FSS facilities permitted by the Freeze
MO&O could affect the use of the 3650-3700 MHz band by the terrestrial services. By deciding in this Order to maintain the FSS allocation changes made in the 3650 MHz Allocation Order, the Commission, reaffirmed its conclusion that allowing additional primary FSS earth stations in the 3650 MHz band could negatively affect the prospects for viable FS/MS terrestrial operations.
The Memorandum Opinion and Order addressed petitions for reconsideration filed in response to the Commission's Report and Order relating to the 3650-3700 MHz band (3650 MHz band) proceeding. The
Commission affirmed its previous decisions to create a spectrum environment that will encourage multiple entrants and stimulate the expansion of broadband service to rural and under served areas. To facilitate rapid deployment in the band, the Commission maintains the previously adopted, non-exclusive licensing scheme. The clarification and modification will facilitate operation of the widest variety of broadband technologies with minimal risk of interference in both the near and long terms. They should further reduce the potential for co- channel interference, provide additional protections to the multiple users in the band under the current licensing regime, and create incentives for the rapid development of broadly compatible contention technologies.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
05/14/04
69 FR 26790
R&O & MO&O
05/11/05
70 FR 24712
MO&O
07/25/07
72 FR 40767
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jeffrey Dygert, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7300
Email: jeffrey.dygert@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI50
-
UNLICENSED OPERATION IN THE TV BROADCAST BANDS (ET DOCKET NO. 04- 186)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303(e) to 303(f); 47
USC 303(r); 47 USC 307
Abstract: The notice of proposed rulemaking proposes to amend the
Commission's rules to allow unlicensed radio transmitters to operate in the broadcast television spectrum at locations where that spectrum is not being used. We believe that the proposals set forth will provide for more efficient and effective use of the TV spectrum and will have significant benefits for the public by allowing the development of new and innovative types of unlicensed broadband devices and services for businesses and consumers.
In the First Report and Order, the Commission took a number of steps towards allowing the introduction of new low power devices in the broadcast television spectrum (TV bands) on channels/frequencies that are not being used for authorized services (hereinafter referred to as
``TV band devices''). The goal in this proceeding is to allow such devices to operate on unused television channels in locations where such operations will not result in harmful interference to TV and other authorized services. The Commission believes that this plan will provide for more efficient and effective use of the TV spectrum and will significantly benefit the public by allowing the development of new and innovative types of devices and services for businesses and consumers, without disrupting television and other authorized services using the TV bands. Because transmissions in the TV band are subject to less propagation attenuation than transmissions in other bands where lower power operations are permitted (such as unlicensed operations in the 2.4 GHz band), operations in the TV bands can benefit a wide range of service providers and consumers by improving the service range of wireless operations, thereby allowing operators to reach new customers.
While there will be significant benefits to the public from its actions, the Commission recognizes that it must balance these benefits with the need to protect authorized services in the TV bands from harmful interference.
The Further NPRM proposed to allow low power transmitters to operate in the TV broadcast bands at locations where spectrum is not being used by authorized services without causing harmful interference to these services. The Further NPRM seeks comment on whether these TV band devices should be authorized on a licensed, unlicensed or hybrid basis.
It would propose to require TV band devices to incorporate ``smart radio'' features to detect vacant TV channels and prevent harmful
Page 24799
interference from TV band devices to authorized services operating in the TV bands. These features would include the abilities to 1) monitor spectrum prior to transmitting to ensure that it is not in use by authorized services, 2) switch frequencies or cease transmitting if an authorized service begins using a previously unused frequency, 3) adjust transmit power to the minimum needed to establish a link, 4) determine geographic location and access a database to determine which channels are in use, and/or 5) receive a control signal and select the operating frequency based on data in the control signal.
These proposals, if adopted, will prove beneficial to manufacturers and users of low power transmitters because they will provide for more efficient and effective use of the TV spectrum and allow the development of new and innovative types of wireless devices and communication services for businesses and consumers.
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
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Hugh Van Tuyl, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7506
Fax: 202 418-1944
Email: hugh.vantuyl@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI52
-
UNLICENSED DEVICES AND EQUIPMENT APPROVAL (ET DOCKET NO. 03-201)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302(a); 47 USC 303; 47 USC 306
Abstract: The notice of proposed rulemaking proposed to update section 15.247 of the rules to allow the use of more efficient antenna technologies with unlicensed devices.
The Report and Order updates several technical rules for unlicensed radiofrequency devices in part 15 of the Commission's rules. The rule changes will allow device manufacturers to develop expanded applications for unlicensed devices and will allow unlicensed device operators, including Wireless Internet Service providers greater flexibility to modify or substitute parts as long as the overall system operation is unchanged. The changes are part of an ongoing process of updating our rules to promote more efficient sharing of spectrum used by unlicensed devices and remove unnecessary regulations that inhibit such sharing. The Commission received one petition for reconsideration in this proceeding.
The Second Report and Order amended the Commission's rules to provide for more efficient equipment authorization of both existing modular transmitter devices and emerging partitioned (or ``split'') modular transmitter devices. These rule changes will benefit manufacturers by allowing greater flexibility in certifying equipment and providing relief from the need to obtain a new equipment authorization each time the same transmitter is installed in a different final product. The rule changes will also enable manufacturers to develop more flexible and more advanced unlicensed transmitter technologies. The Commission further found that modular transmitter devices authorized in accordance with the revised equipment authorization procedures will not pose any increased risk of interference to other radio operations.
The Further NPRM, seeks comment on whether there is a need to require unlicensed transmitters operating in the 915 MHz band under sections 15.247 and 15.249 of the rules to comply with a spectrum etiquette requirement, and the impact that requiring an etiquette would have on the development and operation of unlicensed 915 MHz devices operating under those rule sections. The Commission also seeks comment on the particular etiquette suggested by Cellnet that would require digitally modulated spread spectrum transmitters operating in the 915 MHz band under section 15.247 of the rules to operate at less than the 1-watt maximum power if they are continuously silent less than 90 percent of the time within a 0.4 second interval. This etiquette would require that the maximum permitted power level decrease in accordance with a specified formula as the silent interval between transmission decreases. The Commission further seeks comment on alternatives to the etiquette suggested by Cellnet.
The Memorandum Opinion and Order dismissed two petitions for reconsideration of the rules adopted in the Report and Order, 69 FR 54027, September 7, 2004, in this proceeding. It dismissed a petition for reconsideration filed by Warren C. Havens and Telesaurus Holdings
GB LLC (``Havens'') requesting that the Commission suspend the rule changes adopted for unlicensed devices in the 902-928 MHz (915 MHz) band until such time as it completes a formal inquiry with regard to the potential effect of such changes to Location and Monitoring Service
(LMS) licensees in the band. The Commission also dismissed a petition for reconsideration filed by Cellnet Technology (``Cellnet'') requesting that the Commission adopt spectrum sharing requirements in the unlicensed bands, e.g., a ``spectrum etiquette,'' particularly in the 915 MHz band.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
09/17/03
68 FR 68823
R&O
09/07/04
69 FR 54027
Petition for Reconsideration 11/19/04
69 FR 67736
Petition for Reconsideration 02/15/05
70 FR 7737 2nd R&O
05/23/07
72 FR 28889
FNPRM
08/01/07
72 FR 42011
MO&O
08/01/07
72 FR 41937
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Hugh Van Tuyl, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7506
Fax: 202 418-1944
Email: hugh.vantuyl@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI54
Page 24800
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Long-Term Actions
International Bureau
-
STREAMLINING THE COMMISSION'S RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SATELLITE
APPLICATION AND LICENSING PROCEDURES (IB DOCKET NO. 95-117)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 4; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 554; 47 USC 701 to 744
Abstract: On February 10, 1997, the FCC adopted rules and policies that streamlined the application and licensing requirements of part 25 of its rules, which deals with communication satellites and earth stations. The streamlined rules waived the construction permit requirement for satellite space stations; changed the license term for temporary fixed earth stations; and adjusted or changed the rules concerning minor modifications and basic requirements for satellite service applications. The streamlined rules also resulted in the creation of a new application form, FCC Form 312. Form 312 eliminated from the International Bureau's use of the FCC Form 493, FCC Form 430,
FCC Form 702, and FCC Form 704. Petitions for Reconsideration were filed in this matter. In March 1997 the Commission released a Public
Notice concerning these petitions, which are presently pending before the International Bureau.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
09/09/95
60 FR 46252
R&O, Recon Pending
02/10/97
62 FR 5924
Public Notice/Petitions for
Recon
03/26/97
62 FR 14430
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Steven Spaeth, Assistant Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1539
Fax: 202 418-0748
Email: steven.spaeth@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AD70
-
ESTABLISHING RULES AND POLICIES FOR THE USE OF SPECTRUM FOR MOBILE
SATELLITE SERVICE IN THE L-BAND (IB DOCKET NO. 96-132)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 316; 47 USC 403
Abstract: The Commission has established licensing policies to govern mobile-satellite services (MSS) in the L-band. Specifically, the
Commission has modified the license of Motient Services, Inc.
(Motient), the only U.S. MSS system currently authorized to operate in the L-band, to use up to 20 megahertz of spectrum across the entire L- band. Previously, Motient was authorized only to operate in the upper portion of the L-band. In addition, the Commission has adopted and incorporated into part 25 of the rules specific operational parameters and technical requirements to ensure the integrity of maritime distress and safety communications service will not be compromised by MSS operation in the lower portion of the L-band. Petitions for reconsideration were filed.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
06/18/96
61 FR 40772
NPRM Comment Period End
09/23/96
R&O
08/07/02
67 FR 51105
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Andrea Kelly, Chief, Policy Branch, Federal
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7877
Fax: 202 418-0748
Email: andrea.kelly@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AF89
-
ESTABLISHMENT OF RULES AND POLICIES FOR THE DIGITAL AUDIO RADIO
SATELLITE SERVICE IN THE 2310-2360 MHZ FREQUENCY BAND (IB DOCKET NO. 95- 91; GEN DOCKET NO. 90-357)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 151(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 157; 47 USC 309(j)
Abstract: The Commission is proposing rules to govern satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS). The Commission adopted service rules for
SDARS in 1997 and sought further comment on proposed rules governing the use of complementary terrestrial repeaters. The Commission released a second further notice of proposed rulemaking in January 2008 to consider new proposals for rules governing terrestrial repeaters and operations of Wireless Communications Service (WCS) devices in the 2305
-- 2360 MHz band.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
06/15/95
60 FR 35166
R&O
03/11/97
62 FR 11083
FNPRM
04/18/97
62 FR 19095 2nd FNPRM
01/15/08
73 FR 2437
FNPRM Comment Period End
03/17/08
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen Duall, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1103
Fax: 202 418-0748
Email: stephen.duall@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AF93
-
ALLOCATE & DESIGNATE: SPEC FOR FIXED-SAT SRV (37.5-38.5, 40.5-41.5
& 48.2-50.2 GHZ BANDS); ALLOCATE: FIXED & MOBILE 40.5-42.5 GHZ; WIRELESS 46.9-47 GHZ; GOV OPER 37-38 & 40-40.5 GHZ (IB DOCKET NO. 97)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 301 to 302; 47 USC 303(e) to 303(g); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 304; 47 USC 307
Abstract: This item adopts a plan for non-government operations in the 36.0-51.4 GHz portion of the V-band, establishing priorities for different services in different parts of this band.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
04/04/97
62 FR 16129
Report & Order
01/15/99
64 FR 2585
Correction
02/08/99
64 FR 6138
Correction
02/10/99
64 FR 6565
Notice of Petition for
Reconsideration
03/22/99
64 FR 13796
Order on Reconsideration
12/01/99
Further NPRM
07/05/01
66 FR 35399 2nd R&O
08/25/04
69 FR 52198
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Sean O'More, Federal Communications Commission,
International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2453
Page 24801
Email: sean.omore@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH23
-
SPACE STATION LICENSING REFORM (IB DOCKET NO. 02-34)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 157; 47 USC 303(c); 47 USC 303(g);
Abstract: The Commission has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to streamline its procedures for reviewing satellite license applications.
Currently, the Commission uses processing rounds to review those applications. In a processing round, when an application is filed, the
International Bureau (Bureau) issues a public notice establishing a cut-off date for other mutually exclusive satellite applications, and then considers all those applications together. In cases where sufficient spectrum to accommodate all the applicants is not available, the Bureau directs the applicants to negotiate a mutually agreeable solution. Those negotiations usually take a long time, and delay provision of satellite services to the public.
The NPRM invites comment on two alternatives for expediting the satellite application process. One alternative is to replace the processing round procedure with a ``first-come, first-served'' procedure that would allow the Bureau to issue a satellite license to the first party filing a complete, acceptable application. The other alternative is to streamline the processing round procedure by adopting one or more of the following proposals: (1) Placing a time limit on negotiations; (2) establishing criteria to select among competing applicants; (3) dividing the available spectrum evenly among the applicants.
In the First Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission determined that different procedures were better-suited for different kinds of satellite applications. For most geostationary orbit (GSO) satellite applications, the Commission adopted a first-come, first- served approach. For most non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite applications, the Commission adopted a procedure in which the available spectrum is divided evenly among the qualified applicants. The
Commission also adopted measures to discourage applicants from filing speculative applications, including a bond requirement, payable if a licensee misses a milestone. The bond amounts originally were $5 million for each GSO satellite, and $7.5 million for each NGSO satellite system. These were interim amounts. Concurrently with the
First Report and Order, the Commission adopted an FNPRM to determine whether to revise the bond amounts on a long-term basis.
In the Second Report and Order, the Commission adopted a streamlined procedure for certain kinds of satellite license modification requests.
In the Third Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission adopted a standardized application form for satellite licenses, and adopted a mandatory electronic filing requirement for certain satellite applications.
In the Fourth Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission extended the mandatory electronic filing requirement to all satellite applications.
In the Fifth Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission revised the bond amounts based on the record developed in response to
FNPRM. The bond amounts are now $3 million for each GSO satellite, and
$5 million for each NGSO satellite system.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/19/02
67 FR 12498
NPRM Comment Period End
07/02/02 2nd R&O (Release Date)
06/20/03
68 FR 62247 2nd FNPRM (Release Date)
07/08/03
68 FR 53702 3rd R&O (Release Date)
07/08/03
68 FR 63994
FNPRM
08/27/03
68 FR 51546
First R&O
08/27/03
68 FR 51499
FNPRM Comment Period End
10/27/03 4th R&O (Release Date)
04/16/04
69 FR 67790 5th R&O, 1st Order on Recon
(Release Date)
07/06/04
69 FR 51586
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Steven Spaeth, Assistant Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1539
Fax: 202 418-0748
Email: steven.spaeth@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH98
-
MITIGATION OF ORBITAL DEBRIS (IB DOCKET NO. 02-54)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 157(a); 47 USC 303(c); 47 USC 303(f) to 303(g); 47 USC 303(r)
Abstract: The Commission has adopted rules that require all entities seeking FCC authorization for satellite services to address orbital debris mitigation as part of their application for FCC authorization.
Orbital debris consists of artificial objects orbiting the Earth that are not functional spacecraft. In addition, the Commission established requirements for the removal of geostationary spacecraft from operational orbits at the end of their useful lives and amended the
Commission's rules regarding orbit raising maneuvers, the use of inclined orbits, and orbital longitudinal tolerance station-keeping requirements. The Commission indicated that it will seek further comment on the application of the Commission's longitudinal tolerance station-keeping requirements for Fixed-Satellite space stations to space stations in the Mobile-Satellite Service and remote sensing services.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
05/03/02
67 FR 22376
NPRM Comment Period End
08/16/02
First R&O
08/27/03
68 FR 59127 2nd R&O
09/09/04
69 FR 54581
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen Duall, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1103
Fax: 202 418-0748
Email: stephen.duall@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI06
-
AMENDMENT OF PARTS 1 AND 63 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES (DOCKET NO. 04-47)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 34 to 39; 47 USC 151; 47 USC 161; 47 USC 201 to 205;
Abstract: FCC proposes amendments to several rules. Specifically, FCC proposes to: (1) Amend the procedures for discontinuing an international service; (2) establish post service
Page 24802
notification for Commercial Mobile Radio Service carriers providing international service; (3) allow U.S. carriers to resell the U.S.- inbound service of foreign carriers; (4) allow commonly controlled subsidiaries to use their parent corporation's authority to provide international service; and (5) amend the submarine cable landing licensing procedures compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/22/04
69 FR 13276
NPRM Comment Period End
06/07/04
R&O
09/25/07
72 FR 54363
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: David Krech, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1460
Fax: 202 418-2824
Email: david.krech@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI41
-
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. PROVIDERS OF INTERNATIONAL
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES (IB DOCKET NO. 04-112)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 161; 47 USC 201 to 205;
Abstract: FCC is reviewing the reporting requirements to which carriers providing U.S. international services are subject under 47 CFR part 43.
FCC proposes to amend 47 CFR 43.61 and to repeal 47 CFR 43.53.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
04/12/04
NPRM Comment Period End
08/23/04
69 FR 29676
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: David Krech, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1460
Fax: 202 418-2824
Email: david.krech@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI42
-
REVIEW OF THE SPECTRUM SHARING PLAN AMONG NON-GEOSTATIONARY
SATELLITE ORBIT MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICE SYSTEMS IN THE 1.6/2.4 GHZ
BANDS (IB DOCKET NO. 02-364)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302(a); 47 USC 303(e);
Abstract: This docket involves the spectrum sharing plan for the low earth orbit satellite systems in the 1.6 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands (Big
LEOs). In November 2007, the Commission resolved the 1.6 GHz spectrum sharing plan between Globalstar Inc. and Iridium Satellite LLC, whereby
Globalstar will have exclusive MSS use of 7.775 megahertz of spectrum at 1610-1617.775 MHz, Iridium will have exclusive MSS use of 7.775 megahertz of spectrum at 1618.725-1626.5 MHz, and the two Big LEO operators will share 0.95 megahertz of spectrum at 1617.775-1618.725
MHz. Separately, in April 2006, the Commission affirmed the spectrum sharing plan between Globalstar and the fixed and mobile (except aeronautical mobile) services in the 2495-2500 MHz band in order to accommodate the relocation of Broadband Radio Service Channel 1 to the 2496-2502 MHz band. (Iridium does not operate in the 2.4 GHz band.)
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
01/29/03
68 FR 33666
R&O
08/09/04
69 FR 48157
FNPRM
08/09/04
69 FR 48192
Petitions for Reconsideration 10/12/04
69 FR 60626
First Order on Reconsideration 06/19/06
71 FR 35178
Petitions for Further
Reconsideration
07/27/06
71 FR 44029 2nd Order on Recon and 2nd R&O 12/13/07
72 FR 70807
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Howard Griboff, Deputy Chief, Federal Communications
Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0657
Fax: 202 418-1414
Email: howard.griboff@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI44
-
AMENDMENT OF PARTS 2 AND 25 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES TO ALLOCATE
SPECTRUM AND ADOPT SERVICE RULES AND PROCEDURES TO GOVERN THE USE OF
VEHICLE-MOUNTED EARTH STATIONS; IB DOCKET NO. 07-101
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i) to (j); 47 USC 157(a); 47
USC 301; 47 USC 303 (c); 47 USC 303 (f); 47 USC 303 (g); 47 USC 303
(r); 47 USC 303 (y); 47 USC 308
Abstract: The Commission seeks comment on the proposed amendment of parts 2 and 25 of the Commission's rules to allocate spectrum for use with Vehicle-Mounted Earth Stations (VMES) in the Fixed-Satellite
Service in the Ku-band uplink at 14.0-14.5 GHz and Ku-band downlink 11.72-12.2 GHz on a primary basis, and in the extended Ku-band downlink at 10.95-11.2 GHz and 11.45-11.7 GHz on a non-protected basis, and to adopt Ku-band VMES licensing and service rules modeled on the FCC's rules for Ku-band Earth Stations on Vessels (ESVs). The record in this proceeding will provide a basis for Commission action to facilitate introduction of this proposed service.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
07/08/07
72 FR 39357
NPRM Comment Period End
09/04/07
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Howard Griboff, Deputy Chief, Federal Communications
Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0657
Fax: 202 418-1414
Email: howard.griboff@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI90
Page 24803
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Long-Term Actions
Media Bureau
-
CABLE TELEVISION RATE REGULATION
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 543
Abstract: The Commission has adopted rate regulations to implement section 623 of the 1992 Cable Act to ensure that cable subscribers nationwide enjoy the rates that would be charged by cable systems operating in a competitive environment. Reconsideration was requested.
The 14th Order on Reconsideration addresses petitions on issues governing regulated services by cable systems. In a subsequent notice, comment was sought on recalibrating the competitive differential between rates of systems subject to effective competition and noncompetitive systems. In addition, comment was sought as to whether there may be a different approach to establish reasonable rates on the basic service tier.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
01/04/93
58 FR 48
R&O and FNPRM
05/21/93
58 FR 29736
MO&O and FNPRM
08/18/93
58 FR 43816 3rd R&O
11/30/93
58 FR 63087
Order on Recon, 4th R&O, and 5th
NPRM
04/15/94
59 FR 17943 3rd Order on Recon
04/15/94
59 FR 17961 5th Order on Recon and FNPRM 10/13/94
59 FR 51869 4th Order on Recon
10/21/94
59 FR 53113 6th Order on Recon, 5th R&O, and 7th NPRM
12/06/94
59 FR 62614 7th Order on Recon
01/25/95
60 FR 4863 9th Order on Recon
02/27/95
60 FR 10512 8th Order on Recon
03/17/95
60 FR 14373 6th R&O and 11th Order on Recon 07/12/95
60 FR 35854 13th Order on Recon
10/05/95
60 FR 52106 12th Order on Recon
10/26/95
60 FR 54815 10th Order on Recon
04/08/96
61 FR 15388
Order on Recon of the 1st R&O and Further NPRM
04/15/96
61 FR 16447
MO&O
02/12/97
62 FR 6491
Report on Cable Industry Prices 02/24/97
62 FR 8245
R&O
03/31/97
62 FR 15118 14th Order on Recon
10/15/97
62 FR 53572
NPRM and Order
09/05/02
67 FR 56882
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: John Norton, Deputy Division Chief, Policy Division,
Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7037
TDD Phone: 202 418-7172
Fax: 202 418-1196
Email: john.norton@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AF41
-
CABLE TELEVISION RATE REGULATION: COST OF SERVICE
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 543
Abstract: The Commission has established rules pursuant to which cable operators may set rates for regulated cable service in accordance with traditional cost-of-service principles, as modified to take account of unique characteristics of the cable industry. In the latest NPRM, comment was sought on rule changes that may be necessary or desirable in order to account for changes in the regulatory process resulting from the end of the Commission's statutory authority to regulate certain tiers of cable programming service.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
07/30/93
58 FR 40762
R&O
04/15/94
59 FR 17975 2nd NPRM
04/15/94
59 FR 18066
MO&O
10/14/94
59 FR 52087 2nd R&O/1st Order on Recon/FNPRM03/08/96
61 FR 9361
Correction
03/22/96
61 FR 11749
NPRM and Order
09/05/02
67 FR 56882
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: John Norton, Deputy Division Chief, Policy Division,
Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7037
TDD Phone: 202 418-7172
Fax: 202 418-1196
Email: john.norton@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AF48
-
CABLE HOME WIRING
Legal Authority: 47 USC 544(i)
Abstract: On October 6, 1997, the FCC adopted a Report and Order and
Second Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 97-376) that amends its cable inside wiring rules to enhance competition in the video distribution marketplace. The Second FNPRM seeks comment on, among other things, whether there are circumstances where the FCC should adopt restrictions on exclusive contracts in order to further promote competition in the multiple dwelling unit marketplace. The 2nd Report and Order addresses multiple dwelling units when the occupant charges video service providers. In the First Order on Reconsideration and the Second Report and Order, the Commission modified its rules in part. The United States
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit remanded a portion of the Commission decision back to the Commission for further consideration. In September 2004, the Commission issued an FNPRM in response to the courts decision. The subsequent Report and Order and
Declaratory Ruling concluded that cable wiring behind sheet rock is physically inaccessible for determining the demarcation point.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
11/17/92
57 FR 54209
R&O
03/02/93
58 FR 11970
NPRM
02/01/96
61 FR 3657
First Order on Recon & FNPRM 02/16/96
61 FR 6210
FNPRM
09/03/97
62 FR 46453
R&O and Second FNPRM
11/14/97
62 FR 60165
First Order on Recon and 2nd R&O03/21/03
68 FR 13850
FNPRM
10/15/04
69 FR 61193
R&O and Declaratory Ruling
08/30/07
72 FR 50074
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: John Norton, Deputy Division Chief, Policy Division,
Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7037
TDD Phone: 202 418-7172
Fax: 202 418-1196
Email: john.norton@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG02
-
COMPETITIVE AVAILABILITY OF NAVIGATION DEVICES (97-80)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 549
Abstract: The Commission has adopted rules to address the mandate expressed in section 629 of the Communications Act to ensure the commercial
Page 24804
availability of ``navigation devices,'' the equipment used to access video programming and other services from multichannel video programming systems.
Specifically, in 1998, the Commission required MVPDs to make available by July 1, 2000, a security element separate from the basic navigation device (e.g., cable set-top boxes, digital video recorders, and television receivers with navigation capabilities). The separation of the security element from the host device required by this rule
(referred to as the ``integration ban'') was designed to enable unaffiliated manufacturers, retailers, and other vendors to commercially market host devices while allowing MVPDs to retain control over their system security. MVPDs were permitted to continue providing equipment with integrated security until January 1, 2005, so long as modular security components, known as point-of-deployment modules, were also made available for use with host devices obtained through retail outlets. In April 2003, in response to requests from cable operators, the Commission extended the effective date of the integration ban until
July 1, 2006. Then, in 2005, again at the urging of cable operators, the Commission extended that date until July 1, 2007. Also, in this proceeding, in April 2003, the Commission adopted unidirectional ``plug and play'' rules, to govern compatibility between MVPDs and navigation devices manufactured by consumer electronics manufacturers not affiliated with cable operators. In June 2007, the Commission solicited comment on proposed standards to ensure bidirectional compatibility of cable television systems and consumer electronics equipment.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/05/97
62 FR 10011
R&O
07/15/98
63 FR 38089
Order on Reconsideration
06/02/99
64 FR 29599
FNPRM & Declaratory Ruling
09/28/00
65 FR 58255
FNPRM
01/16/03
68 FR 2278
Order and FNPRM
06/17/03
68 FR 35818 2nd R&O
11/28/03
68 FR 66728
FNPRM
11/28/03
68 FR 66776
Order on Reconsideration
01/28/04
69 FR 4081 2nd R&O
06/22/05
70 FR 36040 3rd FNPRM
07/25/07
72 FR 40818
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Brendan Murray, Attorney Advisor, Policy Division,
Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washhington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1573
Email: brendan.murray@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG28
-
HORIZONTAL OWNERSHIP LIMITS AND ATTRIBUTION RULES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 533
Abstract: Section 613 of the Communications Act requires the Commission to ``prescribe rules and regulations establishing reasonable limits on the number of cable subscribers a person is authorized to reach through cable systems owned by such person, or in which such person has an attributable interest.'' On October 8, 1999, the Commission issued a
Third Report and Order, FCC 99-289, in this matter. The Commission revised the horizontal ownership rules as follows: (1) All multichannel video subscribers will be counted when calculating the 30 percent ownership limit; (2) actual subscriber numbers, rather than potential subscriber numbers, will be used for calculating an owner's share; and
(3) the minority exception which allowed a 35 percent ownership limit for minority-owned entities under certain circumstances was eliminated.
On March 2, 2001, the District of Columbia Circuit Court reversed and remanded the cable horizontal and vertical limits, as well as two aspects of the attribution rules used to determine compliance with these limits. (Time Warner Entertainment Co. v. FCC, 240 F.3d 1126 (DC cir. 2001)). Pursuant to the court's remand, the Commission solicited comment in a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (September 2001) and a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
In the Fourth Report & Order, the Commission set the cable horizontal ownership limit at 30 percent. In the accompanying Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, comment was sought on issues regarding the cable attribution rules and appropriate channel occupancy limits.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
Second MO&O on Recon and FNPRM 07/14/98
63 FR 37790
Third R&O
12/01/99
64 FR 67198
Order on Recon
03/08/00
65 FR 12135
MO&O
06/08/00
65 FR 36382
FNPRM
10/11/01
66 FR 51905
Second FNPRM
06/18/05
70 FR 33680 4th R&O and FNPRM (release date)02/11/08
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Royce Sherlock, Chief, Industry Analysis Division,
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7030
Fax: 202 418-1196
Email: rsherlock@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH09
-
DIGITAL AUDIO BROADCASTING SYSTEMS (MM DOCKET NO. 99-325)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303
Abstract: The rulemaking proceeding was initiated to foster the development and implementation of terrestrial digital audio broadcasting (DAB). The transition to DAB promises the benefits that have generally accompanied digitalization--better audio fidelity, more robust transmission systems, and the possibility of new auxiliary services. In the First Report and Order, the Commission selected in- band, on-channel as the technology that will permit AM and FM radio broadcasters to introduce digital operations. Consideration of formal standard-setting procedures and related broadcasting licensing and service rule changes are addressed in a Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking. Further technical guidance is provided in a Second Report and Order.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
11/09/99
64 FR 61054
First R&O
12/23/02
67 FR 78193
FNPRM and NOI
05/14/04
69 FR 27815 2nd R&O
08/15/07
72 FR 45712
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Page 24805
Agency Contact: Peter Doyle, Chief, Audio Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2700
Email: pdoyle@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH40
-
SECOND PERIODIC REVIEW OF RULES AND POLICIES AFFECTING THE
CONVERSION TO DTV
Legal Authority: 47 USC 4(i) to 4(j); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 307; 47 USC 309; 47 USC 336
Abstract: On January 18, 2001, the Commission adopted a Report and
Order (R&O) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, addressing a number of issues related to the conversion of the nation's broadcast television system from analog to digital television. The 2nd Report &
Order resolved several major technical issues including the issue of receiver performance standards, DTV tuners, and revisions to certain components of the DTV transmission standard. The latest NPRM commenced the Commission's second periodic review of the progress of the digital television conversion. The resulting R&O adopted a multi-step process to create a new DTV table of allotments and authorizations. Also in the
R&O, the Commission adopted replication and maximization deadlines for
DTV broadcasters and updated rules in recognition revisions to broadcast transmission standards.
The Second R&O adopts disclosure requirements for televisions that do not include a digital tuner.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/23/00
65 FR 15600
Report & Order
02/13/01
66 FR 9973
MO&O
12/18/01
66 FR 65122 3rd MO&O and Order on Recon
10/02/02
67 FR 61816 2nd R&O and 2nd MO&O
10/11/02
67 FR 63290
NPRM
02/18/03
68 FR 7737
R&O
10/04/04
69 FR 59500 2nd R&O
05/10/07
72 FR 26554
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Eloise Gore, Associate Bureau Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1066
TDD Phone: 202 418-7172
Fax: 202 418-1069
Email: eloise.gore@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH54
-
DIRECT BROADCAST PUBLIC INTEREST OBLIGATIONS (MM DOCKET NO. 93-25)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 335
Abstract: The Commission adopted rules in 1998 that implement section 25 of the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, as codified at section 335 of the Communications Act of 1934.
Section 335 directs the Commission to impose certain public interest obligations on direct broadcast satellite providers. Several petitions for reconsideration are pending.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/08/93
58 FR 12917
Report and Order
02/08/99
64 FR 52399
Order on Reconsideration
04/22/04
69 FR 21761
Order on Reconsideration
04/28/04
69 FR 23155
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Rosalee Chiara, Staff Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0754
Email: rchiara@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH59
-
REVISION OF EEO RULES AND POLICIES (MM DOCKET NO. 98-204)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 257; 47 USC 301; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 307 to 309; 47 USC 334; 47 USC 403; 47 USC 554
Abstract: FCC authority to govern Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) responsibilities of cable television operators was codified in the
Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984. This authority was extended to television broadcast licensees and other multi-channel video programming distributors in the Cable and Television Consumer
Protection Act of 1992. In the Second Report and Order, the FCC adopted new EEO rules and policies. This action was in response to a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that found prior EEO rules unconstitutional. The Third Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking requests comment as to the applicability of the EEO rules to part-time employees. The Third Report and Order adopted revised forms for broadcast station and MVPDs Annual Employment Report. In the Fourth
NPRM, comment was sought regarding public access to the data contained in the forms.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
01/14/02
67 FR 1704 2nd R&O and 3rd NPRM
01/07/03
68 FR 670
Correction
01/13/03
68 FR 1657 4th NPRM
06/23/04
69 FR 34986 3rd R&O
06/23/04
69 FR 34950
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lewis Pulley, Asst. Chief, Policy Division, Media
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1450
Email: lewis.pulley@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH95
-
BROADCAST MULTIPLE AND CROSS-OWNERSHIP LIMITS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 152(a); 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 309 to 310
Abstract: In 2002, the Commission undertook a comprehensive review of its broadcast multiple and cross-ownership limits examining: cross ownership of TV and radio stations; local TV ownership limits; national
TV cap; and dual network rule.
The Report and Order replaced the newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership and radio and TV rules with a tiered approach based on the number of television stations in a market. Petitions for Reconsideration are pending. Also, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals remanded portions of the Commission's decisions. In June 2006, the Commission adopted a
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking initiating the 2006 review of the broadcast ownership rules. The further notice also sought comment on how to address the issues
Page 24806
raised by the Third Circuit. Additional questions are raised for comment in a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
In the Report & Order and Order on Reconsideration, the Commission adopts rule changes regarding newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership, but otherwise generally retains the other broadcast ownership rules currently in effect.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
10/05/01
66 FR 50991
R&O
08/05/03
68 FR 46286
Public Notice
02/19/04
69 FR 9216
FNPRM
08/09/06
71 FR 4511 2nd FNPRM
08/08/07
72 FR 44539
R&O and Order on Recon
02/21/08
73 FR 9481
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Mania K. Baghdadi, Deputy Division Chief, Industry
Analysis Division, Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2130
Email: mbaghda@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH97
-
ESTABLISHMENT OF RULES FOR DIGITAL LOW POWER TELEVISION, TELEVISION
TRANSLATOR, AND TELEVISION BOOSTER STATIONS (MB DOCKET NO. 03-185)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 309; 47 USC 336
Abstract: This proceeding initiates the digital television conversion for low power television (LPTV) and television translator stations. The rules and policies adopted as a result of this proceeding provide the framework for these stations' conversion from analog to digital broadcasting. The Report and Order adopts definitions and permissible use provisions for digital TV translator and LPTV stations. Petitions for reconsideration of the Report and Order are pending resolution.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
09/26/03
68 FR 55566
R&O
11/29/04
69 FR 69325
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Keith Larson, Chief Engineer, Media Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2607
Email: keith.larson@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI38
-
JOINT SALES AGREEMENTS IN LOCAL TELEVISION MARKETS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 to 152(a); 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303;
Abstract: A joint sales agreement (JSA) is an agreement with a licensee of a brokered station that authorizes a broker to sell some or all of the advertising time for the brokered station in return for a fee or percentage of revenues paid to the licensee. The Commission has sought comment on whether TV JSAs should be attributed for purposes of determining compliance with the Commission's multiple ownership rules.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
08/26/04
69 FR 52464
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Debra Sabourin, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Mass Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2130
Email: debra.sabourin@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI55
-
SIGNIFICANTLY VIEWED OUT-OF-MARKET BROADCAST STATIONS (DOCKET NO. 05-49)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i) to 154(j); 47 USC 340
Abstract: Section 202 of the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and
Reauthorization Act of 2004 creates section 340 of the Communications
Act, which provides satellite carries with the authority to offer
Commission determined ``significantly viewed'' signals of out-of-market broadcast stations to subscribers. In the NPRM, comment was sought on implementation of section 340. The resulting R&O adopted a list of significantly viewed stations and procedures for stations to petition the Commission for inclusion on the list.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/08/05
70 FR 11314
R&O
12/27/05
70 FR 76504
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Evan Baranoff, Attorney, Policy Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2120
Email: evan.baranoff@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI56
-
REVISION OF PROCEDURES GOVERNING AMENDMENTS TO FM TABLE OF
ALLOTMENTS AND CHANGES OF COMMUNITY OF LICENSE IN THE RADIO BROADCAST
SERVICES (MB DOCKET NO. 05-210)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303
Abstract: The rulemaking was initiated to reduce backlog in, and streamline, the FM allotment procedures and, to a lesser extent, streamline certain procedures pertaining to AM applications. Although the Commission has made important changes to streamline the processing of radio broadcast applications, the basic procedures for amending the
Table have not changed since 1982. The Notice seeks comment on a number of specific rule and procedural changes in the handling of FM and AM applications and rulemaking petitions to amend the Table. In the area of applications procedures, the Notice seeks comments on various proposals designed to encourage only bona fide proponents to submit petitions and to limit the complexity of such petitions. If these changes are adopted, it will expedite the approval and implementation on new and upgraded radio service to the public. The Report and Order adopted the proposals from the notice.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
06/22/05
70 FR 44537
NPRM Comment Period End
10/03/05
Report & Order
12/20/06
71 FR 76208
Next Action Undetermined
Page 24807
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Tom Nessinger, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2709
Email: thomas.nessinger@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI63
-
DIGITAL TELEVISION DISTRIBUTED TRANSMISSION SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES
(DOCKET NO. 05-312)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i) to 154(j); 47 USC 157; 47
USC 301;
Abstract: A digital television transmission system (``DTS'') employs multiple synchronized transmitters spread around a station's service area. Such distributed transmitters fill in unserved areas in the parent station's coverage area. The notice of proposed rulemaking examines issues related to the use of DTS and proposes rules for future
DTS operation.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
12/07/05
70 FR 72763
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Evan Baranoff, Attorney, Policy Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2120
Email: evan.baranoff@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI68
-
IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 621(A)(1) OF THE CABLE COMMUNICATIONS
POLICY ACT OF 1984 AS AMENDED BY THE CABLE TELEVISION CONSUMER
PROTECTION AND COMPETITION ACT OF 1992
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 541(a)(1); 47 USC 556(c)
Abstract: Section 621(a)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, states in relevant part that ``a franchising authority . .
.may not unreasonably refuse to award an additional competitive franchise.'' The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (``Notice'') solicits comment on implementation of section 621(a)(1)'s directive, and whether the franchising process unreasonably impedes the achievement of the interrelated Federal goals of enhanced cable competition and accelerated broadband deployment and, if so, how the Commission should act to address that problem.
The subsequent Report and Order found that certain actions by local franchising authorities constitute an unreasonable refusal to award a competitive franchise within the meaning of section 621(a)(1). The item included a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on how the findings should affect existing franchises.
In the Second Report & Order, a number of the rules promulgated in this docket are extended to incumbents.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
12/19/05
70 FR 73973
R&O and FNPRM
03/21/07
72 FR 13230 2nd R&O
11/23/07
72 FR 65670
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Holly Saurer, Attorney Advisor, Policy Division,
Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7283
Fax: 202 418-1069
Email: holly.saurer@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI69
-
PROGRAM ACCESS RULES--SUNSET OF EXCLUSIVE CONTRACTS PROHIBITION &
EXAMINATION OF PROGRAMMING TYING ARRANGEMENTS; (DOCKET NO. 07-29) (MB
DOCKET NO. 07-198)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 548
Abstract: The program access provisions of the Communications Act
(Section 628) generally prohibit exclusive contracts for satellite delivered programming between programmers in which a cable operator has an attributable interest (``vertically integrated programmers'') and cable operators. This limitation was set to expire on October 5, 2007, unless circumstances in the video programming marketplace indicate that an extension of the prohibition continues ``to be necessary to preserve and protect competition and diversity in the distribution of video programming.`` The proceeding undertakes the required review. The
Report and Order concluded the prohibition continues to be necessary, and accordingly, retained it until October 5, 2012. The accompanying
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking sought comment on revisions to the
Commission's program access and retransmission consent rules.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/01/07
72 FR 9289
R&O
10/04/07
72 FR 56645
NPRM
10/31/07
72 FR 61590
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: David Konczal, Federal Communications Commission, Media
Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2228
Email: david.konczal@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI87
-
THIRD PERIODIC REVIEW OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES AND POLICIES
AFFECTING THE CONVERSION TO DIGITAL TELEVISION; MB DOCKET NO. 07-91
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 301 to 303; 47 USC 307 to 309; 47 USC 312; 47 USC 316; 47 USC 318 to 319; 47 USC 324 to 325; 47 USC 336 to 337
Abstract: Congress has mandated that after February 17, 2009, full- power broadcast stations must transmit only in digital signals, and may no longer transmit analog signals. This proceeding is the Commission's third periodic review of the transition of the nation's broadcast television system from analog to digital television (``DTV''). The
Commission conducts these periodic reviews in order to assess the progress of the transition and make any necessary adjustments to the
Commission's rules and policies to facilitate the introduction of DTV service and the recovery of spectrum at the end of the transition. In this review, the Commission considers how to ensure that broadcasters complete construction of their final post-transition (digital) facilities by the statutory deadline.
Page 24808
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
07/09/07
72 FR 37310
R&O (released)
01/30/07
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Evan Baranoff, Attorney, Policy Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2120
Email: evan.baranoff@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI89
-
DTV CONSUMER EDUCATION INITIATIVE; MB DOCKET NO. 07-148
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 335 to 336
Abstract: Congress has mandated that after February 17, 2009, full- power broadcast stations must transmit only in digital signals, and may no longer transmit analog signals. From the beginning of the digital transition, the Commission has been committed to working with representatives from industry, public interest groups, and Congress to make the significant benefits of digital broadcasting available to the public. The digital transition will make valuable spectrums available for both public safety uses and expanded wireless competition and innovation. It will also provide consumers with better quality television picture and sound, and make new services available through multicasting. These innovations, however, are dependent upon widespread consumer understanding of the benefits and the mechanics of the transition. While the Commission has been engaged in various DTV outreach efforts, this proceeding was initiated to seek public comment on whether there are additional steps relating to consumer education about the digital transition which the Commission should take.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
08/16/07
72 FR 46014
NPRM Comment Period End
09/17/07
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lyle Elder, Policy Division, Media Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2120
Email: lyle.elder@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI96
-
[bull] BROADCAST LOCALISM (MB DOCKET NO. 04-233)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303; 47 USC 532; 47 USC 536
Abstract: The concept of localism has been a cornerstone of broadcast regulation. The Commission has consistently held that as temporary trustee of the public's airwaves, broadcasters are obligated to operate their stations to serve the public interest. Specifically, broadcasters are required to air programming responsive to the needs and issues of the people in their licensed communities. The Commission opened this proceeding to seek input on a number of issues related to broadcast localism.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
02/13/08
73 FR 8255
NPRM Comment Period End
03/14/08
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: William Freedman, Associate Chief, Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1415
Email: william.freedman@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AJ04
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Long-Term Actions
Office of Managing Director
-
ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF REGULATORY FEES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 159
Abstract: Section 9 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47
U.S.C. 159, requires the FCC 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
04/06/06
71 FR 17410
R&O
08/02/06
71 FR 43842
NPRM
05/02/07
72 FR 20213
R&O and FNPRM
08/16/07
72 FR 46010
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Mika Savir, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Office of the Managing Director, 445 12th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0384
Email: mika.savir@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI79
Page 24809
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Long-Term Actions
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
-
REVISION OF THE RULES TO ENSURE COMPATIBILITY WITH ENHANCED 911
EMERGENCY CALLING SYSTEMS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 134(i); 47 USC 151; 47 USC 201; 47 USC 208; 47
USC 215; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 309
Abstract: In a series of orders in several related proceedings issued since 1996, the Federal Communications Commission has taken action to improve the quality and reliability of 911 emergency services for wireless phone users. Rules have been adopted governing the availability of basic 911 services and the implementation of enhanced 911 (E911) for wireless services.
In the Order released June 8, 2007, (EB Docket No. 06-119 and WC Docket
No. 06-63), the Commission directed the Public Safety and Homeland
Security Bureau to implement several of the recommendations made by the
Independent Panel. The Commission also adopted rules requiring some communications providers to have emergency/backup power and to conduct analyses and submit reports on the redundancy and resiliency of their 911 and E911 networks. Finally, the Commission extended limited regulatory relief from Section 272 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, previously accorded by the Wireline Competition Bureau.
In an October 4, 2007 Order on Reconsideration, the Commission considered six petitions for reconsideration and/or clarification of the June 2007 Order that adopted the backup power rule (Section 12.2 of the Commission's rules). The Order on Reconsideration granted in part and denied in part the petitions. The Commission modified the backup power rule to address several meritorious issues raised by petitioners.
This modification will facilitate carrier compliance and reduce the burden on local exchange carriers and commercial mobile radio service providers, while continuing to further important homeland security and public safety goals.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
FNPRM
07/26/96
61 FR 40374
R&O
07/26/96
61 FR 40348
MO&O
01/16/98
63 FR 2631
Second Report & Order
06/28/99
64 FR 34564
Third R&O
11/04/99
64 FR 60126
Second MO&O
12/29/99
64 FR 72951
Fourth Report & Order, Third
NPRM, and NPRM
09/19/00
65 FR 56752
Fourth MO&O
10/02/00
65 FR 58657
FNPRM
06/13/01
66 FR 31878
Order
11/02/01
66 FR 55618
R&O
05/23/02
67 FR 36112
Public Notice
07/17/02
67 FR 46909
Order to Stay
07/26/02
Order on Recon
01/22/03
68 FR 2914
FNPRM
01/23/03
68 FR 3214 2nd R & O, 2nd FNPRM
02/11/04
69 FR 657801 2nd R&O
09/07/04
69 FR 54037
NPRM
06/01/07
72 FR 33948
NPRM Comment Period End
08/20/07
Order on Recon
10/11/07
72 FR 57879
R&O
02/14/08
73 FR 8617
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Carol Simpson, Deputy Chief, Policy Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2391
Fax: 202 418-2816
Email: carol.simpson@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG34
-
ENHANCED 911 SERVICES FOR WIRELINE
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 201; 47 USC 222; 47
USC 251
Abstract: The rules generally will assist State governments in drafting legislation that will ensure that multi-line telephone systems are compatible with the enhanced 911 network.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
10/11/94
59 FR 54878
FNPRM
01/23/03
68 FR 3214 2nd FNPRM
02/11/04
69 FR 6595
R&O
02/11/04
69 FR 6578
Public Notice
01/13/05
70 FR 2405
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Carol Simpson, Deputy Chief, Policy Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2391
Fax: 202 418-2816
Email: carol.simpson@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG60
-
IN THE MATTER OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANCE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
ACT
Legal Authority: 47 USC 229; 47 USC 1001 to 1008
Abstract: All of the decisions in this proceeding thus far are aimed at implementation of provisions of the Communications Assistance for Law
Enforcement Act.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
10/10/97
62 FR 63302
Order
01/13/98
63 FR 1943
FNPRM
11/16/98
63 FR 63639
Report & Order
01/29/99
64 FR 51462
Order
03/29/99
64 FR 14834
Second Report & Order
09/23/99
64 FR 51462
Third Report & Order
09/24/99
64 FR 51710
Order on Recon
09/28/99
64 FR 52244
Policy Statement
10/12/99
64 FR 55164
Second Order on Recon
05/04/01
66 FR 22446
Order
10/05/01
66 FR 50841
Order on Remand
05/02/02
67 FR 21999
NPRM
09/23/04
69 FR 56976
First Report & Order
10/13/05
70 FR 59704
Second Report & Order
07/05/06
71 FR 38091
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Tom Beers, Chief, Policy Division, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0952
Email: tom.beers@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG74
-
DEVELOPMENT OF OPERATIONAL, TECHNICAL, AND SPECTRUM REQUIREMENTS
FOR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 160; 47 USC 201 to 202; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 337(a); 47 USC 403
Abstract: This item takes steps toward developing a flexible regulatory
Page 24810
framework to meet vital current and future public safety communications needs.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
10/09/97
62 FR 60199
Second NPRM
11/07/97
62 FR 60199
First R&O
08/06/98
63 FR 58645
Third NPRM
08/06/98
63 FR 58685
MO&O
04/26/99
64 FR 60123
Second R&O
08/08/00
65 FR 48393
Fourth NPRM
08/25/00
65 FR 51788
Second MO&O
09/05/00
65 FR 53641
Third MO&O
11/07/00
65 FR 66644
Third R&O
11/07/00
65 FR 66644
Fifth NPRM
02/16/01
66 FR 10660
Fourth R&O
02/16/01
66 FR 10632
MO&O
09/27/02
67 FR 61002
NPRM
11/08/02
67 FR 68079
R&O
12/13/02
67 FR 76697
NPRM
04/27/05
70 FR 21726
R&O
04/27/05
70 FR 21671
NPRM
04/07/06
71 FR 17786
NPRM
09/21/06
71 FR 55149
Ninth NPRM
01/10/07
72 FR 1201
Ninth NPRM Comment Period End 02/26/07
R&O and FNPRM
05/02/07
72 FR 24238
R&O and FNPRM Comment Period End05/23/07 2nd R&O
08/10/07
72 FR 48814
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jeff Cohen, Senior Legal Counsel, Federal
Communications Commission, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0799
Email: jeff.cohen@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG85
-
1998 BIENNIAL REGULATORY REVIEW--REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS SETTLEMENT IN
MARITIME MOBILE AND MARITIME MOBILE-SATELLITE RADIO SERVICES; (IB DOCKET
NO. 98-96)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 201 to 205; 47
USC 303(r)
Abstract: The FCC seeks comment regarding Accounts Settlement in the
Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) Radio
Services.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
07/24/98
63 FR 39800
Report & Order
07/28/99
64 FR 40774
Further NPRM
07/28/99
64 FR 40808
Comment Period Extended
09/03/99
64 FR 48337
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Timothy Peterson, Chief of Staff, PSHSB, Federal
Communications Commission, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1575
RIN: 3060-AH30
-
IMPLEMENTATION OF 911 ACT
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i) to 154(j); 47 USC 157; 47
USC 160; 47 USC 202; 47 USC 208; 47 USC 210; 47 USC 214; 47 USC 251(e); 47 USC 301; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 308 to 309(j); 47 USC 310
Abstract: This proceeding is separate from the Commission's proceeding on Enhanced 911 Emergency Systems (E911) in that it is intended to implement provisions of the Wireless Communications and Public Safety
Act of 1999 through the promotion of public safety by the deployment of a seamless, nationwide emergency communications infrastructure that includes wireless communications services. More specifically, a chief goal of the proceeding is to ensure that all emergency calls are routed to the appropriate local emergency authority to provide assistance. The
E911 proceeding goes a step further and is aimed at improving the effectiveness and reliability of wireless 911 dispatchers with additional information on wireless 911 calls.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
Final Rule
01/25/02
67 FR 3621
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: David H. Siehl, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1313
Fax: 202 418-2816
Email: david.siehl@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH90
-
COMMISSION RULES CONCERNING DISRUPTIONS TO COMMUNICATIONS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303(r)
Abstract: The notice of proposed rulemaking proposed to extend the
Commission's disruption reporting requirements to communications providers who are not wireline carriers. The proposal will allow the
Commission to obtain the necessary information regarding service disruptions in an efficient and expeditious manner and to achieve significant concomitant public interest benefits.
The further notice of proposed rulemaking expands the record in the proceeding to focus specifically on the unique communications needs of airports, including wireless and satellite communications. In this regard, the Commission requested comment on the additional types of airport communications (e.g., wireless, satellite) that should be required to file service disruption reports--particularly from a homeland security and defense perspective. These types of airport communications may include, for example, communications that are provided by ARINC as well as commercial communications (e.g., air-to- ground and ground-to-air telephone communications) as well as intra- airline commercial links. The Commission also requested comment on whether the outage-reporting requirements for special facilities should be extended to cover general aviation airports (GA) and, if so, what the applicable threshold criteria should be.
The Report and Order extended the Commission's disruption reporting requirements to communications providers who are not wireline carriers.
The Commission also streamlined compliance with the reporting requirements through electronic filing with a ``fill in the blank'' template and by simplifying the application of that rule. In addition, the Commission delegates authority to the Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology, to make the revisions to the filing system and template necessary to improve the
Page 24811
efficiency of reporting and to reduce, where reasonably possible, the time for providers to prepare, and for the Commission staff to review, the communications disruption reports required to be filed. Such authority was subsequently delegated to the chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. These actions will allow the Commission to obtain the necessary information regarding service disruptions in an efficient and expeditious manner and to achieve significant concomitant public interest benefits.
The Commission received nine petitions for reconsideration in this proceeding, which are pending.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/26/04
69 FR 15761
FNPRM
11/26/04
69 FR 68859
R&O
12/03/04
69 FR 70316
Petition for Reconsideration 02/15/05
70 FR 7737
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lisa Fowlkes, Deputy Bureau Chief, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Public
Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington,
DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7452
Email: lisa.fowlkes@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI22
-
E911 REQUIREMENTS FOR IP-ENABLED SERVICE PROVIDERS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i) to 154(j); 47 USC 251(e); 47
USC 303(r)
Abstract: The notice seeks comment on what additional steps the
Commission should take to ensure that providers of voice-over Internet protocol services that interconnect with the public switched telephone network provide ubiquitous and reliable enhanced 911 service.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
06/29/05
70 FR 37307
NPRM Comment Period End
09/12/05
NPRM
06/01/07
72 FR 33948
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Carol Simpson, Deputy Chief, Policy Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2391
Fax: 202 418-2816
Email: carol.simpson@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI62
-
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INDEPENDENT PANEL REVIEWING THE IMPACT OF
HURRICANE KATRINA ON COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 218; 47 USC 303(r)
Abstract: In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in EB Docket No. 06-119, the Commission initiated a comprehensive rulemaking to address and implement the recommendations presented by the Independent Panel
Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks
(Independent Panel). The Independent Panel's report described the impact of one of the worst natural disasters in the Nation's history as well as the overall public and private response efforts. In addition, the report included recommendations which relate to: (1) Pre- positioning the communications industry and the government for disasters in order to achieve greater network reliability and resiliency; (2) improving recovery coordination to address existing shortcomings and to maximize the use of existing resources; (3) improving the operability and interoperability of public safety and 911 communications in times of crisis; and (4) improving communication of emergency information to the public. The Commission, in this proceeding, is to take the lessons learned from this disaster and build upon them to promote more effective, efficient response and recovery efforts as well as heightened readiness and preparedness in the future.
To accomplish this goal, the Commission invited comment on what actions the Commission can take to address the Independent Panel's recommendations.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
07/07/06
71 FR 38564
Order
07/11/07
72 FR 37655
Delay of Effective Date of Rule 08/10/07
72 FR 44978
Petition for Reconsideration 08/20/07
72 FR 46485
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lisa Fowlkes, Deputy Bureau Chief, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Public
Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington,
DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7452
Email: lisa.fowlkes@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI78
-
[bull] THE COMMERCIAL MOBILE ALERT SYSTEM
Legal Authority: PL 109-347 Title VI; Executive Order 13407; 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i)
Abstract: In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission initiated a comprehensive rulemaking to establish a commercial mobile alert system under which commercial mobile service providers may elect to transmit emergency alerts to the public.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
01/03/08
73 FR 545
NPRM Comment Period End
02/04/08
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lisa Fowlkes, Deputy Bureau Chief, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Public
Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington,
DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7452
Email: lisa.fowlkes@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AJ03
Page 24812
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Long-Term Actions
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
-
AMENDMENT OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES CONCERNING MARITIME
COMMUNICATIONS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303
Abstract: Amendment of the Maritime Radio Service Rules to encourage growth and improve the regulatory structure in VHF maritime communications.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NOI/NPRM
11/05/92
57 FR 57717
FNPRM
04/26/95
60 FR 35507
First R&O
04/26/95
60 FR 34198
Second FNPRM
06/17/97
62 FR 37533
Second R&O
06/17/97
62 FR 40281
Third R&O and MO&O
07/06/98
63 FR 40059
MO&O
04/26/99
64 FR 26885
Third NPRM
12/08/00
65 FR 76966
Fourth R&O
12/13/00
65 FR 77821
Fourth NPRM
02/04/02
67 FR 5080 2nd MO&O and 5th R&O
07/25/02
67 FR 48560
R&O
08/13/03
68 FR 48446
MO&O
04/15/04
69 FR 19947
Correcting Amendment
07/26/04
69 FR 44471 2nd R&O and 6th R&O
11/08/04
69 FR 64664
Final Rule
10/12/06
71 FR 60075
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jeff Tobias, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0680
Email: jeff.tobias@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AF14
-
RESALE AND ROAMING OBLIGATIONS PERTAINING TO COMMERCIAL MOBILE
RADIO SERVICES
Legal Authority: PL 103-66, sec 6002, Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993
Abstract: On an interim basis, the First Report and Order extends to broadband PCS and covered SMR providers the cellular rule that prohibits restricting resale of communications services. The new rules sunset five years after the last group of initial licensees for currently allocated broadband PCS spectrum is awarded. The rules also eliminate all exceptions to the rule that allowed cellular licensees to restrict resale by competing with fully operational cellular licensees in the same geographic market. The Commission successfully adopted a
Second Report and Order and Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this proceeding. The Second Report and Order extends the Commission's cellular rules on manual roaming by any individual whose handset is capable of accessing the network of a cellular, broadband PCS, or covered SMR provider. The Third NPRM, among other things, sought comment on whether the Commission should adopt rules requiring cellular, broadband PCS, and covered SMR providers to provide automatic roaming in their coverage areas, and whether both automatic and manual roaming requirements should sunset five years after the initial grant of PCS licenses. The Third MO&O generally affirmed the Commission's earlier decision to extend the cellular resale rule to include certain
PCS and SMR providers and to sunset the rule until November 24, 2002.
However, it modified the prior decision by removing customer premise equipment (CPE) and CPE in bundled packages from the scope of the resale rule, by revising the scope of the resale rule to exclude all C,
D, E, and F block PCS licensees that do not own and control and are not controlled by cellular or A or B block licensees, and by exempting from the rule all SMR and other CMRS providers that do not utilize in- network switching facilities.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
07/13/94
59 FR 35664
NOI
07/13/94
59 FR 35664
NPRM Comment Period End
09/29/94
NPRM
04/04/95
60 FR 20949
NPRM Comment Period End
07/14/95
First R&O
07/12/96
61 FR 38399
Second R&O and Third NPRM
08/15/96
61 FR 44026
MO&O and O on Recon
11/09/99
64 FR 61022
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jane Phillips, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1310
RIN: 3060-AF58
-
IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 309(J) OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ACT,
COMPETITIVE BIDDING; 218-219 MHZ COMPETITIVE BIDDING RULES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 309(j)
Abstract: Tenth Report and Order modifies the competitive bidding rules for the upcoming auction of 218-219 MHz: (1) Eliminates bidding credits available to women- and minority-owned 218-219 MHz applicants; (2) extends two levels of bidding credits to small businesses based on a two-tiered small business definition; (3) clarifies the attribution rules for affiliates of 218-219 MHz applicants; and (4) increases the amount of the upfront payments required to participate in the 218-219
MHz auction.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
R&O
04/25/94
59 FR 24947
FNPRM
08/06/96
61 FR 49103
R&O
11/15/96
61 FR 60198
FNPRM
09/30/98
63 FR 52215
MO&O
10/08/98
63 FR 54073
R&O and MO&O
11/03/99
64 FR 59656
Order on Reconsideration
12/29/99
64 FR 72956
Second Order on Reconsideration 02/07/01
66 FR 9212 3rd Order on Recon of R&O and
MO&O
06/24/02
67 FR 42507
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: William Huber, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2109
Fax: 202 418-0890
Email: whuber@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG00
-
39 GHZ CHANNEL PLAN
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 524
Abstract: This proceeding amends the FCC's rules to facilitate more effective use of the 39 GHz band.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
01/26/96
61 FR 2465
NPRM Comment Period End
02/12/96
Order
02/22/96
61 FR 6809
Page 24813
Reply Comments
02/27/96
Order
05/01/96
61 FR 19236
Second NPRM
01/21/98
63 FR 3075
R&O
02/06/98
63 FR 6079
MO&O
08/23/99
64 FR 45891
NPRM
12/20/99
64 FR 71088
R&O
01/02/01
66 FR 33
NPRM
12/21/01
66 FR 65866
R&O
03/04/02
67 FR 9610
R&O
12/03/02
67 FR 71861
R&O
08/13/03
68 FR 48446
Third NPRM
08/27/04
69 FR 52632
Third NPRM Comment Period
Extended
10/04/04
69 FR 59166
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ken Burnley, Staff Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0664
Email: kburnley@fcc.gov
Jennifer Burton, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7581
RIN: 3060-AG16
-
IMPLEMENTATION OF 309(J) OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ACT, AMENDMENT OF
PARTS 20 AND 24 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES--BROADBAND PCS COMPETITIVE
BIDDING AND THE COMMERCIAL MOBILE RADIO SERVICE SPECTRUM CAP
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 301 to 302; 47 USC 303(r); 47
USC 309(j); 47 USC 332
Abstract: NPRM to modify the competitive bidding rules for the
Broadband PCS F Block. Report and Order, adopted June 21,1996, modified the PCS/cellular rule and the cellular spectrum cap.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
O on Recon of Fifth MO&O and D,
E, & F R&O
11/15/00
65 FR 68927
Final Rule
03/02/01
66 FR 13022
Final Rule
06/04/01
66 FR 29911 3rd NPRM
08/27/04
69 FR 52632 3rd NPRM Comment Period Extended10/04/04
69 FR 59166
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Audrey Bashkin, Staff Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7535
Email: abashkin@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG21
-
MULTIPLE ACCESS SYSTEMS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 302 to 303
Abstract: This proceeding amended the FCC's rules regarding multiple address systems (MAS) in the microwave service. It streamlined regulations and established a framework for MAS spectrum that provides opportunities for continued development of competitive service offerings by allowing a variety of services.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
01/19/97
62 FR 11407
Order
09/17/98
63 FR 53350
FNPRM
05/18/99
64 FR 38617
R&O
04/03/00
65 FR 17445
MO&O
07/03/01
66 FR 35107
Final Rule
07/22/04
69 FR 43772
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Shellie Blakeney, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0680
Email: sblakene@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG86
-
AMENDMENT OF PART I OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES--COMPETITIVE BIDDING
PROCEDURES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 202; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 309(j)
Abstract: This proceeding proposes to amend and modify the competitive bidding rules for all auctionable services.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/21/97
62 FR 13570
NPRM Comment Period End
04/16/97
Second FNPRM
01/07/98
63 FR 770
Third R&O
01/15/98
63 FR 2315
Fifth R&O, Order on Recon
08/29/00
65 FR 52323
Fourth FNPRM
08/29/00
65 FR 52401
Seventh R&O
10/29/01
66 FR 54447 8th R&O
04/08/02
67 FR 16647 2nd Order on Recon of 3rd R&O and Order on Recon of 5th R&O 07/21/03
68 FR 42984
Final Rule
10/07/03
68 FR 57828
Final Rule
09/30/05
70 FR 57183
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Robert Krinsky, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2909
Fax: 202 418-0890
Email: robert.krinsky@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG87
-
AMENDMENT OF PART 90 OF THE RULES TO ADOPT REGULATIONS FOR
AUTOMATIC VEHICLE MONITORING SYSTEMS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 251 to 252; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 309; 47 USC 332
Abstract: This Second Report and Order adopts rules and procedures governing competitive bidding for multilateration Location and
Monitoring Service (LMS) frequencies.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
10/06/97
62 FR 52078
NPRM Comment Period End
11/20/97
Second R&O
07/30/98
63 FR 40659
NPRM
05/03/99
64 FR 23571
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Scot Stone, Federal Communications Commission, Wireless
Telecom Bureau--PSPWD, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0680
Email: scot.stone@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH12
Page 24814
-
FIXED SATELLITE SERVICE AND TERRESTRIAL SYSTEM IN THE KU-BAND
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 157; 47 USC 303
Abstract: The Memorandum Opinion and Order and 2nd Report and Order addressed petitions for reconsideration and established technical, service, and licensing rules for Multichannel Video Distribution and
Data Service (MVDDS) in the 12 GHz band. MVDDS will facilitate the delivery of new communications services, such as video and broadband services, to a wide range of populations, including those that are unserved or underserved. These rules will allow MVDDS licensees to share the 12 GHz band with new operators on a com-primary basis, and non-harmful interference basis with incumbent Direct Broadcast
Satellite service providers.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
01/12/99
64 FR 1786
Order
02/16/99
64 FR 7577
Public Notice
12/15/99
64 FR 70028
FNPRM
01/24/01
66 FR 7607
R&O
02/16/01
66 FR 10601
Petitions for Reconsideration 04/09/01
66 FR 18474 2nd R&O
06/26/02
67 FR 43031 3rd R&O
06/18/03
68 FR 42610
Order To Deny
07/25/03
68 FR 43942
Final Rule
05/18/04
69 FR 28062
Final Rule
06/07/04
69 FR 28062
Correcting Amendment
10/04/04
69 FR 59145
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Tom Derenge, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and
Technology, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2451
Email: thomas.derenge@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH17
-
SERVICE RULES FOR THE 746-764 AND 776-794 MHZ BANDS, AND REVISIONS
TO PART 27 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 1; 47 USC 4(i); 47 USC 7; 47 USC 10; 47 USC 201 to 202; 47 USC 208; 47 USC 214; 47 USC 301; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 307 to 308; 47 USC 309(j) to 309(k); 47 USC 310 to 311; 47 USC 315; 47 USC 317; 47 USC 324; 47 USC 331 to 332; 47 USC 336
Abstract: The Report and Order in this proceeding adopts service rules for licensing and auction of commercial services in spectrum in the 700
MHz band to be vacated by UHF television licensees.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
07/07/99
64 FR 36686
R&O
01/20/00
65 FR 3139
Second R&O
04/04/00
65 FR 17594
MO&O and FNPRM
07/12/00
65 FR 42879
Second MO&O
02/06/01
66 FR 9035
Third R&O
02/14/01
66 FR 10204
Second MO&O
02/15/01
66 FR 10374
Order on Recon of Third R&O
10/10/01
66 FR 51594 3rd MO&O and Order
07/30/02
67 FR 49244
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: William Huber, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2109
Fax: 202 418-0890
Email: whuber@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH32
-
IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTIONS 309(J) AND 337 OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ACT
OF 1934 AS AMENDED
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 309(j)
Abstract: This NPRM commences a proceeding to implement 309(j) and 337 of the Communications Act, as amended by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which was signed into law on August 5, 1997. This notice seeks comment on changes to the Commission's rules and policies to implement the revised auction authority.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
05/03/99
64 FR 23571
R&O
01/02/01
66 FR 33
MO&O
05/16/02
67 FR 34848
NPRM
07/17/03
68 FR 42337
R&O
07/17/03
68 FR 42296
Order
04/06/04
69 FR 17959
Final Rule
06/15/05
70 FR 34666
NPRM
06/15/05
70 FR 34726
Final Rule
05/11/05
70 FR 24712
Final Rule
07/15/05
70 FR 41631
Final Rule
04/18/07
72 FR 19387
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Roberto Mussenden, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1428
Email: roberto.mussenden@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH33
-
AMENDMENT TO PARTS 1, 2, 87, AND 101 OF THE RULES TO LICENSE FIXED
SERVICES AT 24 GHZ
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 309(j)
Abstract: This rulemaking proposes licensing and service rules to govern the 24 GHz band generally.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
12/20/99
64 FR 71088
R&O
08/05/00
65 FR 59350
Order
06/01/01
66 FR 29722
NPRM
12/21/01
66 FR 65866
Final Rule
07/27/04
69 FR 44608
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Nese Guendelsberger, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0634
Fax: 202 418-1186
Email: nguendel@fcc.gov
Nancy Zaczek, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0680
Email: nzaczek@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH41
-
AMENDMENT OF PARTS 13 AND 80 GOVERNING MARITIME COMMUNICATIONS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 302 to 303
Abstract: This matter concerns the amendment of the rules governing maritime communications in order to
Page 24815
consolidate, revise and streamline the regulations as well as address new international requirements and improve the operational ability of all users of marine radios.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/24/00
65 FR 21694
NPRM
08/17/00
65 FR 50173
NPRM
05/17/02
67 FR 35086
Report & Order
08/07/03
68 FR 46957 2nd R&O, 6th R&O, 2nd FNPRM
04/06/04
69 FR 18007
Comments Due
06/07/04
Reply Comments Due
07/06/04 2nd R&O and 6th R&O
11/08/04
69 FR 64664
NPRM
11/08/06
71 FR 65447
Final Action
01/25/08
73 FR 4475
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Roberto Mussenden, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1428
Email: roberto.mussenden@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH55
-
COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCEDURES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 301 to 303; 47 USC 309; 47 USC 332
Abstract: This proceeding proposes resumption of installment payments for broadband Personal Communications Services (PCS), e.g., for C and F
Block, with payment deadline to be reinstated as of March 31, 1998. The proposal contemplates, inter alia, changes to the FCC's C Block rules to govern re-auction of surrendered spectrum in the C Block. The proposal was released on October 16, 1997, and published in the Federal
Register.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
2nd R&O
10/24/97
62 FR 55348
FNPRM
10/24/97
62 FR 55375
Order on Recon of Second R&O 04/08/98
63 FR 17111
Fourth R&O
09/23/98
63 FR 50791
Second Order on Recon of Second
R&O
05/18/99
64 FR 26887
Recon of Fourth R&O
03/16/00
65 FR 14213
FNPRM
06/13/00
65 FR 37092 6th R&O and Order on Recon
09/05/00
65 FR 53620
Order on Recon
02/12/01
66 FR 9773 7th R&O
10/29/01
66 FR 54447 8th R&O
04/08/02
67 FR 16647
Final Rule
07/21/03
68 FR 42984
Final Rule
10/07/03
68 FR 57828
Final Rule
09/30/05
70 FR 57183
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Audrey Bashkin, Staff Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7535
Email: abashkin@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH57
-
TRANSFER OF THE 3650 THROUGH 3700 MHZ BAND FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
USE
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 157; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 332
Abstract: This proceeding seeks to determine whether the 3650 to 3700
MHz band should be used for unlicensed devices or some or all of the band should be used for unlicensed options.
In January 1999, the 3650-3700 MHz band (3650 MHz band) was transferred from government/non-government shared use to a mixed-use band. In
October 2000, in ET Docket No. 98-237, the FCC allocated the band to fixed and mobile terrestrial services on a co-primary basis, but in order to protect grandfathered Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) earth stations and Federal Government radiolocation operations, limited the mobile allocation to base stations use only. At this same time, the FCC proposed licensing and service rules for fixed and mobile operations in the band. Subsequently, in December 2002, in ET Docket No. 02-380, the
FCC sought comment, in part, on the possibility of allowing unlicensed devices to operate in the 3650 MHz band. In April 2004, in ET Docket
No. 04-151, the FCC followed-up on this inquiry by releasing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on whether the 3650 MHz band should be used for unlicensed devices or part or all of the band should be used for licensed operations.
The NPRM proposes to allow unlicensed devices to operate in all, or part, of the 3650 MHz band at higher power levels than usually permitted for unlicensed services. These devices would be subject to smart (or cognitive) requirements and other safeguards designed to prevent interference to the licensed FSS earth stations now resident in the band. As with other unlicensed devices, these devices would not be permitted to cause interference to licensed services, such as the FSS earth stations, and would have to accept interference. The NPRM also seeks comment on other options for the band, including licensed use of the band by fixed and mobile services, or segmenting the 3650 MHz band to provide for a combination of unlicensed and licensed terrestrial services. The Notice seeks comment on issues related both to allocation changes necessary to set the relative priority between terrestrial and
FSS licensed operations, and to licensing rule changes necessary to implement licensed terrestrial service operations.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/16/00
65 FR 14230
First R&O and Second NPRM
11/17/00
65 FR 69612
Petition for Reconsideration 03/28/01
66 FR 16940
R&O
02/27/02
67 FR 17038
MO&O and 3rd R&O
05/02/03
68 FR 38635
Notice of Inquiry
01/21/03
68 FR 2730
NPRM
05/14/04
69 FR 26790
Final Rule
05/11/05
70 FR 24712
Final Rule
07/20/05
70 FR 41631
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Eli Johnson, Senior Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1310
Fax: 202 418-7247
Email: eli.johnson@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH75
-
2000 BIENNIAL REGULATORY REVIEW SPECTRUM AGGREGATION LIMITS FOR
COMMERCIAL MOBILE RADIO SERVICES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 161; 47 USC 303(g); 47 USC 303(r)
Abstract: The Commission has adopted a final rule in a proceeding reexamining the need for Commercial
Page 24816
Mobile Radio Services spectrum aggregation limits.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
02/12/01
66 FR 9798
NPRM Comment Period End
05/14/01
Final Rule
01/14/02
67 FR 1626
Correction to Final Rule
01/31/02
67 FR 4675
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Michael J. Rowan, Attorney-Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1883
Fax: 202 418-7447
Email: michael.rowan@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH81
-
IN THE MATTER OF PROMOTING EFFICIENT USE OF SPECTRUM THROUGH
ELIMINATION OF BARRIERS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SECONDARY MARKETS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 157; 47 USC 160; 47
USC 201 to 202; 47 USC 208; 47 USC 214; 47 USC 301; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 308 to 310
Abstract: The Commission has opened a proceeding to examine actions it may take to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to the development of more robust secondary markets in radio spectrum usage rights.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
12/26/00
65 FR 81475
NPRM Comment Period End
01/29/01
66 FR 8149
New NPRM Comment Period End
02/09/01
NPRM
11/25/03
68 FR 66232
Final Rule
11/25/03
68 FR 66252
NPRM Comment Period End
01/05/04
Final Rule
02/12/04
69 FR 6920
Final Rule
02/25/04
69 FR 8569
Final Rule
11/15/04
69 FR 65544
Final Rule
12/27/04
69 FR 77522
Proposed Rule
12/27/04
69 FR 77560
Final Rule
08/01/07
72 FR 41935
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Paul Murray, Staff Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0688
Fax: 202 418-7447
Email: pmurray@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH82
-
REEXAMINATION OF ROAMING OBLIGATIONS OF COMMERCIAL MOBILE RADIO
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 152(n); 47 USC 154(i) to 154(j); 47
USC 201(b); 47 USC 251(a); 47 USC 253; 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 332(c)(1)(B); 47 USC 309
Abstract: This rulemaking considers whether the Commission should adopt an automatic roaming rule for Commercial Mobile Radio Services and sunset the current manual roaming requirement.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
11/21/00
65 FR 69891
NPRM
09/28/05
70 FR 56612
NPRM
01/19/06
71 FR 3029
FNPRM
08/30/07
72 FR 50085
Final Rule
08/30/07
72 FR 50064
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: David Hu, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission,
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7120
Fax: 202 418-1186
Email: dhu@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH83
-
AMENDMENT TO LICENSING LOW POWER OPERATIONS IN 450-470 MHZ BAND
Legal Authority: 47 USC 1; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302 to 303; 47 USC 332
Abstract: The proposed amendments facilitate the viability of low power operations in the private land mobile radio 450-470 MHz Band.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
09/12/01
66 FR 47435
R&O
04/21/03
68 FR 19444
Final Rule
09/25/03
68 FR 55319
Final Rule
10/12/04
69 FR 60561
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Brian Marenco, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0838
Email: brian.marenco@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH84
-
REVIEW OF QUIET ZONES APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 1; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 161; 47 USC 303(g); 47
USC 303(r)
Abstract: Review of Quiet Zones rules for possible streamlining while ensuring adequate protection from interference.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
12/21/01
66 FR 65866
NPRM Comment Period End
02/06/02
R&O
04/06/04
69 FR 17946
Final Rule
09/23/04
69 FR 56956
Final Rule
12/06/04
69 FR 70378
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Linda Chang, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1339
Email: linda.chang@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH88
-
REALLOCATION AND SERVICE RULES FOR THE 698-746 MHZ SPECTRUM BAND
(TELEVISION CHANNELS 52-59)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 to 152; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 155(c); 47
USC 157; 47 USC 201 to 202; 47 USC 208; 47 USC 214; 47 USC 301 to 302(g); 47 USC 303; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 309 to 311; 47 USC 314; 47 USC 316; 47 USC 319; 47 USC 324; 47 USC 331 to 333; 47 USC 336; 47 USC 534 to 535
Abstract: The Commission has adopted allocation and service rules for the 48 MHz of spectrum in the 698-746 MHz band currently occupied by television channels 52-59.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
04/13/01
66 FR 19106
Page 24817
Report & Order
02/06/02
67 FR 5491
MO&O
07/09/02
67 FR 45380
Final Rule
08/28/04
69 FR 51706
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Michael J. Rowan, Attorney-Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1883
Fax: 202 418-7447
Email: michael.rowan@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH89
-
YEAR 2000 PART 22 BIENNIAL REVIEW (WT DOCKET NO. 01-108)
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
Abstract: The year 2000 part 22 Biennial Review Report & Order and subsequent Order on Reconsideration examined whether certain rules should be modified or eliminated as a result of technological changes or increased competition.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
Final Rule
04/01/04
69 FR 17063
Final Rule Effective
06/01/04
Final Rule
09/15/04
69 FR 55516
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Linda Chang, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1339
Fax: 202 418-7447
Email: lchang@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI26
-
AIR-GROUND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 151(i); 47 USC 161; 47 USC 303(r)
Abstract: Re-examination of rules governing air-ground telecommunications services on commercial airplanes. Revision/ elimination of 47 CFR 22 non-cellular provisions.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
07/25/03
68 FR 44003
NPRM Comment Period End
10/23/03
Final Rule
04/13/05
70 FR 19293
NPRM
04/13/05
70 FR 19377
Final Rule Correction
04/27/05
70 FR 21663
Final Rule
12/27/05
70 FR 76411
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Richard Arsenault, Chief Counsel, Mobility Division,
WTB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0920
Email: richard.arsenault@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI27
-
AMENDMENTS OF VARIOUS RULES AFFECTING WIRELESS RADIO SERVICES (WT
DOCKET NO. 03-264)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 161; 47 USC 303(r)
Abstract: This rulemaking proposes to streamline and harmonize wireless radio service rules.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
02/23/04
69 FR 8132
NPRM Comment Period End
05/24/04
NPRM
10/19/05
70 FR 60770
Final Rule
10/20/05
70 FR 61049
Proposed Rule
05/02/07
72 FR 24238
Final Rule
05/16/07
72 FR 27688
Final Rule
08/24/07
72 FR 48814
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lloyd William Coward, Deputy Chief, Mobility Division,
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1895
Fax: 202 418-7447
Email: lloyd.coward@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI30
-
FACILITATING THE PROVISION OF SPECTRUM-BASED SERVICES TO RURAL
AREAS
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
Abstract: This rulemaking will facilitate the provision of spectrum- based services to rural areas.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
11/12/03
68 FR 64050
NPRM Comment Period End
01/26/04
NPRM
12/15/04
69 FR 75174
Final Rule
12/15/04
69 FR 75144
Final Rule
04/27/05
70 FR 21652
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Nicole Michelle McGinnis, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0317
Fax: 202 418-7447
Email: nicole.mcginnis@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI31
-
EXTENDING WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES TO TRIBAL LANDS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 309(j);
Abstract: This action amends rules to encourage carriers to provide telecommunications services to tribal lands.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
Final Rule
05/02/03
68 FR 23417
Final Rule Effective
07/01/03
Final Rule
10/18/04
69 FR 61317
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Michael Connelly, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th
Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0132
Email: michael.connelly@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI32
-
AMENDMENT OF COMMISSION RULES CONCERNING AIRPORT TERMINAL USE
FREQUENCIES 450-470 MHZ BAND OF THE PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES,
WT 02-318
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303(g); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 332(c)(7)
Abstract: The Commission seeks comment on revisions to the use of
Airport Terminal Use (ATU)
Page 24818
frequencies in the 45-470 Private Land Mobile Radio Industrial Business
Pool.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
11/21/02
67 FR 70196
NPRM Comment Period End
01/06/03
Final Rule
03/24/05
70 FR 15005
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: John Evanoff, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0848
Email: john.evanoff@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI33
-
IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS IN THE 800 MHZ BAND
INDUSTRIAL/LAND TRANSPORTATION AND BUSINESS CHANNELS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303(f); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 332
Abstract: The Commission seeks to improve public safety communications in the 800 MHz band and consolidate the 800 MHz Industrial/Land
Transportation and Business Pool channels.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
04/05/02
67 FR 16351
Final Rule
08/19/02
67 FR 53754
Proposed Rule
02/10/03
68 FR 6687
Final Rule
11/22/04
69 FR 67823
Final Rule
11/22/04
69 FR 67853
Final Rule
02/08/05
70 FR 6750
Final Rule
02/08/05
70 FR 6761
Final Rule
04/06/05
70 FR 17327
Notice
06/15/05
70 FR 34764
Final Rule
09/28/05
70 FR 56583
Notice
10/26/05
70 FR 61823
Final Rule
12/28/05
70 FR 76704
Proposed Rule
09/21/06
71 FR 55149
Clarification
06/20/07
72 FR 33914
Final Rule
07/20/07
72 FR 39756
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Michael Wilhelm, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0870
Email: michael.wilhelm@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI34
-
REVIEW OF PART 87 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES CONCERNING AVIATION; WT
DOCKET NO. 01-289
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 307(e)
Abstract: This proceeding is intended to streamline, consolidate and revise our part 87 rules governing the Aviation Radio Service. The rule changes are designed to ensure these rules reflect current technological advances.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
10/16/01
66 FR 64785
R&O and FNPRM
10/16/03
FNPRM
04/12/04
69 FR 19140
R&O
06/14/04
69 FR 32577
NPRM
12/06/06
71 FR 70710
Final Rule
12/06/06
71 FR 70671
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jeff Tobias, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0680
Email: jeff.tobias@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI35
-
DIGITAL BROADCAST CONTENT PROTECTION (MB DOCKET NO. 02-230)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 303; 47 USC 403; 47 USC 601
Abstract: This rulemaking examines the use of a content protection mechanism for digital broadcast television. The Report and Order adopted an anti-piracy mechanism known as the ``broadcast flag.''
Products capable of receiving DTV over-the-air signals must comply with the broadcast flag requirements by July 1, 2005. The further notice of proposed rulemaking seeks comment on the process for approving digital recording and output content protection technologies.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
08/20/02
67 FR 53903
R&O
12/03/03
68 FR 67599
FNPRM
12/03/03
68 FR 67624
Final Rule
01/20/04
69 FR 2688
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Susan Mort, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1043
Fax: 202 418-1069
Email: susan.mort@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI37
-
HEARING AID-COMPATIBLE TELEPHONES (WT DOCKET NOS. 01-309 & 06-150)
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 160; 47 USC 251 to 254; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 332
Abstract: This item modifies exemptions for wireless phones under the
Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 (HAC Act) to require that digital wireless phones be capable of being effectively used with hearing aids.
It finds that modifying the exemption will extend the benefits of wireless telecommunications to individuals with hearing disabilities-- including emergency, business, and social communications--thereby increasing the value of the wireless network for all Americans.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
11/23/01
66 FR 58703
R&O
09/16/03
68 FR 54173
Notice
11/14/03
68 FR 64625
NPRM
07/27/05
70 FR 43386
Final Rule
07/27/05
70 FR 43323
NPRM
08/21/06
71 FR 48506
NPRM Comment Period End
09/20/06
NPRM
09/26/06
71 FR 57455
Proposed Rule
05/02/07
72 FR 24236
Final Rule
05/16/07
72 FR 27688
Final Rule
08/24/07
72 FR 48814
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Andra Cunningham, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1630
Fax: 202 428-2227
Email: andra.cunningham@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI57
Page 24819
-
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMERCIAL SPECTRUM ENHANCEMENT ACT (CSEA)
AND MODERNIZATION OF THE COMMISSION'S COMPETITIVE BIDDING RULES AND
PROCEDURES; WT DOCKET NO. 05-211
Legal Authority: 15 USC 79; 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i)-(j); 47 USC 155; 47 USC 155(c); 47 USC 157; 47 USC 225; 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 307; 47
USC 309; 47 USC 309(j); 47 USC 325(e); 47 USC 334; 47 USC 336; 47 USC 339; 47 USC 554
Abstract: This proceeding implements rules and procedures needed to comply with the recently enacted Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act
(``CSEA''). It establishes a mechanism for reimbursing federal agencies out of spectrum auction proceeds for the cost of relocating their operations from certain ``eligible frequencies'' that have been reallocated from Federal to non-Federal use. It also seeks to improve the Commission's ability to achieve Congress's directives with regard to designated entities and to ensure that, in accordance with the intent of Congress, every recipient of its designated entity benefits is an entity that uses its licenses to directly provide facilities- based telecommunications services for the benefit of the public.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
06/14/05
70 FR 43372
Declaratory Ruling
06/14/05
70 FR 43322
R&O
01/24/06
71 FR 6214
FNPRM
02/03/06
71 FR 6992 2nd R&O
04/25/06
71 FR 26245
Order on Recon of 2nd R&O
06/02/06
71 FR 34272
Order on Recon of 2nd R&O
06/02/06
71 FR 34272
Comment Period End
09/20/06
Reply Comment Period End
10/20/06
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Kelly Quinn, Asst. Chief, Auctions and Spectrum Access
Division, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7384
Email: kelly.quinn@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI88
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Long-Term Actions
Wireline Competition Bureau
-
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PORTIONS OF THE 1996
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 et seq
Abstract: As required by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the
Commission sought comment on proposals for reforming universal service.
On November 8, 1996, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service issued a recommended decision on changes to the universal service support mechanisms. In addition, on January 10, 1997, the Commission issued an NPRM and NOI on changes to the Board of Directors of the
National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), regarding the administration of universal service. On May 8, 1997, the Commission, at the direction of Congress, released its order implementing the universal service portions of the 1996 Act. On December 30, 1997, the
Commission issued the 4th Order on Reconsideration which made changes and clarifications to the May 8 Order. On June 22, 1998, the Commission issued the 5th Order on Reconsideration which revised the collection levels for the schools and libraries support mechanism through June 30, 1999, and revised the collection levels for the rural health care support mechanism through December 31, 1998. The 5th Order on
Reconsideration also revised the priority with which schools and libraries and rural health care providers will receive support. On
October 28, 1998, the Commission issued the 5th Report and Order, in which it adopted the model platform for its forward-looking economic cost methodology, which will be used to determine support for non-rural carriers beginning July 1, 1999. On November 21, 1998, the Commission issued the 8th Order on Reconsideration in which it consolidated the administration of universal service into a single entity known as the
Universal Service Administrative Company or USAC. On November 25, 1998, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service issued its Second
Recommended Decision in which the Joint Board made certain recommendations to the Commission regarding the high-cost support mechanism.
On May 28, 1999, the Commission issued the 13th Order on
Reconsideration in which it adopted the principles of a Federal high- cost support mechanism that conformed to the Second Recommended
Decision and in which it sought further comment on specific elements of the support methodology. In the 13th Order on Reconsideration, the
Commission also decided to implement the new high-cost support mechanism on January 1, 2000, instead of July 1, 1999, as previously planned. On May 28, 1999, the Commission also issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in which it sought comment on proposed input values to be used in the forward-looking model to determine non-rural
LECs' cost of providing supported services in high cost areas. On
August 5, 1999, the Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking in which it sought comment to ascertain the availability of, and to understand the possible impediments to, deployment and subscribership in unserved and underserved areas of the Nation, including tribal lands and other insular areas.
On November 1, 1999, the Commission issued the Fourteenth Order on
Reconsideration, in which it eliminated the requirement that only carriers that have been certified as eligible telecommunications carriers may receive credit against their universal service contributions for providing telecommunications services to rural health care providers at the lower urban rates. On November 1, 1999, the
Commission also issued the Fifteenth Order on Reconsideration, in which it authorized support for any commercially available telecommunications service regardless of the bandwidth, and simplified the method for determining how much support a rural health care provider can
Page 24820
receive. On November 2, 1999, the Commission issued the Ninth Report and Order and Eighteenth Order on Reconsideration in which it adopted a new forward-looking high-cost support mechanism that will enable States to ensure the reasonable comparability of non-rural carriers' intrastate rates. On November 2, 1999, the Commission also issued the
Tenth Report andOrder in which it completed the selection of a cost model to estimate forward-looking cost by adopting input values for the previously adopted cost model.
On June 30, 2000, the Commission issued the Twelfth Report and Order,
Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, in response to the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking it adopted on August 5, 1999. In the Twelfth Report and Order, the
Commission adopted measures to promote telecommunications subscribership and infrastructure deployment within American Indian and
Alaska Native tribal communities.
On October 12, 2000, the Commission released a Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking and Order to seek comment on proposals to modify the Commission's rules relating to contributions to the Federal universal service support mechanisms. On January 12, 2001, the
Commission released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on the Recommended Decision of the Federal-State Joint Board on
Universal Service (Joint Board) regarding a plan for reforming the universal service support mechanism for rural carriers. The Joint Board sent to the Commission the Rural Task Force Recommendation as a good foundation for implementing rural high-cost reform. The Rural Task
Force recommends the use of a modified version of the current high-cost loop support mechanism based on carriers' embedded costs.
On May 23, 2001, the Commission released the Fourteenth Report and
Order, Twenty-Second Order on Reconsideration and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking. In the Fourteenth Report and Order, the Commission adopted a 5-year plan that makes modifications to the high-cost loop support mechanism for rural carriers. These modifications were based on the recommendation of the Joint Board and will provide predictable levels of support so that rural carriers can continue to provide affordable service in rural America, while ensuring that consumers in all areas of the nation, including rural areas, have access to affordable and quality telecommunications services.
On March 14, 2001, the Commission issued an order modifying the methodology used to assess contributions to universal service. The methodology was modified to reduce the interval between the accrual of revenues and the assessment of contributions based on those revenues.
The order reduced the interval from an average of one year to an average of six months.
On May 8, 2001, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which sought comment on how to streamline and reform both the manner in which the Commission assesses carrier contributions to the universal service fund and the manner in which carriers may recover those costs from their customers.
On May 22, 2001, the Commission adopted a 5-year interim freeze of the part 36 jurisdictional separations rules, pending comprehensive reform of the separations process. The 5-year interim freeze was based upon the July 21, 2000, Recommended Decision of the Federal-State Joint
Board on Separations. Under the interim freeze, the part 36 categories and jurisdictional allocation factors of price cap incumbent LECs are frozen, while rate-of-return carriers had the option to freeze only their jurisdictional allocation factors. The interim freeze is in effect from July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2006, or until comprehensive reform is completed, whichever comes first.
On November 8, 2001, the Commission released the Fifteenth Report and
Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Further Notice) reforming the interstate access charge and universal service support system for rate-of-return incumbent carriers. The Order established a new interstate support mechanism to replace implicit support in the interstate access rate structure of rate-of-return carriers with explicit, portable support. Among other things, the Further Notice sought comment on consolidating the existing Long Term Support mechanism withthe new support mechanism created in the Order.
On January 25, 2002, the Commission released a Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking and Order (Further Notice), in which it sought comment on modifications to the rules governing the schools and libraries support mechanism. The modifications address changes that would make the program more efficient, ensure that the benefits of the program are distributed in an equitable manner, and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. In addition, the order denied certain petitions for reconsideration relating to unused funds.
On February 15, 2002, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking and Order, in which it sought comment on the issues from the
Ninth Report and Order remanded by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. The Ninth Report and Order established a Federal high-cost universal service support mechanism for non-rural carriers based on forward-looking economic costs. In addition, the order referred these issues to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal
Service for a recommended decision.
On February 15, 2002, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking examining the appropriate legal and policy framework under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, for broadband access to the
Internet provided over domestic wireline facilities.
On February 26, 2002, the Commission issued a Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking and Report and Order, in which it sought comment on specific proposals to change the manner in which universal service contributions are assessed and recovered, including one proposal to assess contributions based on the number and capacity of connections provided to a public network. This proceeding also made certain modifications to the existing contribution system.
On April 19, 2002, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking in which it sought comment on specific proposals to: clarify how it should treat eligible entities that also perform functions that are outside the statutory definition of ``health care provider;'' provide support for Internet access; and change the calculation of discounted services, including the calculation of urban and rural rates.
On December 13, 2002, the Commission issued an Order and Second FNPRM
Page 24821
in which it sought further comment on three specific connection-based universal service contribution methodologies. This Order also made interim changes to the contribution methodology to ensure the viability of the fund in the near term.On February 25, 2003, the Commission issued an NPRM in which it sought comment on the Recommended Decision issued by the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service regarding the definition of services supported by universal service.
On February 26, 2003, the Commission issued a Public Notice in which it sought comment on a staff study of several alternative universal service contribution methodologies.
On April 30, 2003, the Commission issued a Second Report & Order and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, in which it simplified and streamlined the operation of the schools and libraries support mechanism. In addition, it sought comment on further proposals to refine the support mechanism, including the carry-forward of unused funds.
On May 21, 2003, the Commission issued a Twenty-fifth Order on
Reconsideration, Report and Order, and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, in which it resolved several petitions for reconsideration of the Twelfth Report and Order. In addition, it sought further comment on ways to provide enhanced Lifeline support to near reservation areas.
On June 9, 2003, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, in which it sought comment on changes to the low-income support mechanisms recommended by the Joint Board.
On July 3, 2003, the Commission released an Order eliminating the requirement that the National Exchange Carrier Association hold annual elections for its board of directors and that its directors serve one- year terms.
On July 14, 2003, the Commission released an Order and Order on
Reconsideration adopting the Joint Board's recommendations regarding the services supported by universal service.
On July 24, 2003, the Commission released an Order adopting measures to ensure that implementation of the Children's Internet Protection Act complies with a US Supreme Court decision. 68 FR 47453.
On October 27, 2003, the Commission released an Order on Remand,
Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking modifying the High-Cost mechanism for non-rural carriers and seeking comment on certain issues relating to rate review and an expanded certification process. Order: 68 FR 69622. FNPRM: 68 FR 69641.
On November 17, 2003, the Commission released a Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking improving the Rural Healthcare Support mechanism and seeking comment on modifications to the definition of ``rural area'' for the Rural
Healthcare Support mechanism. 68 FR 74492.
On December 23, 2003, the Commission released the 3rd Report and Order and 2nd Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopting rules to limit waste, fraud and abuse in the Schools and Libraries mechanism and seeking comment on additional measures to limit waste, fraud, and abuse. Order: 69 FR 6181. FNPRM: 69 FR 6229.
On February 26, 2004, the Commission released a Report and Order and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking modifying regulation of rate-of- return carriers and seeking comment on further changes to regulation of rate-of-return carriers. 69 FR 13794.
On April 29, 2004, the Commission released a Report and Order and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking improving the effectiveness of the low-income mechanism and seeking comment on whether the Commission should add an income-based criterion of 150 percent of the Federal
Poverty Guidelines.
On May 14, 2004, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that sought comment on various abbreviated dialing arrangements that could be used by state ``One Call'' notification systems in compliance with the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002.
On June 8, 2004, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that sought comment on the Recommended Decision of the Joint Board on
Universal Service concerning the process for designation of eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) and the Commission's rules regarding high-cost universal service support.
On June 28, 2004, the Commission issued an Order that asked the Joint
Board to review the Commission's rules relating to the high-cost universal service support mechanism for rural carriers and to determine the appropriate rural mechanism to succeed the 5-year plan adopted in the Rural Task Force Order.
On June 30, 2004, the Commission issued an Order appointing the
Honorable Robert Nelson, Commissioner of the Michigan Public Service
Commission to serve on the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal
Service.
On July 20, 2004, the Commission issued an Order that granted, in part, waiver requests filed by AT&T, SBC and Verizon regarding the true-up process for universal service contributions based on 2003 revenues.
On July 30, 2004, the Commission issued an Order on Reconsideration and
Fourth Report and Order that addressed Petitions for Reconsideration of the Commitment Adjustment Order, which directed the Universal Service
Administrative Company to cancel any E-rate funding commitments that were made in violation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and to recover any erroneously distributed funds from service providers.
On August 13, 2004, the Commission issued a Fifth Report and Order and
Order that adopted measures to protect against waste, fraud and abuse in the administration of the Schools and Libraries Universal Service
Support Mechanism. The document also resolved a number of issues that have arisen from audit activities conducted as part of ongoing oversight over the administration of the universal service fund (USF) and addressed programmatic concerns raised by the Office of Inspector
General.
On August 26, 2004, the Commission issued an Order that granted in part
NeuStar's Request to perform certain changes and transactions that do not affect its neutrality without Commission approval.
On September 9, 2004, the Commission issued a Fourth Report to Congress that concluded the Commission's Fourth inquiry under section 706 of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996. It concludes that the overall goal of section 706 is being met, and that advanced telecommunications
Page 24822
capability is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion.
On September 16, 2004, the Commission issued a Second Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that sought comment on the North American Numbering
Council recommendation for reducing the time interval for intermodal porting. The Commission also sought comment on implementation issues in the event that a reduced intermodal porting interval is adopted.
On September 27, 2004, the Commission issued a Memorandum Opinion and
Order that dismissed as moot Accipiter's Application for Review of a decision by the Accounting and Audits Division made on delegated authority, denying Accipiter's request for waiver of 47 CFR sections 36.611 and 36.612.
On October 29, 2004, the Commission issued a Memorandum Opinion and
Order that granted the Application for Review of a decision by the
Common Carrier Bureau made on delegated authority, which granted
Sandwich Isles a waiver to be treated as an incumbent Local Exchange
Carrier serving a previously unserved area for purposes of receiving high-cost universal service support.
On October 29, 2004, the Commission issued an Order that denied a petition for reconsideration filed by Business Service Center, Inc.,
Mobile Phone of Texas, Inc., and 3 Rivers PCS, Inc. requesting that the
Commission reconsider its ``safe harbor'' guidelines, adopted in 1998, which allow several categories of carriers to assume that a certain percentage of their telecommunications revenues is interstate for universal service reporting and contribution purposes.
On November 29, 2004, the Commission issued an Order on Reconsideration that addressed twelve petitions for reconsideration of the Universal
Service First Report and Order and the Fourth Order on Reconsideration.
These petitions concerned, among other issues, the high-cost and
Schools and Libraries mechanisms, and contribution methodology.
On December 17, 2004, the Commission issued a Second Report and Order,
Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that modified its rules to improve the effectiveness of the rural health care universal service support mechanism.
On December 30, 2004, the Commission issued an Order that approved the nominations of two state commissioners, Elliott Smith and Ray Baum to the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service.
On January 10, 2005, the Commission issued an Order and Order on
Reconsideration that amended 47 CFR section 54.305 so that it does not apply to transfers to exchanges between non-rural carriers after the phase-down of interim hold-harmless support, and granted a request by the National Telephone Cooperative Association to provide that rural carriers may receive ``safety valve'' support for investment made in the first year of operating acquired exchanges.
On January 10, 2005, the Commission issued an Order that denied in part and granted in part a request by Valor for waiver of 47 CFR section 54.305. The waiver allowed it to receive additional safety valve support consistent with the modifications to the safety valve mechanism contained in the Companion Order.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
Recommended Decision Federal-
State Joint Board, Universal
Service
11/08/96
61 FR 63778 1st R&O
05/08/97
62 FR 32862 2nd R&O
05/08/97
62 FR 32862
Order on Recon
07/10/97
62 FR 40742
R&O and 2nd Order on Recon
07/18/97
62 FR 41294 2nd R&O, and FNPRM
08/15/97
62 FR 47404 3rd R&O
10/14/97
62 FR 56118 2nd Order on Recon
11/26/97
62 FR 65036 4th Order on Recon
12/30/97
62 FR 2093 5th Order on Recon
06/22/98
63 FR 43088 5th R&O
10/28/98
63 FR 63993 8th Order on Recon
11/21/98 2nd Recommended Decision
11/25/98
63 FR 67837 13th Order on Recon
06/09/99
64 FR 30917
FNPRM
06/14/99
64 FR 31780
FNPRM
09/30/99
64 FR 52738 14th Order on Recon
11/16/99
64 FR 62120 15th Order on Recon
11/30/99
64 FR 66778 10th R&O
12/01/99
64 FR 67372 9th R&O and 18th Order on Recon 12/01/99
64 FR 67416 19th Order on Recon
12/30/99
64 FR 73427 20th Order on Recon
05/08/00
65 FR 26513
Public Notice
07/18/00
65 FR 44507 12th R&O, MO&O and FNPRM
08/04/00
65 FR 47883
FNPRM and Order
11/09/00
65 FR 67322
FNPRM
01/26/01
66 FR 7867
R&O and Order on Recon
03/14/01
66 FR 16144
NPRM
05/08/01
66 FR 28718
Order
05/22/01
66 FR 35107 14th R&O and FNPRM
05/23/01
66 FR 30080
FNPRM and Order
01/25/02
67 FR 7327
NPRM
02/15/02
67 FR 9232
NPRM and Order
02/15/02
67 FR 10846
FNPRM and R&O
02/26/02
67 FR 11254
NPRM
04/19/02
67 FR 34653
Order and 2nd FNPRM
12/13/02
67 FR 79543
NPRM
02/25/03
68 FR 12020
Public Notice
02/26/03
68 FR 10724 2nd R&O and FNPRM
06/20/03
68 FR 36961 25th Order on Recon, R&O, Order, and FNPRM
07/16/03
68 FR 41996
NPRM
07/17/03
68 FR 42333
Order
07/24/03
68 FR 47453
Order
08/06/03
68 FR 46500
Order and Order on Recon
08/19/03
68 FR 49707
Order on Remand, MO&O, FNPRM 10/27/03
68 FR 69641
R&O, Order on Recon, FNPRM
11/17/03
68 FR 74492
R&O, FNPRM
02/26/04
69 FR 13794
R&O, FNPRM
04/29/04
NPRM
05/14/04
69 FR 3130
NPRM
06/08/04
69 FR 40839
Order
06/28/04
69 FR 48232
Order on Recon & 4th R&O
07/30/04
69 FR 55983 5th R&O and Order
08/13/04
69 FR 55097
Order
08/26/04
69 FR 57289 2nd FNPRM
09/16/04
69 FR 61334
Order & Order on Recon
01/10/05
70 FR 10057 6th R&O
03/14/05
70 FR 19321
R&O
03/17/05
70 FR 29960
MO&O
03/30/05
70 FR 21779
NPRM & FNPRM
06/14/05
70 FR 41658
Order
10/14/05
70 FR 65850
Order
10/27/05
NPRM
01/11/06
71 FR 1721
Report Number 2747
01/12/06
71 FR 2042
Order
02/08/06
71 FR 6485
FNPRM
03/15/06
71 FR 13393
R&O and NPRM
07/10/06
71 FR 38781
Order
01/01/06
71 FR 6485
Order
05/16/06
71 FR 30298
MO&O and FNPRM
05/16/06
71 FR 29843
R&O
06/27/06
71 FR 38781
Public Notice
08/11/06
71 FR 50420
Order
09/29/06
71 FR 65517
Public Notice
03/12/07
72 FR 36706
Public Notice
03/13/07
72 FR 40816
Public Notice
03/16/07
72 FR 39421
Next Action Undetermined
Page 24823
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Adrian Wright, Telecommunications Policy Analyst,
Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0792
Email: adrian.wright@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AF85
-
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS' USE OF CUSTOMER PROPRIETARY NETWORK
INFORMATION AND OTHER CUSTOMER INFORMATION
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 222; 47 USC 272; 47 USC 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 Reconsideration
10/01/99
64 FR 53242
Final Rule, Announcement of
Effective Date
01/26/01
66 FR 7865
Clarification Order & Second
NPRM
09/07/01
66 FR 50140 3rd R&O and 3rd 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
Effective Date
06/08/07
72 FR 31948
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Adam Kirschenbaum, Attorney-Advisor, WCB, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7280
Email: adam.kirschenbaum@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG43
-
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LOCAL COMPETITION PROVISIONS OF THE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 to 155; 47 USC 157; 47 USC 201 to 205; 47
USC 207 to 209; 47 USC 218
Abstract: On August 8, 1996, the Commission adopted the Local
Competition Second Report and Order (FCC 96-333), implementing the dialing parity, nondiscriminatory access, network disclosure, and numbering administration provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. On July 19, 1999, the Commission released the First Order on
Reconsideration (FCC 99-170), denying the petition for reconsideration of the Local Competition Second Report and Order filed by Beehive
Telephone Company, Inc., which related to numbering admininstration.
On September 9, 1999, the Commission released the Second Order on
Reconsideration (FCC 99-227), resolving petitions for reconsideration of rules adopted in the Local Competition Second Report and Order to implement the requirement of 47 U.S.C. section 251(b)(3) that LECs provide non-discriminatory access to directory assistance, directory listing and operator services. At the same time, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) (also FCC 99-227) seeking comment on issues related to developments in, and the convergence of, directory publishing and directory assistance.
On October 21, 1999, the Commission released the Third Order on
Reconsideration (FCC 99-243), resolving the remaining petitions for reconsideration regarding numbering administration under 47 U.S.C. section 251(e)(1). On January 9, 2002, the Commission released an Order on Reconsideration dismissing petitions for reconsideration or clarification of the Local Competition Second Report and Order regarding dialing parity under 47 U.S.C. section 251(b)(3) and network disclosure under 47 U.S.C. section 251(c)(5).
On January 23, 2001, the Commission released a First Report and Order
(FCC 01-27) resolving issues raised in the September 9, 1999 NPRM and concluding, among other things, that competing directory assistance
(DA) providers that are certified as competitive local exchange carriers (competitive LECs), are agents of competitive LECs, or that offer call completion services are entitled to nondiscriminatory access to LEC local DA databases.
On January 9, 2002, the Commission released the Directory Assistance
NPRM (FCC 01-384), in which the Commission solicited comment on whether there is sufficient competition in the retail DA market, and if not, what if any action the Commission should take to promote such competition. The Commission sought specific comment on whether alternative dialing methods would promote competition. Proposed methods include: (1) Presubscription to 411; (2) utilizing national 555 numbers; (3) utilizing carrier access codes (1010 numbers); and (4) utilizing 411XX numbers. The Commission also sought comment on whether the 411 dialing code should be eliminated. This proceeding is pending before the Commission.
On May 3, 2005, the Commission released an Order on Reconsideration
(FCC 05-93) resolving petitions for reconsideration of the Second Order on Reconsideration and the First Report and Order. The Commission clarified its rules regarding the use of DA data obtained pursuant to section 251(b)(3) of the Act, and denied BellSouth and SBC's joint petition for reconsideration which sought authority to place contractual restrictions on competing DA providers' use of DA information. The Commission reaffirmed that LECs are required to provide nondiscriminatory access to their entire local DA database including local DA data acquired from third parties. The Commission also accepted Qwest's request to withdraw its petition for reconsideration of the First Report and Order, and resolved SBC's petition for reconsideration of the Second Order on Reconsideration.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
04/25/96
61 FR 18311
NPRM Comment Period End
06/03/96
Order
09/06/96
61 FR 47284
NPRM
09/27/99
64 FR 51949
Second Order on Recon
09/27/99
64 FR 51910
Third Order on Recon
11/18/99
64 FR 62983
First Report & Order
02/21/01
66 FR 10965
NPRM
02/14/02
67 FR 6902
Page 24824
Order on Recon
08/17/05
70 FR 48290
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Rodney McDonald, Attorney-Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7513
Email: rodney.mcdonald@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG50
-
LOCAL TELEPHONE NETWORKS THAT LECS MUST MAKE AVAILABLE TO
COMPETITORS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 251
Abstract: This revises the 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 rule changes are intended to remove uncertainty regarding the incumbent LECs' unbundling obligations under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and are expected to accelerate the development of local exchange competition.
On December 20, 2001, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking to comprehensively consider the appropriate changes, if any, to its unbundling policies in light of market developments and technological advances. 67 FR 1947.
On May 29, 2002, the Commission extended the reply comment date of the
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to July 17, 2002, to allow all interested parties to incorporate their review and analysis of USTA v. FCC, 290
F.3d 415 (D.C. Cir. 2002).
On August 21, 2003, the Commission issued a Report and Order, Order on
Remand, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, in which the
Commission adopted new unbundling requirements. 68 FR 52276.
In addition, the Commission initiated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding whether the Commission should modify the so-called pick-and- choose rule that permits requesting carriers to opt into individual portions of interconnection agreements without accepting all the terms and conditions of such agreements. 68 FR 52307.
On September 17, 2003, the Commission issued an Errata correcting the
Report and Order and Order on Remand. On October 9, 2003, the
Commission issued a Report seeking comment on ten petitions for clarification and/or reconsideration of the Report and Order and Order on Remand released on August 21, 2003. 68 FR 60391. By Order, the
Commission denied a request to extend the comment period for petitions for clarification and/or reconsideration.On March 2, 2004, the
Commission's August 21, 2003 Report and Order and Order on Remand was affirmed in part and vacated and remanded in part. USTA v. FCC, 359
F.3d 554 (D.C. Cir. 2004).
On July 13, 2004, the Commission's Second Report and Order concluded the rulemaking proceeding initiated regarding the so-called pick-and- choose rule and determined that an all-or-nothing rule for opting into other interconnection agreements will better promote increased give and take negotiations. 69 FR 43762.
On August 9, 2004, the Commission released an Order on Reconsideration addressing in part two petitions for reconsideration of the
Commission's fiber-to-the-premises unbundling rules. 69 FR 54589. The
Commission clarified in this Order on Reconsideration the applicability of the fiber-to-the-premises rules in multi-dwelling unit buildings.
On August 20, 2004, the Commission issued an Interim Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking establishing a new rulemaking proceeding to determine incumbent LEC unbundling obligations as well as establishing interim requirements to govern carrier relationships until the
Commission concludes its rulemaking process. 69 FR 55111, 55128.
On October 18, 2004, the Commission released and Order on
Reconsideration concluding that fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) loops shall be subject to the same unbundling framework that the Commission established for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) loops. 69 FR 77950.
On February 4, 2005, the Commission released an Order on Remand, 70 FR 8940, responding to the D.C. Circuit's remand of certain parts of the
Triennial Review Order, including several aspects of the impairment standard as well as new determinations regarding unbundling requirements for local circuit switching, high-capacity loops, and dedicated transport. Specifically, the Commission determined that incumbent LECs have no obligation to unbundle local circuit switching and adopted a 12-month plan to transition existing customers of unbundled switching to other arrangements. Regarding high-capacity loops, the Commission determined that competing carriers are not impaired (thus, are not entitled to access as UNEs) dark fiber loop circuits. Competing carriers are, however, impaired without access to
DS1 and DS3 loops, except in wire centers that meet specific business lines and fiber-based collocation thresholds. Similarly, with respect to dedicated transport, the Commission determined that competing carriers are impaired without access to DS1, DS3 and dark fiber transport, except on routes connecting a pair of wire centers, each containing a specified number of business lines or a specified number of fiber-based collocators.
On March 14, 2005, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau issued an order denying a petition filed by Verizon seeking a stay of the
Commission's rule alowing competitive LECs to ``convert'' tariffed incumbent LEC special access arrangements to unbundled network element
(UNE) arrangements if the competitive LEC is eligible to order the
UNE(s) at issue.
On April 25, 2005 and May 25, 2005, the Commission issued Public
Notices establishing comment periods in response to petitions for reconsideration of the Commission's Order on Remand (Triennial Review
Order).
On June 16, 2006, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the Commission's Order on Remand, 70 FR 8940.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
Second Further NPRM
04/26/99
64 FR 20238
Fourth Further NPRM
01/14/00
65 FR 2367
Errata Third R&O and Fourth
Further NPRM
01/18/00
65 FR 2542
Second Errata Third R&O and
Fourth Further NPRM
01/18/00
65 FR 2542
Page 24825
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 Clarification06/20/00
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 2nd 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
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Tim Stelzig, Associate Chief, Competition Policy
Division, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition
Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0942
Email: tim.stelzig@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH44
-
2000 BIENNIAL REGULATORY REVIEW--TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE QUALITY
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i) to 154(j); 47 USC 201(b); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 403
Abstract: This NPRM proposes to eliminate our current service quality reports (ARMIS Report 43-05 and 43-06) and replace them with a more consumer-oriented report. The NPRM proposes to reduce the reporting categories from more than 30 to 6, and addresses the needs of carriers, consumers, state public utility commissions, and other interested parties.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
12/04/00
65 FR 75657
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Alex Johns, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1167
Fax: 202 418-1413
Email: alexis.johns@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH72
-
ACCESS CHARGE REFORM AND UNIVERSAL SERVICE REFORM
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i) to 154(j); 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 254; 47 USC 403
Abstract: On October 11, 2001, the Commission adopted an Order reforming the interstate access charge and universal service support system for rate-of-return incumbent carriers. The Order adopts three principal reforms. First, the Order modifies the interstate access rate structure for small carriers to align it more closely with the manner in which costs are incurred. Second, the Order removes implicit support for universal service from the rate structure and replaces it with explicit, portable support. Third, the Order permits small carriers to continue to set rates based on the authorized rate of return of 11.25 percent. The Order became effective on January 1, 2002, and the support mechanism established by the Order was implemented beginning July 1, 2002.
The Commission also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(FNPRM) seeking additional comment on proposals for incentive regulation, increased pricing flexibility for rate-of-return carriers, and proposed changes to the Commission's ``all-or-nothing'' rule.
Comments on the FNPRM were due on February 14, 2002, and reply comments on March 18, 2002.
On February 12, 2004, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order resolving several issues on which the Commission sought comment in the
FNPRM. First, the Commission modified the ``all-or-nothing'' rule to permit rate-of-return carriers to bring recently acquired price cap lines back to rate-of-return regulation. Second, the Commission granted rate-of-return carriers the authority immediately to provide geographically deaveraged transport and special access rates, subject to certain limitations. Third, the Commission merged Long Term Support
(LTS) with Interstate Common Line Support (ICLS).
The Commission also adopted a Second FNPRM seeking comment on two specific plans that propose establishing optional alternative regulation mechanisms for rate-of-return carriers. In conjunction with the consideration of those alternative regulation proposals, the
Commission sought comment on modification that would permit a rate-of- return carrier to adopt an alternative regulation plan for some study areas, while retaining rate-of-return regulation for other of its study areas. Comments on the Second FNPRM were due on April 23, 2004, and May 10, 2004.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
01/25/01
66 FR 7725
Further NPRM
11/30/01
66 FR 59761
Report and Order
11/30/01
66 FR 59719 2nd FNPRM
03/23/04
69 FR 13794
Order
05/06/04
69 FR 25325
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Douglas Slotten, Attorney-Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1572
Email: douglas.slotten@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH74
-
NUMBERING RESOURCE OPTIMIZATION
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201 et seq; 47 USC 251(e)
Abstract: In 1999, the Commission released the Numbering Resource
Optimization Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) in CC Docket 99- 200. The Notice examined and sought comment on several administrative and technical measures aimed at improving the efficiency with which
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telecommunications numbering resources are used and allocated. It incorporated input from the North American Numbering Council (NANC), a
Federal advisory committee, which advises the Commission on issues related to number administration.In the Numbering Resource Optimization
First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NRO
First Report and Order), released on March 31, 2000, the Commission adopted a mandatory utilization data reporting requirement, a uniform set of categories of numbers for which carriers must report their utilization, and a utilization threshold framework to increase carrier accountability and incentives to use numbers efficiently. In addition, the Commission adopted a single system for allocating numbers in blocks of one thousand, rather than ten thousand, wherever possible, and established a plan for national rollout of thousands-block number pooling. The Commission also adopted numbering resource reclamation requirements to ensure that unused numbers are returned to the North
American Numbering Plan (NANP) inventory for assignment to other carriers. Also, to encourage better management of numbering resources, carriers are required, to the extent possible, to first assign numbering resources within thousands blocks (a form of sequential numbering).
In the NRO Second Report and Order, the Commission adopted a measure that requires all carriers to use at least 60 percent of their numbering resources before they may get additional numbers in a particular area. That 60 percent utilization threshold increases to 75 percent over the next three years. The Commission also established a five-year term for the national Pooling Administrator and an auditing program to verify carrier compliance with the Commission's rules.
Furthermore, the Commission addressed several issues raised in the
Notice, concerning area code relief. Specifically, the Commission declined to amend the existing Federal rules for area code relief or specify any new federal guidelines for the implementation of area code relief. The Commission also declined to state a preference for either all-services overlays or geographic splits as a method of area code relief. Regarding mandatory nationwide ten-digit dialing, the
Commission declined to adopt this measure at the present time.
Furthermore, the Commission declined to mandate nationwide expansion of the ``D digit'' (the ``N'' of an NXX or central office code) to include 0 or 1, or to grant state commissions the authority to implement the expansion of the D digit as a numbering resource optimization measure at the present time.
In the NRO Third Report and Order, the Commission addressed national thousands-block number pooling administration issues, including declining to alter the implementation date for covered CMRS carriers to participate in pooling. The Commission also addressed Federal cost recovery for national thousands-block number pooling, and continued to require States to establish cost recovery mechanisms for costs incurred by carriers participating in pooling trials. The Commission reaffirmed the Months-to-Exhaust (MTE) requirement for carriers. The Commission declined to lower the utilization threshold established in the Second
Report and Order, and declined to exempt pooling carriers from the utilization threshold. The Commission also established a safety valve mechanism to allow carriers that do not meet the utilization threshold in a given rate center to obtain additional numbering resources.
In the NRO Third Report and Order, the Commission lifted the ban on technology-specific overlays (TSOs), and delegated authority to the
Common Carrier Bureau, in consultation with the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, to resolve any such petitions. Furthermore, the Commission found that carriers who violate our numbering requirements, or fail to cooperate with an auditor conducting either a
``for cause'' or random audit, should be denied numbering resources in certain instances. The Commission also reaffirmed the 180-day reservation period, declined to impose fees to extend the reservation period, and found that State commissions should be allowed password- protected access to the NANPA database for data pertaining to NPAs located within their State.
The measures adopted in the NRO orders will allow the Commission to monitor more closely the way numbering resources are used within the
NANP, and will promote more efficient allocation and use of NANP resources by tying a carrier's ability to obtain numbering resources more closely to its actual need for numbers to serve its customers.
These measures are designed to create national standards to optimize the use of numbering resources by: (1) Minimizing the negative impact on consumers of premature area code exhausts; (2) ensuring sufficient access to numbering resources for all service providers to enter into or to compete in telecommunications markets; (3) avoiding premature exhaust of the NANP; (4) extending the life of the NANP; (5) imposing the least societal cost possible, and ensuring competitive neutrality, while obtaining the highest benefit; (6) ensuring that no class of carrier or consumer is unduly favored or disfavored by the Commission's optimization efforts; and (7) minimizing the incentives for carriers to build and carry excessively large inventories of numbers.
In NRO Third Order on Recon in CC Docket No. 99-200, Third Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 99-200 and Second
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No, 95-116, the
Commission reconsidered its findings in the NRO Third Report and Order regarding the local Number portability (LNP) and thousands-block number pooling requirements for carriers in the top 100 Metropolitan
Statistical areas (MSAs). Specifically, the Commission reversed its clarification that those requirements extend to all carriers in the largest 100 MSAs, regardless of whether they have received a request from another carrier to provide LNP. The Commission also sought comment on whether the Commission should again extend the LNP requirements to all carriers in the largest 100 MSAs, regardless of whether they receive a request to provide LNP. The Commission also sought comment on whether all carriers in the top 100 MSAs should be required to participate in thousands-block number pooling, regardless of whether they are required to be LNP capable. In addition, the Commission sought comment on whether all MSAs included in Combined Metropolitan
Statistical Areas (CMSAs) on the Census Bureau's list of the largest 100 MSAs should be included on the Commission's list of the top 100
MSAs.
In the NRO Fourth Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, the Commission reaffirmed that carriers must deploy LNP in switches within the 100 largest
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Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) for which another carrier has made a specific request for the provision of LNP. The Commission delegated the authority to state commissions to require carriers operating within the largest 100 MSAs that have not received a specific request for LNP from another carrier to provide LNP, under certain circumstances and on a case-by-case basis. The Commission concluded that all carriers, except those specifically exempted, are required to participate in thousands-block number pooling in accordance with the national rollout schedule, regardless of whether they are required to provide LNP, including commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) providers that were required to deploy LNP as of November 24, 2003. The
Commission specifically exempted from the pooling requirement rural telephone companies and Tier III CMRS providers that have not received a request to provide LNP. The Commission also exempted from the pooling requirement carriers that are the only service provider receiving numbering resources in a given rate center. Additionally, the
Commission sought further comment on whether these exemptions should be expanded to include carriers where there are only two service providers receiving numbering resources in the rate center. Finally, the
Commission reaffirmed that the 100 largest MSAs identified in the 1990
U.S. Census reports as well as those areas included on any subsequent
U.S. Census report of the 100 largest MSAs.
In the NRO Order and Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the
Commission granted petitions for delegated authority to implement mandatory thousands-block pooling filed by the Public Service
Commission of West Virginia, the Nebraska Public Service Commission, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the Michigan Public Service
Commission, and the Missouri Public Service Commission. In granting these petitions, the Commission permitted these states to optimize numbering resources and further extend the life of the specific numbering plan areas. In the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the
Commission sought comment on whether it should delegate authority to all states to implement mandatory thousands-block number pooling consistent with the parameters set forth in the NRO Order.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
06/17/99
64 FR 32471
R&O and Further NPRM
06/16/00
65 FR 37703
Second R&O and Second Further
NPRM
02/08/01
66 FR 9528
Third R&O and Second Order on
Recon
02/12/02
67 FR 643 3rd O on Recon & 3rd FNPRM
04/05/02
67 FR 16347 4th R&O and 4th NPRM
07/21/03
68 FR 43003
Order & 5th FNPRM
03/15/06
71 FR 13393
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Marilyn Jones, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-2357
Fax: 202 418-2345
Email: marilyn.jones@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AH80
-
NATIONAL EXCHANGE CARRIER ASSOCIATION PETITION
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 to 152; 47 USC 201 to 202;
Abstract: In a notice of proposed rulemaking released on July 19, 2004, the Commission initiated a rulemaking proceeding to examine the proper number of end user common line charges (commonly referred to as subscriber line charges or SLCs) that carriers may assess upon customers that obtain derived channel T-1 service where the customer provides the terminating channelization equipment and upon customers that obtain Primary Rate Interface (PRI) Integrated Service Digital
Network (ISDN) service.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
08/13/04
69 FR 50141
NPRM Comment Period End
11/12/04
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Douglas Slotten, Attorney-Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1572
Email: douglas.slotten@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI47
-
IP-ENABLED SERVICES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 to 152;
Abstract: The notice seeks comment on ways in which the Commission might categorize IP-enabled services for purposes of evaluating the need for applying any particular regulatory requirements. It poses questions regarding the proper allocation of jurisdiction over each category of IP-enabled service. The notice then requests comment on whether the services comprising each category constitute
``telecommunications services'' or ``information services'' under the definitions set forth in the Act. Finally, noting the Commission's statutory forbearance authority and title I ancillary jurisdiction, the notice describes a number of central regulatory requirements
(including, for example, those relating to access charges, universal service, E911, and disability accessibility), and asks which, if any, should apply to each category of IP-enabled services.
On June 16, 2005, the Commission published in the Federal Register notice that public information collections set forth in the First
Report and Order were being submitted for review to the office of management and budget.
On July 27, 2005, the Commission published in the Federal Register notice that the information collection requirements adopted in the
First Report and Order were approved in OMB No. 3060-1085 and would become effective on July 29, 2005.
On August 31, 2005, the Commission published in the Federal Register notice of the comment cycle for three Petitions for Reconsideration and/or Clarification of the First Report and Order.On July 10, 2006, the Commission published in the Federal Register notice that it had adopted on June 21, 2006, rules that make interim modifications to the existing approach for assessing contributions to the Federal universal service fund (USF or Fund) in order to provide stability while the
Commission continues to examine more fundamental reform.
On June 8, 2007, the Commission published in the Federal Register notice that it had adopted on April 2, 2007,
Page 24828
an item strengthening the Commission's rules to protect the privacy of customer proprietary network information (CPNI) that is collected and held by providers of communications services, and a further notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comment on what steps the Commission should take, if any, to secure further the privacy of customer information.
On August 6, 2007, the Commission published in the Federal Register notice that it had adopted on May 31, 2007, and item extending the disability access requirements that currently apply to telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers under section 255 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, to providers of ``interconnected voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services,'' as defined by the Commission, and to manufacturers of specially designed equipment used to provide those services. In addition, the Commission extended the Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) requirements contained in its regulations to interconnected VoIP providers.
On August 7, 2007, the Commission published in the Federal Register a notice that a petition for reconsideration of the CPNI order described above had been filed.
On August 16, 2007, the Commission published in the Federal Register notice that it had adopted on August 2, 2007 an item amending the
Commission's Schedule of Regulatory Fees by, inter alia, incorporating regulatory fee payment obligations for interconnected VoIP service providers, which shall become effective November 15, 2007, which is 90 days from date of notification to Congress.
On November 1, 2007, the Commission gave notice that it granted in part, denied in part, and sought comment on petitions filed by the
Voice on the Net Coalition, the United States Telecom Association, and
Hamilton Telephone Company seeking a stay or waiver of certain aspects of the Commission's VoIP Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Order. 72 FR 61813; 72 FR 61882
On December 13, 2007, the Commission announced the effective date of its revised CPNI rules. 72 FR 70808
On December 6, 2007, OMB approved the public information collection pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for the Commission's
CPNI rules. 72 FR 72358
On February 21, 2008, the Commission published in the Federal Register notice that the Commission adopted rules extending local number portability obligations and numbering administration support obligations to interconnected VoIP services. The Commission also explained it had responded to the District of Columbia Circuit Court of
Appeals stay of the Commission's Intermodal Number Portability Order by publishing a Final Regulatory Flexibility Act. 73 FR 9463 (R&O 02/21/ 2008)
On February 21, 2008, the Commission published in the Federal Register notice that it sought comment on other changes to its LNP and numbering related rules, including whether to extend such rules to interconnected
VoIP providers. 73 FR 9507
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/29/04
69 FR 16193
NPRM Comment Period End
07/14/04
First R&O
06/03/05
70 FR 37273
Public Notice
06/16/05
70 FR 37403
First R&O Effective
07/29/05
70 FR 43323
Public Notice
08/31/05
70 FR 51815
R&O
07/10/06
71 FR 38781
R&O and FNPRM
06/08/07
72 FR 31948
FNPRM Comment Period End
07/09/07
72 FR 31782
R&O
08/06/07
72 FR 43546
Public Notice
08/07/07
72 FR 44136
R&O
08/16/07
72 FR 45908
Public Notice
11/01/07
72 FR 61813
Public Notice
11/01/07
72 FR 61882
Public Notice
12/13/07
72 FR 70808
Public Notice
12/20/07
72 FR 72358
R&O
02/21/08
73 FR 9463
NPRM
02/21/08
73 FR 9507
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Tim Stelzig, Associate Chief, Competition Policy
Division, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition
Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-0942
Email: tim.stelzig@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI48
-
CONSUMER PROTECTION IN THE BROADBAND ERA
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 to 154; 47 USC 160; 47 USC 201 to 205; 47
USC 214; 47 USC 222; 47 USC 225; 47 USC 251 to 252; 47 USC 254 to 256; 47 USC 258; 47 USC 303(R)
Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission initiated this rulemaking in order to develop a framework that ensures that, as the telecommunications industry shifts from narrowband to broadband services, consumer protection needs are met by all providers of broadband Internet access service, regardless of the underlying technology providers use to offer the service. The Commission sought comment on whether adopting regulations, pursuant to its ancillary jurisdiction under title I of the Communications Act, to address consumer privacy, unauthorized changes to service, truth-in-billing, network outage reporting, discontinuance of service, rate averaging, and enforcement concerns, would be desirable and necessary as a matter of public policy. The Commission also sought comment on whether it should instead rely on market forces to address some or all of these areas of potential concern. The rulemaking also explores whether there are other areas of consumer protection related to wireline broadband
Internet access service for which the Commission should adopt regulations pursuant to its ancillary jurisdiction.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
10/17/05
70 FR 60259
NPRM Comment Period End
03/01/06
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: William Kehoe, Senior Counsel for Convergence, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1580
Fax: 202 418-1413
Email: william.kehoe@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI73
-
[bull] ESTABLISHING JUST AND REASONABLE RATES FOR LOCAL EXCHANGE
CARRIERS; WC DOCKET NO. 07-135
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) is examining whether its existing rules
Page 24829
governing the setting of tariffed rates by local exchange carriers
(LECs) provide incentives and opportunities for carriers to increase access demand endogenously with the result that the tariff rates are no longer just and reasonable. The Commission tentatively concluded that it must revise its tariff rules so that it can be confident that tariffed rates remain just and reasonable even if a carrier experiences or induces significant increases in access demand. The Commission seeks comment on the types of activities that are causing the increases in interstate access demand and the effects of such demand increases on the cost structures of LECs. The Commission also seeks comment on several means of ensuring just and reasonable rates going forward. The
NPRM invites comment on potential traffic stimulation by rate-of-return
LECs, price cap LECs, and competitive LECs, as well as other forms of intercarrier traffic stimulation. Comments were received on December 17, 2007, and reply comments were received on January 16, 2008.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
11/15/07
72 FR 64179
NPRM Comment Period End
12/17/07
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Douglas Slotten, Attorney-Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1572
Email: douglas.slotten@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AJ02
-
[bull] JURISDICTIONAL SEPARATIONS
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 205; 47 USC 221(c); 47 USC 254; 47 USC 403; 47 USC 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 market changes warrant comprehensive reform of the separations process. In 2001, the Commission adopted the
Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations' recommendation to impose an interim freeze of the part 36 category relationships and jurisdictional cost allocation factors for a period of five years, pending comprehensive reform of the part 36 separations rules. In 2006, the Commission adopted an Order and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, which extended the separations freeze for a period of three years and sought comment on comprehensive reform.
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
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ted Burmeister, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7389
Email: theodore.burmeister@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AJ06
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Completed Actions
Wireline Competition Bureau
-
DETARIFFING OF COMPETITIVE LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIERS' INTERSTATE
EXCHANGE ACCESS SERVICES
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 to 154; 47 USC 160; 47 USC 201 to 205
Abstract: In an Order on Reconsideration released on May 18, 2004, the
Commission addressed a number of petitions for reconsideration of the tariff rules governing the charges for interstate switched access services provided by competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs). With this decision, the Commission denied petitions for reconsideration and retained the existing regime governing interstate switched access services provided by CLECs. Although the Commission denied petitions for reconsideration, it addressed a number of issues raised in petitions for clarification and amended the tariff rules accordingly.
In the attached Report and Order, the Commission concluded that CLEC- provided access rates for toll free, or ``8YY'' traffic should not be afforded different treatment than CLEC tariffed interstate switched access traffic generally.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
07/17/97
62 FR 38244
FNPRM
09/22/99
64 FR 51280
Public Notice
06/26/00
65 FR 39335
FNPRM
05/21/01
66 FR 27927
Order
05/21/01
66 FR 27892
Order on Recon, R&O
06/24/04
69 FR 35258
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Victoria Goldberg, Attorney-Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-7353
Email: victoria.goldberg@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AG73
-
REGULATION OF PREPAID CALLING CARD SERVICES; WC DOCKET NO. 05-68
Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 152; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 201; 47
USC 202; 47 USC 254
Abstract: In this document, the Commission takes steps necessary to protect the federal universal service program and promote stability in the market for prepaid calling cards. In particular, the Commission will treat certain prepaid calling card service providers as telecommunications service providers. As such, these providers must pay intrastate access charges for interexchange calls that originate and terminate in the same
Page 24830
State and interstate access charges on interexchange calls that originate and terminate in different states. They also must contribute to the Federal Universal Service Fund (USF) based on their interstate revenues, subject to the limitations set forth below. The Commission also addresses a petition for interim relief filed by AT&T and adopts interim rules to facilitate compliance with the universal service and access charge rules. Specifically, on an interim and prospective basis, the Commission requires all prepaid calling card providers to comply with certain reporting and certification requirements.
Timetable:
Action
Date
FR Cite
NPRM
03/16/05
70 FR 12828
NPRM Comment Period End
05/16/05
Report & Order
08/02/06
71 FR 43667
Interim Final Rule Effective 10/31/06
Public Notice
10/19/06
71 FR 61774
OMB Approval
02/14/07
72 FR 7032
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lynne H. Engledow, Attorney, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street, SW,
Washington, DC 20554
Phone: 202 418-1520
Fax: 202 418-1567
Email: lynne.engledow@fcc.gov
RIN: 3060-AI83
FR Doc. E8-7555 Filed 05-02-08; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 6712-01-S
