# Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A2010-8968 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Proposed Rule - **Published:** April 26, 2010 - **Citation:** 75 FR 21903 ## Text Part XVIII Federal Communications Commission ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ###Semiannual Regulatory Agenda### [[Page 21904]] FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) _______________________________________________________________________ FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Ch. I Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 303 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)......... 304 Implementation of the Subscriber Selection Changes Provision of the Telecommunications 3060-AG46 Act of 1996 (CC Docket No. 94-129).................................................... 305 Implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996; Access to Telecommunications 3060-AG58 Service, Telecommunications Equipment, and Customer Premises Equipment by Persons With Disabilities.......................................................................... 306 Telecommunications Relay Services, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, and 3060-AG75 the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (CC Docket No. 90-571)............................. 307 Rules and Regulations Implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 3060-AI14 1991 (CG Docket No. 02-278)........................................................... 308 Rules and Regulations Implementing Section 225 of the Communications Act 3060-AI15 (Telecommunications Relay Service) (CG Docket No. 03-123)............................. 309 Rules and Regulations Implementing the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited 3060-AI20 Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CG Docket No. 04-53)........................... 310 Rules and Regulations Implementing Minimum Customer Account Record Exchange (CARE) 3060-AI58 Obligations on All Local and Interexchange Carriers (CG Docket No. 02-386)............ 311 Consumer Information and Disclosure and Truth in Billing and Billing Format........... 3060-AI61 312 Closed Captioning of Video Programming (Section 610 Review)........................... 3060-AI72 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 21905]] OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 313 Revision of the Rules Regarding Ultra-Wideband Transmission........................... 3060-AH47 314 New Advanced Wireless Services (ET Docket No. 00-258)................................. 3060-AH65 315 Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields..................................... 3060-AI17 316 Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands (ET Docket No. 04-186)................. 3060-AI52 317 Unlicensed Devices and Equipment Approval (ET Docket No. 03-201)...................... 3060-AI54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 318 Transfer of the 3650 Through 3700 MHz Band From Federal Government Use (WT Docket No. 3060-AH75 05-96; ET Docket No. 02-380).......................................................... 319 Unlicensed Operation of the 3650-3700 Band (ET Docket No. 04-151)..................... 3060-AI50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 320 Streamlining the Commission's Rules and Regulations for Satellite Application and 3060-AD70 Licensing Procedures (IB Docket No. 95-117)........................................... 321 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)......... 322 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)........................................................ 323 Streamlining Earth Station Licensing Rules (IB Docket No. 00-248)..................... 3060-AH60 324 Space Station Licensing Reform (IB Docket No. 02-34).................................. 3060-AH98 325 Mitigation of Orbital Debris (IB Docket No. 02-54).................................... 3060-AI06 326 Amendment of the Commission's Rules (IB Docket No. 04-47)............................. 3060-AI41 327 Reporting Requirements for U.S. Providers of International Telecommunications Services 3060-AI42 (IB Docket No. 04-112)................................................................ 328 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)............. 329 Amendment of the Commission's Rules To Allocate Spectrum and Adopt Service Rules and 3060-AI90 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 330 Cable Television Rate Regulation...................................................... 3060-AF41 331 Cable Television Rate Regulation: Cost of Service..................................... 3060-AF48 332 Cable Home Wiring..................................................................... 3060-AG02 333 Competitive Availability of Navigation Devices (CS Docket No. 97-80).................. 3060-AG28 334 Cable Horizontal and Vertical Ownership Limits (MM Docket No. 92-264)................. 3060-AH09 335 Digital Audio Broadcasting Systems (MM Docket No. 99-325)............................. 3060-AH40 336 Second Periodic Review of Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to DTV.......... 3060-AH54 337 Direct Broadcast Public Interest Obligations (MM Docket No. 93-25).................... 3060-AH59 338 Revision of EEO Rules and Policies (MM Docket No. 98-204)............................. 3060-AH95 339 Broadcast Multiple and Cross-Ownership Limits......................................... 3060-AH97 340 Establishment of Rules for Digital Low Power Television, Television Translator, and 3060-AI38 Television Booster Stations (MB Docket No. 03-185).................................... 341 Joint Sales Agreements in Local Television Markets (MB Docket No. 04-256)............. 3060-AI55 342 Significantly Viewed Out-of-Market Broadcast Stations (MB Docket No. 05-49)........... 3060-AI56 [[Page 21906]] 343 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)........... 344 Digital Television Distributed Transmission System Technologies (MB Docket No. 05-312) 3060-AI68 345 Implementation of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 as Amended by the Cable 3060-AI69 Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 (MB Docket No. 05-311)..... 346 Program Access Rules--Sunset of Exclusive Contracts Prohibition and Examination of 3060-AI87 Programming Tying Arrangements (MB Docket Nos. 07-29, 07-198)......................... 347 Third Periodic Review of the Commission's Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion 3060-AI89 to Digital Television (MB Docket No. 07-91)........................................... 348 Broadcast Localism (MB Docket No. 04-233)............................................. 3060-AJ04 349 Creating a Low Power Radio Service (MM Docket NO. 99-25).............................. 3060-AJ07 350 Sponsorship Identification Rules and Embedded Advertising (MB Docket No. 08-90)....... 3060-AJ10 351 An Inquiry Into the Commission's Policies and Rules Regarding AM Radio Service 3060-AJ17 Directional Antenna Performance Verification (MM Docket No. 93-177)................... 352 Amendment of Parts 73 and 74 of the Commission's Rules To Establish Rules for 3060-AJ18 Replacement Digital Low Power Television Translator Stations (MB Docket No. 08-253)... 353 Policies To Promote Rural Radio Service and To Streamline Allotment and Assignment 3060-AJ23 Procedures (MB Docket No. 09-52)...................................................... 354 Promoting Diversification of Ownership in the Broadcast Services (MB Docket No. 07- 3060-AJ27 294).................................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEDIA BUREAU--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 355 DTV Consumer Education Initiative (MB Docket No. 07-148).............................. 3060-AI96 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF MANAGING DIRECTOR--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 356 Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees.......................................... 3060-AI79 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 357 Revision of the Rules To Ensure Compatibility With Enhanced 911 Emergency Calling 3060-AG34 Systems............................................................................... 358 Enhanced 911 Services for Wireline.................................................... 3060-AG60 359 In the Matter of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act................ 3060-AG74 360 Development of Operational, Technical, and Spectrum Requirements for Public Safety 3060-AG85 Communications Requirements........................................................... 361 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review--Review of Accounts Settlement in Maritime Mobile and 3060-AH30 Maritime Mobile-Satellite Radio Services (IB Docket No. 98-96)........................ 362 Implementation of 911 Act............................................................. 3060-AH90 363 Commission Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications............................. 3060-AI22 364 E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers.................................... 3060-AI62 365 Recommendations of the Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on 3060-AI78 Communications Networks............................................................... 366 Stolen Vehicle Recovery System (SVRS)................................................. 3060-AJ01 367 Commercial Mobile Alert System........................................................ 3060-AJ03 368 Emergency Alert System................................................................ 3060-AJ33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 21907]] WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 369 Implementation of the Communications Act, Amendment of the Commission's Rules-- 3060-AG21 Broadband PCS Competitive Bidding and the Commercial Mobile Radio Service Spectrum Cap 370 Service Rules for the 746 to 764 and 776 to 794 MHz Bands, and Revisions to the 3060-AH32 Commission's Rules.................................................................... 371 Amendment of Parts 13 and 80 of the Commission's Rules Governing Maritime 3060-AH55 Communications........................................................................ 372 Competitive Bidding Procedures........................................................ 3060-AH57 373 2000 Biennial Regulatory Review Spectrum Aggregation Limits for Commercial Mobile 3060-AH81 Radio Services........................................................................ 374 In the Matter of Promoting Efficient Use of Spectrum Through Elimination of Barriers 3060-AH82 to the Development of Secondary Markets............................................... 375 Reexamination of Roaming Obligations of Commercial Mobile Radio Service Providers..... 3060-AH83 376 Amendments of Various Rules Affecting Wireless Radio Services (WT Docket No. 03-264).. 3060-AI30 377 Facilitating the Provision of Spectrum-Based Services to Rural Areas.................. 3060-AI31 378 Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band Industrial/Land 3060-AI34 Transportation and Business Channels.................................................. 379 Review of Part 87 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Aviation (WT Docket No. 01-289) 3060-AI35 380 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)...... 381 Facilitating the Provision of Fixed and Mobile Broadband Access, Educational and Other 3060-AJ12 Advanced Services in the 2150-2162 and 2500-2690 MHz Bands............................ 382 Amendment of the Rules Regarding Maritime Automatic Identification Systems (WT Docket 3060-AJ16 No. 04-344)........................................................................... 383 Service Rules for Advanced Wireless Services in the 2155-2175 MHz Band................ 3060-AJ19 384 Service Rules for Advanced Wireless Services in the 1915 to 1920 MHz, 1995 to 2000 3060-AJ20 MHz, 2020 to 2025 MHz, and 2175 to 2180 MHz Bands..................................... 385 Rules Authorizing the Operation of Low Power Auxiliary Stations in the 698-806 MHz 3060-AJ21 Band, WT Docket No. 08-166; Public Interest Spectrum Coalition, Petition for Rulemaking Regarding Low Power Auxiliary.............................................. 386 Amendment of the Commission's Rules To Improve Public Safety Communications in the 800 3060-AJ22 MHz Band, and To Consolidate the 800 MHz and 900 MHz Business and Industrial/Land Transportation Pool Channels.......................................................... 387 Amendment of Part 101 to Accommodate 30 MHz Channels in the 6525-6875 MHz Band and 3060-AJ28 Provide Conditional Authorization on Channels in the 21.8-22.0 and 23.0-23.2 GHz Band (WT Docket No. 04-114)................................................................ 388 In the Matter of Service Rules for the 698 to 746, 747 to 762 and 777 to 792 MHz Bands 3060-AJ35 389 In the Matter of Effects of Communications Towers on Migratory Birds.................. 3060-AJ36 390 Amendment of Part 90 of the Commission's Rules........................................ 3060-AJ37 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 391 Amendment of Part 90 of the Rules To Adopt Regulations for Automatic Vehicle 3060-AH12 Monitoring Systems.................................................................... 392 Fixed Satellite Service and Terrestrial System in the Ku-Band......................... 3060-AH17 393 Implementation of the Communications Act of 1934 as Amended........................... 3060-AH33 394 Year 2000 Biennial Review (WT Docket No. 01-108)...................................... 3060-AI26 395 Air-Ground Telecommunications Services................................................ 3060-AI27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 396 Implementation of the Universal Service Portions of the 1996 Telecommunications Act... 3060-AF85 397 Telecommunications Carriers' Use of Customer Proprietary Network Information and Other 3060-AG43 Customer Information.................................................................. 398 Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 3060-AG50 1996.................................................................................. 399 Local Telephone Networks That LECs Must Make Available to Competitors................. 3060-AH44 400 2000 Biennial Regulatory Review--Telecommunications Service Quality Reporting 3060-AH72 Requirements.......................................................................... 401 Access Charge Reform and Universal Service Reform..................................... 3060-AH74 402 Numbering Resource Optimization....................................................... 3060-AH80 403 National Exchange Carrier Association Petition........................................ 3060-AI47 404 IP-Enabled Services................................................................... 3060-AI48 [[Page 21908]] 405 Consumer Protection in the Broadband Era.............................................. 3060-AI73 406 Establishing Just and Reasonable Rates for Local Exchange Carriers (WC Docket No. 07- 3060-AJ02 135).................................................................................. 407 Jurisdictional Separations............................................................ 3060-AJ06 408 Implementation of NET 911 Improvement Act............................................. 3060-AJ09 409 Local Number Portability Porting Interval and Validation Requirements (WC Docket No 07- 3060-AJ32 244).................................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 303. 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. 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, Chief, Consumer Policy Division, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2512 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG42 _______________________________________________________________________ 304. 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 May 2001, the Commission adopted streamlined procedures for the carrier-to-carrier sale or transfer of customer bases. 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. On January 4, 2008, the Commission released 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 R&O and Second FNPRM 02/16/99 64 FR 7745 First Order on Recon 04/13/00 65 FR 47678 Third R&O 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 R&O and Fourth R&O 06/06/01 66 FR 30334 Second FNPRM 03/17/03 68 FR 19176 Third Order on Recon 03/17/03 68 FR 19152 Second FNPRM Comment Period End 06/17/03 First Order on Recon & Fourth Order on Recon 03/15/05 70 FR 12605 [[Page 21909]] Fifth Order on Recon 03/23/05 70 FR 14567 Order 02/04/08 73 FR 6444 Fourth R&O 03/12/08 73 FR 13144 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Nancy Stevenson, Deputy Chief, Consumer Policy Div., Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2512 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG46 _______________________________________________________________________ 305. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996; ACCESS TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE, TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, AND CUSTOMER PREMISES EQUIPMENT BY 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 ________________________________________________________________________ R&O 08/14/96 61 FR 42181 NOI 09/26/96 61 FR 50465 R&O 11/19/99 64 FR 63235 Further NOI 11/19/99 64 FR 63277 Public Notice 01/07/02 67 FR 678 R&O 08/06/07 72 FR 43546 NPRM 11/21/07 72 FR 465494 R&O 05/07/08 73 FR 25566 R&O 06/12/08 73 FR 33324 Public Notice 08/01/08 73 FR 45008 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: 202 418-0416 Fax: 202 418-0037 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG58 _______________________________________________________________________ 306. 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. 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 Second NPRM 04/05/01 66 FR 18059 Fifth R&O 02/07/03 68 FR 6352 Fifth R&O (Correction) 02/24/03 68 FR 8553 Public Notice 08/27/04 69 FR 52694 Petitions for Recon of Fifth R&O Denied 09/01/04 69 FR 53346 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG75 _______________________________________________________________________ 307. RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE TELEPHONE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT (TCPA) OF 1991 (CG DOCKET NO. 02-278) Legal Authority: 47 USC 227 Abstract: 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 amending 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 3 months. On April 5, 2006, the Commission adopted a Report and Order and Third Order on Reconsideration amending its facsimile advertising rules to implement the Junk Fax Protection Act of 2005. On October 14, 2008, the Commission released an Order on Reconsideration addressing certain issues raised in petitions for reconsideration and/or clarification of the Report and Order and Third Order on Reconsideration. On January 4, 2008, the Commission released a Declaratory Ruling, 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. Following a December 4, 2007 NPRM, on June 17, 2008, the Commission released a Report and Order amending its rules to require sellers and/ or telemarketers to honor registrations with the National Do-Not-Call Registry indefinitely, unless the registration is cancelled by the consumer or the number is removed by the database administrator. On January 22, 2010, the Commission released an NPRM proposing to require sellers and telemarketers to obtain written consent from recipients before making prerecorded telemarketing calls commonly known as ``robocalls,'' even when the caller has an established business relationship with the consumer. The proposals also would require that the prerecorded telemarketing calls include an automated, interactive mechanism by which a consumer may ``opt out'' of receiving future prerecorded messages from a seller or telemarketer. 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 NPRM Comment Period End 01/31/03 [[Page 21910]] FNPRM 04/03/03 68 FR 16250 FNPRM Comment Period End 05/05/03 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 Public Notice 04/26/06 71 FR 24634 Order 05/03/06 71 FR 25967 NPRM 12/14/07 72 FR 71099 Declaratory Ruling 02/01/08 73 FR 6041 R&O 07/14/08 73 FR 40183 Order on Recon 10/30/08 73 FR 64556 NPRM (release date) 01/22/10 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Erica H. McMahon, Chief, Consumer Policy Division, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2512 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI14 _______________________________________________________________________ 308. RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING SECTION 225 OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ACT (TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE) (CG DOCKET NO. 03- 123) Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 225 Abstract: This proceeding established a new docket flowing from the previous telecommunications relay service (TRS) history, CC Docket No. 98-67. This proceeding continues the Commission's inquiry into improving the quality of TRS and furthering the goal of functional equivalency, consistent with Congress' mandate that TRS regulations encourage the use of existing technology and not discourage or impair the development of new technology. In this docket, the Commission explores ways to improve emergency preparedness for TRS facilities and services, new TRS technologies, public access to information and outreach, and issues related to payments from the Interstate TRS Fund. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/25/03 68 FR 50993 R&O, Order on Recon 09/01/04 69 FR 53346 FNPRM 09/01/04 69 FR 53382 Public Notice 02/17/05 70 FR 8034 Declaratory Ruling/ Interpretation 02/25/05 70 FR 9239 Public Notice 03/07/05 70 FR 10930 Order 03/23/05 70 FR 14568 Public Notice/ Announcement of Date 04/06/05 70 FR 17334 Order 07/01/05 70 FR 38134 Order on Recon 08/31/05 70 FR 51643 R&O 08/31/05 70 FR 51649 Order 09/14/05 70 FR 54294 Order 09/14/05 70 FR 54298 Public Notice 10/12/05 70 FR 59346 R&O/Order on Recon 12/23/05 70 FR 76208 Order 12/28/05 70 FR 76712 Order 12/29/05 70 FR 77052 NPRM 02/01/06 71 FR 5221 Declaratory Ruling/Clarification05/31/06 71 FR 30818 FNPRM 05/31/06 71 FR 30848 FNPRM 06/01/06 71 FR 31131 Declaratory Ruling/Dismissal of Petition 06/21/06 71 FR 35553 Clarification 06/28/06 71 FR 36690 Declaratory Ruling on Recon 07/06/06 71 FR 38268 Order on Recon 08/16/06 71 FR 47141 MO&O 08/16/06 71 FR 47145 Clarification 08/23/06 71 FR 49380 FNPRM 09/13/06 71 FR 54009 Final Rule; Clarification 02/14/07 72 FR 6960 Order 03/14/07 72 FR 11789 R&O 08/06/07 72 FR 43546 Public Notice 08/16/07 72 FR 46060 Order 11/01/07 72 FR 61813 Public Notice 01/04/08 73 FR 863 R&O/Declaratory Ruling 01/17/08 73 FR 3197 Order 02/19/08 73 FR 9031 Order 04/21/08 73 FR 21347 R&O 04/21/08 73 FR 21252 Order 04/23/08 73 FR 21843 Public Notice 04/30/08 73 FR 23361 Order 05/15/08 73 FR 28057 Declaratory Ruling 07/08/08 73 FR 38928 FNPRM 07/18/08 73 FR 41307 R&O 07/18/08 73 FR 41286 Public Notice 08/01/08 73 FR 45006 Public Notice 08/05/08 73 FR 45354 Public Notice 10/10/08 73 FR 60172 Order 10/23/08 73 FR 63078 2nd R&O and Order on Recon 12/30/08 73 FR 79683 Order 05/06/09 74 FR 20892 Public Notice 05/07/09 74 FR 21364 NPRM 05/21/09 74 FR 23815 Public Notice 05/21/09 74 FR 23859 Public Notice Comment Period End06/08/09 Public Notice Comment Period End06/11/09 Public Notice 06/12/09 74 FR 28046 NPRM Comment Period End 07/20/09 Order 07/29/09 74 FR 37624 Public Notice 08/07/09 74 FR 39699 Comment Period End 08/10/09 Order 09/18/09 74 FR 47894 Order 10/26/09 74 FR 54913 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI15 _______________________________________________________________________ 309. 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 03/25/05 70 FR 34665 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Julie Saulnier, Deputy Chief, Consumer Policy Div., Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Government Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1598 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI20 [[Page 21911]] _______________________________________________________________________ 310. RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING MINIMUM CUSTOMER ACCOUNT RECORD EXCHANGE (CARE) OBLIGATIONS ON ALL LOCAL AND INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS (CG DOCKET NO. 02-386) Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201 and 202; 47 USC 303(r) 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 (NPRM) 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 (FNPRM), 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 06/02/05 70 FR 32258 FNPRM Comment Period End 08/01/05 Public Notice 08/29/05 70 FR 53137--01 Public Notice Comment Period End10/03/05 Order on Recon 12/13/06 71 FR 74819 R&O 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI58 _______________________________________________________________________ 311. CONSUMER INFORMATION AND DISCLOSURE AND 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. On August 28, 2009, the Commission released a Notice of Inquiry which asks questions about information available to consumers at all stages of the purchasing process for all communications services, including (1) choosing a provider; (2) choosing a service plan; (3) managing the service plan; and (4) deciding whether and when to switch an existing provider or plan. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ FNPRM 05/25/05 70 FR 30044 FNPRM Comment Period End 06/24/05 R&O 05/25/05 70 FR 29979 NOI 08/28/09 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI61 _______________________________________________________________________ 312. CLOSED CAPTIONING OF VIDEO PROGRAMMING (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 47 USC 613 Abstract: The Commission's closed captioning rules are designed to make video programming more accessible to deaf and hard of hearing Americans. This proceeding resolves some issues regarding the Commission's closed captioning rules that were raised for comment in 2005, and also seeks comment on how a certain exemption from the closed captioning rules should be applied to digital multicast broadcast channels. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/03/97 62 FR 4959 NPRM Comment Period End 02/28/97 R&O 09/16/97 62 FR 48487 NPRM 09/26/05 70 FR 56150 NPRM Comment Period End 11/20/05 Comment Period Extended 11/25/05 70 FR 71077 Comment Period End 12/16/05 Order on Recon 10/28/98 63 FR 55959 Order and Declaratory Ruling 01/13/09 74 FR 1594 [[Page 21912]] NPRM 01/13/09 74 FR 1654 NPRM Comment Period End 02/12/09 Comment Period End 02/27/09 Final Rule 02/19/10 75 FR 7370 Order 02/19/10 75 FR 7368 Order Suspending Effective Date 02/19/10 75 FR 7369 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: 202 418-0037 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI72 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Office of Engineering and Technology _______________________________________________________________________ 313. 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 Rulemaking 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 Second Report and Order and Second Memorandum Opinion and Order responds to two petitions for reconsideration that were filed in response to the Commission's decision to establish regulations for unlicensed UWB operation. It also responds to the rulemaking proposals contained in the Memorandum Opinion and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 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 First R&O 05/16/02 67 FR 34852 MO&O 04/22/03 68 FR 19746 FNPRM 04/22/03 68 FR 19773 Second R&O and Second 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH47 _______________________________________________________________________ 314. 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 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 Rulemaking 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 and 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 [[Page 21913]] 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 Recon 11/02/01 66 FR 55666 Second R&O 01/24/03 68 FR 3455 Third NPRM 03/13/03 68 FR 12015 Seventh R&O 12/29/04 69 FR 7793 Petition for Recon 04/13/05 70 FR 19469 Eighth 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 Ninth 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH65 _______________________________________________________________________ 315. EXPOSURE TO RADIOFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 302 and 303; 47 USC 309(j); 47 USC 336 Abstract: The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) 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 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI17 _______________________________________________________________________ 316. 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) and 303(f); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 307 Abstract: The Commission adopted rules to allow unlicensed radio transmitters to operate in the broadcast television spectrum at locations where that spectrum is not being used by licensed services (this unused TV spectrum is often termed ``white spaces''). This action will make a significant amount of spectrum available for new and innovative products and services, including broadband data and other services for businesses and consumers. The actions taken are a conservative first step that includes many safeguards to prevent harmful interference to incumbent communications services. Moreover, the Commission will closely oversee the development and introduction of these devices to the market and will take whatever actions may be necessary to avoid, and if necessary correct, any interference that may occur. [[Page 21914]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/18/04 69 FR 34103 First R&O 11/17/06 71 FR 66876 FNPRM 11/17/06 71 FR 66897 R&O and MO&O 02/17/09 74 FR 7314 Petitions for Reconsideration 04/13/09 74 FR 16870 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI52 _______________________________________________________________________ 317. 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 (NPRM) 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, for example, a ``spectrum etiquette,'' particularly in the 915 MHz band. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/17/03 68 FR 68823 NPRM Comment Period End 01/09/04 R&O 09/07/04 69 FR 54027 Petition for Recon 11/19/04 69 FR 67736 Petition for Recon 02/15/05 70 FR 7737 Second R&O 05/23/07 72 FR 28889 FNPRM 08/01/07 72 FR 42011 FNPRM Comment Period End 10/15/07 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI54 [[Page 21915]] _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Completed Actions Office of Engineering and Technology _______________________________________________________________________ 318. TRANSFER OF THE 3650 THROUGH 3700 MHZ BAND FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT USE (WT DOCKET NO. 05-96; ET DOCKET NO. 02-380) 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 Recon 03/28/01 66 FR 16940 R&O 02/27/02 67 FR 17038 MO&O and Third 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 MO&O 07/25/07 72 FR 40767 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH75 _______________________________________________________________________ 319. 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 Memorandum Opinion and Order, 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 Report and Order, 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 Memorandum Opinion and Order 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. [[Page 21916]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/14/04 69 FR 26790 NPRM Comment Period End 07/28/04 R&O & MO&O 05/11/05 70 FR 24712 MO&O 07/25/07 72 FR 40767 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI50 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions International Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 320. 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. The Commission addressed the issues in the Petitions for Reconsideration in an Order released on October 10, 2008. The docket in this proceeding is now closed. 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 Order on Reconsideration 11/29/08 73 FR 70897 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AD70 _______________________________________________________________________ 321. 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 Second FNPRM 01/15/08 73 FR 2437 FNPRM Comment Period End 03/17/08 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Jay Whaley, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7184 Fax: 202 418-0748 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF93 _______________________________________________________________________ 322. 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 and 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 nongovernment 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 R&O 01/15/99 64 FR 2585 Correction 02/08/99 64 FR 6138 Correction 02/10/99 64 FR 6565 Notice of Petition for Recon 03/22/99 64 FR 13796 Order on Recon 12/01/99 FNPRM 07/05/01 66 FR 35399 Second R&O 08/25/04 69 FR 52198 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Sean O'More, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2453 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH23 [[Page 21917]] _______________________________________________________________________ 323. STREAMLINING EARTH STATION LICENSING RULES (IB DOCKET NO. 00-248) Legal Authority: 47 USC 701 to 744 Abstract: The Commission has found several cases in which modifying or eliminating rules could facilitate licensing of earth stations, thereby expediting the provision of useful satellite services to the public, without unreasonably increasing the risk of harmful interference to existing earth station or space station operators, or terrestrial wireless operators in shared frequency bands. Specifically, this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) considers the following rule revisions: (1) Codifying streamlined procedures for case-by-case examination of earth stations using ``non-routine'' antennas, non-routine power levels, or both; (2) relaxing some current requirements, such as increasing power and power density limits, and allowing some temporary fixed earth stations to begin operation sooner than is now permitted; (3) streamlining the very small aperture terminal (VSAT) rules, and revising the Commission's power level rules to provide for various types of VSAT multiple access methods; (4) adopting a simplified license application form for ``routine'' earth stations; and (5) other miscellaneous rule revisions. The Commission also invites comment on extending these proposed rules to the KA-band. On September 26, 2002, the Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this proceeding. This Further NPRM invited comment on refinements to the proposals in the NPRM to relax some earth station technical requirements, and on an alternative to the VSAT proposals in the NPRM. The Further NPRM also seeks comment on proposals made by commenters in response to the First NPRM. In the First Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission extended the license term for earth station licenses from 10 to 15 years. In the Second Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission adopted rules allowing unlicensed receive-only earth stations to receive transmissions from non-U.S.-licensed satellites on the Permitted List. In the Third Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission adopted a streamlined application form for certain earth station licenses, and adopted a mandatory electronic filing requirement for those earth station applications. In the Fourth Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission extended the mandatory electronic filing requirement to all earth station applications. In the Fifth Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission adopted the following proposals from the NPRM: (1) Codifying streamlined procedures for non-routine antennas; (2) relaxing power and power density limits, and allowing routine KU-band temporary fixed earth stations to begin operations sooner; (3) revising certain VSAT rules; and (4) other miscellaneous rule revisions. One petition for reconsideration was filed in response to this Order on July 5, 2005. In the Sixth Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission adopted revisions to the earth station antenna gain pattern requirements, as proposed in the Further Notice. Two petitions for reconsideration were filed in response to this Order on July 8, 2005. In the Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission invited comment on adopting off-axis EIRP envelops for C-band and KU- band FSS earth stations. In the Seventh Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission considered and rejected its proposal in the NPRM to make revisions to part 23 of its rules. In the Eighth Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission adopted the proposals in the Third FNPRM, in large part. This proceeding is now closed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/08/01 66 FR 1283 First R&O 03/19/02 67 FR 12485 FNPRM 12/24/02 67 FR 78399 Second R&O (Release Date) 06/20/03 68 FR 2247 Second FNPRM 09/12/03 68 FR 53702 Third R&O 11/12/03 68 FR 63994 Fourth R&O 08/06/04 69 FR 47790 Fifth R&O 06/02/05 70 FR 32249 Sixth R&O 06/08/05 70 FR 33373 Third FNPRM 06/08/05 70 FR 33426 Seventh R&O 09/28/05 70 FR 56580 Public Notice/Petition for Recon10/26/05 70 FR 61825 Eighth R&O 11/24/08 73 FR 70897 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH60 _______________________________________________________________________ 324. 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 (NPRM) 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 [[Page 21918]] 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 Second R&O (Release Date) 06/20/03 68 FR 62247 Second FNPRM (Release Date) 07/08/03 68 FR 53702 Third 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 Fourth R&O (Release Date) 04/16/04 69 FR 67790 Fifth R&O, First 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH98 _______________________________________________________________________ 325. 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) and 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 Second 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI06 _______________________________________________________________________ 326. AMENDMENT OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES (IB DOCKET NO. 04-47) Legal Authority: 47 USC 34 to 39; 47 USC 151; 47 USC 161; 47 USC 201 to 205; . . . Abstract: FCC amended several rules. Specifically, FCC: (1) Amended the procedures for discontinuing an international service; (2) allowed U.S. carriers to resell the U.S.-inbound service of foreign carriers; and (3) amended the submarine cable landing licensing procedures compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. The North American Submarine Cable Association filed a petition for reconsideration regarding the amendment to the submarine cable licensing procedures. 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 Petition for Recon 01/02/08 73 FR 187 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI41 _______________________________________________________________________ 327. 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 47 CFR 43.82 and to repeal 47 CFR 43.53. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/12/04 [[Page 21919]] 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI42 _______________________________________________________________________ 328. 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 Recon 10/12/04 69 FR 60626 First Order on Recon 06/19/06 71 FR 35178 Petitions for Further Recon 07/27/06 71 FR 44029 Second Order on Recon and Second 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI44 _______________________________________________________________________ 329. AMENDMENT 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) and (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 R&O 11/04/09 74 FR 57092 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI90 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Media Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 330. 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 Fourteenth 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 Third R&O 11/30/93 58 FR 63087 Order on Recon, Fourth R&O, and Fifth NPRM 04/15/94 59 FR 17943 Third Order on Recon 04/15/94 59 FR 17961 Fifth Order on Recon and FNPRM 10/13/94 59 FR 51869 Fourth Order on Recon 10/21/94 59 FR 53113 [[Page 21920]] Sixth Order on Recon, Fifth R&O, and Seventh NPRM 12/06/94 59 FR 62614 Seventh Order on Recon 01/25/95 60 FR 4863 Ninth Order on Recon 02/27/95 60 FR 10512 Eighth Order on Recon 03/17/95 60 FR 14373 Sixth R&O and Eleventh Order on Recon 07/12/95 60 FR 35854 Thirteenth Order on Recon 10/05/95 60 FR 52106 Twelfth Order on Recon 10/26/95 60 FR 54815 Tenth Order on Recon 04/08/96 61 FR 15388 Order on Recon of the First R&O and FNPRM 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 Fourteenth 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF41 _______________________________________________________________________ 331. 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 Second NPRM 04/15/94 59 FR 18066 MO&O 10/14/94 59 FR 52087 Second R&O/First Order on Recon/ FNPRM 03/08/96 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF48 _______________________________________________________________________ 332. 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 Second R&O 03/21/03 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG02 _______________________________________________________________________ 333. COMPETITIVE AVAILABILITY OF NAVIGATION DEVICES (CS DOCKET NO. 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 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 [[Page 21921]] 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 Recon 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 Second R&O 11/28/03 68 FR 66728 FNPRM 11/28/03 68 FR 66776 Order on Recon 01/28/04 69 FR 4081 Second R&O 06/22/05 70 FR 36040 Third 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., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1573 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG28 _______________________________________________________________________ 334. CABLE HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL OWNERSHIP LIMITS (MM DOCKET NO. 92- 264) 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 and 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 Fourth R&O and FNPRM 02/29/08 73 FR 11048 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: 202 418-2133 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH09 _______________________________________________________________________ 335. 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 Second R&O 08/15/07 72 FR 45712 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Peter Doyle, Chief, Audio Division, Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2700 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH40 _______________________________________________________________________ 336. SECOND PERIODIC REVIEW OF RULES AND POLICIES AFFECTING THE CONVERSION TO DTV Legal Authority: 47 USC 4(i) and 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 Second Report and Order resolved several major technical issues including the issue of receiver performance standards, DTV tuners, and revisions to certain components of [[Page 21922]] the DTV transmission standard. A subsequent 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 R&O 02/13/01 66 FR 9973 MO&O 12/18/01 66 FR 65122 Third MO&O and Order on Recon 10/02/02 67 FR 61816 Second R&O and Second MO&O 10/11/02 67 FR 63290 NPRM 02/18/03 68 FR 7737 R&O 10/04/04 69 FR 59500 Second 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH54 _______________________________________________________________________ 337. 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/08/93 58 FR 12917 R&O 02/08/99 64 FR 52399 Order on Recon 04/22/04 69 FR 21761 Order on Recon 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH59 _______________________________________________________________________ 338. 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 (NPRM) requests comment as to the applicability of the EEO rules to part-time employees. The Third Report and Order adopted revised forms for broadcast station and MVPDs Annual Employment Report. In the Fourth NPRM, comment was sought regarding public access to the data contained in the forms. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/14/02 67 FR 1704 Second R&O and Third NPRM 01/07/03 68 FR 670 Correction 01/13/03 68 FR 1657 Fourth NPRM 06/23/04 69 FR 34986 Third R&O 06/23/04 69 FR 34950 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH95 _______________________________________________________________________ 339. 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 and 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 raised by the Third Circuit. Additional questions are raised for comment in a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. In the Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, the Commission adopted rule changes regarding newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership, but otherwise generally retained 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 Second 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 [[Page 21923]] Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2133 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH97 _______________________________________________________________________ 340. 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/26/03 68 FR 55566 NPRM Comment Period End 11/25/03 R&O 11/29/04 69 FR 69325 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Shaun Maher, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, Mass Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2324 Fax: 202 418-2827 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI38 _______________________________________________________________________ 341. JOINT SALES AGREEMENTS IN LOCAL TELEVISION MARKETS (MB DOCKET NO. 04-256) 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 NPRM Comment Period End 09/27/04 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: 202 418-2133 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI55 _______________________________________________________________________ 342. SIGNIFICANTLY VIEWED OUT-OF-MARKET BROADCAST STATIONS (MB DOCKET NO. 05-49) Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i) and 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 Report and Order 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 NPRM Comment Period End 04/08/05 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI56 _______________________________________________________________________ 343. 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. Petitions for reconsideration are pending. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/22/05 70 FR 44537 NPRM Comment Period End 10/03/05 R&O 12/20/06 71 FR 76208 Next Action Undetermined 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI63 _______________________________________________________________________ 344. DIGITAL TELEVISION DISTRIBUTED TRANSMISSION SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES (MB DOCKET NO. 05-312) Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i) to (j); 47 USC 157; 47 USC 301; . . . [[Page 21924]] 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 (NPRM) examines issues related to the use of DTS and proposes rules for future DTS operation. The Report and Order adopts the technical and licensing rules necessary to implement DTS service. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/07/05 70 FR 72763 NPRM Comment Period End 02/06/06 R&O 12/05/08 73 FR 74047 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: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AI68 _______________________________________________________________________ 345. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CABLE COMMUNICATIONS POLICY ACT OF 1984 AS AMENDED BY THE CABLE TELEVISION CONSUMER PROTECTION AND COMPETITION ACT OF 1992 (MB DOCKET NO. 05-311) 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 (NPRM) 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 (FNPRM) seeking comment on how the findings should affect existing franchises. In the Second Report and Order, a number of the rules promulgated in this docket are extended to incumbent cable operators. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/19/05 70 FR 73973 NPRM Comment Period End 02/13/06 R&O and FNPRM 03/21/07 72 FR 13230 FNPRM Comment Period End 04/20/07 Second 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 Pho [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A2010-8968. Public record. Not legal advice.