Possible Revision or Elimination of Rules, 60413-60426 [2011-24973]

Agencies

• FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 189 (Thursday, September 29, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60413-60426]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24973]



[[Page 60413]]

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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Chapter I

[DA 11-1333]


Possible Revision or Elimination of Rules

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Review of regulations; comments requested.

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SUMMARY: This document invites members of the public to comment on the 
Federal Communication Commission's (FCC's or Commission's) rules to be 
reviewed pursuant to section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 
1980, as amended (RFA). The purpose of the review is to determine 
whether Commission rules whose ten-year anniversary dates are in the 
year 2010, as contained in the Appendix, should be continued without 
change, amended, or rescinded in order to minimize any significant 
impact the rules may have on a substantial number of small entities. 
Upon receipt of comments from the public, the Commission will evaluate 
those comments and consider whether action should be taken to rescind 
or amend the relevant rule(s).

DATES: Comments may be filed on or before November 28, 2011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon K. Stewart, Chief of Staff, 
Office of Communications Business Opportunities (OCBO), Federal 
Communications Commission, (202) 418-0990. People with disabilities may 
contact the FCC to request reasonable accommodations (accessible format 
documents, sign language interpreters, CART, etc.) by e-mail: 
FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: 202-418-0530 or TTY: 202-418-0432.

ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, Office of the Secretary, 
445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Each year the Commission will publish a list 
of ten-year old rules for review and comment by interested parties 
pursuant to the requirements of section 610 of the RFA.

FCC Seeks Comment Regarding Possible Revision or Elimination of Rules 
Under The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. Section 610

CB Docket No. 11-72

    Comment Period Closes: November 28, 2011.
    1. Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), see 5 U.S.C. 
610, the FCC hereby publishes a plan for the review of rules adopted by 
the agency in calendar year 2000 which have, or might have, a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The purpose of the review is to determine whether such rules should be 
continued without change, or should be amended or rescinded, consistent 
with the stated objective of section 610 of the RFA, to minimize any 
significant economic impact of such rules upon a substantial number of 
small entities.
    2. This document lists the FCC regulations to be reviewed during 
the next twelve months. In succeeding years, as here, the Commission 
will publish a list for the review of regulations promulgated ten years 
preceding the year of review.
    3. In reviewing each rule in a manner consistent with the 
requirements of section 610 the FCC will consider the following 
factors:
    (a) The continued need for the rule;
    (b) The nature of complaints or comments received concerning the 
rule from the public;
    (c) The complexity of the rule;
    (d) The extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts 
with other federal rules and, to the extent feasible, with state and 
local governmental rules; and
    (e) The length of time since the rule has been evaluated or the 
degree to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have 
changed in the area affected by the rule.
    4. Appropriate information has been provided for each rule, 
including a brief description of the rule and the need for, and legal 
basis of, the rule. The public is invited to comment on the rules 
chosen for review by the FCC according to the requirements of section 
610 of the RFA. All relevant and timely comments will be considered by 
the FCC before final action is taken in this proceeding.
    Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment 
Filing System (``ECFS'') or by filing paper copies. Comments filed 
through the ECFS may be sent as an electronic file via the Internet to 
https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. Generally, only one copy of an electronic 
submission must be filed. In completing the transmittal screen, 
commenters should include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing 
address, and the applicable docket (proceeding) and ``DA'' number.
    Parties may also submit an electronic comment by Internet e-mail. 
To obtain filing instructions for e-mail comments, commenters should 
send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and should include the following words 
in the body of the message: ``get form.'' A sample form and directions 
will be sent in reply. Parties who choose to file by paper must file an 
original and one copy of each filing. Again, please include the docket 
(proceeding) and ``DA'' number.
    Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial 
overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service 
mail. All hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for the 
Commission's Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 
12th St., SW., Room TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554. Again, please 
include the docket (proceeding) and ``DA'' number.
    The filing hours at this location are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or 
fasteners.
     Any envelopes must be disposed of before entering the 
building.
     Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service 
Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton 
Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.
     U.S. Postal Service first-class mail, Express Mail, and 
Priority Mail should be addressed to 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, 
DC 20554.
     All filings must be addressed to the Commission's 
Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
    Comments in this proceeding will be available for public inspection 
and copying during regular business hours at the FCC Reference 
Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-A257, 
Washington, DC 20554. They may also be purchased from the Commission's 
duplicating contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc., 445 12th Street, 
SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554, telephone 202-488-5300 or 800-
378-3160, facsimile 202-488-5563, or via e-mail at fcc@bcniweb.com. To 
request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities 
(Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail 
to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 
202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (TTY).
    For information on the requirements of the RFA, the public may 
contact Carolyn Fleming Williams, Senior Deputy Director, Office of 
Communications Business Opportunities, 202-418-0990 or visit https://www.fcc.gov/ocbo.


[[Page 60414]]


Federal Communications Commission.
Thomas A. Reed,
Director, Office of Communications Business Opportunities.

Appendix

    List of rules for review pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 610, for the ten-year period beginning in the year 
2000 and ending in the year 2010. All listed rules are in Title 47 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations.

Part 0--Commission Organization

Subpart A--Organization

    Brief Description: Section 0.185 of the rules sets forth the 
responsibilities of the Bureaus and Offices in providing assistance to 
the Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, in the 
performance of that person's duties with respect to homeland security, 
national security, emergency management and preparedness, disaster 
management, defense, and related activities. Section 0.185(e) requires 
the head of each Bureau and Office to either serve as Public Safety/
Homeland Security Liaison to the Public Safety and Homeland Security 
Bureau or designate a Deputy Chief of the Bureau or Office to serve as 
liaison.
    Need: This rule ensures that the public safety initiatives of the 
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau will be coordinated 
efficiently and comprehensively with all the Commission's regulatory 
activities.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 155b, 155(c) and 
303(r).
    Section Number and Title:
    0.185(e)--Responsibilities of the bureaus and staff offices.

Subpart B--Delegations of Authority

    Brief Description: These rules prescribe the duties that the 
Commission authorizes to be performed by its various Bureaus and 
Offices. Section 0.251 delegates authority to the Office of General 
Counsel. Section 0.251(i) states that the General Counsel may perform 
all administrative determinations provided for by the Debt Collection 
Improvement Act of 1996.
    Need: This rule allows the efficient resolution of monetary claims 
of the United States Government that arise from the activities of the 
Commission.
    Legal Basis: 31 U.S.C. 3711; 47 U.S.C. 152, 153, 154, 155, 301, 
303, 307, 308, 309, 315 and 317.
    Section Number and Title:
    0.251(i)--Authority delegated [to General Counsel].

Part 1--Practice and Procedure

Subpart Q--Competitive Bidding Proceedings

    Brief Description: The Part 1 rules state the general rules of 
practice and procedure before the Federal Communications Commission. 
Subpart Q sets forth the provisions implementing section 309(j) of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, authorizing the Commission to 
employ competitive bidding procedures to resolve mutually exclusive 
applications for certain initial licenses.
    Need: These rules are needed to implement the Commission's 
competitive bidding authority under section 309(j) of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, including the designated entity 
and tribal land bidding credit programs.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 155, 157, 225, 303(r) 
and 309(j).
    Section Number and Title:
    1.2107(e)--Submission of down payment and filing of long-form 
applications.
    1.2110(b), (c), (f)(3)--Designated entities.

Subpart V--Implementation of Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act 
of 1996; Commission Collection of Advanced Telecommunications 
Capability Data

    Brief Description: Part 1 contains rules relating to Commission 
practices and procedures. Subpart V sets forth the rules by which 
certain commercial and government-controlled entities report data to 
the Commission concerning the deployment of advanced telecommunications 
capability, defined pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 157 as ``high-speed, 
switched, broadband telecommunications capability that enables users to 
originate and receive high-quality voice, data, graphics, and video 
telecommunications using any technology,'' and the deployment of 
services that are competitive with advanced telecommunications 
capability.
    Need: These rules are needed to implement the Commission's data 
collection authority with regard to the deployment of advanced 
telecommunications capabilities pursuant to section 706 of the 
Telecommunications Act of 1996.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 155, 225, 303(r) and 
309.
    Section Number and Title:
    1.7000--Purpose.
    1.7001--Scope and content of filed reports.
    1.7002--Frequency of reports.

Part 20--Commercial Mobile Radio Services

    Brief Description: These rules make following adjustments to the 
deployment schedule that must be followed by wireless carriers that 
choose to implement enhanced 911 Phase II service using a handset-based 
technology. The rules defer the date for initial distribution of 
Automatic Location Identification (ALI)-capable handsets by seven 
months, adjust the timetable for carriers to meet certain interim 
benchmarks for activating new ALI-capable handsets, defer the date by 
which a carrier must achieve full penetration of ALI-capable handsets 
until December 31, 2005, modify the manner in which the Commission 
defines full penetration by adopting a requirement that carriers 
achieve 95 percent penetration of ALI-capable handsets by the December 
31, 2005 date, eliminate the separate handset phase-in schedule 
triggered by a request from a Public Safety Answering Point, and extend 
the deadline for carriers to file Phase II enhanced 911 implementation 
reports.
    Need: These rules establish a more practical, understandable, and 
workable schedule for implementation of handset-based ALI solutions for 
enhanced 911 Phase II service.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 160, 251-254, 303, and 332 unless 
otherwise noted.
    Section Number and Title:
    20.18(g)(1), (g)(2); and 20.18(i)--911 service.

Part 22--Public Mobile Services

Subpart H--Cellular Radiotelephone Service

    Brief Description: Part 22 contains the rules relating to the 
Public Mobile Services, specifically, the rules establishing the 
requirements and conditions under which radio stations may be licensed 
and used in those services. Subpart H sets forth the rules governing 
the licensing and operation of cellular radiotelephone systems.
    Need: The rule establishes the terms and conditions under which 
parties in this service can seek and obtain approval for partitioning 
and/or disaggregation of a license.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 222, 303, 309 and 332.
    Section Number and Title:
    22.948--Partitioning and disaggregation.

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Part 24--Personal Communications Services

Subpart D--Narrowband PCS

    Brief Description: Part 24 contains the rules relating to the 
Personal Communications Services (PCS), specifically, the rules 
establishing the requirements and conditions under which radio stations 
may be licensed and used in those services. Subpart D sets forth the 
rules governing the licensing and operation of narrowband PCS systems 
authorized in the 901-902, 930-931, and 940-941 MHz bands (900 MHz 
band).
    Need: The rule establishes the terms and conditions under which 
parties in this service can seek and obtain approval for partitioning 
and/or disaggregation of a license.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 309 and 332.
    Section Number and Title:
    24.104--Partitioning and disaggregation.

Subpart F--Competitive Bidding Procedures for Narrowband PCS

    Brief Description: Part 24 contains the rules relating to the 
Personal Communications Services (PCS), specifically, the rules 
establishing the requirements and conditions under which radio stations 
may be licensed and used in those services. Subpart F sets forth the 
rules governing mutually exclusive initial applications for narrowband 
PCS service licenses, which are subject to competitive bidding.
    Need: These rules are needed to implement the Commission's 
competitive bidding authority under section 309(j) of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 309 and 332.
    Section Number and Title:
    24.321--Designated entities.

Subpart H--Competitive Bidding Procedures for Broadband PCS

    Brief Description: Part 24 contains the rules relating to the 
Personal Communications Services (PCS), specifically, the rules 
establishing the requirements and conditions under which radio stations 
may be licensed and used in those services. Subpart H sets forth the 
provisions implementing section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 
1934, as amended, authorizing the Commission to employ competitive 
bidding procedures to resolve mutually exclusive applications for 
initial licenses.
    Need: These rules are needed to set forth licensing requirements 
and to implement the Commission's competitive bidding authority under 
47 U.S.C. 309(j).
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154, 155, 157, 225, 301, 302, 303, 309 
and 332.
    Section Number and Title:
    24.709--Eligibility for licenses for frequency Blocks C or F.

Subpart I--Interim Application, Licensing, and Processing Rules for 
Broadband PCS

    Brief Description: Part 24 contains the rules relating to the 
Personal Communications Services (PCS), specifically, the rules 
establishing the requirements and conditions under which radio stations 
may be licensed and used in those services. Subpart I sets forth the 
rules governing interim applications, licensing, and other procedural 
rules for broadband PCS.
    Need: This rule clarifies that no frequency Block C or Block F won 
in closed bidding can be assigned or transferred unless the application 
for assignment or transfer of control is filed on or after the date the 
initial licensee has notified the Commission that it has met its five-
year construction build-out requirement.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 309 and 332.
    Section Number and Title:
    24.839(a)(6)--Transfer of control or assignment of license.

Part 27--Miscellaneous Wireless Communications Services

Subpart A--General Information

    Brief Description: Part 27 contains the Commission rules relating 
to miscellaneous wireless communications services (WCS), specifically, 
the conditions under which spectrum is made available and licensed for 
the provision of wireless communications services in the 2305-2320 MHz 
and 2345-2360 MHz; 746-763 MHz, 775-793 MHz, and 805-806 MHz; 698-746 
MHz; (4) 1390-1392 MHz; 1392-1395 MHz and 1432-1435 MHz; 1670-1675 MHz; 
1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz; and 2495-2690 MHz bands. Subpart A 
sets for the conditions and parameters under which WCS licenses will be 
authorized.
    Need: The rules set forth the availability of certain frequencies 
and services areas that certain WCS licensees may use.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, 332, 336 and 
337.
    Section Number and Title:
    27.5(b)--Frequencies.
    27.6(b)--Service areas.

Subpart B--Applications and Licenses

    Brief Description: Part 27 contains the Commission rules relating 
to miscellaneous wireless communications services (WCS), specifically, 
the conditions under which spectrum is made available and licensed for 
the provision of wireless communications services in the 2305-2320 MHz 
and 2345-2360 MHz; 746-763 MHz, 775-793 MHz, and 805-806 MHz; 698-746 
MHz; (4) 1390-1392 MHz; 1392-1395 MHz and 1432-1435 MHz; 1670-1675 MHz; 
1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz; and 2495-2690 MHz bands. Subpart B 
sets forth the terms and conditions under which parties may apply and 
receive authorization to operate a WCS system.
    Need: These rules clarify that an applicant and licensee may 
provide a variety of services (e.g., common carrier, private internal, 
broadcast, etc.) within a single authorization, provided the licensee 
complies with all other applicable Commission rules; they also 
establish the procedural rules that applicants must follow to obtain 
Commission authorization for a given WCS service.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, 332, 336 and 
337.
    Section Number and Title:
    27.10--Regulatory status.
    27.11(c)--Initial authorization.

Subpart C--Technical Standards

    Brief Description: Part 27 contains the Commission rules relating 
to miscellaneous wireless communications services (WCS), specifically, 
the conditions under which spectrum is made available and licensed for 
the provision of wireless communications services in the 2305-2320 MHz 
and 2345-2360 MHz; 746-763 MHz, 775-793 MHz, and 805-806 MHz; 698-746 
MHz; (4) 1390-1392 MHz; 1392-1395 MHz and 1432-1435 MHz; 1670-1675 MHz; 
1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz; and 2495-2690 MHz bands. Subpart C 
sets forth the various technical standards with which a WCS licensee 
must comply.
    Need: These rules set forth emission limitations for WCS licensees 
in various bands; establish standards such that WCS licensees will not 
harmfully interfere with television or DTV broadcasting; and establish 
procedures and consequences for when a WCS licensee, either voluntarily 
or involuntarily, discontinues operations.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, 332, 336 and 
337.
    Section Number and Title:
    27.53(c), (d), (e)--Emission limits.
    27.60--TV/DTV interference protection criteria.
    27.66--Discontinuance, reduction, or impairment of service.

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Subpart F--Competitive Bidding Procedures for the 698-806 MHz Band

    Brief Description: Part 27 contains the Commission rules relating 
to miscellaneous wireless communications services (WCS), specifically, 
the conditions under which spectrum is made available and licensed for 
the provision of wireless communications services in the 2305-2320 MHz 
and 2345-2360 MHz; 746-763 MHz, 775-793 MHz, and 805-806 MHz; 698-746 
MHz; (4) 1390-1392 MHz; 1392-1395 MHz and 1432-1435 MHz; 1670-1675 MHz; 
1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz; and 2495-2690 MHz bands. Subpart F 
sets forth the rules by which mutually exclusive applications in the 
698-806 MHz band will be considered.
    Need: These rules implement the Commission's competitive bidding 
authority under 47 U.S.C. 309(j) for initial applications in the 698-
806 MHz bands.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, 332, 336 and 
337.
    Section Number and Title:
    27.501--746-763 MHz, 775-793 MHz, and 805-806 MHz bands subject to 
competitive bidding.
    27.502--Designated entities.

Subpart G--Guard Band A and B Blocks (757-758/787-788 MHz and 775-776/
805-806 MHz Bands)

    Brief Description: Part 27 contains the Commission rules relating 
to miscellaneous wireless communications services (WCS), specifically, 
the conditions under which spectrum is made available and licensed for 
the provision of wireless communications services in the 2305-2320 MHz 
and 2345-2360 MHz; 746-763 MHz, 775-793 MHz, and 805-806 MHz; 698-746 
MHz; (4) 1390-1392 MHz; 1392-1395 MHz and 1432-1435 MHz; 1670-1675 MHz; 
1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz; and 2495-2690 MHz bands. Subpart G 
sets forth the rules under which guard band A and B block licensees may 
operate.
    Need: These rules establish the procedural parameters under which a 
guard band A and B block licensee may receive an authorization and 
operate, including the requirements should such a licensee lease a 
portion of its spectrum.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, 332, 336 and 
337.
    Section Number and Title:
    27.601--Authority and coordination requirements.
    27.602--Lease agreements.
    27.604--Limitation on licenses won at auction.
    27.607--Performance requirements and annual reporting requirement.

Part 51--Interconnection

Subpart C--Obligations of All Local Exchange Carriers

    Brief Description: This subsection generally implements section 
251(c) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Section 51.230 
provides that advanced services loop technologies are presumed 
acceptable for deployment under specific circumstances. It further 
provides that incumbent local exchange carriers cannot deny a carrier's 
request to deploy a technology that is presumed acceptable for 
deployment without first demonstrating to the relevant state commission 
that deployment of that technology would significantly degrade 
performance of other advanced services or traditional voiceband 
services. Finally, a carrier seeking to establish that the deployment 
of a specific technology falls within the presumption of acceptability 
bears the burden of demonstrating to the relevant state commission that 
its proposed deployment meets the threshold for a presumption of 
acceptability and will not, in fact, significantly degrade performance 
of other advanced services or traditional voice band services.
    Need: These rules are necessary to foster a competitive market in 
the telecommunications industry, and to promote the deployment of 
broadband infrastructure and other network investment. These rules also 
ensure that competitors receive prompt and accurate notice of changes 
that could affect their ability to interconnect with the incumbent's 
network.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 251(a), 251(c)(2) and (6) and 251(d).
    Section Number and Title:
    51.230--Presumption of acceptability for deployment of an advanced 
services loop technology.
    Brief Description: This subsection generally implements section 
251(c) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Section 51.231 
provides that incumbent local exchange carriers must provide particular 
information to carriers requesting access to a loop or high-frequency 
portion of the loop to provide advanced services. The requesting 
carrier must provide to the incumbent LEC information on the type of 
technology the carrier seeks to deploy, both at the time it seeks 
access to a loop or high frequency portion of a loop to provide 
advanced services and when notifying the incumbent LEC of any proposed 
change in the advanced services technology that the carrier uses on the 
loop.
    Need: These rules are necessary to foster a competitive market in 
the telecommunications industry, and to promote the deployment of 
broadband infrastructure and other network investment. These rules also 
ensure that competitors receive prompt and accurate notice of changes 
that could affect their ability to interconnect with the incumbent's 
network.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 251(a), 251(c)(2) and (6) and 251(d).
    Section Number and Title:
    51.231--Provision of information on advanced services deployment.
    Brief Description: This subsection generally implements section 
251(c) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Section 51.232 
prohibits incumbent local exchange carriers from designating, 
segregating or reserving particular loops or binder groups for use 
solely by any particular advanced services loop technology, except for 
loops on which a known disturber is deployed. The rule also specifies 
that any party seeking designation as a known disturber should file a 
petition for declaratory ruling with the Commission.
    Need: These rules are necessary to foster a competitive market in 
the telecommunications industry, and to promote the deployment of 
broadband infrastructure and other network investment. These rules also 
ensure that competitors receive prompt and accurate notice of changes 
that could affect their ability to interconnect with the incumbent's 
network.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 251(a), 251(c)(2) and (6) and 251(d).
    Section Number and Title:
    51.232--Binder group management.
    Brief Description: This subsection generally implements section 
251(c) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Section 51.233 
sets forth the steps that must be taken by a carrier claiming that a 
deployed advanced service is significantly degrading the performance of 
other advanced services, including notifying the deploying carrier and 
allowing that carrier a reasonable opportunity to correct the problem. 
The rule provides that, where a carrier demonstrates that a deployed 
technology is significantly degrading the performance of other advanced 
services or traditional voice-band services, the deploying carrier must 
discontinue deployment of that technology and migrate its customers to 
technologies that will not significantly degrade the performance of 
other such services. The rule further specifies that, if the asserted 
degradation goes unresolved, the carrier whose services are being 
degraded must make a showing of degradation before the relevant state 
commission.
    Need: These rules are necessary to foster a competitive market in 
the

[[Page 60417]]

telecommunications industry, and to promote the deployment of broadband 
infrastructure and other network investment. These rules also ensure 
that competitors receive prompt and accurate notice of changes that 
could affect their ability to interconnect with the incumbent's 
network.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 251(a), 251(c)(2) and (6) and 251(d).
    Section Number and Title:
    51.233--Significant degradation of services caused by deployment of 
advanced services.

Subpart D--Additional Obligations of Incumbents Local Exchange Carriers

    Brief Description: This subsection implements section 251(c) of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Section 51.323(l) sets forth 
deadlines within which an incumbent LEC must offer to provide, and 
provide, all forms of physical collocation, except in circumstances 
where a state sets its own deadlines or the incumbent LEC has 
demonstrated to the state commission that physical collocation is not 
practical for technical reasons or because of space limitations.
    Need: These rules are necessary to foster a competitive market in 
the telecommunications industry, and to promote the deployment of 
broadband infrastructure and other network investment. They help ensure 
that competitors are able to collocate incumbent LEC premises in a 
timely manner, in accordance with section 251(c)(6) of the 
Communications Act.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 251(c)(6).
    Section Number and Title:
    51.323(l)--Standards for physical collocation and virtual 
collocation.

Subpart G--Resale

    Brief Description: These subsections generally implement section 
251(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Sections 
51.605(c) through (e) help define which incumbent LEC services are 
subject to the resale obligations in section 251(b)(5) and other 
Commission rules. These rules exempt from the scope of that resale 
obligation exchange-access services (except to the extent that they are 
advanced telecommunications services that are sold on a retail basis to 
residential and business end-users that are not telecommunications 
carriers) and advanced telecommunications services sold to ISPs as an 
input component to the ISPs' retail Internet service offerings. These 
rules also prohibit the incumbent LEC from placing restrictions on the 
resale of such services in certain circumstances.
    Need: These rules are necessary to ensure that the incumbent LECs 
and their competitors understand the scope of the incumbent LECs resale 
obligations under section 251(b)(5).
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 251(b)(5).
    Section Number and Title:
    51.605(c) through (e)--Additional obligations of incumbent local 
exchange carriers.

Part 52--Numbering

Subpart A--Scope and Authority

    Brief Description: Section 52.5(i) sets forth the definition of 
``service provider'' as used in the Commission's rules governing 
numbering.
    Need: This rule is necessary to allow the Commission to monitor 
closely the way numbering resources are used within the North American 
Numbering Plan (``NANP'').
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 201-205 and 251.
    Section Number and Title:
    52.5(i)--Definitions.

Subpart B--Administration

    Brief Description: Section 52.7(g) through (j) sets forth 
definitions of terms used in the Commission's rules governing 
thousands-block pooling.
    Need: This rule is necessary to allow the Commission to monitor 
closely the way numbering resources are used within the NANP.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 201-205 and 251.
    Section Number and Title:
    52.7(g) through (j)--Definitions.
    Brief Description: Section 52.15(f) through (j) sets forth a 
mandatory data reporting requirement, a uniform set of categories of 
numbers for which carriers must report their utilization, requirements 
for applications for numbering resources, a utilization threshold 
framework to increase carrier accountability and incentives to use 
numbers efficiently, and procedures for reclamation of numbering 
resources.
    Need: This rule is necessary to allow the Commission to monitor 
closely the way numbering resources are used within the NANP.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 201-205 and 251.
    Section Number and Title:
    52.15(f) through (j)--Central office code administration.

Subpart C--Number Portability

    Brief Description: Section 52.20 specifies that all carriers 
capable of providing local number portability must participate in 
thousands-block number pooling where it is implemented and consistent 
with the national thousands-block number pooling framework established 
by the Commission. The rule requires that all carriers required to 
participate in thousands-block number pooling must donate thousands-
blocks with less than ten percent contamination to the thousands-block 
number pool for the rate center within which the numbering resources 
are assigned. However, the rule permits those service providers to 
maintain at least one thousands-block per rate center, even if less 
than ten percent contaminated, as an initial block or footprint block. 
Telephone numbers assigned to customers of service providers from 
donated thousands-blocks that are contaminated will be ported back to 
the donating service provider. Finally, the rule provides for a 
Thousands-Block Pooling Administrator.
    Need: This rule is necessary to address and resolve one of the 
major factors that contributes to numbering resource exhaust: The 
allocation of numbers in blocks of 10,000, irrespective of the 
carrier's actual need for new numbers.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 201-205 and 251.
    Section Number and Title:
    52.20--Thousands-block number pooling.

Part 54--Universal Service

Subpart D--Universal Service Support for High Cost Areas

    Brief Description: These rules specify the requirements for the 
high-cost support mechanism. These rules provide requirements for how 
high-cost support will be calculated and distributed to eligible 
telecommunications providers.
    Need: In implementing statutory requirements for the high-cost 
program of the universal service support mechanism, these rules ensure 
that rates in rural, insular and high-cost areas are ``reasonably 
comparable'' to rates charged for similar services in urban areas.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 254(b).
    Section Numbers and Title:
    54.311(d)--Interim hold-harmless support for non-rural carriers.

Subpart E--Universal Service Support for Low-Income Consumers

    Brief Description: These rules specify the requirements for the 
support mechanism for low-income consumers. These rules provide the 
eligibility requirements for low-income consumers receiving discounted 
rates for services under the Lifeline and Link-up programs and the 
requirements for how

[[Page 60418]]

reimbursements for low-income support will be calculated and 
distributed to eligible telecommunications providers.
    Need: In implementing statutory requirements for the low-income 
program of the universal service support mechanism, these rules ensure 
that low-income consumers, including eligible residents of Tribal 
lands, have access to quality services at just, reasonable, and 
affordable rates.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 201, 205 and 254(b).
    Section Numbers and Titles:
    54.400(e)--Terms and definitions.
    54.403(a)(4)--Lifeline support amount.
    54.409(c)--Consumer qualification for Lifeline.
    54.411(d)--Link-Up program defined.

Subpart J--Interstate Access Universal Service Support Mechanism

    Brief Description: These rules provide requirements for the 
calculation and distribution of support to price-cap carriers as 
implicit universal service subsidies are removed from their interstate-
access rates.
    Need: In implementing the statutory requirements, these rules 
ensure that the universal service interstate-access support mechanism 
is specific, predictable and sufficient as it moves from implicit to 
explicit subsidies.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 201-209, 218-222, 254 
and 403.
    Section Numbers and Titles:
    54.800--Terms and definitions.
    54.801--General.
    54.802--Obligations of local exchange carriers and the 
Administrator.
    54.803--Universal service zones.
    54.804--Preliminary minimum access universal service support for a 
study area calculated by the Administrator.
    54.805--Zone and study area above benchmark revenues calculated by 
the Administrator.
    54.806--Calculation by the Administrator of interstate access 
universal service support for areas served by price cap local exchange 
carriers.
    54.807--Interstate access universal service support.
    54.808--Transition provisions and periodic calculation.
    54.809--Carrier certification.

Part 61--Tariffs

Subpart A--General

    Brief Description: The Part 61 rules are designed to implement the 
provisions of sections 201, 202, 203, and 204 of the Communications Act 
of 1934, as amended, and help ensure that rates are just, reasonable, 
and not unjustly or unreasonably discriminatory. These rules govern the 
filing, form, content, public-notice periods, and accompanying support 
materials for tariffs. Section 61.3 sets out definitions for terms used 
in this Part.
    Need: Sections 61.3 (qq) through (zz) were adopted to define terms 
used elsewhere in the Commission's tariff regulations applicable to 
interstate, domestic, interexchange services.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 201-205 and 403.
    Section Number and Title:
    61.3(qq) through (zz)--Definitions.

Subpart E--General Rules for Dominant Carriers

    Brief Description: The Part 61 rules are designed to implement the 
provisions of sections 201, 202, 203, and 204 of the Communications Act 
of 1934, as amended, and help ensure that rates are just, reasonable, 
and not unjustly or unreasonably discriminatory. These rules govern the 
filing, form, content, public notice periods, and accompanying support 
materials for tariffs. Section 61.42 identifies which services carriers 
are to include in their price cap baskets. These price-cap baskets are 
then used, among other things, in determining price-cap indices and 
price cap regulation generally.
    Need: Section 61.42(e)(3) was adopted to specify to carriers what 
service categories and subcategories they must include in their Actual 
Price Index (API) for the special access services basket. The API is 
used in connection with any price-cap tariff filing proposing rate 
changes.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 201-205 and 403.
    Section Number and Title:
    61.42(e)(3)--Price cap baskets and service categories.

Part 64--Miscellaneous Rules Relating to Common Carriers

Subpart D--Procedures for Handling Priority Services in Emergencies

    Brief Description: Section 64.402 specifies that commercial mobile 
radio service providers that elect to provide priority access service 
to National Security and Emergency Preparedness personnel must adhere 
to uniform operating protocols.
    Need: These provisions are necessary to implement the Commission's 
responsibility to provide, in the most efficient manner, access to 
communications infrastructures in order to respond effectively to 
emergency and disaster situations.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 202, 205, 302 and 303.
    Section Number and Title:
    64.402--Policies and procedures for the provision of priority 
access service by commercial mobile radio service providers.

Part 68--Connection of Terminal Equipment to the Telephone Network

Subpart C--Terminal Equipment Approval Procedures

    Brief Description: Part 68, Subpart C, sets forth the rules under 
which terminal equipment is approved and associated inside (or 
``premises'') wiring may be connected to the public telephone network. 
Section 68.213, in particular, establishes rules for ``unprotected'' 
premises wiring in simple installations of up to four-line telephone 
service. The rules authorize premises owners or customers to install 
and/or maintain wiring on the customer side of the demarcation point, 
provided that conditions set forth in the rules are met. The rules also 
establish material requirements for wire and connectors used in such 
installations, including electrical and labeling requirements.
    Need: These rules provide uniform standards to protect the public 
telephone network from harms caused by terminal equipment and the 
associated wiring thereto, and ensure that consumer utility of 
traditional voiceband and advanced services will not be hampered by 
poor quality inside wiring, while enabling terminal equipment and 
premises wiring to be provided competitively.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 151(j), 161, 201-205 and 218, 
220, 256, 405, and 5 U.S.C. sections 552 and 553.
    Section Number and Title:
    68.213(c)--Installation of other than ``fully protected'' non-
system simple customer premises wiring.

Part 69--Access Charges

Subpart C--Computation of Charges for Price Cap Local Exchange Carriers

    Brief Description: The Part 69 rules are designed to implement the 
provisions of sections 201 and 202 of the Communications Act of 1934, 
as amended, and protect consumers by preventing the exercise of market 
power by incumbent LECs. These rules help ensure that rates are just, 
reasonable, and not unjustly or unreasonably discriminatory. 
Specifically, Sec.  69.158 facilitates the phase out of implicit 
subsidies in the access charge regime by making the recovery of LEC 
universal service charges from end users explicit.
    Need: Section 69.158 allows for the LECs' recovery of charges for 
an explicit, portable interstate access universal service support 
mechanism.

[[Page 60419]]

    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 201-203, 205, 218, 220, 254 and 403.
    Section Number and Title:
    69.15--Universal service end user charges.

Part 73--Radio Broadcast Services

Subpart B--FM Broadcast Stations

    Brief Description: This rule identifies Part G as the part of the 
rules which establish protection standards for full-power stations from 
the operations of LPFM stations.
    Need: This rule clarifies the structure of the FM interference 
protection scheme.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154 and 303.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.209(c)--Protection from interference.
    Brief Description: This rule sets forth a transition rule for 
stations previously licensed under more permissive Class C antenna 
height and power requirements.
    Need: This rule is needed to provide a basis for a certain class of 
stations to retain their rights as Class C stations.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154 and 303.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.211(d)--Power and antenna height requirements.

Subpart D--Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations

    Brief Description: This rule identifies Part K as the part of the 
rules which set forth the procedures for choosing among mutually 
exclusive applications for noncommercial educational FM stations.
    Need: This rule clarifies the structure of the noncommercial 
educational FM licensing rules.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154 and 303.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.503(e)--Licensing requirements and service.
    Brief Description: This rule identifies Part I as the part of the 
rules which set forth the procedures for choosing among mutually 
exclusive applications in circumstances in which at least one 
commercial FM application is mutually exclusive with at least one 
noncommercial educational FM application.
    Need: This rule clarifies the structure of the commercial and 
noncommercial educational FM licensing rules.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303 and 309.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.513(b)--Noncommercial educational FM stations operating on 
unreserved channels.
    Brief Description: This rule identifies Part G as the part of the 
rules which establish protection standards for noncommercial 
educational full-power stations from the operations of LPFM stations.
    Need: This rule clarifies the structure of the FM interference 
protection scheme.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154 and 303.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.514--Protection from interference.
    Brief Description: This rule sets forth community of license signal 
coverage requirements for noncommercial educational FM stations.
    Need: This rule is necessary to ensure that every noncommercial 
educational station provides an adequate strength signal to its 
community of license.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303 and 307.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.515--NCE FM transmitter location.

Subpart E--Television Broadcast Stations

    Brief Description: This rule provides the criteria that an 
applicant for a new full power television station or modification to 
existing full power television station must meet in order to protect a 
Class A television station.
    Need: Protection criteria is necessary to protect the operations of 
Class A television stations and to ensure that new or modified full 
power television station operate without creating harmful interference.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334 and 336.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.613--Protection of Class A TV stations.
    Brief Description: This rule specifies that mutually exclusive 
applications for noncommercial educational TV stations operating on 
reserved channels shall be resolved pursuant to the point system.
    Need: The point system is needed to continue to foster the growth 
of noncommercial broadcasting. The point system clearly expresses the 
public interest factors that the Commission finds important in 
noncommercial educational broadcasters and selects the applicant who 
best exemplifies those criteria in an objective manner.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334 and 336.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.621(h)--Noncommercial educational TV stations.
    Brief Description: This rule specifies that DTV station 
applications proposing to expand the DTV station's authorized service 
area must not cause interference to a Class A TV station or a digital 
Class A TV Station.
    Need: This rule is required because Class A licensees have 
``primary'' status as television broadcasters; thereby they have a 
measure of protection from full-service DTV television stations.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334 and 336.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.623(c)(5), (d) and (e)--DTV applications and changes to DTV 
allotments.

Subpart G--Low Power FM Broadcast Stations (LPFM)

    Brief Description: This rule sets forth complaint and license 
modification procedures for LPFM stations causing interference to full-
power stations operating on third adjacent channels.
    Need: The Local Community Radio Act, enacted on January 4, 2011, 
requires the Commission to modify its rules to eliminate third-adjacent 
minimum distance separation requirements between LPFM stations and FM, 
FM translator, and FM booster stations. The Commission will initiate a 
rulemaking in 2011 to conform this rule to the new legislation.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303 and 316.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.810--Third adjacent channel complaint and license modification 
procedure.
    Brief Description: This rule sets forth complaint procedures in 
circumstances in which an LPFM station causes interference to the input 
signal of an FM translator or FM booster station.
    Need: The Local Community Radio Act changed the distance separation 
requirements between LPFM stations and FM translators and FM booster 
stations. The Commission will initiate a rulemaking in 2011 to conform 
these complaint procedures to the new legislation.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303 and 316.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.827--Interference to the input signals of FM translator or FM 
booster stations.

Subpart H--Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations

    Brief Description: This rule requires each broadcast station to 
maintain a local or toll-free telephone number in its community of 
license.
    Need: This rule is necessary to promote the localism goals on which 
the main studio rule is based.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303 and 307.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.1125(e)--Station main studio location.
    Brief Description: This rule identifies part K as the part of the 
rules which sets forth restrictions on the assignment or

[[Page 60420]]

transfer of licenses awarded pursuant to noncommercial educational 
comparative procedures.
    Need: This rule is unnecessary. The applicability of the part K 
rules and their requirements are clearly set forth therein.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303 and 309.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.1150(d)--Transferring a station.
    Brief Description: This rule provides the maximum level that may be 
exceeded by the carrier frequency of a station in the Class A 
Television Service.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that parties seeking to construct 
stations in the Class A Television Service may specify their proposed 
facilities and the Commission staff review such facilities before 
granting a construction permit.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.1545(e)--Carrier frequency departure tolerances.
    Brief Description: This rule sets forth the procedures for LPFM 
stations to operate pursuant to program test authority.
    Need: This rule is necessary to permit the prompt initiation of 
authorized new service from LPFM stations.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154 and 303.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.1620(a)(5)--Program tests.
    Brief Description: This rule sets forth the minimum number of hours 
that stations in the Class A Television Service must operate each week.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that stations in the Class A 
Television Service continue to fully utilize their assigned channel and 
to serve the public interest.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.1740(a)(5)--Minimum operating schedule.
    Brief Description: This rule provides that stations in the Class A 
Television Service must maintain documentation in their local public 
inspection file as to their Class A TV continuing eligibility.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that stations are able to 
demonstrate that they continue to be eligible for Class A TV status and 
so that the public and Commission staff can verify their claimed 
eligibility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.3526(e)(17)--Local public inspection file of commercial 
stations.
    Brief Description: This rule provides that stations in the Class A 
Television Service must give notice of the filing of an application for 
license.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that the public is made aware of 
the filing of an application for license by a station in the Class A 
Television Service and the procedures for commenting on such 
application.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.3580(d)(5)--Local public notice of filing of broadcast 
applications.
    Brief Description: This rule sets forth the procedures for filing 
petitions to deny requests for the involuntary downgrading of Class C 
FM stations to Class C0.
    Need: This rule is necessary to clarify the pleading procedures 
that apply in circumstances in which an application is filed which is 
mutually exclusive with an authorized Class C station operating at less 
than full Class C antenna height and/or power minimum requirements.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154 and 303.
    Section Number and Title:
    73.3584(d)--Procedure for filing petitions to deny.

Subpart J--Class A Television Broadcast Stations

    Brief Description: This rule provides the definitions that will be 
used throughout subpart J of 47 CFR part 73.
    Need: Certain terms need to be defined so as to make clear their 
usage in subpart J of 47 CFR Part 73 and to avoid having to restate 
their definition each time they are used.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6000--Definitions.
    Brief Description: This rule provides the procedures that 
applicants seeking new facilities in the Class A Television Service 
must follow to obtain a construction permit for such facilities and the 
required types of service they must provide in order to retain their 
Class A status.
    Need: These procedures and policies are necessary in order that 
applicants for new Class A Television Service may specify their 
proposed facilities and the Commission staff review such facilities 
before granting a construction permit.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6001--Eligibility and service requirements.
    Brief Description: This rule provides the requirements that 
applicants seeking new facilities in the Class A Television Service 
must meet in order to obtain a station in this service.
    Need: It is necessary to set out the qualifications for Class A 
television stations so that applicants for these facilities can make a 
demonstration of eligibility in their applications and Commission staff 
can review their qualifications prior to granting a construction 
permit.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6002--Licensing requirements.
    Brief Description: This rule provides the channels that are not 
available to applicants for Class A television stations.
    Need: A list of channels that are not available for Class A 
television stations is necessary so that applicants in this service may 
decide the best operational channel for their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6006--Channel assignments.
    Brief Description: This rule provides the power limitations for 
applicants seeking Class A television stations.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for Class A 
television stations don't specify too great an operational power and so 
applicants may decide the best operational parameters for their new 
facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6007--Power limitations.
    Brief Description: This rule provides the method for applicants 
seeking Class A television stations to make distance computations 
between two reference points.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for Class A 
television stations are able to correctly calculate the distance 
between two reference points in their applications and to properly 
configure the operational parameters for their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6008--Distance computations.
    Brief Description: This rule outlines the operational area of a 
Class A television station that must be protected from harmful 
interference by other broadcast stations.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for broadcast 
facilities will know that operational area or ``contour'' of a Class A 
television station that must be protected from harmful interference so 
that such applicants are able to properly configure the operational 
parameters for their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6010--Class A TV station protected contour.
    Brief Description: This rule outlines those full power television 
stations that Class A television stations must protect from harmful 
interference.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for Class A 
television stations will be able to determine which full power 
television stations they must protect from harmful interference so that 
such applicants are able to properly

[[Page 60421]]

configure the operational parameters of their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6011--Protection of TV broadcast stations.
    Brief Description: This rule outlines those Class A television, low 
power television and TV translator stations that a Class A television 
station seeking to modify its facilities must protect from harmful 
interference.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for modification to 
a Class A television station will be able to determine which broadcast 
stations they must protect from harmful interference so that such 
applicants are able to properly configure the operational parameters of 
their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6012--Protection of Class A TV, low power TV and TV translator 
stations.
    Brief Description: This rule outlines those full power digital 
television stations that a Class A television station seeking to modify 
its facilities must protect from harmful interference.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for modification to 
a Class A television station will be able to determine which full power 
digital television stations they must protect from harmful interference 
so that such applicants are able to properly configure the operational 
parameters of their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6013--Protection of DTV stations.
    Brief Description: This rule outlines those Class A digital 
television stations that a Class A television station seeking to modify 
its facilities must protect from harmful interference.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for modification to 
a Class A television station will be able to determine which Class A 
digital television stations they must protect from harmful interference 
so that such applicants are able to properly configure the operational 
parameters of their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6014--Protection of digital Class A TV stations.
    Brief Description: This rule outlines those full power television 
stations that a digital Class A television station seeking to modify 
its facilities must protect from harmful interference.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for modification to 
a digital Class A television station will be able to determine which 
full power television stations they must protect from harmful 
interference so that such applicants are able to properly configure the 
operational parameters of their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6016--Digital Class A TV station protection of TV broadcast 
stations.
    Brief Description: This rule outlines those Class A television and 
digital Class A television stations that a digital Class A television 
station seeking to modify its facilities must protect from harmful 
interference.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for modification to 
a digital Class A television station will be able to determine which 
Class A and digital Class A television stations they must protect from 
harmful interference so that such applicants are able to properly 
configure the operational parameters of their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6017--Digital Class A TV station protection of Class A TV and 
digital Class A TV stations.
    Brief Description: This rule outlines those full power digital 
television stations that a digital Class A television station seeking 
to modify its facilities must protect from harmful interference.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for modification to 
a digital Class A television station will be able to determine which 
full power digital television stations they must protect from harmful 
interference so that such applicants are able to properly configure the 
operational parameters of their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6018--Digital Class A TV station protection of DTV stations.
    Brief Description: This rule outlines those low power television, 
TV translator, digital low power television and digital TV translator 
stations that a digital Class A television station seeking to modify 
its facilities must protect from harmful interference.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for modification to 
a digital Class A television station will be able to determine which 
low power television, TV translator, digital low power television and 
digital TV translator stations they must protect from harmful 
interference so that such applicants are able to properly configure the 
operational parameters of their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6019--Digital Class A TV station protection of low power TV, TV 
translator, digital low power TV and digital TV translator stations.
    Brief Description: This rule outlines those stations in the land 
mobile radio service that a digital Class A television station seeking 
to modify its facilities must protect from harmful interference.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for modification to 
a digital Class A television station will be able to determine which 
stations in the land mobile radio service they must protect from 
harmful interference so that such applicants are able to properly 
configure the operational parameters of their new facility.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6020--Protection of stations in the land mobile radio service.
    Brief Description: This rule provides that Class A television 
stations may negotiate interference agreements with full power 
television, digital full power television, low power television, TV 
translator and other Class A television stations.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that Class A television stations 
will know the parameters by which they may negotiate interference 
agreements so that Class A television stations are able to properly 
configure the operational parameters of their facilities.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6022--Negotiated interference and relocation agreements.
    Brief Description: This rule provides that Class A television 
stations may operate distributed transmission systems.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that Class A television stations 
understand that they may operate distributed transmission systems in 
order to properly configure the operational parameters of their 
facilities.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6023--Distributed transmission systems.
    Brief Description: This rule provides the transmission standards 
and system requirements that Class A television stations must follow.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that Class A television stations 
understand how they may operate their stations in order to properly 
configure the operational parameters of their facilities.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6024--Transmission standards and system requirements.
    Brief Description: This rule provides the standards that must be 
followed by Class A television stations when designing their antenna 
systems and their locations.

[[Page 60422]]

    Need: This rule is necessary so that Class A television stations 
understand how to design their antenna systems and where to locate 
their antennas in order to properly configure the operational 
parameters of their facilities.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6025--Antenna system and station location.
    Brief Description: This rule provides all of the broadcast 
regulations applicable to other stations in the broadcast services that 
are also applicable to Class A television stations.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that Class A television stations 
understand which broadcast regulations they are required to follow.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6026--Broadcast regulations applicable to Class A television 
stations.
    Brief Description: This rule provides all applicants for new or 
modified Class A television stations must provide certain notifications 
to radio astronomy, research and receiving installations.
    Need: This rule is necessary so that applicants for Class A 
television stations understand which radio astronomy, research and 
receiving installations they must notify in order to prevent harmful 
interference to such facilities.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 336(f).
    Section Number and Title:
    73.6027--Class A TV notifications concerning interference to radio 
astronomy, research and receiving installations.

Part 74--Experimental Radio, Auxiliary, Special Broadcast and Other 
Program Distributional Services

Subpart D--Remote Pickup Broadcast Stations

    Brief Description: Subpart D contains rules and licensing 
requirements applicable to Remote Pickup Broadcast Stations.
    Need: The revised rule makes licensees of low power FM stations 
eligible to hold licenses for remote pickup broadcast stations.
    Legal Basis: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307, 336(f), 336(h) and 554.
    Section Number and Title:
    74.432--Licensing requirements and procedures.

Subpart E--Aural Broadcast Auxiliary Stations

    Brief Description: Subpart E contains rules and li