Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-Fall 2020, 17004-17030 [2021-04333]
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17004
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
Unified Agenda of Major and Other
Significant Proceedings
47 CFR Chapter I
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. 15–1 or
Docket No. 17–1). The abbreviation for
the responsible bureau usually precedes
the docket number, as in ‘‘MB Docket
No. 17–289,’’ which indicates that the
responsible bureau is the Media Bureau.
A docket number consisting of only five
digits (e.g., Docket No. 29622) indicates
that the docket was established before
January 1, 1978.
Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory
and Deregulatory Actions—Fall 2020
Federal Communications
Commission.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Semiannual regulatory agenda.
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 (U.S.C.
602). The Unified Agenda also provides
the Code of Federal Regulations
citations and legal authorities that
govern these proceedings. The complete
Unified Agenda will be published on
the internet in a searchable format at
www.reginfo.gov.
SUMMARY:
Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Maura McGowan, Telecommunications
Policy Specialist, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, (202)
418–0990.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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
Identifier No.
Sequence No.
Title
414 ....................
Rules and Regulations Implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 (CG Docket No. 02–278).
Rules and Regulations Implementing Section 225 of the Communications Act (Telecommunications Relay
Service) (CG Docket No. 03–123).
Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service (VRS) Program (CG Docket No. 10–51) ......................
Misuse of Internet Protocol (IP) Captioned Telephone Service; Telecommunications Relay Services and
Speech-to-Speech Services; CG Docket No. 13–24.
Advanced Methods to Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls (CG Docket No. 17–59) ............................
415 ....................
416 ....................
417 ....................
418 ....................
3060–AI14
3060–AI15
3060–AJ42
3060–AK01
3060–AK62
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ECONOMICS—LONG-TERM ACTIONS
Regulation
Identifier No.
Sequence No.
Title
419 ....................
Development of Nationwide Broadband Data to Evaluate Reasonable and Timely Deployment of Advanced Services to All Americans.
Universal Service Reform Mobility Fund (WT Docket No. 10–208) ................................................................
Expanding the Economic and Innovation Opportunities of Spectrum Through Incentive Auctions (GN
Docket No. 12–268).
420 ....................
421 ....................
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OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY—LONG-TERM ACTIONS
Regulation
Identifier No.
Sequence No.
Title
422 ....................
423 ....................
424 ....................
Encouraging the Provision of New Technologies and Services to the Public (GN Docket No. 18–22) .........
Spectrum Horizon (ET Docket No. 18–21) ......................................................................................................
Use of the 5.850–5.925 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 19–138) .........................................................................
3060–AK80
3060–AK81
3060–AK96
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU—LONG-TERM ACTIONS
Regulation
Identifier No.
Sequence No.
Title
425 ....................
426 ....................
International Settlements Policy Reform (IB Docket No. 11–80) ....................................................................
Update to Parts 2 and 25 Concerning NonGeostationary, Fixed-Satellite Service Systems, and Related
Matters: IB Docket No. I6–408.
Amendment of Parts 2 and 25 of the FCC Rules to Facilitate the Use of Earth Stations in Motion Communicating With Geostationary Orbit Space Stations in FSS Bands: IB Docket No. 17–95.
Further Streamlining Part 25 Rules Governing Satellite Services: IB Docket No. 18–314 ............................
Facilitating the Communications of Earth Stations in Motion With Non-Geostationary Orbit Space Stations:
IB Docket No. 18–315.
Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age: IB Docket No. 18–313 ...................................................
Process Reform for Executive Branch Review of Certain FCC Applications and Petitions Involving Foreign
Ownership (IB Docket No. 16–155).
427 ....................
428 ....................
429 ....................
430 ....................
431 ....................
3060–AJ77
3060–AK59
3060–AK84
3060–AK87
3060–AK89
3060–AK90
3060–AL12
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU—COMPLETED ACTIONS
Regulation
Identifier No.
Sequence No.
Title
432 ....................
Streamlining Licensing Procedures for Small Satellites; IB Docket No. 18–86 ..............................................
3060–AK88
MEDIA BUREAU—LONG-TERM ACTIONS
Regulation
Identifier No.
Sequence No.
Title
433 ....................
Authorizing Permissive Use of the ‘‘Next Generation’’ Broadcast Television Standard (GN Docket No. 16–
142).
2018 Quadrennial Regulatory Review of the Commission’s Broadcast Ownership Rules (MB Docket 18–
349).
Children’s Television Programming Rules (MB Docket 18–202) ....................................................................
Amendment of Part 74 of the Commission’s Rules Regarding FM Translator Interference (MB Docket 18–
119).
Equal Employment Opportunity Enforcement (MB Docket 19–177) ...............................................................
Revision of the Commission’s Part 76 Review Procedures (MB Docket No. 20–70) .....................................
Significantly Viewed Stations (MB Docket No. 20–73) ....................................................................................
Promoting Broadcast Internet Innovation through ATSC 3.0 (MB Docket No. 20–145) .................................
434 ....................
435 ....................
436 ....................
437
438
439
440
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3060–AK56
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3060–AK86
3060–AL08
3060–AL09
3060–AL10
OFFICE OF MANAGING DIRECTOR—LONG-TERM ACTIONS
Regulation
Identifier No.
Sequence No.
Title
441 ....................
Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees ..............................................................................................
3060–AK64
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PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU—LONG-TERM ACTIONS
Regulation
Identifier No.
Sequence No.
Title
442 ....................
443 ....................
Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Requirements: PS Docket No. 07–114 ....................................................
Improving Outage Reporting for Submarine Cables and Enhancing Submarine Cable Outage Data; GN
Docket No. 15–206.
Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission’s Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications: PS Docket
No. 15–80.
New Part 4 of the Commission’s Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications; ET Docket No. 04–35
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): PS Docket No. 15–91 .............................................................................
Blue Alert EAS Event Code .............................................................................................................................
444 ....................
445 ....................
446 ....................
447 ....................
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WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU—LONG-TERM ACTIONS
Regulation
Identifier No.
Sequence No.
Title
448 ....................
Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 22, 24, 27, 90, and 95 of the Commission’s Rules to Improve Wireless Coverage Through the Use of Signal Boosters (WT Docket No. 10–4).
Amendment of the Commission’s Rules Governing Certain Aviation Ground Station Equipment (Squitter)
(WT Docket Nos. 10–61 and 09–42).
Promoting Technological Solutions to Combat Wireless Contraband Device Use in Correctional Facilities;
GN Docket No. 13–111.
Promoting Investment in the 3550–3700 MHz Band; GN Docket No. 17–258 ...............................................
Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Services—Spectrum Frontiers: WT Docket 10–112 ......
Transforming the 2.5 GHz Band ......................................................................................................................
Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band: GN Docket No. 18–122 ..............................................
Amendment of the Commission’s Rules to Promote Aviation Safety: WT Docket No. 19–140 .....................
449 ....................
450 ....................
451
452
453
454
455
....................
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....................
....................
....................
3060–AJ87
3060–AJ88
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3060–AK12
3060–AK44
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3060–AK76
3060–AK92
WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU—LONG-TERM ACTIONS
Sequence No.
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
....................
....................
....................
....................
....................
....................
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463 ....................
464 ....................
465 ....................
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469
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Local Telephone Networks That LECs Must Make Available to Competitors ................................................
Numbering Resource Optimization ..................................................................................................................
Jurisdictional Separations ................................................................................................................................
Rural Call Completion; WC Docket No. 13–39 ...............................................................................................
Rates for Inmate Calling Services; WC Docket No. 12–375 ...........................................................................
Comprehensive Review of the Part 32 Uniform System of Accounts (WC Docket No. 14–130) ...................
Restoring Internet Freedom (WC Docket No. 17–108); Protecting and Promoting the Open Internet (GN
Docket No. 14–28).
Technology Transitions; GN Docket No 13–5, WC Docket No. 05–25; Accelerating Wireline Broadband
Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment; WC Docket No. 17–84.
Implementation of the Universal Service Portions of the 1996 Telecommunications Act ..............................
Toll Free Assignment Modernization and Toll Free Service Access Codes: WC Docket No. 17–192, CC
Docket No. 95–155.
Call Authentication Trust Anchor .....................................................................................................................
Implementation of the National Suicide Improvement Act of 2018 .................................................................
Modernizing Unbundling and Resale Requirements in an Era of Next-Generation Networks and Services
Eliminating Ex Ante Pricing Regulation and Tariffing of Telephone Access Charges (WC Docket 20–71) ...
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (FCC)
Action
Consumer and Governmental Affairs
Bureau
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Long-Term Actions
414. Rules and Regulations
Implementing the Telephone Consumer
Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 (CG
Docket No. 02–278)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 227
Abstract: In this docket, the
Commission considers rules and
policies to implement the Telephone
Consumer Protection Act of 1991
(TCPA). The TCPA places requirements
on robocalls (calls using an automatic
telephone dialing system, an autodialer,
a prerecorded or, an artificial voice),
telemarketing calls, and unsolicited fax
advertisements.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
FNPRM ...............
Order ...................
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Order on Reconsideration.
Order ...................
FNPRM ...............
Order ...................
Order ...................
Order on Reconsideration.
Order ...................
NPRM ..................
Public Notice .......
Order ...................
NPRM ..................
Declaratory Ruling
R&O ....................
Order on Reconsideration.
NPRM ..................
R&O ....................
Public Notice .......
Public Notice (Reconsideration
Petitions Filed).
Announcement of
Effective Date.
Opposition End
Date.
Rule Corrections
Declaratory Ruling
(release date).
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Action
Declaratory Ruling
(release date).
Declaratory Ruling
and Order.
NPRM ..................
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R&O ....................
Declaratory Ruling
Declaratory Ruling
Order ...................
Declaratory Ruling
Declaratory Ruling
Declaratory Ruling
and Order.
Order on Reconsideration.
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kristi Thornton,
Deputy Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–2467, Email:
kristi.thornton@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AI14
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415. Rules and Regulations
Implementing Section 225 of the
Communications Act
(Telecommunications Relay Service)
(CG Docket No. 03–123)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225
Abstract: This proceeding continues
the Commission’s inquiry into
improving the quality of
telecommunications relay service (TRS)
and furthering the goal of functional
equivalency, consistent with Congress’
mandate that TRS regulations encourage
the use of existing technology and not
discourage or impair the development of
new technology. In this docket, the
Commission explores ways to improve
emergency preparedness for TRS
facilities and services, new TRS
technologies, public access to
information and outreach, and issues
related to payments from the Interstate
TRS Fund.
Timetable:
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Action
Date
NPRM ..................
R&O, Order on
Reconsideration.
FNPRM ...............
Public Notice .......
Declaratory Ruling/Interpretation.
Public Notice .......
Order ...................
Public Notice/Announcement of
Date.
Order ...................
Order on Reconsideration.
R&O ....................
Order ...................
Order ...................
Public Notice .......
R&O/Order on
Reconsideration.
Order ...................
Order ...................
NPRM ..................
Declaratory Ruling/Clarification.
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM ...............
Declaratory Ruling/Dismissal of
Petition.
Clarification .........
Declaratory Ruling
on Reconsideration.
Order on Reconsideration.
MO&O .................
Clarification .........
FNPRM ...............
Final Rule; Clarification.
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Action
Date
Order ...................
R&O ....................
Public Notice .......
Order ...................
Public Notice .......
R&O/Declaratory
Ruling.
Order ...................
Order ...................
R&O ....................
Order ...................
Public Notice .......
Order ...................
Declaratory Ruling
FNPRM ...............
R&O ....................
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Order ...................
2nd R&O and
Order on Reconsideration.
Order ...................
Public Notice .......
NPRM ..................
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Order ...................
Public Notice .......
Order ...................
Order ...................
Public Notice .......
Order Denying
Stay Motion
(Release Date).
Order ...................
Order ...................
NPRM ..................
NPRM ..................
Order ...................
Final Rule (Order)
Final Rule; Announcement of
Effective Date.
Proposed Rule
(Public Notice).
Proposed Rule
(FNPRM).
First R&O ............
Public Notice .......
Order on Reconsideration.
Order ...................
Order (Interim
Rule).
NPRM ..................
Announcement of
Effective Date.
NPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
NPRM ..................
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
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Action
Petition for Reconsideration;
Request for
Comment.
Petition for Reconsideration;
Request for
Comment.
Request for Clarification; Request for Comment; Correction.
Petition for Reconsideration
Comment Period End.
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Announcement of
Effective Date.
Announcement of
Effective Date.
Correction—Announcement of
Effective Date.
Technical Amendments.
Public Notice .......
R&O and Order ...
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Final Action (Announcement of
Effective Date).
Final Rule Effective.
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Public Notice .......
Public Notice
Comment Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
NOI and FNPRM
NOI and FNPRM
Comment Period End.
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
Public Notice .......
Public Notice—
Correction.
Public Notice
Comment Period End.
Public Notice—
Correction
Comment Period End.
R&O ....................
Announcement of
Effective Date.
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04/27/17
07/11/17
82 FR 17754
82 FR 19322
82 FR 19347
06/23/17
07/21/17
07/25/17
82 FR 28566
82 FR 33856
82 FR 34471
07/31/17
08/17/17
08/22/17
10/17/17
82 FR 39673
82 FR 48203
17008
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
Action
Date
Public Notice; Petition for Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due
Date.
R&O and Declaratory Ruling.
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Public Notice .......
Public Notice Opposition Period
End.
Announcement of
Effective Date.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
Petition for Recon
Request for
Comment.
Petition for Recon
Comment Period End.
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Announcement of
Effective Date.
Final Rule; removal of compliance notices.
Report & Order ...
Final Rule; correction.
Next Action Undetermined.
10/25/17
FR Cite
82 FR 49303
11/20/17
06/27/18
83 FR 30082
07/18/18
11/15/18
83 FR 33899
08/23/18
09/17/18
83 FR 42630
Action
02/04/19
84 FR 1409
03/08/19
03/14/19
04/29/19
84 FR 8457
84 FR 9276
06/06/19
06/06/19
06/18/19
84 FR 26364
84 FR 26379
84 FR 28264
07/15/19
08/05/19
01/06/20
01/09/20
01/09/20
02/13/20
85 FR 462
85 FR 1125
85 FR 1134
02/19/20
85 FR 9392
05/06/20
85 FR 26857
05/08/20
08/26/20
85 FR 27309
85 FR 52489
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald,
Deputy Chief, Disability Rights Office,
Federal Communications Commission,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418–2235, Email:
eliot.greenwald@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AI15
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
416. Structure and Practices of the
Video Relay Service (VRS) Program
(CG Docket No. 10–51)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C.
303(r)
Abstract: The Commission takes a
fresh look at its VRS rules to ensure that
it is available to and used by the full
spectrum of eligible users, encourages
innovation, and is provided efficiently
to be less susceptible to the waste,
fraud, and abuse that have plagued the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
program and threatened its long-term
viability. The Commission also
considers the most effective and
efficient way to make VRS available and
to determine what is the most fair,
efficient, and transparent cost-recovery
methodology. In addition, the
Commission looks at various ways to
measure the quality of VRS so as to
ensure a better consumer experience.
Timetable:
Jkt 253001
Date
Declaratory Ruling
Declaratory Ruling
Order ...................
Notice of Inquiry ..
NPRM ..................
Interim Final Rule
Public Notice .......
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
NPRM ..................
R&O (Correction)
Order ...................
2nd R&O .............
Order (Interim
Final Rule).
Final Rule; Announcement of
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Petition for Reconsideration; Public Notice.
Oppositions Due
Date.
Final Rule; Clarification (MO&O).
FNPRM ...............
Interim Final Rule;
Announcement
of Effective
Date.
Final Rule; Announcement of
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Announcement of
Effective Date.
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Final Rule; Correction.
Correcting
Amendments.
Order (Release
Date).
Correcting
Amendments.
Public Notice .......
Comment Period
End.
FNPRM ...............
R&O ....................
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Comment Period
End.
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07/13/10
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07/19/10
08/23/10
02/15/11
03/02/11
05/02/11
05/02/11
05/02/11
05/27/11
07/25/11
08/05/11
08/05/11
75
75
75
75
75
76
76
76
76
76
76
76
76
76
FR 25255
FR 39945
FR 39859
FR 41863
FR 51735
FR 8659
R 11462
FR 24393
FR 24437
FR 24442
FR 30841
FR 44326
FR 47469
FR 47476
09/26/11
76 FR 59269
09/27/11
76 FR 59557
10/07/11
10/31/11
76 FR 67070
10/31/11
11/03/11
76 FR 67118
76 FR 68116
11/04/11
76 FR 68328
11/07/11
76 FR 68642
12/30/11
02/01/12
03/19/12
77 FR 4948
03/27/12
77 FR 18106
06/07/12
77 FR 33662
07/25/12
10/04/12
77 FR 60630
10/29/12
11/29/12
77 FR 65526
07/05/13
07/05/13
09/18/13
78 FR 40407
78 FR 40582
09/11/13
09/15/14
10/10/14
78 FR 55696
79 FR 54979
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
Action
Final Action (Announcement of
Effective Date).
Final Rule Effective.
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
NOI and FNPRM
NOI and FNPRM
Comment Period End.
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Order ...................
Public Notice .......
Public Notice
Comment Period End.
Public Notice Correction.
Public Notice Correction Comment Period
End.
R&O and Order ...
Announcement of
Effective Date.
Public Notice; Petition for Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due
Date.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Report & Order ...
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
10/30/14
FR Cite
79 FR 64515
10/30/14
11/18/15
02/01/16
80 FR 72029
03/21/16
08/24/16
09/14/16
81 FR 14984
81 FR 57851
04/12/17
05/30/17
82 FR 17613
04/13/17
04/27/17
04/27/17
07/01/17
82 FR 17754
82 FR 19322
82 FR 19347
06/23/17
07/21/17
07/31/17
82 FR 28566
82 FR 33856
07/25/17
82 FR 34471
08/17/17
08/22/17
10/17/17
82 FR 39673
82 FR 48203
10/25/17
82 FR 49303
11/20/17
06/06/19
06/06/19
08/05/19
84 FR 26364
84 FR 26379
05/08/20
85 FR 27309
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald,
Deputy Chief, Disability Rights Office,
Federal Communications Commission,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418–2235, Email:
eliot.greenwald@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AJ42
417. Misuse of Internet Protocol (IP)
Captioned Telephone Service;
Telecommunications Relay Services
and Speech-to-Speech Services; CG
Docket No. 13–24
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225
Abstract: The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
initiated this proceeding in its effort to
ensure that Internet-Protocol Captioned
E:\FR\FM\31MRP24.SGM
31MRP24
17009
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
Telephone Service (IP CTS) is provided
effectively and in the most efficient
manner. In doing so, the FCC adopted
rules to address certain practices related
to the provision and marketing of IP
CTS, as well as compensation of TRS
providers. IP CTS is a form of relay
service designed to allow people with
hearing loss to speak directly to another
party on a telephone call and to
simultaneously listen to the other party
and read captions of what that party is
saying over an IP-enabled device. To
ensure that IP CTS is provided
efficiently to persons who need to use
this service, the Commission adopted
rules establishing several requirements
and issued an FNPRM to address
additional issues.
Timetable:
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
Order (Interim
Rule).
Order ...................
Announcement of
Effective Date.
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Petition for Reconsideration
Request for
Comment.
Petition for Reconsideration
Comment Period End.
Announcement of
Effective Date.
Announcement of
Effective Date.
Correction—Announcement of
Effective Date.
Technical Amendments.
R&O and Declaratory Ruling.
FNPRM ...............
Public Notice .......
Public Notice Opposition Period
End.
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Announcement of
Effective Date.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Petition for Recon
Request for
Comment.
Petition for Recon
Comment Period End.
R&O ....................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
FR Cite
02/05/13
02/05/13
78 FR 8090
78 FR 8032
02/05/13
03/07/13
78 FR 8030
78 FR 14701
03/12/13
08/30/13
09/03/13
11/18/13
78 FR 53684
78FR 54201
12/16/13
78 FR 76097
01/10/14
07/11/14
79 FR 40003
08/28/14
79 FR 51446
08/28/14
79 FR 51450
09/09/14
79 FR 53303
06/27/18
83 FR 30082
Action
Date
Announcement of
Effective Date.
Final Rule; removal of compliance notes.
Final Rule; correction.
Next Action Undetermined.
02/19/20
85 FR 9392
05/06/20
85 FR 26857
08/26/20
85 FR 52489
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald,
Deputy Chief, Disability Rights Office,
Federal Communications Commission,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418–2235, Email:
eliot.greenwald@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK01
418. Advanced Methods To Target and
Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls (CG
Docket No. 17–59)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201 and
202; 47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C. 251(e)
Abstract: The Telephone Consumer
Protection Act of 1991 restricts the use
of robocalls autodialed or prerecorded
calls in certain instances. In CG Docket
No. 17–59, the Commission considers
rules and policies aimed at eliminating
unlawful robocalling. Among the issues
it examines in this docket are whether
to allow carriers to block calls that
purport to be from unallocated or
unassigned phone numbers through the
use of spoofing, whether to allow
carriers to block calls based on their
own analyses of which calls are likely
to be unlawful and whether to establish
a database of reassigned phone numbers
to help prevent robocalls to consumers,
who did not consent to such calls.
Timetable:
Action
07/18/18
08/23/18
09/17/18
83 FR 33899
83 FR 42630
11/15/18
02/04/19
84 FR 1409
03/08/19
03/14/19
04/29/19
84 FR 8457
84 FR 9276
06/18/19
84 FR 28264
07/15/19
01/06/20
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
85 FR 462
Jkt 253001
FR Cite
Date
NPRM/NOI ..........
2nd NOI ...............
NPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM ...............
R&O ....................
2nd FNPRM ........
2nd FNPRM
Comment Period End.
2nd FNPRM
Reply Comment
Period End.
2nd R&O .............
3rd FNPRM .........
Declaratory Ruling
Public Notice
Seeking Input
on Report.
PO 00000
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FR Cite
05/17/17
07/13/17
07/31/17
82 FR 22625
01/08/18
01/12/18
04/23/18
06/07/18
83 FR 770
83 FR 1566
83 FR 17631
07/09/18
03/26/19
06/24/19
06/24/19
12/30/19
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
84 FR 11226
84 FR 29478
84 FR 29387
Action
Public Notice
Seeking Comment on Reassigned Numbers.
Public Notice
Seeking Comment on RND
Cost/Fee Structure.
Public Notice Establishing
Guidelines for
RND.
Report .................
3rd NPRM Comment Date.
Announcement of
Compliance
Dates.
3rd R&O, Order of
Reconsideration, 4th
FNPRM.
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
FR Cite
01/24/20
02/26/20
04/16/20
06/25/20
06/26/20
06/26/20
85 FR 38334
07/31/20
85 FR 46063
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Karen Schroeder,
Associate Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–0654, Email:
karen.schroeder@fcc.gov.
Jerusha Burnett, Attorney Advisor,
Federal Communications Commission,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418–0526, Email:
jerusha.burnett@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK62
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (FCC)
Economics
Long-Term Actions
419. Development of Nationwide
Broadband Data To Evaluate
Reasonable and Timely Deployment of
Advanced Services to All Americans
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 251; 47
U.S.C. 252; 47 U.S.C. 257; 47 U.S.C. 271;
47 U.S.C. 1302; 47 U.S.C. 160(b); 47
U.S.C. 161(a)(2)
Abstract: The Report and Order
streamlined and reformed the
Commission’s Form 477 Data Program,
which is the Commission’s primary tool
to collect data on broadband and
telephone services.
Timetable:
E:\FR\FM\31MRP24.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
Order ...................
Order ...................
NPRM ..................
Order ...................
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
NPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
R&O and FNPRM
Next Action Undetermined.
05/16/07
07/02/08
10/15/08
02/08/11
06/27/13
08/24/17
09/25/17
FR Cite
72
73
73
76
78
82
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
27519
37861
60997
10827
49126
40118
10/10/17
08/22/19
84 FR 43764
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Suzanne Mendez,
Program Analyst, OEA, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–0941, Email:
suzanne.mendez@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AJ15
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
420. Universal Service Reform Mobility
Fund (WT Docket No. 10–208)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 155; 47 U.S.C.
160; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 205; 47
U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 U.S.C. 301;
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 303(c); 47
U.S.C. 303(f); 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C.
303(y); 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 310
Abstract: This proceeding establishes
the Mobility Fund, which the
Commission is implementing in two
phases. Mobility Fund Phase I consisted
of two reverse auctions that provided
initial infusions of funds toward solving
persistent gaps in mobile services
through targeted, one-time support for
the build-out of current and nextgeneration wireless infrastructure in
areas where these services are
unavailable. The Mobility Fund Phase II
(MF–II) reverse auction aims to provide
support funds over a 10-year term to
support build-out of current and nextgeneration wireless infrastructure in
areas where unsubsidized services are
unavailable. MF–II began with a onetime collection of existing wireless
broadband coverage data from current
providers to determine the areas in
which qualified service has been
deployed, which data was used to create
a map of areas presumptively eligible
for MF–II support. Entities could
challenge asserted unsubsidized 4G LTE
coverage through the Mobility Fund
Phase II challenge process, and
providers may file response data
countering challenges. The results of the
challenge process will determine the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
final list of areas eligible for funding
through the MF–II auction.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
R&O ....................
2nd R&O .............
4th Order on
Recon.
FNPRM ...............
R&O, Declaratory
Ruling, Order,
MO&O, and 7th
Order on Recon.
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM ...............
R&O ....................
R&O Correction ...
Order on Recon
and 2nd R&O.
2nd Order on
Recon.
Order and MO&O
NPRM ..................
3rd R&O ..............
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
10/14/10
01/18/11
75 FR 67060
11/29/11
12/16/11
12/28/11
07/03/12
08/14/12
76
76
76
77
77
07/09/14
07/09/14
79 FR 39196
79 FR 39163
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
73830
78384
81562
39435
48453
09/08/14
10/07/16
10/07/16
03/13/17
03/28/17
04/04/17
09/08/17
81
81
82
82
82
82
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
69696
69772
13413
15422
16297
42473
04/25/18
83 FR 17934
08/30/18
08/30/18
03/06/19
83 FR 44241
83 FR 44254
84 FR 8003
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Audra Hale-Maddox,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–2109, Email:
audra.hale-maddox@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AJ58
421. Expanding the Economic and
Innovation Opportunities of Spectrum
Through Incentive Auctions (GN
Docket No. 12–268)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C.
309(j)(8)(G); 47 U.S.C. 1452
Abstract: In February 2012, the
Middle Class Tax Relief and Job
Creation Act was enacted (Pub. L. 112–
96, 126 Stat. 156 (2012)). Title VI of that
statute, commonly known as the
Spectrum Act, provides the Commission
with the authority to conduct incentive
auctions to meet the growing demand
for wireless broadband. Pursuant to the
Spectrum Act, the Commission may
conduct incentive auctions that will
offer new initial spectrum licenses
subject to flexible-use service rules on
spectrum made available by licensees
that voluntarily relinquish some or all of
their spectrum usage rights in exchange
for a portion, based on the value of the
PO 00000
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relinquished rights as determined by an
auction, of the proceeds of bidding for
the new licenses. In addition to granting
the Commission general authority to
conduct incentive auctions, the
Spectrum Act requires the Commission
to conduct an incentive auction of
broadcast TV spectrum and sets forth
special requirements for such an
auction.
The Spectrum Act requires that the
BIA consist of a reverse auction ‘‘to
determine the amount of compensation
that each broadcast television licensee
would accept in return for voluntarily
relinquishing some or all of its spectrum
usage rights’’ and a forward auction of
licenses in the reallocated spectrum for
flexible-use services, including mobile
broadband. Broadcast television
licensees who elected to voluntarily
participate in the auction had three
bidding options: Go off-the-air, share
spectrum with another broadcast
television licensee, or move channels to
the upper or lower VHS band in
exchange for receiving part of the
proceeds from auctioning that spectrum
to wireless providers. The Spectrum Act
also authorized the Commission to
reorganize the 600 MHz band following
the BIA including, as necessary,
reassigning full power and Class A
television stations to new channels in
order to clear the spectrum sold in the
BIA. That post-auction reorganization
(known as the repack) is currently
underway and all of the stations who
were assigned new channels are
scheduled to have vacated their preauction channels by July 3, 2020,
pursuant to a 10-phase transition
schedule adopted by the Commission.
In May 2014, the Commission
adopted a Report and Order that laid out
the general framework for the BIA. The
auction started on March 29, 2016, with
the submission of initial commitments
by eligible broadcast licensees. The BIA
ended on April 13, 2017, with the
release of the Auction Closing and
Channel Reassignment Public Notice
that also marked the start of the 39month transition period during which
987 of the full power and Class A
television stations remaining on-the-air
will transition their stations to their
post-auction channel assignments in the
reorganized television band. Pursuant to
the Spectrum Act, the Commission will
reimburse 957 of those full power and
Class A stations for the reasonable costs
associated with relocating to their postauction channel assignments and will
reimburse multichannel video
programming distributors for their costs
associated with continuing to carry the
signals of those stations.
E:\FR\FM\31MRP24.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
In March 2018, the Consolidated
Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 115–141, at
Div. E, Title V, 511, 132 Stat. 348 (2018),
codified at 47 U.S.C. 1452(j)–(n)) (the
Reimbursement Expansion Act or REA),
extended the deadline for
reimbursement of eligible entities from
April 2020 to no later than July 3, 2023,
and also expanded the universe of
entities eligible for reimbursement to
include low-power television stations
and TV translator stations displaced by
the BIA for their reasonably incurred
costs to relocate to a new channel, and
FM broadcast stations for their
reasonably incurred costs for facilities
necessary to reasonably minimize
disruption of service as a result of the
post-auction reorganization of the
television band. On March 15, 2019, the
Commission adopted a Report and
Order setting rules for the
reimbursement of eligible costs to those
newly eligible entities.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
R&O ....................
Final Rule ............
NPRM ..................
R&O ....................
Next Action Undetermined.
11/21/12
08/15/14
10/11/17
08/27/18
03/26/19
FR Cite
77
79
82
83
84
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
69933
48441
47155
43613
11233
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (FCC)
Office of Engineering and Technology
Long-Term Actions
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
422. Encouraging the Provision of New
Technologies and Services to the Public
(GN Docket No. 18–22)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(3)
Abstract: In this proceeding, the FCC
seeks to establish rules describing
guidelines and procedures to implement
the stated policy goal of section 7 to
encourage the provision of new
technologies and services to the public.
Although the forces of competition and
technological growth work together to
enable the development and
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
Comment Period
End.
Next Action Undetermined.
04/04/18
05/04/18
FR Cite
83 FR 14395
Jkt 253001
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Paul Murray,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of
Engineering and Technology, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–0688, Fax: 202 418–
7447, Email: paul.murray@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK80
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and
152; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47
U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C.
302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47
U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 332; sec. 76 of
1996 Telecom Act, as amended, 47
U.S.C. 302 and sec. 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the FCC
seeks to implement a plan to make the
spectrum above 95 GHz more readily
accessible for new innovative services
and technologies. Throughout its
history, when the Commission has
expanded access to what was thought to
be the upper reaches of the usable
spectrum, new technological advances
have emerged to push the boundary of
usable spectrum even further. The
frequencies above 95 GHz are today’s
spectrum horizons. The Notice sought
comment on proposed rules to permit
licensed fixed point-to-point operations
in a total of 102.2 gigahertz of spectrum;
on making 15.2 gigahertz of spectrum
available for unlicensed use; and on
creating a new category of experimental
licenses to increase opportunities for
entities to develop new services and
technologies from 95 GHz to 3 THz with
no limits on geography or technology.
Timetable:
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4701
Action
NPRM ..................
ANPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
FR Cite
04/02/18
05/02/18
83 FR 13888
06/14/19
84 FR 25685
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Ha, Deputy
Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 201 418–2099, Email:
michael.ha@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK81
424. Use of the 5.850–5.925 GHz Band
(ET Docket No. 19–138)
423. Spectrum Horizon (ET Docket No.
18–21)
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jean L. Kiddoo,
Chair, Incentive Auction Task Force,
Federal Communications Commission,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418–7757, Email:
jean.kiddoo@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AJ82
VerDate Sep<11>2014
deployment of many new technologies
and services to the public, the
Commission has at times been slow to
identify and take action to ensure that
important new technologies or services
are made available as quickly as
possible. The Commission has sought to
overcome these impediments by
streamlining many of its processes but
all too often regulatory delays can
adversely impact newly proposed
technologies or services.
Timetable:
17011
Sfmt 4702
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 1; 47 U.S.C.
4(i); 47 U.S.C.301; 47 U.S.C.302; 47
U.S.C.303; 47 U.S.C.316; 47 U.S.C.332;
47 CFR 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the
Commission proposes to amend its rules
for the 5.850–5.925 GHz (5.9 GHz) band.
The proposal would permit unlicensed
devices to operate in the lower 45megahertz portion of the band at 5.850–
5.895 GHz under part 15 of the
Commission’s rules. It would also
permit Intelligent Transportation
System (ITS) operations in the upper 30megahertz portion of the band at 5.895–
5.925 GHz under parts 90 and 95 of the
Commission’s rules. ITS operations
would consist of Cellular Vehicle to
Everything (C–V2X) devices at 5.905–
5.925 GHz, and C–V2X and/or
Dedicated Short Range Communications
(DSRC) devices at 5.895–5.905 GHz.
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
02/06/20
03/09/20
FR Cite
85 FR 6841
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Howard Griboff,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of
Engineering and Technology, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–0657, Fax: 202 418–
2824, Email: howard.griboff@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK96
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (FCC)
International Bureau
Long-Term Actions
425. International Settlements Policy
Reform (IB Docket No. 11–80)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 152;
47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 201 to 205; 47
U.S.C. 208; 47 U.S.C. 211; 47 U.S.C. 214;
47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 309; 47
U.S.C. 403
Abstract: The FCC is reviewing the
International Settlements Policy (ISP). It
governs the ways U.S. carriers negotiate
with foreign carriers for the exchange of
international traffic and is the structure
by which the Commission has sought to
respond to concerns that foreign carriers
with market power are able to take
advantage of the presence of multiple
U.S. carriers serving a particular market.
In 2011, the FCC released an NPRM that
proposed to further deregulate the
international telephony market and
enable U.S. consumers to enjoy
competitive prices when they make
calls to international destinations. First,
it proposed to remove the ISP from all
international routes except Cuba.
Second, the FCC sought comment on a
proposal to enable the Commission to
better protect U.S. consumers from the
effects of anticompetitive conduct by
foreign carriers in instances
necessitating Commission intervention.
In 2012, the FCC adopted a Report and
Order that eliminated the ISP on all
routes but maintained the
nondiscrimination requirement of the
ISP on the U.S.-Cuba route and codified
it in 47 CFR 63.22(f). In the Report and
Order, the FCC also adopted measures
to protect U.S. consumers from
anticompetitive conduct by foreign
carriers. In 2016, the FCC released an
FNPRM seeking comment on removing
the discrimination requirement on the
U.S.-Cuba route.
Timetable:
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Report and Order
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
05/13/11
09/02/11
76 FR 42625
02/15/13
03/04/16
04/18/16
78 FR 11109
81 FR 11500
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: David Krech, Assoc.
Chief, Telecommunications & Analysis
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
Division, Federal Communications
Commission, International Bureau, 445
12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–7443, Fax: 202 418–
2824, Email: david.krech@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AJ77
426. Update to Parts 2 and 25
Concerning Nongeostationary, FixedSatellite Service Systems, and Related
Matters: IB Docket No. I6–408
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47
U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: On January 11, 2017, the
Commission began a rulemaking to
update its rules and policies concerning
non-geostationary-satellite orbit
(NGSO), fixed-satellite service (FSS)
systems and related matters. The
proposed changes would, among other
things, provide for more flexible use of
the 17.8–20.2 GHz bands for FSS,
promote shared use of spectrum among
NGSO FSS satellite systems, and
remove unnecessary design restrictions
on NGSO FSS systems. The Commission
subsequently adopted a Report and
Order establishing new sharing criteria
among NGSO FSS systems and
providing additional flexibility for FSS
spectrum use. The Commission also
released a Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking proposing to remove the
domestic coverage requirement for
NGSO FSS systems.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM ...............
R&O ....................
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
01/11/17
04/10/17
82 FR 3258
11/15/17
12/18/17
01/02/18
82 FR 52869
82 FR 59972
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Clay DeCell,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–0803, Email:
clay.decell@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK59
427. Amendment of Parts 2 and 25 of
the FCC Rules To Facilitate the Use of
Earth Stations in Motion
Communicating With Geostationary
Orbit Space Stations in FSS Bands: IB
Docket No. 17–95
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47
U.S.C. 157(a); 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C.
308(b); 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: In June 2017, the
Commission began a rulemaking to
streamline, consolidate, and harmonize
rules governing earth stations in motion
(ESIMs) used to provide satellite-based
services on ships, airplanes and vehicles
communicating with geostationarysatellite orbit (GSO), fixed-satellite
service (FSS) satellite systems. In
September 2018, the Commission
adopted rules governing
communications of ESIMs with GSO
satellites. These rules addressed
communications in the conventional
C-, Ku-, and Ka-bands, as well as
portions of the extended Ku-band. At
the same time, the Commission also
released a Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking that sought comment on
allowing ESIMs to operate in all of the
frequency bands in which earth stations
at fixed locations operating in GSO FSS
satellite networks can be blanketlicensed. Specifically, comment was
sought on expanding the frequencies
available for communications of ESIMs
with GSO FSS satellites to include the
following frequency bands: 10.7–10.95
GHz, 11.2–11.45 GHz, 17.8–18.3 GHz,
18.8–19.3 GHz, 19.3–19.4 GHz, 19.6–
19.7 GHz (space-to-Earth); and 28.6–
29.1 GHz (Earth-to-space).
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
OMB-approval for
Information Collection of R&O
Comment Period End.
FNPRM ...............
R&O ....................
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
06/16/17
08/30/17
FR Cite
82 FR 27652
08/28/18
07/24/20
07/24/20
09/22/20
85 fr 44818
85 FR 44772
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Cindy Spiers,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–1593, Email:
cindy.spiers@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK84
428. Further Streamlining Part 25 Rules
Governing Satellite Services: IB Docket
No. 18–314
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47
U.S.C. 161; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 316
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Abstract: Under the Commission’s
rules, satellite operators must follow
separate application and authorization
processes for the satellites and earth
stations that make up their networks
and have no option for a single, unified
network license. In this Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC proposes
to create a new, optional, unified license
to include both space stations and earth
stations operating in a geostationarysatellite orbit, fixed-satellite service
(GSO FSS) satellite network. In
addition, the Commission proposes to
repeal or modify unnecessarily
burdensome rules in Part 25 governing
satellite services, such as annual
reporting requirements. These proposals
would greatly simplify the
Commission’s licensing and regulation
of satellite systems.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
NPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
01/31/19
03/18/19
FR Cite
84 FR 638
04/16/19
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Clay DeCell,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street, Washington, DC 20554, Phone:
202 418–0803, Email: clay.decell@
fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK87
429. Facilitating the Communications of
Earth Stations in Motion With NonGeostationary Orbit Space Stations: IB
Docket No. 18–315
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47
U.S.C. 157(a); 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C.
308(b); 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: In November 2018, the
Commission adopted a notice of
proposed rulemaking that proposed to
expand the scope of the Commission’s
rules governing ESIMs operations to
cover communications with NGSO FSS
satellites. Comment was sought on
establishing a regulatory framework for
communications of ESIMs with NGSO
FSS satellites that would be analogous
to that which exists for ESIMs
communicating with GSO FSS satellites.
In this context, comment was sought on:
(1) Allowing ESIMs to communicate in
many of the same conventional Kuband, extended Ku-band, and Ka-band
frequencies that were allowed for
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
communications of ESIMs with GSO
FSS satellites (with the exception of the
18.6–18.8 GHz and 29.25–29.5 GHz
frequency bands); (2) extending blanket
licensing to ESIMs communicating with
NGSO satellites; and (3) revisions to
specific provisions in the Commission’s
rules to implement these changes. The
specific frequency bands for
communications of ESIMs with NGOS
FSS satellites on which comment was
sought are as follows: 10.7–11.7 GHz;
11.7–12.2 GHz; 14.0–14.5 GHz; 17.8–
18.3 GHz; 18.3–18.6 GHz; 18.8–19.3
GHz; 19.3–19.4 GHz; 19.6–19.7 GHz;
19.7–20.2 GHz; 28.35–28.6 GHz; 28.6–
29.1 GHz; and 29.5–30.0 GHz.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
Next Action Undetermined.
12/28/18
03/13/19
83 FR 67180
07/24/20
430. Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the
New Space Age: IB Docket No. 18–313
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47
U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 302;
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C.
308; 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 310; 47
U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C. 336;
47 U.S.C. 605; 47 U.S.C. 721
Abstract: The Commission’s current
orbital debris rules were first adopted in
2004. Since then, significant changes
have occurred in satellite technologies
and market conditions, particularly in
Low Earth Orbit, i.e., below 2000
kilometers altitude. These changes
include the increasing use of lower cost
small satellites and proposals to deploy
large constellations of non-geostationary
satellite orbit (NGSO) systems, some
involving thousands of satellites.
The NPRM proposes changes to
improve disclosure of debris mitigation
plans. The NPRM also makes proposals
and seeks comment related to satellite
disposal reliability and methodology,
appropriate deployment altitudes in
low-Earth-orbit, and on-orbit lifetime,
with a particular focus on large NGSO
satellite constellations. Other aspects of
the NPRM include new rule proposals
Frm 00011
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
for geostationary orbit satellite (GSO)
license term extension requests, and
consideration of disclosure
requirements related to several emerging
technologies and new types of
commercial operations, including
rendezvous and proximity operations.
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
FR Cite
02/19/19
05/06/19
84 FR 4742
08/25/20
08/25/20
10/09/20
85 FR 52422
85 FR 52455
FR Cite
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Cindy Spiers,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–1593, Email:
cindy.spiers@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK89
PO 00000
17013
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Merissa Velez,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–0751, Email:
merissa.velez@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK90
431. • Process Reform for Executive
Branch Review of Certain FCC
Applications and Petitions Involving
Foreign Ownership (IB Docket No. 16–
155)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C 154(l); 47
U.S.C . 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C.
303; 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 310; 47
U.S.C. 413; 47 U.S.C. 34–39; E.O. 10530;
3 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: In this proceeding, the
Commission considers rules and
procedures that streamline and improve
the timeliness and transparency of the
process by which the Commission refers
certain applications and petitions for
declaratory ruling to the Executive
Branch agencies for assessment of any
national security, law enforcement,
foreign policy or trade policy issues
related to foreign investment in the
applicants and petitioners.
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
NPRM ..................
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
04/27/20
07/02/20
07/19/20
09/02/20
FR Cite
85 FR 29914
85 FR 29914
85 FR 46870
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Arthur T. Lechtman,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
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Communications Commission,
International Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202
418–1465, Fax: 202 418–0175, Email:
arthur.lechtman@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AL12
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (FCC)
Action
International Bureau
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Completed Actions
432. Streamlining Licensing Procedures
for Small Satellites; IB Docket No. 18–
86
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47
U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 158; 47 U.S.C. 301;
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C.308; 47
U.S.C.309
Abstract: On April 17, 2018, the
Commission released a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
proposing to modify the Commission’s
part 25 satellite licensing rules to create
a new category of application specific to
small satellites. The Commission sought
comment on criteria that would define
this new category and proposed that
applicants meeting the criteria could
take advantage of a simplified
application, faster processing, and lower
fees, among other things. The proposed
streamlined licensing process was
developed based on the features and
characteristics that typically distinguish
small satellite operations from other
types of satellite operations, such as
shorter orbital lifetime and less
intensive frequency use. The NPRM
detailed this small satellite procedure,
which would serve as an optional
alternative to existing procedures for
authorization of small satellites. The
NPRM also provided background
information on the Commission’s other
processes for licensing and authorizing
small satellites, including under the
experimental (part 5) and amateur (part
97) rules, although no changes were
proposed to either of those parts. The
NPRM also sought comment on topics
related to spectrum use by small
satellites. The Commission asked for
comment on typical small satellite
frequency use characteristics, how to
facilitate compatibility with Federal
operations, use of particular spectrum
for inter-satellite links by small
satellites, and other issues related to
operations by small satellites in
frequency bands. Finally, the NPRM
sought comment on the appropriate
application fee that would apply to the
proposed optional part 25 streamlined
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
process. The Commission proposed a
$30,000 application fee. It noted that
any changes to the annual regulatory
fees applicable to the small satellites
authorized under the streamlined
process would be addressed through the
separate annual proceeding for review
of regulatory fees.
Timetable:
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
I
FR Cite
04/18/18
08/07/18
83 FR 24064
07/20/20
I 85 FR 43711
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Merissa Velez,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–0751, Email:
merissa.velez@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK88
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (FCC)
Media Bureau
Long-Term Actions
433. Authorizing Permissive Use of the
‘‘Next Generation’’ Broadcast
Television Standard (GN Docket No.
16–142)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 301;
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47
U.S.C. 316; 47 U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C.
325(b); 47 U.S.C. 336; 47 U.S.C. 399(b);
47 U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C. 534; 47 U.S.C.
535
Abstract: In this proceeding, the
Commission seeks to authorize
television broadcasters to use the ‘‘Next
Generation’’ ATSC 3.0 broadcast
television transmission standard on a
voluntary, market-driven basis, while
they continue to deliver currentgeneration digital television broadcast
service to their viewers. In the Report
and Order, the Commission adopted
rules to afford broadcasters flexibility to
deploy ATSC 3.0-based transmissions,
while minimizing the impact on, and
costs to, consumers and other industry
stakeholders.
In the 2nd R&O, the Commission
provided additional guidance to
broadcasters deploying Next Gen TV.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
PO 00000
Frm 00012
03/10/17
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
FR Cite
82 FR 13285
Action
Date
NPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM ...............
R&O ....................
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
NPRM ..................
2nd R&O Order
on Recon.
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
05/09/17
12/20/17
02/02/18
02/20/18
82 FR 60350
83 FR 4998
03/20/18
05/13/20
07/17/20
85 FR 28586
85 FR 43478
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–
7142, Email: evan.baranoff@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK56
434. 2018 Quadrennial Regulatory
Review of the Commission’s Broadcast
Ownership Rules (MB Docket 18–349)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 152(a); 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
257; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47
U.S.C. 309 and 310; 47 U.S.C. 403; sec.
202(h) of the Telecommunications Act
Abstract: Section 202(h) of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996
requires the Commission to review its
broadcast ownership rules every 4 years
and to determine whether any such
rules are necessary in the public interest
as the result of competition. The rules
subject to review in the 2018
quadrennial review are the Local Radio
Ownership Rule, the Local Television
Ownership Rule, and the Dual Network
Rule. The Commission also sought
comment on potential pro-diversity
proposals including extending cable
procurement requirements to
broadcasters, adopting formulas aimed
at creating media ownership limits that
promote diversity, and developing a
model for market-based, tradeable
diversity credits to serve as an
alternative method for setting
ownership limits.
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
02/28/19
FR Cite
84FR 6741
I
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brendan Holland,
Chief, Industry Analysis Division,
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Media Bureau, Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418–
2486, Email: brendan.holland@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK77
435. Children’s Television
Programming Rules (MB Docket 18–
202)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 303; 47
U.S.C. 303b; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C.
336
Abstract: The Children’s Television
Act (CTA) of 1990 requires that the
Commission consider, in its review of
television license renewals, the extent to
which the licensee has served the
educational and informational needs of
children through its overall
programming, including programming
specifically designed to serve such
needs. The Commission adopted rules
implementing the CTA in 1991 and
revised these rules in 1996, 2004, and
2006. In this proceeding, the
Commission proposes to revise the
children’s television programming rules
to modify outdated requirements and to
give broadcasters greater flexibility in
serving the educational and
informational needs of children.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM Rerply
Comment Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
07/25/18
09/28/18
83 FR 35158
08/16/19
08/16/19
09/16/19
84 FR 41947
84 FR 41949
10/15/19
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kathy Berthot,
Attorney, Policy Division Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418–7454, Email:
kathy.berthot@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK78
436. Amendment of Part 74 of the
Commission’s Rules Regarding FM
Translator Interference (MB Docket 18–
119)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i) and 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 301;
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47
U.S.C. 316; 47 U.S.C. 319
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23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
Abstract: In this proceeding, the
Commission proposes to streamline the
rules relating to interference caused by
FM translators and expedite the
translator complaint resolution process.
The rule changes are intended to limit
or avoid protracted and contentious
interference resolution disputes,
provide translator licensees both
additional flexibility to remediate
interference and additional investment
certainty, and allow earlier and
expedited resolution of interference
complaints by affected stations.
Timetable:
Action
Date
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C 151; 47
U.S.C . 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j); 47 U.S.C.
303(r); 47 U.S.C. 536; 47 U.S.C. 548; 47
U.S.C. 573
Abstract: In this proceeding, the
Commission considers changes to
procedural rules governing the
resolution of program carriage disputes
between video programming vendors
and multichannel video programming
distributors. The rule changes are
intended to make the Commission’s
procedures more consistent and
encourage the timely resolution of
program carriage disputes.
Timetable:
FR Cite
Action
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
Next Action Undetermined.
06/06/18
07/06/18
83 FR 26229
06/14/19
84 FR 27734
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Christine Goepp,
Attorney, Audio Div., Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418–7834, Email:
christine.geopp@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK79
437. Equal Employment Opportunity
Enforcement (MB Docket 19–177)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j); 47 U.S.C.
334; 47 U.S.C. 554
Abstract: In this proceeding, the
Commission seeks comment on ways in
which it can make improvements to
equal employment opportunity (EEO)
compliance and enforcement.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
07/22/19
I
84 FR 35063
I
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Radhika Karmarker,
Attorney Advisor, IAD, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–1523, Email:
radhika.karmarkar@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK86
438. • Revision of the Commission’s
Part 76 Review Procedures (MB Docket
No. 20–70)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
17015
Sfmt 4702
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
04/16/20
05/18/20
FR Cite
85 FR 21131
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Cobb, Attorney,
Policy Division, Media Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–2120, Email:
john.cobb@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AL08
439. • Significantly Viewed Stations
(MB Docket No. 20–73)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 303; 47
U.S.C . 325; 47 U.S.C. 339; 47 U.S.C.
340; 47 U.S.C. 534
Abstract: In this proceeding, the
Commission reviews the methodology
for determining whether a television
broadcast station is significantly viewed
in a community outside of its local
television market and thus may be
treated as a local station in that
community. Under the Commission’s
rules, a significantly viewed station is
permitted to be carried by cable systems
and satellite operators. The existing
process for determining a station’s
significantly viewed status was adopted
nearly fifty years ago, and marketplace
changes during this period lead the
Commission to this examination of
whether this process has become
outdated or overly burdensome,
particularly for smaller entities.
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
ANPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
E:\FR\FM\31MRP24.SGM
31MRP24
Date
04/14/20
05/14/20
FR Cite
85 FR 20649
17016
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kathy Berthot,
Attorney, Policy Division Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418–7454, Email:
kathy.berthot@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AL09
440. • Promoting Broadcast Internet
Innovation Through ATSC 3.0 (MB
Docket No. 20–145)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C 151; 47
U.S.C . 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j); 47 U.S.C.
303(r); 47 U.S.C. 336
Abstract: In this proceeding, the
Commission reassess its existing rules
in light of the broadcast television
conversion to ATSC 3.0 as the new TV
transmission standard to ensure that its
rules help to foster the introduction of
new services and the efficient use of
spectrum.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
07/16/20
08/17/20
FR Cite
85 FR 43195
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Cobb, Attorney,
Policy Division, Media Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554.
Phone: 202 418–2120, Email:
john.cobb@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AL10
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (FCC)
Office of Managing Director
Long-Term Actions
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 159
Abstract: Section 9 of the
Communications Act of 1934, as
amended (47 U.S.C. 159), requires the
Federal Communications Commission
to recover the cost of its activities by
assessing and collecting annual
regulatory fees from beneficiaries of the
activities.
Timetable:
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
Date
NPRM ..................
R&O ....................
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
Action
06/06/17
09/22/17
06/14/18
06/21/18
82 FR 26019
82 FR 44322
83 FR 27846
09/18/18
06/05/19
06/07/19
83 FR 47079
84 FR 26234
09/26/19
84 FR 50890
Order Extending
Comment Period.
3rd FNPRM Comment Period
End.
Public Notice (Release Date).
Public Notice
Comment Period End.
4th R&O ..............
Final Rule ............
Order Granting
Waiver.
NPRM ..................
4th NPRM ...........
Next Action Undetermined.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roland Helvajian,
Office of the Managing Director, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–0444, Email:
roland.helvajian@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK64
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (FCC)
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Bureau
Date
06/10/14
FR Cite
79 FR 33163
07/14/14
11/20/14
12/17/14
03/04/15
08/03/15
07/10/17
80 FR 11806
80 FR 45897
09/26/18
03/18/19
83 FR 54180
84 FR 13211
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brenda Boykin,
Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–2062, Email:
brenda.boykin@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AJ52
442. Wireless E911 Location Accuracy
Requirements: PS Docket No. 07–114
443. Improving Outage Reporting for
Submarine Cables and Enhancing
Submarine Cable Outage Data; GN
Docket No. 15–206
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 332
Abstract: This rulemaking is related to
the proceedings in which the FCC
previously acted to improve the quality
of all emergency services. Wireless
carriers must provide specific automatic
location information in connection with
911 emergency calls to Public Safety
Answering Points (PSAPs). Wireless
licensees must satisfy enhanced 911
location accuracy standards at either a
county-based or a PSAP-based
geographic level.
Timetable:
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 34 to 39; 47 U.S.C.
301
Abstract: This proceeding takes steps
toward assuring the reliability and
resiliency of submarine cables, a critical
piece of the Nation’s communications
infrastructure, by proposing to require
submarine cable licensees to report to
the Commission when outages occur
and communications are disrupted. The
Commission’s intent is to enhance
national security and emergency
preparedness by these actions.
Timetable:
Long-Term Actions
Action
441. Assessment and Collection of
Regulatory Fees
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
R&O ....................
Public Notice .......
FNPRM; NOI .......
Public Notice .......
2nd R&O .............
Second NPRM ....
Second NPRM
Comment Period End.
Final Rule ............
NPRM, 3rd R&O,
and 2nd
FNPRM.
3rd FNPRM .........
PO 00000
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FR Cite
Action
Date
FR Cite
06/20/07
02/14/08
09/25/08
11/02/10
11/18/09
11/18/10
08/04/11
11/02/11
72
73
73
75
74
75
76
04/28/11
09/28/11
76 FR 23713
76 FR 59916
NPRM (Release
Date).
R&O ....................
Petitions for
Recon.
Petitions for
Recon—Public
Comment.
Order on Recon.
Order on Recon ..
Next Action Undetermined.
03/28/14
79 FR 17820
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Fmt 4701
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FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
33948
8617
55473
67321
59539
70604
47114
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09/18/15
06/24/16
09/08/16
81 FR 52354
10/17/16
81 FR 75368
12/20/19
12/20/19
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
Agency Contact: Brenda Villanueva,
Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–7005, Email:
brenda.villanueva@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK39
444. Amendments to Part 4 of the
Commission’s Rules Concerning
Disruptions to Communications: PS
Docket No. 15–80
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: Sec. 1, 4(i), 4(j), 4(o),
251(e)(3), 254, 301, 303(b), 303(g),
303(r), 307, 309(a), 309(j); 316, 332, 403,
615a–1, and 615c of Pub. L. 73–416, 4
Stat. 1064, as amended; and section 706
of Pub. L. 104–104, 110 Stat. 56; 47
U.S.C. 151, 154(i)–(j) & (o), 251(e)(3),
254, 301, 303(b), 303(g), 303(r), 307;
309(a), 309(j), 316, 332, 403, 615a–1,
615c, and 1302, unless otherwise noted
Abstract: The 2004 Report and Order
(R&O) extended the Commission’s
communication disruptions reporting
rules to non-wireline carriers and
streamlined reporting through a new
electronic template (see docket ET
Docket 04–35). In 2015, this proceeding,
PS Docket 15–80, was opened to amend
the original communications disruption
reporting rules from 2004 in order to
reflect technology transitions observed
throughout the telecommunications
sector. The Commission seeks to further
study the possibility to share the
reporting database information and
access with State and other Federal
entities. In May 2016, the Commission
released a Report and Order, FNPRM,
and Order on Reconsideration (see also
Dockets 11–82 and 04–35). The R&O
adopted rules to update the part 4
requirements to reflect technology
transitions. The FNPRM sought
comment on sharing information in the
reporting database. Comments and
replies were received by the
Commission in August and September
2016.
Timetable:
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Action
Date
NPRM, 2nd R&O,
Order on Recon.
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM, 1 Part 4
R&O, Order on
Recon.
Order Denying
Reply Comment
Deadline Extension Request.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
06/16/15
FR Cite
80 FR 34321
07/31/15
07/12/16
08/11/16
81 FR 45055
81 FR 45059
09/08/16
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
Action
Date
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Announcement of
Effective Date
for Rule
Changes in
R&O.
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
09/12/16
06/22/17
82 FR 28410
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robert Finley,
Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–7835, Email:
robert.finley@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK40
445. New Part 4 of the Commission’s
Rules Concerning Disruptions to
Communications; ET Docket No. 04–35
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154 and
155; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 251; 47
U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: The proceeding creates a
new part 4 in title 47 and amends part
63.100. The proceeding updates the
Commission’s communication
disruptions reporting rules for wireline
providers formerly in 47 CFR 63.100
and extends these rules to other nonwireline providers. Through this
proceeding, the Commission streamlines
the reporting process through an
electronic template. The Report and
Order received several petitions for
reconsideration, of which two were
eventually withdrawn. In 2015, seven
were addressed in an Order on
Reconsideration and in 2016 another
petition was addressed in an Order on
Reconsideration. One petition (CPUC
Petition) remains pending regarding
NORS database sharing with States,
which is addressed in a separate
proceeding, PS Docket 15–80. To the
extent the communication disruption
rules cover VoIP, the Commission
studies and addresses these questions in
a separate docket, PS Docket 11–82.
In May 2016, the Commission
released a Report and Order, FNPRM,
and Order on Reconsideration (see
Dockets 11–82 and 15–80). The Order
on Reconsideration addressed outage
reporting for events at airports, and the
FNPRM sought comment on database
sharing. The Commission received
comments and replies in August and
September 2016.
Timetable:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
R&O ....................
Denial for Petition
for Partial Stay.
Seek Comment
on Petition for
Recon.
Reply Period End
Seek Comment
on Broadband
and Interconnected
VOIP Service
Providers.
Reply Period End
2nd R&O, and
Order on
Recon, NPRM.
R&O ....................
FNPRM, 1 Part 4
R&O, Order on
Recon.
Order Denying
Extension of
Time to File
Reply Comments.
Announcement of
Effective Date
for Rule
Changes in
R&O.
03/26/04
11/26/04
12/02/04
17017
FR Cite
69 FR 15761
69 FR 68859
02/02/10
03/19/10
07/02/10
08/16/12
06/16/15
07/12/16
08/11/16
80 FR 34321
81 FR 45055
81 FR
45095, 81
FR 45055
09/08/16
06/22/17
Second Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
82 FR 28410
To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robert Finley,
Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–7835, Email:
robert.finley@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK41
446. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA):
PS Docket No. 15–91
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 109–347, title
VI; 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i)
Abstract: This proceeding was
initiated to improve Wireless
Emergency Alerts (WEA) messaging,
ensure that WEA alerts reach only those
individuals to whom they are relevant,
and establish an end-to-end testing
program based on advancements in
technology.
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
E:\FR\FM\31MRP24.SGM
31MRP24
Date
I
11/19/15
01/13/16
FR Cite
80 FR 77289
17018
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
Action
Date
NPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
Order ...................
FNPRM ...............
Comment Period
End.
Petition for Recon
Order on Recon ..
2nd R&O and 2nd
Order on Recon.
Public Notice .......
Public Notice
Comment Period End.
Public Notice
Reply Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
02/12/16
11/01/16
11/08/16
12/08/16
81 FR 75710
81 FR 78539
12/19/16
12/04/17
02/28/18
81 FR 91899
82 FR 57158
83 FR 8619
04/26/18
05/29/18
83 FR 18257
06/11/18
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Wiley,
Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–1678, Email:
james.wiley@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK54
447. Blue Alert EAS Event Code
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and
152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 154(o); 47
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303(r) and (v); 47
U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 335;
47 U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C.544(g); 47
U.S.C. 606 and 615
Abstract: In 2015, Congress adopted
the Blue Alert Act to help the States
provide effective alerts to the public and
law enforcement when police and other
law enforcement officers are killed or
are in danger. To ensure that these State
plans are compatible and integrated
throughout the United States as
envisioned by the Blue Alert Act, the
Blue Alert Coordinator made a series of
recommendations in a 2016 Report to
Congress. Among these
recommendations, the Blue Alert
Coordinator identified the need for a
dedicated EAS event code for Blue
Alerts, and noted the alignment of the
EAS with the implementation of the
Blue Alert Act. On June 22, 2017, the
FCC released an NPRM proposing to
revise the EAS rules to adopt a new
event code, which would allow
transmission of Blue Alerts to the public
over the EAS and thus satisfy the stated
need for a dedicated EAS event code.
On December 14, 2017, the Commission
released an Order adopting a new Blue
Alert EAS Code-BLU. EAS participants
must be able to implement the BLU
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
code by January 19, 2019. BLU alerts
must be available to wireless emergency
alerts by July, 2019.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
NPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
Order ...................
Next Action Undetermined.
06/30/17
07/31/17
FR Cite
82 FR 29811
08/29/17
12/14/18
83 FR 2557
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Linda Pintro,
Attorney Advisor, Policy and Licensing
Division, PSHSB, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 21043,
Phone: 202 418–7490, Email:
linda.pintro@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK63
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (FCC)
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Long-Term Actions
448. Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 22, 24,
27, 90, and 95 of the Commission’s
Rules To Improve Wireless Coverage
Through the Use of Signal Boosters (WT
Docket No. 10–4)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 79; 47
U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
154(j); 47 U.S.C. 155; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47
U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C.
303(r)
Abstract: This action adopts new
technical, operational, and registration
requirements for signal boosters. It
creates two classes of signal boosters—
consumer and industrial—with distinct
regulatory requirements for each,
thereby establishing a two-step
transition process for equipment
certification for both consumer and
industrial signal boosters sold and
marketed in the United States.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
R&O ....................
Petition for Reconsideration.
Order on Reconsideration.
FNPRM ...............
2nd R&O and 2nd
FNPRM.
PO 00000
Frm 00016
FR Cite
05/10/11
04/11/13
06/06/13
76 FR 26983
78 FR 21555
78 FR 34015
11/08/14
79 FR 70790
11/28/14
03/23/18
79 FR 70837
83 FR 17131
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
Action
Date
FR Cite
Next Action Undetermined.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Amanda Huetinck,
Attorney Advisor, WTB, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–7090, Email:
amanda.huetinck@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AJ87
449. Amendment of the Commission’s
Rules Governing Certain Aviation
Ground Station Equipment (Squitter)
(WT Docket Nos. 10–61 and 09–42)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 48 Stat. 1066, 1082 as
amended; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 303;
47 U.S.C. 307(e); 47 U.S.C. 151 to 156;
47 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: This action amends part 87
rules to authorize new ground station
technologies to promote safety and
allow use of frequency 1090 MHz by
aeronautical utility mobile stations for
airport surface detection equipment
(commonly referred to as ‘‘squitters’’) to
help reduce collisions between aircraft
and airport ground vehicles.
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
R&O ....................
NPRM (release
date).
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
04/28/10
03/01/13
06/07/19
FR Cite
75 FR 22352
78 FR 61023
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Tim Maguire,
Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–2155, Fax: 202 418–
7247, Email: tim.maguire@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AJ88
450. Promoting Technological Solutions
To Combat Wireless Contraband Device
Use in Correctional Facilities; GN
Docket No. 13–111
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 152;
47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j); 47
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303(a); 47 U.S.C.
303(b); 47 U.S.C. 307 to 310; 47 U.S.C.
332; 47 U.S.C. 302(a)
Abstract: In the Report and Order, the
Commission addresses the problem of
illegal use of contraband wireless
devices by inmates in correctional
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
facilities by streamlining the process of
deploying contraband wireless device
interdiction systems (CIS)—systems that
use radio communications signals
requiring Commission authorization—in
correctional facilities. In particular, the
Commission eliminates certain filing
requirements and provides for
immediate approval of the lease
applications needed to operate these
systems.
In the Further Notice, the Commission
seeks comment on a process for wireless
providers to disable contraband wireless
devices once they have been identified.
The Commission also seeks comment on
additional methods and technologies
that might prove successful in
combating contraband device use in
correctional facilities, and on various
other proposals related to the
authorization process for CISs and their
deployment.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM ...............
R&O ....................
Final Rule Effective (Except for
Rules Requiring
OMB Approval).
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Final Rule Effective for 47 CFR
1.9020(n),
1.9030(m),
1.9035 (o), and
20.23(a).
Final Rule Effective for 47 CFR
1.902(d)(8),
1.9035(d)(4),
20.18(a), and
20.18(r).
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
06/18/13
08/08/13
78 FR 36469
05/18/17
05/18/17
06/19/17
82 FR 22780
82 FR 22742
07/17/17
10/20/17
82 FR 48773
02/12/18
Action
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Melissa Conway,
Attorney Advisor, Mobility Div.,
Wireless Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–2887, Email:
melissa.conway@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK06
451. Promoting Investment in the 3550–
3700 MHz Band; GN Docket No. 17–258
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and
152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j);
47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303 and 304;
47 U.S.C. 307(e); 47 U.S.C. 316
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Abstract: The Report and Order and
Second Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the
Commission established a new Citizens
Broadband Radio Service for shared
wireless broadband use of the 3550 to
3700 MHz band. The Citizens
Broadband Radio Service is governed by
a three-tiered spectrum authorization
framework to accommodate a variety of
commercial uses on a shared basis with
incumbent Federal and non-Federal
users of the band. Access and operations
will be managed by a dynamic spectrum
access system. The three tiers are:
Incumbent Access, Priority Access, and
General Authorized Access. Rules
governing the Citizens Broadband Radio
Service are found in part 96 of the
Commission’s rules.
The Order on Reconsideration and
Second Report and Order addressed
several Petitions for Reconsideration
submitted in response to the Report and
Order and resolved the outstanding
issues raised in the Second Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
The 2017 NPRM sought comment on
limited changes to the rules governing
Priority Access Licenses in the band,
adjacent channel emissions limits, and
public release of base station
registration information.
The 2018 Report and Order addressed
the issues raised in the 2017 NPRM and
implemented changes rules governing
Priority Access Licenses in the band and
public release of base station
registration information.
On July 2020, the Commission
commenced an auction of Priority
Access Licenses in the band.
Timetable:
Jkt 253001
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O and 2nd
FNPRM.
2nd FNPRM
Comment Period End.
Order on Recon
and 2nd R&O.
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
01/08/13
03/19/13
78 FR 1188
06/02/14
08/15/14
79 FR 31247
06/15/15
80 FR 34119
08/14/15
07/26/16
81 FR 49023
11/28/17
01/29/18
82 FR 56193
12/07/18
83 FR 6306
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Paul Powell,
Assistant Chief, Mobility Division,
WTB, Federal Communications
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
17019
Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418–
1613, Email: paul.powell@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK12
452. Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24
GHz for Mobile Services—Spectrum
Frontiers: WT Docket 10–112
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 154;
47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 160; 47 U.S.C.
201; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 227; 47
U.S.C. 301 and 302; 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47
U.S.C. 303 and 304; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47
U.S.C. 309 and 310; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47
U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C. 336;
47 U.S.C. 1302
Abstract: In this proceeding, the
Commission adopted service rules for
licensing of mobile and other uses for
millimeter wave (mmW) bands. These
high frequencies previously have been
best suited for satellite or fixed
microwave applications; however,
recent technological breakthroughs have
newly enabled advanced mobile
services in these bands, notably
including very high speed and low
latency services. This action will help
facilitate Fifth Generation mobile
services and other mobile services. In
developing service rules for mmW
bands, the Commission will facilitate
access to spectrum, develop a flexible
spectrum policy, and encourage
wireless innovation.
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM ...............
Comment Period
End.
FNPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM ...............
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
FR Cite
01/13/16
02/26/16
81 FR 1802
08/24/16
09/30/16
81 FR 58269
10/31/16
11/14/16
01/02/18
01/02/18
01/23/18
81 FR 79894
83 FR 37
83 FR 85
07/20/18
07/20/18
09/28/18
83 FR 34478
83 FR 34520
02/05/19
05/01/19
84 FR 1618
84 FR 18405
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Schauble,
Deputy Chief, Broadband Division,
Federal Communications Commission,
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
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20554, Phone: 202 418–0797, Email:
john.schauble@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK44
454. Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7
to 4.2 GHz Band: GN Docket No. 18–122
453. Transforming the 2.5 GHz Band
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 153;
47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157; 47
U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 301 and 302; 47
U.S.C. 304; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 310; 47
U.S.C. 1302
Abstract: The 2.5 GHz band (2496–
2690 MHz) constitutes the single largest
band of contiguous spectrum below 3
GHz and has been identified as prime
spectrum for next generation mobile
operations, including 5G uses.
Significant portions of this band,
however, currently lie fallow across
approximately one-half of the United
States, primarily in rural areas.
Moreover, access to the Educational
Broadband Service (EBS) has been
strictly limited since 1995, and current
licensees are subject to a regulatory
regime largely unchanged from the days
when educational TV was the only use
envisioned for this spectrum. The
Commission proposes to allow more
efficient and effective use of this
spectrum band by providing greater
flexibility to current EBS licensees as
well as providing new opportunities for
additional entities to obtain unused 2.5
GHz spectrum to facilitate improved
access to next generation wireless
broadband, including 5G. The
Commission also seeks comment on
additional approaches for transforming
the 2.5 GHz band, including by moving
directly to an auction for some or all of
the spectrum.
Timetable:
Action
Date
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period Extended.
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Final Rule ............
Next Action Undetermined.
06/07/18
06/21/18
FR Cite
83 FR 26396
83 FR 31515
09/07/18
10/25/19
84 FR 57343
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Schauble,
Deputy Chief, Broadband Division,
Federal Communications Commission,
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418–0797, Email:
john.schauble@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK75
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C.151 to 153;
47 U.S.C.154(i); 47 U.S.C 157; 47 U.S.C.
201; 47 U.S.C. 301 to 304; 47 U.S.C. 307
to 310; 47 U.S.C. 1302; . . .
Abstract: In the 2020 Report and
Order, the Commission adopted rules to
make 280 megahertz of mid-band
spectrum available for flexible use (plus
a 20-megahertz guard band) throughout
the contiguous United States. Pursuant
to the Report and Order, existing fixed
satellite service (FSS) and fixed services
(FS) must relocate operations out of the
lower portion of the 3.7–4.0 GHz band.
The Commission will issue flexible use
licenses in the 3.7–3.98 GHz portion of
the band in the contiguous United
States via a system of competitive
bidding. The Commission established
rules to govern the transition including
optional payments for satellite operators
that choose to relocate on an accelerated
schedule and provide reimbursement to
FSS operators and their associated earth
stations for reasonable expenses
incurred to facilitate the transition. The
Report and Order also established
service and technical rules for the new
flexible use licenses that will be issued
in the 3.7–3.98 GHz portion of the band.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Public Notice .......
Certifications and
Data Filing
Deadline.
Public Notice .......
Public Notice
Comment Period End.
Public Notice
Reply Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
08/29/18
11/27/18
83 FR 44128
05/20/19
05/28/19
84 FR 22733
06/03/19
07/03/19
84 FR 22514
07/18/19
04/23/20
Frm 00018
Fmt 4701
Action
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
NPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
07/02/19
09/03/19
FR Cite
84 FR 31542
09/30/19
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jeff Tobias, Attorney
Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–1617, Email:
jeff.tobias@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK92
85 FR 22804
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (FCC)
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Peter Daronco,
Deputy Division Chief, Broadband
Division, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–7235, Email:
peter.daronco@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK76
PO 00000
455. Amendment of the Commission’s
Rules To Promote Aviation Safety: WT
Docket No. 19–140
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47
U.S.C. 303; 307(e)
Abstract: The Federal
Communications Commission regulates
the Aviation Radio Service, a family of
services using dedicated spectrum to
enhance the safety of aircraft in flight,
facilitate the efficient movement of
aircraft both in the air and on the
ground, and otherwise ensure the
reliability and effectiveness of aviation
communications. Recent technological
advances have prompted the
Commission to open this new
rulemaking proceeding to ensure the
timely deployment and use of today’s
state-of-the-art safety-enhancing
technologies. With this Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission
proposes changes to its part 87 Aviation
Radio Service rules to support the
deployment of more advanced avionics
technology, increase the efficient use of
limited spectrum resources, and
generally improve aviation safety.
Timetable:
Sfmt 4702
Wireline Competition Bureau
Long-Term Actions
456. Local Telephone Networks That
LECs Must Make Available to
Competitors
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: The Commission adopted
rules applicable to incumbent local
E:\FR\FM\31MRP24.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
exchange carriers (LECs) to permit
competitive carriers to access portions
of the incumbent LECs’ networks on an
unbundled basis. Unbundling allows
competitors to lease portions of the
incumbent LECs’ network to provide
telecommunications services. These
rules, adopted in dockets CC 96–98, WC
01–338, and WC 04–313, are intended to
accelerate the development of local
exchange competition.
Timetable:
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Action
Date
Second FNPRM ..
Fourth FNPRM ....
Errata Third R&O
and Fourth
FNPRM.
Second Errata
Third R&O and
Fourth FNPRM.
Supplemental
Order.
Third R&O ...........
Correction ............
Supplemental
Order Clarification.
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
NPRM ..................
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
NPRM ..................
R&O and Order
on Remand.
Errata ..................
Report .................
Order ...................
Order ...................
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Order ...................
Second R&O .......
Order on Recon ..
Interim Order .......
NPRM ..................
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Order on Recon ..
Order on Remand
Public Notice .......
Public Notice .......
Declaratory Ruling
Inactive per
Maura
McGowan.
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
04/26/99
01/14/00
01/18/00
64 FR 20238
65 FR 2367
65 FR 2542
01/18/00
65 FR 2542
01/18/00
65 FR 2542
01/18/00
04/11/00
06/20/00
65 FR 2542
65 FR 19334
65 FR 38214
02/01/01
03/05/01
04/10/01
04/23/01
05/14/01
01/15/02
05/29/02
08/01/02
08/13/02
08/21/03
08/21/03
66 FR 8555
66 FR 18279
09/17/03
10/09/03
10/28/03
01/09/04
01/09/04
02/18/04
07/08/04
07/08/04
08/09/04
08/20/04
08/20/04
09/10/04
09/13/04
10/20/04
12/29/04
02/04/04
04/25/05
05/25/05
05/26/11
12/12/11
67 FR 1947
68 FR 52276
68 FR 52276
68 FR 60391
69
69
69
69
FR
FR
FR
FR
43762
54589
55111
55128
69 FR 77950
70 FR 29313
70 FR 34765
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Edward Krachmer,
Attorney Dvisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
Phone: 202 418–1525, Email:
edward.krachmer@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AH44
457. Numbering Resource Optimization
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 201 et seq.; 47
U.S.C. 251(e)
Abstract: To slow the rate of
numbering exhaust in the U.S. and
prolong the life of the North American
Numbering Plan, this proceeding
considers and implements a number of
strategies to ensure that telephone
numbers are used efficiently, and that
all carriers have the numbering
resources they need to compete in the
rapidly expanding telecommunications
marketplace.
In 1999, the Commission released the
Numbering Resource Optimization
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice)
in CC Docket 99–200. The Notice
examined and sought comment on
several administrative and technical
measures aimed at improving the
efficiency with which
telecommunications numbering
resources are used and allocated. It
incorporated input from the North
American Numbering Council (NANC),
a Federal advisory committee, which
advises the Commission on issues
related to number administration.
In the Numbering Resource
Optimization First Report and Order
and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NRO First Report and
Order), released on March 31, 2000, the
Commission adopted a mandatory
utilization data reporting requirement, a
uniform set of categories of numbers for
which carriers must report their
utilization, and a utilization threshold
framework to increase carrier
accountability and incentives to use
numbers efficiently. In addition, the
Commission adopted a single system for
allocating numbers in blocks of 1,000,
rather than 10,000, wherever possible,
and established a plan for national
rollout of thousands-block number
pooling. The Commission also adopted
numbering resource reclamation
requirements to ensure that unused
numbers are returned to the North
American Numbering Plan (NANP)
inventory for assignment to other
carriers. Also, to encourage better
management of numbering resources,
carriers are required, to the extent
possible, to first assign numbering
resources within thousands blocks (a
form of sequential numbering).
In the NRO Second Report and Order,
the Commission adopted a measure that
requires all carriers to use at least 60
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
17021
percent of their numbering resources
before they may get additional numbers
in a particular area. That 60 percent
utilization threshold increases to 75
percent over the next three years. The
Commission also established a 5-year
term for the national pooling
administrator and an auditing program
to verify carrier compliance with the
Commission’s rules. Furthermore, the
Commission declined to amend the
existing Federal rules for area code
relief or specify any new Federal
guidelines for the implementation of
area code relief. The Commission also
declined to state a preference for either
all-services overlays or geographic splits
as a method of area code relief.
Regarding mandatory nationwide 10digit dialing, the Commission declined
to adopt this measure at the present
time. Furthermore, the Commission
declined to mandate nationwide
expansion of the ‘‘D digit’’ (the ‘‘N’’ of
an NXX or central office code) to
include zero or one, or to grant State
commissions the authority to implement
the expansion of the ‘‘D’’ digit as a
numbering resource optimization
measure presently.
In the NRO Third Report and Order,
the Commission addressed national
thousands-block number pooling
administration issues, including
declining to alter the implementation
date for covered CMRS carriers to
participate in pooling. The Commission
also addressed Federal cost recovery for
national thousands-block number
pooling, and continued to require States
to establish cost recovery mechanisms
for costs incurred by carriers
participating in pooling trials. The
Commission reaffirmed the Months-ToExhaust (MTE) requirement for carriers.
The Commission declined to lower the
utilization threshold established in the
Second Report and Order, and declined
to exempt pooling carriers from the
utilization threshold. The Commission
also established a safety valve
mechanism to allow carriers that do not
meet the utilization threshold in a given
rate center to obtain additional
numbering resources. In the NRO Third
Report and Order, the Commission
lifted the ban on technology-specific
overlays (TSOs) and delegated authority
to the Common Carrier Bureau, in
consultation with the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, to resolve
any such petitions. Furthermore, the
Commission found that carriers who
violate its numbering requirements, or
fail to cooperate with an auditor
conducting either a ‘‘for cause’’ or
random audit, should be denied
numbering resources in certain
E:\FR\FM\31MRP24.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
instances. The Commission also
reaffirmed the 180-day reservation
period, declined to impose fees to
extend the reservation period, and
found that State commissions should be
allowed password-protected access to
the NANP Administrator database for
data pertaining to NPAs located within
their State. The measures adopted in the
NRO orders will allow the Commission
to monitor more closely the way
numbering resources are used within
the NANP, and will promote more
efficient allocation and use of NANP
resources by tying a carrier’s ability to
obtain numbering resources more
closely to its actual need for numbers to
serve its customers.
In NRO Third Order on Recon in CC
Docket No. 99–200, Third Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC
Docket No. 99–200, and Second Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC
Docket No. 95–116, the Commission
reversed its clarification that those
requirements extend to all carriers in
the largest 100 MSAs, regardless of
whether they have received a request
from another carrier to provide LNP.
The Commission also sought comment
on whether the Commission should
again extend the LNP requirements to
all carriers in the largest 100 MSAs,
regardless of whether they receive a
request to provide LNP. The
Commission also sought comment on
whether all carriers in the top 100 MSAs
should be required to participate in
thousands-block number pooling,
regardless of whether they are required
to be LNP capable. In addition, the
Commission sought comment on
whether all MSAs included in
Combined Metropolitan Statistical
Areas (CMSAs) on the Census Bureau’s
list of the largest 100 MSAs should be
included on the Commission’s list of the
top 100 MSAs.
In the NRO Fourth Report and Order
and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, the Commission reaffirmed
that carriers must deploy LNP in
switches within the 100 largest
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs)
for which another carrier has made a
specific request for the provision of
LNP. The Commission delegated the
authority to State commissions to
require carriers operating within the
largest 100 MSAs that have not received
a specific request for LNP from another
carrier to provide LNP, under certain
circumstances and on a case-by-case
basis. The Commission concluded that
all carriers, except those specifically
exempted, are required to participate in
thousands-block number pooling in
accordance with the national rollout
schedule, regardless of whether they are
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
required to provide LNP, including
commercial mobile radio service
(CMRS) providers that were required to
deploy LNP as of November 24, 2003.
The Commission specifically exempted
from the pooling requirement rural
telephone companies and Tier III CMRS
providers that have not received a
request to provide LNP. The
Commission also exempted from the
pooling requirement carriers that are the
only service provider receiving
numbering resources in a given rate
center. Additionally, the Commission
sought further comment on whether
these exemptions should be expanded
to include carriers where there are only
two service providers receiving
numbering resources in the rate center.
Finally, the Commission reaffirmed that
the 100 largest MSAs are identified in
the 1990 U.S. Census reports, as well as
those areas included on any subsequent
U.S. Census report of the 100 largest
MSAs.
In the NRO Order and Fifth Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the
Commission granted petitions for
delegated authority to implement
mandatory thousands-block pooling
filed by the Public Service Commission
of West Virginia, the Nebraska Public
Service Commission, the Oklahoma
Corporation Commission, the Michigan
Public Service Commission, and the
Missouri Public Service Commission. In
granting these petitions, the
Commission permitted these States to
optimize numbering resources and
further extend the life of the specific
numbering plan areas. In the Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the
Commission sought comment on
whether it should delegate authority to
all States to implement mandatory
thousands-block number pooling
consistent with the parameters set forth
in the NRO Order.
In its 2013 Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, the Commission proposed
to allow interconnected Voice over
Internet Protocol (VOIP) providers to
obtain telephone numbers directly from
the North American Numbering Plan
Administrator and the Pooling
Administrator, subject to certain
requirements. The Commission also
sought comment on a forward-looking
approach to numbers for other types of
providers and uses, including telematics
and public safety, and the benefits and
number exhaust risks of granting
providers other than interconnected
VoIP providers direct access.
In its 2015 Report and Order, the
Commission established an
authorization process to enable
interconnected VoIP providers that
choose to obtain access to North
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
American Numbering Plan telephone
numbers directly from the North
American Numbering Plan
Administrator and/or the Pooling
Administrator (Numbering
Administrators), rather than through
intermediaries. The Order also set forth
several conditions designed to minimize
number exhaust and preserve the
integrity of the numbering system.
Specifically, the Commission required
interconnected VoIP providers obtaining
numbers to comply with the same
requirements applicable to carriers
seeking to obtain numbers. The
requirements included any State
requirements pursuant to numbering
authority delegated to the States by the
Commission, as well as industry
guidelines and practices, among others.
The Commission also required
interconnected VoIP providers to
comply with facilities readiness
requirements adapted to this context,
and with numbering utilization and
optimization requirements. In addition,
as conditions to requesting and
obtaining numbers directly from the
Numbering Administrators, the
Commission required interconnected
VoIP providers to (1) provide the
relevant State commissions with
regulatory and numbering contacts
when requesting numbers in those
States, (2) request numbers from the
Numbering Administrators under their
own unique OCN, (3) file any requests
for numbers with the relevant State
commissions at least 30 days prior to
requesting numbers from the Numbering
Administrators, and (4) provide
customers with the opportunity to
access all abbreviated dialing codes
(N11 numbers) in use in a geographic
area. Finally, the Order also modified
Commission’s rules in order to permit
VoIP Positioning Center providers to
obtain pseudo-Automatic Number
Identification codes directly from the
Numbering Administrators for purposes
of providing E911 services.
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
R&O and FNPRM
Second R&O and
Second FNPRM.
Third R&O and
Second Order
on Recon.
Third R&O on
Recon and
Third FNPRM.
Fourth R&O and
Fourth NPRM.
Order and Fifth
FNPRM.
Order ...................
E:\FR\FM\31MRP24.SGM
31MRP24
Date
FR Cite
06/17/99
06/16/00
02/08/01
64 FR 32471
65 FR 37703
66 FR 9528
02/12/02
67 FR 643
04/05/02
67 FR 16347
07/21/03
68 FR 43003
03/15/06
71 FR 13393
06/19/13
78 FR 36679
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
Action
Date
NPRM & NOI ......
R&O ....................
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
06/19/13
10/29/15
I
78 FR 36725
80 FR 66454
I
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Marilyn Jones,
Senior Counsel, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline
Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202
418–2357, Fax: 202 418–2345, Email:
marilyn.jones@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AH80
458. Jurisdictional Separations
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i) and 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 205;
47 U.S.C. 221(c); 47 U.S.C. 254; 47
U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C. 410
Abstract: Jurisdictional separations is
the process, pursuant to part 36 of the
Commission’s rules, by which
incumbent local exchange carriers
apportion regulated costs between the
intrastate and interstate jurisdictions. In
1997, the Commission initiated a
proceeding seeking comment on the
extent to which legislative changes,
technological changes, and marketplace
changes warrant comprehensive reform
of the separations process. In 2001, the
Commission adopted the Federal-State
Joint Board on Jurisdictional
Separations’ Joint Board’s
recommendation to impose an interim
freeze on the part 36 category
relationships and jurisdictional cost
allocation factors for a period of 5 years,
pending comprehensive reform of the
part 36 separations rules. In 2006, the
Commission issued an Order and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
that extended the separations freeze for
a period of 3 years and sought comment
on comprehensive reform. In 2009, the
Commission issued a Report and Order
extending the separations freeze an
additional year to June 2010. In 2010,
the Commission issued a Report and
Order extending the separations freeze
for an additional year to June 2011. In
2011, the Commission adopted a Report
and Order extending the separations
freeze for an additional year to June
2012. In 2012, the Commission issued a
Report and Order extending the
separations freeze for an additional 2
years to June 2014. In 2014, the
Commission issued a Report and Order
extending the separations freeze for an
additional 3 years to June 2017.
In 2016, the Commission issued a
Report and Order extending the
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23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
separations freeze for an additional 18
months until January 1, 2018. In 2017,
the Joint Board issued a Recommended
Decision recommending changes to the
part 36 rules designed to harmonize
them with the Commission’s previous
amendments to its part 32 accounting
rules. In February 2018, the Commission
issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
proposing amendments to part 36
consistent with the Joint Board’s
recommendations. In October 2018, the
Commission issued a Report and Order
adopting each of the Joint Board’s
recommendations and amending the
part 36 consistent with those
recommendations. In July 2018, the
Commission issued a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking proposing to
extend the separations freeze for an
additional 15 years and to provide rateof-return carriers that had elected to
freeze their category relationships a time
limited opportunity to opt out of that
freeze. In December 2018, the
Commission issued a Report and Order
extending the freeze for up to 6 years
until December 31, 2024, and granting
rate-of-return carriers that had elected to
freeze their category relationships a onetime opportunity to opt out of that
freeze.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Order ...................
Order and
FNPRM.
Order and
FNPRM Comment Period
End.
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
Recommended
Decision.
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
Announcement of
OMB Approval.
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
11/05/97
12/10/97
62 FR 59842
06/21/01
05/26/06
66 FR 33202
71 FR 29882
08/22/06
05/15/09
05/25/10
05/27/11
05/23/12
06/13/14
06/02/17
10/27/17
74
75
76
77
79
82
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
23955
30301
30840
30410
36232
25535
03/13/18
04/27/18
83 FR 10817
07/27/18
09/10/18
83 FR 35589
12/11/18
02/15/19
03/01/19
83 FR 63581
84 FR 4351
84 FR 6977
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202
418–7122, Fax: 202 418–1413, Email:
irina.asoskov@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AJ06
459. Rural Call Completion; WC Docket
No. 13–39
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47
U.S.C. 217; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 202;
47 U.S.C. 218; 47 U.S.C. 220; 47 U.S.C.
262; 47 U.S.C. 403(b)(2)(B); 47 U.S.C.
251(a); 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 620; 47
U.S.C. 251; 47 U.S.C. 251(e); 47 U.S.C.
254(k); 47 U.S.C. 616; 47 U.S.C. 226; 47
U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C. 228; 47 U.S.C.
1401–1473
Abstract: The Third RCC Order began
implementation of the Improving Rural
Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017
(RCC Act), by adopting rules designed to
ensure the integrity of our nation’s
telephone network and prevent unjust
or unreasonable discrimination among
areas of the United States in the delivery
of telephone service. In particular, the
Third RCC Order adopted rules to
establish a registry for intermediate
providers entities that transmit, but do
not originate or terminate, voice calls.
The Order requires intermediate
providers to register with the
Commission before offering to transmit
covered voice communications, and
requires covered providers entities that
select the initial long-distance route for
a large number of lines to use only
registered intermediate providers to
transmit covered voice communications.
The Fourth RCC Order completed the
Commission’s implementation of the
RCC Act by adopting service quality
standards for intermediate providers, as
well as an exception to those standards
for intermediate providers that qualify
for the covered provider safe harbor in
our existing rules. The Order also set
forth procedures to enforce our
intermediate provider requirements.
Finally, the Fourth RCC Order adopted
provisions to sunset the rural call
completion data recording and retention
requirements adopted in the First RCC
Order one year after the effective date of
the new intermediate provider service
quality standards.
Timetable:
Action
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Irina Asoskov,
Assistant Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline
Sfmt 4702
17023
NPRM ..................
Public Notice .......
NPRM Comment
Period End.
R&O and FNPRM
PRA 60 Day Notice.
E:\FR\FM\31MRP24.SGM
31MRP24
Date
FR Cite
04/12/13
05/07/13
05/28/13
78 FR 21891
78 FR 26572
12/17/13
12/30/13
78 FR 76218
78 FR 79448
17024
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Action
Date
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
PRA Comments
Due.
Public Notice .......
Order on Reconsideration.
Erratum ...............
Public Notice .......
2nd FNPRM ........
2nd FNPRM
Comment Period End.
Reply Comment
Period End.
2nd Order ............
3rd FNPRM .........
3rd FNPRM Comment Period
End.
3rd FNPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
3rd Order .............
4th Order .............
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
02/18/14
03/11/14
05/06/14
12/10/14
79 FR 25682
79 FR 73227
01/08/15
03/04/15
07/27/17
08/28/17
80 FR 1007
80 FR 11593
82 FR 34911
09/25/17
04/17/18
04/17/18
06/04/18
83 FR 21723
83 FR 21983
06/19/18
08/13/18
03/15/19
83 FR 47296
84 FR 25692
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Zachary Ross,
Attorney Advisor, Competiton Policy
Division, WCB, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–1033, Email:
zachary.ross@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AJ89
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
460. Rates for Inmate Calling Services;
WC Docket No. 12–375
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and
152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and (j); 47 U.S.C.
225; 47 U.S.C. 276; 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47
CFR 64; 47 U.S.C. 201
Abstract: In the Second Report and
Order, the Federal Communications
Commission adopted rule changes to
ensure that rates for both interstate and
intrastate inmate calling services (ICS)
are fair, just, and reasonable limits on
ancillary service charges imposed by
ICS providers. In the Second Report and
Order, the Commission set caps on all
interstate and intrastate calling rates for
ICS, established a tiered rate structure
based on the size and type of facility
being served, limited the types of
ancillary services that ICS providers
may charge for and capped the charges
for permitted fees, banned flat-rate
calling, facilitated access to ICS by
people with disabilities by requiring
providers to offer free or steeply
discounted rates for calls using TTY,
and imposed reporting and certification
requirements to facilitate continued
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23:55 Mar 30, 2021
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oversight of the ICS market. In the Third
Further Notice portion of the item, the
Commission sought comment on ways
to promote competition for ICS, video
visitation, and rates for international
calls, and considered an array of
solutions to further address areas of
concern in the ICS industry. In an Order
on Reconsideration, the Commission
amended its rate caps and the definition
of ‘‘mandatory tax or mandatory fee.’’
On June 13, 2017, the D.C. Circuit
vacated the rate caps adopted in the
Second Report and Order, as well as
reporting requirements related to video
visitation. The court held that the
Commission lacked jurisdiction over
intrastate ICS calls and that the rate caps
the Commission adopted for interstate
calls were arbitrary and capricious. The
court also remanded the Commission’s
caps on ancillary fees. On September 26,
2017, the court denied a petition for
rehearing en banc. On December 21,
2017, the court issued two separate
orders: One vacating the 2016 Order on
Reconsideration insofar as it purports to
set rate caps on inmate calling services,
and one dismissing as moot challenges
to the Commission’s First Report and
Order on ICS.
On February 4, 2020, the
Commission’s Wireline Competition
Bureau released a Public Notice seeking
to refresh the record on ancillary service
charges imposed in connection with
inmate calling services.
On August 6, 2020, the Commission
adopted a Report and Order on Remand
and a Fourth Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking responding to remands by
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District
of Columbia Circuit and proposing to
comprehensively reform rates and
charges for the inmate calling services
within the Commission’s jurisdiction.
The Report and Order on Remand found
that the Commission’s five permitted
ancillary service charges (1) automated
payment fees; (2) fees for single-call and
related services; (3) live agent fees; (4)
paper bill/statement fees; and (5) thirdparty financial transaction fees
generally, cannot be practically
segregated between interstate and
intrastate inmate telephone calls, except
in a limited number of cases.
Accordingly, the Commission
prohibited inmate calling services
providers from imposing ancillary
service fees higher than the
Commission’s caps,or imposing fees for
additional ancillary services unless
imposed in connection with purely
intrastate inmate telephone service
calls. The Order also reinstated a rule
prohibiting providers from marking up
third-party fees for single-call services;
reinstated rule language that prohibits
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
providers from marking up mandatory
taxes or fees that they pass on to inmate
telephone service consumers; and
amended certain of the inmate calling
services rules consistent with the D.C.
Circuit’s mandates to reflect that the
Commission’s rate and fee caps on
inmate calling service apply only to
interstate and international inmate
calling. The Fourth FNPRM proposes to
substantially reduce the interstate rate
cap for inmate telephone calls from the
current interim rate caps of $0.21 per
minute for debit or prepaid calls and
$0.25 per minute for collect calls for all
types of correctional facilities, to
permanent rate caps of $0.14 per minute
for all interstate calls from prisons and
$0.16 for all interstate calls from jails.
The Fourth FNPRM also proposes to
adopt rate caps for international inmate
calling services calls for the first time
based on the proposed interstate rate
caps, plus the amount that the provider
must pay its underlying international
service provider for an international
call. It also proposes a waiver process
for providers that believe the
Commission’s rate caps would not allow
them to recover their costs of serving a
particular facility or contract. Finally, it
seeks comment on a further mandatory
data collection to continue efforts to
reform these rates and fees.
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
FNPRM ...............
R&O ....................
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Announcement of
Effective Date.
2nd FNPRM ........
2nd FNPRM
Comment Period End.
2nd FNPRM
Reply Comment
Period End.
3rd FNPRM .........
2nd R&O .............
3rd FNPRM Comment Period
End.
3rd FNPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
Order on Reconsideration.
Announcement of
OMB Approval.
Correction to Announcement of
OMB Approval.
Announcement of
OMB Approval.
Public Notice .......
E:\FR\FM\31MRP24.SGM
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Date
FR Cite
01/22/13
11/13/13
11/13/13
12/20/13
78 FR 4369
78 FR 68005
78 FR 67956
06/20/14
79 FR 33709
11/21/14
01/15/15
79 FR 69682
01/20/15
12/18/15
12/18/15
01/19/16
80 FR 79020
80 FR 79136
02/08/16
09/12/16
81 FR 62818
03/01/17
82 FR 12182
03/08/17
82 FR 12922
02/06/20
85 FR 6947
02/19/20
85 FR 9444
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
Action
Date
Public Notice
Comment Period End.
Public Notice
Reply Comment
Period End.
R&O on Remand
& 4th FNPRM.
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
03/20/20
04/06/20
08/06/20
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Irina Asoskov,
Assistant Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline
Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202
418–7122, Fax: 202 418–1413, Email:
irina.asoskov@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK08
461. Comprehensive Review of the Part
32 Uniform System of Accounts (WC
Docket No. 14–130)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 201(b); 47 U.S.C.
219 and 220
Abstract: The Commission initiates a
rulemaking proceeding to review the
Uniform System of Accounts (USOA) to
consider ways to minimize the
compliance burdens on incumbent local
exchange carriers while ensuring that
the Agency retains access to the
information it needs to fulfill its
regulatory duties. In light of the
Commission’s actions in areas of price
cap regulation, universal service reform,
and intercarrier compensation reform,
the Commission stated that it is likely
appropriate to streamline the existing
rules even though those reforms may
not have eliminated the need for
accounting data for some purposes. The
Commission’s analysis and proposals
are divided into three parts. First, the
Commission proposes to streamline the
USOA accounting rules while
preserving their existing structure.
Second, the Commission seeks more
focused comment on the accounting
requirements needed for price cap
carriers to address our statutory and
regulatory obligations. Third, the
Commission seeks comment on several
related issues, including state
requirements, rate effects,
implementation, continuing property
records, and legal authority.
On February 23, 2017, the
Commission adopted a Report and
Order that revised the part 32 USOA to
substantially reduce accounting burdens
for both price cap and rate-of-return
carriers. First, the Order streamlines the
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00:11 Mar 31, 2021
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USOA for all carriers. In addition, the
USOA will be aligned more closely with
generally accepted accounting
principles, or GAAP. Second, the Order
allows price cap carriers to use GAAP
for all regulatory accounting purposes as
long as they comply with targeted
accounting rules, which are designed to
mitigate any impact on pole attachment
rates. Alternatively, price cap carriers
can elect to use GAAP accounting for all
purposes other than those associated
with pole attachment rates and continue
to use the part 32 accounts for pole
attachment rates for up to 12 years.
Third, the Order addresses several
miscellaneous issues, including referral
to the Federal-State Joint Board on
Separations the issue of examining
jurisdictional separations rules in light
of the reforms adopted to part 32.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
NPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
R&O ....................
Next Action Undetermined.
09/15/14
11/14/14
04/04/17
Action
79 FR 54942
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
NPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
R&O on Remand,
Declaratory Ruling, and Order.
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Declaratory Ruling, R&O, and
Order.
Next Action Undetermined.
82 FR 20833
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robin Cohn,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–2747, Email:
robin.cohn@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK20
462. Restoring Internet Freedom (WC
Docket No. 17–108); Protecting and
Promoting the Open Internet (GN
Docket No. 14–28)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i) and (j); 47 U.S.C. 201(b)
Abstract: In December 2017, the
Commission adopted the Restoring
internet Freedom Declaratory Ruling,
Report and Order, and Order (Restoring
internet Freedom Order), which restored
the light-touch regulatory framework
under which the internet had grown and
thrived for decades by classifying
broadband internet access service as an
information service. The Restoring
internet Freedom Order ends title II
regulation of the internet and returns
broadband internet access service to its
long-standing classification as an
information service; reinstates the
determination that mobile broadband
internet access service is not a
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
commercial mobile service and returns
it to its original classification as a
private mobile service; finds that
transparency, internet Service Providers
(ISPs) economic incentives, and
antitrust and consumer protection laws
will protect the openness of the internet,
and that title II regulation is
unnecessary to do so; and adopts a
transparency rule similar to that in the
2010 Open internet Order, requiring
disclosure of network management
practices, performance characteristics,
and commercial terms of service.
Additionally, the transparency rule
requires ISPs to disclose any blocking,
throttling, paid prioritization, or affiliate
prioritization, and eliminates the
internet conduct standard and the
bright-line conduct rules set forth in the
2015 title II Order.
Timetable:
FR Cite
12/15/14
17025
Date
07/01/14
07/18/14
FR Cite
79 FR 37448
09/15/14
04/13/15
80 FR 19737
06/02/17
07/03/17
82 FR 25568
02/22/18
83 FR 7852
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Melissa Kirkel,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline
Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202
418–7958, Fax: 202 418–1413, Email:
melissa.kirkel@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK21
463. Technology Transitions; GN
Docket No. 13–5, WC Docket No. 05–25;
Accelerating Wireline Broadband
Deployment by Removing Barriers to
Infrastructure Investment; WC Docket
No. 17–84
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 214; 47
U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On April 20, 2017, the
Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, Notice of
Inquiry, and Request for Comment
(Wireline Infrastructure NPRM, NOl,
and RFC) seeking input on a number of
actions designed to accelerate: (1) The
E:\FR\FM\31MRP24.SGM
31MRP24
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17026
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda
deployment of next-generation networks
and services by removing barriers to
infrastructure investment at the Federal,
State, and local level; (2) the transition
from legacy copper networks and
services to next-generation fiber-based
networks and services; and (3) the
reduction of Commission regulations
that raise costs and slow, rather than
facilitate, broadband deployment.
On November 16, 2017, the
Commission adopted a Report and
Order (R&O), Declaratory Ruling, and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(Wireline Infrastructure Order) that
takes a number of actions and seeks
comment on further actions designed to
accelerate the deployment of nextgeneration networks and services
through removing barriers to
infrastructure investment.
The Wireline Infrastructure Order
took a number of actions. First, the
Report and Order revised the pole
attachment rules to reduce costs for
attachers, reforms the pole access
complaint procedures to settle access
disputes more swiftly, and increases
access to infrastructure for certain types
of broadband providers. Second, the
Report and Order revised the section
214(a) discontinuance rules and the
network change notification rules,
including those applicable to copper
retirements, to expedite the process for
carriers seeking to replace legacy
network infrastructure and legacy
services with advanced broadband
networks and innovative new services.
Third, the Report and Order reversed a
2015 ruling that discontinuance
authority is required for solely
wholesale services to carrier-customers.
Fourth, the Declaratory Ruling
abandoned the 2014 ‘‘functional test’’
interpretation of when section 214
discontinuance applications are
required, bringing added clarity to the
section 214(a) discontinuance process
for carriers and consumers alike.
Finally, the Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking sought comment on
additional potential pole attachment
reforms, reforms to the network change
disclosure and section 214(a)
discontinuance processes, and ways to
facilitate rebuilding networks impacted
by natural disasters. Various parties
filed a Petition for Review of the
Wireline Infrastructure Order in the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
The Ninth Circuit denied the Petition on
January 23, 2020 on the grounds that the
parties lacked standing.
On June 7, 2018, the Commission
adopted a Second Report and Order
(Wireline Infrastructure Second Report
and Order) taking further actions
designed to expedite the transition from
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23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
legacy networks and services to next
generation networks and advanced
services that benefit the American
public and to promote broadband
deployment by further streamlining the
section 214(a) discontinuance rules,
network change disclosure processes,
and part 68 customer notification
process.
The Wireline Infrastructure NPRM,
NOI, and RFC sought comment on
additional issues not addressed in the
November Wireline Infrastructure Order
or the June Wireline Infrastructure
Second Report and Order. It sought
comment on changes to the
Commission’s pole attachment rules to:
(1) Streamline the timeframe for gaining
access to utility poles; (2) reduce
charges paid by attachers for work done
to make a pole ready for new
attachments; and (3) establish a formula
for computing the maximum pole
attachment rate that may be imposed on
an incumbent LEC.
The Wireline Infrastructure NPRM,
NOI, and RFC also sought comment on
whether the Commission should enact
rules, consistent with its authority
under section 253 of the Act, to promote
the deployment of broadband
infrastructure by preempting State and
local laws that inhibit broadband
deployment. It also sought comment on
whether there are State laws governing
the maintenance or retirement of copper
facilities that serve as a barrier to
deploying next-generation technologies
and services that the Commission might
seek to preempt.
Previously, in November 2014, the
Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking and Declaratory
Ruling that: (1) Proposed new backup
power rules; (2) proposed new or
revised rules for copper retirements and
service discontinuances; and (3)
adopted a functional test in determining
what constitutes a service for purposes
of section 214(a) discontinuance review.
In August 2015, the Commission
adopted a Report and Order, Order on
Reconsideration, and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that: (i)
Lengthened and revised the copper
retirement process; (ii) determined that
a carrier must obtain Commission
approval before discontinuing a service
used as a wholesale input if the carrier’s
actions will discontinue service to a
carrier-customer’s retail end users; (iii)
adopted an interim rule requiring
incumbent LECs that seek to
discontinue certain TDM-based
wholesale services to commit to certain
rates, terms, and conditions; (iv)
proposed further revisions to the copper
retirement discontinuance process; and
(v) upheld the November 2014
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Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
Declaratory Ruling. In July 2016, the
Commission adopted a Second Report
and Order, Declaratory Ruling, and
Order on Reconsideration that: (i)
Adopted a new test for obtaining
streamlined treatment when carriers
seek Commission authorization to
discontinue legacy services in favor of
services based on newer technologies;
(ii) set forth consumer education
requirements for carriers seeking to
discontinue legacy services in favor of
services based on newer technologies;
(iii) allowed notice to customers of
discontinuance applications by email;
(iv) required carriers to provide notice
of discontinuance applications to Tribal
entities; (v) made a technical rule
change to create a new title for copper
retirement notices and certifications;
and (vi) harmonized the timeline for
competitive LEC discontinuances
caused by incumbent LEC network
changes.
On August 2, 2018, the Commission
adopted a Third Report and Order and
Declaratory Ruling (Wireline
Infrastructure Third Report and Order)
establishing a new framework for the
vast majority of pole attachments
governed by Federal law by instituting
a one-touch make-ready regime, in
which a new attacher may elect to
perform all simple work to prepare a
pole for new wireline attachments in the
communications space. This new
framework includes safeguards to
promote coordination among parties
and ensures that new attachers perform
work safely and reliably. The
Commission retained its multi-party
pole attachment process for attachments
that are complex or above the
communications space of a pole, but
made significant modifications to speed
deployment, promote accurate billing,
expand the use of self-help for new
attachers when attachment deadlines
are missed, and reduce the likelihood of
coordination failures that lead to
unwarranted delays. The Commission
also improved its pole attachment rules
by codifying and redefining
Commission precedent that requires
utilities to allow attachers to overlash
existing wires, thus maximizing the
usable space on the pole; eliminating
outdated disparities between the pole
attachment rates that incumbent carriers
must pay compared to other similarlysituated cable and telecommunications
attachers; and clarifying that the
Commission will preempt, on an
expedited case-by-case basis, State and
local laws that inhibit the rebuilding or
restoration of broadband infrastructure
after a disaster. The Commission also
adopted a Declaratory Ruling that
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interpreted section 253(a) of the
Communications Act to prohibit State
and local express and de facto moratoria
on the deployment of
telecommunications services or
facilities and directed the Wireline
Competition and Wireless
Telecommunications Bureaus to act
promptly on petitions challenging
specific alleged moratoria. Numerous
parties filed appeals of the Wireline
Infrastructure Third Report and Order,
and the appeals were consolidated in
the U.S. Court of Appeals of the Ninth
Circuit. On August 12, 2020, the Ninth
Circuit issued an opinion upholding the
Wireline Infrastructure Third Report
and Order in all respects.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
NPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
FNPRM ...............
R&O ....................
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
2nd R&O .............
NPRM ..................
01/06/15
02/05/15
NPRM Comment
Period End.
NPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
R&O ....................
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
FNPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
2nd R&O .............
3rd R&O ..............
Next Action Undetermined.
06/15/17
FR Cite
80 FR 450
03/09/15
09/25/15
09/25/15
10/26/15
80 FR 57768
80 FR 57768
11/24/15
09/12/16
05/16/17
81 FR 62632
82 FR
224533
07/17/17
12/28/17
01/17/18
82 FR 61520
02/16/18
07/09/18
09/14/18
83 FR 31659
83 FR 46812
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with PROPOSALS24
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michele Berlove,
Special Counsel, Competition Policy
Div., WCB, Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418–
1477, Email: michele.berlove@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK32
464. Implementation of the Universal
Service Portions of the 1996
Telecommunications Act
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.
Abstract: The Telecommunications
Act of 1996 expanded the traditional
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
goal of universal service to include
increased access to both
telecommunications and advanced
services such as high-speed internet for
all consumers at just, reasonable and
affordable rates. The Act established
principles for universal service that
specifically focused on increasing
access to evolving services for
consumers living in rural and insular
areas, and for consumers with lowincomes. Additional principles called
for increased access to high-speed
internet in the nation’s schools,
libraries, and rural healthcare facilities.
The FCC established four programs
within the Universal Service Fund to
implement the statute: Connect America
Fund (formally known as High-Cost
Support) for rural areas; Lifeline (for
low-income consumers), including
initiatives to expand phone service for
Native Americans; Schools and
Libraries (E-rate); and Rural Healthcare.
The Universal Service Fund is paid
for by contributions from
telecommunications carriers, including
wireline and wireless companies, and
interconnected Voice over internet
Protocol (VoIP) providers, including
cable companies that provide voice
service, based on an assessment on their
interstate and international end-user
revenues. The Universal Service
Administrative Company, or USAC,
administers the four programs and
collects monies for the Universal
Service Fund under the direction of the
FCC.
On February 7, 2020, the Commission
launched $20 Billion Rural Digital
Opportunity Fund.
On April 2, 2020, the Commission
fought COVID–19 with $200M; Adopts
Long-Term Connected Care Study.
On July 17, 2020, the Commission
integrated provisions of the recently
enacted Secure and Trusted
Communications Networks Acts of 2019
into the existing supply chain
rulemaking.
Timetable:
Action
Date
R&O and FNPRM
NPRM Comment
Period End.
NPRM Reply
Comment Period End.
R&O and Order
on Recon.
Order on Recon ..
Order on Recon ..
Memorandum,
Opinion &
Order.
NPRM ..................
NPRM ..................
PO 00000
Frm 00025
01/13/17
02/13/17
FR Cite
82 FR 4275
02/27/17
03/21/17
82 FR 14466
05/19/17
06/08/17
06/21/17
82 FR 22901
82 FR 26653
82 FR
228224
07/30/19
08/21/19
84 FR 36865
84 FR 43543
Fmt 4701
Sfmt 4702
Action
R&O and Order
on Recon.
Order on Recon ..
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
R&O ....................
Report & Order ...
Report & Order ...
Declaratory Ruling/2nd FNPRM.
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
FR Cite
11/07/19
84 FR 59937
12/09/19
12/20/19
12/27/19
01/17/20
03/10/20
05/11/20
08/04/20
84
84
84
85
85
85
85
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
67220
70026
71308
3044
13773
19892
48134
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Nakesha Woodward,
Program Support Assistant, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–1502, Email:
kesha.woodward@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK57
465. Toll Free Assignment
Modernization and Toll Free Service
Access Codes: WC Docket No. 17–192,
CC Docket No. 95–155
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 201(b); 47 U.S.C.
251(e)(1)
Abstract: In this Report and Order
(Order), the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) initiates an auction
to distribute certain toll free numbers.
The numbers to be auctioned will be in
the new 833 toll free code for which
there have been multiple, competing
requests.
By using an auction, the FCC will
ensure that sought-after numbers are
awarded to the parties that value them
most. In addition, the FCC will reserve
certain 833 numbers for distribution to
government and non-profit entities that
request them for public health and
safety purposes. The FCC will study the
results of the auction to determine how
to best use the mechanism to distribute
toll-free numbers equitably and
efficiently in the future as well.
Revenues from the auction will be used
to defray the cost of toll-free numbering
administration, reducing the cost of
numbering for all users. The Order
establishing the toll-free number auction
will also authorize and accommodate
the use of a secondary market for
numbers awarded at auction to further
distribute these numbers to the entities
that value them most. The Order also
adopted several definitional and
technical updates to improve clarity and
flexibility in toll-free number
assignment.
The Commission sought comment and
then adopted auctions procedures and
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deadlines on August 2, 2019. Bidding
for the auction occurred on December
17, 2019, and Somos issued an
announcement of the winning bidders
on December 20, 2019. On December 16,
2019, to facilitate the preparation of its
study of the auction, the Bureau charged
the North American Numbering
Council, via its Toll Free Access
Modernization Working Group, to issue
a report evaluating various aspects of
the 833 Auction, and recommending
improvements for any future toll free
number auctions.
On January 16, 2020, Somos released
all of the 833 Auction data for public
review. On March 13, 2020, the Bureau
invited public comment on the 833
Auction in preparation for issuing a
report on the lessons learned from the
Auction. Comments were due on April
13, 2020. On July 14, 2020, the North
American Numbering Council approved
the Toll Free Assignment Modernization
Working Group’s report, Perspectives on
the December 2019 Auction of Numbers
in the 833 Numbering Plan Area.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Final Rule ............
Next Action Undetermined.
FR Cite
10/13/17
11/13/17
82 FR 47669
10/23/18
83 FR 53377
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Matthew Collins,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–7141, Email:
matthew.collins@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AK91
466. Call Authentication Trust Anchor
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201; 47
U.S.C. 251; 47 U.S.C. 227b
Abstract: On June 6, 2019, the
Commission adopted a Declaratory
Ruling and Third Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (CG Docket No.
17–59, WC Docket No. 17–97) that
proposed and sought comment on
mandating implementation of STIR/
SHAKEN in the event that major voice
service providers did not voluntarily
implement the framework by the end of
2019.
On December 30, 2019, Congress
enacted the Pallone-Thune Telephone
Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement
and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. Along
with numerous other provisions
directed at addressing robocalls, the
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23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
TRACED Act directs the Commission to
require all voice service providers to
implement STIR/SHAKEN in the
internet Protocol (IP) portions of their
networks, and to implement an effective
caller ID authentication framework in
the non-IP portions of their networks.
The TRACED Act further creates
processes by which voice service
providers may be exempt from this
mandate if the Commission determines
they have achieved certain
implementation benchmarks, and by
which voice service providers may be
granted a delay in compliance based on
a finding of undue hardship because of
burdens or barriers to implementation
or based on a delay in development of
a caller ID authentication protocol for
calls delivered over non-IP networks.
On March 31, 2020, the Commission
adopted a Report and Order and Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (WC
Docket Nos. 17–97, 20–67). The Report
and Order mandated that all originating
and terminating voice service providers
implement the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID
authentication framework in the IP
portions of their networks by June 30,
2021. In the Further Notice the
Commission sought comment on
extending the STIR/SHAKEN
implementation mandate to
intermediate providers. The
Commission also sought comment on
proposals to (1) grant an extension for
compliance with the STIR/SHAKEN
implementation mandate for small voice
service providers so long as those
providers implement a robocall
mitigation program; (2) require voice
service providers using non-IP
technology either to upgrade their
networks to IP to enable STIR/SHAKEN
implementation, or work to develop
non-IP caller ID authentication
technology and implement a robocall
mitigation program in the interim; (3)
establish a process whereby a voice
service provider may be exempt from
the STIR/SHAKEN implementation
mandate if the provider has achieved
certain implementation benchmarks; (4)
prohibit voice service providers from
imposing line item charges on consumer
and small business subscribers for caller
ID authentication; and (5) propose and
seek comment on measures to
implement other TRACED Act
provisions concerning caller ID
authentication and access to number
resources.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NOI ......................
DR and 3rd
FNPRM.
PO 00000
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I
07/14/17
06/06/19
Fmt 4701
FR Cite
I
Sfmt 4702
84 FR 29478
Action
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
3rd FNPRM Comment Period
End.
R&O and FNPRM
FNPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
Date
06/24/19
08/23/19
FR Cite
84 FR 29478
08/23/19
03/31/20
05/29/20
85 FR 22029
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Matthew Collins,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418–7141, Email:
matthew.collins@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AL00
467. Implementation of the National
Suicide Improvement Act of 2018
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201; 47
U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On August 14, 2018,
Congress passed the National Suicide
Hotline Improvement Act (Act). Public
Law 115–233, 132 Stat. 2424 (2018). The
purpose of the Act was to study and
report on the feasibility of designating a
3-digit dialing code to be used for a
national suicide prevention and mental
health crisis hotline system by
considering each of the current N11
designations. The Act directed the
Commission to: (1) Conduct a study that
examines the feasibility of designating a
simple, easy-to-remember, 3-digit
dialing code to be used for a national
suicide prevention and mental health
crisis hotline system; and (2) analyze
how well the current National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline is working to
address the needs of veterans. The Act
also directed the Commission to
coordinate with the Department of
Health and Human Services’ Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA), the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the
North American Numbering Council
(NANC) in conducting the study, and to
produce a report on the study by August
14, 2019.
On August 14, 2019, the Wireline
Competition Bureau and Office of
Economics and Analytics submitted its
report to Congress recommending that:
(1) A 3-digit dialing code be used for a
national suicide prevention and mental
health crisis hotline system; and (2) the
Commission should initiate a
rulemaking proceeding to consider
designating 988 as the 3-digit code.
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On December 12, 2019, the
Commission released a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing
to designate 988 as a new, nationwide,
3-digit dialing code for a suicide
prevention and mental health crisis
hotline. WC Docket No. 18–336. The
NPRM proposes that calls made to 988
be directed to the existing National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is
made up of an expansive network of
over 170 crisis centers located across the
United States, and to the Veterans Crisis
Line. The NPRM also proposes to
require all telecommunications carriers
and interconnected VoIP service
providers to make, within 18 months,
any changes necessary to ensure that
users can dial 988 to reach the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline and
Veterans Crisis Line.
On July 16, 2020, the Commission
adopted an Order designating 988 as the
3-digit number to reach the Lifeline and
Veterans Crisis Line (800–273–TALK or
800–273–8255) and requiring all
telecommunications carriers,
interconnected voice over internet
Protocol (VoIP) providers, and one-way
VoIP providers to make any network
changes necessary to ensure that users
can dial 988 to reach the Lifeline by July
16, 2022.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
01/15/20
03/16/20
FR Cite
85 FR 2359
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468. Modernizing Unbundling and
Resale Requirements in an Era of NextGeneration Networks and Services
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 10; 47
U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On November 22, 2019, the
Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking
comment on proposals to update the
unbundling and avoided-cost resale
obligations stemming from the 1996 Act
and applicable only to incumbent LECs.
Many of these obligations appear to no
longer be necessary in many geographic
areas due to vigorous competition for
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
Next Action Undetermined.
01/06/20
03/06/20
FR Cite
85 FR 472
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michele Berlove,
Special Counsel, Competition Policy
Div., WCB, Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418–
1477, Email: michele.berlove@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AL02
469. Eliminating Ex Ante Pricing
Regulation and Tariffing of Telephone
Access Charges (WC Docket 20–71)
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michelle Sclater,
Attorney, Wireline Competition Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418–0388, Email:
michelle.sclater@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AL01
VerDate Sep<11>2014
mass market broadband services in
urban areas and numerous intermodal
voice capabilities and services. But
recognizing that rural areas pose special
challenges for broadband deployment,
the NPRM does not propose any change
to unbundling requirements for
broadband-capable loops in rural areas.
The NPRM seeks to promote the
Commission’s efforts to reduce
unnecessary and outdated regulatory
burdens that appear to discourage the
deployment of next-generation
networks, delay the IP transition,
unnecessarily burden incumbent LECs
with no similar obligations placed on
their competitors, and no longer benefit
consumers or serve the purpose for
which they were intended.
Timetable:
Jkt 253001
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 160; 47 U.S.C.
201 to 203; 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 225;
47 U.S.C. 251; 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 U.S.C.
303(r); 47 U.S.C. 616
Abstract: The NPRM proposes to
deregulate and detariff Telephone
Access Charges, which represent the last
handful of interstate end-user charges
that remain subject to regulation. The
Notice also proposes to prohibit all
carriers from separately listing these
charges on customers’ bills. given that
some Telephone Access Charges are
used to calculate contributions to the
Federal Universal Service Fund and
other federal programs as well as high
cost support this Notice also proposes
and seeks comment on ways to .ensure
stability in funding these programs.
Timetable:
Action
Date
NPRM ..................
PO 00000
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Fmt 4701
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FR Cite
85 FR 30899
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Victoria Goldberg,
Attorney–Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline
Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202
418–7353, Email: victoria.goldberg@
fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AL03
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION (FCC)
Completed Actions
470. Process Reform for Executive
Branch Review of Certain FCC
Applications and Petitions Involving
Foreign Ownership (IB Docket No. 16–
155)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent
agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47
U.S.C. 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C.
303; 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 310; 47
U.S.C. 34–39; Executive Order No.
10530, Section 5(a) reprinted as
amended in 3 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: The FCC is reviewing the
process by which it coordinates review
of certain applications and petitions
with the Executive Branch. The FCC
refers certain applications to the
relevant Executive Branch agencies for
their input on any national security, law
enforcement, foreign policy, and trade
policy concerns that may arise from the
foreign ownership interests held in the
applicants and petitioners. In an NPRM
released in 2016, the FCC sought
comment on proposals to streamline
and facilitate the process for obtaining
information necessary for Executive
Branch review and identify expected
time frames, while ensuring that it
continues to take Executive Branch
concerns into consideration as part of its
public interest review. Specifically, the
FCC sought comment on proposals that
applicants provide (for Executive
Branch review) additional information
on ownership, network operations, and
related matters when filing their
applications; that require applicants to
make certain law enforcement/national
security-related certifications; that
establish timeframes for Executive
Branch review; and other revisions to
the application process to streamline the
review process.
Timetable:
Action
NPRM ..................
NPRM Comment
Period End.
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07/09/16
09/02/16
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81 FR 46870
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Action
Merged With
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Date
FR Cite
09/28/20
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Arthur T. Lechtman,
Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
23:55 Mar 30, 2021
Jkt 253001
International Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202
418–1465, Fax: 202 418–0175, Email:
arthur.lechtman@fcc.gov.
RIN: 3060–AL04
[FR Doc. 2021–04333 Filed 3–30–21; 8:45 am]
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 31, 2021)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 17004-17030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04333]
[[Page 17003]]
Vol. 86
Wednesday,
No. 60
March 31, 2021
Part XXIV
Federal Communications Commission
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 60 / Wednesday, March 31, 2021 / UA:
Reg Flex Agenda
[[Page 17004]]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Chapter I
Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions--
Fall 2020
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 (U.S.C. 602). The Unified
Agenda also provides the Code of Federal Regulations citations and
legal authorities that govern these proceedings. The complete Unified
Agenda will be published on the internet in a searchable format at
www.reginfo.gov.
ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maura McGowan, Telecommunications
Policy 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. 15-1 or
Docket No. 17-1). The abbreviation for the responsible bureau usually
precedes the docket number, as in ``MB Docket No. 17-289,'' which
indicates that the responsible bureau is the Media Bureau. A docket
number consisting of only five digits (e.g., Docket No. 29622)
indicates that the docket was established before January 1, 1978.
Notice of Inquiry (NOI)--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 No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
414....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI14
Implementing the
Telephone Consumer
Protection Act (TCPA) of
1991 (CG Docket No. 02-
278).
415....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI15
Implementing Section 225
of the Communications Act
(Telecommunications Relay
Service) (CG Docket No.
03-123).
416....................... Structure and Practices of 3060-AJ42
the Video Relay Service
(VRS) Program (CG Docket
No. 10-51).
417....................... Misuse of Internet 3060-AK01
Protocol (IP) Captioned
Telephone Service;
Telecommunications Relay
Services and Speech-to-
Speech Services; CG
Docket No. 13-24.
418....................... Advanced Methods to Target 3060-AK62
and Eliminate Unlawful
Robocalls (CG Docket No.
17-59).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Economics--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
419....................... Development of Nationwide 3060-AJ15
Broadband Data to
Evaluate Reasonable and
Timely Deployment of
Advanced Services to All
Americans.
420....................... Universal Service Reform 3060-AJ58
Mobility Fund (WT Docket
No. 10-208).
421....................... Expanding the Economic and 3060-AJ82
Innovation Opportunities
of Spectrum Through
Incentive Auctions (GN
Docket No. 12-268).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 17005]]
Office of Engineering and Technology--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
422....................... Encouraging the Provision 3060-AK80
of New Technologies and
Services to the Public
(GN Docket No. 18-22).
423....................... Spectrum Horizon (ET 3060-AK81
Docket No. 18-21).
424....................... Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz 3060-AK96
Band (ET Docket No. 19-
138).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
425....................... International Settlements 3060-AJ77
Policy Reform (IB Docket
No. 11-80).
426....................... Update to Parts 2 and 25 3060-AK59
Concerning
NonGeostationary, Fixed-
Satellite Service
Systems, and Related
Matters: IB Docket No. I6-
408.
427....................... Amendment of Parts 2 and 3060-AK84
25 of the FCC Rules to
Facilitate the Use of
Earth Stations in Motion
Communicating With
Geostationary Orbit Space
Stations in FSS Bands: IB
Docket No. 17-95.
428....................... Further Streamlining Part 3060-AK87
25 Rules Governing
Satellite Services: IB
Docket No. 18-314.
429....................... Facilitating the 3060-AK89
Communications of Earth
Stations in Motion With
Non-Geostationary Orbit
Space Stations: IB Docket
No. 18-315.
430....................... Mitigation of Orbital 3060-AK90
Debris in the New Space
Age: IB Docket No. 18-313.
431....................... Process Reform for 3060-AL12
Executive Branch Review
of Certain FCC
Applications and
Petitions Involving
Foreign Ownership (IB
Docket No. 16-155).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Bureau--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
432....................... Streamlining Licensing 3060-AK88
Procedures for Small
Satellites; IB Docket No.
18-86.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Media Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
433....................... Authorizing Permissive Use 3060-AK56
of the ``Next
Generation'' Broadcast
Television Standard (GN
Docket No. 16-142).
434....................... 2018 Quadrennial 3060-AK77
Regulatory Review of the
Commission's Broadcast
Ownership Rules (MB
Docket 18-349).
435....................... Children's Television 3060-AK78
Programming Rules (MB
Docket 18-202).
436....................... Amendment of Part 74 of 3060-AK79
the Commission's Rules
Regarding FM Translator
Interference (MB Docket
18-119).
437....................... Equal Employment 3060-AK86
Opportunity Enforcement
(MB Docket 19-177).
438....................... Revision of the 3060-AL08
Commission's Part 76
Review Procedures (MB
Docket No. 20-70).
439....................... Significantly Viewed 3060-AL09
Stations (MB Docket No.
20-73).
440....................... Promoting Broadcast 3060-AL10
Internet Innovation
through ATSC 3.0 (MB
Docket No. 20-145).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Managing Director--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
441....................... Assessment and Collection 3060-AK64
of Regulatory Fees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
442....................... Wireless E911 Location 3060-AJ52
Accuracy Requirements: PS
Docket No. 07-114.
443....................... Improving Outage Reporting 3060-AK39
for Submarine Cables and
Enhancing Submarine Cable
Outage Data; GN Docket
No. 15-206.
444....................... Amendments to Part 4 of 3060-AK40
the Commission's Rules
Concerning Disruptions to
Communications: PS Docket
No. 15-80.
445....................... New Part 4 of the 3060-AK41
Commission's Rules
Concerning Disruptions to
Communications; ET Docket
No. 04-35.
446....................... Wireless Emergency Alerts 3060-AK54
(WEA): PS Docket No. 15-
91.
447....................... Blue Alert EAS Event Code. 3060-AK63
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 17006]]
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
448....................... Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 3060-AJ87
22, 24, 27, 90, and 95 of
the Commission's Rules to
Improve Wireless Coverage
Through the Use of Signal
Boosters (WT Docket No.
10-4).
449....................... Amendment of the 3060-AJ88
Commission's Rules
Governing Certain
Aviation Ground Station
Equipment (Squitter) (WT
Docket Nos. 10-61 and 09-
42).
450....................... Promoting Technological 3060-AK06
Solutions to Combat
Wireless Contraband
Device Use in
Correctional Facilities;
GN Docket No. 13-111.
451....................... Promoting Investment in 3060-AK12
the 3550-3700 MHz Band;
GN Docket No. 17-258.
452....................... Use of Spectrum Bands 3060-AK44
Above 24 GHz for Mobile
Services--Spectrum
Frontiers: WT Docket 10-
112.
453....................... Transforming the 2.5 GHz 3060-AK75
Band.
454....................... Expanding Flexible Use of 3060-AK76
the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band:
GN Docket No. 18-122.
455....................... Amendment of the 3060-AK92
Commission's Rules to
Promote Aviation Safety:
WT Docket No. 19-140.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wireline Competition Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
456....................... Local Telephone Networks 3060-AH44
That LECs Must Make
Available to Competitors.
457....................... Numbering Resource 3060-AH80
Optimization.
458....................... Jurisdictional Separations 3060-AJ06
459....................... Rural Call Completion; WC 3060-AJ89
Docket No. 13-39.
460....................... Rates for Inmate Calling 3060-AK08
Services; WC Docket No.
12-375.
461....................... Comprehensive Review of 3060-AK20
the Part 32 Uniform
System of Accounts (WC
Docket No. 14-130).
462....................... Restoring Internet Freedom 3060-AK21
(WC Docket No. 17-108);
Protecting and Promoting
the Open Internet (GN
Docket No. 14-28).
463....................... Technology Transitions; GN 3060-AK32
Docket No 13-5, WC Docket
No. 05-25; Accelerating
Wireline Broadband
Deployment by Removing
Barriers to
Infrastructure
Investment; WC Docket No.
17-84.
464....................... Implementation of the 3060-AK57
Universal Service
Portions of the 1996
Telecommunications Act.
465....................... Toll Free Assignment 3060-AK91
Modernization and Toll
Free Service Access
Codes: WC Docket No. 17-
192, CC Docket No. 95-155.
466....................... Call Authentication Trust 3060-AL00
Anchor.
467....................... Implementation of the 3060-AL01
National Suicide
Improvement Act of 2018.
468....................... Modernizing Unbundling and 3060-AL02
Resale Requirements in an
Era of Next-Generation
Networks and Services.
469....................... Eliminating Ex Ante 3060-AL03
Pricing Regulation and
Tariffing of Telephone
Access Charges (WC Docket
20-71).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
Long-Term Actions
414. Rules and Regulations Implementing the Telephone Consumer
Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 (CG Docket No. 02-278)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 227
Abstract: In this docket, the Commission considers rules and
policies to implement the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991
(TCPA). The TCPA places requirements on robocalls (calls using an
automatic telephone dialing system, an autodialer, a prerecorded or, an
artificial voice), telemarketing calls, and unsolicited fax
advertisements.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/08/02 67 FR 62667
FNPRM............................... 04/03/03 68 FR 16250
Order............................... 07/25/03 68 FR 44144
Order Effective..................... 08/25/03 .......................
Order on Reconsideration............ 08/25/03 68 FR 50978
Order............................... 10/14/03 68 FR 59130
FNPRM............................... 03/31/04 69 FR 16873
Order............................... 10/08/04 69 FR 60311
Order............................... 10/28/04 69 FR 62816
Order on Reconsideration............ 04/13/05 70 FR 19330
Order............................... 06/30/05 70 FR 37705
NPRM................................ 12/19/05 70 FR 75102
Public Notice....................... 04/26/06 71 FR 24634
Order............................... 05/03/06 71 FR 25967
NPRM................................ 12/14/07 72 FR 71099
Declaratory Ruling.................. 02/01/08 73 FR 6041
R&O................................. 07/14/08 73 FR 40183
Order on Reconsideration............ 10/30/08 73 FR 64556
NPRM................................ 03/22/10 75 FR 13471
R&O................................. 06/11/12 77 FR 34233
Public Notice....................... 06/30/10 75 FR 34244
Public Notice (Reconsideration 10/03/12 77 FR 60343
Petitions Filed).
Announcement of Effective Date...... 10/16/12 77 FR 63240
Opposition End Date................. 10/18/12 .......................
Rule Corrections.................... 11/08/12 77 FR 66935
Declaratory Ruling (release date)... 11/29/12 .......................
Declaratory Ruling (release date)... 05/09/13 .......................
Declaratory Ruling and Order........ 10/09/15 80 FR 61129
NPRM................................ 05/20/16 81 FR 31889
Declaratory Ruling.................. 07/05/16 .......................
R&O................................. 11/16/16 81 FR 80594
Declaratory Ruling.................. 12/06/19 .......................
Declaratory Ruling.................. 12/09/19 .......................
Order............................... 03/17/20 .......................
Declaratory Ruling.................. 03/20/20 .......................
Declaratory Ruling.................. 06/25/20 .......................
Declaratory Ruling and Order........ 06/25/20 .......................
Order on Reconsideration............ 08/28/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kristi Thornton, Deputy Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-2467, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AI14
[[Page 17007]]
415. Rules and Regulations Implementing Section 225 of the
Communications Act (Telecommunications Relay Service) (CG Docket No.
03-123)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225
Abstract: This proceeding continues the Commission's inquiry into
improving the quality of telecommunications relay service (TRS) and
furthering the goal of functional equivalency, consistent with
Congress' mandate that TRS regulations encourage the use of existing
technology and not discourage or impair the development of new
technology. In this docket, the Commission explores ways to improve
emergency preparedness for TRS facilities and services, new TRS
technologies, public access to information and outreach, and issues
related to payments from the Interstate TRS Fund.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/25/03 68 FR 50993
R&O, Order on Reconsideration....... 09/01/04 69 FR 53346
FNPRM............................... 09/01/04 69 FR 53382
Public Notice....................... 02/17/05 70 FR 8034
Declaratory Ruling/Interpretation... 02/25/05 70 FR 9239
Public Notice....................... 03/07/05 70 FR 10930
Order............................... 03/23/05 70 FR 14568
Public Notice/Announcement of Date.. 04/06/05 70 FR 17334
Order............................... 07/01/05 70 FR 38134
Order on Reconsideration............ 08/31/05 70 FR 51643
R&O................................. 08/31/05 70 FR 51649
Order............................... 09/14/05 70 FR 54294
Order............................... 09/14/05 70 FR 54298
Public Notice....................... 10/12/05 70 FR 59346
R&O/Order on Reconsideration........ 12/23/05 70 FR 76208
Order............................... 12/28/05 70 FR 76712
Order............................... 12/29/05 70 FR 77052
NPRM................................ 02/01/06 71 FR 5221
Declaratory Ruling/Clarification.... 05/31/06 71 FR 30818
FNPRM............................... 05/31/06 71 FR 30848
FNPRM............................... 06/01/06 71 FR 31131
Declaratory Ruling/Dismissal of 06/21/06 71 FR 35553
Petition.
Clarification....................... 06/28/06 71 FR 36690
Declaratory Ruling on 07/06/06 71 FR 38268
Reconsideration.
Order on Reconsideration............ 08/16/06 71 FR 47141
MO&O................................ 08/16/06 71 FR 47145
Clarification....................... 08/23/06 71 FR 49380
FNPRM............................... 09/13/06 71 FR 54009
Final Rule; Clarification........... 02/14/07 72 FR 6960
Order............................... 03/14/07 72 FR 11789
R&O................................. 08/06/07 72 FR 43546
Public Notice....................... 08/16/07 72 FR 46060
Order............................... 11/01/07 72 FR 61813
Public Notice....................... 01/04/08 73 FR 863
R&O/Declaratory Ruling.............. 01/17/08 73 FR 3197
Order............................... 02/19/08 73 FR 9031
Order............................... 04/21/08 73 FR 21347
R&O................................. 04/21/08 73 FR 21252
Order............................... 04/23/08 73 FR 21843
Public Notice....................... 04/30/08 73 FR 23361
Order............................... 05/15/08 73 FR 28057
Declaratory Ruling.................. 07/08/08 73 FR 38928
FNPRM............................... 07/18/08 73 FR 41307
R&O................................. 07/18/08 73 FR 41286
Public Notice....................... 08/01/08 73 FR 45006
Public Notice....................... 08/05/08 73 FR 45354
Public Notice....................... 10/10/08 73 FR 60172
Order............................... 10/23/08 73 FR 63078
2nd R&O and Order on Reconsideration 12/30/08 73 FR 79683
Order............................... 05/06/09 74 FR 20892
Public Notice....................... 05/07/09 74 FR 21364
NPRM................................ 05/21/09 74 FR 23815
Public Notice....................... 05/21/09 74 FR 23859
Public Notice....................... 06/12/09 74 FR 28046
Order............................... 07/29/09 74 FR 37624
Public Notice....................... 08/07/09 74 FR 39699
Order............................... 09/18/09 74 FR 47894
Order............................... 10/26/09 74 FR 54913
Public Notice....................... 05/12/10 75 FR 26701
Order Denying Stay Motion (Release 07/09/10 .......................
Date).
Order............................... 08/13/10 75 FR 49491
Order............................... 09/03/10 75 FR 54040
NPRM................................ 11/02/10 75 FR 67333
NPRM................................ 05/02/11 76 FR 24442
Order............................... 07/25/11 76 FR 44326
Final Rule (Order).................. 09/27/11 76 FR 59551
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/22/11 76 FR 72124
Effective Date.
Proposed Rule (Public Notice)....... 02/28/12 77 FR 11997
Proposed Rule (FNPRM)............... 02/01/12 77 FR 4948
First R&O........................... 07/25/12 77 FR 43538
Public Notice....................... 10/29/12 77 FR 65526
Order on Reconsideration............ 12/26/12 77 FR 75894
Order............................... 02/05/13 78 FR 8030
Order (Interim Rule)................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8032
NPRM................................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8090
Announcement of Effective Date...... 03/07/13 78 FR 14701
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/13/13 .......................
FNPRM............................... 07/05/13 78 FR 40407
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/18/13 .......................
R&O................................. 07/05/13 78 FR 40582
R&O................................. 08/15/13 78 FR 49693
FNPRM............................... 08/15/13 78 FR 49717
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/30/13 .......................
R&O................................. 08/30/13 78 FR 53684
FNPRM............................... 09/03/13 78 FR 54201
NPRM................................ 10/23/13 78 FR 63152
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/18/13 .......................
Petition for Reconsideration; 12/16/13 78 FR 76096
Request for Comment.
Petition for Reconsideration; 12/16/13 78 FR 76097
Request for Comment.
Request for Clarification; Request 12/30/13 78 FR 79362
for Comment; Correction.
Petition for Reconsideration Comment 01/10/14 .......................
Period End.
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/21/14 .......................
Announcement of Effective Date...... 07/11/14 79 FR 40003
Announcement of Effective Date...... 08/28/14 79 FR 51446
Correction--Announcement of 08/28/14 79 FR 51450
Effective Date.
Technical Amendments................ 09/09/14 79 FR 53303
Public Notice....................... 09/15/14 79 FR 54979
R&O and Order....................... 10/21/14 79 FR 62875
FNPRM............................... 10/21/14 79 FR 62935
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/22/14 .......................
Final Action (Announcement of 10/30/14 79 FR 64515
Effective Date).
Final Rule Effective................ 10/30/14 .......................
FNPRM............................... 11/08/15 80 FR 72029
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/01/16 .......................
Public Notice....................... 01/20/16 81 FR 3085
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 02/16/16 .......................
R&O................................. 03/21/16 81 FR 14984
FNPRM............................... 08/24/16 81 FR 57851
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/14/16 .......................
NOI and FNPRM....................... 04/12/17 82 FR 17613
NOI and FNPRM Comment Period End.... 05/30/17 .......................
R&O................................. 04/13/17 82 FR 17754
R&O................................. 04/27/17 82 FR 19322
FNPRM............................... 04/27/17 82 FR 19347
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 07/11/17 .......................
R&O................................. 06/23/17 82 FR 28566
Public Notice....................... 07/21/17 82 FR 33856
Public Notice--Correction........... 07/25/17 82 FR 34471
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 07/31/17 .......................
Public Notice--Correction Comment 08/17/17 .......................
Period End.
R&O................................. 08/22/17 82 FR 39673
Announcement of Effective Date...... 10/17/17 82 FR 48203
[[Page 17008]]
Public Notice; Petition for 10/25/17 82 FR 49303
Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due Date................ 11/20/17 .......................
R&O and Declaratory Ruling.......... 06/27/18 83 FR 30082
FNPRM............................... 07/18/18 83 FR 33899
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/15/18 .......................
Public Notice....................... 08/23/18 83 FR 42630
Public Notice Opposition Period End. 09/17/18 .......................
Announcement of Effective Date...... 02/04/19 84 FR 1409
R&O................................. 03/08/19 84 FR 8457
FNPRM............................... 03/14/19 84 FR 9276
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 04/29/19 .......................
R&O................................. 06/06/19 84 FR 26364
FNPRM............................... 06/06/19 84 FR 26379
Petition for Recon Request for 06/18/19 84 FR 28264
Comment.
Petition for Recon Comment Period 07/15/19 .......................
End.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 08/05/19 .......................
R&O................................. 01/06/20 85 FR 462
R&O................................. 01/09/20 85 FR 1125
NPRM................................ 01/09/20 85 FR 1134
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/13/20 .......................
Announcement of Effective Date...... 02/19/20 85 FR 9392
Final Rule; removal of compliance 05/06/20 85 FR 26857
notices.
Report & Order...................... 05/08/20 85 FR 27309
Final Rule; correction.............. 08/26/20 85 FR 52489
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AI15
416. Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service (VRS) Program
(CG Docket No. 10-51)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47
U.S.C. 303(r)
Abstract: The Commission takes a fresh look at its VRS rules to
ensure that it is available to and used by the full spectrum of
eligible users, encourages innovation, and is provided efficiently to
be less susceptible to the waste, fraud, and abuse that have plagued
the program and threatened its long-term viability. The Commission also
considers the most effective and efficient way to make VRS available
and to determine what is the most fair, efficient, and transparent
cost-recovery methodology. In addition, the Commission looks at various
ways to measure the quality of VRS so as to ensure a better consumer
experience.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Declaratory Ruling.................. 05/07/10 75 FR 25255
Declaratory Ruling.................. 07/13/10 75 FR 39945
Order............................... 07/13/10 75 FR 39859
Notice of Inquiry................... 07/19/10 75 FR 41863
NPRM................................ 08/23/10 75 FR 51735
Interim Final Rule.................. 02/15/11 76 FR 8659
Public Notice....................... 03/02/11 76 R 11462
R&O................................. 05/02/11 76 FR 24393
FNPRM............................... 05/02/11 76 FR 24437
NPRM................................ 05/02/11 76 FR 24442
R&O (Correction).................... 05/27/11 76 FR 30841
Order............................... 07/25/11 76 FR 44326
2nd R&O............................. 08/05/11 76 FR 47469
Order (Interim Final Rule).......... 08/05/11 76 FR 47476
Final Rule; Announcement of 09/26/11 76 FR 59269
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Petition for 09/27/11 76 FR 59557
Reconsideration; Public Notice.
Oppositions Due Date................ 10/07/11 .......................
Final Rule; Clarification (MO&O).... 10/31/11 76 FR 67070
FNPRM............................... 10/31/11 76 FR 67118
Interim Final Rule; Announcement of 11/03/11 76 FR 68116
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/04/11 76 FR 68328
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/07/11 76 FR 68642
Effective Date.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/30/11 .......................
FNPRM............................... 02/01/12 77 FR 4948
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 03/19/12 .......................
Final Rule; Correction.............. 03/27/12 77 FR 18106
Correcting Amendments............... 06/07/12 77 FR 33662
Order (Release Date)................ 07/25/12 .......................
Correcting Amendments............... 10/04/12 77 FR 60630
Public Notice....................... 10/29/12 77 FR 65526
Comment Period End.................. 11/29/12 .......................
FNPRM............................... 07/05/13 78 FR 40407
R&O................................. 07/05/13 78 FR 40582
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/18/13 .......................
Public Notice....................... 09/11/13 78 FR 55696
Public Notice....................... 09/15/14 79 FR 54979
Comment Period End.................. 10/10/14 .......................
Final Action (Announcement of 10/30/14 79 FR 64515
Effective Date).
Final Rule Effective................ 10/30/14 .......................
FNPRM............................... 11/18/15 80 FR 72029
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 02/01/16 .......................
R&O................................. 03/21/16 81 FR 14984
FNPRM............................... 08/24/16 81 FR 57851
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/14/16 .......................
NOI and FNPRM....................... 04/12/17 82 FR 17613
NOI and FNPRM Comment Period End.... 05/30/17 .......................
R&O................................. 04/13/17 82 FR 17754
R&O................................. 04/27/17 82 FR 19322
FNPRM............................... 04/27/17 82 FR 19347
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 07/01/17 .......................
Order............................... 06/23/17 82 FR 28566
Public Notice....................... 07/21/17 82 FR 33856
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 07/31/17 .......................
Public Notice Correction............ 07/25/17 82 FR 34471
Public Notice Correction Comment 08/17/17 .......................
Period End.
R&O and Order....................... 08/22/17 82 FR 39673
Announcement of Effective Date...... 10/17/17 82 FR 48203
Public Notice; Petition for 10/25/17 82 FR 49303
Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due Date................ 11/20/17 .......................
R&O................................. 06/06/19 84 FR 26364
FNPRM............................... 06/06/19 84 FR 26379
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 08/05/19 .......................
Report & Order...................... 05/08/20 85 FR 27309
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ42
417. Misuse of Internet Protocol (IP) Captioned Telephone Service;
Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services; CG
Docket No. 13-24
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225
Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated
this proceeding in its effort to ensure that Internet-Protocol
Captioned
[[Page 17009]]
Telephone Service (IP CTS) is provided effectively and in the most
efficient manner. In doing so, the FCC adopted rules to address certain
practices related to the provision and marketing of IP CTS, as well as
compensation of TRS providers. IP CTS is a form of relay service
designed to allow people with hearing loss to speak directly to another
party on a telephone call and to simultaneously listen to the other
party and read captions of what that party is saying over an IP-enabled
device. To ensure that IP CTS is provided efficiently to persons who
need to use this service, the Commission adopted rules establishing
several requirements and issued an FNPRM to address additional issues.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8090
Order (Interim Rule)................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8032
Order............................... 02/05/13 78 FR 8030
Announcement of Effective Date...... 03/07/13 78 FR 14701
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/12/13 .......................
R&O................................. 08/30/13 78 FR 53684
FNPRM............................... 09/03/13 78FR 54201
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/18/13 .......................
Petition for Reconsideration Request 12/16/13 78 FR 76097
for Comment.
Petition for Reconsideration Comment 01/10/14 .......................
Period End.
Announcement of Effective Date...... 07/11/14 79 FR 40003
Announcement of Effective Date...... 08/28/14 79 FR 51446
Correction--Announcement of 08/28/14 79 FR 51450
Effective Date.
Technical Amendments................ 09/09/14 79 FR 53303
R&O and Declaratory Ruling.......... 06/27/18 83 FR 30082
FNPRM............................... 07/18/18 83 FR 33899
Public Notice....................... 08/23/18 83 FR 42630
Public Notice Opposition Period End. 09/17/18 .......................
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/15/18 .......................
Announcement of Effective Date...... 02/04/19 84 FR 1409
R&O................................. 03/08/19 84 FR 8457
FNPRM............................... 03/14/19 84 FR 9276
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 04/29/19 .......................
Petition for Recon Request for 06/18/19 84 FR 28264
Comment.
Petition for Recon Comment Period 07/15/19 .......................
End.
R&O................................. 01/06/20 85 FR 462
Announcement of Effective Date...... 02/19/20 85 FR 9392
Final Rule; removal of compliance 05/06/20 85 FR 26857
notes.
Final Rule; correction.............. 08/26/20 85 FR 52489
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK01
418. Advanced Methods To Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls (CG
Docket No. 17-59)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201 and 202; 47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C.
251(e)
Abstract: The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 restricts
the use of robocalls autodialed or prerecorded calls in certain
instances. In CG Docket No. 17-59, the Commission considers rules and
policies aimed at eliminating unlawful robocalling. Among the issues it
examines in this docket are whether to allow carriers to block calls
that purport to be from unallocated or unassigned phone numbers through
the use of spoofing, whether to allow carriers to block calls based on
their own analyses of which calls are likely to be unlawful and whether
to establish a database of reassigned phone numbers to help prevent
robocalls to consumers, who did not consent to such calls.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM/NOI............................ 05/17/17 82 FR 22625
2nd NOI............................. 07/13/17 .......................
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/31/17 .......................
FNPRM............................... 01/08/18 83 FR 770
R&O................................. 01/12/18 83 FR 1566
2nd FNPRM........................... 04/23/18 83 FR 17631
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 06/07/18 .......................
2nd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 07/09/18 .......................
2nd R&O............................. 03/26/19 84 FR 11226
3rd FNPRM........................... 06/24/19 84 FR 29478
Declaratory Ruling.................. 06/24/19 84 FR 29387
Public Notice Seeking Input on 12/30/19 .......................
Report.
Public Notice Seeking Comment on 01/24/20 .......................
Reassigned Numbers.
Public Notice Seeking Comment on RND 02/26/20 .......................
Cost/Fee Structure.
Public Notice Establishing 04/16/20 .......................
Guidelines for RND.
Report.............................. 06/25/20 .......................
3rd NPRM Comment Date............... 06/26/20 .......................
Announcement of Compliance Dates.... 06/26/20 85 FR 38334
3rd R&O, Order of Reconsideration, 07/31/20 85 FR 46063
4th FNPRM.
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Karen Schroeder, Associate Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0654, Email: [email protected].
Jerusha Burnett, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-
0526, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK62
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Economics
Long-Term Actions
419. Development of Nationwide Broadband Data To Evaluate Reasonable
and Timely Deployment of Advanced Services to All Americans
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 251; 47 U.S.C. 252; 47 U.S.C. 257; 47
U.S.C. 271; 47 U.S.C. 1302; 47 U.S.C. 160(b); 47 U.S.C. 161(a)(2)
Abstract: The Report and Order streamlined and reformed the
Commission's Form 477 Data Program, which is the Commission's primary
tool to collect data on broadband and telephone services.
Timetable:
[[Page 17010]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/16/07 72 FR 27519
Order............................... 07/02/08 73 FR 37861
Order............................... 10/15/08 73 FR 60997
NPRM................................ 02/08/11 76 FR 10827
Order............................... 06/27/13 78 FR 49126
NPRM................................ 08/24/17 82 FR 40118
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/25/17 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 10/10/17 .......................
R&O and FNPRM....................... 08/22/19 84 FR 43764
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Suzanne Mendez, Program Analyst, OEA, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0941, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ15
420. Universal Service Reform Mobility Fund (WT Docket No. 10-208)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 155; 47
U.S.C. 160; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 205; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 254;
47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 303(c); 47 U.S.C. 303(f); 47
U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 303(y); 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 310
Abstract: This proceeding establishes the Mobility Fund, which the
Commission is implementing in two phases. Mobility Fund Phase I
consisted of two reverse auctions that provided initial infusions of
funds toward solving persistent gaps in mobile services through
targeted, one-time support for the build-out of current and next-
generation wireless infrastructure in areas where these services are
unavailable. The Mobility Fund Phase II (MF-II) reverse auction aims to
provide support funds over a 10-year term to support build-out of
current and next-generation wireless infrastructure in areas where
unsubsidized services are unavailable. MF-II began with a one-time
collection of existing wireless broadband coverage data from current
providers to determine the areas in which qualified service has been
deployed, which data was used to create a map of areas presumptively
eligible for MF-II support. Entities could challenge asserted
unsubsidized 4G LTE coverage through the Mobility Fund Phase II
challenge process, and providers may file response data countering
challenges. The results of the challenge process will determine the
final list of areas eligible for funding through the MF-II auction.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/14/10 75 FR 67060
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/18/11 .......................
R&O................................. 11/29/11 76 FR 73830
FNPRM............................... 12/16/11 76 FR 78384
R&O................................. 12/28/11 76 FR 81562
2nd R&O............................. 07/03/12 77 FR 39435
4th Order on Recon.................. 08/14/12 77 FR 48453
FNPRM............................... 07/09/14 79 FR 39196
R&O, Declaratory Ruling, Order, 07/09/14 79 FR 39163
MO&O, and 7th Order on Recon.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/08/14 .......................
R&O................................. 10/07/16 81 FR 69696
FNPRM............................... 10/07/16 81 FR 69772
FNPRM............................... 03/13/17 82 FR 13413
R&O................................. 03/28/17 82 FR 15422
R&O Correction...................... 04/04/17 82 FR 16297
Order on Recon and 2nd R&O.......... 09/08/17 82 FR 42473
2nd Order on Recon.................. 04/25/18 83 FR 17934
Order and MO&O...................... 08/30/18 83 FR 44241
NPRM................................ 08/30/18 83 FR 44254
3rd R&O............................. 03/06/19 84 FR 8003
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Audra Hale-Maddox, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-2109, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ58
421. Expanding the Economic and Innovation Opportunities of Spectrum
Through Incentive Auctions (GN Docket No. 12-268)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(G); 47 U.S.C. 1452
Abstract: In February 2012, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job
Creation Act was enacted (Pub. L. 112-96, 126 Stat. 156 (2012)). Title
VI of that statute, commonly known as the Spectrum Act, provides the
Commission with the authority to conduct incentive auctions to meet the
growing demand for wireless broadband. Pursuant to the Spectrum Act,
the Commission may conduct incentive auctions that will offer new
initial spectrum licenses subject to flexible-use service rules on
spectrum made available by licensees that voluntarily relinquish some
or all of their spectrum usage rights in exchange for a portion, based
on the value of the relinquished rights as determined by an auction, of
the proceeds of bidding for the new licenses. In addition to granting
the Commission general authority to conduct incentive auctions, the
Spectrum Act requires the Commission to conduct an incentive auction of
broadcast TV spectrum and sets forth special requirements for such an
auction.
The Spectrum Act requires that the BIA consist of a reverse auction
``to determine the amount of compensation that each broadcast
television licensee would accept in return for voluntarily
relinquishing some or all of its spectrum usage rights'' and a forward
auction of licenses in the reallocated spectrum for flexible-use
services, including mobile broadband. Broadcast television licensees
who elected to voluntarily participate in the auction had three bidding
options: Go off-the-air, share spectrum with another broadcast
television licensee, or move channels to the upper or lower VHS band in
exchange for receiving part of the proceeds from auctioning that
spectrum to wireless providers. The Spectrum Act also authorized the
Commission to reorganize the 600 MHz band following the BIA including,
as necessary, reassigning full power and Class A television stations to
new channels in order to clear the spectrum sold in the BIA. That post-
auction reorganization (known as the repack) is currently underway and
all of the stations who were assigned new channels are scheduled to
have vacated their pre-auction channels by July 3, 2020, pursuant to a
10-phase transition schedule adopted by the Commission.
In May 2014, the Commission adopted a Report and Order that laid
out the general framework for the BIA. The auction started on March 29,
2016, with the submission of initial commitments by eligible broadcast
licensees. The BIA ended on April 13, 2017, with the release of the
Auction Closing and Channel Reassignment Public Notice that also marked
the start of the 39-month transition period during which 987 of the
full power and Class A television stations remaining on-the-air will
transition their stations to their post-auction channel assignments in
the reorganized television band. Pursuant to the Spectrum Act, the
Commission will reimburse 957 of those full power and Class A stations
for the reasonable costs associated with relocating to their post-
auction channel assignments and will reimburse multichannel video
programming distributors for their costs associated with continuing to
carry the signals of those stations.
[[Page 17011]]
In March 2018, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 115-
141, at Div. E, Title V, 511, 132 Stat. 348 (2018), codified at 47
U.S.C. 1452(j)-(n)) (the Reimbursement Expansion Act or REA), extended
the deadline for reimbursement of eligible entities from April 2020 to
no later than July 3, 2023, and also expanded the universe of entities
eligible for reimbursement to include low-power television stations and
TV translator stations displaced by the BIA for their reasonably
incurred costs to relocate to a new channel, and FM broadcast stations
for their reasonably incurred costs for facilities necessary to
reasonably minimize disruption of service as a result of the post-
auction reorganization of the television band. On March 15, 2019, the
Commission adopted a Report and Order setting rules for the
reimbursement of eligible costs to those newly eligible entities.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/21/12 77 FR 69933
R&O................................. 08/15/14 79 FR 48441
Final Rule.......................... 10/11/17 82 FR 47155
NPRM................................ 08/27/18 83 FR 43613
R&O................................. 03/26/19 84 FR 11233
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jean L. Kiddoo, Chair, Incentive Auction Task
Force, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7757, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ82
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Office of Engineering and Technology
Long-Term Actions
422. Encouraging the Provision of New Technologies and Services to the
Public (GN Docket No. 18-22)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(3)
Abstract: In this proceeding, the FCC seeks to establish rules
describing guidelines and procedures to implement the stated policy
goal of section 7 to encourage the provision of new technologies and
services to the public. Although the forces of competition and
technological growth work together to enable the development and
deployment of many new technologies and services to the public, the
Commission has at times been slow to identify and take action to ensure
that important new technologies or services are made available as
quickly as possible. The Commission has sought to overcome these
impediments by streamlining many of its processes but all too often
regulatory delays can adversely impact newly proposed technologies or
services.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/04/18 83 FR 14395
Comment Period End.................. 05/04/18 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Paul Murray, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445
12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0688, Fax: 202
418-7447, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK80
423. Spectrum Horizon (ET Docket No. 18-21)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C.
157; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303; 47
U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 332; sec. 76 of 1996 Telecom Act,
as amended, 47 U.S.C. 302 and sec. 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the FCC seeks to implement a plan to
make the spectrum above 95 GHz more readily accessible for new
innovative services and technologies. Throughout its history, when the
Commission has expanded access to what was thought to be the upper
reaches of the usable spectrum, new technological advances have emerged
to push the boundary of usable spectrum even further. The frequencies
above 95 GHz are today's spectrum horizons. The Notice sought comment
on proposed rules to permit licensed fixed point-to-point operations in
a total of 102.2 gigahertz of spectrum; on making 15.2 gigahertz of
spectrum available for unlicensed use; and on creating a new category
of experimental licenses to increase opportunities for entities to
develop new services and technologies from 95 GHz to 3 THz with no
limits on geography or technology.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/02/18 83 FR 13888
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 05/02/18 .......................
R&O................................. 06/14/19 84 FR 25685
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Ha, Deputy Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 201 418-2099, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK81
424. Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 19-138)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 1; 47 U.S.C. 4(i); 47 U.S.C.301; 47
U.S.C.302; 47 U.S.C.303; 47 U.S.C.316; 47 U.S.C.332; 47 CFR 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes to amend its
rules for the 5.850-5.925 GHz (5.9 GHz) band. The proposal would permit
unlicensed devices to operate in the lower 45-megahertz portion of the
band at 5.850-5.895 GHz under part 15 of the Commission's rules. It
would also permit Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) operations in
the upper 30-megahertz portion of the band at 5.895-5.925 GHz under
parts 90 and 95 of the Commission's rules. ITS operations would consist
of Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) devices at 5.905-5.925 GHz,
and C-V2X and/or Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) devices at
5.895-5.905 GHz.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/06/20 85 FR 6841
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/09/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Howard Griboff, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445
12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0657, Fax: 202
418-2824, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK96
[[Page 17012]]
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
International Bureau
Long-Term Actions
425. International Settlements Policy Reform (IB Docket No. 11-80)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 152; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 201
to 205; 47 U.S.C. 208; 47 U.S.C. 211; 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 303(r);
47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 403
Abstract: The FCC is reviewing the International Settlements Policy
(ISP). It governs the ways U.S. carriers negotiate with foreign
carriers for the exchange of international traffic and is the structure
by which the Commission has sought to respond to concerns that foreign
carriers with market power are able to take advantage of the presence
of multiple U.S. carriers serving a particular market. In 2011, the FCC
released an NPRM that proposed to further deregulate the international
telephony market and enable U.S. consumers to enjoy competitive prices
when they make calls to international destinations. First, it proposed
to remove the ISP from all international routes except Cuba. Second,
the FCC sought comment on a proposal to enable the Commission to better
protect U.S. consumers from the effects of anticompetitive conduct by
foreign carriers in instances necessitating Commission intervention. In
2012, the FCC adopted a Report and Order that eliminated the ISP on all
routes but maintained the nondiscrimination requirement of the ISP on
the U.S.-Cuba route and codified it in 47 CFR 63.22(f). In the Report
and Order, the FCC also adopted measures to protect U.S. consumers from
anticompetitive conduct by foreign carriers. In 2016, the FCC released
an FNPRM seeking comment on removing the discrimination requirement on
the U.S.-Cuba route.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/13/11 76 FR 42625
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/02/11 .......................
Report and Order.................... 02/15/13 78 FR 11109
FNPRM............................... 03/04/16 81 FR 11500
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 04/18/16 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: David Krech, Assoc. Chief, Telecommunications &
Analysis Division, Federal Communications Commission, International
Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7443,
Fax: 202 418-2824, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ77
426. Update to Parts 2 and 25 Concerning Nongeostationary, Fixed-
Satellite Service Systems, and Related Matters: IB Docket No. I6-408
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: On January 11, 2017, the Commission began a rulemaking to
update its rules and policies concerning non-geostationary-satellite
orbit (NGSO), fixed-satellite service (FSS) systems and related
matters. The proposed changes would, among other things, provide for
more flexible use of the 17.8-20.2 GHz bands for FSS, promote shared
use of spectrum among NGSO FSS satellite systems, and remove
unnecessary design restrictions on NGSO FSS systems. The Commission
subsequently adopted a Report and Order establishing new sharing
criteria among NGSO FSS systems and providing additional flexibility
for FSS spectrum use. The Commission also released a Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking proposing to remove the domestic coverage
requirement for NGSO FSS systems.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/11/17 82 FR 3258
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/10/17 .......................
FNPRM............................... 11/15/17 82 FR 52869
R&O................................. 12/18/17 82 FR 59972
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/02/18 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Clay DeCell, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0803, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK59
427. Amendment of Parts 2 and 25 of the FCC Rules To Facilitate the Use
of Earth Stations in Motion Communicating With Geostationary Orbit
Space Stations in FSS Bands: IB Docket No. 17-95
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157(a); 47 U.S.C. 303;
47 U.S.C. 308(b); 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: In June 2017, the Commission began a rulemaking to
streamline, consolidate, and harmonize rules governing earth stations
in motion (ESIMs) used to provide satellite-based services on ships,
airplanes and vehicles communicating with geostationary-satellite orbit
(GSO), fixed-satellite service (FSS) satellite systems. In September
2018, the Commission adopted rules governing communications of ESIMs
with GSO satellites. These rules addressed communications in the
conventional C-, Ku-, and Ka-bands, as well as portions of the extended
Ku-band. At the same time, the Commission also released a Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that sought comment on allowing ESIMs to
operate in all of the frequency bands in which earth stations at fixed
locations operating in GSO FSS satellite networks can be blanket-
licensed. Specifically, comment was sought on expanding the frequencies
available for communications of ESIMs with GSO FSS satellites to
include the following frequency bands: 10.7-10.95 GHz, 11.2-11.45 GHz,
17.8-18.3 GHz, 18.8-19.3 GHz, 19.3-19.4 GHz, 19.6-19.7 GHz (space-to-
Earth); and 28.6-29.1 GHz (Earth-to-space).
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/16/17 82 FR 27652
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/30/17 .......................
OMB-approval for Information 08/28/18 .......................
Collection of R&O Comment Period
End.
FNPRM............................... 07/24/20 85 fr 44818
R&O................................. 07/24/20 85 FR 44772
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/22/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Cindy Spiers, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-1593, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK84
428. Further Streamlining Part 25 Rules Governing Satellite Services:
IB Docket No. 18-314
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 161; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47
U.S.C. 316
[[Page 17013]]
Abstract: Under the Commission's rules, satellite operators must
follow separate application and authorization processes for the
satellites and earth stations that make up their networks and have no
option for a single, unified network license. In this Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC proposes to create a new, optional,
unified license to include both space stations and earth stations
operating in a geostationary-satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service
(GSO FSS) satellite network. In addition, the Commission proposes to
repeal or modify unnecessarily burdensome rules in Part 25 governing
satellite services, such as annual reporting requirements. These
proposals would greatly simplify the Commission's licensing and
regulation of satellite systems.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/31/19 84 FR 638
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/18/19 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 04/16/19 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Clay DeCell, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0803, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK87
429. Facilitating the Communications of Earth Stations in Motion With
Non-Geostationary Orbit Space Stations: IB Docket No. 18-315
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157(a); 47 U.S.C. 303;
47 U.S.C. 308(b); 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: In November 2018, the Commission adopted a notice of
proposed rulemaking that proposed to expand the scope of the
Commission's rules governing ESIMs operations to cover communications
with NGSO FSS satellites. Comment was sought on establishing a
regulatory framework for communications of ESIMs with NGSO FSS
satellites that would be analogous to that which exists for ESIMs
communicating with GSO FSS satellites. In this context, comment was
sought on: (1) Allowing ESIMs to communicate in many of the same
conventional Ku-band, extended Ku-band, and Ka-band frequencies that
were allowed for communications of ESIMs with GSO FSS satellites (with
the exception of the 18.6-18.8 GHz and 29.25-29.5 GHz frequency bands);
(2) extending blanket licensing to ESIMs communicating with NGSO
satellites; and (3) revisions to specific provisions in the
Commission's rules to implement these changes. The specific frequency
bands for communications of ESIMs with NGOS FSS satellites on which
comment was sought are as follows: 10.7-11.7 GHz; 11.7-12.2 GHz; 14.0-
14.5 GHz; 17.8-18.3 GHz; 18.3-18.6 GHz; 18.8-19.3 GHz; 19.3-19.4 GHz;
19.6-19.7 GHz; 19.7-20.2 GHz; 28.35-28.6 GHz; 28.6-29.1 GHz; and 29.5-
30.0 GHz.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 12/28/18 83 FR 67180
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/13/19 .......................
R&O................................. 07/24/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Cindy Spiers, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-1593, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK89
430. Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age: IB Docket No.
18-313
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 301; 47
U.S.C. 302; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 308; 47 U.S.C. 309;
47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C. 336; 47 U.S.C.
605; 47 U.S.C. 721
Abstract: The Commission's current orbital debris rules were first
adopted in 2004. Since then, significant changes have occurred in
satellite technologies and market conditions, particularly in Low Earth
Orbit, i.e., below 2000 kilometers altitude. These changes include the
increasing use of lower cost small satellites and proposals to deploy
large constellations of non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO)
systems, some involving thousands of satellites.
The NPRM proposes changes to improve disclosure of debris
mitigation plans. The NPRM also makes proposals and seeks comment
related to satellite disposal reliability and methodology, appropriate
deployment altitudes in low-Earth-orbit, and on-orbit lifetime, with a
particular focus on large NGSO satellite constellations. Other aspects
of the NPRM include new rule proposals for geostationary orbit
satellite (GSO) license term extension requests, and consideration of
disclosure requirements related to several emerging technologies and
new types of commercial operations, including rendezvous and proximity
operations.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/19/19 84 FR 4742
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/06/19 .......................
R&O................................. 08/25/20 85 FR 52422
FNPRM............................... 08/25/20 85 FR 52455
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 10/09/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Merissa Velez, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0751, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK90
431. Process Reform for Executive Branch Review of Certain FCC
Applications and Petitions Involving Foreign Ownership (IB Docket No.
16-155)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C 154(l); 47 U.S.C . 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 214;
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 413; 47 U.S.C.
34-39; E.O. 10530; 3 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission considers rules and
procedures that streamline and improve the timeliness and transparency
of the process by which the Commission refers certain applications and
petitions for declaratory ruling to the Executive Branch agencies for
assessment of any national security, law enforcement, foreign policy or
trade policy issues related to foreign investment in the applicants and
petitioners.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/27/20 85 FR 29914
NPRM................................ 07/02/20 85 FR 29914
NPRM................................ 07/19/20 85 FR 46870
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/02/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Arthur T. Lechtman, Attorney Advisor, Federal
[[Page 17014]]
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1465, Fax: 202 418-0175, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL12
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
International Bureau
Completed Actions
432. Streamlining Licensing Procedures for Small Satellites; IB Docket
No. 18-86
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 158; 47
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C.308; 47 U.S.C.309
Abstract: On April 17, 2018, the Commission released a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to modify the Commission's part 25
satellite licensing rules to create a new category of application
specific to small satellites. The Commission sought comment on criteria
that would define this new category and proposed that applicants
meeting the criteria could take advantage of a simplified application,
faster processing, and lower fees, among other things. The proposed
streamlined licensing process was developed based on the features and
characteristics that typically distinguish small satellite operations
from other types of satellite operations, such as shorter orbital
lifetime and less intensive frequency use. The NPRM detailed this small
satellite procedure, which would serve as an optional alternative to
existing procedures for authorization of small satellites. The NPRM
also provided background information on the Commission's other
processes for licensing and authorizing small satellites, including
under the experimental (part 5) and amateur (part 97) rules, although
no changes were proposed to either of those parts. The NPRM also sought
comment on topics related to spectrum use by small satellites. The
Commission asked for comment on typical small satellite frequency use
characteristics, how to facilitate compatibility with Federal
operations, use of particular spectrum for inter-satellite links by
small satellites, and other issues related to operations by small
satellites in frequency bands. Finally, the NPRM sought comment on the
appropriate application fee that would apply to the proposed optional
part 25 streamlined process. The Commission proposed a $30,000
application fee. It noted that any changes to the annual regulatory
fees applicable to the small satellites authorized under the
streamlined process would be addressed through the separate annual
proceeding for review of regulatory fees.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/18/18 83 FR 24064
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/07/18 .......................
R&O................................. 07/20/20 85 FR 43711
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Merissa Velez, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0751, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK88
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Media Bureau
Long-Term Actions
433. Authorizing Permissive Use of the ``Next Generation'' Broadcast
Television Standard (GN Docket No. 16-142)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47
U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 325(b); 47 U.S.C. 336; 47 U.S.C. 399(b); 47
U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C. 534; 47 U.S.C. 535
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks to authorize
television broadcasters to use the ``Next Generation'' ATSC 3.0
broadcast television transmission standard on a voluntary, market-
driven basis, while they continue to deliver current-generation digital
television broadcast service to their viewers. In the Report and Order,
the Commission adopted rules to afford broadcasters flexibility to
deploy ATSC 3.0-based transmissions, while minimizing the impact on,
and costs to, consumers and other industry stakeholders.
In the 2nd R&O, the Commission provided additional guidance to
broadcasters deploying Next Gen TV.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/10/17 82 FR 13285
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/09/17 .......................
FNPRM............................... 12/20/17 82 FR 60350
R&O................................. 02/02/18 83 FR 4998
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 02/20/18 .......................
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 03/20/18 .......................
NPRM................................ 05/13/20 85 FR 28586
2nd R&O Order on Recon.............. 07/17/20 85 FR 43478
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: 202 418-7142, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK56
434. 2018 Quadrennial Regulatory Review of the Commission's Broadcast
Ownership Rules (MB Docket 18-349)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 152(a); 47 U.S.C. 154(i);
47 U.S.C. 257; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 309 and 310; 47
U.S.C. 403; sec. 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act
Abstract: Section 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996
requires the Commission to review its broadcast ownership rules every 4
years and to determine whether any such rules are necessary in the
public interest as the result of competition. The rules subject to
review in the 2018 quadrennial review are the Local Radio Ownership
Rule, the Local Television Ownership Rule, and the Dual Network Rule.
The Commission also sought comment on potential pro-diversity proposals
including extending cable procurement requirements to broadcasters,
adopting formulas aimed at creating media ownership limits that promote
diversity, and developing a model for market-based, tradeable diversity
credits to serve as an alternative method for setting ownership limits.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/28/19 84FR 6741
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brendan Holland, Chief, Industry Analysis Division,
[[Page 17015]]
Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2486, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK77
435. Children's Television Programming Rules (MB Docket 18-202)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 303b; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47
U.S.C. 336
Abstract: The Children's Television Act (CTA) of 1990 requires that
the Commission consider, in its review of television license renewals,
the extent to which the licensee has served the educational and
informational needs of children through its overall programming,
including programming specifically designed to serve such needs. The
Commission adopted rules implementing the CTA in 1991 and revised these
rules in 1996, 2004, and 2006. In this proceeding, the Commission
proposes to revise the children's television programming rules to
modify outdated requirements and to give broadcasters greater
flexibility in serving the educational and informational needs of
children.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/25/18 83 FR 35158
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/28/18 .......................
R&O................................. 08/16/19 84 FR 41947
FNPRM............................... 08/16/19 84 FR 41949
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/16/19 .......................
FNPRM Rerply Comment Period End..... 10/15/19 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kathy Berthot, Attorney, Policy Division Media
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7454, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK78
436. Amendment of Part 74 of the Commission's Rules Regarding FM
Translator Interference (MB Docket 18-119)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 154(j); 47
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47
U.S.C. 319
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes to streamline
the rules relating to interference caused by FM translators and
expedite the translator complaint resolution process. The rule changes
are intended to limit or avoid protracted and contentious interference
resolution disputes, provide translator licensees both additional
flexibility to remediate interference and additional investment
certainty, and allow earlier and expedited resolution of interference
complaints by affected stations.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/06/18 83 FR 26229
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/06/18 .......................
R&O................................. 06/14/19 84 FR 27734
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Christine Goepp, Attorney, Audio Div., Media
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7834, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK79
437. Equal Employment Opportunity Enforcement (MB Docket 19-177)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j);
47 U.S.C. 334; 47 U.S.C. 554
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks comment on ways
in which it can make improvements to equal employment opportunity (EEO)
compliance and enforcement.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/22/19 84 FR 35063
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Radhika Karmarker, Attorney Advisor, IAD, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-1523, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK86
438. Revision of the Commission's Part 76 Review Procedures
(MB Docket No. 20-70)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C 151; 47 U.S.C . 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j);
47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 536; 47 U.S.C. 548; 47 U.S.C. 573
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission considers changes to
procedural rules governing the resolution of program carriage disputes
between video programming vendors and multichannel video programming
distributors. The rule changes are intended to make the Commission's
procedures more consistent and encourage the timely resolution of
program carriage disputes.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/16/20 85 FR 21131
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/18/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Cobb, Attorney, Policy Division, Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-2120, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL08
439. Significantly Viewed Stations (MB Docket No. 20-73)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C . 325; 47 U.S.C. 339; 47
U.S.C. 340; 47 U.S.C. 534
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission reviews the
methodology for determining whether a television broadcast station is
significantly viewed in a community outside of its local television
market and thus may be treated as a local station in that community.
Under the Commission's rules, a significantly viewed station is
permitted to be carried by cable systems and satellite operators. The
existing process for determining a station's significantly viewed
status was adopted nearly fifty years ago, and marketplace changes
during this period lead the Commission to this examination of whether
this process has become outdated or overly burdensome, particularly for
smaller entities.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/14/20 85 FR 20649
ANPRM Comment Period End............ 05/14/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 17016]]
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kathy Berthot, Attorney, Policy Division Media
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7454, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL09
440. Promoting Broadcast Internet Innovation Through ATSC 3.0
(MB Docket No. 20-145)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C 151; 47 U.S.C . 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j);
47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 336
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission reassess its existing
rules in light of the broadcast television conversion to ATSC 3.0 as
the new TV transmission standard to ensure that its rules help to
foster the introduction of new services and the efficient use of
spectrum.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/16/20 85 FR 43195
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/17/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Cobb, Attorney, Policy Division, Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554. Phone: 202 418-2120, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL10
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Office of Managing Director
Long-Term Actions
441. Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 159
Abstract: Section 9 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended
(47 U.S.C. 159), requires the Federal Communications Commission to
recover the cost of its activities by assessing and collecting annual
regulatory fees from beneficiaries of the activities.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/06/17 82 FR 26019
R&O................................. 09/22/17 82 FR 44322
NPRM................................ 06/14/18 83 FR 27846
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/21/18 .......................
R&O................................. 09/18/18 83 FR 47079
NPRM................................ 06/05/19 84 FR 26234
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/07/19 .......................
R&O................................. 09/26/19 84 FR 50890
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roland Helvajian, Office of the Managing Director,
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-0444, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK64
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
Long-Term Actions
442. Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Requirements: PS Docket No. 07-114
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 332
Abstract: This rulemaking is related to the proceedings in which
the FCC previously acted to improve the quality of all emergency
services. Wireless carriers must provide specific automatic location
information in connection with 911 emergency calls to Public Safety
Answering Points (PSAPs). Wireless licensees must satisfy enhanced 911
location accuracy standards at either a county-based or a PSAP-based
geographic level.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/20/07 72 FR 33948
R&O................................. 02/14/08 73 FR 8617
Public Notice....................... 09/25/08 73 FR 55473
FNPRM; NOI.......................... 11/02/10 75 FR 67321
Public Notice....................... 11/18/09 74 FR 59539
2nd R&O............................. 11/18/10 75 FR 70604
Second NPRM......................... 08/04/11 76 FR 47114
Second NPRM Comment Period End...... 11/02/11 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 04/28/11 76 FR 23713
NPRM, 3rd R&O, and 2nd FNPRM........ 09/28/11 76 FR 59916
3rd FNPRM........................... 03/28/14 79 FR 17820
Order Extending Comment Period...... 06/10/14 79 FR 33163
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 07/14/14 .......................
Public Notice (Release Date)........ 11/20/14 .......................
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 12/17/14 .......................
4th R&O............................. 03/04/15 80 FR 11806
Final Rule.......................... 08/03/15 80 FR 45897
Order Granting Waiver............... 07/10/17 .......................
NPRM................................ 09/26/18 83 FR 54180
4th NPRM............................ 03/18/19 84 FR 13211
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brenda Boykin, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2062, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ52
443. Improving Outage Reporting for Submarine Cables and Enhancing
Submarine Cable Outage Data; GN Docket No. 15-206
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 34 to 39;
47 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: This proceeding takes steps toward assuring the
reliability and resiliency of submarine cables, a critical piece of the
Nation's communications infrastructure, by proposing to require
submarine cable licensees to report to the Commission when outages
occur and communications are disrupted. The Commission's intent is to
enhance national security and emergency preparedness by these actions.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM (Release Date)................. 09/18/15 .......................
R&O................................. 06/24/16 81 FR 52354
Petitions for Recon................. 09/08/16 .......................
Petitions for Recon--Public Comment. 10/17/16 81 FR 75368
Order on Recon...................... 12/20/19 .......................
Order on Recon...................... 12/20/19 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
[[Page 17017]]
Agency Contact: Brenda Villanueva, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety
and Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445
12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7005, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK39
444. Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning
Disruptions to Communications: PS Docket No. 15-80
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: Sec. 1, 4(i), 4(j), 4(o), 251(e)(3), 254, 301,
303(b), 303(g), 303(r), 307, 309(a), 309(j); 316, 332, 403, 615a-1, and
615c of Pub. L. 73-416, 4 Stat. 1064, as amended; and section 706 of
Pub. L. 104-104, 110 Stat. 56; 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i)-(j) & (o),
251(e)(3), 254, 301, 303(b), 303(g), 303(r), 307; 309(a), 309(j), 316,
332, 403, 615a-1, 615c, and 1302, unless otherwise noted
Abstract: The 2004 Report and Order (R&O) extended the Commission's
communication disruptions reporting rules to non-wireline carriers and
streamlined reporting through a new electronic template (see docket ET
Docket 04-35). In 2015, this proceeding, PS Docket 15-80, was opened to
amend the original communications disruption reporting rules from 2004
in order to reflect technology transitions observed throughout the
telecommunications sector. The Commission seeks to further study the
possibility to share the reporting database information and access with
State and other Federal entities. In May 2016, the Commission released
a Report and Order, FNPRM, and Order on Reconsideration (see also
Dockets 11-82 and 04-35). The R&O adopted rules to update the part 4
requirements to reflect technology transitions. The FNPRM sought
comment on sharing information in the reporting database. Comments and
replies were received by the Commission in August and September 2016.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM, 2nd R&O, Order on Recon....... 06/16/15 80 FR 34321
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/31/15 .......................
R&O................................. 07/12/16 81 FR 45055
FNPRM, 1 Part 4 R&O, Order on Recon. 08/11/16 81 FR 45059
Order Denying Reply Comment Deadline 09/08/16 .......................
Extension Request.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/12/16 .......................
Announcement of Effective Date for 06/22/17 82 FR 28410
Rule Changes in R&O.
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robert Finley, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7835, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK40
445. New Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to
Communications; ET Docket No. 04-35
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154 and 155; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C.
251; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: The proceeding creates a new part 4 in title 47 and
amends part 63.100. The proceeding updates the Commission's
communication disruptions reporting rules for wireline providers
formerly in 47 CFR 63.100 and extends these rules to other non-wireline
providers. Through this proceeding, the Commission streamlines the
reporting process through an electronic template. The Report and Order
received several petitions for reconsideration, of which two were
eventually withdrawn. In 2015, seven were addressed in an Order on
Reconsideration and in 2016 another petition was addressed in an Order
on Reconsideration. One petition (CPUC Petition) remains pending
regarding NORS database sharing with States, which is addressed in a
separate proceeding, PS Docket 15-80. To the extent the communication
disruption rules cover VoIP, the Commission studies and addresses these
questions in a separate docket, PS Docket 11-82.
In May 2016, the Commission released a Report and Order, FNPRM, and
Order on Reconsideration (see Dockets 11-82 and 15-80). The Order on
Reconsideration addressed outage reporting for events at airports, and
the FNPRM sought comment on database sharing. The Commission received
comments and replies in August and September 2016.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/26/04 69 FR 15761
R&O................................. 11/26/04 69 FR 68859
Denial for Petition for Partial Stay 12/02/04 .......................
Seek Comment on Petition for Recon.. 02/02/10 .......................
Reply Period End.................... 03/19/10 .......................
Seek Comment on Broadband and 07/02/10 .......................
Interconnected VOIP Service
Providers.
Reply Period End.................... 08/16/12 .......................
2nd R&O, and Order on Recon, NPRM... 06/16/15 80 FR 34321
R&O................................. 07/12/16 81 FR 45055
FNPRM, 1 Part 4 R&O, Order on Recon. 08/11/16 81 FR 45095, 81 FR
45055
Order Denying Extension of Time to 09/08/16 .......................
File Reply Comments.
Announcement of Effective Date for 06/22/17 82 FR 28410
Rule Changes in R&O.
-----------------------------------
Second Further Notice of Proposed To Be Determined
Rulemaking.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robert Finley, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7835, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK41
446. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): PS Docket No. 15-91
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: Pub. L. 109-347, title VI; 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i)
Abstract: This proceeding was initiated to improve Wireless
Emergency Alerts (WEA) messaging, ensure that WEA alerts reach only
those individuals to whom they are relevant, and establish an end-to-
end testing program based on advancements in technology.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/19/15 80 FR 77289
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/13/16 .......................
[[Page 17018]]
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 02/12/16 .......................
Order............................... 11/01/16 81 FR 75710
FNPRM............................... 11/08/16 81 FR 78539
Comment Period End.................. 12/08/16 .......................
Petition for Recon.................. 12/19/16 81 FR 91899
Order on Recon...................... 12/04/17 82 FR 57158
2nd R&O and 2nd Order on Recon...... 02/28/18 83 FR 8619
Public Notice....................... 04/26/18 83 FR 18257
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 05/29/18 .......................
Public Notice Reply Comment Period 06/11/18 .......................
End.
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Wiley, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1678, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK54
447. Blue Alert EAS Event Code
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and
154(o); 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303(r) and (v); 47 U.S.C. 307; 47
U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 335; 47 U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C.544(g); 47 U.S.C.
606 and 615
Abstract: In 2015, Congress adopted the Blue Alert Act to help the
States provide effective alerts to the public and law enforcement when
police and other law enforcement officers are killed or are in danger.
To ensure that these State plans are compatible and integrated
throughout the United States as envisioned by the Blue Alert Act, the
Blue Alert Coordinator made a series of recommendations in a 2016
Report to Congress. Among these recommendations, the Blue Alert
Coordinator identified the need for a dedicated EAS event code for Blue
Alerts, and noted the alignment of the EAS with the implementation of
the Blue Alert Act. On June 22, 2017, the FCC released an NPRM
proposing to revise the EAS rules to adopt a new event code, which
would allow transmission of Blue Alerts to the public over the EAS and
thus satisfy the stated need for a dedicated EAS event code. On
December 14, 2017, the Commission released an Order adopting a new Blue
Alert EAS Code-BLU. EAS participants must be able to implement the BLU
code by January 19, 2019. BLU alerts must be available to wireless
emergency alerts by July, 2019.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/30/17 82 FR 29811
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/31/17
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 08/29/17
Order............................... 12/14/18 83 FR 2557
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Linda Pintro, Attorney Advisor, Policy and
Licensing Division, PSHSB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 21043, Phone: 202 418-7490, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK63
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Long-Term Actions
448. Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 22, 24, 27, 90, and 95 of the
Commission's Rules To Improve Wireless Coverage Through the Use of
Signal Boosters (WT Docket No. 10-4)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 79; 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47
U.S.C. 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 155; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C.
227; 47 U.S.C. 303(r)
Abstract: This action adopts new technical, operational, and
registration requirements for signal boosters. It creates two classes
of signal boosters--consumer and industrial--with distinct regulatory
requirements for each, thereby establishing a two-step transition
process for equipment certification for both consumer and industrial
signal boosters sold and marketed in the United States.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 05/10/11 76 FR 26983
R&O................................. 04/11/13 78 FR 21555
Petition for Reconsideration........ 06/06/13 78 FR 34015
Order on Reconsideration............ 11/08/14 79 FR 70790
FNPRM............................... 11/28/14 79 FR 70837
2nd R&O and 2nd FNPRM............... 03/23/18 83 FR 17131
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Amanda Huetinck, Attorney Advisor, WTB, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-7090, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ87
449. Amendment of the Commission's Rules Governing Certain Aviation
Ground Station Equipment (Squitter) (WT Docket Nos. 10-61 and 09-42)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 48 Stat. 1066, 1082 as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47
U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307(e); 47 U.S.C. 151 to 156; 47 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: This action amends part 87 rules to authorize new ground
station technologies to promote safety and allow use of frequency 1090
MHz by aeronautical utility mobile stations for airport surface
detection equipment (commonly referred to as ``squitters'') to help
reduce collisions between aircraft and airport ground vehicles.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/28/10 75 FR 22352
R&O................................. 03/01/13 78 FR 61023
NPRM (release date)................. 06/07/19 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Tim Maguire, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-2155, Fax: 202 418-7247, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ88
450. Promoting Technological Solutions To Combat Wireless Contraband
Device Use in Correctional Facilities; GN Docket No. 13-111
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
154(j); 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303(a); 47 U.S.C. 303(b); 47 U.S.C.
307 to 310; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C. 302(a)
Abstract: In the Report and Order, the Commission addresses the
problem of illegal use of contraband wireless devices by inmates in
correctional
[[Page 17019]]
facilities by streamlining the process of deploying contraband wireless
device interdiction systems (CIS)--systems that use radio
communications signals requiring Commission authorization--in
correctional facilities. In particular, the Commission eliminates
certain filing requirements and provides for immediate approval of the
lease applications needed to operate these systems.
In the Further Notice, the Commission seeks comment on a process
for wireless providers to disable contraband wireless devices once they
have been identified. The Commission also seeks comment on additional
methods and technologies that might prove successful in combating
contraband device use in correctional facilities, and on various other
proposals related to the authorization process for CISs and their
deployment.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/18/13 78 FR 36469
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/08/13
FNPRM............................... 05/18/17 82 FR 22780
R&O................................. 05/18/17 82 FR 22742
Final Rule Effective (Except for 06/19/17
Rules Requiring OMB Approval).
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 07/17/17
Final Rule Effective for 47 CFR 10/20/17 82 FR 48773
1.9020(n), 1.9030(m), 1.9035 (o),
and 20.23(a).
Final Rule Effective for 47 CFR 02/12/18
1.902(d)(8), 1.9035(d)(4),
20.18(a), and 20.18(r).
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Melissa Conway, Attorney Advisor, Mobility Div.,
Wireless Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2887, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK06
451. Promoting Investment in the 3550-3700 MHz Band; GN Docket No. 17-
258
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
154(j); 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303 and 304; 47 U.S.C. 307(e); 47
U.S.C. 316
Abstract: The Report and Order and Second Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission established a new
Citizens Broadband Radio Service for shared wireless broadband use of
the 3550 to 3700 MHz band. The Citizens Broadband Radio Service is
governed by a three-tiered spectrum authorization framework to
accommodate a variety of commercial uses on a shared basis with
incumbent Federal and non-Federal users of the band. Access and
operations will be managed by a dynamic spectrum access system. The
three tiers are: Incumbent Access, Priority Access, and General
Authorized Access. Rules governing the Citizens Broadband Radio Service
are found in part 96 of the Commission's rules.
The Order on Reconsideration and Second Report and Order addressed
several Petitions for Reconsideration submitted in response to the
Report and Order and resolved the outstanding issues raised in the
Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
The 2017 NPRM sought comment on limited changes to the rules
governing Priority Access Licenses in the band, adjacent channel
emissions limits, and public release of base station registration
information.
The 2018 Report and Order addressed the issues raised in the 2017
NPRM and implemented changes rules governing Priority Access Licenses
in the band and public release of base station registration
information.
On July 2020, the Commission commenced an auction of Priority
Access Licenses in the band.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/08/13 78 FR 1188
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/19/13
FNPRM............................... 06/02/14 79 FR 31247
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 08/15/14
R&O and 2nd FNPRM................... 06/15/15 80 FR 34119
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 08/14/15
Order on Recon and 2nd R&O.......... 07/26/16 81 FR 49023
NPRM................................ 11/28/17 82 FR 56193
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/29/18
R&O................................. 12/07/18 83 FR 6306
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Paul Powell, Assistant Chief, Mobility Division,
WTB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1613, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK12
452. Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Services--Spectrum
Frontiers: WT Docket 10-112
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C.
160; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C. 301 and
302; 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303 and 304; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C.
309 and 310; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47 U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C.
336; 47 U.S.C. 1302
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission adopted service rules
for licensing of mobile and other uses for millimeter wave (mmW) bands.
These high frequencies previously have been best suited for satellite
or fixed microwave applications; however, recent technological
breakthroughs have newly enabled advanced mobile services in these
bands, notably including very high speed and low latency services. This
action will help facilitate Fifth Generation mobile services and other
mobile services. In developing service rules for mmW bands, the
Commission will facilitate access to spectrum, develop a flexible
spectrum policy, and encourage wireless innovation.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/13/16 81 FR 1802
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/26/16
FNPRM............................... 08/24/16 81 FR 58269
Comment Period End.................. 09/30/16
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 10/31/16
R&O................................. 11/14/16 81 FR 79894
R&O................................. 01/02/18 83 FR 37
FNPRM............................... 01/02/18 83 FR 85
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/23/18
R&O................................. 07/20/18 83 FR 34478
FNPRM............................... 07/20/18 83 FR 34520
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/28/18
R&O................................. 02/05/19 84 FR 1618
R&O................................. 05/01/19 84 FR 18405
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Schauble, Deputy Chief, Broadband Division,
Federal Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
[[Page 17020]]
20554, Phone: 202 418-0797, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK44
453. Transforming the 2.5 GHz Band
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 153; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
157; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 301 and 302; 47 U.S.C. 304; 47 U.S.C. 307
to 310; 47 U.S.C. 1302
Abstract: The 2.5 GHz band (2496-2690 MHz) constitutes the single
largest band of contiguous spectrum below 3 GHz and has been identified
as prime spectrum for next generation mobile operations, including 5G
uses. Significant portions of this band, however, currently lie fallow
across approximately one-half of the United States, primarily in rural
areas. Moreover, access to the Educational Broadband Service (EBS) has
been strictly limited since 1995, and current licensees are subject to
a regulatory regime largely unchanged from the days when educational TV
was the only use envisioned for this spectrum. The Commission proposes
to allow more efficient and effective use of this spectrum band by
providing greater flexibility to current EBS licensees as well as
providing new opportunities for additional entities to obtain unused
2.5 GHz spectrum to facilitate improved access to next generation
wireless broadband, including 5G. The Commission also seeks comment on
additional approaches for transforming the 2.5 GHz band, including by
moving directly to an auction for some or all of the spectrum.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/07/18 83 FR 26396
NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 06/21/18 83 FR 31515
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/07/18
Final Rule.......................... 10/25/19 84 FR 57343
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Schauble, Deputy Chief, Broadband Division,
Federal Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau,
445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0797, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK75
454. Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band: GN Docket No.
18-122
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C.151 to 153; 47 U.S.C.154(i); 47 U.S.C
157; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 301 to 304; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 310; 47
U.S.C. 1302; . . .
Abstract: In the 2020 Report and Order, the Commission adopted
rules to make 280 megahertz of mid-band spectrum available for flexible
use (plus a 20-megahertz guard band) throughout the contiguous United
States. Pursuant to the Report and Order, existing fixed satellite
service (FSS) and fixed services (FS) must relocate operations out of
the lower portion of the 3.7-4.0 GHz band. The Commission will issue
flexible use licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz portion of the band in the
contiguous United States via a system of competitive bidding. The
Commission established rules to govern the transition including
optional payments for satellite operators that choose to relocate on an
accelerated schedule and provide reimbursement to FSS operators and
their associated earth stations for reasonable expenses incurred to
facilitate the transition. The Report and Order also established
service and technical rules for the new flexible use licenses that will
be issued in the 3.7-3.98 GHz portion of the band.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/29/18 83 FR 44128
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/27/18 .......................
Public Notice....................... 05/20/19 84 FR 22733
Certifications and Data Filing 05/28/19 .......................
Deadline.
Public Notice....................... 06/03/19 84 FR 22514
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 07/03/19 .......................
Public Notice Reply Comment Period 07/18/19 .......................
End.
R&O................................. 04/23/20 85 FR 22804
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Peter Daronco, Deputy Division Chief, Broadband
Division, Federal Communications Commission, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-7235, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK76
455. Amendment of the Commission's Rules To Promote Aviation Safety: WT
Docket No. 19-140
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 303; 307(e)
Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission regulates the
Aviation Radio Service, a family of services using dedicated spectrum
to enhance the safety of aircraft in flight, facilitate the efficient
movement of aircraft both in the air and on the ground, and otherwise
ensure the reliability and effectiveness of aviation communications.
Recent technological advances have prompted the Commission to open this
new rulemaking proceeding to ensure the timely deployment and use of
today's state-of-the-art safety-enhancing technologies. With this
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposes changes to its
part 87 Aviation Radio Service rules to support the deployment of more
advanced avionics technology, increase the efficient use of limited
spectrum resources, and generally improve aviation safety.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/02/19 84 FR 31542
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/03/19 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 09/30/19 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jeff Tobias, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 445 12th
Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1617, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK92
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Wireline Competition Bureau
Long-Term Actions
456. Local Telephone Networks That LECs Must Make Available to
Competitors
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: The Commission adopted rules applicable to incumbent
local
[[Page 17021]]
exchange carriers (LECs) to permit competitive carriers to access
portions of the incumbent LECs' networks on an unbundled basis.
Unbundling allows competitors to lease portions of the incumbent LECs'
network to provide telecommunications services. These rules, adopted in
dockets CC 96-98, WC 01-338, and WC 04-313, are intended to accelerate
the development of local exchange competition.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second FNPRM........................ 04/26/99 64 FR 20238
Fourth FNPRM........................ 01/14/00 65 FR 2367
Errata Third R&O and Fourth FNPRM... 01/18/00 65 FR 2542
Second Errata Third R&O and Fourth 01/18/00 65 FR 2542
FNPRM.
Supplemental Order.................. 01/18/00 65 FR 2542
Third R&O........................... 01/18/00 65 FR 2542
Correction.......................... 04/11/00 65 FR 19334
Supplemental Order Clarification.... 06/20/00 65 FR 38214
Public Notice....................... 02/01/01 66 FR 8555
Public Notice....................... 03/05/01 66 FR 18279
Public Notice....................... 04/10/01 .......................
Public Notice....................... 04/23/01 .......................
Public Notice....................... 05/14/01 .......................
NPRM................................ 01/15/02 67 FR 1947
Public Notice....................... 05/29/02 .......................
Public Notice....................... 08/01/02 .......................
Public Notice....................... 08/13/02 .......................
NPRM................................ 08/21/03 68 FR 52276
R&O and Order on Remand............. 08/21/03 68 FR 52276
Errata.............................. 09/17/03 .......................
Report.............................. 10/09/03 68 FR 60391
Order............................... 10/28/03 .......................
Order............................... 01/09/04 .......................
Public Notice....................... 01/09/04 .......................
Public Notice....................... 02/18/04 .......................
Order............................... 07/08/04 .......................
Second R&O.......................... 07/08/04 69 FR 43762
Order on Recon...................... 08/09/04 69 FR 54589
Interim Order....................... 08/20/04 69 FR 55111
NPRM................................ 08/20/04 69 FR 55128
Public Notice....................... 09/10/04 .......................
Public Notice....................... 09/13/04 .......................
Public Notice....................... 10/20/04 .......................
Order on Recon...................... 12/29/04 69 FR 77950
Order on Remand..................... 02/04/04 .......................
Public Notice....................... 04/25/05 70 FR 29313
Public Notice....................... 05/25/05 70 FR 34765
Declaratory Ruling.................. 05/26/11 .......................
Inactive per Maura McGowan.......... 12/12/11 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Edward Krachmer, Attorney Dvisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-1525, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AH44
457. Numbering Resource Optimization
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 201 et
seq.; 47 U.S.C. 251(e)
Abstract: To slow the rate of numbering exhaust in the U.S. and
prolong the life of the North American Numbering Plan, this proceeding
considers and implements a number of strategies to ensure that
telephone numbers are used efficiently, and that all carriers have the
numbering resources they need to compete in the rapidly expanding
telecommunications marketplace.
In 1999, the Commission released the Numbering Resource
Optimization Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) in CC Docket 99-
200. The Notice examined and sought comment on several administrative
and technical measures aimed at improving the efficiency with which
telecommunications numbering resources are used and allocated. It
incorporated input from the North American Numbering Council (NANC), a
Federal advisory committee, which advises the Commission on issues
related to number administration.
In the Numbering Resource Optimization First Report and Order and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NRO First Report and Order),
released on March 31, 2000, the Commission adopted a mandatory
utilization data reporting requirement, a uniform set of categories of
numbers for which carriers must report their utilization, and a
utilization threshold framework to increase carrier accountability and
incentives to use numbers efficiently. In addition, the Commission
adopted a single system for allocating numbers in blocks of 1,000,
rather than 10,000, wherever possible, and established a plan for
national rollout of thousands-block number pooling. The Commission also
adopted numbering resource reclamation requirements to ensure that
unused numbers are returned to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP)
inventory for assignment to other carriers. Also, to encourage better
management of numbering resources, carriers are required, to the extent
possible, to first assign numbering resources within thousands blocks
(a form of sequential numbering).
In the NRO Second Report and Order, the Commission adopted a
measure that requires all carriers to use at least 60 percent of their
numbering resources before they may get additional numbers in a
particular area. That 60 percent utilization threshold increases to 75
percent over the next three years. The Commission also established a 5-
year term for the national pooling administrator and an auditing
program to verify carrier compliance with the Commission's rules.
Furthermore, the Commission declined to amend the existing Federal
rules for area code relief or specify any new Federal guidelines for
the implementation of area code relief. The Commission also declined to
state a preference for either all-services overlays or geographic
splits as a method of area code relief. Regarding mandatory nationwide
10-digit dialing, the Commission declined to adopt this measure at the
present time. Furthermore, the Commission declined to mandate
nationwide expansion of the ``D digit'' (the ``N'' of an NXX or central
office code) to include zero or one, or to grant State commissions the
authority to implement the expansion of the ``D'' digit as a numbering
resource optimization measure presently.
In the NRO Third Report and Order, the Commission addressed
national thousands-block number pooling administration issues,
including declining to alter the implementation date for covered CMRS
carriers to participate in pooling. The Commission also addressed
Federal cost recovery for national thousands-block number pooling, and
continued to require States to establish cost recovery mechanisms for
costs incurred by carriers participating in pooling trials. The
Commission reaffirmed the Months-To-Exhaust (MTE) requirement for
carriers. The Commission declined to lower the utilization threshold
established in the Second Report and Order, and declined to exempt
pooling carriers from the utilization threshold. The Commission also
established a safety valve mechanism to allow carriers that do not meet
the utilization threshold in a given rate center to obtain additional
numbering resources. In the NRO Third Report and Order, the Commission
lifted the ban on technology-specific overlays (TSOs) and delegated
authority to the Common Carrier Bureau, in consultation with the
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, to resolve any such petitions.
Furthermore, the Commission found that carriers who violate its
numbering requirements, or fail to cooperate with an auditor conducting
either a ``for cause'' or random audit, should be denied numbering
resources in certain
[[Page 17022]]
instances. The Commission also reaffirmed the 180-day reservation
period, declined to impose fees to extend the reservation period, and
found that State commissions should be allowed password-protected
access to the NANP Administrator database for data pertaining to NPAs
located within their State. The measures adopted in the NRO orders will
allow the Commission to monitor more closely the way numbering
resources are used within the NANP, and will promote more efficient
allocation and use of NANP resources by tying a carrier's ability to
obtain numbering resources more closely to its actual need for numbers
to serve its customers.
In NRO Third Order on Recon in CC Docket No. 99-200, Third Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 99-200, and Second
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 95-116, the
Commission reversed its clarification that those requirements extend to
all carriers in the largest 100 MSAs, regardless of whether they have
received a request from another carrier to provide LNP. The Commission
also sought comment on whether the Commission should again extend the
LNP requirements to all carriers in the largest 100 MSAs, regardless of
whether they receive a request to provide LNP. The Commission also
sought comment on whether all carriers in the top 100 MSAs should be
required to participate in thousands-block number pooling, regardless
of whether they are required to be LNP capable. In addition, the
Commission sought comment on whether all MSAs included in Combined
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (CMSAs) on the Census Bureau's list of
the largest 100 MSAs should be included on the Commission's list of the
top 100 MSAs.
In the NRO Fourth Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, the Commission reaffirmed that carriers must deploy LNP in
switches within the 100 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs)
for which another carrier has made a specific request for the provision
of LNP. The Commission delegated the authority to State commissions to
require carriers operating within the largest 100 MSAs that have not
received a specific request for LNP from another carrier to provide
LNP, under certain circumstances and on a case-by-case basis. The
Commission concluded that all carriers, except those specifically
exempted, are required to participate in thousands-block number pooling
in accordance with the national rollout schedule, regardless of whether
they are required to provide LNP, including commercial mobile radio
service (CMRS) providers that were required to deploy LNP as of
November 24, 2003. The Commission specifically exempted from the
pooling requirement rural telephone companies and Tier III CMRS
providers that have not received a request to provide LNP. The
Commission also exempted from the pooling requirement carriers that are
the only service provider receiving numbering resources in a given rate
center. Additionally, the Commission sought further comment on whether
these exemptions should be expanded to include carriers where there are
only two service providers receiving numbering resources in the rate
center. Finally, the Commission reaffirmed that the 100 largest MSAs
are identified in the 1990 U.S. Census reports, as well as those areas
included on any subsequent U.S. Census report of the 100 largest MSAs.
In the NRO Order and Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
the Commission granted petitions for delegated authority to implement
mandatory thousands-block pooling filed by the Public Service
Commission of West Virginia, the Nebraska Public Service Commission,
the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the Michigan Public Service
Commission, and the Missouri Public Service Commission. In granting
these petitions, the Commission permitted these States to optimize
numbering resources and further extend the life of the specific
numbering plan areas. In the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the
Commission sought comment on whether it should delegate authority to
all States to implement mandatory thousands-block number pooling
consistent with the parameters set forth in the NRO Order.
In its 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposed
to allow interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) providers
to obtain telephone numbers directly from the North American Numbering
Plan Administrator and the Pooling Administrator, subject to certain
requirements. The Commission also sought comment on a forward-looking
approach to numbers for other types of providers and uses, including
telematics and public safety, and the benefits and number exhaust risks
of granting providers other than interconnected VoIP providers direct
access.
In its 2015 Report and Order, the Commission established an
authorization process to enable interconnected VoIP providers that
choose to obtain access to North American Numbering Plan telephone
numbers directly from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator
and/or the Pooling Administrator (Numbering Administrators), rather
than through intermediaries. The Order also set forth several
conditions designed to minimize number exhaust and preserve the
integrity of the numbering system. Specifically, the Commission
required interconnected VoIP providers obtaining numbers to comply with
the same requirements applicable to carriers seeking to obtain numbers.
The requirements included any State requirements pursuant to numbering
authority delegated to the States by the Commission, as well as
industry guidelines and practices, among others. The Commission also
required interconnected VoIP providers to comply with facilities
readiness requirements adapted to this context, and with numbering
utilization and optimization requirements. In addition, as conditions
to requesting and obtaining numbers directly from the Numbering
Administrators, the Commission required interconnected VoIP providers
to (1) provide the relevant State commissions with regulatory and
numbering contacts when requesting numbers in those States, (2) request
numbers from the Numbering Administrators under their own unique OCN,
(3) file any requests for numbers with the relevant State commissions
at least 30 days prior to requesting numbers from the Numbering
Administrators, and (4) provide customers with the opportunity to
access all abbreviated dialing codes (N11 numbers) in use in a
geographic area. Finally, the Order also modified Commission's rules in
order to permit VoIP Positioning Center providers to obtain pseudo-
Automatic Number Identification codes directly from the Numbering
Administrators for purposes of providing E911 services.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/17/99 64 FR 32471
R&O and FNPRM....................... 06/16/00 65 FR 37703
Second R&O and Second FNPRM......... 02/08/01 66 FR 9528
Third R&O and Second Order on Recon. 02/12/02 67 FR 643
Third R&O on Recon and Third FNPRM.. 04/05/02 67 FR 16347
Fourth R&O and Fourth NPRM.......... 07/21/03 68 FR 43003
Order and Fifth FNPRM............... 03/15/06 71 FR 13393
Order............................... 06/19/13 78 FR 36679
[[Page 17023]]
NPRM & NOI.......................... 06/19/13 78 FR 36725
R&O................................. 10/29/15 80 FR 66454
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Marilyn Jones, Senior Counsel, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2357, Fax: 202 418-2345,
Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AH80
458. Jurisdictional Separations
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 154(j); 47
U.S.C. 205; 47 U.S.C. 221(c); 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C.
410
Abstract: Jurisdictional separations is the process, pursuant to
part 36 of the Commission's rules, by which incumbent local exchange
carriers apportion regulated costs between the intrastate and
interstate jurisdictions. In 1997, the Commission initiated a
proceeding seeking comment on the extent to which legislative changes,
technological changes, and marketplace changes warrant comprehensive
reform of the separations process. In 2001, the Commission adopted the
Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations' Joint Board's
recommendation to impose an interim freeze on the part 36 category
relationships and jurisdictional cost allocation factors for a period
of 5 years, pending comprehensive reform of the part 36 separations
rules. In 2006, the Commission issued an Order and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that extended the separations freeze for a period
of 3 years and sought comment on comprehensive reform. In 2009, the
Commission issued a Report and Order extending the separations freeze
an additional year to June 2010. In 2010, the Commission issued a
Report and Order extending the separations freeze for an additional
year to June 2011. In 2011, the Commission adopted a Report and Order
extending the separations freeze for an additional year to June 2012.
In 2012, the Commission issued a Report and Order extending the
separations freeze for an additional 2 years to June 2014. In 2014, the
Commission issued a Report and Order extending the separations freeze
for an additional 3 years to June 2017.
In 2016, the Commission issued a Report and Order extending the
separations freeze for an additional 18 months until January 1, 2018.
In 2017, the Joint Board issued a Recommended Decision recommending
changes to the part 36 rules designed to harmonize them with the
Commission's previous amendments to its part 32 accounting rules. In
February 2018, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
proposing amendments to part 36 consistent with the Joint Board's
recommendations. In October 2018, the Commission issued a Report and
Order adopting each of the Joint Board's recommendations and amending
the part 36 consistent with those recommendations. In July 2018, the
Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to extend
the separations freeze for an additional 15 years and to provide rate-
of-return carriers that had elected to freeze their category
relationships a time limited opportunity to opt out of that freeze. In
December 2018, the Commission issued a Report and Order extending the
freeze for up to 6 years until December 31, 2024, and granting rate-of-
return carriers that had elected to freeze their category relationships
a one-time opportunity to opt out of that freeze.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/05/97 62 FR 59842
NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/10/97 .......................
Order............................... 06/21/01 66 FR 33202
Order and FNPRM..................... 05/26/06 71 FR 29882
Order and FNPRM Comment Period End.. 08/22/06 .......................
R&O................................. 05/15/09 74 FR 23955
R&O................................. 05/25/10 75 FR 30301
R&O................................. 05/27/11 76 FR 30840
R&O................................. 05/23/12 77 FR 30410
R&O................................. 06/13/14 79 FR 36232
R&O................................. 06/02/17 82 FR 25535
Recommended Decision................ 10/27/17 .......................
NPRM................................ 03/13/18 83 FR 10817
NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/27/18 .......................
NPRM................................ 07/27/18 83 FR 35589
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/10/18 .......................
R&O................................. 12/11/18 83 FR 63581
R&O................................. 02/15/19 84 FR 4351
Announcement of OMB Approval........ 03/01/19 84 FR 6977
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Irina Asoskov, Assistant Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7122, Fax: 202 418-1413,
Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ06
459. Rural Call Completion; WC Docket No. 13-39
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 217; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47
U.S.C. 202; 47 U.S.C. 218; 47 U.S.C. 220; 47 U.S.C. 262; 47 U.S.C.
403(b)(2)(B); 47 U.S.C. 251(a); 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 620; 47 U.S.C.
251; 47 U.S.C. 251(e); 47 U.S.C. 254(k); 47 U.S.C. 616; 47 U.S.C. 226;
47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C. 228; 47 U.S.C. 1401-1473
Abstract: The Third RCC Order began implementation of the Improving
Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 (RCC Act), by adopting
rules designed to ensure the integrity of our nation's telephone
network and prevent unjust or unreasonable discrimination among areas
of the United States in the delivery of telephone service. In
particular, the Third RCC Order adopted rules to establish a registry
for intermediate providers entities that transmit, but do not originate
or terminate, voice calls. The Order requires intermediate providers to
register with the Commission before offering to transmit covered voice
communications, and requires covered providers entities that select the
initial long-distance route for a large number of lines to use only
registered intermediate providers to transmit covered voice
communications.
The Fourth RCC Order completed the Commission's implementation of
the RCC Act by adopting service quality standards for intermediate
providers, as well as an exception to those standards for intermediate
providers that qualify for the covered provider safe harbor in our
existing rules. The Order also set forth procedures to enforce our
intermediate provider requirements. Finally, the Fourth RCC Order
adopted provisions to sunset the rural call completion data recording
and retention requirements adopted in the First RCC Order one year
after the effective date of the new intermediate provider service
quality standards.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/12/13 78 FR 21891
Public Notice....................... 05/07/13 78 FR 26572
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/28/13 .......................
R&O and FNPRM....................... 12/17/13 78 FR 76218
PRA 60 Day Notice................... 12/30/13 78 FR 79448
[[Page 17024]]
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 02/18/14 .......................
PRA Comments Due.................... 03/11/14 .......................
Public Notice....................... 05/06/14 79 FR 25682
Order on Reconsideration............ 12/10/14 79 FR 73227
Erratum............................. 01/08/15 80 FR 1007
Public Notice....................... 03/04/15 80 FR 11593
2nd FNPRM........................... 07/27/17 82 FR 34911
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 08/28/17 .......................
Reply Comment Period End............ 09/25/17 .......................
2nd Order........................... 04/17/18 83 FR 21723
3rd FNPRM........................... 04/17/18 83 FR 21983
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 06/04/18 .......................
3rd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 06/19/18 .......................
3rd Order........................... 08/13/18 83 FR 47296
4th Order........................... 03/15/19 84 FR 25692
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Zachary Ross, Attorney Advisor, Competiton Policy
Division, WCB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1033, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AJ89
460. Rates for Inmate Calling Services; WC Docket No. 12-375
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and (j);
47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 276; 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 CFR 64; 47 U.S.C.
201
Abstract: In the Second Report and Order, the Federal
Communications Commission adopted rule changes to ensure that rates for
both interstate and intrastate inmate calling services (ICS) are fair,
just, and reasonable limits on ancillary service charges imposed by ICS
providers. In the Second Report and Order, the Commission set caps on
all interstate and intrastate calling rates for ICS, established a
tiered rate structure based on the size and type of facility being
served, limited the types of ancillary services that ICS providers may
charge for and capped the charges for permitted fees, banned flat-rate
calling, facilitated access to ICS by people with disabilities by
requiring providers to offer free or steeply discounted rates for calls
using TTY, and imposed reporting and certification requirements to
facilitate continued oversight of the ICS market. In the Third Further
Notice portion of the item, the Commission sought comment on ways to
promote competition for ICS, video visitation, and rates for
international calls, and considered an array of solutions to further
address areas of concern in the ICS industry. In an Order on
Reconsideration, the Commission amended its rate caps and the
definition of ``mandatory tax or mandatory fee.''
On June 13, 2017, the D.C. Circuit vacated the rate caps adopted in
the Second Report and Order, as well as reporting requirements related
to video visitation. The court held that the Commission lacked
jurisdiction over intrastate ICS calls and that the rate caps the
Commission adopted for interstate calls were arbitrary and capricious.
The court also remanded the Commission's caps on ancillary fees. On
September 26, 2017, the court denied a petition for rehearing en banc.
On December 21, 2017, the court issued two separate orders: One
vacating the 2016 Order on Reconsideration insofar as it purports to
set rate caps on inmate calling services, and one dismissing as moot
challenges to the Commission's First Report and Order on ICS.
On February 4, 2020, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau
released a Public Notice seeking to refresh the record on ancillary
service charges imposed in connection with inmate calling services.
On August 6, 2020, the Commission adopted a Report and Order on
Remand and a Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking responding to
remands by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit and proposing to comprehensively reform rates and charges for
the inmate calling services within the Commission's jurisdiction. The
Report and Order on Remand found that the Commission's five permitted
ancillary service charges (1) automated payment fees; (2) fees for
single-call and related services; (3) live agent fees; (4) paper bill/
statement fees; and (5) third-party financial transaction fees
generally, cannot be practically segregated between interstate and
intrastate inmate telephone calls, except in a limited number of cases.
Accordingly, the Commission prohibited inmate calling services
providers from imposing ancillary service fees higher than the
Commission's caps,or imposing fees for additional ancillary services
unless imposed in connection with purely intrastate inmate telephone
service calls. The Order also reinstated a rule prohibiting providers
from marking up third-party fees for single-call services; reinstated
rule language that prohibits providers from marking up mandatory taxes
or fees that they pass on to inmate telephone service consumers; and
amended certain of the inmate calling services rules consistent with
the D.C. Circuit's mandates to reflect that the Commission's rate and
fee caps on inmate calling service apply only to interstate and
international inmate calling. The Fourth FNPRM proposes to
substantially reduce the interstate rate cap for inmate telephone calls
from the current interim rate caps of $0.21 per minute for debit or
prepaid calls and $0.25 per minute for collect calls for all types of
correctional facilities, to permanent rate caps of $0.14 per minute for
all interstate calls from prisons and $0.16 for all interstate calls
from jails. The Fourth FNPRM also proposes to adopt rate caps for
international inmate calling services calls for the first time based on
the proposed interstate rate caps, plus the amount that the provider
must pay its underlying international service provider for an
international call. It also proposes a waiver process for providers
that believe the Commission's rate caps would not allow them to recover
their costs of serving a particular facility or contract. Finally, it
seeks comment on a further mandatory data collection to continue
efforts to reform these rates and fees.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/22/13 78 FR 4369
FNPRM............................... 11/13/13 78 FR 68005
R&O................................. 11/13/13 78 FR 67956
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/20/13 .......................
Announcement of Effective Date...... 06/20/14 79 FR 33709
2nd FNPRM........................... 11/21/14 79 FR 69682
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 01/15/15 .......................
2nd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 01/20/15 .......................
3rd FNPRM........................... 12/18/15 80 FR 79020
2nd R&O............................. 12/18/15 80 FR 79136
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 01/19/16 .......................
3rd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 02/08/16 .......................
Order on Reconsideration............ 09/12/16 81 FR 62818
Announcement of OMB Approval........ 03/01/17 82 FR 12182
Correction to Announcement of OMB 03/08/17 82 FR 12922
Approval.
Announcement of OMB Approval........ 02/06/20 85 FR 6947
Public Notice....................... 02/19/20 85 FR 9444
[[Page 17025]]
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 03/20/20 .......................
Public Notice Reply Comment Period 04/06/20 .......................
End.
R&O on Remand & 4th FNPRM........... 08/06/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Irina Asoskov, Assistant Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7122, Fax: 202 418-1413,
Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK08
461. Comprehensive Review of the Part 32 Uniform System of Accounts (WC
Docket No. 14-130)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 201(b);
47 U.S.C. 219 and 220
Abstract: The Commission initiates a rulemaking proceeding to
review the Uniform System of Accounts (USOA) to consider ways to
minimize the compliance burdens on incumbent local exchange carriers
while ensuring that the Agency retains access to the information it
needs to fulfill its regulatory duties. In light of the Commission's
actions in areas of price cap regulation, universal service reform, and
intercarrier compensation reform, the Commission stated that it is
likely appropriate to streamline the existing rules even though those
reforms may not have eliminated the need for accounting data for some
purposes. The Commission's analysis and proposals are divided into
three parts. First, the Commission proposes to streamline the USOA
accounting rules while preserving their existing structure. Second, the
Commission seeks more focused comment on the accounting requirements
needed for price cap carriers to address our statutory and regulatory
obligations. Third, the Commission seeks comment on several related
issues, including state requirements, rate effects, implementation,
continuing property records, and legal authority.
On February 23, 2017, the Commission adopted a Report and Order
that revised the part 32 USOA to substantially reduce accounting
burdens for both price cap and rate-of-return carriers. First, the
Order streamlines the USOA for all carriers. In addition, the USOA will
be aligned more closely with generally accepted accounting principles,
or GAAP. Second, the Order allows price cap carriers to use GAAP for
all regulatory accounting purposes as long as they comply with targeted
accounting rules, which are designed to mitigate any impact on pole
attachment rates. Alternatively, price cap carriers can elect to use
GAAP accounting for all purposes other than those associated with pole
attachment rates and continue to use the part 32 accounts for pole
attachment rates for up to 12 years. Third, the Order addresses several
miscellaneous issues, including referral to the Federal-State Joint
Board on Separations the issue of examining jurisdictional separations
rules in light of the reforms adopted to part 32.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 09/15/14 79 FR 54942
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/14/14 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 12/15/14 .......................
R&O................................. 04/04/17 82 FR 20833
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robin Cohn, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-2747, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK20
462. Restoring Internet Freedom (WC Docket No. 17-108); Protecting and
Promoting the Open Internet (GN Docket No. 14-28)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and (j); 47 U.S.C.
201(b)
Abstract: In December 2017, the Commission adopted the Restoring
internet Freedom Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, and Order
(Restoring internet Freedom Order), which restored the light-touch
regulatory framework under which the internet had grown and thrived for
decades by classifying broadband internet access service as an
information service. The Restoring internet Freedom Order ends title II
regulation of the internet and returns broadband internet access
service to its long-standing classification as an information service;
reinstates the determination that mobile broadband internet access
service is not a commercial mobile service and returns it to its
original classification as a private mobile service; finds that
transparency, internet Service Providers (ISPs) economic incentives,
and antitrust and consumer protection laws will protect the openness of
the internet, and that title II regulation is unnecessary to do so; and
adopts a transparency rule similar to that in the 2010 Open internet
Order, requiring disclosure of network management practices,
performance characteristics, and commercial terms of service.
Additionally, the transparency rule requires ISPs to disclose any
blocking, throttling, paid prioritization, or affiliate prioritization,
and eliminates the internet conduct standard and the bright-line
conduct rules set forth in the 2015 title II Order.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/01/14 79 FR 37448
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/18/14 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 09/15/14 .......................
R&O on Remand, Declaratory Ruling, 04/13/15 80 FR 19737
and Order.
NPRM................................ 06/02/17 82 FR 25568
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/03/17 .......................
Declaratory Ruling, R&O, and Order.. 02/22/18 83 FR 7852
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Melissa Kirkel, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7958, Fax: 202 418-1413,
Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK21
463. Technology Transitions; GN Docket No. 13-5, WC Docket No. 05-25;
Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to
Infrastructure Investment; WC Docket No. 17-84
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On April 20, 2017, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, Notice of Inquiry, and Request for Comment
(Wireline Infrastructure NPRM, NOl, and RFC) seeking input on a number
of actions designed to accelerate: (1) The
[[Page 17026]]
deployment of next-generation networks and services by removing
barriers to infrastructure investment at the Federal, State, and local
level; (2) the transition from legacy copper networks and services to
next-generation fiber-based networks and services; and (3) the
reduction of Commission regulations that raise costs and slow, rather
than facilitate, broadband deployment.
On November 16, 2017, the Commission adopted a Report and Order
(R&O), Declaratory Ruling, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(Wireline Infrastructure Order) that takes a number of actions and
seeks comment on further actions designed to accelerate the deployment
of next-generation networks and services through removing barriers to
infrastructure investment.
The Wireline Infrastructure Order took a number of actions. First,
the Report and Order revised the pole attachment rules to reduce costs
for attachers, reforms the pole access complaint procedures to settle
access disputes more swiftly, and increases access to infrastructure
for certain types of broadband providers. Second, the Report and Order
revised the section 214(a) discontinuance rules and the network change
notification rules, including those applicable to copper retirements,
to expedite the process for carriers seeking to replace legacy network
infrastructure and legacy services with advanced broadband networks and
innovative new services. Third, the Report and Order reversed a 2015
ruling that discontinuance authority is required for solely wholesale
services to carrier-customers. Fourth, the Declaratory Ruling abandoned
the 2014 ``functional test'' interpretation of when section 214
discontinuance applications are required, bringing added clarity to the
section 214(a) discontinuance process for carriers and consumers alike.
Finally, the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking sought comment on
additional potential pole attachment reforms, reforms to the network
change disclosure and section 214(a) discontinuance processes, and ways
to facilitate rebuilding networks impacted by natural disasters.
Various parties filed a Petition for Review of the Wireline
Infrastructure Order in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth
Circuit. The Ninth Circuit denied the Petition on January 23, 2020 on
the grounds that the parties lacked standing.
On June 7, 2018, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order
(Wireline Infrastructure Second Report and Order) taking further
actions designed to expedite the transition from legacy networks and
services to next generation networks and advanced services that benefit
the American public and to promote broadband deployment by further
streamlining the section 214(a) discontinuance rules, network change
disclosure processes, and part 68 customer notification process.
The Wireline Infrastructure NPRM, NOI, and RFC sought comment on
additional issues not addressed in the November Wireline Infrastructure
Order or the June Wireline Infrastructure Second Report and Order. It
sought comment on changes to the Commission's pole attachment rules to:
(1) Streamline the timeframe for gaining access to utility poles; (2)
reduce charges paid by attachers for work done to make a pole ready for
new attachments; and (3) establish a formula for computing the maximum
pole attachment rate that may be imposed on an incumbent LEC.
The Wireline Infrastructure NPRM, NOI, and RFC also sought comment
on whether the Commission should enact rules, consistent with its
authority under section 253 of the Act, to promote the deployment of
broadband infrastructure by preempting State and local laws that
inhibit broadband deployment. It also sought comment on whether there
are State laws governing the maintenance or retirement of copper
facilities that serve as a barrier to deploying next-generation
technologies and services that the Commission might seek to preempt.
Previously, in November 2014, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking and Declaratory Ruling that: (1) Proposed new
backup power rules; (2) proposed new or revised rules for copper
retirements and service discontinuances; and (3) adopted a functional
test in determining what constitutes a service for purposes of section
214(a) discontinuance review. In August 2015, the Commission adopted a
Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that: (i) Lengthened and revised the copper
retirement process; (ii) determined that a carrier must obtain
Commission approval before discontinuing a service used as a wholesale
input if the carrier's actions will discontinue service to a carrier-
customer's retail end users; (iii) adopted an interim rule requiring
incumbent LECs that seek to discontinue certain TDM-based wholesale
services to commit to certain rates, terms, and conditions; (iv)
proposed further revisions to the copper retirement discontinuance
process; and (v) upheld the November 2014 Declaratory Ruling. In July
2016, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order, Declaratory
Ruling, and Order on Reconsideration that: (i) Adopted a new test for
obtaining streamlined treatment when carriers seek Commission
authorization to discontinue legacy services in favor of services based
on newer technologies; (ii) set forth consumer education requirements
for carriers seeking to discontinue legacy services in favor of
services based on newer technologies; (iii) allowed notice to customers
of discontinuance applications by email; (iv) required carriers to
provide notice of discontinuance applications to Tribal entities; (v)
made a technical rule change to create a new title for copper
retirement notices and certifications; and (vi) harmonized the timeline
for competitive LEC discontinuances caused by incumbent LEC network
changes.
On August 2, 2018, the Commission adopted a Third Report and Order
and Declaratory Ruling (Wireline Infrastructure Third Report and Order)
establishing a new framework for the vast majority of pole attachments
governed by Federal law by instituting a one-touch make-ready regime,
in which a new attacher may elect to perform all simple work to prepare
a pole for new wireline attachments in the communications space. This
new framework includes safeguards to promote coordination among parties
and ensures that new attachers perform work safely and reliably. The
Commission retained its multi-party pole attachment process for
attachments that are complex or above the communications space of a
pole, but made significant modifications to speed deployment, promote
accurate billing, expand the use of self-help for new attachers when
attachment deadlines are missed, and reduce the likelihood of
coordination failures that lead to unwarranted delays. The Commission
also improved its pole attachment rules by codifying and redefining
Commission precedent that requires utilities to allow attachers to
overlash existing wires, thus maximizing the usable space on the pole;
eliminating outdated disparities between the pole attachment rates that
incumbent carriers must pay compared to other similarly-situated cable
and telecommunications attachers; and clarifying that the Commission
will preempt, on an expedited case-by-case basis, State and local laws
that inhibit the rebuilding or restoration of broadband infrastructure
after a disaster. The Commission also adopted a Declaratory Ruling that
[[Page 17027]]
interpreted section 253(a) of the Communications Act to prohibit State
and local express and de facto moratoria on the deployment of
telecommunications services or facilities and directed the Wireline
Competition and Wireless Telecommunications Bureaus to act promptly on
petitions challenging specific alleged moratoria. Numerous parties
filed appeals of the Wireline Infrastructure Third Report and Order,
and the appeals were consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals of the
Ninth Circuit. On August 12, 2020, the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion
upholding the Wireline Infrastructure Third Report and Order in all
respects.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/06/15 80 FR 450
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/05/15 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 03/09/15 .......................
FNPRM............................... 09/25/15 80 FR 57768
R&O................................. 09/25/15 80 FR 57768
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 10/26/15 .......................
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 11/24/15 .......................
2nd R&O............................. 09/12/16 81 FR 62632
NPRM................................ 05/16/17 82 FR 224533
NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/15/17 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 07/17/17 .......................
R&O................................. 12/28/17 82 FR 61520
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/17/18 .......................
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 02/16/18 .......................
2nd R&O............................. 07/09/18 83 FR 31659
3rd R&O............................. 09/14/18 83 FR 46812
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michele Berlove, Special Counsel, Competition
Policy Div., WCB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1477, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK32
464. Implementation of the Universal Service Portions of the 1996
Telecommunications Act
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.
Abstract: The Telecommunications Act of 1996 expanded the
traditional goal of universal service to include increased access to
both telecommunications and advanced services such as high-speed
internet for all consumers at just, reasonable and affordable rates.
The Act established principles for universal service that specifically
focused on increasing access to evolving services for consumers living
in rural and insular areas, and for consumers with low-incomes.
Additional principles called for increased access to high-speed
internet in the nation's schools, libraries, and rural healthcare
facilities. The FCC established four programs within the Universal
Service Fund to implement the statute: Connect America Fund (formally
known as High-Cost Support) for rural areas; Lifeline (for low-income
consumers), including initiatives to expand phone service for Native
Americans; Schools and Libraries (E-rate); and Rural Healthcare.
The Universal Service Fund is paid for by contributions from
telecommunications carriers, including wireline and wireless companies,
and interconnected Voice over internet Protocol (VoIP) providers,
including cable companies that provide voice service, based on an
assessment on their interstate and international end-user revenues. The
Universal Service Administrative Company, or USAC, administers the four
programs and collects monies for the Universal Service Fund under the
direction of the FCC.
On February 7, 2020, the Commission launched $20 Billion Rural
Digital Opportunity Fund.
On April 2, 2020, the Commission fought COVID-19 with $200M; Adopts
Long-Term Connected Care Study.
On July 17, 2020, the Commission integrated provisions of the
recently enacted Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Acts of
2019 into the existing supply chain rulemaking.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
R&O and FNPRM....................... 01/13/17 82 FR 4275
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/13/17 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 02/27/17 .......................
R&O and Order on Recon.............. 03/21/17 82 FR 14466
Order on Recon...................... 05/19/17 82 FR 22901
Order on Recon...................... 06/08/17 82 FR 26653
Memorandum, Opinion & Order......... 06/21/17 82 FR 228224
NPRM................................ 07/30/19 84 FR 36865
NPRM................................ 08/21/19 84 FR 43543
R&O and Order on Recon.............. 11/07/19 84 FR 59937
Order on Recon...................... 12/09/19 84 FR 67220
R&O................................. 12/20/19 84 FR 70026
R&O................................. 12/27/19 84 FR 71308
R&O................................. 01/17/20 85 FR 3044
Report & Order...................... 03/10/20 85 FR 13773
Report & Order...................... 05/11/20 85 FR 19892
Declaratory Ruling/2nd FNPRM........ 08/04/20 85 FR 48134
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Nakesha Woodward, Program Support Assistant,
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-1502, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK57
465. Toll Free Assignment Modernization and Toll Free Service Access
Codes: WC Docket No. 17-192, CC Docket No. 95-155
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 201(b);
47 U.S.C. 251(e)(1)
Abstract: In this Report and Order (Order), the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) initiates an auction to distribute
certain toll free numbers. The numbers to be auctioned will be in the
new 833 toll free code for which there have been multiple, competing
requests.
By using an auction, the FCC will ensure that sought-after numbers
are awarded to the parties that value them most. In addition, the FCC
will reserve certain 833 numbers for distribution to government and
non-profit entities that request them for public health and safety
purposes. The FCC will study the results of the auction to determine
how to best use the mechanism to distribute toll-free numbers equitably
and efficiently in the future as well. Revenues from the auction will
be used to defray the cost of toll-free numbering administration,
reducing the cost of numbering for all users. The Order establishing
the toll-free number auction will also authorize and accommodate the
use of a secondary market for numbers awarded at auction to further
distribute these numbers to the entities that value them most. The
Order also adopted several definitional and technical updates to
improve clarity and flexibility in toll-free number assignment.
The Commission sought comment and then adopted auctions procedures
and
[[Page 17028]]
deadlines on August 2, 2019. Bidding for the auction occurred on
December 17, 2019, and Somos issued an announcement of the winning
bidders on December 20, 2019. On December 16, 2019, to facilitate the
preparation of its study of the auction, the Bureau charged the North
American Numbering Council, via its Toll Free Access Modernization
Working Group, to issue a report evaluating various aspects of the 833
Auction, and recommending improvements for any future toll free number
auctions.
On January 16, 2020, Somos released all of the 833 Auction data for
public review. On March 13, 2020, the Bureau invited public comment on
the 833 Auction in preparation for issuing a report on the lessons
learned from the Auction. Comments were due on April 13, 2020. On July
14, 2020, the North American Numbering Council approved the Toll Free
Assignment Modernization Working Group's report, Perspectives on the
December 2019 Auction of Numbers in the 833 Numbering Plan Area.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/13/17 82 FR 47669
NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/13/17 .......................
Final Rule.......................... 10/23/18 83 FR 53377
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Matthew Collins, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-7141, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AK91
466. Call Authentication Trust Anchor
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 251; 47 U.S.C. 227b
Abstract: On June 6, 2019, the Commission adopted a Declaratory
Ruling and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (CG Docket No.
17-59, WC Docket No. 17-97) that proposed and sought comment on
mandating implementation of STIR/SHAKEN in the event that major voice
service providers did not voluntarily implement the framework by the
end of 2019.
On December 30, 2019, Congress enacted the Pallone-Thune Telephone
Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. Along
with numerous other provisions directed at addressing robocalls, the
TRACED Act directs the Commission to require all voice service
providers to implement STIR/SHAKEN in the internet Protocol (IP)
portions of their networks, and to implement an effective caller ID
authentication framework in the non-IP portions of their networks. The
TRACED Act further creates processes by which voice service providers
may be exempt from this mandate if the Commission determines they have
achieved certain implementation benchmarks, and by which voice service
providers may be granted a delay in compliance based on a finding of
undue hardship because of burdens or barriers to implementation or
based on a delay in development of a caller ID authentication protocol
for calls delivered over non-IP networks.
On March 31, 2020, the Commission adopted a Report and Order and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (WC Docket Nos. 17-97, 20-67).
The Report and Order mandated that all originating and terminating
voice service providers implement the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID
authentication framework in the IP portions of their networks by June
30, 2021. In the Further Notice the Commission sought comment on
extending the STIR/SHAKEN implementation mandate to intermediate
providers. The Commission also sought comment on proposals to (1) grant
an extension for compliance with the STIR/SHAKEN implementation mandate
for small voice service providers so long as those providers implement
a robocall mitigation program; (2) require voice service providers
using non-IP technology either to upgrade their networks to IP to
enable STIR/SHAKEN implementation, or work to develop non-IP caller ID
authentication technology and implement a robocall mitigation program
in the interim; (3) establish a process whereby a voice service
provider may be exempt from the STIR/SHAKEN implementation mandate if
the provider has achieved certain implementation benchmarks; (4)
prohibit voice service providers from imposing line item charges on
consumer and small business subscribers for caller ID authentication;
and (5) propose and seek comment on measures to implement other TRACED
Act provisions concerning caller ID authentication and access to number
resources.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOI................................. 07/14/17 .......................
DR and 3rd FNPRM.................... 06/06/19 84 FR 29478
NPRM................................ 06/24/19 84 FR 29478
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/23/19 .......................
3rd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 08/23/19 .......................
R&O and FNPRM....................... 03/31/20 85 FR 22029
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 05/29/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Matthew Collins, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-7141, Email: [email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL00
467. Implementation of the National Suicide Improvement Act of 2018
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On August 14, 2018, Congress passed the National Suicide
Hotline Improvement Act (Act). Public Law 115-233, 132 Stat. 2424
(2018). The purpose of the Act was to study and report on the
feasibility of designating a 3-digit dialing code to be used for a
national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system by
considering each of the current N11 designations. The Act directed the
Commission to: (1) Conduct a study that examines the feasibility of
designating a simple, easy-to-remember, 3-digit dialing code to be used
for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline
system; and (2) analyze how well the current National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline is working to address the needs of veterans. The
Act also directed the Commission to coordinate with the Department of
Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the
North American Numbering Council (NANC) in conducting the study, and to
produce a report on the study by August 14, 2019.
On August 14, 2019, the Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of
Economics and Analytics submitted its report to Congress recommending
that: (1) A 3-digit dialing code be used for a national suicide
prevention and mental health crisis hotline system; and (2) the
Commission should initiate a rulemaking proceeding to consider
designating 988 as the 3-digit code.
[[Page 17029]]
On December 12, 2019, the Commission released a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to designate 988 as a new, nationwide, 3-
digit dialing code for a suicide prevention and mental health crisis
hotline. WC Docket No. 18-336. The NPRM proposes that calls made to 988
be directed to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which
is made up of an expansive network of over 170 crisis centers located
across the United States, and to the Veterans Crisis Line. The NPRM
also proposes to require all telecommunications carriers and
interconnected VoIP service providers to make, within 18 months, any
changes necessary to ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line.
On July 16, 2020, the Commission adopted an Order designating 988
as the 3-digit number to reach the Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line
(800-273-TALK or 800-273-8255) and requiring all telecommunications
carriers, interconnected voice over internet Protocol (VoIP) providers,
and one-way VoIP providers to make any network changes necessary to
ensure that users can dial 988 to reach the Lifeline by July 16, 2022.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/15/20 85 FR 2359
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/16/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michelle Sclater, Attorney, Wireline Competition
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0388, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL01
468. Modernizing Unbundling and Resale Requirements in an Era of Next-
Generation Networks and Services
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 10; 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On November 22, 2019, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on proposals to update the
unbundling and avoided-cost resale obligations stemming from the 1996
Act and applicable only to incumbent LECs. Many of these obligations
appear to no longer be necessary in many geographic areas due to
vigorous competition for mass market broadband services in urban areas
and numerous intermodal voice capabilities and services. But
recognizing that rural areas pose special challenges for broadband
deployment, the NPRM does not propose any change to unbundling
requirements for broadband-capable loops in rural areas. The NPRM seeks
to promote the Commission's efforts to reduce unnecessary and outdated
regulatory burdens that appear to discourage the deployment of next-
generation networks, delay the IP transition, unnecessarily burden
incumbent LECs with no similar obligations placed on their competitors,
and no longer benefit consumers or serve the purpose for which they
were intended.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/06/20 85 FR 472
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/06/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michele Berlove, Special Counsel, Competition
Policy Div., WCB, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1477, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL02
469. Eliminating Ex Ante Pricing Regulation and Tariffing of Telephone
Access Charges (WC Docket 20-71)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 160; 47
U.S.C. 201 to 203; 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 251; 47
U.S.C. 254; 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 616
Abstract: The NPRM proposes to deregulate and detariff Telephone
Access Charges, which represent the last handful of interstate end-user
charges that remain subject to regulation. The Notice also proposes to
prohibit all carriers from separately listing these charges on
customers' bills. given that some Telephone Access Charges are used to
calculate contributions to the Federal Universal Service Fund and other
federal programs as well as high cost support this Notice also proposes
and seeks comment on ways to .ensure stability in funding these
programs.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 04/01/20 85 FR 30899
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Victoria Goldberg, Attorney-Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street
SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7353, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL03
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)
Completed Actions
470. Process Reform for Executive Branch Review of Certain FCC
Applications and Petitions Involving Foreign Ownership (IB Docket No.
16-155)
E.O. 13771 Designation: Independent agency.
Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 214;
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 34-39; Executive
Order No. 10530, Section 5(a) reprinted as amended in 3 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: The FCC is reviewing the process by which it coordinates
review of certain applications and petitions with the Executive Branch.
The FCC refers certain applications to the relevant Executive Branch
agencies for their input on any national security, law enforcement,
foreign policy, and trade policy concerns that may arise from the
foreign ownership interests held in the applicants and petitioners. In
an NPRM released in 2016, the FCC sought comment on proposals to
streamline and facilitate the process for obtaining information
necessary for Executive Branch review and identify expected time
frames, while ensuring that it continues to take Executive Branch
concerns into consideration as part of its public interest review.
Specifically, the FCC sought comment on proposals that applicants
provide (for Executive Branch review) additional information on
ownership, network operations, and related matters when filing their
applications; that require applicants to make certain law enforcement/
national security-related certifications; that establish timeframes for
Executive Branch review; and other revisions to the application process
to streamline the review process.
Timetable:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/09/16 81 FR 46870
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/02/16 .......................
[[Page 17030]]
Merged With 3060-AL12............... 09/28/20 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Arthur T. Lechtman, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1465, Fax: 202 418-0175, Email:
[email protected].
RIN: 3060-AL04
[FR Doc. 2021-04333 Filed 3-30-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P