Search Results for keywords:"Federal Communications Commission"

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Search Results: keywords:"Federal Communications Commission"

  • Type:Proposed Rule
    Citation:90 FR 59
    Reading Time:about 47 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing new rules to improve accessibility for video conferencing services, focusing on features such as text-to-speech and automatic sign-language interpretation. They are seeking input on how these services can better support individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind, have low vision, or have cognitive or mobility disabilities. The FCC also wants to know if the telecommunications relay services (TRS) Fund should support team interpreting for video conferences. They are considering how to integrate TRS effectively with video conferencing platforms to ensure seamless communication for everyone involved.

    Simple Explanation

    The government wants to make video calls easier for people with disabilities by adding things like talking words for people who can't see and sign language for people who can't hear. They are asking for ideas on how to do this and wondering if they should use special funds to help make it happen.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:90 FR 10462
    Reading Time:about 6 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved information collection associated with the Connect America Fund rules. These rules are part of an effort to support broadband internet development in areas with high costs. Carriers receiving support must now report their broadband network performance, including speed and latency, quarterly rather than annually. The revised requirements, which focus on ensuring carriers comply with performance standards, are in effect from February 24, 2025.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC wants internet companies to tell them how fast and reliable their internet is, four times a year, to make sure everyone can get good internet.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:86 FR 10278
    Reading Time:about 2 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a modification in how it will handle certain applications for the 470-512 MHz T-Band spectrum. Originally, applications were paused because the T-Band frequencies were expected to be reallocated. Now, after a new law negated the reallocation, the FCC will resume processing applications for renewing existing licenses and processing other pending applications. Additionally, the FCC will allow a period during which applicants and coordinators can prepare new applications, followed by a time frame when certain applications will be accepted from existing license holders only. These changes aim to enhance access to T-Band channels without unnecessary delays.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC is going to start looking at and deciding on certain radio requests that were on hold because of a change in laws about how some special radio waves, called the T-Band, are used. They're going to let people who already have licenses make requests first, before any new people.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:86 FR 3015
    Reading Time:about 2 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission has approved a rule change for the TV station KARE in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They will switch their broadcast from channel 11 to channel 31 to address reception issues on the current channel. This decision follows a request from Multimedia Holdings Corporation, the station's licensee, and is expected to improve the viewing experience for local residents. The change has an effective date of January 14, 2021.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC allowed a TV station in Minneapolis to change channels from 11 to 31 so people can watch it without any problems. This means they'll get a better picture on their screens.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:86 FR 9297
    Reading Time:about 11 minutes

    In a recent decision, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chose not to adopt the rules it proposed in 2015 to reserve a vacant channel in the UHF Television Band for use by white space devices and wireless microphones. The FCC found that these rules were no longer necessary due to changes in the TV spectrum landscape following the Incentive Auction and actions the FCC has taken since 2015 to support these technologies. They believe continuing with existing measures is more effective and avoids burdening broadcasters with additional requirements. Consequently, the FCC has ended the proceeding.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC decided not to make a special channel for certain gadgets and microphones because they already made other changes that help, and adding more rules would just make it harder for TV stations.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 10630
    Reading Time:about 4 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new matching program with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and the Tennessee Department of Human Services. This program aims to verify the eligibility of people applying for or subscribed to the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by checking if they receive SNAP benefits in Tennessee. The initiative is expected to help confirm qualifications for these benefits, reduce fraud, and improve service to low-income consumers who rely on discounted broadband and voice services. Written comments about this program are due by March 27, 2025, and the program will last for 18 months starting from that date.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC is checking with people in Tennessee who get help paying for food to make sure they also qualify for help paying for phone or internet service. This is done to make sure that those getting the special offers really need them.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:90 FR 9846
    Reading Time:about a minute or two

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has amended its rules to reinstate certain channels as vacant FM allotments in various communities, following their previous removal due to the issuance of construction permits or licenses. These allotments are now vacant because the associated FM authorizations were canceled or their applications dismissed. Although the FCC has confirmed these vacant allotments meet the necessary technical requirements, the commission is not opening them for new applications just yet but plans to address this in a future decision. The changes are effective as of February 19, 2025.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC is making some radio stations available again by putting them back on the list after they were taken off because of permits that didn't work out. They are not letting people apply for these radio spots just yet and will decide what to do next sometime later.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:86 FR 2669
    Reading Time:less than a minute

    In a notice from the Federal Communications Commission, a correction was made to a previously published document. The correction changes the date mentioned in the original notice from "January 20, 2021," to "January 21, 2021." This correction appears in the DATES section on page 83079, third column, of the document. The official reference for this correction is [FR Doc. C1-2020-28022].

    Simple Explanation

    The Federal Communications Commission fixed a mistake in a notice and changed a date from January 20, 2021, to January 21, 2021, making sure everything is correct.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 11418
    Reading Time:about 5 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for public comments on its information collection methods under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The goal is to find out if these collections are truly necessary, if the burden estimates are accurate, and how they might be improved or lessened, especially for small businesses. Two specific information collections are discussed: one involves AM radio stations applying for extensions of service times, and the other pertains to submissions for AM radio auction applications to ensure fair distribution of radio service. The FCC emphasizes that they cannot collect information without a valid control number from the Office of Management and Budget.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC wants people to say if filling out their forms is too hard or not necessary, so they can make things better, especially for small businesses who might have a harder time with them.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:89 FR 100489
    Reading Time:about 4 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inviting public comments on an information collection effort aimed at reducing paperwork burdens, in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection involves evaluating whether the information gathered is necessary and useful for the FCC's functions, and seeks feedback on improving the quality and clarity of information while reducing the burden, especially on small businesses. The initiative relates to the Connect America Fund and involves respondents from businesses who, in exchange for support, must meet specific service obligations to provide broadband in rural areas. The FCC is accepting written comments until February 10, 2025.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC wants to know if the forms they ask people to fill out are really needed and helpful. They're asking for ideas to make the forms clearer and easier, especially for small businesses, and you can tell them what you think until February 10, 2025.

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