Search Results for agency_names:"Federal Communications Commission"

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Search Results: agency_names:"Federal Communications Commission"

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:86 FR 10181
    Reading Time:about 7 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved new information collection requirements that allow the use of unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band and establish new rules for broadband operations in the 900 MHz band. The rules are part of FCC's efforts to expand wireless services and enable broadband deployment. The compliance date for these changes, which will require modifications to existing procedures and forms, is February 19, 2021. These changes aim to promote the efficient use of spectrum and support innovative wireless technologies.

    Simple Explanation

    The government is letting people use special airwaves without a license to help make wireless internet faster and better, and they need to follow some new rules starting February 19, 2021.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:89 FR 96590
    Reading Time:about 66 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has finalized a rule allowing non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite services (FSS) to operate in the 17.3-17.8 GHz band for space-to-Earth communications. This decision, part of their Report and Order, aims to promote efficient spectrum usage by sharing the band primarily with existing geostationary satellites and allowing coexistence with terrestrial services. The FCC has also established technical safeguards, such as specific power limits, to prevent interference with current operators and ensure reliable high-speed internet services, especially in underserved areas. The changes align the U.S. frequency allocations with international standards to facilitate improved satellite telecommunications for American consumers.

    Simple Explanation

    Think of the sky having lanes for flying - just like roads for cars - where satellites travel and talk to Earth. The FCC has decided that a kind of satellite that moves (not stays in one spot) can now use a new lane in the sky to help more people get internet, especially in places where it's hard to get.

  • Type:Proposed Rule
    Citation:86 FR 1909
    Reading Time:about 33 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission has proposed a rule change to allow FM broadcasters to use booster stations for geo-targeted content like local news and ads. This change would let these stations broadcast different content to specific parts of their normal service area without interference. The proposal, backed by GeoBroadcast, aims to benefit small and minority-owned stations and boost local advertisements, while also addressing potential technical and regulatory challenges. Public comments on this proposal are encouraged before the final decision is made.

    Simple Explanation

    The Federal Communications Commission wants to let radio stations use extra tools to send special messages, like local news or ads, to different areas. This could help smaller stations, but some people are worried it might be hard or costly to do.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:90 FR 12462
    Reading Time:about 35 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revised its rules for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The new rules allow alert originators, like state emergency services, to send "silent alerts" that don't make noise or vibrate devices. This change is meant to help make alerts less intrusive and more effective in certain situations, such as during active shooter incidents or when quiet alerts are more appropriate. Additionally, devices sold as "WEA-capable" must meet specific technical requirements, ensuring they can manage all types of emergency alerts, including silent ones. These changes will gradually take effect, with full compliance required by March 2028.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC has made a new rule that lets emergency alerts be sent as "silent messages" so your phone won't make noise or buzz. They want to make sure phones that can do this are easy for everyone to use and make the changes happen smoothly by 2028.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:86 FR 1636
    Reading Time:about 3 hours

    The Federal Communications Commission has issued a new rule that changes several unbundling and resale requirements for telecommunications services. The rule eliminates certain obligations that require incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) to offer unbundled access to their network elements, such as loop and transport facilities, where there is sufficient evidence of competition. The rule also ends the Avoided-Cost Resale requirements, which previously allowed competitive carriers to resell services at discounted rates, except for 911/E911 databases and operations support systems used for remaining obligations. The decision aims to encourage the transition to next-generation networks and services by removing outdated regulations where competition now exists.

    Simple Explanation

    The government made a new rule that lets big phone companies stop sharing their wires with other companies in places where lots of other phone or internet companies already compete. This change helps the big companies build better and faster networks but some small companies might find it harder to compete.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 10631
    Reading Time:about 12 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing a new information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This involves FM broadcasters using boosters to originate programming for brief periods, allowing different content from the main station's broadcasts. The FCC seeks public comments on the necessity and impact of this information collection, addressing concerns like reducing paperwork, ensuring accurate burden estimates, and utilizing technology to decrease respondent burden. Additionally, broadcasters must meet specific notification requirements and certifications related to the Emergency Alert System and public interest considerations.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC is checking if some new rules about radio stations using extra antennas to send different shows for short times are needed. They want to know if doing this is useful and won't make people do too much paperwork.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:86 FR 11443
    Reading Time:about 38 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued new rules to address robocalls under the TRACED Act, amending exemptions in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The rules limit the number of non-commercial, commercial, nonprofit, and HIPAA-related calls to residential lines to a maximum number within a specified period and require an opt-out mechanism for consumers. These regulations aim to reduce unwanted robocalls, balancing consumer protection with the need for legitimate communications. The implementation period is set to allow entities time to comply with the new requirements.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC made new rules to help stop unwanted phone calls by setting limits on how often different groups, like businesses or charities, can call people at home. They also made sure people can easily tell these callers to stop calling them if they want.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 10496
    Reading Time:about 4 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public and new agency comments about their information collection methods. They are doing this to reduce paperwork, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The FCC is particularly interested in views on the necessity, accuracy, and utility of the information collected, as well as any suggestions for improving it. Comments should be submitted by April 25, 2025, via email.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC wants to know how people feel about filling out their forms and if there are better ways to do it, so they are asking for ideas from everyone. They want to make sure their forms aren't too hard or too much work, and they want to help small businesses if they can.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:89 FR 101011
    Reading Time:about 3 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inviting public comments on its information collection practices. As part of the Paperwork Reduction Act efforts, they seek input on whether these collections are necessary and useful, the accuracy of their burden estimates, and ways to improve the clarity of information collected. The FCC is particularly interested in suggestions to reduce burdens on small businesses and ensure compliance with the requirement to have a valid Office of Management and Budget control number. Comments are due by February 11, 2025, and should be sent to the designated FCC email addresses.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC wants to hear what people think about how they collect information to make sure it’s useful and not too hard to gather. They especially want ideas on how to make it easier for small businesses and have invited everyone to send their comments by February 11, 2025.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:89 FR 95136
    Reading Time:about 6 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved a three-year information collection related to rules for supplemental coverage from space. These rules are part of the FCC's vision to combine satellite and terrestrial networks to improve connectivity, particularly in areas lacking coverage. The FCC requires entities involved in spectrum leasing for this purpose to provide specific information using Form 608, ensuring compliance with regulations. The aim is to minimize interference while enabling satellite communications to enhance network coverage seamlessly.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC is making new rules to help use satellites to improve phone and internet connections where it's hard to get them now. They're making sure that the people who use these satellites follow specific rules so everything works well together without causing problems.