Search Results for keywords:"Federal Communications Commission"

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Search Results: keywords:"Federal Communications Commission"

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 11831
    Reading Time:about 4 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) are starting a new computer matching program with the Department of Veterans Affairs to verify eligibility for the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs provide discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers. The program will check if applicants or subscribers are receiving Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension benefits, which qualify them for these discounts. This matching program, expected to reduce fraud and improve service, will begin on April 11, 2025, and last 18 months.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC and some tech helpers are teaming up with the VA to make sure people who ask for special discounts on their phone and internet bills really need them, especially if they're getting certain help from the VA. This will start in April 2025 and last for a year and a half.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:86 FR 1969
    Reading Time:about 4 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission announced an invoicing deadline for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program, set for July 31, 2021. This program, funded by $200 million from Congress, aids healthcare providers in using telecommunications services for telehealth during the pandemic. Awardees must file post-program reports by January 31, 2022, detailing the program's impact on healthcare outcomes. Additionally, participants must maintain records for at least three years and comply with potential audits to ensure they meet program requirements.

    Simple Explanation

    The Federal Communications Commission wants hospitals to tell them how they used special money to help treat people over video calls during the pandemic. The hospitals have to send their reports by a certain day and keep their information safe for three years.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:86 FR 10966
    Reading Time:about 4 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for public input on a new information collection to reduce the burden of paperwork. This request aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and focuses on the need, utility, and accuracy of the proposed information collection, as well as suggestions for reducing the burden on respondents, especially small businesses. The FCC is introducing a new electronic system, Universal Licensing System 2.0, to process applications related to wireless telecommunications. The comments are due by April 26, 2021, and the collection aims to improve the process while maintaining existing legal requirements.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC wants to hear your thoughts on a new way to handle and reduce paperwork for their wireless telecommunication services. They want to make sure it's helpful and easy for everyone, especially smaller businesses, without causing too much trouble.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:90 FR 3710
    Reading Time:about 9 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has finalized a rule adjusting civil monetary penalties for inflation as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. These changes aim to keep the penalties effective as deterrents by adjusting them according to inflation. The rule specifies the updated penalty amounts for various violations under the Communications Act, and these changes apply to penalties assessed from January 15, 2025, onwards. The FCC has also corrected a previously removed footnote regarding penalties for misrepresentation or lack of candor.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC has decided to make fines bigger to keep up with inflation, so companies still think twice when breaking rules. These updated fines start on January 15, 2025.

  • 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:90 FR 13416
    Reading Time:about 42 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a final rule to modify its call blocking policies to better combat illegal robocalls. This rule requires all domestic voice service providers to use a do-not-originate (DNO) list to block calls that are likely illegal, ensuring comprehensive consumer protection. Furthermore, the rule mandates that providers use the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) code 603+ to inform callers when their calls are blocked due to analytics, helping them understand why their call was blocked and providing a mechanism for redress. This initiative aims to curb unwanted and fraudulent calls, enhancing consumer trust and security.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC wants phone companies to stop bad robocalls by using a special list that says which calls shouldn't be made. When a call is stopped because it seems bad, they'll send a little message that says why, so people know what happened.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 11316
    Reading Time:about 9 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other government agencies to comment on a revised plan to collect information, as part of their effort to reduce paperwork. This plan, which is necessary for the FCC to perform its duties properly, especially focuses on helping small businesses. The Commission plans to make changes to the rules related to information collection on broadband deployment, introducing new forms and updating how data is reported and certified. These updates will affect how broadband providers file their reports, aiming to streamline the process and reduce duplications.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC wants to know what people think about its plans to collect information in a way that is easier and more helpful, especially for small businesses. They are changing how internet companies report their data to make it less complicated and faster.

  • Type:Rule
    Citation:86 FR 11432
    Reading Time:about 57 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated its rule for over-the-air reception devices to include hub and relay antennas used to distribute broadband-only wireless services, expanding their previous constraints. This modification aims to facilitate the deployment of faster and more efficient Internet services, especially in rural and underserved communities, by removing barriers related to the installation and use of these antennas. The FCC maintains certain conditions, such as property ownership requirements and size restrictions of the antennas, to ensure minimal visual impact and compliance with existing safety and historical preservation regulations. This change seeks to level the playing field for broadband providers and increase competition in the fixed wireless market.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC has changed some rules to make it easier for internet companies to put up special antennas that help people, especially those living in places without good internet, get faster internet. These antennas must follow some rules so they're safe and don't look bad.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 13362
    Reading Time:about 6 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inviting comments on a proposal to reduce paperwork burdens related to information collection, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This initiative is part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act and the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act. The FCC seeks feedback on enhancing data collection while minimizing difficulties, using automated techniques or technology, and ensuring that radio and television stations correctly disclose foreign sponsorship. The deadline for submitting comments is April 21, 2025, and people can send their feedback through www.reginfo.gov and email.

    Simple Explanation

    The FCC is asking people to suggest ways to make forms easier for businesses, especially small ones, to fill out, to save time and effort. They will use these ideas to help radio and TV stations share important information in a smooth way.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:86 FR 7290
    Reading Time:about 4 minutes

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inviting public comments on information collection practices to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The FCC seeks input on several aspects including the necessity of these collections, their utility, and ways to improve them while minimizing burdens, especially for small businesses. Comments should be submitted by March 29, 2021. This initiative also includes updates on the registration and lighting requirements for antenna structures used in communication transmissions.

    Simple Explanation

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to know if their way of collecting information is useful and easy for everyone, especially for small businesses with less than 25 employees. They are also asking if they can make it easier for everyone to understand and do what’s needed without too much trouble.