Search Results for agency_names:"Federal Communications Commission"

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) addressed requests to reconsider certain changes to the 2.5 GHz spectrum regulations. The National Congress of American Indians and others wanted the FCC to restore old eligibility rules or create more educational use opportunities for the spectrum. However, the FCC denied these requests, deciding instead to allow flexible use of the spectrum to support modern communication needs, especially in rural and Tribal areas. They emphasized that this approach would better enable the quick deployment of advanced services like 5G.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comments to reduce paperwork burdens as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). They want feedback on whether the information collection is necessary, how accurate the burden estimates are, and ways to make the process easier, especially for small businesses. Written comments need to be submitted by February 10, 2025. The FCC emphasizes that it will only collect information if it has a valid control number from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has suspended Q Link Wireless LLC from the federal Lifeline program and all universal service support mechanisms following its conviction for defrauding the government. Q Link was found guilty of fraudulent activities, including wire fraud, theft of government funds, and submitting false claims to the Lifeline program. The suspension is effective immediately, and debarment proceedings are also being initiated, which may prevent the company from participating in these federal programs for at least three years. Q Link and any related parties can contest this decision within 30 days by providing supporting documents.

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.

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.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is introducing a new computer matching program with the Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology to verify eligibility for programs like Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs offer discounts on broadband and voice services to low-income individuals. The program will check if applicants are enrolled in benefits like SNAP and Medicaid, using data shared between various agencies. This verification aims to ensure only eligible individuals receive these discounts while reducing fraud.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed changes to rules for managing spectrum bands with the aim of promoting Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). This proposed rule covers three main areas: opening the 450 MHz band for broader aeronautical operations and spectrum flexibility, allowing enhanced UAS detection in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band, and updating power rules for Commercial Aviation Air-Ground Systems in the 849-851 MHz and 894-896 MHz bands. The FCC seeks public comments by April 16, 2025, to further refine these proposals aimed at improving wireless communications and supporting emerging aviation technologies.

The Federal Communications Commission has decided to use adjustment factor values in the 5G Fund auctions to direct more support to areas that are harder to serve due to challenges like varying terrain and lower household income. These adjustment factors will also be applied to the method for distributing legacy high-cost support, meaning that regions with different costs of deployment will receive appropriately adjusted funding. While some concerns were raised about these factors not accounting for all possible costs, the Commission believes that their use will help ensure that funding is allocated more fairly and efficiently, particularly to less profitable areas. These decisions aim to encourage bids for serving tough-to-reach locations, thereby boosting the deployment of 5G services across the United States.

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.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for public comments on an information collection related to reducing paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection specifically seeks input on how to lessen the paperwork load for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The information gathered will help manage the ten-digit North American Numbering Plan used in the U.S. and 19 other countries. Written comments are to be submitted by April 25, 2025, through the website www.reginfo.gov or via email to FCC staff.