Search Results for agency_names:"Federal Communications Commission"

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.

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) is asking for public feedback on their information collection practices, required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. They want to know if these collections are necessary and useful for their work, if their burden estimates are accurate, and how they can improve the quality and clarity of the information collected. The FCC is also seeking ideas on how to make the process less of a burden, particularly for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments should be sent by April 28, 2025.

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 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.

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 (FCC) has proposed rules to implement the Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (TRACED Act). These rules aim to simplify how private entities can report illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing to the FCC. The proposal includes setting up an online portal for submitting reports, which would be monitored by the FCC's Enforcement Bureau. The definition of "private entity" will exclude public entities, such as government agencies, ensuring the system is only used by individuals, companies, and organizations outside of the government.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a new computer matching program in collaboration with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and the Missouri Department of Social Services. This program aims to verify the eligibility of participants in the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by checking if they receive benefits from programs like SNAP or Medicaid. These benefits help individuals and families access discounts for broadband and voice services. The matching process involves sharing certain personal details, such as parts of a Social Security Number, to confirm eligibility.

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) is seeking public comment on updates to the rules under the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act. This effort aims to address persistent issues with loud television commercials, as recent complaints indicate that the problem still frustrates many viewers. The FCC is asking for opinions on whether the current rules need changes, particularly in regards to commercials' volume on streaming platforms, which are not currently covered by the CALM Act, and whether new approaches can effectively mitigate loudness overall. Additionally, the FCC is gauging its authority to regulate commercial volume on these streaming services.