Search Results for keywords:"Federal Communications Commission"

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has decided that state and local government contractors, along with local governments, are considered "persons" under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and must follow its rules. This means they must obtain consent before making certain automated or prerecorded calls. However, state governments themselves, when conducting official business, are not considered "persons" and are therefore exempt. The FCC's ruling aims to clarify who must comply with TCPA restrictions and protect consumer privacy while allowing necessary exceptions, such as emergency calls during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a proposal from TV-49, Inc. to move a television station's community of license from Silver City to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. This change would provide the first local TV service to Truth or Consequences and serve over 10,000 people who currently lack full power over-the-air television service. Although the population of Truth or Consequences is smaller than Silver City, the FCC believes the proposal deserves attention because it won't deprive Silver City of existing service and the new location has strong community elements. Comments on this proposal are due by March 24, 2025.

The Federal Communications Commission's Enforcement Bureau has suspended Issa Asad from the federal Lifeline program and other federal universal service support mechanisms due to fraud. Asad, the CEO of Q Link Wireless, admitted to defrauding the Lifeline program by submitting false claims, leading to him and his company benefiting unlawfully. Following his conviction, the Bureau will begin proceedings to debar Asad from future participation in these programs for at least three years. Anyone wishing to oppose this suspension can submit documentation within 30 days of receiving the notification.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has updated its rules for the 24 GHz band to align with international standards set by the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2019 (WRC-19). These updates aim to protect sensitive satellite sensors that monitor weather and climate by limiting unwanted emissions from mobile devices operating in these frequencies. The new rules will be implemented in two phases, with stricter limits coming into effect after September 1, 2027. This decision supports international harmonization and encourages the development of advanced wireless services while ensuring that critical scientific observations are safeguarded.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for public comments about their information collection efforts as part of reducing paperwork, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This includes feedback on the necessity and accuracy of the FCC's data collection, how to improve the process, and how to lessen its burden on small businesses. The information collection focuses on the E-Rate program, which helps schools and libraries receive discounts on communication services. The FCC has revised the forms used in this program to ensure compliance and prevent fraud, increasing the expected public burden to 195,615 hours annually.

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) is inviting public comments on an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002. The FCC aims to reduce paperwork burdens for small businesses, particularly those with fewer than 25 employees. The information collection relates to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and involves updates to State EAS Plans and false alert reporting. Written comments on the proposed changes should be submitted by April 3, 2025.

The Federal Communications Commission has announced a series of meetings for the Informal Working Groups (IWG) of the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee. These meetings, scheduled between January and March 2025, will be held virtually and are open to the public. The working groups focus on different communication services including maritime, aeronautical, mobile, fixed-satellite, and mobile satellite services. The meetings aim to prepare U.S. proposals for the upcoming radiocommunication conference.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requesting public comments to help reduce paperwork burdens as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002. They are interested in suggestions for reducing the information collection burden, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The comments are due by April 4, 2025, and should be submitted online and emailed to Nicole Ongele at the FCC. This information collection involves the use of a white space database that helps avoid interference with TV reception by unlicensed devices and has an estimated annual burden of 7,000 hours with a total annual cost of $151,000.