Search Results for agency_names:"Federal Communications Commission"

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved new rules for how information must be collected about the Connect America Fund. This approval allows these rules to be effective from February 28, 2025. The FCC requires certain telecommunications companies to report where they have provided broadband services, using a special web portal. This data helps ensure that these companies are using government support as intended and makes the information accessible to the public for accountability and transparency.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has denied Public Knowledge's request to reconsider a 2018 decision related to simplifying the process for carriers to discontinue older voice services as part of a technology transition. The FCC found that the concerns raised by Public Knowledge had already been addressed, including issues about Federal agencies being negatively affected and the adequacy of replacement services. The FCC explained that new streamlined options allow carriers to focus on upgrading to next-generation networks while ensuring customers have access to comparable voice services. Additionally, a motion to delay implementing the decision, pending an appeal, was dismissed as irrelevant since the appeal was denied.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has finalized new rules allowing FM booster stations to originate their own programming for up to three minutes per hour. This change enables broadcasters to deliver tailored content to specific areas within their coverage zones, enhancing localized information and advertisements. The rules also address technical and operational safeguards to prevent interference and ensure compliance with political broadcasting requirements. The initiative aims to expand the use of FM boosters beyond merely strengthening signals, opening up new opportunities for broadcasters and local communities.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) held an Open Meeting on February 17, 2021, which was conducted entirely online due to COVID-19. The meeting included several key presentations: the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to assist Americans struggling with internet costs during the pandemic; the COVID-19 Telehealth Program aimed at expanding connected care services; efforts to collect accurate broadband data to address the digital divide; and a proposal to address the improper use of 911 fees. Additionally, the FCC discussed implementing revisions to the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. The meeting was accessible via livestream and open captioning.

In this Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comments on changes to how they assess regulatory fees for space and earth stations. This includes proposals to charge fees on stations once they are authorized rather than waiting until they are operational and ideas for adjusting fee structures for different types of satellite systems based on their size and complexity. The FCC aims to make the process fairer and more sustainable by considering the workload and costs associated with regulating these systems. They are also looking into whether to create separate fee categories for different types of earth station licenses.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing a new voluntary plan to use the 900 MHz band for broadband purposes. This plan seeks input on changing current rules and procedures to allow the entire ten megahertz of the band to be used for broadband, if applicants reach private agreements. The proposal includes ways to protect existing narrowband operations while supporting new broadband developments and involves substantial changes to application and eligibility criteria. The FCC invites comments on these proposals, with an aim to boost the availability and efficiency of broadband services, especially in critical areas like utilities and infrastructure.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inviting public comments on a proposed information collection effort aimed at reducing paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They seek feedback on the necessity and utility of the information collection, the accuracy of burden estimates, and ways to minimize the impact on small businesses. Prepaid calling card service providers are required to report on their access charges and certify their contributions to the Universal Service Fund. Comments should be submitted by March 24, 2025.

In a recent decision, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chose not to adopt the rules it proposed in 2015 to reserve a vacant channel in the UHF Television Band for use by white space devices and wireless microphones. The FCC found that these rules were no longer necessary due to changes in the TV spectrum landscape following the Incentive Auction and actions the FCC has taken since 2015 to support these technologies. They believe continuing with existing measures is more effective and avoids burdening broadcasters with additional requirements. Consequently, the FCC has ended the proceeding.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comments on an information collection process under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This initiative aims to reduce the paperwork burden and improve the efficiency of data collection, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC is particularly interested in feedback on whether the proposed data collection is necessary and how it could be improved or minimized. Responses should be submitted by March 26, 2025, through the specified online platforms.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection effort as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They are particularly interested in ways to reduce the paperwork burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This effort involves digital audio broadcasting and requires comments to be submitted by March 12, 2021. The FCC aims to improve AM radio service by adopting new rules to allow AM stations to operate digitally, which is intended to enhance signal quality and coverage.