Search Results for agency_names:"Federal Communications Commission"

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.

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) has updated its E-Rate program invoicing rules, allowing schools and libraries more time to complete invoice submissions. Participants now have 120 days to submit invoices after receiving a decision on post-commitment requests or appeals. This change aims to make the program run more smoothly and to help schools and libraries access essential communication services without facing unnecessary obstacles. Additionally, the FCC is offering a one-time waiver opportunity for participants who missed submitting invoices due to delays in processing their requests.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a regulation to help prevent a type of robocall scam called a "one-ring scam," where scammers call a phone briefly, hoping the receiver will call back and incur charges. This move allows phone service providers to block calls suspected of being part of the scam using reasonable analytics without fear of being held liable if they mistakenly block legitimate calls. The rule, part of the TRACED Act, encourages collaboration with law enforcement and other countries to combat these scams and aims to better educate consumers on avoiding them. It offers significant protections to consumers and sets guidelines for voice service providers on blocking suspicious calls.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has decided to remove two outdated requirements for Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) providers: the "equal access" and "billing options" rules, as they are no longer necessary for delivering services equivalent to regular voice communication. This change reflects the advancements in technology and the way people access long-distance services today. Additionally, the FCC will stop publishing state TRS certification notices in the Federal Register, opting instead to provide notices on its website and in its Electronic Document Management System. These updates aim to make TRS more efficient and reduce unnecessary burdens on providers.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved a new information collection for rules that allow space station and earth station applicants to provide supplemental coverage from space. This approval, part of the SCS Report and Order, is effective from December 5, 2024, and focuses on enabling satellite and terrestrial services to work together for better connectivity. With an OMB Control Number of 3060-0678, the collection is intended to support policy changes made earlier in 2024 and requires detailed applications and certifications from operators wanting to offer new satellite communication services. These standards aim to ensure that operators provide services effectively while minimizing interference.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has renewed the charter for the Consumer Advisory Committee, allowing it to continue its work for another two years until October 2026. This committee will give recommendations to the FCC about consumer needs and will hold public meetings, either in person or via teleconference. The meetings will be fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, and all information will be shared openly. The committee's activities will follow the Federal Advisory Committee Act requirements, ensuring transparency and public access to records.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requesting public comments on an information collection effort as part of its ongoing initiative to reduce paperwork burdens, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The agency is specifically seeking input from small businesses on how to further reduce these burdens for those with fewer than 25 employees. The collection involves equipment performance measurements for AM, FM, and TV stations, with a total of 13,049 respondents and a corresponding number of required responses. The feedback will help determine the necessity, accuracy, and impact of this information collection.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is updating a system of records related to its Lifeline Program, which helps low-income individuals get discounts on phone and internet services. The changes include simplifying and clarifying information to make it easier to read, implementing better measures to monitor program representatives, and reducing fraud. The updates also involve sharing certain details with other federal agencies and contractors involved in administering similar programs and carrying out consumer surveys. These modifications aim to improve program efficiency while protecting the privacy and personal information of those involved.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved a new information collection related to the implementation of Next Generation 911 Services (NG911). As of March 25, 2025, compliance with specific NG911 rules is required, which will aid in transitioning emergency services to IP-based systems. The rules apply to various service providers, including those of wireline, mobile, and internet-based communication services, ensuring coordination with 911 authorities. The document also discusses procedures for challenging requests and reporting agreements, as well as the associated paperwork requirements and costs for compliance.