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Proposed Rule2021-14879

Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-Spring 2021

Primary source

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Published

July 30, 2021

Issuing agencies

Federal Communications Commission

Abstract

Twice a year, in spring and fall, the Commission publishes in the Federal Register a list in the Unified Agenda of those major items and other significant proceedings under development or review that pertain to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (U.S.C. 602). The Unified Agenda also provides the Code of Federal Regulations citations and legal authorities that govern these proceedings. The complete Unified Agenda will be published on the internet in a searchable format at www.reginfo.gov.

Full Text

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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 144 (Friday, July 30, 2021)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 41330-41358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14879]

[[Page 41329]]

Vol. 86

Friday,

No. 144

July 30, 2021

Part XXIII

Federal Communications Commission

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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 144 / Friday, July 30, 2021 / UA: Reg
Flex Agenda

[[Page 41330]]

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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Ch. I

Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions--
Spring 2021

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Twice a year, in spring and fall, the Commission publishes in
the Federal Register a list in the Unified Agenda of those major items
and other significant proceedings under development or review that
pertain to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (U.S.C. 602). The Unified
Agenda also provides the Code of Federal Regulations citations and
legal authorities that govern these proceedings. The complete Unified
Agenda will be published on the internet in a searchable format at
<a href="http://www.reginfo.gov">www.reginfo.gov</a>.

ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maura McGowan, Telecommunications
Policy Specialist, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, (202) 418-0990.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Unified Agenda of Major and Other Significant Proceedings

The Commission encourages public participation in its rulemaking
process. To help keep the public informed of significant rulemaking
proceedings, the Commission has prepared a list of important
proceedings now in progress. The General Services Administration
publishes the Unified Agenda in the Federal Register in the spring and
fall of each year.
The following terms may clarify the status of the proceedings
included in this report:
Docket Number--assigned to a proceeding if the Commission has
issued either a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or a Notice of Inquiry
concerning the matter under consideration. The Commission has used
docket numbers since January 1, 1978. Docket numbers consist of the
last two digits of the calendar year in which the docket was
established plus a sequential number that begins at 1 with the first
docket initiated during a calendar year (e.g., Docket No. 15-1 or
Docket No. 17-1). The abbreviation for the responsible bureau usually
precedes the docket number, as in ``MB Docket No. 17-289,'' which
indicates that the responsible bureau is the Media Bureau. A docket
number consisting of only five digits (e.g., Docket No. 29622)
indicates that the docket was established before January 1, 1978.
Notice of Inquiry (NOI)--issued by the Commission when it is
seeking information on a broad subject or trying to generate ideas on a
given topic. A comment period is specified during which all interested
parties may submit comments.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)--issued by the Commission when
it is proposing a specific change to Commission rules and regulations.
Before any changes are made, interested parties may submit written
comments on the proposed revisions.
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM)--issued by the
Commission when additional comment in the proceeding is sought.
Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O)--issued by the Commission to
deny a petition for rulemaking, conclude an inquiry, modify a decision,
or address a petition for reconsideration of a decision.
Rulemaking (RM) Number--assigned to a proceeding after the
appropriate bureau or office has reviewed a petition for rulemaking,
but before the Commission has acted on the petition.
Report and Order (R&O)--issued by the Commission to state a new or
amended rule or state that the Commission rules and regulations will
not be revised.

Dated: March 2, 2021.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
300....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI14
Implementing the
Telephone Consumer
Protection Act (TCPA) of
1991 (CG Docket No. 02-
278).
301....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI15
Implementing Section 225
of the Communications Act
(Telecommunications Relay
Service) (CG Docket No.
03-123).
302....................... Structure and Practices of 3060-AJ42
the Video Relay Service
(VRS) Program (CG Docket
No. 10-51).
303....................... Misuse of Internet 3060-AK01
Protocol (IP) Captioned
Telephone Service;
Telecommunications Relay
Services and Speech-to-
Speech Services; CG
Docket No. 13-24.
304....................... Advanced Methods to Target 3060-AK62
and Eliminate Unlawful
Robocalls (CG Docket No.
17-59).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Economics--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
305....................... Development of Nationwide 3060-AJ15
Broadband Data to
Evaluate Reasonable and
Timely Deployment of
Advanced Services to All
Americans.
306....................... Expanding the Economic and 3060-AJ82
Innovation Opportunities
of Spectrum Through
Incentive Auctions (GN
Docket No. 12-268).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Office of Engineering and Technology--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
307....................... Encouraging the Provision 3060-AK80
of New Technologies and
Services to the Public
(GN Docket No. 18-22).

[[Page 41331]]

308....................... Spectrum Horizon (ET 3060-AK81
Docket No. 18-21).
309....................... Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz 3060-AK96
Band (ET Docket No. 19-
138).
310....................... Allowing Earlier Equipment 3060-AL18
Marketing and Importation
Opportunities; Petition
to Expand Marketing
Opportunities for
Innovative Technologies
(ET Docket No. 20-382 &
RM-11857) NPRM, 86 FR
2337, January 1.
311....................... Unlicensed White Space 3060-AL22
Device Operations in the
Television Bands (ET
Docket No. 20-36).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Office of Engineering and Technology--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
312....................... Unlicensed White Space 3060-AL17
Device Operations in the
Television Bands (ET
Docket No. 20-36).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

International Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
313....................... International Settlements 3060-AJ77
Policy Reform (IB Docket
No. 11-80).
314....................... Update to Parts 2 and 25 3060-AK59
Concerning
NonGeostationary, Fixed-
Satellite Service
Systems, and Related
Matters: IB Docket No. I6-
408.
315....................... Amendment of Parts 2 and 3060-AK84
25 of the FCC Rules to
Facilitate the Use of
Earth Stations in Motion
Communicating With
Geostationary Orbit Space
Stations in FSS Bands: IB
Docket No. 17-95.
316....................... Further Streamlining Part 3060-AK87
25 Rules Governing
Satellite Services: IB
Docket No. 18-314.
317....................... Facilitating the 3060-AK89
Communications of Earth
Stations in Motion With
Non-Geostationary Orbit
Space Stations: IB Docket
No. 18-315.
318....................... Mitigation of Orbital 3060-AK90
Debris in the New Space
Age: IB Docket No. 18-313.
319....................... Process Reform for 3060-AL12
Executive Branch Review
of Certain FCC
Applications and
Petitions Involving
Foreign Ownership (IB
Docket No. 16-155).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
320....................... Revision of EEO Rules and 3060-AH95
Policies (MM Docket No.
98-204).
321....................... Establishment of Rules for 3060-AI38
Digital Low-Power
Television, Television
Translator, and
Television Booster
Stations (MB Docket No.
03-185).
322....................... Amendment of the 3060-AJ55
Commission's Rules
Related to Retransmission
Consent (MB Docket No. 10-
71).
323....................... Preserving Vacant Channels 3060-AK43
in the UHF Television
Band for Unlicensed Use;
(MB Docket No. 15-146).
324....................... Authorizing Permissive Use 3060-AK56
of the ``Next
Generation'' Broadcast
Television Standard (GN
Docket No. 16-142).
325....................... 2018 Quadrennial 3060-AK77
Regulatory Review of the
Commission's Broadcast
Ownership Rules (MB
Docket 18-349).
326....................... Children's Television 3060-AK78
Programming Rules (MB
Docket 18-202).
327....................... Equal Employment 3060-AK86
Opportunity Enforcement
(MB Docket 19-177).
328....................... Revision of the 3060-AL08
Commission's Part 76
Review Procedures (MB
Docket No. 20-70).
329....................... Duplication of Programming 3060-AL19
on Commonly Owned Radio
Stations (MB Docket No.
19-310).
330....................... Sponsorship Identification 3060-AL20
Requirements for Foreign
Government-Provided
Programming (MB Docket
No. 20-299).
331....................... FM Broadcast Booster 3060-AL21
Stations (MB Docket 20-
401).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Office of Managing Director--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
332....................... Assessment and Collection 3060-AK64
of Regulatory Fees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
333....................... Wireless E911 Location 3060-AJ52
Accuracy Requirements: PS
Docket No. 07-114.

[[Page 41332]]

334....................... Improving Outage Reporting 3060-AK39
for Submarine Cables and
Enhancing Submarine Cable
Outage Data; GN Docket
No. 15-206.
335....................... Amendments to Part 4 of 3060-AK40
the Commission's Rules
Concerning Disruptions to
Communications: PS Docket
No. 15-80.
336....................... New Part 4 of the 3060-AK41
Commission's Rules
Concerning Disruptions to
Communications; ET Docket
No. 04-35.
337....................... Wireless Emergency Alerts 3060-AK54
(WEA): PS Docket No. 15-
91..
338....................... Blue Alert EAS Event Code. 3060-AK63
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
339....................... Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 3060-AJ87
22, 24, 27, 90, and 95 of
the Commission's Rules to
Improve Wireless Coverage
Through the Use of Signal
Boosters (WT Docket No.
10-4).
340....................... Amendment of the 3060-AJ88
Commission's Rules
Governing Certain
Aviation Ground Station
Equipment (Squitter) (WT
Docket Nos. 10-61 and 09-
42).
341....................... Promoting Technological 3060-AK06
Solutions to Combat
Wireless Contraband
Device Use in
Correctional Facilities;
GN Docket No. 13-111.
342....................... Promoting Investment in 3060-AK12
the 3550-3700 MHz Band;
GN Docket No. 17-258.
343....................... Use of Spectrum Bands 3060-AK44
Above 24 GHz for Mobile
Services--Spectrum
Frontiers: WT Docket 10-
112.
344....................... Transforming the 2.5 GHz 3060-AK75
Band, WT Docket No.18-
120..
345....................... Expanding Flexible Use of 3060-AK76
the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band:
GN Docket No. 18-122.
346....................... Amendment of the 3060-AK92
Commission's Rules to
Promote Aviation Safety:
WT Docket No. 19-140.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wireline Competition Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
347....................... Local Telephone Networks 3060-AH44
That LECs Must Make
Available to Competitors.
348....................... Numbering Resource 3060-AH80
Optimization.
349....................... Jurisdictional Separations 3060-AJ06
350....................... Rural Call Completion; WC 3060-AJ89
Docket No. 13-39.
351....................... Comprehensive Review of 3060-AK20
the Part 32 Uniform
System of Accounts (WC
Docket No. 14-130).
352....................... Restoring Internet Freedom 3060-AK21
(WC Docket No. 17-108);
Protecting and Promoting
the Open Internet (GN
Docket No. 14-28).
353....................... Technology Transitions; GN 3060-AK32
Docket No 13-5, WC Docket
No. 05-25; Accelerating
Wireline Broadband
Deployment by Removing
Barriers to
Infrastructure
Investment; WC Docket No.
17-84.
354....................... Implementation of the 3060-AK57
Universal Service
Portions of the 1996
Telecommunications Act.
355....................... Toll Free Assignment 3060-AK91
Modernization and Toll
Free Service Access
Codes: WC Docket No. 17-
192, CC Docket No. 95-155.
356....................... Establishing the Digital 3060-AK93
Opportunity Data
Collection; WC Docket
Nos. 19-195 and 11-10.
357....................... Call Authentication Trust 3060-AL00
Anchor.
358....................... Implementation of the 3060-AL01
National Suicide
Improvement Act of 2018.
359....................... Modernizing Unbundling and 3060-AL02
Resale Requirements in an
Era of Next-Generation
Networks and Services.
360....................... Eliminating Ex Ante 3060-AL03
Pricing Regulation and
Tariffing of Telephone
Access Charges (WC Docket
20-71).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wireline Competition Bureau--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
361....................... Service Quality 3060-AJ08
Measurement Plan for
Interstate Special Access
(WC Docket No. 02-112; CC
Docket No. 00-175; WC
Docket No. 06-120).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 41333]]

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau

Long-Term Actions

300. Rules and Regulations Implementing the Telephone Consumer
Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991 (CG Docket No. 02-278)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 227
Abstract: In this docket, the Commission considers rules and
policies to implement the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991
(TCPA). The TCPA places requirements on robocalls (calls using an
automatic telephone dialing system, an autodialer, a prerecorded or, an
artificial voice), telemarketing calls, and unsolicited fax
advertisements.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kristi Thornton, Deputy Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone:
202 418-2467, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4229302b31362b6c362a2d302c362d2c022421216c252d34">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AI14

301. Rules and Regulations Implementing Section 225 of the
Communications Act (Telecommunications Relay Service) (CG Docket No.
03-123)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225
Abstract: This proceeding continues the Commission's inquiry into
improving the quality of telecommunications relay service (TRS) and
furthering the goal of functional equivalency, consistent with
Congress' mandate that TRS regulations encourage the use of existing
technology and not discourage or impair the development of new
technology. In this docket, the Commission explores ways to improve
emergency preparedness for TRS facilities and services, new TRS
technologies, public access to information and outreach, and issues
related to payments from the Interstate TRS Fund.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 08/25/03 68 FR 50993
R&O, Order on Reconsideration....... 09/01/04 69 FR 53346
FNPRM............................... 09/01/04 69 FR 53382
Public Notice....................... 02/17/05 70 FR 8034
Declaratory Ruling/Interpretation... 02/25/05 70 FR 9239
Public Notice....................... 03/07/05 70 FR 10930
Order............................... 03/23/05 70 FR 14568
Public Notice/Announcement of Date.. 04/06/05 70 FR 17334
Order............................... 07/01/05 70 FR 38134
Order on Reconsideration............ 08/31/05 70 FR 51643
R&O................................. 08/31/05 70 FR 51649
Order............................... 09/14/05 70 FR 54294
Order............................... 09/14/05 70 FR 54298
Public Notice....................... 10/12/05 70 FR 59346
R&O/Order on Reconsideration........ 12/23/05 70 FR 76208
Order............................... 12/28/05 70 FR 76712
Order............................... 12/29/05 70 FR 77052
NPRM................................ 02/01/06 71 FR 5221
Declaratory Ruling/Clarification.... 05/31/06 71 FR 30818
FNPRM............................... 05/31/06 71 FR 30848
FNPRM............................... 06/01/06 71 FR 31131
Declaratory Ruling/Dismissal of 06/21/06 71 FR 35553
Petition.
Clarification....................... 06/28/06 71 FR 36690
Declaratory Ruling on 07/06/06 71 FR 38268
Reconsideration.
Order on Reconsideration............ 08/16/06 71 FR 47141
MO&O................................ 08/16/06 71 FR 47145
Clarification....................... 08/23/06 71 FR 49380
FNPRM............................... 09/13/06 71 FR 54009
Final Rule; Clarification........... 02/14/07 72 FR 6960
Order............................... 03/14/07 72 FR 11789
R&O................................. 08/06/07 72 FR 43546
Public Notice....................... 08/16/07 72 FR 46060
Order............................... 11/01/07 72 FR 61813
Public Notice....................... 01/04/08 73 FR 863
R&O/Declaratory Ruling.............. 01/17/08 73 FR 3197
Order............................... 02/19/08 73 FR 9031
Order............................... 04/21/08 73 FR 21347
R&O................................. 04/21/08 73 FR 21252
Order............................... 04/23/08 73 FR 21843
Public Notice....................... 04/30/08 73 FR 23361
Order............................... 05/15/08 73 FR 28057
Declaratory Ruling.................. 07/08/08 73 FR 38928
FNPRM............................... 07/18/08 73 FR 41307
R&O................................. 07/18/08 73 FR 41286
Public Notice....................... 08/01/08 73 FR 45006
Public Notice....................... 08/05/08 73 FR 45354
Public Notice....................... 10/10/08 73 FR 60172
Order............................... 10/23/08 73 FR 63078
2nd R&O and Order on Reconsideration 12/30/08 73 FR 79683
Order............................... 05/06/09 74 FR 20892
Public Notice....................... 05/07/09 74 FR 21364
NPRM................................ 05/21/09 74 FR 23815
Public Notice....................... 05/21/09 74 FR 23859
Public Notice....................... 06/12/09 74 FR 28046
Order............................... 07/29/09 74 FR 37624
Public Notice....................... 08/07/09 74 FR 39699
Order............................... 09/18/09 74 FR 47894
Order............................... 10/26/09 74 FR 54913
Public Notice....................... 05/12/10 75 FR 26701
Order Denying Stay Motion (Release 07/09/10
Date).
Order............................... 08/13/10 75 FR 49491
Order............................... 09/03/10 75 FR 54040
NPRM................................ 11/02/10 75 FR 67333
NPRM................................ 05/02/11 76 FR 24442
Order............................... 07/25/11 76 FR 44326
Final Rule (Order).................. 09/27/11 76 FR 59551
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/22/11 76 FR 72124
Effective Date.
Proposed Rule (Public Notice)....... 02/28/12 77 FR 11997
Proposed Rule (FNPRM)............... 02/01/12 77 FR 4948
First R&O........................... 07/25/12 77 FR 43538

[[Page 41334]]

Public Notice....................... 10/29/12 77 FR 65526
Order on Reconsideration............ 12/26/12 77 FR 75894
Order............................... 02/05/13 78 FR 8030
Order (Interim Rule)................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8032
NPRM................................ 02/05/13 78 FR 8090
Announcement of Effective Date...... 03/07/13 78 FR 14701
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/13/13
FNPRM............................... 07/05/13 78 FR 40407
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/18/13
R&O................................. 07/05/13 78 FR 40582
R&O................................. 08/15/13 78 FR 49693
FNPRM............................... 08/15/13 78 FR 49717
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/30/13
R&O................................. 08/30/13 78 FR 53684
FNPRM............................... 09/03/13 78 FR 54201
NPRM................................ 10/23/13 78FR 63152
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/18/13
Petiton for Reconsideration; Request 12/16/13 78 FR 76096
for Comment.
Petition for Reconsideration; 12/16/13 78 FR 76097
Request for Comment.
Request for Clarification; Request 12/30/13 78 FR 79362
for Comment; Correction.
Petition for Reconsideration Comment 01/10/14
Period End.
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/21/14
Announcement of Effective Date...... 07/11/14 79 FR 40003
Announcement of Effective Date...... 08/28/14 79 FR 51446
Correction--Announcement of 08/28/14 79 FR 51450
Effective Date.
Technical Amendments................ 09/09/14 79 FR 53303
Public Notice....................... 09/15/14 79 FR 54979
R&O and Order....................... 10/21/14 79 FR 62875
FNPRM............................... 10/21/14 79 FR 62935
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/22/14
Final Action (Announcement of 10/30/14 79 FR 64515
Effective Date).
Final Rule Effective................ 10/30/14
FNPRM............................... 11/08/15 80 FR 72029
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/01/16
Public Notice....................... 01/20/16 81 FR 3085
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 02/16/16
R&O................................. 03/21/16 81 FR 14984
FNPRM............................... 08/24/16 81 FR 57851
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/14/16
NOI and FNPRM....................... 04/12/17 82 FR 17613
NOI and FNPRM Comment Period End.... 05/30/17
R&O................................. 04/13/17 82 FR 17754
R&O................................. 04/27/17 82 FR 19322
FNPRM............................... 04/27/17 82 FR 19347
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 07/11/17
R&O................................. 06/23/17 82 FR 28566
Public Notice....................... 07/21/17 82 FR 33856
Public Notice--Correction........... 07/25/17 82 FR 34471
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 07/31/17
Public Notice--Correction Comment 08/17/17
Period End.
R&O................................. 08/22/17 82 FR 39673
Announcement of Effective Date...... 10/17/17 82 FR 48203
Public Notice; Petition for 10/25/17 82 FR 49303
Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due Date................ 11/20/17
R&O and Declaratory Ruling.......... 06/27/18 83 FR 30082
FNPRM............................... 07/18/18 83 FR 33899
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 11/15/18
Public Notice....................... 08/23/18 83 FR 42630
Public Notice Opposition Period End. 09/17/18
Announcement of Effective Date...... 02/04/19 84 FR 1409
R&O................................. 03/08/19 84 FR 8457
FNPRM............................... 03/14/19 84 FR 9276
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 04/29/19
R&O................................. 06/06/19 84 FR 26364
FNPRM............................... 06/06/19 84 FR 26379
Petition for Recon Request for 06/18/19 84 FR 28264
Comment.
Petition for Recon Comment Period 07/15/19
End.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 08/05/19
R&O................................. 01/06/20 85 FR 462
R&O................................. 01/09/20 85 FR 1125
NPRM................................ 01/09/20 85 FR 1134
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/13/20
Announcement of Effective Date...... 02/19/20 85 FR 9392
Final Rule; removal of compliance 05/06/20 85 FR 26857
notices.
Report & Order...................... 05/08/20 85 FR 27309
Final Rule; correction.............. 08/26/20 85 FR 52489
R&O and Order on Recon.............. 10/14/20 85 FR 64971
Final Rule; announcement of 10/23/20 85 FR 67447
effective and compliance dates.
FNPRM............................... 02/01/21 86 FR 7681
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 04/02/21
Public Notice; Petition for 02/22/21 86 FR 10458
Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due Date................ 03/19/21
R&O................................. 02/23/21 86 FR 10844
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b6e6762647f256c796e6e657c6a676f4b6d6868256c647d">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AI15

302. Structure and Practices of the Video Relay Service (VRS) Program
(CG Docket No. 10-51)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47
U.S.C. 303(r)
Abstract: The Commission takes a fresh look at its VRS rules to
ensure that it is available to and used by the full spectrum of
eligible users, encourages innovation, and is provided efficiently to
be less susceptible to the waste, fraud, and abuse that have plagued
the program and threatened its long-term viability. The Commission also
considers the most effective and efficient way to make VRS available
and to determine what is the most fair, efficient, and transparent
cost-recovery methodology. In addition, the Commission looks at various
ways to measure the quality of VRS so as to ensure a better consumer
experience.
Timetable:

[[Page 41335]]

Oppositions Due Date................ 10/07/11
Final Rule; Clarification (MO&O).... 10/31/11 76 FR 67070
FNPRM............................... 10/31/11 76 FR 67118
Interim Final Rule; Announcement of 11/03/11 76 FR 68116
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/04/11 76 FR 68328
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Announcement of 11/07/11 76 FR 68642
Effective Date.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 12/30/11
FNPRM............................... 02/01/12 77 FR 4948
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 03/19/12
Final Rule; Correction.............. 03/27/12 77 FR 18106
Correcting Amendments............... 06/07/12 77 FR 33662
Order (Release Date)................ 07/25/12
Correcting Amendments............... 10/04/12 77 FR 60630
Public Notice....................... 10/29/12 77 FR 65526
Comment Period End.................. 11/29/12
FNPRM............................... 07/05/13 78 FR 40407
R&O................................. 07/05/13 78 FR 40582
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/18/13
Public Notice....................... 09/11/13 78 FR 55696
Public Notice....................... 09/15/14 79 FR 54979
Comment Period End.................. 10/10/14
Final Action (Announcement of 10/30/14 79 FR 64515
Effective Date).
Final Rule Effective................ 10/30/14
FNPRM............................... 11/18/15 80 FR 72029
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 02/01/16
R&O................................. 03/21/16 81 FR 14984
FNPRM............................... 08/24/16 81 FR 57851
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/14/16
NOI and FNPRM....................... 04/12/17 82 FR 17613
NOI and FNPRM Comment Period End.... 05/30/17
R&O................................. 04/13/17 82 FR 17754
R&O................................. 04/27/17 82 FR 19322
FNPRM............................... 04/27/17 82 FR 19347
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 07/01/17
Order............................... 06/23/17 82 FR 28566
Public Notice....................... 07/21/17 82 FR 33856
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 07/31/17
Public Notice Correction............ 07/25/17 82 FR 34471
Public Notice Correction Comment 08/17/17
Period End.
R&O and Order....................... 08/22/17 82 FR 39673
Announcement of Effective Date...... 10/17/17 82 FR 48203
Public Notice; Petition for 10/25/17 82 FR 49303
Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due Date................ 11/20/17
R&O................................. 06/06/19 84 FR 26364
FNPRM............................... 06/06/19 84 FR 26379
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 08/05/19
Report & Order...................... 05/08/20 85 FR 27309
R&O and Order on Recon.............. 10/14/20 85 FR 64971
Final rule; announcement of 10/23/20 85 FR 67447
effective and compliance dates.
FNPRM............................... 02/01/21 86 FR 7681
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 04/02/21
Public Notice; Petition for 02/22/21 86 FR 10458
Reconsideration.
Oppositions Due Date................ 03/19/21
-----------------------------------
Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d1b4bdb8bea5ffb6a3b4b4bfa6b0bdb591b7b2b2ffb6bea7">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ42

303. Misuse of Internet Protocol (IP) Captioned Telephone Service;
Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-To-Speech Services; CG
Docket No. 13-24

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 225
Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiated
this proceeding in its effort to ensure that Internet-Protocol
Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) is provided effectively and in the
most efficient manner. In doing so, the FCC adopted rules to address
certain practices related to the provision and marketing of IP CTS, as
well as compensation of TRS providers. IP CTS is a form of relay
service designed to allow people with hearing loss to speak directly to
another party on a telephone call and to simultaneously listen to the
other party and read captions of what that party is saying over an IP-
enabled device. To ensure that IP CTS is provided efficiently to
persons who need to use this service, the Commission adopted rules
establishing several requirements and issued an FNPRM to address
additional issues.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 41336]]

Agency Contact: Eliot Greenwald, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights
Office, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2235, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c2a7aeabadb6eca5b0a7a7acb5a3aea682a4a1a1eca5adb4">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK01

304. Advanced Methods To Target and Eliminate Unlawful Robocalls (CG
Docket No. 17-59)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 201 and 202; 47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C.
251(e)
Abstract: The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 restricts
the use of robocalls autodialed or prerecorded calls in certain
instances. In CG Docket No. 17-59, the Commission considers rules and
policies aimed at eliminating unlawful robocalling. Among the issues it
examines in this docket are whether to allow carriers to block calls
that purport to be from unallocated or unassigned phone numbers through
the use of spoofing, whether to allow carriers to block calls based on
their own analyses of which calls are likely to be unlawful and whether
to establish a database of reassigned phone numbers to help prevent
robocalls to consumers, who did not consent to such calls.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM/NOI............................ 05/17/17 82 FR 22625
2nd NOI............................. 07/13/17
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/31/17
FNPRM............................... 01/08/18 83 FR 770
R&O................................. 01/12/18 83 FR 1566
2nd FNPRM........................... 04/23/18 83 FR 17631
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 06/07/18
2nd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 07/09/18
2nd R&O............................. 03/26/19 84 FR 11226
3rd FNPRM........................... 06/24/19 84 FR 29478
Declaratory Ruling.................. 06/24/19 84 FR 29387
Public Notice Seeking Input on 12/30/19
Report.
Public Notice Seeking Comment on 01/24/20
Reassigned Numbers.
Public Notice Seeking Comment on RND 02/26/20
Cost/Fee Structure.
Public Notice Establishing 04/16/20
Guidelines for RND.
Report.............................. 06/25/20
3rd NPRM Comment Date............... 06/26/20
Announcement of Compliance Dates.... 06/26/20 85 FR 38334
3rd R&O, Order of Reconsideration, 07/31/20 85 FR 46063
4th FNPRM.
4th R&O (release date).............. 12/30/20
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Karen Schroeder, Associate Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone:
202 418-0654, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#046f6576616a2a77676c766b61606176446267672a636b72">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Jerusha Burnett, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications
Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0526,
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5d37382f282e353c733f282f333829291d3b3e3e733a322b">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK62

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Economics

Long-Term Actions

305. Development of Nationwide Broadband Data To Evaluate Reasonable
and Timely Deployment of Advanced Services to All Americans

Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 251; 47 U.S.C. 252; 47 U.S.C. 257; 47
U.S.C. 271; 47 U.S.C. 1302; 47 U.S.C. 160(b); 47 U.S.C. 161(a)(2)
Abstract: The Report and Order streamlined and reformed the
Commission's Form 477 Data Program, which is the Commission's primary
tool to collect data on broadband and telephone services.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Suzanne Mendez, Program Analyst, OEA, Federal
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone:
202 418-0941, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5a6a0afb4bbbbb0fbb8b0bbb1b0af95b3b6b6fbb2baa3">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ15

306. Expanding the Economic and Innovation Opportunities of Spectrum
Through Incentive Auctions (GN Docket No. 12-268)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(G); 47 U.S.C. 1452
Abstract: In February 2012, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job
Creation Act was enacted (Pub. L. 112-96, 126 Stat. 156 (2012)). Title
VI of that statute, commonly known as the Spectrum Act, provides the
Commission with the authority to conduct incentive auctions to meet the
growing demand for wireless broadband. Pursuant to the Spectrum Act,
the Commission may conduct incentive auctions that will offer new
initial spectrum licenses subject to flexible-use service rules on
spectrum made available by licensees that voluntarily relinquish some
or all of their spectrum usage rights in exchange for a portion, based
on the value of the relinquished rights as determined by an auction, of
the proceeds of bidding for the new licenses. In addition to granting
the Commission general authority to conduct incentive auctions, the
Spectrum Act requires the Commission to conduct an incentive auction of
broadcast TV spectrum and sets forth special requirements for such an
auction.
The Spectrum Act requires that the BIA consist of a reverse auction
``to determine the amount of compensation that each broadcast
television licensee would accept in return for voluntarily
relinquishing some or all of its spectrum usage rights'' and a forward
auction of licenses in the reallocated spectrum for flexible-use
services, including mobile broadband. Broadcast television licensees
who elected to voluntarily participate in the auction had three bidding
options: Go off-the-air, share spectrum with another broadcast
television licensee, or move channels to the upper or lower VHS band in
exchange for receiving part of the proceeds from auctioning that
spectrum to wireless providers. The Spectrum Act also authorized the
Commission to reorganize the 600 MHz band following the BIA including,
as necessary, reassigning full power and Class A television stations to
new channels in order to clear the spectrum sold in the BIA. That post-
auction reorganization (known as the repack) is currently underway and
all of the stations who

[[Page 41337]]

were assigned new channels are scheduled to have vacated their pre-
auction channels by July 3, 2020, pursuant to a 10-phase transition
schedule adopted by the Commission.
In May 2014, the Commission adopted a Report and Order that laid
out the general framework for the BIA. The auction started on March 29,
2016, with the submission of initial commitments by eligible broadcast
licensees. The BIA ended on April 13, 2017, with the release of the
Auction Closing and Channel Reassignment Public Notice that also marked
the start of the 39-month transition period during which 987 of the
full power and Class A television stations remaining on-the-air will
transition their stations to their post-auction channel assignments in
the reorganized television band. Pursuant to the Spectrum Act, the
Commission will reimburse 957 of those full power and Class A stations
for the reasonable costs associated with relocating to their post-
auction channel assignments and will reimburse multichannel video
programming distributors for their costs associated with continuing to
carry the signals of those stations.
In March 2018, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 115-
141, at Div. E, Title V, 511, 132 Stat. 348 (2018), codified at 47
U.S.C. 1452(j)-(n)) (the Reimbursement Expansion Act or REA), extended
the deadline for reimbursement of eligible entities from April 2020 to
no later than July 3, 2023, and also expanded the universe of entities
eligible for reimbursement to include low-power television stations and
TV translator stations displaced by the BIA for their reasonably
incurred costs to relocate to a new channel, and FM broadcast stations
for their reasonably incurred costs for facilities necessary to
reasonably minimize disruption of service as a result of the post-
auction reorganization of the television band. On March 15, 2019, the
Commission adopted a Report and Order setting rules for the
reimbursement of eligible costs to those newly eligible entities.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jean L. Kiddoo, Chair, Incentive Auction Task
Force, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7757, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f252a2e216124262b2b20200f292c2c61282039">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ82

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Office of Engineering and Technology

Long-Term Actions

307. Encouraging the Provision of New Technologies and Services to the
Public (GN Docket No. 18-22)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(3)
Abstract: In this proceeding, the FCC seeks to establish rules
describing guidelines and procedures to implement the stated policy
goal of section 7 to encourage the provision of new technologies and
services to the public. Although the forces of competition and
technological growth work together to enable the development and
deployment of many new technologies and services to the public, the
Commission has at times been slow to identify and take action to ensure
that important new technologies or services are made available as
quickly as possible. The Commission has sought to overcome these
impediments by streamlining many of its processes but all too often
regulatory delays can adversely impact newly proposed technologies or
services.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Paul Murray, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445
12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0688, Fax: 202
418-7447, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fc8c9d8990d291898e8e9d85bc9a9f9fd29b938a">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK80

308. Spectrum Horizon (ET Docket No. 18-21)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C.
157; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303; 47
U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 332; sec. 76 of 1996 Telecom Act,
as amended, 47 U.S.C. 302 and sec. 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the FCC seeks to implement a plan to
make the spectrum above 95 GHz more readily accessible for new
innovative services and technologies. Throughout its history, when the
Commission has expanded access to what was thought to be the upper
reaches of the usable spectrum, new technological advances have emerged
to push the boundary of usable spectrum even further. The frequencies
above 95 GHz are today's spectrum horizons. The Notice sought comment
on proposed rules to permit licensed fixed point-to-point operations in
a total of 102.2 gigahertz of spectrum; on making 15.2 gigahertz of
spectrum available for unlicensed use; and on creating a new category
of experimental licenses to increase opportunities for entities to
develop new services and technologies from 95 GHz to 3 THz with no
limits on geography or technology.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michael Ha, Deputy Division Chief, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 201 418-2099, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#167b7f757e77737a387e775670757538717960">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK81

309. Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz Band (ET Docket No. 19-138)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 1; 47 U.S.C. 4(i); 47 U.S.C. 301; 47
U.S.C. 302; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 CFR 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes to amend its
rules for the 5.850-5.925 GHz (5.9 GHz) band. The proposal would permit
unlicensed devices to operate in the lower 45-megahertz portion of the
band at 5.850-5.895 GHz under part 15 of the Commission's rules. It
would also permit Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) operations in
the upper 30-megahertz portion of the band at 5.895-5.925 GHz under
parts 90 and 95 of the Commission's rules. ITS operations would consist
of Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) devices at 5.905-5.925 GHz,
and C-V2X and/or Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) devices at
5.895-5.905 GHz.
Timetable:

[[Page 41338]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Howard Griboff, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, 45, Washington, DC 20554,
Phone: 202 418-0657, Fax: 202 418-2824, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#630b0c140211074d04110a010c0505230500004d040c15">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK96

310. <bullet> Allowing Earlier Equipment Marketing and Importation
Opportunities; Petition To Expand Marketing Opportunities for
Innovative Technologies (ET Docket No. 20-382 & RM-11857) NPRM, 86 FR
2337, January 1

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 301, 302a, 303(c), 303(f), and
303(r)
Abstract: In this document, the Commission recognize that our
equipment authorization rules have in some ways failed to keep pace
with developments in the modern device ecosystem. In particular, our
rules limit the ability of device manufacturers to market and import
radiofrequency devices in the most efficient and cost-effective ways
possible. We therefore take the opportunity here to propose specific
rule changes that would allow device manufacturers to take full
advantage of modern marketing and importation practices.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/12/21 86 FR 2337
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/11/21 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Thomas Struble, Federal Communications Commission,
45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2470, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ef9b8780828e9cc19c9b9d9a8d838aaf898c8cc1888099">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Brian Butler, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2702, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7c1e0e151d12521e090810190e3c1a1f1f521b130a">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL18

311. <bullet> Unlicensed White Space Device Operations in the
Television Bands (ET Docket No. 20-36)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 302a;
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 1.407 and 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission revises its rules to
provide additional opportunities for unlicensed white space devices
operating in the broadcast television bands (TV bands) to deliver
wireless broadband services in rural areas and applications associated
with the Internet of Things (IoT). This region of the spectrum has
excellent propagation characteristics that make it particularly
attractive for delivering communications services over long distances,
coping with variations in terrain, as well as providing coverage into
and within buildings. We offer several proposals to spur continued
growth of the white space device ecosystem, especially for providing
affordable broadband service to rural and underserved communities that
can help close the digital divide.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Hugh Van Tuyl, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone:
202 418-7506, Fax: 202 418-1944, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#365e43515e1840575842434f5a7650555518515940">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL22

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Office of Engineering and Technology

Completed Actions

312. <bullet> Unlicensed White Space Device Operations in the
Television Bands (ET Docket No. 20-36)

Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Duplicate of 3060-AL22.............. 04/01/21 .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

RIN: 3060-AL17

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

International Bureau

Long-Term Actions

313. International Settlements Policy Reform (IB Docket No. 11-80)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 152; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 201
to 205; 47 U.S.C. 208; 47 U.S.C. 211; 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 303(r);
47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 403
Abstract: The FCC is reviewing the International Settlements Policy
(ISP). It governs the ways U.S. carriers negotiate with foreign
carriers for the exchange of international traffic and is the structure
by which the Commission has sought to respond to concerns that foreign
carriers with market power are able to take advantage of the presence
of multiple U.S. carriers serving a particular market. In 2011, the FCC
released an NPRM that proposed to further deregulate the international
telephony market and enable U.S. consumers to enjoy competitive prices
when they make calls to international destinations. First, it proposed
to remove the ISP from all international routes except Cuba. Second,
the FCC sought comment on a proposal to enable the Commission to better
protect U.S. consumers from the effects of anticompetitive conduct by
foreign carriers in instances necessitating Commission intervention. In
2012, the FCC adopted a Report and Order that eliminated the ISP on all
routes but maintained the nondiscrimination requirement of the ISP on
the U.S.-Cuba route and codified it in 47 CFR 63.22(f). In the Report
and Order, the FCC also adopted measures to protect U.S. consumers from
anticompetitive conduct by foreign carriers. In 2016, the FCC released
an FNPRM seeking comment on removing the discrimination requirement on
the U.S.-Cuba route.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: David Krech, Assoc. Chief, Telecommunications &
Analysis Division, Federal Communications Commission, International
Bureau, 445

[[Page 41339]]

12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7443, Fax: 202
418-2824, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#157174637c713b7e6770767d557376763b727a63">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ77

314. Update to Parts 2 and 25 Concerning Nongeostationary, Fixed-
Satellite Service Systems, and Related Matters: IB Docket No. I6-408

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: On January 11, 2017, the Commission began a rulemaking to
update its rules and policies concerning non-geostationary-satellite
orbit (NGSO), fixed-satellite service (FSS) systems and related
matters. The Commission proposed among other things, to provide for
more flexible use of the 17.8-20.2 GHz bands for FSS, promote shared
use of spectrum among NGSO FSS satellite systems, and remove
unnecessary design restrictions on NGSO FSS systems. The Commission
subsequently adopted a Report and Order establishing new sharing
criteria among NGSO FSS systems and providing additional flexibility
for FSS spectrum use. The Commission also released a Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking proposing to remove the domestic coverage
requirement for NGSO FSS systems and later adopted a Second Report and
Order removing this requirement.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Clay DeCell, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0803, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#86e5eae7ffa8e2e3e5e3eaeac6e0e5e5a8e1e9f0">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK59

315. Amendment of Parts 2 and 25 of the FCC Rules To Facilitate the Use
of Earth Stations in Motion Communicating With Geostationary Orbit
Space Stations in FSS Bands: IB Docket No. 17-95

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157(a); 47 U.S.C. 303;
47 U.S.C. 308(b); 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: In June 2017, the Commission began a rulemaking to
streamline, consolidate, and harmonize rules governing earth stations
in motion (ESIMs) used to provide satellite-based services on ships,
airplanes and vehicles communicating with geostationary-satellite orbit
(GSO), fixed-satellite service (FSS) satellite systems. In September
2018, the Commission adopted rules governing communications of ESIMs
with GSO satellites. These rules addressed communications in the
conventional C-, Ku-, and Ka-bands, as well as portions of the extended
Ku-band. At the same time, the Commission also released a Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that sought comment on allowing ESIMs to
operate in all of the frequency bands in which earth stations at fixed
locations operating in GSO FSS satellite networks can be blanket-
licensed. Specifically, comment was sought on expanding the frequencies
available for communications of ESIMs with GSO FSS satellites to
include the following frequency bands: 10.7-10.95 GHz, 11.2-11.45 GHz,
17.8-18.3 GHz, 18.8-19.3 GHz, 19.3-19.4 GHz, 19.6-19.7 GHz (space-to-
Earth); and 28.6-29.1 GHz (Earth-to-space).
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/16/17 82 FR 27652
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/30/17 .......................
OMB-approval for Information 08/28/18 .......................
Collection of R&O Comment Period
End.
FNPRM............................... 07/24/20 85 FR 44818
R&O................................. 07/24/20 85 FR 44772
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/22/20 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Sean O'More, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0803, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#512234303f7f3e3c3e2334113732327f363e27">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK84

316. Further Streamlining Part 25 Rules Governing Satellite Services:
IB Docket No. 18-314

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. secs. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 161; 47 U.S.C.
303; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: Under the Commission's rules, satellite operators must
follow separate application and authorization processes for the
satellites and earth stations that make up their networks and have no
option for a single, unified network license. In a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, the FCC proposed to create a new, optional, unified license
to include both space stations and earth stations operating in a
geostationary-satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service (GSO FSS)
satellite network. In addition, the Commission proposed to repeal or
modify unnecessarily burdensome rules in Part 25 governing satellite
services, such as annual reporting requirements. These proposals would
greatly simplify the Commission's licensing and regulation of satellite
systems. In a subsequent Report and Order, the Commission streamlined
its rules governing satellite services by creating an optional
framework for the authorization of blanket-licensed earth stations and
space stations in a satellite system through a unified license. The
Commission also aligned the build-out requirements for earth stations
and space stations and eliminated unnecessary reporting rules.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/31/19 84 FR 638
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/18/19 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 04/16/19 .......................
Report & Order...................... 03/01/21 86 FR 11880
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Clay DeCell, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0803, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#47242b263e69232224222b2b0721242469202831">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK87

317. Facilitating the Communications of Earth Stations in Motion With
Non-Geostationary Orbit Space Stations: IB Docket No. 18-315

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 157(a); 47 U.S.C. 303;
47 U.S.C. 308(b); 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: In November 2018, the Commission adopted a notice of
proposed rulemaking that proposed to expand the scope of the
Commission's rules governing ESIMs operations to cover communications
with NGSO FSS satellites. Comment was sought on establishing a
regulatory framework for communications of ESIMs with NGSO FSS
satellites that would be analogous to that which exists for ESIMs
communicating with GSO FSS satellites.

[[Page 41340]]

In this context, comment was sought on: (1) Allowing ESIMs to
communicate in many of the same conventional Ku-band, extended Ku-band,
and Ka-band frequencies that were allowed for communications of ESIMs
with GSO FSS satellites (with the exception of the 18.6-18.8 GHz and
29.25-29.5 GHz frequency bands); (2) extending blanket licensing to
ESIMs communicating with NGSO satellites; and (3) revisions to specific
provisions in the Commission's rules to implement these changes. The
specific frequency bands for communications of ESIMs with NGOS FSS
satellites on which comment was sought are as follows: 10.7-11.7 GHz;
11.7-12.2 GHz; 14.0-14.5 GHz; 17.8-18.3 GHz; 18.3-18.6 GHz; 18.8-19.3
GHz; 19.3-19.4 GHz; 19.6-19.7 GHz; 19.7-20.2 GHz; 28.35-28.6 GHz; 28.6-
29.1 GHz; and 29.5-30.0 GHz.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Cindy Spiers, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1593, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#34575d5a504d1a47445d514647745257571a535b42">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK89

318. Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age: IB Docket No.
18-313

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 301; 47
U.S.C. 302; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 308; 47 U.S.C. 309;
47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C. 336; 47 U.S.C.
605; 47 U.S.C. 721
Abstract: The Commission's current orbital debris rules were first
adopted in 2004. Since then, significant changes have occurred in
satellite technologies and market conditions, particularly in Low Earth
Orbit, i.e., below 2000 kilometers altitude. These changes include the
increasing use of lower cost small satellites and proposals to deploy
large constellations of non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO)
systems, some involving thousands of satellites.
The NPRM proposes changes to improve disclosure of debris
mitigation plans. The NPRM also makes proposals and seeks comment
related to satellite disposal reliability and methodology, appropriate
deployment altitudes in low-Earth-orbit, and on-orbit lifetime, with a
particular focus on large NGSO satellite constellations. Other aspects
of the NPRM include new rule proposals for geostationary orbit
satellite (GSO) license term extension requests, and consideration of
disclosure requirements related to several emerging technologies and
new types of commercial operations, including rendezvous and proximity
operations.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Merissa Velez, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-0751, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#abc6ced9c2d8d8ca85ddcec7ced1ebcdc8c885ccc4dd">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK90

319. Process Reform for Executive Branch Review of Certain FCC
Applications and Petitions Involving Foreign Ownership (IB Docket No.
16-155)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C 154(l); 47 U.S.C . 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 214;
47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 413; 47 U.S.C.
34-39; E.O. 10530; 3 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission considers rules and
procedures that streamline and improve the timeliness and transparency
of the process by which the Commission refers certain applications and
petitions for declaratory ruling to the Executive Branch agencies for
assessment of any national security, law enforcement, foreign policy or
trade policy issues related to foreign investment in the applicants and
petitioners.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Arthur T. Lechtman, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, International Bureau, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1465, Fax: 202 418-0175, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d4b5a6a0bca1a6fab8b1b7bca0b9b5ba94b2b7b7fab3bba2">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL12

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Media Bureau

Long-Term Actions

320. Revision of EEO Rules and Policies (MM Docket No. 98-204)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 257; 47
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47 U.S.C. 334; 47
U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C. 554
Abstract: FCC authority to govern Equal Employment Opportunity
(EEO) responsibilities of cable television operators was codified in
the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984. This authority was
extended to television broadcast licensees and other multi-channel
video programming distributors in the Cable and Television Consumer
Protection Act of 1992. In the Second Report and Order, the FCC adopted
new EEO rules and policies. This action was in response to a decision
of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit that
found prior EEO rules unconstitutional. The Third Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM) requests comment as to the applicability of the EEO
rules to part-time employees. The Third Report and Order adopted
revised forms for broadcast station and MVPDs Annual Employment Report.
In the Fourth NPRM, comment was sought regarding public access to the
data contained in the forms.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

[[Page 41341]]

Agency Contact: Brendan Holland, Chief, Industry Analysis Division,
Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2486, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5e3c2c3b303a3f3070363132323f303a1e383d3d70393128">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AH95

321. Establishment of Rules for Digital Low-Power Television,
Television Translator, and Television Booster Stations (MB Docket No.
03-185)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 336
Abstract: This proceeding initiated the digital television
conversion for low-power television (LPTV) and television translator
stations. The rules and policies adopted as a result of this proceeding
provide the framework for these stations' conversion from analog to
digital broadcasting.
The Report and Order adopts definitions and permissible use
provisions for digital TV translator and LPTV stations. The Second
Report and Order takes steps to resolve the remaining issues in order
to complete the low-power television digital transition. The third
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on a number of issues
related to the potential impact of the incentive auction and the
repacking process.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Shaun Maher, Attorney, Video Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-2324, Fax: 202 418-2827, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#24574c45514a0a49454c4156644247470a434b52">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AI38

322. Amendment of the Commission's Rules Related to Retransmission
Consent (MB Docket No. 10-71)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 325; 47 U.S.C. 534
Abstract: Cable systems and other multichannel video programming
distributors are not entitled to retransmit a broadcast station's
signal without the station's consent. This consent is known as
``retransmission consent.'' Since Congress enacted the retransmission
consent regime in 1992, there have been significant changes in the
video programming marketplace. In this proceeding, comment is sought on
a series of proposals to streamline and clarify the Commission's rules
concerning or affecting retransmission consent negotiations.
In the 2014 Report and Order, the Commission adopted a rule
providing that it is a violation of the duty to negotiate
retransmission consent in good faith for a television station that is
ranked among the top four stations to negotiate retransmission consent
jointly with another such station if the stations are not commonly
owned and serve the same geographic market.
In 2019, the Commission sought comment on amending the rules
concerning notices cable operators must provide to subscribers.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Cobb, Attorney, Policy Division, Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-2120 Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e48e8b8c8aca878b8686a4828787ca838b92">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ55

323. Preserving Vacant Channels in the UHF Television Band for
Unlicensed Use; (MB Docket No. 15-146)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 308; 47 U.S.C. 309;
47 U.S.C. 310; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47 U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C.
336; 47 U.S.C. 403
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission considers proposals to
preserve vacant television channels in the UHF television band for
shared use by white space devices and wireless microphones following
the repacking of the band after the conclusion of the Incentive
Auction. In the NPRM, the Commission proposed preserving in each area
of the country at least one vacant television channel. In the Public
Notice, the Commission notes that a limited number of broadcast
television stations may be reassigned during the incentive auction and
repacking process to channels within the duplex gap established as part
of the 600 MHz Band Plan, resulting in a restriction on the ability of
white space devices and wireless microphone to use this spectrum. To
address this concern, the Public Notice tentatively concluded that a
second available television channel should be preserved in the
remaining television band in such areas for shared use by white space
devices and wireless microphones, in addition to the one such channel
proposed in the NPRM.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/02/15 80 FR 38158
NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/03/15
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 08/31/15
Public Notice....................... 09/01/15 80 FR 52715
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Shaun Maher, Attorney, Video Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-2324, Fax: 202 418-2827, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#72011a13071c5c1f131a1700321411115c151d04">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK43

324. Authorizing Permissive Use of the ``Next Generation'' Broadcast
Television Standard (GN Docket No. 16-142)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47
U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47
U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 325(b); 47 U.S.C. 336; 47 U.S.C. 399(b); 47
U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C. 534; 47 U.S.C. 535
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks to authorize
television broadcasters to use the ``Next Generation'' ATSC 3.0
broadcast television transmission standard on a voluntary, market-
driven basis, while they continue to deliver current-generation digital
television broadcast service to their viewers. In the Report and Order,
the Commission adopted

[[Page 41342]]

rules to afford broadcasters flexibility to deploy ATSC 3.0-based
transmissions, while minimizing the impact on, and costs to, consumers
and other industry stakeholders.
In the 2nd R&O, the Commission provided additional guidance to
broadcasters deploying Next Gen TV.
In 2021, the Commission made a technical modification to the rules
governing the use of a distribution transmission system by a television
station to account for deployment of ATSC 3.0.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Evan Baranoff, Attorney, Policy Division, Federal
Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-7142, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f29784939cdc909380939c9d9494b2949191dc959d84">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK56

325. 2018 Quadrennial Regulatory Review of the Commission's Broadcast
Ownership Rules (MB Docket 18-349)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 152(a); 47 U.S.C. 154(i);
47 U.S.C. 257; 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 309 and 310; 47
U.S.C. 403; sec. 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act
Abstract: Section 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996
requires the Commission to review its broadcast ownership rules every 4
years and to determine whether any such rules are necessary in the
public interest as the result of competition. The rules subject to
review in the 2018 quadrennial review are the Local Radio Ownership
Rule, the Local Television Ownership Rule, and the Dual Network Rule.
The Commission also sought comment on potential pro-diversity proposals
including extending cable procurement requirements to broadcasters,
adopting formulas aimed at creating media ownership limits that promote
diversity, and developing a model for market-based, tradeable diversity
credits to serve as an alternative method for setting ownership limits.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/28/19 84FR 6741
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brendan Holland, Chief, Industry Analysis Division,
Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2486, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b8dacaddd6dcd9d696d0d7d4d4d9d6dcf8dedbdb96dfd7ce">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK77

326. Children's Television Programming Rules (MB Docket 18-202)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 303b; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47
U.S.C. 336
Abstract: The Children's Television Act (CTA) of 1990 requires that
the Commission consider, in its review of television license renewals,
the extent to which the licensee has served the educational and
informational needs of children through its overall programming,
including programming specifically designed to serve such needs. The
Commission adopted rules implementing the CTA in 1991 and revised these
rules in 1996, 2004, and 2006. In this proceeding, the Commission
proposes to revise the children's television programming rules to
modify outdated requirements and to give broadcasters greater
flexibility in serving the educational and informational needs of
children.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Kathy Berthot, Attorney, Policy Division Media
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7454, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2942485d4150074b4c5b5d41465d694f4a4a074e465f">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK78

327. Equal Employment Opportunity Enforcement (MB Docket 19-177)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j);
47 U.S.C. 334; 47 U.S.C. 554
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks comment on ways
in which it can make improvements to equal employment opportunity (EEO)
compliance and enforcement.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/22/19 84 FR 35063
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Radhika Karmarker, Attorney Advisor, IAD, Media
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1523, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5d2f3c393534363c73363c2f303c2f363c2f1d3b3e3e733a322b">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK86

328. Revision of the Commission's Part 76 Review Procedures (MB Docket
No. 20-70)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 154(j);
47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C. 536; 47 U.S.C. 548; 47 U.S.C. 573
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission considers changes to
procedural rules governing the resolution of program carriage disputes
between video programming vendors and multichannel video programming
distributors. The rule changes are intended to make the Commission's
procedures more consistent and encourage the timely resolution of
program carriage disputes.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Cobb, Attorney, Policy Division, Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-2120, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#abc1c4c3c585c8c4c9c9ebcdc8c885ccc4dd">[email&#160;protected]</a>.

[[Page 41343]]

RIN: 3060-AL08

329. <bullet> Duplication of Programming on Commonly Owned Radio
Stations (MB Docket No. 19-310)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151. 154(i), 154(j), and 303(r)
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks comment on
whether to modify or eliminate the radio duplication rule. The rule
bars same-service (AM or FM) commercial radio stations from duplicating
more than 25% of their total hours of programming in an average
broadcast week if the stations have 50% or more contour overlap and are
commonly owned or subject to a time brokerage agreement.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jamile Kadre, Industry Analysis Division, Media
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2245, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d3b9b2bebabfb6fdb8b2b7a1b693b5b0b0fdb4bca5">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL19

330. <bullet> Sponsorship Identification Requirements for Foreign
Government-Provided Programming (MB Docket No. 20-299)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151. 154, 155, 301, 303, 307, 309, 310,
334, 336, 339
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks comment on rules
proposing to require specific disclosure requirements for broadcast
programming that is paid for, or provided by a foreign government or
its representative.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/24/20 85 FR 74955
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Radhika Karmarker, Attorney Advisor, IAD, Media
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1523, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#96e4f7f2fefffdf7b8fdf7e4fbf7e4fdf7e4d6f0f5f5b8f1f9e0">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL20

331. <bullet> FM Broadcast Booster Stations (MB Docket 20-401)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154, 157, 301, 302, 303, 307, 308,
309, 316, 319, 324
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes to amend its
rules to enable FM broadcasters to use FM booster stations to air geo-
targeted content (e.g., news, weather, and advertisements) independent
of the signals of its primary station within different portions of the
primary station's protected service contour for a limited period of
time during the broadcast hour.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 01/11/21 86 FR 1909
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Al Shuldiner, Chief, Audio Div., Media Bureau,
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-2700, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82e3eee0e7f0f6acf1eaf7eee6ebece7f0c2e4e1e1ace5edf4">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL21

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Office of Managing Director

Long-Term Actions

332. Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 159
Abstract: Section 9 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended
(47 U.S.C. 159), requires the Federal Communications Commission to
recover the cost of its activities by assessing and collecting annual
regulatory fees from beneficiaries of the activities.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Roland Helvajian, Office of the Managing Director,
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-0444, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6d1f02010c0309430508011b0c07040c032d0b0e0e430a021b">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK64

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau

Long-Term Actions

333. Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Requirements: PS Docket No. 07-114

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 332
Abstract: This rulemaking is related to the proceedings in which
the FCC previously acted to improve the quality of all emergency
services. Wireless carriers must provide specific automatic location
information in connection with 911 emergency calls to Public Safety
Answering Points (PSAPs). Wireless licensees must satisfy enhanced 911
location accuracy standards at either a county-based or a PSAP-based
geographic level.
Timetable:

[[Page 41344]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brenda Boykin, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2062, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b0d2c2d5ded4d19ed2dfc9dbd9def0d6d3d39ed7dfc6">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ52

334. Improving Outage Reporting for Submarine Cables and Enhancing
Submarine Cable Outage Data; GN Docket No. 15-206

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 34 to 39;
47 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: This proceeding takes steps toward assuring the
reliability and resiliency of submarine cables, a critical piece of the
Nation's communications infrastructure, by proposing to require
submarine cable licensees to report to the Commission when outages
occur and communications are disrupted. The Commission's intent is to
enhance national security and emergency preparedness by these actions.
In December 2019, the Commission adopted an Order on Reconsideration
that modifies the requirement for submarine cable licensees to report
outages to the Commission.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM (Release Date)................. 09/18/15
R&O................................. 06/24/16 81 FR 52354
Petitions for Recon................. 09/08/16
Petitions for Recon--Public Comment. 10/17/16 81 FR 75368
Order on Recon...................... 12/20/19 84 FR 15733
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Scott Cinnamon, Attorney-Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone:
202 418-2319, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c5b6a6aab1b1eba6acababa4a8aaab85a3a6a6eba2aab3">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK39

335. Amendments to Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning
Disruptions to Communications: PS Docket No. 15-80

Legal Authority: Sec. 1, 4(i), 4(j), 4(o), 251(e)(3), 254, 301,
303(b), 303(g), 303(r), 307, 309(a), 309(j); 316, 332, 403, 615a-1, and
615c of Pub. L. 73-416, 4 Stat. 1064, as amended; and section 706 of
Pub. L. 104-104, 110 Stat. 56; 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i)-(j) & (o),
251(e)(3), 254, 301, 303(b), 303(g), 303(r), 307; 309(a), 309(j), 316,
332, 403, 615a-1, 615c, and 1302, unless otherwise noted
Abstract: The 2004 Report and Order (R&O) extended the Commission's
communication disruptions reporting rules to non-wireline carriers and
streamlined reporting through a new electronic template (see docket ET
Docket 04-35). In 2015, this proceeding, PS Docket 15-80, was opened to
amend the original communications disruption reporting rules from 2004
in order to reflect technology transitions observed throughout the
telecommunications sector. The Commission seeks to further study the
possibility to share the reporting database information and access with
State and other Federal entities. In May 2016, the Commission released
a Report and Order, FNPRM, and Order on Reconsideration (see also
Dockets 11-82 and 04-35). The R&O adopted rules to update the part 4
requirements to reflect technology transitions. The FNPRM sought
comment on sharing information in the reporting database. Comments and
replies were received by the Commission in August and September 2016.
In March 2020, the Commission adopted a Second Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking in PS Docket No. 15-80 that proposed a framework to
provide state and federal agencies with access to outage information to
improve their situational awareness while preserving the
confidentiality of this data, including proposals to: Provide direct,
read-only access to NORS and DIRS filings to qualified agencies of the
50 states, the District of Columbia, Tribal nations, territories, and
federal government; allow these agencies to share NORS and DIRS
information with other public safety officials that reasonably require
NORS and DIRS information to prepare for and respond to disasters;
allow participating agencies to publicly disclose NORS or DIRS filing
information that is aggregated and anonymized across at least four
service providers; condition a participating agency's direct access to
NORS and DIRS filings on their agreement to treat the filings as
confidential and not disclose them absent a finding by the Commission
that allows them to do so; and establish an application process that
would grant agencies access to NORS and DIRS after those agencies
certify to certain requirements related to maintaining confidentiality
of the data and the security of the databases. In March 2021, the
Commission adopted the proposed information sharing framework with some
modifications in a Second Report and Order.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM, 2nd R&O, Order on Recon....... 06/16/15 80 FR 34321
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/31/15
R&O................................. 07/12/16 81 FR 45055
FNPRM, 1 Part 4 R&O, Order on Recon. 08/11/16 81 FR 45059
Order Denying Reply Comment Deadline 09/08/16
Extension Request.
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/12/16
Announcement of Effective Date for 06/22/17 82 FR 28410
Rule Changes in R&O.
Announcement of Effective Date for 06/22/17 82 FR 28410
Rule Changes in R&O.
Second Further NPRM................. 02/28/20 85 FR 17818
Second Further NPRM Comment Period 06/01/20
End.
2nd R&O............................. 03/17/21
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robert Finley, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7835, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c2b0ada0a7b0b6eca4abacaea7bb82a4a1a1eca5adb4">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK40

336. New Part 4 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Disruptions to
Communications; ET Docket No. 04-35

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154 and 155; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C.
251; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C. 316
Abstract: The proceeding creates a new part 4 in title 47 and
amends part 63.100. The proceeding updates the Commission's
communication disruptions reporting rules for wireline providers
formerly in 47 CFR 63.100 and extends these rules to other non-wireline
providers. Through this proceeding, the Commission streamlines the
reporting process through an electronic template. The Report and Order
received several petitions for reconsideration, of which two were
eventually withdrawn. In 2015, seven were addressed in an Order on

[[Page 41345]]

Reconsideration and in 2016 another petition was addressed in an Order
on Reconsideration. One petition (CPUC Petition) remains pending
regarding NORS database sharing with States, which is addressed in a
separate proceeding, PS Docket 15-80. To the extent the communication
disruption rules cover VoIP, the Commission studies and addresses these
questions in a separate docket, PS Docket 11-82.
In May 2016, the Commission released a Report and Order, FNPRM, and
Order on Reconsideration (see Dockets 11-82 and 15-80). The Order on
Reconsideration addressed outage reporting for events at airports, and
the FNPRM sought comment on database sharing. The Commission received
comments and replies in August and September 2016.
In March 2020, the Commission adopted a Second Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking in PS Docket No. 15-80 that proposed a framework to
provide state and federal agencies with access to outage information to
improve their situational awareness while preserving the
confidentiality of this data, including proposals to: Provide direct,
read-only access to NORS and DIRS filings to qualified agencies of the
50 states, the District of Columbia, Tribal nations, territories, and
federal government; allow these agencies to share NORS and DIRS
information with other public safety officials that reasonably require
NORS and DIRS information to prepare for and respond to disasters;
allow participating agencies to publicly disclose NORS or DIRS filing
information that is aggregated and anonymized across at least four
service providers; condition a participating agency's direct access to
NORS and DIRS filings on their agreement to treat the filings as
confidential and not disclose them absent a finding by the Commission
that allows them to do so; and establish an application process that
would grant agencies access to NORS and DIRS after those agencies
certify to certain requirements related to maintaining confidentiality
of the data and the security of the databases.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/26/04 69 FR 15761
R&O................................. 11/26/04 69 FR 68859
Denial for Petition for Partial Stay 12/02/04 .......................
Seek Comment on Petition for Recon.. 02/02/10 .......................
Reply Period End.................... 03/19/10 .......................
Seek Comment on Broadband and 07/02/10 .......................
Interconnected VOIP Service
Providers.
Reply Period End.................... 08/16/12 .......................
2nd R&O, and Order on Recon, NPRM... 06/16/15 80 FR 34321
R&O................................. 07/12/16 81 FR 45055
FNPRM, 1 Part 4 R&O, Order on Recon. 08/11/16 81 FR 45095, 81 FR
45055
Order Denying Extension of Time to 09/08/16 .......................
File Reply Comments.
Announcement of Effective Date for 06/22/17 82 FR 28410
Rule Changes in R&O.
Second Further NPRM................. 02/28/20 85 FR 17818
Second Further Notice of Proposed 03/31/20 .......................
Rulemaking.
Second Further NPRM Comment Period 06/01/20 .......................
End.
-----------------------------------
Report & Order...................... To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robert Finley, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7835, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3c4e535e594e48125a55525059457c5a5f5f125b534a">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK41

337. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): PS Docket No. 15-91

Legal Authority: Pub. L. 109-347, title VI; 47 U.S.C. 151; 47
U.S.C. 154(i)
Abstract: This proceeding was initiated to improve Wireless
Emergency Alerts (WEA) messaging, ensure that WEA alerts reach only
those individuals to whom they are relevant, and establish an end-to-
end testing program based on advancements in technology.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 11/19/15 80 FR 77289
NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/13/16 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 02/12/16 .......................
Order............................... 11/01/16 81 FR 75710
FNPRM............................... 11/08/16 81 FR 78539
Comment Period End.................. 12/08/16 .......................
Petition for Recon.................. 12/19/16 81 FR 91899
Order on Recon...................... 12/04/17 82 FR 57158
2nd R&O and 2nd Order on Recon...... 02/28/18 83 FR 8619
Public Notice....................... 04/26/18 83 FR 18257
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 05/29/18 .......................
Public Notice Reply Comment Period 06/11/18 .......................
End.
Next Action Undetermined............ .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: James Wiley, Attorney Advisor, Public Safety and
Homeland Security Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1678, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1f757e727a6c316876737a665f797c7c31787069">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK54

338. Blue Alert EAS Event Code

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and
154(o); 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303(r) and (v); 47 U.S.C. 307; 47
U.S.C. 309; 47 U.S.C. 335; 47 U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C. 544 (g); 47 U.S.C.
606 and 615
Abstract: In 2015, Congress adopted the Blue Alert Act to help the
States provide effective alerts to the public and law enforcement when
police and other law enforcement officers are killed or are in danger.
To ensure that these State plans are compatible and integrated
throughout the United States as envisioned by the Blue Alert Act, the
Blue Alert Coordinator made a series of recommendations in a 2016
Report to Congress. Among these recommendations, the Blue Alert
Coordinator identified the need for a dedicated EAS event code for Blue
Alerts, and noted the alignment of the EAS with the implementation of
the Blue Alert Act. On June 22, 2017, the FCC released an NPRM
proposing to revise the EAS rules to adopt a new event code, which
would allow transmission of Blue Alerts to the public over the EAS and
thus satisfy the stated need for a dedicated EAS event code. On
December 14, 2017, the Commission released an Order adopting a new Blue
Alert EAS Code-BLU. EAS participants must be able to implement the BLU
code by January 19, 2019. BLU alerts must be available to wireless
emergency alerts by July, 2019.
Timetable:

[[Page 41346]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Linda Pintro, Attorney Advisor, Policy and
Licensing Division, PSHSB, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7490, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#375b5e59535619475e594345587751545419505841">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK63

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

Long-Term Actions

339. Amendment of Parts 1, 2, 22, 24, 27, 90, and 95 of the
Commission's Rules To Improve Wireless Coverage Through the Use of
Signal Boosters (WT Docket No. 10-4)

Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 79; 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47
U.S.C. 154(j); 47 U.S.C. 155; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C.
227; 47 U.S.C. 303(r)
Abstract: This action adopts new technical, operational, and
registration requirements for signal boosters. It creates two classes
of signal boosters--consumer and industrial--with distinct regulatory
requirements for each, thereby establishing a two-step transition
process for equipment certification for both consumer and industrial
signal boosters sold and marketed in the United States.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jaclyn Rosen, Federal Communications Commission,
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-0154, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d1bbb0b2bda8bfffa3bea2b4bf91b7b2b2ffb6bea7">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ87

340. Amendment of the Commission's Rules Governing Certain Aviation
Ground Station Equipment (Squitter) (WT Docket Nos. 10-61 and 09-42)

Legal Authority: 48 Stat. 1066, 1082 as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47
U.S.C. 303; 47 U.S.C. 307(e); 47 U.S.C. 151 to 156; 47 U.S.C. 301
Abstract: This action amends part 87 rules to authorize new ground
station technologies to promote safety and allow use of frequency 1090
MHz by aeronautical utility mobile stations for airport surface
detection equipment (commonly referred to as ``squitters'') to help
reduce collisions between aircraft and airport ground vehicles.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Tim Maguire, Electronics Engineer, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2155, Fax: 202 418-
7247, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8bffe2e6a5e6eaecfee2f9eecbede8e8a5ece4fd">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ88

341. Promoting Technological Solutions To Combat Wireless Contraband
Device Use in Correctional Facilities; GN Docket No. 13-111

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
154(j); 47 U.S.C. 301; 47 U.S.C. 303(a); 47 U.S.C. 303(b); 47 U.S.C.
307 to 310; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C. 302(a)
Abstract: In the Report and Order, the Commission addresses the
problem of illegal use of contraband wireless devices by inmates in
correctional facilities by streamlining the process of deploying
contraband wireless device interdiction systems (CIS)--systems that use
radio communications signals requiring Commission authorization--in
correctional facilities. In particular, the Commission eliminates
certain filing requirements and provides for immediate approval of the
lease applications needed to operate these systems.
In the Further Notice, the Commission seeks comment on a process
for wireless providers to disable contraband wireless devices once they
have been identified. The Commission also seeks comment on additional
methods and technologies that might prove successful in combating
contraband device use in correctional facilities, and on various other
proposals related to the authorization process for CISs and their
deployment.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Melissa Conway, Attorney Advisor, Mobility Div.,
Wireless Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2887, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#315c545d584242501f525e5f465048715752521f565e47">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK06

342. Promoting Investment in the 3550-3700 MHz Band; GN Docket No. 17-
258

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
154(j); 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303 and 304; 47 U.S.C. 307(e); 47
U.S.C. 316
Abstract: The Report and Order and Second Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted by the Commission established a new
Citizens Broadband Radio Service for shared wireless broadband use of
the 3550 to 3700 MHz band. The Citizens Broadband Radio Service is
governed by a three-tiered spectrum authorization framework to
accommodate a variety of commercial uses on a shared basis with
incumbent Federal and non-Federal users of the band. Access and
operations

[[Page 41347]]

will be managed by a dynamic spectrum access system. The three tiers
are: Incumbent Access, Priority Access, and General Authorized Access.
Rules governing the Citizens Broadband Radio Service are found in part
96 of the Commission's rules.
The Order on Reconsideration and Second Report and Order addressed
several Petitions for Reconsideration submitted in response to the
Report and Order and resolved the outstanding issues raised in the
Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
The 2017 NPRM sought comment on limited changes to the rules
governing Priority Access Licenses in the band, adjacent channel
emissions limits, and public release of base station registration
information.
The 2018 Report and Order addressed the issues raised in the 2017
NPRM and implemented changes rules governing Priority Access Licenses
in the band and public release of base station registration
information.
On July 2020, the Commission commenced an auction of Priority
Access Licenses in the band. ``Winning bidders were announced on
September 2, 2020''.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Paul Powell, Assistant Chief, Mobility Division,
WTB, Federal Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications
Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1613,
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a3d3c2d6cf8dd3ccd4c6cfcfe3c5c0c08dc4ccd5">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK12

343. Use of Spectrum Bands Above 24 GHz for Mobile Services--Spectrum
Frontiers: WT Docket 10-112

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 154; 47 U.S.C. 157; 47 U.S.C.
160; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C. 301 and
302; 47 U.S.C. 302(a); 47 U.S.C. 303 and 304; 47 U.S.C. 307; 47 U.S.C.
309 and 310; 47 U.S.C. 316; 47 U.S.C. 319; 47 U.S.C. 332; 47 U.S.C.
336; 47 U.S.C. 1302
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission adopted service rules
for licensing of mobile and other uses for millimeter wave (mmW) bands.
These high frequencies previously have been best suited for satellite
or fixed microwave applications; however, recent technological
breakthroughs have newly enabled advanced mobile services in these
bands, notably including very high speed and low latency services. This
action will help facilitate Fifth Generation mobile services and other
mobile services. In developing service rules for mmW bands, the
Commission will facilitate access to spectrum, develop a flexible
spectrum policy, and encourage wireless innovation.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Schauble, Deputy Chief, Broadband Division,
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-0797, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e983868187c79a8a81889c8b858ca98f8a8ac78e869f">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK44

344. Transforming the 2.5 GHz Band, WT Docket No. 18-120

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 153; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C.
157; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 301 and 302; 47 U.S.C. 304; 47 U.S.C. 307
to 310; 47 U.S.C. 1302
Abstract: The 2.5 GHz band (2496-2690 MHz) constitutes the single
largest band of contiguous spectrum below 3 GHz and has been identified
as prime spectrum for next generation mobile operations, including 5G
uses. Significant portions of this band, however, currently lie fallow
across approximately one-half of the United States, primarily in rural
areas. Moreover, access to the Educational Broadband Service (EBS) has
been strictly limited since 1995, and current licensees are subject to
a regulatory regime largely unchanged from the days when educational TV
was the only use envisioned for this spectrum. The Commission proposes
to allow more efficient and effective use of this spectrum band by
providing greater flexibility to current EBS licensees as well as
providing new opportunities for additional entities to obtain unused
2.5 GHz spectrum to facilitate improved access to next generation
wireless broadband, including 5G. The Commission also seeks comment on
additional approaches for transforming the 2.5 GHz band, including by
moving directly to an auction for some or all of the spectrum.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: John Schauble, Deputy Chief, Broadband Division,
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-0797, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e18b8e898fcf9282898094838d84a1878282cf868e97">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK75

345. Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band: GN Docket No.
18-122

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C.151 to 153; 47 U.S.C.154(i); 47 U.S.C
157; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47 U.S.C. 301 to 304; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 310; 47
U.S.C. 1302; . . .
Abstract: In the 2020 Report and Order, the Commission adopted
rules to make 280 megahertz of mid-band

[[Page 41348]]

spectrum available for flexible use (plus a 20-megahertz guard band)
throughout the contiguous United States. Pursuant to the Report and
Order, existing fixed satellite service (FSS) and fixed services (FS)
must relocate operations out of the lower portion of the 3.7-4.0 GHz
band. The Commission will issue flexible use licenses in the 3.7-3.98
GHz portion of the band in the contiguous United States via a system of
competitive bidding. The Commission established rules to govern the
transition including optional payments for satellite operators that
choose to relocate on an accelerated schedule and provide reimbursement
to FSS operators and their associated earth stations for reasonable
expenses incurred to facilitate the transition. The Report and Order
also established service and technical rules for the new flexible use
licenses that will be issued in the 3.7-3.98 GHz portion of the band.
``On December 8, 2020, the Commission began an auction of licenses in
the 3.7-3.98 GHz portion of the band. the winning bidders were
announced on February 24, 2021''.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Peter Daronco, Deputy Division Chief, Broadband
Division, Federal Communications Commission, Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone:
202 418-7235, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7404110011065a1015061b1a171b341217175a131b02">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Paul Powell, Assistant Chief, Mobility Division, WTB, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1613, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#710110041d5f011e06141d1d311712125f161e07">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK76

346. Amendment of the Commission's Rules To Promote Aviation Safety: WT
Docket No. 19-140

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 303; 307(e)
Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission regulates the
Aviation Radio Service, a family of services using dedicated spectrum
to enhance the safety of aircraft in flight, facilitate the efficient
movement of aircraft both in the air and on the ground, and otherwise
ensure the reliability and effectiveness of aviation communications.
Recent technological advances have prompted the Commission to open this
new rulemaking proceeding to ensure the timely deployment and use of
today's state-of-the-art safety-enhancing technologies. With this
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposes changes to its
part 87 Aviation Radio Service rules to support the deployment of more
advanced avionics technology, increase the efficient use of limited
spectrum resources, and generally improve aviation safety.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/02/19 84 FR 31542
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/03/19
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 09/30/19
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jeff Tobias, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1617, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#345e5152521a405b565d5547745257571a535b42">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK92

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Wireline Competition Bureau

Long-Term Actions

347. Local Telephone Networks That LECS Must Make Available to
Competitors

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: The Commission adopted rules applicable to incumbent
local exchange carriers (LECs) to permit competitive carriers to access
portions of the incumbent LECs' networks on an unbundled basis.
Unbundling allows competitors to lease portions of the incumbent LECs'
network to provide telecommunications services. These rules, adopted in
dockets CC 96-98, WC 01-338, and WC 04-313, are intended to accelerate
the development of local exchange competition.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second FNPRM........................ 04/26/99 64 FR 20238
Fourth FNPRM........................ 01/14/00 65 FR 2367
Errata Third R&O and Fourth FNPRM... 01/18/00 65 FR 2542
Second Errata Third R&O and Fourth 01/18/00 65 FR 2542
FNPRM.
Supplemental Order.................. 01/18/00 65 FR 2542
Third R&O........................... 01/18/00 65 FR 2542
Correction.......................... 04/11/00 65 FR 19334
Supplemental Order Clarification.... 06/20/00 65 FR 38214
Public Notice....................... 02/01/01 66 FR 8555
Public Notice....................... 03/05/01 66 FR 18279
Public Notice....................... 04/10/01
Public Notice....................... 04/23/01
Public Notice....................... 05/14/01
NPRM................................ 01/15/02 67 FR 1947
Public Notice....................... 05/29/02
Public Notice....................... 08/01/02
Public Notice....................... 08/13/02
NPRM................................ 08/21/03 68 FR 52276
R&O and Order on Remand............. 08/21/03 68 FR 52276
Errata.............................. 09/17/03
Report.............................. 10/09/03 68 FR 60391
Order............................... 10/28/03
Order............................... 01/09/04
Public Notice....................... 01/09/04
Public Notice....................... 02/18/04
Order............................... 07/08/04
Second R&O.......................... 07/08/04 69 FR 43762
Order on Recon...................... 08/09/04 69 FR 54589
Interim Order....................... 08/20/04 69 FR 55111
NPRM................................ 08/20/04 69 FR 55128
Public Notice....................... 09/10/04
Public Notice....................... 09/13/04
Public Notice....................... 10/20/04
Order on Recon...................... 12/29/04 69 FR 77950
Order on Remand..................... 02/04/04
Public Notice....................... 04/25/05 70 FR 29313
Public Notice....................... 05/25/05 70 FR 34765
Declaratory Ruling.................. 05/26/11
NPRM................................ 01/06/20 85 FR 472
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/06/20
Report & Order...................... 01/08/21 86 FR 1636
-----------------------------------
Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Edward Krachmer, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1525 Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#dfbabba8beadbbf1b4adbebcb7b2baad9fb9bcbcf1b8b0a9">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AH44

[[Page 41349]]

348. Numbering Resource Optimization

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 201 et
seq.; 47 U.S.C. 251(e)
Abstract: To slow the rate of numbering exhaust in the U.S. and
prolong the life of the North American Numbering Plan, this proceeding
considers and implements a number of strategies to ensure that
telephone numbers are used efficiently, and that all carriers have the
numbering resources they need to compete in the rapidly expanding
telecommunications marketplace.
In 1999, the Commission released the Numbering Resource
Optimization Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Notice) in CC Docket 99-
200. The Notice examined and sought comment on several administrative
and technical measures aimed at improving the efficiency with which
telecommunications numbering resources are used and allocated. It
incorporated input from the North American Numbering Council (NANC), a
Federal advisory committee, which advises the Commission on issues
related to number administration.
In the Numbering Resource Optimization First Report and Order and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NRO First Report and Order),
released on March 31, 2000, the Commission adopted a mandatory
utilization data reporting requirement, a uniform set of categories of
numbers for which carriers must report their utilization, and a
utilization threshold framework to increase carrier accountability and
incentives to use numbers efficiently. In addition, the Commission
adopted a single system for allocating numbers in blocks of 1,000,
rather than 10,000, wherever possible, and established a plan for
national rollout of thousands-block number pooling. The Commission also
adopted numbering resource reclamation requirements to ensure that
unused numbers are returned to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP)
inventory for assignment to other carriers. Also, to encourage better
management of numbering resources, carriers are required, to the extent
possible, to first assign numbering resources within thousands blocks
(a form of sequential numbering).
In the NRO Second Report and Order, the Commission adopted a
measure that requires all carriers to use at least 60 percent of their
numbering resources before they may get additional numbers in a
particular area. That 60 percent utilization threshold increases to 75
percent over the next three years. The Commission also established a 5-
year term for the national pooling administrator and an auditing
program to verify carrier compliance with the Commission's rules.
Furthermore, the Commission declined to amend the existing Federal
rules for area code relief or specify any new Federal guidelines for
the implementation of area code relief. The Commission also declined to
state a preference for either all-services overlays or geographic
splits as a method of area code relief. Regarding mandatory nationwide
10-digit dialing, the Commission declined to adopt this measure at the
present time. Furthermore, the Commission declined to mandate
nationwide expansion of the ``D digit'' (the ``N'' of an NXX or central
office code) to include zero or one, or to grant State commissions the
authority to implement the expansion of the ``D'' digit as a numbering
resource optimization measure presently.
In the NRO Third Report and Order, the Commission addressed
national thousands-block number pooling administration issues,
including declining to alter the implementation date for covered CMRS
carriers to participate in pooling. The Commission also addressed
Federal cost recovery for national thousands-block number pooling, and
continued to require States to establish cost recovery mechanisms for
costs incurred by carriers participating in pooling trials. The
Commission reaffirmed the Months-To-Exhaust (MTE) requirement for
carriers. The Commission declined to lower the utilization threshold
established in the Second Report and Order, and declined to exempt
pooling carriers from the utilization threshold. The Commission also
established a safety valve mechanism to allow carriers that do not meet
the utilization threshold in a given rate center to obtain additional
numbering resources. In the NRO Third Report and Order, the Commission
lifted the ban on technology-specific overlays (TSOs) and delegated
authority to the Common Carrier Bureau, in consultation with the
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, to resolve any such petitions.
Furthermore, the Commission found that carriers who violate its
numbering requirements, or fail to cooperate with an auditor conducting
either a ``for cause'' or random audit, should be denied numbering
resources in certain instances. The Commission also reaffirmed the 180-
day reservation period, declined to impose fees to extend the
reservation period, and found that State commissions should be allowed
password-protected access to the NANP Administrator database for data
pertaining to NPAs located within their State. The measures adopted in
the NRO orders will allow the Commission to monitor more closely the
way numbering resources are used within the NANP, and will promote more
efficient allocation and use of NANP resources by tying a carrier's
ability to obtain numbering resources more closely to its actual need
for numbers to serve its customers.
In NRO Third Order on Recon in CC Docket No. 99-200, Third Further
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 99-200, and Second
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No, 95-116, the
Commission reversed its clarification that those requirements extend to
all carriers in the largest 100 MSAs, regardless of whether they have
received a request from another carrier to provide LNP. The Commission
also sought comment on whether the Commission should again extend the
LNP requirements to all carriers in the largest 100 MSAs, regardless of
whether they receive a request to provide LNP. The Commission also
sought comment on whether all carriers in the top 100 MSAs should be
required to participate in thousands-block number pooling, regardless
of whether they are required to be LNP capable. In addition, the
Commission sought comment on whether all MSAs included in Combined
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (CMSAs) on the Census Bureau's list of
the largest 100 MSAs should be included on the Commission's list of the
top 100 MSAs.
In the NRO Fourth Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, the Commission reaffirmed that carriers must deploy LNP in
switches within the 100 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs)
for which another carrier has made a specific request for the provision
of LNP. The Commission delegated the authority to State commissions to
require carriers operating within the largest 100 MSAs that have not
received a specific request for LNP from another carrier to provide
LNP, under certain circumstances and on a case-by-case basis. The
Commission concluded that all carriers, except those specifically
exempted, are required to participate in thousands-block number pooling
in accordance with the national rollout schedule, regardless of whether
they are required to provide LNP, including commercial mobile radio
service (CMRS) providers that were required to deploy LNP as of
November 24, 2003. The Commission specifically exempted

[[Page 41350]]

from the pooling requirement rural telephone companies and Tier III
CMRS providers that have not received a request to provide LNP. The
Commission also exempted from the pooling requirement carriers that are
the only service provider receiving numbering resources in a given rate
center. Additionally, the Commission sought further comment on whether
these exemptions should be expanded to include carriers where there are
only two service providers receiving numbering resources in the rate
center. Finally, the Commission reaffirmed that the 100 largest MSAs
are identified in the 1990 U.S. Census reports, as well as those areas
included on any subsequent U.S. Census report of the 100 largest MSAs.
In the NRO Order and Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
the Commission granted petitions for delegated authority to implement
mandatory thousands-block pooling filed by the Public Service
Commission of West Virginia, the Nebraska Public Service Commission,
the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the Michigan Public Service
Commission, and the Missouri Public Service Commission. In granting
these petitions, the Commission permitted these States to optimize
numbering resources and further extend the life of the specific
numbering plan areas. In the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the
Commission sought comment on whether it should delegate authority to
all States to implement mandatory thousands-block number pooling
consistent with the parameters set forth in the NRO Order.
In its 2013 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposed
to allow interconnected Voice over internet Protocol (VOIP) providers
to obtain telephone numbers directly from the North American Numbering
Plan Administrator and the Pooling Administrator, subject to certain
requirements. The Commission also sought comment on a forward-looking
approach to numbers for other types of providers and uses, including
telematics and public safety, and the benefits and number exhaust risks
of granting providers other than interconnected VoIP providers direct
access.
In its 2015 Report and Order, the Commission established an
authorization process to enable interconnected VoIP providers that
choose to obtain access to North American Numbering Plan telephone
numbers directly from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator
and/or the Pooling Administrator (Numbering Administrators), rather
than through intermediaries. The Order also set forth several
conditions designed to minimize number exhaust and preserve the
integrity of the numbering system. Specifically, the Commission
required interconnected VoIP providers obtaining numbers to comply with
the same requirements applicable to carriers seeking to obtain numbers.
The requirements included any State requirements pursuant to numbering
authority delegated to the States by the Commission, as well as
industry guidelines and practices, among others. The Commission also
required interconnected VoIP providers to comply with facilities
readiness requirements adapted to this context, and with numbering
utilization and optimization requirements. In addition, as conditions
to requesting and obtaining numbers directly from the Numbering
Administrators, the Commission required interconnected VoIP providers
to (1) provide the relevant State commissions with regulatory and
numbering contacts when requesting numbers in those States, (2) request
numbers from the Numbering Administrators under their own unique OCN,
(3) file any requests for numbers with the relevant State commissions
at least 30 days prior to requesting numbers from the Numbering
Administrators, and (4) provide customers with the opportunity to
access all abbreviated dialing codes (N11 numbers) in use in a
geographic area. Finally, the Order also modified Commission's rules in
order to permit VoIP Positioning Center providers to obtain pseudo-
Automatic Number Identification codes directly from the Numbering
Administrators for purposes of providing E911 services.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jordan Marie Reth, Attorney[dash]Advisor (PU),
Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L
Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202-418-1418, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#acc6c3dec8cdc282dec9d8c4eccacfcf82cbc3da">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AH80

349. Jurisdictional Separations

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 154(j); 47
U.S.C. 205; 47 U.S.C. 221(c); 47 U.S.C. 254; 47 U.S.C. 403; 47 U.S.C.
410
Abstract: Jurisdictional separations is the process, pursuant to
part 36 of the Commission's rules, by which incumbent local exchange
carriers apportion regulated costs between the intrastate and
interstate jurisdictions. In 1997, the Commission initiated a
proceeding seeking comment on the extent to which legislative changes,
technological changes, and marketplace changes warrant comprehensive
reform of the separations process. In 2001, the Commission adopted the
Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations' Joint Board's
recommendation to impose an interim freeze on the part 36 category
relationships and jurisdictional cost allocation factors for a period
of 5 years, pending comprehensive reform of the part 36 separations
rules. In 2006, the Commission issued an Order and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that extended the separations freeze for a period
of 3 years and sought comment on comprehensive reform. In 2009, the
Commission issued a Report and Order extending the separations freeze
an additional year to June 2010. In 2010, the Commission issued a
Report and Order extending the separations freeze for an additional
year to June 2011. In 2011, the Commission adopted a Report and Order
extending the separations freeze for an additional year to June 2012.
In 2012, the Commission issued a Report and Order extending the
separations freeze for an additional 2 years to June 2014. In 2014, the
Commission issued a Report and Order extending the separations freeze
for an additional 3 years to June 2017.
In 2016, the Commission issued a Report and Order extending the
separations freeze for an additional 18 months until January 1, 2018.
In 2017, the Joint Board issued a Recommended Decision recommending
changes to the part 36 rules designed to harmonize them with the
Commission's previous amendments to its part 32 accounting rules. In
February 2018, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
proposing amendments to part 36

[[Page 41351]]

consistent with the Joint Board's recommendations. In October 2018, the
Commission issued a Report and Order adopting each of the Joint Board's
recommendations and amending the Part 36 consistent with those
recommendations. In July 2018, the Commission issued a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking proposing to extend the separations freeze for an
additional 15 years and to provide rate-of-return carriers that had
elected to freeze their category relationships a time limited
opportunity to opt out of that freeze. In December 2018, the Commission
issued a Report and Order extending the freeze for up to 6 years until
December 31, 2024, and granting rate-of-return carriers that had
elected to freeze their category relationships a one-time opportunity
to opt out of that freeze.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: William A. Kehoe III, Senior Counsel, Policy &
Program Planning Division, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline
Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202
418-1580, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bccbd5d0d0d5ddd192d7d9d4d3d9fcdadfdf92dbd3ca">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ06

350. Rural Call Completion; WC Docket No. 13-39

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154; 47 U.S.C. 217; 47 U.S.C. 201; 47
U.S.C. 202; 47 U.S.C. 218; 47 U.S.C. 220; 47 U.S.C. 262; 47 U.S.C.
403(b)(2)(B); 47 U.S.C. 251(a); 47 U.S.C. 225; 47 U.S.C. 620; 47 U.S.C.
251; 47 U.S.C. 251(e); 47 U.S.C. 254(k); 47 U.S.C. 616; 47 U.S.C. 226;
47 U.S.C. 227; 47 U.S.C. 228; 47 U.S.C. 1401-1473
Abstract: The Third RCC Order began implementation of the Improving
Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 (RCC Act), by adopting
rules designed to ensure the integrity of our nation's telephone
network and prevent unjust or unreasonable discrimination among areas
of the United States in the delivery of telephone service. In
particular, the Third RCC Order adopted rules to establish a registry
for intermediate providers entities that transmit, but do not originate
or terminate, voice calls. The Order requires intermediate providers to
register with the Commission before offering to transmit covered voice
communications, and requires covered providers entities that select the
initial long-distance route for a large number of lines to use only
registered intermediate providers to transmit covered voice
communications.
The Fourth RCC Order completed the Commission's implementation of
the RCC Act by adopting service quality standards for intermediate
providers, as well as an exception to those standards for intermediate
providers that qualify for the covered provider safe harbor in our
existing rules. The Order also set forth procedures to enforce our
intermediate provider requirements. Finally, the Fourth RCC Order
adopted provisions to sunset the rural call completion data recording
and retention requirements adopted in the First RCC Order one year
after the effective date of the new intermediate provider service
quality standards.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Zachary Ross, Attorney Advisor, Competiton Policy
Division, WCB, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline Competition
Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1033,
Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3d475c5e555c4f44134f524e4e7d5b5e5e135a524b">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ89

351. Comprehensive Review of the Part 32 Uniform System of Accounts (WC
Docket No. 14-130)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 201(b);
47 U.S.C. 219 and 220
Abstract: The Commission initiates a rulemaking proceeding to
review the Uniform System of Accounts (USOA) to consider ways to
minimize the compliance burdens on incumbent local exchange carriers
while ensuring that the Agency retains access to the information it
needs to fulfill its regulatory duties. In light of the Commission's
actions in areas of price cap regulation, universal service reform, and
intercarrier compensation reform, the Commission stated that it is
likely appropriate to streamline the existing rules even though those
reforms may not have eliminated the need for accounting data for some
purposes. The Commission's analysis and proposals are divided into
three parts. First, the Commission proposes to streamline the USOA
accounting rules while preserving their existing structure. Second, the
Commission seeks more focused comment on the accounting requirements
needed for price cap carriers to address our statutory and regulatory
obligations. Third, the Commission seeks comment on several related
issues, including state requirements, rate effects, implementation,
continuing property records, and legal authority.
On February 23, 2017, the Commission adopted a Report and Order
that revised the part 32 USOA to substantially reduce accounting
burdens

[[Page 41352]]

for both price cap and rate-of-return carriers. First, the Order
streamlines the USOA for all carriers. In addition, the USOA will be
aligned more closely with generally accepted accounting principles, or
GAAP. Second, the Order allows price cap carriers to use GAAP for all
regulatory accounting purposes as long as they comply with targeted
accounting rules, which are designed to mitigate any impact on pole
attachment rates. Alternatively, price cap carriers can elect to use
GAAP accounting for all purposes other than those associated with pole
attachment rates and continue to use the part 32 accounts for pole
attachment rates for up to 12 years. Third, the Order addresses several
miscellaneous issues, including referral to the Federal-State Joint
Board on Separations the issue of examining jurisdictional separations
rules in light of the reforms adopted to part 32.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robin Cohn, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2747, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#98eaf7faf1f6b6fbf7f0f6d8fefbfbb6fff7ee">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK20

352. Restoring Internet Freedom (WC Docket No. 17-108); Protecting and
Promoting the Open Internet (GN Docket No. 14-28)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and (j); 47 U.S.C.
201(b)
Abstract: In December 2017, the Commission adopted the Restoring
Internet Freedom Declaratory Ruling, Report and Order, and Order
(Restoring Internet Freedom Order), which restored the light-touch
regulatory framework under which the Internet had grown and thrived for
decades by classifying broadband internet access service as an
information service. The Restoring Internet Freedom Order ends title II
regulation of the internet and returns broadband internet access
service to its long-standing classification as an information service;
reinstates the determination that mobile broadband internet access
service is not a commercial mobile service and returns it to its
original classification as a private mobile service; finds that
transparency, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) economic incentives,
and antitrust and consumer protection laws will protect the openness of
the internet, and that title II regulation is unnecessary to do so; and
adopts a transparency rule similar to that in the 2010 Open Internet
Order, requiring disclosure of network management practices,
performance characteristics, and commercial terms of service.
Additionally, the transparency rule requires ISPs to disclose any
blocking, throttling, paid prioritization, or affiliate prioritization,
and eliminates the internet conduct standard and the bright-line
conduct rules set forth in the 2015 title II Order.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 07/01/14 79 FR 37448
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/18/14
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 09/15/14
R&O on Remand, Declaratory Ruling, 04/13/15 80 FR 19737
and Order.
NPRM................................ 06/02/17 82 FR 25568
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/03/17
Declaratory Ruling, R&O, and Order.. 02/22/18 83 FR 7852
Order on Remand..................... 01/07/21 86 FR 994
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Melissa Kirkel, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7958, Fax: 202 418-1413, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#513c343d382222307f3a38233a343d113732327f363e27">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK21

353. Technology Transitions; GN Docket No. 13-5, WC Docket No. 05-25;
Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to
Infrastructure Investment; WC Docket No. 17-84

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 214; 47 U.S.C. 251
Abstract: On April 20, 2017, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, Notice of Inquiry, and Request for Comment
(Wireline Infrastructure NPRM, NOI, and RFC) seeking input on a number
of actions designed to accelerate: (1) The deployment of next-
generation networks and services by removing barriers to infrastructure
investment at the Federal, State, and local level; (2) the transition
from legacy copper networks and services to next-generation fiber-based
networks and services; and (3) the reduction of Commission regulations
that raise costs and slow, rather than facilitate, broadband
deployment.
On November 16, 2017, the Commission adopted a Report and Order
(R&O), Declaratory Ruling, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(Wireline Infrastructure Order) that takes a number of actions and
seeks comment on further actions designed to accelerate the deployment
of next-generation networks and services through removing barriers to
infrastructure investment.
The Wireline Infrastructure Order took a number of actions. First,
the Report and Order revised the pole attachment rules to reduce costs
for attachers, reforms the pole access complaint procedures to settle
access disputes more swiftly, and increases access to infrastructure
for certain types of broadband providers. Second, the Report and Order
revised the section 214(a) discontinuance rules and the network change
notification rules, including those applicable to copper retirements,
to expedite the process for carriers seeking to replace legacy network
infrastructure and legacy services with advanced broadband networks and
innovative new services. Third, the Report and Order reversed a 2015
ruling that discontinuance authority is required for solely wholesale
services to carrier-customers. Fourth, the Declaratory Ruling abandoned
the 2014 ``functional test'' interpretation of when section 214
discontinuance applications are required, bringing added clarity to the
section 214(a) discontinuance process for carriers and consumers alike.
Finally, the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking sought comment on
additional potential pole attachment reforms, reforms to the network
change disclosure and section 214(a) discontinuance processes, and ways
to facilitate rebuilding networks impacted by natural disasters.
Various parties filed a Petition for Review of the Wireline
Infrastructure Order in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth
Circuit. The Ninth Circuit denied the Petition on January 23, 2020 on
the grounds that the parties lacked standing.
On June 7, 2018, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order
(Wireline Infrastructure Second Report and Order) taking further
actions designed to expedite the transition from legacy networks and
services to next

[[Page 41353]]

generation networks and advanced services that benefit the American
public and to promote broadband deployment by further streamlining the
section 214(a) discontinuance rules, network change disclosure
processes, and part 68 customer notification process.
The Wireline Infrastructure NPRM, NOI, and RFC sought comment on
additional issues not addressed in the November Wireline Infrastructure
Order or the June Wireline Infrastructure Second Report and Order. It
sought comment on changes to the Commission's pole attachment rules to:
(1) Streamline the timeframe for gaining access to utility poles; (2)
reduce charges paid by attachers for work done to make a pole ready for
new attachments; and (3) establish a formula for computing the maximum
pole attachment rate that may be imposed on an incumbent LEC.
The Wireline Infrastructure NPRM, NOI, and RFC also sought comment
on whether the Commission should enact rules, consistent with its
authority under section 253 of the Act, to promote the deployment of
broadband infrastructure by preempting State and local laws that
inhibit broadband deployment. It also sought comment on whether there
are State laws governing the maintenance or retirement of copper
facilities that serve as a barrier to deploying next-generation
technologies and services that the Commission might seek to preempt.
Previously, in November 2014, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking and Declaratory Ruling that: (1) Proposed new
backup power rules; (2) proposed new or revised rules for copper
retirements and service discontinuances; and (3) adopted a functional
test in determining what constitutes a service for purposes of section
214(a) discontinuance review. In August 2015, the Commission adopted a
Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking that: (i) Lengthened and revised the copper
retirement process; (ii) determined that a carrier must obtain
Commission approval before discontinuing a service used as a wholesale
input if the carrier's actions will discontinue service to a carrier-
customer's retail end users; (iii) adopted an interim rule requiring
incumbent LECs that seek to discontinue certain TDM-based wholesale
services to commit to certain rates, terms, and conditions; (iv)
proposed further revisions to the copper retirement discontinuance
process; and (v) upheld the November 2014 Declaratory Ruling. In July
2016, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order, Declaratory
Ruling, and Order on Reconsideration that: (i) Adopted a new test for
obtaining streamlined treatment when carriers seek Commission
authorization to discontinue legacy services in favor of services based
on newer technologies; (ii) set forth consumer education requirements
for carriers seeking to discontinue legacy services in favor of
services based on newer technologies; (iii) allowed notice to customers
of discontinuance applications by email; (iv) required carriers to
provide notice of discontinuance applications to Tribal entities; (v)
made a technical rule change to create a new title for copper
retirement notices and certifications; and (vi) harmonized the timeline
for competitive LEC discontinuances caused by incumbent LEC network
changes.
On August 2, 2018, the Commission adopted a Third Report and Order
and Declaratory Ruling (Wireline Infrastructure Third Report and Order)
establishing a new framework for the vast majority of pole attachments
governed by Federal law by instituting a one-touch make-ready regime,
in which a new attacher may elect to perform all simple work to prepare
a pole for new wireline attachments in the communications space. This
new framework includes safeguards to promote coordination among parties
and ensures that new attachers perform work safely and reliably. The
Commission retained its multi-party pole attachment process for
attachments that are complex or above the communications space of a
pole, but made significant modifications to speed deployment, promote
accurate billing, expand the use of self-help for new attachers when
attachment deadlines are missed, and reduce the likelihood of
coordination failures that lead to unwarranted delays. The Commission
also improved its pole attachment rules by codifying and redefining
Commission precedent that requires utilities to allow attachers to
overlash existing wires, thus maximizing the usable space on the pole;
eliminating outdated disparities between the pole attachment rates that
incumbent carriers must pay compared to other similarly-situated cable
and telecommunications attachers; and clarifying that the Commission
will preempt, on an expedited case-by-case basis, State and local laws
that inhibit the rebuilding or restoration of broadband infrastructure
after a disaster. The Commission also adopted a Declaratory Ruling that
interpreted section 253(a) of the Communications Act to prohibit State
and local express and de facto moratoria on the deployment of
telecommunications services or facilities and directed the Wireline
Competition and Wireless Telecommunications Bureaus to act promptly on
petitions challenging specific alleged moratoria. Numerous parties
filed appeals of the Wireline Infrastructure Third Report and Order,
and the appeals were consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals of the
Ninth Circuit. On August 12, 2020, the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion
upholding the Wireline Infrastructure Third Report and Order in all
respects.
On August 8, 2018, Public Knowledge filed a Petition for
Reconsideration of the Second Report and Order and Motion to Hold in
Abeyance. On October 20, 2020, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau)
adopted a Declaratory Ruling, Order on Reconsideration, and Order. In
the Declaratory Ruling, the Bureau clarified that any carrier seeking
to discontinue legacy voice service to a community or part of a
community that is the last retail provider of such legacy TDM service
to that community or part of the community is subject to the
Commission's technology transition discontinuance rules, including the
requirements to receive streamlined treatment of its discontinuance
application. In the Order on Reconsideration, the Bureau denied the
Public Knowledge Petition for Reconsideration because all of Public
Knowledge's arguments were fully considered, and rejected, by the
Commission in the underlying proceeding. It also dismissed as moot the
accompanying motion to have the Commission hold that Order in abeyance
pending the outcome of the appeal that the Ninth Circuit ultimately
denied.
Timetable:

[[Page 41354]]

NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 07/17/17
R&O................................. 12/28/17 82 FR 61520
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/17/18
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 02/16/18
2nd R&O............................. 07/09/18 83 FR 31659
3rd R&O............................. 09/14/18 83 FR 46812
Order on Reconsideration............ 02/02/21 86 FR 8872
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Michele Berlove, Special Counsel, Competition
Policy Div., WCB, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline
Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202
418-1477, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aec3c7cdc6cbc2cb80cccbdcc2c1d8cbeec8cdcd80c9c1d8">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK32

354. Implementation of the Universal Service Portions of the 1996
Telecommunications Act

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.
Abstract: The Telecommunications Act of 1996 expanded the
traditional goal of universal service to include increased access to
both telecommunications and advanced services such as high-speed
internet for all consumers at just, reasonable and affordable rates.
The Act established principles for universal service that specifically
focused on increasing access to evolving services for consumers living
in rural and insular areas, and for consumers with low-incomes.
Additional principles called for increased access to high-speed
internet in the nation's schools, libraries, and rural healthcare
facilities. The FCC established four programs within the Universal
Service Fund to implement the statute: Connect America Fund (formally
known as High-Cost Support) for rural areas; Lifeline (for low-income
consumers), including initiatives to expand phone service for Native
Americans; Schools and Libraries (E-rate); and Rural Healthcare.
The Universal Service Fund is paid for by contributions from
telecommunications carriers, including wireline and wireless companies,
and interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers,
including cable companies that provide voice service, based on an
assessment on their interstate and international end-user revenues. The
Universal Service Administrative Company, or USAC, administers the four
programs and collects monies for the Universal Service Fund under the
direction of the FCC.
On February 7, 2020, the Commission launched $20 Billion Rural
Digital Opportunity Fund.
On April 2, 2020, the Commission fought COVID-19 with $200M; Adopts
Long-Term Connected Care Study.
On July 17, 2020, the Commission integrated provisions of the
recently enacted Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Acts of
2019 into the existing supply chain rulemaking.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
R&O and FNPRM....................... 01/13/17 82 FR 4275
NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/13/17
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 02/27/17
R&O and Order on Recon.............. 03/21/17 82 FR 14466
Order on Recon...................... 05/19/17 82 FR 22901
Order on Recon...................... 06/08/17 82 FR 26653
Memorandum, Opinion & Order......... 06/21/17 82 FR 228224
NPRM................................ 07/30/19 84 FR 36865
NPRM................................ 08/21/19 84 FR 43543
R&O and Order on Recon.............. 11/07/19 84 FR 59937
Order on Recon...................... 12/09/19 84 FR 67220
R&O................................. 12/20/19 84 FR 70026
R&O................................. 12/27/19 84 FR 71308
R&O................................. 01/17/20 85 FR 3044
Report & Order...................... 03/10/20 85 FR 13773
Report & Order...................... 05/11/20 85 FR 19892
Declaratory Ruling/2nd FNPRM........ 08/04/20 85 FR 48134
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Nakesha Woodward, Program Analyst, Wireline
Competition Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, Wireline
Competition Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202
418-1502, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#91faf4e2f9f0bfe6fefef5e6f0e3f5d1f7f2f2bff6fee7">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK57

355. Toll Free Assignment Modernization and Toll Free Service Access
Codes: WC Docket No. 17-192, CC Docket No. 95-155

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151; 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 201(b);
47 U.S.C. 251(e)(1)
Abstract: In this Report and Order (Order), the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) initiates an auction to distribute
certain toll free numbers. The numbers to be auctioned will be in the
new 833 toll free code for which there have been multiple, competing
requests.
By using an auction, the FCC will ensure that sought-after numbers
are awarded to the parties that value them most. In addition, the FCC
will reserve certain 833 numbers for distribution to government and
non-profit entities that request them for public health and safety
purposes. The FCC will study the results of the auction to determine
how to best use the mechanism to distribute toll-free numbers equitably
and efficiently in the future as well. Revenues from the auction will
be used to defray the cost of toll-free numbering administration,
reducing the cost of numbering for all users. The Order establishing
the toll-free number auction will also authorize and accommodate the
use of a secondary market for numbers awarded at auction to further
distribute these numbers to the entities that value them most. The
Order also adopted several definitional and technical updates to
improve clarity and flexibility in toll-free number assignment.
The Commission sought comment and then adopted auctions procedures
and deadlines on August 2, 2019. Bidding for the auction occurred on
December 17, 2019, and Somos issued an announcement of the winning
bidders on December 20, 2019. On December 16, 2019, to facilitate the
preparation of its study of the auction, the Bureau charged the North
American Numbering Council, via its Toll Free Access Modernization
Working Group, to issue a report evaluating various aspects of the 833
Auction, and recommending improvements for any future toll free number
auctions.
On January 16, 2020, Somos released all of the 833 Auction data for
public review. On March 13, 2020, the Bureau invited public comment on
the 833 Auction in preparation for issuing a report on the lessons
learned from the Auction. Comments were due on April 13, 2020. On July
14, 2020, the North American Numbering Council approved the Toll Free
Assignment Modernization Working Group's report, Perspectives on the
December 2019 Auction of Numbers in the 833 Numbering Plan Area.
On January 15, 2021, the Bureau released a report that examined
various aspects of this toll free number assignment experiment,
including lessons learned, examination of auction outcomes, and
recommendations for future

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