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Proposed Rule2021-28337

Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-Fall 2021

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Published

January 31, 2022

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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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 20 (Monday, January 31, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 20 (Monday, January 31, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5340-5370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-28337]

[[Page 5339]]

Vol. 87

Monday,

No. 20

January 31, 2022

Part XXIII

Federal Communications Commission

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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

Federal Register / Vol. 87 , No. 20 / Monday, January 31, 2022 / UA:
Reg Flex Agenda

[[Page 5340]]

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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Ch. I

Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions--
Fall 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, 445 12th Street
SW, 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 actually 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.

Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
472....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI14
Implementing the
Telephone Consumer
Protection Act (TCPA) of
1991 (CG Docket No. 02-
278).
473....................... Rules and Regulations 3060-AI15
Implementing Section 225
of the Communications Act
(Telecommunications Relay
Service) (CG Docket No.
03-123).
474....................... Structure and Practices of 3060-AJ42
the Video Relay Service
(VRS) Program (CG Docket
No. 10-51).
475....................... Implementation of the 3060-AJ84
Middle Class Tax Relief
and Job Creation Act of
2012/Establishment of a
Public Safety Answering
Point Do-Not-Call
Registry (CG Docket No.
12-129).
476....................... Misuse of Internet 3060-AK01
Protocol (IP) Captioned
Telephone Service;
Telecommunications Relay
Services and Speech-to-
Speech Services; CG
Docket No. 13-24.
477....................... 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
478....................... Development of Nationwide 3060-AJ15
Broadband Data to
Evaluate Reasonable and
Timely Deployment of
Advanced Services to All
Americans.
479....................... Expanding the Economic and 3060-AJ82
Innovation Opportunities
of Spectrum Through
Incentive Auctions (GN
Docket No. 12-268).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 5341]]

Office of Engineering and Technology--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
480....................... Encouraging the Provision 3060-AK80
of New Technologies and
Services to the Public
(GN Docket No. 18-22).
481....................... Spectrum Horizon (ET 3060-AK81
Docket No. 18-21).
482....................... Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz 3060-AK96
Band (ET Docket No. 19-
138).
483....................... 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.
484....................... Unlicensed White Space 3060-AL22
Device Operations in the
Television Bands (ET
Docket No. 20-36).
485....................... Protecting Against 3060-AL23
National Security Threats
to the Communications
Supply Chain through the
Equipment Authorization
and Competitive Bidding
Programs; ET Docket No.
21-232, EA Docket No. 21-
233.
486....................... Wireless Microphones in 3060-AL27
the TV Bands, 600 MHz
Guard Band, 600 MHz
Duplex Gap, and the 941.5-
944 MHz, 944-952 MHz,
952.850-956.250 MHz,
956.45-959.85 MHz, 1435-
1525 MHz, 6875-6900 MHz
and 7100-7125 MHz.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

International Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
487....................... Update to Parts 2 and 25 3060-AK59
Concerning
NonGeostationary, Fixed-
Satellite Service
Systems, and Related
Matters: IB Docket No. I6-
408.
488....................... 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.
489....................... Further Streamlining Part 3060-AK87
25 Rules Governing
Satellite Services: IB
Docket No. 18-314.
490....................... Facilitating the 3060-AK89
Communications of Earth
Stations in Motion With
Non-Geostationary Orbit
Space Stations: IB Docket
No. 18-315.
491....................... Mitigation of Orbital 3060-AK90
Debris in the New Space
Age: IB Docket No. 18-313.
492....................... Process Reform for 3060-AL12
Executive Branch Review
of Certain FCC
Applications and
Petitions Involving
Foreign Ownership (IB
Docket No. 16-155).
493....................... Parts 2 and 25 to Enable 3060-AL28
GSO FSS in the 17.3-17.8
GHz Band, Modernize Rules
for 17/24 GHz BSS Space
Stations, and Establish
Off-Axis Uplink Power
Limits for Extended Ka-
Band FSS (IB Doc. No. 20-
330).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
494....................... Revision of EEO Rules and 3060-AH95
Policies (MM Docket No.
98-204).
495....................... Establishment of Rules for 3060-AI38
Digital Low-Power
Television, Television
Translator, and
Television Booster
Stations (MB Docket No.
03-185).
496....................... Preserving Vacant Channels 3060-AK43
in the UHF Television
Band for Unlicensed Use;
(MB Docket No. 15-146).
497....................... Authorizing Permissive Use 3060-AK56
of the ``Next
Generation'' Broadcast
Television Standard (GN
Docket No. 16-142).
498....................... 2018 Quadrennial 3060-AK77
Regulatory Review of the
Commission's Broadcast
Ownership Rules (MB
Docket 18-349).
499....................... Equal Employment 3060-AK86
Opportunity Enforcement
(MB Docket 19-177).
500....................... Duplication of Programming 3060-AL19
on Commonly Owned Radio
Stations (MB Docket No.
19-310).
501....................... Sponsorship Identification 3060-AL20
Requirements for Foreign
Government-Provided
Programming (MB Docket
No. 20-299).
502....................... FM Broadcast Booster 3060-AL21
Stations (MB Docket 20-
401).
503....................... Revisions to Political 3060-AL25
Programming and Record-
Keeping Rules (MB Docket
No. 21-93).
504....................... Updating Broadcast Radio 3060-AL26
Technical Rules (MB
Docket 21-263).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
506....................... Wireless E911 Location 3060-AJ52
Accuracy Requirements: PS
Docket No. 07-114.
507....................... Improving Outage Reporting 3060-AK39
for Submarine Cables and
Enhancing Submarine Cable
Outage Data; GN Docket
No. 15-206.

[[Page 5342]]

508....................... Amendments to Part 4 of 3060-AK40
the Commission's Rules
Concerning Disruptions to
Communications: PS Docket
No. 15-80.
509....................... New Part 4 of the 3060-AK41
Commission's Rules
Concerning Disruptions to
Communications; ET Docket
No. 04-35.
510....................... Wireless Emergency Alerts 3060-AK54
(WEA): PS Docket No. 15-
91.
511....................... Blue Alert EAS Event Code. 3060-AK63
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
512....................... 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).
513....................... Promoting Technological 3060-AK06
Solutions to Combat
Wireless Contraband
Device Use in
Correctional Facilities;
GN Docket No. 13-111.
514....................... Promoting Investment in 3060-AK12
the 3550-3700 MHz Band;
GN Docket No. 17-258.
515....................... Use of Spectrum Bands 3060-AK44
Above 24 GHz for Mobile
Services--Spectrum
Frontiers: WT Docket 10-
112.
516....................... Transforming the 2.5 GHz 3060-AK75
Band, WT Docket No.18-120.
517....................... Expanding Flexible Use of 3060-AK76
the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band:
GN Docket No. 18-122.
518....................... Amendment of the 3060-AK92
Commission's Rules to
Promote Aviation Safety:
WT Docket No. 19-140.
519....................... Implementation of State 3060-AL29
and Local Governments'
Obligation to Approve
Certain Wireless Facility
Modification Requests
Under Section 6409(a) of
the Spectrum Act of 2012
(WT Docket No.19-250).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wireline Competition Bureau--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence No. Title Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
521....................... Local Telephone Networks 3060-AH44
That LECs Must Make
Available to Competitors.
522....................... Jurisdictional Separations 3060-AJ06
523....................... Rural Call Completion; WC 3060-AJ89
Docket No. 13-39.
524....................... Rates for Inmate Calling 3060-AK08
Services; WC Docket No.
12-375.
525....................... Comprehensive Review of 3060-AK20
the Part 32 Uniform
System of Accounts (WC
Docket No. 14-130).
526....................... Restoring Internet Freedom 3060-AK21
(WC Docket No. 17-108);
Protecting and Promoting
the Open Internet (GN
Docket No. 14-28).
527....................... 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.
528....................... Numbering Policies for 3060-AK36
Modern Communications, WC
Docket No. 13-97.
529....................... Implementation of the 3060-AK57
Universal Service
Portions of the 1996
Telecommunications Act.
530....................... Toll Free Assignment 3060-AK91
Modernization and Toll
Free Service Access
Codes: WC Docket No. 17-
192, CC Docket No. 95-155.
531....................... Establishing the Digital 3060-AK93
Opportunity Data
Collection; WC Docket
Nos. 19-195 and 11-10.
532....................... Call Authentication Trust 3060-AL00
Anchor.
533....................... Implementation of the 3060-AL01
National Suicide
Improvement Act of 2018.
534....................... Modernizing Unbundling and 3060-AL02
Resale Requirements in an
Era of Next-Generation
Networks and Services.
535....................... Eliminating Ex Ante 3060-AL03
Pricing Regulation and
Tariffing of Telephone
Access Charges (WC Docket
20-71).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 5343]]

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau

Long-Term Actions

472. 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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 10/08/02 67 FR 62667
FNPRM............................... 04/03/03 68 FR 16250
Order............................... 07/25/03 68 FR 44144
Order Effective..................... 08/25/03 .......................
Order on Reconsideration............ 08/25/03 68 FR 50978
Order............................... 10/14/03 68 FR 59130
FNPRM............................... 03/31/04 69 FR 16873
Order............................... 10/08/04 69 FR 60311
Order............................... 10/28/04 69 FR 62816
Order on Reconsideration............ 04/13/05 70 FR 19330
Order............................... 06/30/05 70 FR 37705
NPRM................................ 12/19/05 70 FR 75102
Public Notice....................... 04/26/06 71 FR 24634
Order............................... 05/03/06 71 FR 25967
NPRM................................ 12/14/07 72 FR 71099
Declaratory Ruling.................. 02/01/08 73 FR 6041
R&O................................. 07/14/08 73 FR 40183
Order on Reconsideration............ 10/30/08 73 FR 64556
NPRM................................ 03/22/10 75 FR 13471
R&O................................. 06/11/12 77 FR 34233
Public Notice....................... 06/30/10 75 FR 34244
Public Notice (Reconsideration 10/03/12 77 FR 60343
Petitions Filed).
Announcement of Effective Date...... 10/16/12 77 FR 63240
Opposition End Date................. 10/18/12 .......................
Rule Corrections.................... 11/08/12 77 FR 66935
Declaratory Ruling (release date)... 11/29/12 .......................
Declaratory Ruling (release date)... 05/09/13 .......................
Declaratory Ruling and Order........ 10/09/15 80 FR 61129
NPRM................................ 05/20/16 81 FR 31889
Declaratory Ruling.................. 07/05/16 .......................
R&O................................. 11/16/16 81 FR 80594
Public Notice....................... 06/28/18 83 FR 26284
Public Notice....................... 10/03/18 .......................
Declaratory Ruling.................. 12/06/19 .......................
Declaratory Ruling.................. 12/09/19 .......................
Order............................... 03/17/20 .......................
Declaratory Ruling.................. 03/20/20 .......................
Declaratory Ruling.................. 06/25/20 .......................
Declaratory Ruling and Order........ 06/25/20 .......................
Order on Reconsideration............ 08/28/20 .......................
Declaratory Ruling.................. 09/04/20 .......................
Declaratory Ruling.................. 09/21/20 .......................
NPRM................................ 10/09/20 85 FR 64091
Public Notice....................... 12/17/20 .......................
Declaratory Ruling.................. 12/18/20 .......................
Declaratory Ruling.................. 01/15/21 .......................
Order on Recon...................... 02/12/21 86 FR 9299
R&O................................. 02/25/21 86 FR 11443
Public Notice (Reconsideration 04/12/21 86 FR 18934
Petitions Filed).
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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#2f445d465c5b46015b47405d415b40416f494c4c01484059">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AI14

473. 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.

[[Page 5344]]

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
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 78 FR 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
NPRM................................ 03/19/21 86 FR 14859
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/03/21
NPRM................................ 06/04/21 86 FR 29969
NPRM Correction..................... 06/15/21 86 FR 31668
Order on Recon...................... 07/07/21 86 FR 35632
Public Notice....................... 07/15/21 86 FR 37328
NPRM Correction Comment Period End.. 07/30/21
Public Notice Comment Period End.... 08/09/21
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#8ce9e0e5e3f8a2ebfee9e9e2fbede0e8cceaefefa2ebe3fa">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AI15

474. 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 5345]]

Notice of Inquiry................... 07/19/10 75 FR 41863
NPRM................................ 08/23/10 75 FR 51735
Interim Final Rule.................. 02/15/11 76 FR 8659
Public Notice....................... 03/02/11 76 FR 11462
R&O................................. 05/02/11 76 FR 24393
FNPRM............................... 05/02/11 76 FR 24437
NPRM................................ 05/02/11 76 FR 24442
R&O (Correction).................... 05/27/11 76 FR 30841
Order............................... 07/25/11 76 FR 44326
2nd R&O............................. 08/05/11 76 FR 47469
Order (Interim Final Rule).......... 08/05/11 76 FR 47476
Final Rule; Announcement of 09/26/11 76 FR 59269
Effective Date.
Final Rule; Petition for 09/27/11 76 FR 59557
Reconsideration; Public Notice.
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 .......................
NPRM................................ 03/19/21 86 FR 14859
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/03/21 .......................
NPRM................................ 06/04/21 86 FR 29969
NPRM Correction..................... 06/15/21 86 FR 31668
NPRM Correction Comment Period End.. 07/30/21 .......................
Order on Recon...................... 07/07/21 86 FR 35632
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#caafa6a3a5bee4adb8afafa4bdaba6ae8aaca9a9e4ada5bc">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ42

475. Implementation of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act
of 2012/Establishment of a Public Safety Answering Point Do-Not-Call
Registry (CG Docket No. 12-129)

Legal Authority: Pub. L. 112-96, sec. 6507
Abstract: The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012
required the Commission to create a Do-Not-Call Registry for public
safety answering point (PSAP) telephone numbers and to prohibit the use
of automated dialing equipment to place calls to PSAP numbers on the
Registry. In this docket, the Commission adopted rules and policies
implementing these statutory requirements.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Richard D. Smith, Special Counsel, Consumer Policy
Division, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental
Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 717
338-2797, Fax: 717 338-2574, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b5c7dcd6ddd4c7d19bc6d8dcc1ddf5d3d6d69bd2dac3">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ84

476. 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

[[Page 5346]]

this service, the Commission adopted rules establishing several
requirements and issued an FNPRM to address additional issues.
Timetable:

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#5a3f3633352e743d283f3f342d3b363e1a3c3939743d352c">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK01

477. 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#711a1003141f5f021219031e14151403311712125f161e07">[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#2d47485f585e454c034f585f434859596d4b4e4e034a425b">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK62

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Economics

Long-Term Actions

478. 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:

[[Page 5347]]

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#0a797f706b64646f24676f646e6f704a6c6969246d657c">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ15

479. 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 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#244e41454a0a4f4d40404b4b644247470a434b52">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ82

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Office of Engineering and Technology

Long-Term Actions

480. 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.

[[Page 5348]]

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#601001150c4e0d1512120119200603034e070f16">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK80

481. 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#ed80848e858c8881c3858cad8b8e8ec38a829b">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK81

482. 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, we repurpose 45 megahertz of the
5.850-5.925 GHz band (the 5.9 GHz band) to allow for the expansion of
unlicensed mid-band spectrum operations, while continuing to dedicate
30 megahertz of spectrum for vital intelligent transportation system
(ITS) operations. In addition, to promote the most efficient and
effective use of this ITS spectrum, we are requiring the ITS service to
use cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) based technology at the end
of a transition period. By splitting the 5.9 GHz band between
unlicensed and ITS uses, today's decision puts the 5.9 GHz band in the
best position to serve the needs of the American public.
In the Further Notice, the Commission addresses issues remaining to
finalize the restructuring of the 5.9 GHz band. Specifically, the
Commission addresses: The transition of ITS operations in the 5.895-
5.925 GHz band from Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) based
technology to Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) based technology;
the codification of C-V2X technical parameters in the Commission's
rules; other transition considerations; and the transmitter power and
emissions limits, and other issues, related to full-power outdoor
unlicensed operations across the entire 5.850-5.895 GHz portion of the
5.9 GHz band. The Commission modified the Further Notice released on
November 20, 2020, with an Erratum released on December 11, 2020. The
Commission released a Second Erratum on February 9, 2021. The
corrections from these errata are included in this document.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/06/20 85 FR 6841
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/09/20 .......................
R&O & Order of Proposed Modification 05/03/21 86 FR 23281
FNPRM............................... 05/03/21 86 FR 23323
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Howard Griboff, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone:
202 418-0657, Fax: 202 418-2824, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#11797e667063753f766378737e7777517772723f767e67">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK96

483. 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#cebaa6a1a3afbde0bdbabcbbaca2ab8ea8adade0a9a1b8">[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#2f4d5d464e41014d5a5b434a5d6f494c4c01484059">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL18

484. 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

[[Page 5349]]

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#c3abb6a4abedb5a2adb7b6baaf83a5a0a0eda4acb5">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL22

485. <bullet> Protecting Against National Security Threats to the
Communications Supply Chain Through the Equipment Authorization and
Competitive Bidding Programs; ET Docket No. 21-232, EA Docket No. 21-
233

Legal Authority: Secs. 4(i), 301, 302, 303, 309(j), 312, and 316 of
the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. secs. 154(i),
301, 302a, 303, 309(j), 312, 316, and sec. 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission proposes prohibiting
the authorization of any communications equipment on the list of
equipment and services (Covered List) that the Commission maintains
pursuant to the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019.
Such equipment has been found to pose an unacceptable risk to the
national security of the United States or the security and safety of
United States persons. We also seek comment on whether and under what
circumstances we should revoke any existing authorizations of such
``covered'' communications equipment. We invite comment on whether we
should require additional certifications relating to national security
from applicants who wish to participate in Commission auctions. In the
Notice of Inquiry, we seek comment on other actions the Commission
should consider taking to create incentives in its equipment
authorization processes for improved trust through the adoption of
cybersecurity best practices in consumer devices.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM and NOI........................ 08/19/21 86 FR 46644
NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/20/21 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Jamie Coleman, Attorney Advisor, Federal
Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone:
202 418-2705, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c5afa4aca8a0eba6aaa9a0a8a4ab85a3a6a6eba2aab3">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL23

486. <bullet> Wireless Microphones in the TV Bands, 600 MHz Guard Band,
600 MHz Duplex Gap, and the 941.5-944 MHz, 944-952 MHz, 952.850-956.250
MHz, 956.45-959.85 MHz, 1435-1525 MHz, 6875-6900 MHz and 7100-7125 MHz

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. secs. 154(i), 201, 302a, 303, and secs.
1.407 and 1.411
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks to enhance the
spectral efficiency of wireless microphones by permitting a recently
developed type of wireless microphone system, termed herein as a
Wireless Multi-Channel Audio System (WMAS), to operate in certain
frequency bands. This emerging technology would enable more wireless
microphones to operate in the spectrum available for wireless
microphone operations, and thus advances an important Commission goal
of promoting efficient spectrum use. The Commission proposes to revise
the applicable technical rules for operation of low-power auxiliary
station (LPAS) devices to permit WMAS to operate in the broadcast
television (TV) bands and other LPAS frequency bands on a licensed
basis. The Commission also proposes to update the existing LPAS and
wireless microphone rules to reflect the end of the post-Incentive
auction transition period and update references to international
wireless microphone standards.
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#ed85988a85c39b8c8399989481ad8b8e8ec38a829b">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL27

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

International Bureau

Long-Term Actions

487. 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#f0939c9189de949593959c9cb0969393de979f86">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK59

[[Page 5350]]

488. 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: 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#4d2e24232934633e3d24283f3e0d2b2e2e632a223b">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK84

489. 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#e2818e839bcc868781878e8ea2848181cc858d94">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK87

490. 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. 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#e6858f88829fc895968f839495a6808585c8818990">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK89

491. 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 2,000 kilometers altitude. These changes

[[Page 5351]]

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#513c3423382222307f27343d342b113732327f363e27">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK90

492. 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#b7d6c5c3dfc2c599dbd2d4dfc3dad6d9f7d1d4d499d0d8c1">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL12

493. <bullet> Parts 2 and 25 To Enable GSO FSS in the 17.3-17.8 GHz
Band, Modernize Rules for 17/24 GHz BSS Space Stations, and Establish
Off-Axis Uplink Power Limits for Extended Ka-Band FSS (IB Doc. No. 20-
330)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154(i); 47 U.S.C. 303(r); 47 U.S.C.
309(j)
Abstract: This item addresses the addition of an allocation in the
17.3-17.7 GHz and 17.7-17.8 GHz bands to the fixed-satellite service in
the space-to-Earth direction. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
proposes to add these allocations to the U.S. Table of Frequency
Allocations (non-Federal), and proposes modification of existing
technical rules to prevent harmful interference between services in
these bands.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 02/01/21 86 FR 7660
NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/03/21 .......................
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 03/18/21 .......................
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Sean O'More, Attorney Advisor, International
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington,
DC 20554, Phone: 245 418-2453, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f3c2a2e21612022203d2a0f292c2c61282039">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL28

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Media Bureau

Long-Term Actions

494. 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.
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#6705150209030609490f080b0b0609032701040449000811">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AH95

495. 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

[[Page 5352]]

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#0d7e656c786323606c65687f4d6b6e6e236a627b">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AI38

496. 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 2015 NPRM, the Commission proposed preserving in each
area of the country at least one vacant television channel. In the 2021
Report and Order, the Commission declined to adopt rules proposed in
the 2015 NPRM. Petitions for reconsideration are pending.
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#64170c05110a4a09050c0116240207074a030b12">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK43

497. 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 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: Ty Bream, Attorney Advisor, Industry Analysis Div.,
Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-0644, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#42363b6c203027232f022421216c252d34">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK56

498. 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 84 FR 6741
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Brendan Holland, Chief, Industry Analysis Division,

[[Page 5353]]

Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2486, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#89ebfbece7ede8e7a7e1e6e5e5e8e7edc9efeaeaa7eee6ff">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK77

499. 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#abd9cacfc3c2c0ca85c0cad9c6cad9c0cad9ebcdc8c885ccc4dd">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK86

500. 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 eliminated 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. Petitions for reconsideration are pending.
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#264c474b4f4a43084d474254436640454508414950">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL19

501. 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 modifies its rules to
require specific disclosure requirements for broadcast programming that
is paid for, or provided by a foreign government or its representative.
Petitions for reconsideration are pending.
Timetable:

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#374556535f5e5c56195c56455a56455c56457751545419505841">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL20

502. 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#8eefe2ecebfcfaa0fde6fbe2eae7e0ebfccee8ededa0e9e1f8">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL21

503. <bullet> Revisions to Political Programming and Record-Keeping
Rules (MB Docket No. 21-93)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C secs. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 303, 307, 312,
315, 335, and 403
Abstract: This proceeding was initiated to update the political
programming and recordkeeping rules for broadcast licensees, cable
television system operators, Direct Broadcast Satellite service
providers, and Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service licensees. Given
the substantial growth of such programming in recent years, the updates
under consideration in this proceeding are intended to conform the
Commission's rules with statutory amendments, increase transparency,
and account for modern campaign practices.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Robert Baker, Assistant Division Chief, Policy
Division, Media Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street
NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1417, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e5c414c4b5c5a004c4f454b5c6e484d4d00494158">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL25

504. <bullet> Updating Broadcast Radio Technical Rules (MB Docket 21-
263)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. secs. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 301, 303,
307, 308, 309, 316, and 319
Abstract: This proceeding was initiated to update the Commission's
rules for the broadcast radio services by eliminating or amending
outmoded or unnecessary regulations. This update will ensure that the
Commission's rules are accurate, reducing any potential confusion and
alleviating unnecessary burdens.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Christine Goepp, Attorney Advisor, Media Bureau,

[[Page 5354]]

Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-7834, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3d5e554f544e49545358135a52584d4d7d5b5e5e135a524b">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL26

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Office of Managing Director

Long-Term Actions

505. 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#34465b58555a501a5c515842555e5d555a745257571a535b42">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK64

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau

Long-Term Actions

506. 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:

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#335141565d57521d515c4a585a5d735550501d545c45">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ52

507. 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
PRA Approval for new collection..... 03/25/21
Public Notice re effective date..... 04/28/21
Compliance Date for New Rules....... 10/28/21
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#0477676b70702a676d6a6a65696b6a446267672a636b72">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK39

508. 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

[[Page 5355]]

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. In April 2021, in a Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposed to codify a rule
adopted in 2016 that exempts satellite and terrestrial wireless
providers from reporting outages that potentially affect special
offices and facilities, as defined in Commission rules.
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............................. 04/29/21 86 FR 22796
3rd NPRM............................ 06/30/21 86 FR 34679
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#0674696463747228606f686a637f4660656528616970">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK40

509. 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
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.
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.
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#85f7eae7e0f7f1abe3ecebe9e0fcc5e3e6e6abe2eaf3">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK41

510. 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)

[[Page 5356]]

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#0e646f636b7d207967626b774e686d6d20696178">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK54

511. 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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 06/30/17 82 FR 29811
NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/31/17
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 08/29/17
Order............................... 12/14/18 83 FR 2557
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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#563a3f38323778263f382224391630353578313920">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK63

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

Long-Term Actions

512. 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#ee848f8d829780c09c819d8b80ae888d8dc0898198">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ87

513. 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 2017 Report and Order, 82 FR 22742, the Commission
addressed 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 eliminated certain filing requirements and provides for
immediate approval of the lease applications needed to operate these
systems. In the 2017 Further Notice, 82 FR 22780, the Commission sought
comment on a process for wireless providers to disable contraband
wireless devices once they have been identified. The Commission also
sought 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.
In the Second Report and Order, the Commission takes further steps
to facilitate the deployment and viability of technological solutions
used to combat contraband wireless devices in correctional facilities.
The Second Report and Order adopts a framework requiring the disabling
of contraband wireless devices detected in correctional

[[Page 5357]]

facilities upon satisfaction of certain criteria, and the Commission
addresses issues involving oversight, wireless provider liability, and
treatment of 911 calls. The Second Report and Order further adopts
rules requiring advance notice of certain wireless provider network
changes to promote and maintain contraband interdiction system
effectiveness. In the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the
Commission takes further steps to facilitate the deployment and
viability of technological solutions used to combat contraband wireless
devices in correctional facilities. The Second Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking seeks further comment on the relative
effectiveness, viability, and cost of additional technological
solutions to combat contraband phone use in correctional facilities
previously identified in the record.
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#caa7afa6a3b9b9abe4a9a5a4bdabb38aaca9a9e4ada5bc">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK06

514. 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 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#1c6c7d6970326c736b7970705c7a7f7f327b736a">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK12

515. 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:

[[Page 5358]]

R&O................................. 11/14/16 81 FR 79894
R&O................................. 01/02/18 83 FR 37
FNPRM............................... 01/02/18 83 FR 85
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/23/18
R&O................................. 07/20/18 83 FR 34478
FNPRM............................... 07/20/18 83 FR 34520
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 09/28/18
R&O................................. 02/05/19 84 FR 1618
R&O................................. 05/01/19 84 FR 18405
Next Action Undetermined............
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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#3b51545355154858535a4e59575e7b5d5858155c544d">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK44

516. 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#c3a9acabadedb0a0aba2b6a1afa683a5a0a0eda4acb5">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK75

517. 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 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: 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#502031253c7e203f27353c3c103633337e373f26">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK76

518. 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.

[[Page 5359]]

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#3c56595a5a1248535e555d4f7c5a5f5f125b534a">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK92

519. <bullet> Implementation of State and Local Governments' Obligation
To Approve Certain Wireless Facility Modification Requests Under
Section 6409(a) of the Spectrum Act of 2012 (WT Docket No. 19-250)

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. chs. 2, 5, 9, 13; 28 U.S.C. 2461, unless
otherwise noted
Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission seeks to reduce
regulatory barriers to wireless infrastructure deployment by further
streamlining the state and local government review process for
modifications to existing wireless infrastructure under section 6409(a)
of the Spectrum Act of 2012.
Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Georgios Leris, Federal Communications Commission,
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC
20554, Phone: 202 418-1994, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1770727865707e7864397b72657e645771747439707861">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AL29

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

Completed Actions

520. 800 MHz Cellular Telecommunications Licensing Reform; Docket No.
12-40

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 to 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) to 154(j);
47 U.S.C. 301 to 303; 47 U.S.C. 307 to 309; 47 U.S.C. 332
Abstract: The proceeding was launched to revisit and update rules
governing the 800 MHz Cellular Radiotelephone Service (Cellular
Service). On November 10, 2014, the FCC released a Report and Order
(R&O) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM). In the R&O,
the FCC eliminated or streamlined numerous regulatory requirements; in
the FNPRM, the FCC sought comment on additional reforms of the Cellular
rules, including radiated power and other technical rules, to promote
flexibility and help foster deployment of new technologies such as LTE.
On March 24, 2017, the FCC released a Second Report and Order (2d R&O)
and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (2d FNPRM). In the 2d
R&O, the FCC revised the Cellular radiated power rules to permit
compliance with limits based on power spectral density as an option for
licensees deploying wideband technologies such as LTE, made conforming
revisions to related technical rules, and adopted additional licensing
reforms. In the 2d FNPRM, the FCC sought comment on other measures to
give Cellular and other part 22 commercial mobile radio service
licensees more flexibility and administrative relief, and on ways to
consolidate and simplify the rules for the Cellular Service and other
geographically licensed wireless services. On July 13, 2018, the FCC
released a Third Report and Order (3d R&O) in which it deleted certain
part 22 rules that imposed needless recordkeeping and reporting
obligations; it also deleted certain Cellular Service-specific and Part
22 rules that are duplicative of other rules and are thus no longer
necessary. These revisions reduce regulatory burdens for Cellular and
other Part 22 licensees and provide them with enhanced flexibility,
thereby freeing up more resources for investment in new technologies
and greater spectrum efficiency to meet increasing consumer demand for
advanced wireless services. On March 22, 2019, the FCC released an
Order on Reconsideration addressing a petition for reconsideration of a
rule deletion in the 3d R&O. The FCC denied the petition, thus
affirming its decision in the 3d R&O.
Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Date FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................ 03/16/12 77 FR 15665
NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/15/12
NPRM Reply Comment Period End....... 06/14/12
R&O................................. 12/05/14 79 FR 72143
FNPRM............................... 12/22/14 79FR 76268
Final Rule Effective (With 3 01/05/15
Exceptions).
FNPRM Comment Period End............ 01/21/15
FNPRM Reply Comment Period End...... 02/20/15
2nd R&O............................. 04/12/17 82 FR 17570
2nd FNPRM........................... 04/14/17 82 FR 17959
Final Rule Effective (With 9 05/12/17
Exceptions).
2nd FNPRM Comment Period End........ 05/15/17
2nd FNPRM Reply Comment Period End.. 06/14/17
3rd R&O............................. 08/02/18 83 FR 37760
Final Rule Effective (With 1 09/04/18
Exception).
Order on Reconsideration............ 04/09/19 84 FR 14080
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
Agency Contact: Nina Shafran, Attorney Advisor, Wireless Bureau,
Mobility Div., Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-2781, Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fd9394939cd38e959c9b8f9c93bd9b9e9ed39a928b">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK13

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

Wireline Competition Bureau

Long-Term Actions

521. 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.

[[Page 5360]]

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#acc9c8dbcddec882c7decdcfc4c1c9deeccacfcf82cbc3da">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AH44

522. 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 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.
On March 31, 2020, the United States Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia Circuit affirmed the Commission's December 2018
Report and Order.
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#097e60656560686427626c61666c496f6a6a276e667f">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ06

523. 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.

[[Page 5361]]

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: Connor Ferraro, Attorney Advisor, Competition
Policy Division, WCB, Federal Communications Commission, 45 L Street
NE, Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-1322, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f99a969797968bd79f9c8b8b988b96b99f9a9ad79e968f">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AJ89

524. Rates for Inmate Calling Services; WC Docket No. 12-375

Legal Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151 and 152; 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and (j);
47 U.S.C. 201(b); 47 U.S.C. 218; 47 U.S.C. 220; 47 U.S.C. 276; 47
U.S.C. 403; 47 CFR 64
Abstract: In the Second Report and Order, the Federal
Communications Commission adopted rule changes to ensure that rates for
both interstate and intrastate inmate calling services (ICS) are fair,
just, and reasonable limits on ancillary service charges imposed by ICS
providers. In the Second Report and Order, the Commission set caps on
all interstate and intrastate calling rates for ICS, established a
tiered rate structure based on the size and type of facility being
served, limited the types of ancillary services that ICS providers may
charge for and capped the charges for permitted fees, banned flat-rate
calling, facilitated access to ICS by people with disabilities by
requiring providers to offer free or steeply discounted rates for calls
using TTY, and imposed reporting and certification requirements to
facilitate continued oversight of the ICS market. In the Third Further
Notice portion of the item, the Commission sought comment on ways to
promote competition for ICS, video visitation, and rates for
international calls, and considered an array of solutions to further
address areas of concern in the ICS industry. In an Order on
Reconsideration, the Commission amended its rate caps and the
definition of ``mandatory tax or mandatory fee.''
On June 13, 2017, the D.C. Circuit vacated the rate caps adopted in
the Second Report and Order, as well as reporting requirements related
to video visitation. The court held that the Commission lacked
jurisdiction over intrastate ICS calls and that the rate caps the
Commission adopted for interstate calls were arbitrary and capricious.
The court also remanded the Commission's caps on ancillary fees. On
September 26, 2017, the court denied a petition for rehearing en banc.
On December 21, 2017, the court issued two separate orders: One
vacating the 2016 Order on Reconsideration insofar as it purports to
set rate caps on inmate calling services, and one dismissing as moot
challenges to the Commission's First Report and Order on ICS.
On February 4, 2020, the Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau
released a Public Notice seeking to refresh the record on ancillary
service charges imposed in connection with inmate calling services.
On August 6, 2020, the Commission adopted a Report and Order on
Remand and a Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking responding to
remands by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Circuit and proposing to comprehensively reform rates and charges for
the inmate calling services within the Commission's jurisdiction. The
Report and Order on Remand found that the Commission's five permitted
ancillary service charges (1) automated payment fees; (2) fees for
single-call and related services; (3) live agent fees; (4) paper bill/
statement fees; and (5) third-party financial transaction fees
generally, cannot be practically segregated between interstate and
intrastate inmate telephone calls, except in a limited number of cases.
Accordingly, the Commission prohibited inmate calling services
providers from imposing ancillary service fees higher than the
Commission's caps,or imposing fees for additional ancillary services
unless imposed in connection with purely intrastate inmate telephone
service calls. The Order also reinstated a rule prohibiting providers
from marking up third-party fees for single-call services; reinstated
rule language that prohibits providers from marking up mandatory taxes
or fees that they pass on to inmate telephone service consumers; and
amended certain of the inmate calling services rules consistent with
the D.C. Circuit's mandates to reflect that the Commission's rate and
fee caps on inmate calling service apply only to interstate and
international inmate calling. The Fourth FNPRM proposes to
substantially reduce the interstate rate cap for inmate telephone calls
from the current interim rate caps of $0.21 per minute for debit or
prepaid calls and $0.25 per minute for collect calls for all types of
correctional facilities, to permanent rate caps of $0.14 per minute for
all interstate calls from prisons and $0.16 for all interstate calls
from jails. The Fourth FNPRM also proposes to adopt rate caps for
international inmate

[[Page 5362]]

calling services calls for the first time based on the proposed
interstate rate caps, plus the amount that the provider must pay its
underlying international service provider for an international call. It
also proposes a waiver process for providers that believe the
Commission's rate caps would not allow them to recover their costs of
serving a particular facility or contract. Finally, it seeks comment on
a further mandatory data collection to continue efforts to reform these
rates and fees.
On November 23, 2020, Global Tel*Link Corporation filed a petition
for reconsideration of the August 6, 2020 Order on Remand. On December
3, 2020, the Commission established the opposition and reply comment
dates for the petition.
On May 24, 2021 the Commission released the Third Report and Order,
Order on Reconsideration and Fifth Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking. In the Third Report and Order, the Commission: (1)
Substantially reduced the interim rate caps for interstate inmate
calling services from prisons and larger jails (those with 1,000 or
more incarcerated people) from $0.21 per minute for debit and prepaid
calls and $0.25 per minute for collect calls to new uniform interim
interstate caps of $0.12 per minute for prisons and $0.14 per minute
for larger jails; (2) maintained the current interim interstate rate
cap of $0.21 for jails with less than 1,000 incarcerated people because
of insufficient record evidence to determine providers' costs of
serving those facilities at this time; (3) eliminated separate
treatment of collect calls, resulting in a uniform interim interstate
rate cap for all types of calls at each facility, as proposed; (4)
reformed the treatment of site commission payments by specifying that
providers may pass through to consumers (without any markup) site
commission payments that are mandated by federal, state, or local law
and that providers may pass through to consumers no more than $ 0.02
per minute site commission payments resulting from contractual
obligations negotiated between providers and correctional officials;
(5) capped, for the first time, international calling rates at all
facilities at the applicable facility's total interstate rate cap, plus
the amount the inmate calling services provider pays to its underlying
wholesale carriers for completing international calls; (6) reformed the
ancillary service charge caps for third-party financial transaction
fees, including those related to calls that are billed on a per-call
basis; and (7) adopted a new mandatory data collection to obtain more
uniform cost data based on consistent, prescribed allocation
methodologies to determine fair, permanent cost-based rates for
facilities of all sizes.
In the Order on Reconsideration, the Commission denied GTL's
petition seeking reconsideration of a single sentence from the 2020
Remand Order, in which the Commission reminded providers that the
jurisdictional nature of a call, that is whether it is interstate or
intrastate, depends on the physical location of the endpoints of the
call and not on whether the area code or NXX prefix of the telephone
number associated with the account are associated with a particular
state. The Commission determined that the end-to-end analysis has been,
and remains, the generally applicable test for all telecommunications
carriers in determining the jurisdiction of their calls and the
Commission continues to use the traditional end-to-end jurisdictional
analysis in setting rates for calls placed by inmate calling services
consumers.
In the Fifth Further Notice, the Commission proposed to amend the
Commission's rules to require calling service providers to provide
access to all forms of Telecommunications Relay Services, including
internet-based services, to facilitate greater accessibility for
incarcerated people with hearing and speech disabilities. The
Commission also sought comment on: (1) The methodology the Commission
should use to set permanent per-minute rate caps for interstate and
international inmate calling services; (2) site commission costs for
facilities of all sizes and site commission reform generally; (3) the
costs of providing services to jails with average daily populations of
fewer than 1,000 incarcerated people; (4) whether and how the
Commission should reform the ancillary service charge caps and how the
Commission can curtail potentially abusive practices related to these
charges; (5) whether to institute a recurring periodic data collection;
and (6) whether some providers have market power in the bidding
process, thereby impacting the competitiveness of the bidding process.
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#1c6b757070757d713277797473795c7a7f7f327b736a">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
Irina Asoskov, Assistant Division Chief, Federal Communications
Commission, Wireline Competition Bureau, 445 12th Street SW,

[[Page 5363]]

Washington, DC 20554, Phone: 202 418-7122, Fax: 202 418-1413, Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a332833343b743b29352931352c1a3c3939743d352c">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK08

525. 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 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#285a474a4146064b474046684e4b4b064f475e">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK20

526. 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 reclassified broadband
internet access service as an information service; reinstates the
determination that mobile broadband internet access service is not a
commercial mobile service and 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 Open internet Order.
Timetable:

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#f19c949d98828290df9a98839a949db1979292df969e87">[email&#160;protected]</a>.
RIN: 3060-AK21

527. 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, NOl, 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

[[Page 5364]]

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 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
Co

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Indexed from Federal Register on January 31, 2022.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.