📡Proposed Rule on Foreign Ownership Policies for Broadcast Licensees
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), in which it seeks comment on or proposes updates to set clear expectations about the Commission's review in both common carrier and broadcast licensees and on other updates that apply only to broadcast licensees. With regard to common carrier licensees, the NPRM seeks comment on or proposes to amend the rules to codify existing policy regarding which entity is the controlling U.S. parent; codify the Commission's advance approval policy regarding certain deemed voting interests; require identification of trusts and trustees; extend the remedial procedures and methodology to privately held companies; add requirements regarding the contents of remedial petitions; require the filing of amendments as a complete restatement to petitions for declaratory ruling; and clarify U.S. residency requirements. For broadcast licensees only, the NPRM seeks comment on how the Commission should process applications filed by a broadcast licensee during the pendency of a remedial petition for declaratory ruling; and other foreign ownership considerations related to processing applications for NCE and LPFM stations. The NPRM proposes to make it easier for entities to understand and navigate the FCC's foreign ownership rules. The FCC believes that this proceeding will avoid inconsistent outcomes; reduce costs; and facilitate the Commission's public interest analysis.
Learn More📞FCC Proposes Non-IP Caller ID Authentication Regulations
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) proposes to require that providers that continue to rely on non-IP networks implement non-IP caller ID authentication frameworks, including proposing to develop criteria for evaluating whether non-IP caller ID authentication frameworks are developed and reasonably available, as required by the TRACED Act, and proposing to conclude that certain existing frameworks satisfy those requirements.
Learn More📡FCC Unveils New Framework for Lower 37 GHz Band Spectrum
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) makes available 600 megahertz of high-frequency spectrum for flexible fixed and mobile use by establishing a mechanism for access to the 37-37.6 GHz band (Lower 37 GHz band). This spectrum, which is shared between non-Federal and Federal operators, can be used for fixed wireless broadband, Internet of Things (IoT), or other innovative services. Crafted in collaboration with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and with input from the Department of Defense (DoD), this new regime provides access to a block of millimeter wave spectrum with low barriers to entry.
Learn More📞FCC Proposes New Rules for Next Generation 911 Services
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (the FCC or Commission) proposes rules that would help ensure that emerging Next Generation 911 (NG911) networks are reliable and interoperable. NG911 is replacing legacy 911 technology across the country with Internet Protocol (IP)-based infrastructure that will support new 911 capabilities, including text, video, and data. However, for NG911 to be fully effective, NG911 networks must safeguard the reliability of critical components and support the interoperability needed to seamlessly transfer 911 calls and data from one network to another. When the Commission first adopted 911 reliability rules in 2013, the transition to NG911 was in its very early stages. Since then, many state and local 911 Authorities have made significant progress in deploying NG911 capabilities in their jurisdictions. This Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) is the next step in fulfilling the Commission's commitment to facilitate the NG911 transition and to ensure that the transition does not inadvertently create vulnerabilities in the nation's critical public safety networks. The FNPRM proposes to update the definition of "covered 911 service provider" in the Commission's existing 911 reliability rules to ensure that the rules apply to service providers that control or operate critical pathways and components in NG911 networks. It also proposes to update the reliability standards for providers of critical NG911 functions to ensure the reliable delivery of 911 traffic to NG911 delivery points, and proposes to establish NG911 interoperability requirements for interstate transfer of 911 traffic between Emergency Services IP Networks (ESInets). In addition, the FNPRM proposes to modify the certification and oversight mechanisms in the current 911 reliability rules to improve reliability and interoperability in NG911 systems while minimizing burdens on service providers, and proposes to empower state and local 911 Authorities to obtain reliability and interoperability certifications directly from covered 911 service providers.
Learn More📞FCC Proposes New Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Regulations
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (the FCC or Commission) proposes rules to strengthen wireless 911 location accuracy rules and to put more actionable location information in the hands of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and first responders.
Learn More📞NG911 Services Regulation Compliance Requirements and Implications
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved a new information collection associated with certain rules adopted in a 2024 Report and Order concerning the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911) (NG911 Report and Order). The Commission also announces that compliance with these rules is now required. The Commission also amends the rules to remove certain paragraphs advising that compliance with the Commission's information collection requirements was not required until the Commission obtained OMB approval. This document is consistent with the NG911 Report and Order and rules, which state the Commission will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing a compliance date for the rule sections subject to OMB approval, and revise the rules accordingly.
Learn More📞FCC Implements New Rules to Combat Unlawful Robocalls
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) modifies its existing call blocking rules. Specifically, the Commission requires all domestic voice service providers to block based on a reasonable do-not-originate (DNO) list. Second, it requires voice service providers to return Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) code 603+ when calls are blocked based on reasonable analytics.
Learn More✈️FCC Proposes New Regulations for Advanced Air Mobility and UAS
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) proposes and seeks comment on changes to the rules that govern the operations of three distinct bands of spectrum, modernizing rules to facilitate opportunities for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). First, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposes and seeks comment on opening up the 450 MHz band to aeronautical command and control operations; allowing for a single, nationwide license in the band; and adopting flexible licensing, operating, and technical rules that will facilitate robust use of the band at a range of altitudes while minimizing interference to neighboring operations. It also proposes expanding radiolocation operations in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band for uncrewed aircraft system detection operations. Finally, the NPRM proposes to modernize the Commission's legacy power rules for Commercial Aviation Air-Ground Systems in the 849-851 and 894-896 MHz band, which is used for in-flight connectivity.
Learn More📡FCC Proposes New Bidding Credits for AWS-3 Spectrum Auctions
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) seeks comment on changes to its rules regarding eligibility for designated entity bidding credits in auctions for licenses in the in the 1695-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz, and 2155-2180 MHz (AWS-3) bands. The Commission also seeks comment on an update to its competitive bidding rules that would align this rule with the Small Business Act.
Learn More🌊Implications of Proposed Submarine Cable Landing License Rules
The Federal Communications Commission ("FCC" or "Commission") takes another important step to protect the Nation's submarine cable infrastructure from threats in an evolving national security and law enforcement landscape by undertaking the first major comprehensive review of the Commission's submarine cable rules since 2001. This review seeks to develop forward-looking rules to better protect submarine cables, identify and mitigate harms affecting national security and law enforcement, and facilitate the deployment of submarine cables and capacity to the market. Among other things, the Commission proposes to adopt a three-year periodic reporting requirement for submarine cable landing licenses; in the alternative, the Commission seeks comment on shortening the current 25-year submarine cable license term or adopting a shorter license term in combination with periodic reporting. The Commission also proposes or seeks comment on codifying the Commission's legal jurisdiction and other legal requirements in its rules to provide regulatory certainty to submarine cable owners and operators. Additionally, the Commission proposes and seeks comment on appropriate applicant and application requirements to account for the evolution of technologies and facilities and changes in the national security landscape over the last two decades and to ensure the Commission has targeted and granular information regarding the ownership, control, use of a submarine cable system, and other things, which are critical to the Commission's review to assess potential national security risks and other important public interest factors. Further, the Commission seeks comment on improving the quality of the circuit capacity data and facilitating the sharing of such information with other Federal agencies. Through these proposals, the Commission seeks to ensure that the Commission is exercising appropriate oversight of submarine cables to safeguard U.S. communications networks.
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