[December 10, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 236)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua071022.wais] [Page 70148-70191] Federal Communications Commission ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part XXII ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 70148]] FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) _______________________________________________________________________ FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Ch. I Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-Fall 2007 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 www.reginfo.gov. ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maura McGowan, Telecommunications 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 be helpful in understanding 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. 96-1 or Docket No. 99-1). The abbreviation for the responsible bureau usually precedes the docket number, as in ``MM Docket No. 96-222,'' which indicates that the responsible bureau is the Mass Media Bureau (now 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 taken action 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. William F. Caton, Deputy Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. CONSUMER AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 467 Policies and Rules Governing Interstate Pay-Per-Call and Other Information Services 3060-AG42 Pursuant to the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (CC Docket Nos. 96-146, 93-22)......... 468 Implementation of the Subscriber Selection Changes Provision of the Telecommunications 3060-AG46 Act of 1996; CC Docket No. 94-129..................................................... 469 Implementation of Section 255 and Section 251(a)(2) of the Telecommunications Act of 3060-AG58 1996; Access to Telecommunications Services Equipment and Customer Premise Equipment for Persons With Disabilities......................................................... 470 In the Matter of the Telecommunications Relay Services, the Americans With 3060-AG75 Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Telecommunications Act of 1996; CC Docket No. 90-571 471 Rules and Regulations Implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 3060-AI14 1991 (CG Docket No. 02-278) (Section 610 Review)...................................... 472 Rules and Regulations Implementing Section 225 of the Communications Act 3060-AI15 (Telecommunications Relay Service) (CG Docket No. 03-123) (Section 610 Review)........ 473 Rules and Regulations Implementing the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited 3060-AI20 Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CG Docket No. 04-53)........................... 474 Rules and Regulations Implementing Minimum Customer Account Record Exchange 3060-AI58 Obligations on All Local and Interexchange Carriers (CG Docket No. 02-386)............ 475 Truth in Billing and Billing Format................................................... 3060-AI61 [[Page 70149]] 476 Closed Captioning of Video Programming................................................ 3060-AI72 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 477 Revision of the Rules Regarding Ultra-Wideband Transmission........................... 3060-AH47 478 New Advanced Wireless Services; ET Docket No. 00-258.................................. 3060-AH65 479 Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields..................................... 3060-AI17 480 Unlicensed Operation of the 3650-3700 Band (ET Doc. No. 04-151)....................... 3060-AI50 481 Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands (ET Doc. No. 04-186)................... 3060-AI52 482 Unlicensed Devices and Equipment Approval (ET Docket No. 03-201)...................... 3060-AI54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 483 Unlicensed Devices in the 5 GHz Band.................................................. 3060-AI16 484 Narrowbanding for Private Land Mobile Radio Service (ET Doc. No. 04-243).............. 3060-AI53 485 DTV Tuner Requirements................................................................ 3060-AI60 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 486 Streamlining the Commission's Rules and Regulations for Satellite Application and 3060-AD70 Licensing Procedures (IB Docket No. 95-117)........................................... 487 Establishing Rules and Policies for the Use of Spectrum for Mobile Satellite Service 3060-AF89 in the L-Band (IB Docket No. 96-132).................................................. 488 Establishment of Rules and Policies for the Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service in 3060-AF93 the 2310-2360 MHz Frequency Band (IB Docket No. 95-91; GEN Docket No. 90-357)......... 489 Allocate & Designate: Spec for Fixed-Sat Srv (37.5-38.5, 40.5-41.5 & 48.2-50.2 GHz 3060-AH23 Bands). Allocate: Fixed & Mobile 40.5-42.5 GHz; Wireless 46.9-47 GHz; Gov Oper 37-38 & 40-40.5 GHz (IB Docket No. 97)........................................................ 490 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review--Review of Accounts Settlement in Maritime Mobile and 3060-AH30 Maritime Mobile-Satellite Radio Services; (IB Docket No. 98-96)....................... 491 Space Station Licensing Reform (IB Docket 02-34)...................................... 3060-AH98 492 Mitigation of Orbital Debris (IB Docket No. 02-54).................................... 3060-AI06 493 Amendment of Parts 1 and 63 of the Commission's Rules (Docket 04-47).................. 3060-AI41 494 Reporting Requirements for U.S. Providers of International Telecommunications Services 3060-AI42 (IB Docket No. 04-112)................................................................ 495 Review of the Spectrum Sharing Plan Among Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit Mobile 3060-AI44 Satellite Service Systems in the 1.6/2.4 GHz Bands (IB Docket No. 02-364)............. 496 Amendment of Parts 2 and 25 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Spectrum and Adopt 3060-AI90 Service Rules and Procedures to Govern the Use of Vehicle-Mounted Earth Stations; IB Docket No. 07-101..................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEDIA BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 497 Cable Television Rate Regulation...................................................... 3060-AF41 498 Cable Television Rate Regulation: Cost of Service..................................... 3060-AF48 499 Cable Home Wiring..................................................................... 3060-AG02 [[Page 70150]] 500 Competitive Availability of Navigation Devices (97-80)................................ 3060-AG28 501 Horizontal Ownership Limits and Attribution Rules..................................... 3060-AH09 502 Digital Audio Broadcasting Systems (MM Docket No. 99-325)............................. 3060-AH40 503 Periodic Review of Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to DTV................. 3060-AH54 504 Direct Broadcast Public Interest Obligations (MM Docket No. 93-25).................... 3060-AH59 505 Revision of EEO Rules and Policies (MM Docket No. 98-204)............................. 3060-AH95 506 Broadcast Multiple and Cross-Ownership Limits......................................... 3060-AH97 507 Establishment of Rules for Digital Low Power Television, Television Translator, and 3060-AI38 Television Booster Stations (MB Docket 03-185)........................................ 508 Joint Sales Agreements in Local Television Markets.................................... 3060-AI55 509 Significantly Viewed Out-of-Market Broadcast Stations (Docket 05-49).................. 3060-AI56 510 Revision of Procedures Governing Amendments to FM Table of Allotments and Changes of 3060-AI63 Community of License in the Radio Broadcast Services (MB Docket 05-210)............... 511 Digital Television Distributed Transmission System Technologies (Docket 05-312)....... 3060-AI68 512 Implementation of Section 621(a)(1) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 as 3060-AI69 Amended by the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992....... 513 Program Access Rules--Sunset of Exclusive Contracts Prohibition (Docket No. 07-29).... 3060-AI87 514 Third Periodic Review of the Commission's Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion 3060-AI89 to Digital Television; MB Docket No: 07-91............................................ 515 DTV Consumer Education Initiative; MB Docket No. 07-148............................... 3060-AI96 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEDIA BUREAU--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 516 Filing of Television Network Affiliation Contracts (MM Docket No. 95-40).............. 3060-AF80 517 Rules Governing Broadcast Television Advertising (MM Docket No. 95-90)................ 3060-AF81 518 Implementation of Section 210 of the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and 3060-AI64 Reauthorization Act of 2004 To Amend Section 338 of the Communications Act............ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF MANAGING DIRECTOR--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 519 Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for FY 2006.............................. 3060-AI79 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF MANAGING DIRECTOR--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 520 Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for FY 2007.............................. 3060-AI97 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 521 Revision of the Rules To Ensure Compatibility With Enhanced 911 Emergency Calling 3060-AG34 Systems............................................................................... 522 Enhanced 911 Services for Wireline.................................................... 3060-AG60 523 In the Matter of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act................ 3060-AG74 524 Development of Operational, Technical, and Spectrum Requirements for Public Safety 3060-AG85 Communications Requirements........................................................... [[Page 70151]] 525 Implementation of 911 Act............................................................. 3060-AH90 526 Commission Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications............................. 3060-AI22 527 E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers.................................... 3060-AI62 528 Recommendations of the Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on 3060-AI78 Communications Networks............................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY BUREAU--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 529 Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act and Broadband Access Services (ET 3060-AI70 Docket No. 04-295).................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 530 Amendment of the Commission's Rules Concerning Maritime Communications................ 3060-AF14 531 Resale and Roaming Obligations Pertaining to Commercial Mobile Radio Services......... 3060-AF58 532 Implementation of Section 309(j) of the Communications Act, Competitive Bidding; 218- 3060-AG00 219 MHz Competitive Bidding Rules..................................................... 533 39 GHz Channel Plan................................................................... 3060-AG16 534 Implementation of 309(j) of the Communications Act, Amendment of Parts 20 and 24 of 3060-AG21 the Commission's Rules--Broadband PCS Competitive Bidding and the Commercial Mobile Radio Service Spectrum Cap............................................................ 535 Multiple Access Systems............................................................... 3060-AG86 536 Amendment of Part I of the Commission's Rules--Competitive Bidding Procedures......... 3060-AG87 537 Amendment of Part 90 of the Rules To Adopt Regulations for Automatic Vehicle 3060-AH12 Monitoring Systems.................................................................... 538 Fixed Satellite Service and Terrestrial System in the Ku-Band......................... 3060-AH17 539 Service Rules for the 746-764 and 776-794 MHz Bands, and Revisions to Part 27 of the 3060-AH32 Commission's Rules.................................................................... 540 Implementation of Sections 309(j) and 337 of the Communications Act of 1934 as Amended 3060-AH33 541 Amendment to Parts 1, 2, 87, and 101 of the Rules To License Fixed Services at 24 GHz. 3060-AH41 542 Amendment of Parts 13 and 80 Governing Maritime Communications........................ 3060-AH55 543 Competitive Bidding Procedures........................................................ 3060-AH57 544 Transfer of the 3650 Through 3700 MHz Band From Federal Government Use................ 3060-AH75 545 2000 Biennial Regulatory Review Spectrum Aggregation Limits for Commercial Mobile 3060-AH81 Radio Services........................................................................ 546 In the Matter of Promoting Efficient Use of Spectrum Through Elimination of Barriers 3060-AH82 to the Development of Secondary Markets............................................... 547 Reexamination of Roaming Obligations of Commercial Mobile Radio Service Providers..... 3060-AH83 548 Amendment to Licensing Low Power Operations in 450-470 MHz Band....................... 3060-AH84 549 Review of Quiet Zones Application Procedures.......................................... 3060-AH88 550 Reallocation and Service Rules for the 698-746 MHz Spectrum Band (Television Channels 3060-AH89 52-59)................................................................................ 551 Year 2000 Part 22 Biennial Review (WT Docket No. 01-108).............................. 3060-AI26 552 Air-Ground Telecommunications Services................................................ 3060-AI27 553 Amendments of Various Rules Affecting Wireless Radio Services (WT Docket No. 03-264).. 3060-AI30 554 Facilitating the Provision of Spectrum-Based Services to Rural Areas.................. 3060-AI31 555 Extending Wireless Telecommunications Services to Tribal Lands........................ 3060-AI32 556 Amendment of Commission Rules Concerning Airport Terminal Use Frequencies 450-470 MHz 3060-AI33 Band of the Private Land Mobile Radio Services, WT 02-318............................. 557 Improving Public Safety Communications in the 800 MHz Band Industrial/Land 3060-AI34 Transportation and Business Channels.................................................. 558 Review of Part 87 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Aviation; WT Docket No. 01-289. 3060-AI35 559 Digital Broadcast Content Protection (MB Docket No. 02-230)........................... 3060-AI37 560 Hearing Aid-Compatible Telephones (WT Docket Nos. 01-309 & 06-150).................... 3060-AI57 561 Implementation of the Commercial Spectrum Enhancement Act (CSEA) and Modernization of 3060-AI88 the Commission's Competitive Bidding Rules and Procedures; WT Docket 05-211........... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 70152]] WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 562 Implementation of the Universal Service Portions of the 1996 Telecommunications Act... 3060-AF85 563 Telecommunications Carriers' Use of Customer Proprietary Network Information and Other 3060-AG43 Customer Information.................................................................. 564 Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 3060-AG50 1996.................................................................................. 565 Detariffing of Competitive Local Exchange Carriers' Interstate Exchange Access 3060-AG73 Services.............................................................................. 566 Local Telephone Networks That LECs Must Make Available to Competitors................. 3060-AH44 567 2000 Biennial Regulatory Review--Telecommunications Service Quality Reporting 3060-AH72 Requirements.......................................................................... 568 Access Charge Reform and Universal Service Reform..................................... 3060-AH74 569 Numbering Resource Optimization....................................................... 3060-AH80 570 National Exchange Carrier Association Petition........................................ 3060-AI47 571 IP-Enabled Services................................................................... 3060-AI48 572 Consumer Protection in the Broadband Era.............................................. 3060-AI73 573 Regulation of Prepaid Calling Card Services; WC Docket No. 05-68...................... 3060-AI83 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 467. POLICIES AND RULES GOVERNING INTERSTATE PAY-PER-CALL AND OTHER INFORMATION SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 (CC DOCKET NOS. 96-146, 93-22) Legal Authority: 47 USC 228 Abstract: The Commission received comments on proposed rules designed to implement the 1996 Telecommunications Act with respect to information services to prevent abusive and deceptive practices by entities that might try to circumvent the statutory requirements. The proposed rules address generally the use of dialing sequences other than the 900 service access code to provide information services. The Commission issued an NPRM on these issues July 16, 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/26/96 61 FR 39107 Order 07/26/96 61 FR 39084 NPRM Comment Period End 09/16/96 Notice to Refresh Record 03/27/03 68 FR 14939 Comment Period End 05/27/03 NPRM 10/15/04 69 FR 61184 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Erica H. McMahon, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2512 Email: erica.mcmahon@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AG42 _______________________________________________________________________ 468. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUBSCRIBER SELECTION CHANGES PROVISION OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996; CC DOCKET NO. 94-129 Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201; 47 USC 258 Abstract: In December 1998, the Commission established new rules and policies implementing section 258 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which makes it unlawful for any telecommunications carrier to ``submit or execute a change in a subscriber's selection of a provider of telecommunications exchange service or telephone toll service except in accordance with such verification procedures as the Commission shall prescribe.'' The rules provide, among other things, that any telecommunications carrier that violates such verification procedures and that collects charges for telephone exchange service or telephone toll service from a subscriber shall be liable to the carrier previously selected by the subscriber in an amount equal to 150 percent of all charges paid by the subscriber after such violation. In April 2000, the Commission modified the slamming liability rules by giving victims of slamming adequate redress, ensuring that carriers that slam do not profit from their fraud, and allowing States to act as the primary administrator of slamming complaints. In July 2000, the Commission took further action to improve the existing carrier change process for both consumers and carriers. In December 2000, the Commission adopted a Biennial Review FNPRM seeking comment on proposals to amend the slamming rules to lighten administrative burdens associated with selling or transferring customer bases by eliminating the need to obtain a waiver, while continuing to protect consumers. In February 2001, the Commission adopted an order modifying and clarifying certain aspects of the reporting and registration requirements it had adopted in July 2000. In May 2001, the Commission adopted streamlined procedures for the carrier-to-carrier sale or transfer of customer bases, as proposed in the Biennial Review FNPRM. In February, 2003, the Commission adopted a Reconsideration Order and Second FNPRM. The Reconsideration Order addresses, amongst other things, the requirement that a carrier's sales agent drop-off a carrier change request phone call once the customer has been connected to an independent third party verifier, and the applicability of our slamming rules to local exchange carriers. In the Second FNPRM, the Commission sought comment on rule [[Page 70153]] modifications with respect to third party verifications. In July, 2004, the Commission released a Fourth Order on Reconsideration disposing of petitions for reconsideration of the streamlined rules for compliance with section 258 of the Act. In November, 2004, a Fifth Order on Reconsideration was released that confirmed certain carrier change verification rules. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ MO&O on Recon and FNPRM 08/14/97 62 FR 43493 FNPRM Comment Period End 09/30/97 Second Report & Order and Second FNPRM 02/16/99 64 FR 7745 First Order on Recon 04/13/00 65 FR 47678 Third Report & Order and Second Order on Recon 11/08/00 65 FR 66934 Third FNPRM 01/29/01 66 FR 8093 Order 03/01/01 66 FR 12877 First Report & Order and Fourth Report & Order 06/06/01 66 FR 30334 2nd FNPRM 03/17/03 68 FR 19176 3rd Order on Recon 03/17/03 68 FR 19152 2nd FNPRM Comment Period End 06/17/03 4th Order on Recon & First Order on Recon 07/17/04 5th Order on Recon (Release Date) 11/24/04 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Nancy Stevenson, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2512 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: nancy.stevenson@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AG46 _______________________________________________________________________ 469. IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 255 AND SECTION 251(A)(2) OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996; ACCESS TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES EQUIPMENT AND CUSTOMER PREMISE EQUIPMENT FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Legal Authority: 47 USC 255; 47 USC 251(a)(2) Abstract: This proceeding is initiated to implement the provisions of sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act and related sections of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 regarding the accessibility of telecommunications equipment and services to persons with disabilities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 03/07/96 61 FR 9164 Notice 07/30/96 61 FR 39657 R&O 08/14/96 61 FR 42181 NOI 09/26/96 61 FR 50465 Notice 10/23/96 61 FR 54999 NPRM 05/22/98 63 FR 28456 Notice 10/28/98 63 FR 57686 Notice 04/13/99 64 FR 18021 Notice 04/19/99 64 FR 19178 Notice 06/02/99 64 FR 29644 Report & Order 11/19/99 64 FR 63235 Further NOI 11/19/99 64 FR 63277 Public Notice 07/13/00 65 FR 43372 Public Notice 01/07/02 67 FR 678 Notice 04/23/02 67 FR 19753 Notice 09/06/02 67 FR 57009 Notice 10/30/02 67 FR 66154 Public Notice 07/21/04 69 FR 43586 Notice 07/29/04 69 FR 45318 Notice 02/14/05 70 FR 7503 Notice 04/06/05 70 FR 17456 Public Notice 07/20/05 70 FR 41754 Notice 03/29/06 71 FR 15738 Notice 07/26/06 71 FR 42396 Public Notice 08/02/06 71 FR 43768 R&O 08/06/07 72 FR 43546 Notice 08/06/07 72 FR 43638 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Cheryl J. King, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights Office, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2284 TDD Phone: 202 418-0410 Fax: 202 418-6219 Email: cheryl.king@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AG58 _______________________________________________________________________ 470. IN THE MATTER OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, AND THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996; CC DOCKET NO. 90-571 Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 225 Abstract: This item addresses the requirement that telecommunications relay services be capable of handling any type of call normally provided by common carriers, including coin sent-paid calls. On April 5, 2001, the Commission published a Second FNPRM seeking comment on the coin sent-paid issue. This Second FNPRM suspended the enforcement of section 64.604(a)(3) of our rules until final rules in this proceeding are adopted and published in the Federal Register. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/04/90 55 FR 50037 R&O and Request for Comments 08/01/91 56 FR 36729 Order on Recon & Second R&O 03/03/93 58 FR 12175 FNPRM 03/30/93 58 FR 12204 MO&O 11/28/95 60 FR 58626 Order 09/08/97 62 FR 47152 2nd NPRM 04/05/01 66 FR 18059 5th R&O 02/07/03 68 FR 6352 R & O (Correction) 02/24/03 68 FR 8553 Recon of 5th R&O and Order Comment Deadline 04/04/03 Public Notice 04/15/03 68 FR 18205 Comment Period End for Petitions for Recon 04/30/03 Notice 08/27/04 69 FR 52694 Petitions for Recon of 5th R&O Denied 09/01/04 69 FR 53346 Notice 09/01/04 69 FR 53442 Comment Period End 11/01/04 Public Notice 11/12/04 69 FR 65401 Comment Period End 11/30/04 Notice 12/27/04 69 FR 77246 Comment Period End 01/26/05 Notice 04/06/05 70 FR 17456 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Thomas Chandler, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1475 Email: thomas.chandler@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AG75 _______________________________________________________________________ 471. RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE TELEPHONE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT (TCPA) OF 1991 (CG DOCKET NO. 02-278) (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 47 USC 227 Abstract: The Commission released an NPRM on September 18, 2002, seeking [[Page 70154]] comment on the rules implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA). The NPRM sought comment on whether the Commission should revise its existing rules, or adopt additional rules, on the use of autodialers, prerecorded messages, and unsolicited facsimile advertisements. The NPRM also sought comment on the effectiveness of the company-specific do-not-call lists and whether to revisit the option of establishing a national do-not-call list. On July 3, 2003, the Commission released a Report and Order establishing, along with the FTC, a national do-not-call registry. The Commission's Report and Order also adopted rules on the use of predictive dialers, the transmission of caller ID information by telemarketers, and the sending of unsolicited fax advertisements. On September 21, 2004, the Commission released an Order adopting a limited safe harbor period from the prohibition on placing automatic telephone dialing systems or prerecorded message calls to wireless numbers when such calls are made to numbers that have been recently ported from wireline service to wireless service. In addition, the Commission amended its existing safe harbor rules for telemarketers subject to the do-not-call registry to require such telemarketers to access the do-not-call list every 31 days, rather than every three months. On February 18, 2005, the Commission released a Second Order on Reconsideration to Address issues raised in petitions for reconsideration of the Commission's 2003 TCPA Report and Order. On December 9, 2005 the Commission released an NPRM proposing to amend the fax advertising rules to implement the Junk Fax Protection Act of 2005. On April 5, 2006, the Commission adopted a Report and Order and Third Order on Reconsideration amending its facsimile advertising rules. On April 5, 2006, the Commission released a Public Notice seeking comment on a petition for declaratory ruling filed by ACA International, which asks the Commission to clarify that the TCPA's restriction on calls to wireless numbers do not apply to creditors calling to recover payments. The period for filing comments on ACA's petition closed on May 22, 2006. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/08/02 67 FR 62667 NPRM Comment Period Extended 11/29/02 67 FR 71126 Reply Comment Period Extended 12/26/02 67 FR 78763 Comment Period End 01/31/03 FNPRM 04/03/03 68 FR 16250 Order 07/25/03 68 FR 44144 Order Effective 08/25/03 Order on Recon 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 Recon 04/13/05 70 FR 19330 Order 06/30/05 70 FR 37705 NPRM 12/19/05 70 FR 75102 Notice 04/26/06 71 FR 24634 Order 05/03/06 71 FR 25967 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Erica H. McMahon, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2512 Email: erica.mcmahon@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI14 _______________________________________________________________________ 472. RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING SECTION 225 OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ACT (TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE) (CG DOCKET NO. 03- 123) (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 225; 47 USC 255; 47 USC 610 Abstract: This proceeding establishes a new docket flowing from the previous telecommunications relay service (TRS) history, CC Docket No. 98-67. This proceeding contains an NPRM continuing the Commission's inquiry into improving the quality of TRS and furthering the goal of functional equivalency consistent with the Congress' mandate that TRS regulations encourage the use of existing technology and not discourage or impair the development of new technology. The Commission seeks comment on 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 NPRM Comment Period End 10/09/03 Public Notice 07/26/04 69 FR 44534 Comment Period End 08/30/04 R&O, Order on Recon 09/01/04 69 FR 53346 FNPRM 09/01/04 69 FR 53382 Public Notice 11/12/04 69 FR 65401 FNPRM Comment Period End 11/15/04 Comment Period End 11/30/04 Comment Period End 12/30/04 Public Notice 01/11/05 70 FR 2360 Comment Period End 01/19/05 Public Notice 02/17/05 70 FR 8034 Declaratory Ruling/ Interpretation 02/25/05 70 FR 9239 Comment Period End 03/04/05 Public Notice 03/07/05 70 FR 10930 Public Notice 03/16/05 70 FR 12884 Order 03/23/05 70 FR 14568 Public Notice/ Announcement of Date 04/06/05 70 FR 17334 Comment Period End 05/02/05 Public Notice 05/11/05 70 FR 24790 Comment Period End 05/25/05 Order 07/01/05 70 FR 38134 Deadline 07/01/05 Public Notice 07/13/05 70 FR 38134 Order on Recon 08/31/05 70 FR 51643 R&O 08/31/05 70 FR 51649 Public Notice 09/07/05 70 FR 53191 Order on Clarification 09/14/05 70 FR 54294 Notice 09/14/05 70 FR 54381 Order on Clarification 09/14/05 70 FR 54298 Comment Period End 10/07/05 Public Notice 10/12/05 70 FR 59346 Public Notice 11/30/05 70 FR 71849 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 Notice 01/11/06 71 FR 1753 Notice 01/11/06 71 FR 1755 Comment Period End 01/17/06 Public Notice/Petition for Rulemaking Withdrawn 01/18/06 71 FR 2942 NPRM 02/01/06 71 FR 5221 Notice 02/01/06 71 FR 5221 Comment Period End 02/10/06 Comment Period End 03/08/06 Notice/Announcement of Effective Date 03/15/06 71 FR 13281 Notice 03/24/06 71 FR 14893 Public Notice 05/10/06 71 FR 27252 Notice 05/24/06 71 FR 29961 Declaratory Ruling/Clarification05/31/06 71 FR 30818 [[Page 70155]] FNPRM 05/31/06 71 FR 30848 Declaratoy Ruling/Dismissal of Petition 06/21/06 71 FR 35553 Clarification 06/28/06 71 FR 36690 Public Notice 06/28/06 71 FR 36795 Public Notice 06/28/06 71 FR 36796 Public Notice 06/28/06 71 FR 36794 Declaratory Ruling on Recon 07/06/06 71 FR 38268 Comment Period End 07/17/06 Comment Period End 07/17/06 Public Notice 08/02/06 71 FR 43768 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 Correction 09/27/06 71 FR 56442 FNPRM Comment Period End 10/30/06 FNPRM Comment Period End 11/13/06 PRA Comment Period End 11/13/06 Final Rule; Clarification 02/14/07 72 FR 6960 Notice 02/14/07 72 FR 7031 Notice Comment Period End 04/16/07 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Agency Contact: Thomas Chandler, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1475 Email: thomas.chandler@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI15 _______________________________________________________________________ 473. RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE CONTROLLING THE ASSAULT OF NON-SOLICITED PORNOGRAPHY AND MARKETING ACT OF 2003 (CG DOCKET NO. 04- 53) Legal Authority: 15 USC 7706; 15 USC 7712; PL 108-187 Abstract: The Commission has adopted rules to protect consumers from unwanted electronic mobile service messages to implement the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/31/04 69 FR 16873 NPRM Comment Period End 05/17/04 Order 09/16/04 69 FR 55765 Order Cross Referencing Federal Trade Commission Definitions 03/25/05 70 FR 34665 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Julie Saulnier, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Government Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1598 Email: julie.saulnier@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI20 _______________________________________________________________________ 474. RULES AND REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING MINIMUM CUSTOMER ACCOUNT RECORD EXCHANGE OBLIGATIONS ON ALL LOCAL AND INTEREXCHANGE CARRIERS (CG DOCKET NO. 02-386) Legal Authority: Communications Act of 1934, as amended Abstract: On December 20, 2002, the Commission issued a Public Notice directing interested parties to file comments on issues raised in a petition filed with the Commission by Americatel Corporation and on a separate petition filed by AT&T, Sprint, and MCI. The petitions asked the Commission to address problems relating to the exchange of customer account records between local and long distance telephone service providers. On March 25, 2004, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CG Docket No. 02-386 seeking further comment on the two petitions and seeking comment as to whether to replace the current voluntary industry process for the exchange of customer account information between local and long distance service providers with mandatory, minimum standards applicable to all such providers. On February 25, 2005, the Commission released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CG Docket No. 02-386. The Report and Order adopted final rules governing the exchange of customer account information between local and long distance telephone service providers. The Commission adopted these rules to help to ensure that consumers' phone service bills are accurate and that their carrier selection requests are honored and executed without undue delay. In the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission sought comment on the need for rules governing the exchange of customer account information between local telephone service providers. On April 15, 2005 and June 15, 2005, a coalition of local and long distance carriers proposed minor modifications and clarifications to section 64.4002 of the Commission's CARE rules. On August 29, 2005, the Commission released a public notice requesting comment on the coalition's proposed clarifications and modifications. Notice of the proposed changes was published in the Federal Register on September 7, 2005 (70 FR 53137). The comment cycle established by the August 29 public notice closed October 3, 2005. On September 13, 2006, the Commission released an Order on Reconsideration adopting the clarifications and technical corrections to the Report and Order, as proposed by the coalition of carriers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/19/04 69 FR 20845 NPRM Comment Period End 06/18/04 R&O and FNPRM (Release Date) 02/25/05 FNPRM Comment Period End 08/01/05 Public Notice 08/29/05 70 FR 53137--01 Public Notice Comment Period End 10/03/05 Order on Reconsideration 12/13/06 71 FR 74819 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Lisa Boehley, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7395 Fax: 202 418-0236 Email: lisa.boehley@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI58 _______________________________________________________________________ 475. TRUTH IN BILLING AND BILLING FORMAT Legal Authority: 47 USC 201; 47 USC 258 [[Page 70156]] Abstract: In 1999, the Commission adopted truth-in-billing rules to address concerns that there is consumer confusion relating to billing for telecommunications services. On March 18, 2005, the Commission released an Order and FNPRM to further facilitate the ability of telephone consumers to make informed choices among competitive service offerings. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ FNPRM 05/25/05 70 FR 30044 Order 05/25/05 70 FR 29979 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Richard D. Smith, Special Counsel, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 717 338-2797 Fax: 717 338-2574 Email: richard.smith@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI61 _______________________________________________________________________ 476. CLOSED CAPTIONING OF VIDEO PROGRAMMING Legal Authority: 47 USC 613 Abstract: This proceeding is initiated to seek comment on rules the FCC adopted in 1997 regarding closed captioning and whether changes are needed to make the rules more effective in making video programming more accessible to deaf and hard of hearing Americans. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ R&O 09/16/97 62 CFR 48487 Notice 10/02/97 62 FR 54848 Order on Recon 10/28/98 63 FR 55959 Notice 09/29/00 65 FR 58552 Notice 01/05/01 66 FR 1136 Notice 12/31/03 68 FR 75558 Notice 05/11/04 69 FR 26095 NPRM 09/26/05 70 FR 56150 Comment Period Extended 11/25/05 70 FR 71077 Comment Period End 12/16/05 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Amelia L. Brown, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2799 TDD Phone: 202 418-7804 Fax: 202 418-6947 Email: amelia.brown@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI72 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Office of Engineering and Technology _______________________________________________________________________ 477. REVISION OF THE RULES REGARDING ULTRA-WIDEBAND TRANSMISSION Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302 to 304; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 544A Abstract: The First Report and Order amends the Commission's rules to permit the marketing and operation of certain types of new products incorporating Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. UWB devices operate by employing very narrow or short duration pulses that result in very large or wideband transmission bandwidths. UWB technology holds great promise for a vast array of new applications that we believe will provide significant benefits for public safety, businesses and consumers. With appropriate technical standards, UWB devices can operate using spectrum occupied by existing radio services without causing interference, thereby permitting scarce spectrum resources to be used more efficiently. The Memorandum Opinion and Order responded to fourteen petitions for reconsideration that were filed in response to the regulations for unlicensed ultra wideband (UWB) operations. In general, this document does not make any significant changes to the existing UWB parameters as the Commission is reluctant to do so until it has more experience with UWB devices. The Commission believes that any major changes to the rules for existing UWB product categories at this early stage would be disruptive to current industry product development efforts. The Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making proposed new rules to address issues raised by some of the petitions for reconsideration that were outside the scope of the proceeding. New rules were proposed to address issues regarding the operation of low pulse repetition frequency UWB systems, including vehicular radars, in the 3.1-10.6 GHz band; and the operation frequency hopping vehicular radars in the 22-29 GHz band as UWB devices. The Commission also proposed new rules that would establish new peak power limits for wideband part 15 devices that do no operate as UWB devices and proposed to eliminate the definition of a UWB device. The 2nd Report & Order and 2nd Memorandum Opinion & Order responds to two petitions for reconsideration that were filed in response to the Commission's decision to establish regulations for unlicensed ultra- wideband (``UWB'') operation. It also responds to the rule making proposals contained in the Memorandum Opinion and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making in this docket. The order establishes new rules for wideband unlicensed devices operating in the 5925-7250 MHz, 16.2-17.7 GHz, and 22.12-29 GHz bands. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/14/00 65 FR 37332 NPRM Comment Period End 10/12/00 1st R&O 05/16/02 67 FR 34852 MO&O 04/22/03 68 FR 19746 FNPRM 04/22/03 68 FR 19773 2nd R&O and 2nd MO&O 02/09/05 70 FR 6771 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: John Reed, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2455 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: jreed@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AH47 [[Page 70157]] _______________________________________________________________________ 478. NEW ADVANCED WIRELESS SERVICES; ET DOCKET NO. 00-258 Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 157(a); 47 USC 303(c); 47 USC 303(f); 47 USC 303(g); 47 USC 303(r) Abstract: This proceeding explores the possible uses of frequency bands below 3 GHz to support the introduction of new advanced wireless services, including third generations as well as future generations of wireless systems. Advanced wireless systems could provide for a wide range of voice data and broadband services over a variety of mobile and fixed networks. The Third Notice of Proposed Rule Making discusses the frequency bands that are still under consideration in this proceeding and invites additional comments on their disposition. Specifically, it addresses the Unlicensed Personal Communications Service (UPCS) band at 1910-1930 MHz, the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) spectrum at 2155-2160/62 MHz bands, the Emerging Technology spectrum, at 2160-2165 MHz, and the bands reallocated from MSS 91990-2000 MHz, 2020-2025 MHz and 2165-2180 MHz. We seek comment on these bands with respect to using them for paired or unpaired Advance Wireless Service (AWS) operations or as relocation spectrum for existing services. The 7th Report & Order facilitates the introduction of Advanced Wireless Service (AWS) in the band 1710-1755 MHz--an integral part of a 90 MHz spectrum allocation recently reallocated to allow for such new and innovative wireless services. We largely adopt the proposals set forth in our recent AWS Fourth NPRM in this proceeding that are designed to clear the 1710-1755 MHz band of incumbent Federal Government operations that would otherwise impede the development of new nationwide AWS services. These actions are consistent with previous actions in this proceeding and with the United States Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (``NTIA'') 2002 Viability Assessment, which addressed relocation and reaccommodation options for Federal Government operations in the band. The 8th Report and Order reallocated the 2155-2160 MHz band for Fixed and Mobile services and designates the 2155-2175 MHz band for Advanced Wireless Service (AWS) use. This proceeding continues the Commission's ongoing efforts to promote spectrum utilization and efficiency with regard to the provision of new services, including Advanced Wireless Services. The Order requires Broadband Radio Service (BRS) licensees in the 2150- 2160/62 MHz band to provide information on the construction status and operational parameters of each incumbent BRS system that would be the subject of relocation. The Notice of Proposed Rule Making requested comments on the specific relocation procedures applicable to Broadband Radio Service (BRS) operations in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band, which the Commission recently decided will be relocated to the newly restructured 2495-2690 MHz band. The Commission also requested comments on the specific relocation procedures applicable to Fixed Microwave Service (FS) operations in the 2160-2175 MHz band. The Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) set forth the specific data that Broadband Radio Service (BRS) licensees in the 2150-2160/62 MHz band must file along with the deadline date and procedures for filing this data on the Commission's Universal Licensing System (ULS). The data will assist in determining future AWS licensee's relocation obligations. The 9th Report and Order established procedures for the relocation of Broadband Radio Service (BRS) operations from the 2150-2160/62 MHz band, as well as for the relocation of Fixed Microwave Service (FS) operations from the 2160-2175 MHz band, and modified existing relocation procedures for the 2110-2150 MHz and 2175-2180 MHz bands. It also established cost-sharing rules to identify the reimbursement obligations for Advanced Wireless Service (AWS) and Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) entrants benefiting from the relocation of incumbent FS operations in the 2110-2150 MHz and 2160-2200 MHz bands and AWS entrants benefiting from the relocation of BRS incumbents in the 2150- 2160/62 MHz band. The Commission continues its ongoing efforts to promote spectrum utilization and efficiency with regard to the provision of new services, including AWS. The Order dismisses a petition for reconsideration filed by the Wireless Communications Association International, Inc. (WCA) as moot. Two petitions for Reconsideration were filed in response to the 9th Report and Order. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/23/01 66 FR 7438 NPRM Comment Period End 03/09/01 Final Report 04/11/01 66 FR 18740 FNPRM 09/13/01 66 FR 47618 MO&O 09/13/01 66 FR 47591 First R&O 10/25/01 66 FR 53973 Petition for Reconsideration 11/02/01 66 FR 55666 2nd R&O 01/24/03 68 FR 3455 3rd NPRM 03/13/03 68 FR 12015 7th R&O 12/29/04 69 FR 7793 Petition for Reconsideration 04/13/05 70 FR 19469 8th R&O 10/26/05 70 FR 61742 Order 10/26/05 70 FR 61742 NPRM 10/26/05 70 FR 61752 Public Notice 12/14/05 70 FR 74011 9th R&O and Order 05/24/06 71 FR 29818 Petition for Recon 07/19/06 71 FR 41022 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Rodney Small, Economist, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2452 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: rodney.small@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AH65 _______________________________________________________________________ 479. EXPOSURE TO RADIOFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 302 to 303; 47 USC 309(j); 47 USC 336 Abstract: The notice of proposed rulemaking proposed amendments to the FCC rules relating to compliance of transmitters and facilities with guidelines for human exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/08/03 68 FR 52879 NPRM Comment Period End 12/08/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes [[Page 70158]] Agency Contact: Ira Keltz, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0616 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: ikeltz@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI17 _______________________________________________________________________ 480. UNLICENSED OPERATION OF THE 3650-3700 BAND (ET DOC. NO. 04-151) Legal Authority: 47 USC 154 Abstract: The notice of proposed rulemaking proposed to maximize the efficient use of the 3650-3700 MHz band. The proposal would allow unlicensed devices to operate in either all, or portions of, this radiofrequency (RF) band under flexible technical limitations with smart/cognitive features that should prevent interference to licensed satellite services. The proposal fostered the introduction of new and advanced services to the American public, especially in rural areas. The Report and Order adopted rules that provide for nationwide, non- exclusive, licensing of terrestrial operations, utilizing technology with a contention-base protocol, in the 3650-3700 MHz band. The Commission also adopted a streamlined licensing mechanism with minimal regulatory entry requirements that will encourage multiple entrants and stimulate the rapid expansion of wireless broadband services-- especially in rural American and will also serve as a safeguard to protect incumbent satellite earth stations from harmful interference. In the MO&O, the Commission addressed several petitions for reconsideration and an emergency motion for stay that were filed in response 3650 MHz Allocation Order in ET Docket No. 98-237. In light of its full review of the refreshed record in this proceeding, and in light of the decisions made in the companion R&O, the Commission denied the aspects of the petitions that challenge and seek to reverse the allocation decisions made in the 3650 MHz Allocation Order. The Commission denied the motion for stay. When the Commission established the November 30, 2000, filing deadline, it did so because it found that additional new FSS facilities permitted by the Freeze MO&O could affect the use of the 3650-3700 MHz band by the terrestrial services. By deciding in this Order to maintain the FSS allocation changes made in the 3650 MHz Allocation Order, the Commission, reaffirmed its conclusion that allowing additional primary FSS earth stations in the 3650 MHz band could negatively affect the prospects for viable FS/MS terrestrial operations. The Memorandum Opinion and Order addressed petitions for reconsideration filed in response to the Commission's Report and Order relating to the 3650-3700 MHz band (3650 MHz band) proceeding. The Commission affirmed its previous decisions to create a spectrum environment that will encourage multiple entrants and stimulate the expansion of broadband service to rural and under served areas. To facilitate rapid deployment in the band, the Commission maintains the previously adopted, non-exclusive licensing scheme. The clarification and modification will facilitate operation of the widest variety of broadband technologies with minimal risk of interference in both the near and long terms. They should further reduce the potential for co- channel interference, provide additional protections to the multiple users in the band under the current licensing regime, and create incentives for the rapid development of broadly compatible contention technologies. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/14/04 69 FR 26790 R&O & MO&O 05/11/05 70 FR 24712 MO&O 07/25/07 72 FR 40767 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Jeffrey Dygert, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7300 Email: jeffrey.dygert@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI50 _______________________________________________________________________ 481. UNLICENSED OPERATION IN THE TV BROADCAST BANDS (ET DOC. NO. 04-186) Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303(e) to 303(f); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 307 Abstract: The notice of proposed rulemaking proposes to amend the Commission's rules to allow unlicensed radio transmitters to operate in the broadcast television spectrum at locations where that spectrum is not being used. We believe that the proposals set forth will provide for more efficient and effective use of the TV spectrum and will have significant benefits for the public by allowing the development of new and innovative types of unlicensed broadband devices and services for businesses and consumers. In the First Report and Order, the Commission took a number of steps towards allowing the introduction of new low power devices in the broadcast television spectrum (TV bands) on channels/frequencies that are not being used for authorized services (hereinafter referred to as ``TV band devices''). The goal in this proceeding is to allow such devices to operate on unused television channels in locations where such operations will not result in harmful interference to TV and other authorized services. The Commission believes that this plan will provide for more efficient and effective use of the TV spectrum and will significantly benefit the public by allowing the development of new and innovative types of devices and services for businesses and consumers, without disrupting television and other authorized services using the TV bands. Because transmissions in the TV band are subject to less propagation attenuation than transmissions in other bands where lower power operations are permitted (such as unlicensed operations in the 2.4 GHz band), operations in the TV bands can benefit a wide range of service providers and consumers by improving the service range of wireless operations, thereby allowing operators to reach new customers. While there will be significant benefits to the public from its actions, the Commission recognizes that it must balance these benefits with the need to protect authorized services in the TV bands from harmful interference. The Further NPRM proposed to allow low power transmitters to operate in the TV broadcast bands at locations where spectrum is not being used by authorized services without causing harmful interference to these services. The Further NPRM seeks comment on whether these TV band devices should [[Page 70159]] be authorized on a licensed, unlicensed or hybrid basis. It would propose to require TV band devices to incorporate ``smart radio'' features to detect vacant TV channels and prevent harmful interference from TV band devices to authorized services operating in the TV bands. These features would include the abilities to 1) monitor spectrum prior to transmitting to ensure that it is not in use by authorized services, 2) switch frequencies or cease transmitting if an authorized service begins using a previously unused frequency, 3) adjust transmit power to the minimum needed to establish a link, 4) determine geographic location and access a database to determine which channels are in use, and/or 5) receive a control signal and select the operating frequency based on data in the control signal. These proposals, if adopted, will prove beneficial to manufacturers and users of low power transmitters because they will provide for more efficient and effective use of the TV spectrum and allow the development of new and innovative types of wireless devices and communication services for businesses and consumers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/18/04 69 FR 34103 First R&O 11/17/06 71 FR 66876 FNPRM 11/17/06 71 FR 66897 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Hugh Van Tuyl, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7506 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: hugh.vantuyl@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI52 _______________________________________________________________________ 482. UNLICENSED DEVICES AND EQUIPMENT APPROVAL (ET DOCKET NO. 03-201) Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302(a); 47 USC 303; 47 USC 306 Abstract: The notice of proposed rulemaking proposed to update section 15.247 of the rules to allow the use of more efficient antenna technologies with unlicensed devices. The Report and Order updates several technical rules for unlicensed radiofrequency devices in part 15 of the Commission's rules. The rule changes will allow device manufacturers to develop expanded applications for unlicensed devices and will allow unlicensed device operators, including Wireless Internet Service providers greater flexibility to modify or substitute parts as long as the overall system operation is unchanged. The changes are part of an ongoing process of updating our rules to promote more efficient sharing of spectrum used by unlicensed devices and remove unnecessary regulations that inhibit such sharing. The Commission received one petition for reconsideration in this proceeding. The Second Report and Order amended the Commission's rules to provide for more efficient equipment authorization of both existing modular transmitter devices and emerging partitioned (or ``split'') modular transmitter devices. These rule changes will benefit manufacturers by allowing greater flexibility in certifying equipment and providing relief from the need to obtain a new equipment authorization each time the same transmitter is installed in a different final product. The rule changes will also enable manufacturers to develop more flexible and more advanced unlicensed transmitter technologies. The Commission further found that modular transmitter devices authorized in accordance with the revised equipment authorization procedures will not pose any increased risk of interference to other radio operations. The Further NPRM, seeks comment on whether there is a need to require unlicensed transmitters operating in the 915 MHz band under sections 15.247 and 15.249 of the rules to comply with a spectrum etiquette requirement, and the impact that requiring an etiquette would have on the development and operation of unlicensed 915 MHz devices operating under those rule sections. The Commission also seeks comment on the particular etiquette suggested by Cellnet that would require digitally modulated spread spectrum transmitters operating in the 915 MHz band under section 15.247 of the rules to operate at less than the 1-watt maximum power if they are continuously silent less than 90 percent of the time within a 0.4 second interval. This etiquette would require that the maximum permitted power level decrease in accordance with a specified formula as the silent interval between transmission decreases. The Commission further seeks comment on alternatives to the etiquette suggested by Cellnet. The Memorandum Opinion and Order dismissed two petitions for reconsideration of the rules adopted in the Report and Order, 69 FR 54027, September 7, 2004, in this proceeding. It dismissed a petition for reconsideration filed by Warren C. Havens and Telesaurus Holdings GB LLC (``Havens'') requesting that the Commission suspend the rule changes adopted for unlicensed devices in the 902-928 MHz (915 MHz) band until such time as it completes a formal inquiry with regard to the potential effect of such changes to Location and Monitoring Service (LMS) licensees in the band. The Commission also dismissed a petition for reconsideration filed by Cellnet Technology (``Cellnet'') requesting that the Commission adopt spectrum sharing requirements in the unlicensed bands, e.g., a ``spectrum etiquette,'' particularly in the 915 MHz band. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/17/03 68 FR 68823 R&O 09/07/04 69 FR 54027 Petition for Reconsideration 11/19/04 69 FR 67736 Petition for Reconsideration 02/15/05 70 FR 7737 2nd R&O 05/23/07 72 FR 28889 FNPRM 08/01/07 72 FR 42011 MO&O 08/01/07 72 FR 41937 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Hugh Van Tuyl, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7506 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: hugh.vantuyl@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI54 [[Page 70160]] _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Completed Actions Office of Engineering and Technology _______________________________________________________________________ 483. UNLICENSED DEVICES IN THE 5 GHZ BAND Legal Authority: 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302(a); 47 USC 303; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 309; 47 USC 316; 47 USC 332 Abstract: The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes to amend the rules governing the operation of Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices, including Radio Local Area Networks (RLANS) to make available an additional 255 MHz of spectrum in the 5.47-5.725 GHz band. The Report and Order amends the Commission's rules to make an additional 255 megahertz of spectrum available in the 5.470-5.725 GHz band for Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices, including Radio Local Area Networks (RLANs). The action aligns the frequency bands used by U-NII devices in the United States with bands in other parts of the word. The Commission believes that the increased demand that will result from expanding the markets for U-NII devices, coupled with the operational flexibility provided by the U-NII rules, will lead manufacturers to develop a wide range of new and innovative unlicensed devices and thereby increase wireless broadband access and investment. The Order extends the one year transition period for Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) equipment operating in the 5.250-5.350 GHz band. This was necessary to allow a sharing protocol to be developed. The Public Notice refreshed the record on issues raised in petitions for reconsideration of the Report and Order in the proceeding. The petitions sought reconsideration and clarification, in part, of the equipment authorization requirements for Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices employing dynamic frequency selection (DFS). The Commission requested additional comments on the DFS issues raised in the petitions for reconsideration and, in particular, how these issues are addressed by the Project Team's revised compliance and measurement procedures and the Commission's rules. The Memorandum Opinion and Order addressed petitions for reconsideration and clarification of the Commission's rules for 5 GHz U-NII devices adopted in the Report and Order in ET Docket No. 03-122 and revised the measurement procedures for certifying U-NII devices in the 5 GHz band. The Commission's action will ensure that all applications for equipment certification of U-NII devices comply with the U-NII requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/25/03 68 FR 44011 R&O 01/20/04 69 FR 2677 Petition for Recon 04/12/04 69 FR 19184 Order 04/06/05 70 FR 17328 Public Notice 05/03/06 71 FR 26004 MO&O 07/12/06 71 FR 39229 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Ahmed Lahjouji, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2061 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: ahmed.lahjouji@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI16 _______________________________________________________________________ 484. NARROWBANDING FOR PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICE (ET DOC. NO. 04-243) Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 301 to 303 Abstract: The notice of proposed rulemaking proposes to revise our transition plan for Private Land Mobile Radio (PLMR) licensees in the 150.05-150.8 MHz, 162-174 MHz, and 406.1-420 MHz bands. This action will provide for an orderly transition from wideband to narrowband operations, increase spectrum efficiency, maintain compatibility with Federal operations, permit PLMR licensees to operate using existing equipment with greater confidence that their critical operations will not be suddenly required to cease transmissions, and significantly reduce the probability that wideband PLMR operations will interfere with new Federal operations. The Report and Order amended the procedures by which forty Private Land Mobile Radio (PLMR) channels, which are located in frequency bands that are allocated primarily for Federal use, are to transition to narrower, more spectrally efficient channels in a process commonly known as ``narrowbanding.'' This action was taken because the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) adopted a more rapid narrowbanding schedule in the 150.05-150.8 MHz, the 162.0125- 173.2 MHz and 173.4-174 MHz (162-174 MHz), and the 406.1-420 MHz bands (collectively, the Federal bands) than the Commission has required for its licensees. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/03/04 69 FR 46462 R&O 04/27/05 70 FR 21652 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Tom Mooring, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2450 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: tom.mooring@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI53 _______________________________________________________________________ 485. DTV TUNER REQUIREMENTS Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302 to 304; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 554A Abstract: The Notice proposed to adjust the schedule by which new broadcast television receivers are required to include the capability to tune digital television (DTV) signals. The Commission request comment on whether there is need to revise the implementation schedule of the DTV tuner requirement for receivers with screen sizes 25 to 36 inches and, if so, how that schedule should be revised to achieve our goal that all new television receivers include DTV tuning capability by July 1, 2007. The Report and Order maintains the schedule of July 1, 2005, by which new broadcast television receivers with screen sizes 25-36 inches are required to include the capability to receive over-the-air digital television (DTV) broadcast signals. This action ensures that DTV tuner equipped sets are available to consumers this year, and will also serve to promote the expeditious completion of the transition from analog to digital broadcast television service. The Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposed to advance the date on which all new television receiving equipment must include the capability to receive over-the-air DTV [[Page 70161]] broadcast signals from July 1, 2007 to a date no later than December 31, 2006. This revision would require all television receivers to include DTV tuners on a schedule not later than the statutory target date for the end of the DTV transition, when analog television service is to end. This proposal is intended to apply the DTV tuner requirement to all TV receivers on an advanced schedule that will allow a more rapid completion of the DTV transition while providing manufacturers with adequate time to include DTV tuners in all their TV products. The Order denied in part and granted in part a Reconsideration/ Clarification of the Second Report and Order in this proceeding. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/18/05 70 FR 13139 R&O 07/06/05 70 FR 38800 FNPRM 07/06/05 70 FR 38845 2nd R&O 12/21/05 70 FR 75739 Order 09/13/06 71 FR 53991 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Alan Stillwell, Senior Associate Chief, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2925 Email: alan.stillwell@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI60 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions International Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 486. STREAMLINING THE COMMISSION'S RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SATELLITE APPLICATION AND LICENSING PROCEDURES (IB DOCKET NO. 95-117) Legal Authority: 47 USC 4; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 554; 47 USC 701 to 744 Abstract: On February 10, 1997, the FCC adopted rules and policies that streamlined the application and licensing requirements of part 25 of its rules, which deals with communication satellites and earth stations. The streamlined rules waived the construction permit requirement for satellite space stations; changed the license term for temporary fixed earth stations; and adjusted or changed the rules concerning minor modifications and basic requirements for satellite service applications. The streamlined rules also resulted in the creation of a new application form, FCC Form 312. Form 312 eliminated from the International Bureau's use of the FCC Form 493, FCC Form 430, FCC Form 702, and FCC Form 704. Petitions for Reconsideration were filed in this matter. In March 1997 the Commission released a Public Notice concerning these petitions, which are presently pending before the International Bureau. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/09/95 60 FR 46252 R&O, Recon Pending 02/10/97 62 FR 5924 Public Notice/Petitions for Recon 03/26/97 62 FR 14430 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Steven Spaeth, Assistant Division Chief, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1539 Fax: 202 418-0748 Email: steven.spaeth@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AD70 _______________________________________________________________________ 487. ESTABLISHING RULES AND POLICIES FOR THE USE OF SPECTRUM FOR MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICE IN THE L-BAND (IB DOCKET NO. 96-132) Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 316; 47 USC 403 Abstract: The Commission has established licensing policies to govern mobile-satellite services (MSS) in the L-band. Specifically, the Commission has modified the license of Motient Services, Inc. (Motient), the only U.S. MSS system currently authorized to operate in the L-band, to use up to 20 megahertz of spectrum across the entire L- band. Previously, Motient was authorized only to operate in the upper portion of the L-band. In addition, the Commission has adopted and incorporated into part 25 of the rules specific operational parameters and technical requirements to ensure the integrity of maritime distress and safety communications service will not be compromised by MSS operation in the lower portion of the L-band. Petitions for reconsideration were filed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/18/96 61 FR 40772 NPRM Comment Period End 09/23/96 R&O 08/07/02 67 FR 51105 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Andrea Kelly, Chief, Policy Branch, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7877 Fax: 202 418-0748 Email: andrea.kelly@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AF89 _______________________________________________________________________ 488. ESTABLISHMENT OF RULES AND POLICIES FOR THE DIGITAL AUDIO RADIO SATELLITE SERVICE IN THE 2310-2360 MHZ FREQUENCY BAND (IB DOCKET NO. 95- 91; GEN DOCKET NO. 90-357) Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 151(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 157; 47 USC 309(j) Abstract: The Commission is proposing rules to govern satellite digital audio radio services (SDARS). The Commission adopted service rules for SDARS in 1997 and sought further comment on proposed rules governing the use of complementary terrestrial repeaters. See 62 FR 19095. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/15/95 60 FR 35166 R&O 03/11/97 62 FR 11083 [[Page 70162]] FNPRM 04/18/97 62 FR 19095 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Stephen Duall, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1103 Fax: 202 418-0748 Email: stephen.duall@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AF93 _______________________________________________________________________ 489. ALLOCATE & DESIGNATE: SPEC FOR FIXED-SAT SRV (37.5-38.5, 40.5-41.5 & 48.2-50.2 GHZ BANDS). ALLOCATE: FIXED & MOBILE 40.5-42.5 GHZ; WIRELESS 46.9-47 GHZ; GOV OPER 37-38 & 40-40.5 GHZ (IB DOCKET NO. 97) Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 301 to 302; 47 USC 303(e) to 303(g); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 304; 47 USC 307 Abstract: This item adopts a plan for non-government operations in the 36.0-51.4 GHz portion of the V-band, establishing priorities for different services in different parts of this band. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/04/97 62 FR 16129 Report & Order 01/15/99 64 FR 2585 Correction 02/08/99 64 FR 6138 Correction 02/10/99 64 FR 6565 Notice of Petition for Reconsideration 03/22/99 64 FR 13796 Order on Reconsideration 12/01/99 Further NPRM 07/05/01 66 FR 35399 2nd R&O (release date) 11/17/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Gardner Foster, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1990 Email: gardner.foster@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AH23 _______________________________________________________________________ 490. 1998 BIENNIAL REGULATORY REVIEW--REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS SETTLEMENT IN MARITIME MOBILE AND MARITIME MOBILE-SATELLITE RADIO SERVICES; (IB DOCKET NO. 98-96) Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 303(r) Abstract: The FCC seeks comment regarding Accounts Settlement in the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) Radio Services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/24/98 63 FR 39800 Report & Order 07/28/99 64 FR 40774 Further NPRM 07/28/99 64 FR 40808 Comment Period Extended 09/03/99 64 FR 48337 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: John F. Copes, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1478 Fax: 202 418-2824 Email: jcopes@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AH30 _______________________________________________________________________ 491. SPACE STATION LICENSING REFORM (IB DOCKET 02-34) Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 157; 47 USC 303(c); 47 USC 303(g); . . . Abstract: The Commission has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to streamline its procedures for reviewing satellite license applications. Currently, the Commission uses processing rounds to review those applications. In a processing round, when an application is filed, the International Bureau (Bureau) issues a public notice establishing a cut-off date for other mutually exclusive satellite applications, and then considers all those applications together. In cases where sufficient spectrum to accommodate all the applicants is not available, the Bureau directs the applicants to negotiate a mutually agreeable solution. Those negotiations usually take a long time, and delay provision of satellite services to the public. The NPRM invites comment on two alternatives for expediting the satellite application process. One alternative is to replace the processing round procedure with a ``first-come, first-served'' procedure that would allow the Bureau to issue a satellite license to the first party filing a complete, acceptable application. The other alternative is to streamline the processing round procedure by adopting one or more of the following proposals: (1) Placing a time limit on negotiations; (2) establishing criteria to select among competing applicants; (3) dividing the available spectrum evenly among the applicants. In the First Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission determined that different procedures were better-suited for different kinds of satellite applications. For most geostationary orbit (GSO) satellite applications, the Commission adopted a first-come, first- served approach. For most non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite applications, the Commission adopted a procedure in which the available spectrum is divided evenly among the qualified applicants. The Commission also adopted measures to discourage applicants from filing speculative applications, including a bond requirement, payable if a licensee misses a milestone. The bond amounts originally were $5 million for each GSO satellite, and $7.5 million for each NGSO satellite system. These were interim amounts. Concurrently with the First Report and Order, the Commission adopted an FNPRM to determine whether to revise the bond amounts on a long-term basis. In the Second Report and Order, the Commission adopted a streamlined procedure for certain kinds of satellite license modification requests. In the Third Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission adopted a standardized application form for satellite licenses, and adopted a mandatory electronic filing requirement for certain satellite applications. In the Fourth Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission extended the mandatory electronic filing requirement to all satellite applications. In the Fifth Report and Order in this proceeding, the Commission revised the bond amounts based on the record developed in response to FNPRM. The bond amounts are now $3 million for each GSO satellite, and $5 million for each NGSO satellite system. [[Page 70163]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/19/02 67 FR 12498 NPRM Comment Period End 07/02/02 2nd R&O (Release Date) 06/20/03 68 FR 62247 2nd FNPRM (Release Date) 07/08/03 68 FR 53702 3rd R&O (Release Date) 07/08/03 68 FR 63994 FNPRM 08/27/03 68 FR 51546 First R&O 08/27/03 68 FR 51499 FNPRM Comment Period End 10/27/03 4th R&O (Release Date) 04/16/04 69 FR 67790 5th R&O, 1st Order on Recon (Release Date) 07/06/04 69 FR 51586 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Steven Spaeth, Assistant Division Chief, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1539 Fax: 202 418-0748 Email: steven.spaeth@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AH98 _______________________________________________________________________ 492. MITIGATION OF ORBITAL DEBRIS (IB DOCKET NO. 02-54) Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 157(a); 47 USC 303(c); 47 USC 303(f) to 303(g); 47 USC 303(r) Abstract: The Commission has adopted rules that require all entities seeking FCC authorization for satellite services to address orbital debris mitigation as part of their application for FCC authorization. Orbital debris consists of artificial objects orbiting the Earth that are not functional spacecraft. In addition, the Commission established requirements for the removal of geostationary spacecraft from operational orbits at the end of their useful lives and amended the Commission's rules regarding orbit raising maneuvers, the use of inclined orbits, and orbital longitudinal tolerance station-keeping requirements. The Commission indicated that it will seek further comment on the application of the Commission's longitudinal tolerance station-keeping requirements for Fixed-Satellite space stations to space stations in the Mobile-Satellite Service and remote sensing services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/03/02 67 FR 22376 NPRM Comment Period End 08/16/02 First R&O 08/27/03 68 FR 59127 2nd R&O 09/09/04 69 FR 54581 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Stephen Duall, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1103 Fax: 202 418-0748 Email: stephen.duall@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI06 _______________________________________________________________________ 493. AMENDMENT OF PARTS 1 AND 63 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES (DOCKET 04- 47) Legal Authority: 47 USC 34 to 39; 47 USC 151; 47 USC 161; 47 USC 201 to 205; . . . Abstract: FCC proposes amendments to several rules. Specifically, FCC proposes to: (1) Amend the procedures for discontinuing an international service; (2) establish post service notification for Commercial Mobile Radio Service carriers providing international service; (3) allow U.S. carriers to resell the U.S.-inbound service of foreign carriers; (4) allow commonly controlled subsidiaries to use their parent corporation's authority to provide international service; and (5) amend the submarine cable landing licensing procedures compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/22/04 69 FR 13276 NPRM Comment Period End 06/07/04 R&O (Release Date) 06/22/07 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: David Krech, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1460 Fax: 202 418-2824 Email: david.krech@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI41 _______________________________________________________________________ 494. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR U.S. PROVIDERS OF INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES (IB DOCKET NO. 04-112) Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 161; 47 USC 201 to 205; . . . Abstract: FCC is reviewing the reporting requirements to which carriers providing U.S. international services are subject under 47 CFR part 43. FCC proposes to amend 47 CFR 43.61 and to repeal 47 CFR 43.53. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/12/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/23/04 69 FR 29676 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: David Krech, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1460 Fax: 202 418-2824 Email: david.krech@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI42 _______________________________________________________________________ 495. REVIEW OF THE SPECTRUM SHARING PLAN AMONG NON-GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITE ORBIT MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICE SYSTEMS IN THE 1.6/2.4 GHZ BANDS (IB DOCKET NO. 02-364) Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302(a); 47 USC 303(e); . . . Abstract: The Commission issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on whether code division multiple access and time division multiple access satellite operators feasibly could share additional spectrum in the 1.6 GHz band. The Commission also affirmed its sharing plan in the 2.4 GHz band. The Commission also affirmed its sharing plan in the 2.4 GHz band. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/29/03 68 FR 33666 [[Page 70164]] R&O 08/09/04 69 FR 48157 FNPRM 08/09/04 69 FR 48192 Petitions for Reconsideration 10/12/04 69 FR 60626 First Order on Reconsideration 06/19/06 71 FR 35178 Petitions for Further Reconsideration 07/27/06 71 FR 44029 Recon Comment Period End 08/31/06 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Howard Griboff, Deputy Chief, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0657 Fax: 202 418-1414 Email: howard.griboff@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI44 _______________________________________________________________________ 496. AMENDMENT OF PARTS 2 AND 25 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES TO ALLOCATE SPECTRUM AND ADOPT SERVICE RULES AND PROCEDURES TO GOVERN THE USE OF VEHICLE-MOUNTED EARTH STATIONS; IB DOCKET NO. 07-101 Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i) to (j); 47 USC 157(a); 47 USC 301; 47 USC 303 (c); 47 USC 303 (f); 47 USC 303 (g); 47 USC 303 (r); 47 USC 303 (y); 47 USC 308 Abstract: The Commission seeks comment on the proposed amendment of parts 2 and 25 of the Commission's rules to allocate spectrum for use with Vehicle-Mounted Earth Stations (VMES) in the Fixed-Satellite Service in the Ku-band uplink at 14.0-14.5 GHz and Ku-band downlink 11.72-12.2 GHz on a primary basis, and in the extended Ku-band downlink at 10.95-11.2 GHz and 11.45-11.7 GHz on a non-protected basis, and to adopt Ku-band VMES licensing and service rules modeled on the FCC's rules for Ku-band Earth Stations on Vessels (ESVs). The record in this proceeding will provide a basis for Commission action to facilitate introduction of this proposed service. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/08/07 72 FR 39357 NPRM Comment Period End 09/04/07 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Howard Griboff, Deputy Chief, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0657 Fax: 202 418-1414 Email: howard.griboff@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AI90 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Media Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 497. CABLE TELEVISION RATE REGULATION Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 543 Abstract: The Commission has adopted rate regulations to implement section 623 of the 1992 Cable Act to ensure that cable subscribers nationwide enjoy the rates that would be charged by cable systems operating in a competitive environment. Reconsideration was requested. The 14th Order on Reconsideration addresses petitions on issues governing regulated services by cable systems. In a subsequent notice, comment was sought on recalibrating the competitive differential between rates of systems subject to effective competition and noncompetitive systems. In addition, comment was sought as to whether there may be a different approach to establish reasonable rates on the basic service tier. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/04/93 58 FR 48 R&O and FNPRM 05/21/93 58 FR 29736 MO&O and FNPRM 08/18/93 58 FR 43816 3rd R&O 11/30/93 58 FR 63087 Order on Recon, 4th R&O, and 5th NPRM 04/15/94 59 FR 17943 3rd Order on Recon 04/15/94 59 FR 17961 5th Order on Recon and FNPRM 10/13/94 59 FR 51869 4th Order on Recon 10/21/94 59 FR 53113 6th Order on Recon, 5th R&O, and 7th NPRM 12/06/94 59 FR 62614 7th Order on Recon 01/25/95 60 FR 4863 9th Order on Recon 02/27/95 60 FR 10512 8th Order on Recon 03/17/95 60 FR 14373 6th R&O and 11th Order on Recon 07/12/95 60 FR 35854 13th Order on Recon 10/05/95 60 FR 52106 12th Order on Recon 10/26/95 60 FR 54815 10th Order on Recon 04/08/96 61 FR 15388 Order on Recon of the 1st R&O and Further NPRM 04/15/96 61 FR 16447 MO&O 02/12/97 62 FR 6491 Report on Cable Industry Prices 02/24/97 62 FR 8245 R&O 03/31/97 62 FR 15118 14th Order on Recon 10/15/97 62 FR 53572 NPRM and Order 09/05/02 67 FR 56882 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: John Norton, Deputy Division Chief, Policy Division, Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7037 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: john.norton@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AF41 _______________________________________________________________________ 498. CABLE TELEVISION RATE REGULATION: COST OF SERVICE Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 543 Abstract: The Commission has established rules pursuant to which cable operators may set rates for regulated cable service in accordance with traditional cost-of-service principles, as modified to take account of unique characteristics of the cable industry. In the latest NPRM, comment was sought on rule changes that may be necessary or desirable in order to account for changes in the regulatory process resulting from the end of the Commission's statutory authority to regulate certain tiers of cable programming service. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/30/93 58 FR 40762 [[Page 70165]] R&O 04/15/94 59 FR 17975 2nd NPRM 04/15/94 59 FR 18066 MO&O 10/14/94 59 FR 52087 2nd R&O/1st Order on Recon/FNPRM03/08/96 61 FR 9361 Correction 03/22/96 61 FR 11749 NPRM and Order 09/05/02 67 FR 56882 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: John Norton, Deputy Division Chief, Policy Division, Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7037 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: john.norton@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AF48 _______________________________________________________________________ 499. CABLE HOME WIRING Legal Authority: 47 USC 544(i) Abstract: On October 6, 1997, the FCC adopted a Report and Order and Second Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 97-7360) that amends its cable inside wiring rules to enhance competition in the video distribution marketplace. The Second FNPRM seeks comment on, among other things, whether there are circumstances where the FCC should adopt restrictions on exclusive contracts in order to further promote competition in the multiple dwelling unit marketplace. The 2nd Report and Order addresses multiple dwelling units when the occupant charges video service providers. In the First Order on Reconsideration and the Second Report and Order, the Commission modified its rules in part. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit remanded a portion of the Commission decision back to the Commission for further consideration. In September 2004, the Commission issued an FNPRM in response to the courts decision. The subsequent Report and Order and Declaratory Ruling concluded that cable wiring behind sheet rock is physically inaccessible for determining the demarcation point. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/17/92 57 FR 54209 R&O 03/02/93 58 FR 11970 NPRM 02/01/96 61 FR 3657 First Order on Recon & FNPRM 02/16/96 61 FR 6210 FNPRM 09/03/97 62 FR 46453 R&O and Second FNPRM 11/14/97 62 FR 60165 First Order on Recon and 2nd R&O03/21/03 68 FR 13850 FNPRM 10/15/04 69 FR 61193 R&O and Declaratory Ruling (release date) 06/08/07 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: John Norton, Deputy Division Chief, Policy Division, Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7037 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: john.norton@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AG02 _______________________________________________________________________ 500. COMPETITIVE AVAILABILITY OF NAVIGATION DEVICES (97-80) Legal Authority: 47 USC 549 Abstract: The Commission has adopted rules to address the mandate expressed in section 629 of the Communications Act to ensure the commercial availability of ``navigation devices,'' the equipment used to access video programming and other services from multichannel video programming systems. Specifically, in 1998, the Commission required MVPDs to make available by July 1, 2000, a security element separate from the basic navigation device (e.g., cable set-top boxes, digital video recorders, and television receivers with navigation capabilities). The separation of the security element from the host device required by this rule (referred to as the ``integration ban'') was designed to enable unaffiliated manufacturers, retailers, and other vendors to commercially market host devices while allowing MVPDs to retain control over their system security. MVPDs were permitted to continue providing equipment with integrated security until January 1, 2005, so long as modular security components, known as point-of-deployment modules, were also made available for use with host devices obtained through retail outlets. In April 2003, in response to requests from cable operators, the Commission extended the effective date of the integration ban until July 1, 2006. Then, in 2005, again at the urging of cable operators, the Commission extended that date until July 1, 2007. Also, in this proceeding, in April 2003, the Commission adopted unidirectional ``plug and play'' rules, to govern compatibility between MVPDs and navigation devices manufactured by consumer electronics manufacturers not affiliated with cable operators. In June 2007, the Commission solicited comment on proposed standards to ensure bidirectional compatibility of cable television systems and consumer electronics equipment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/05/97 62 FR 10011 R&O 07/15/98 63 FR 38089 Order on Reconsideration 06/02/99 64 FR 29599 FNPRM & Declaratory Ruling 09/28/00 65 FR 58255 FNPRM 01/16/03 68 FR 2278 Order and FNPRM 06/17/03 68 FR 35818 2nd R&O 11/28/03 68 FR 66728 FNPRM 11/28/03 68 FR 66776 Order on Reconsideration 01/28/04 69 FR 4081 2nd R&O 06/22/05 70 FR 36040 3rd FNPRM 07/25/07 72 FR 40818 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Brendan Murray, Attorney Advisor, Policy Division, Federal Communications Commission, Media Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washhington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1573 Email: brendan.murray@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AG28 _______________________________________________________________________ 501. HORIZONTAL OWNERSHIP LIMITS AND ATTRIBUTION RULES Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 533 Abstract: Section 613 of the Communications Act requires the Commission to ``prescribe rules and regulations establishing reasonable limits on the number of cable subscribers a person is authorized to reach through cable systems owned by such person, or in which such person has an attributable interest.'' On October 8, 1999, the Commission [[Page 70166]] issued a Third Report and Order, FCC 99-289, in this matter. The Commission revised the horizontal ownership rules as follows: (1) All multichannel video subscribers will be counted when calculating the 30 percent ownership limit; (2) actual subscriber numbers, rather than potential subscriber numbers, will be used for calculating an owner's share; and (3) the minority exception which allowed a 35 percent ownership limit for minority-owned entities under certain circumstances was eliminated. On March 2, 2001, the District of Columbia Circuit Court reversed and remanded the cable horizontal and vertical limits, as well as two aspects of the attribution rules used to determine compliance with these limits. (Time Warner Entertainment Co. v. FCC, 240 F.3d 1126 (DC cir. 2001)). Pursuant to the court's remand, the Commission solicited comment in a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (September 2001) and is now seeking supplemental comment and evidence. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Second MO&O on Recon and FNPRM 07/14/98 63 FR 37790 Third R&O 12/01/99 64 FR 67198 Order on Recon 03/08/00 65 FR 12135 MO&O 06/08/00 65 FR 36382 FNPRM 10/11/01 66 FR 51905 Second FNPRM 06/18/05 70 FR 33680 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Royce Sherlock, Chief, Industry Analysis Division, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7030 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: rsherlock@fcc.gov RIN: 3060-AH09 _______________________________________________________________________ 502. DIGITAL AUDIO BROADCASTING SYSTEMS (MM DOCKET NO. 99-325) Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303 Abstract: The rulemaking proceeding was initiated to foster the development and implementation of terrestrial digital audio broadcasting (DAB). The transition to DAB promises the benefits that have generally accompanied digitalization--better audio fidelity, more robust transmission systems, and the possibility of new auxiliary services. In the First Report and Order, the Commission selected in- band, on-channel as the technology that will permit AM and FM radio broadcasters to introduce digital operations. Consideration of formal standard-setting procedures and related broadcasting licensing and service rule changes are addressed in a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Fu