Federal Communications Commission

01/27/2023

February 2023 Open Commission Meeting

The FCC announced the tentative agenda for the February Open Meeting which includes proposed rules to help domestic violence survivors access safe and affordable connectivity and to connect communities to

Chairwoman Rosenworcel announced that the following items are tentatively on the agenda for the February Open Commission Meeting: Public Drafts of Meeting Items – The FCC publicly released the draft text of each item expected to be considered at this Open Commission Meeting with the exception of i...

01/27/2023

The FCC needs your help to identify barriers experienced by unserved and underserved communities. We are asking consumers to share their unique experiences and challenges faced while getting broadband internet access. Whether you have faced discrimination based on who you are, where you live, income, race, ethnicity, religion or any other reason we want to hear from you. Share your story:
https://www.fcc.gov/broadband-access-experience-form

01/26/2023

FCC Improving Support for Digital Health in Rural America

The FCC today approved a number of proposals for the Rural Health Care Program to make it easier for health care providers to receive support, reduce delays in funding commitments, and improve the overall efficiency of the program. Reliable high speed connectivity is critical for rural health care providers to serve patients in rural areas that often have limited resources, fewer doctors, and higher rates for broadband and telecommunications services than urban areas.

The Federal Communications Commission has approved a number of proposals for the Rural Health Care Program to make it easier for health care providers to receive support.

01/26/2023

FCC Proposes Rules to Promote Reliable Access to 988 Lifeline

The FCC today proposed rules to help ensure that the public has access to the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline if a service outage occurs. Learn more:

The Federal Communications Commission has proposed rules to help ensure that the public has access to the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline if a service outage occurs.

01/26/2023

January 2023 Open Commission Meeting

Today at 10:30 AM ET, we’re holding the January Open Meeting that includes proposed rules to promote reliable access to the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and numerous proposals for the Rural Health Care Program.

The FCC is holding this Open Meeting on the subjects listed below: Public Drafts of Meeting Items – The FCC is publicly releasing the draft text of each item expected to be considered at this Open Commission Meeting with the exception of items involving specific, enforcement-related matters includ...

01/25/2023

FCC Asks Consumers to Share Their Broadband Access Experiences

The FCC’s Task Force to Prevent Digital Discrimination today announced it is offering consumers an opportunity to share their stories and experiences in obtaining broadband internet access. These firsthand accounts from consumers will inform the work of the task force and support the FCC’s ongoing efforts to identify and address harms experienced by historically excluded and marginalized communities.

The FCC's Task Force to Prevent Digital Discrimination today announced it is offering consumers an opportunity to share their stories and experiences in obtaining broadband internet access.

01/24/2023

FCC Takes on Mortgage Scam Robocall Campaign Targeting Homeowners

Robocalls are not only a nuisance but can lead to scams especially when the victim is pressured by fraudsters who target vulnerable individuals or those experiencing financial distress. In 2022, the FCC received around 1,500 unwanted call complaints from consumers related to mortgages including robocalls, telemarketing, and/or spoofing calls. The FCC’s Robocall Response Team today took decisive actions to shut down an apparent homeowner-focused robocall scam campaign.

The Enforcement Bureau ordered telecom companies to effectively mitigate suspected illegal traffic from PhoneBurner facilitating apparently illegal robocall traffic from MV Realty and demanded that Twilio cease and desist carrying the traffic.

01/23/2023

FCC Provides Guidance to Enable Critical Health Care Calls

The FCC today provided guidance to federal and state governmental agencies and their partners to enable them to make Medicaid enrollment calls and send text messages without violating robocall and robotext prohibitions. This ruling will ensure millions of Americans can receive the information they need to maintain enrollment in Medicaid and other governmental health care programs to avoid losing health care coverage.

Declaratory Ruling provides guidance to federal and state governmental agencies and their partners to enable them to make Medicaid enrollment calls and send text messages without violating robocall and robotext prohibitions.

01/23/2023

Home

The start of a new year can be hard. Too many people experience crisis or related distress without the support and care they need. If anyone is experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, they should call or text 988.

We can all help prevent su***de. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

01/20/2023

Ensuring 988 Reliability and Resiliency

On January 26, the FCC will consider rules on reporting and notice requirements for service outages potentially affecting the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

This is not a final, adopted action. This has been circulated for tentative consideration by the Commission at its Open Meeting. The issues referenced and the Commission's ultimate resolution of those issues are subject to change.

01/19/2023

FCC Announces Over $40 Million In Emergency Connectivity Funding

The FCC today announced it is committing over $40 million in a new funding round through the Emergency Connectivity Program, which provides digital services for students in communities across the country. Millions of students have benefited from the program that is helping to close the . Today’s funding commitments support applications from the third application window, benefiting approximately 100,000 students across the country, including students in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Washington, and Wisconsin. Details:

The FCC announced it is committing over $40 million in a new funding round through the Emergency Connectivity Program, which provides digital services for students in communities across the country.

01/19/2023

Modernizing and Improving the Rural Health Care Program

On January 26, the FCC will vote on several proposals related to the Rural Health Care Program to improve support for health care providers in America.

This is not a final, adopted action. This has been circulated for tentative consideration by the Commission at its Open Meeting. The issues referenced and the Commission's ultimate resolution of those issues are subject to change

01/18/2023

FCC Takes Next Steps to Combat Digital Discrimination

Last month, the Commission unanimously voted to take the next steps to combat digital discrimination. We’re currently seeking comment on the next steps to promote and facilitate equal access to broadband for all.

Seeks Comment on Next Steps to Promote and Facilitate Equal Access to Broadband for All

01/17/2023

Broadband Data Collection

We need your help to accurately map broadband availability and speeds across the United States. Consumers who use the FCC Speed Test app will enable us to provide improved coverage information to the public and to show where broadband is truly available. Visit fcc.gov/broadbanddata for more information.

The FCC is in the process of updating its current broadband maps with more detailed and precise information on the availability of fixed and mobile broadband services. The Broadband Data Collection (BDC) program will give the FCC, industry, state, local and Tribal government entities, and consumers....

01/13/2023

Ensuring 988 Reliability and Resiliency

At the January Open Meeting, the will consider rules on reporting and notice requirements for service outages potentially affecting the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

This is not a final, adopted action. This has been circulated for tentative consideration by the Commission at its Open Meeting. The issues referenced and the Commission's ultimate resolution of those issues are subject to change.

01/12/2023

Modernizing and Improving the Rural Health Care Program

At the January Open Meeting, the will vote on several proposals related to the Rural Health Care Program to improve support for digital health in America.

This is not a final, adopted action. This has been circulated for tentative consideration by the Commission at its Open Meeting. The issues referenced and the Commission's ultimate resolution of those issues are subject to change

01/11/2023

2022 Communications Marketplace Report

The Commission has released its 2022 Communications Marketplace Report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the communications marketplace. Read the report in its entirety.

The 2022 Communications Marketplace Report provides a comprehensive overview of the state of communications marketplace.

01/10/2023

Caller ID Spoofing

Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the info transmitted to your caller ID to disguise their identity. Scammers often use neighbor spoofing so it appears that an incoming call is coming from a local number or spoof a number you may already know and trust.

Caller ID spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold i...

01/10/2023

Intergovernmental Advisory Committee

ICYMI: Last month the FCC’s Intergovernmental Advisory Committee released two reports: one on effective Affordable Connectivity Program outreach, and another on state, local, Tribal, and territorial regulatory and other barriers and incentives to telemedicine in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can download the reports from the IAC webpage: https://www.fcc.gov/about-fcc/advisory-committees/general/intergovernmental-advisory-committee

The mission of the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee is to provide aid to the Commission on the many telecommunications issues affecting local, state and Tribal governments that are within the jurisdiction of the FCC.

01/09/2023

FCC Votes to Establish Space Bureau & Office of International Affairs

Today, the FCC released an Order adopting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s plan to modernize the FCC to establish a Space Bureau and Office of International Affairs. The planned reorganization will better support the needs of the growing satellite industry, promote long-term technical capacity at the FCC, and help the agency navigate 21st century global communications policy.

Commission votes unanimously to move forward with the International Bureau's reorganization into a Space Bureau and a standalone Office of International Affairs to better support the agency's statutory obligations

01/09/2023

ACP Outreach Grant & Pilot Programs Applications Due 1/9/23

DEADLINE TODAY: Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST today, 1/9. Grant applications for ACP Pilot Programs are due by 9 PM EST. Late applications will not be considered. Full details: https://www.fcc.gov/document/acp-outreach-grant-pilot-programs-applications-due-1923

Applications for the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program must be received by 11:59 PM EST 01/09/2023; applications for the Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program and the ACP Navigator Pilot Program must be received by 9:00 PM EST on 01/09/2023.

01/06/2023

FCC Proposes Rules to Improve Routing of Wireless 911 Calls and Texts

At the December Open Meeting, the Commission proposed rules to improve how wireless 911 calls and texts are routed to 911 call centers, which can result in faster response during emergencies.

The Federal Communications Commission today proposed rules to more precisely route wireless 911 calls and texts to 911 call centers, which can result in faster response times during emergencies.

01/06/2023

FCC Proposes Updated Data Breach Reporting Requirements

Today the FCC proposed rules for notifying customers and federal law enforcement of breaches of customer proprietary network information to better align its rules with federal and state data breach laws covering other sectors. Chairwoman Rosenworcel said: “This new proceeding will take a much-needed, fresh look at our data breach reporting rules.” The FCC will also seek comment on whether to require customer breach notices to include specific categories of information to help ensure they contain actionable information useful to the consumer. More info:

The Commission launched a proceeding to strengthen the Commission's rules for notifying customers and federal law enforcement of breaches of customer proprietary network information (CPNI).

01/05/2023

National Broadband Map

Check out our new map on where internet service is available and help improve it by submitting challenges.

01/05/2023

ACP Outreach Grant & Pilot Programs Applications Due 1/9/23

The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program will provide eligible governmental and non-governmental entities with the funding and resources to increase awareness of and participation in ACP among eligible households that need affordable connectivity to high-speed internet. The FCC also created two one-year pilot programs, the Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program and the ACP Navigator Pilot Program to provide assistance with ACP applications. Applications for these programs must be received by Monday, Jan. 9. The deadline for Pilot Programs is 9:00 PM EST; Grant Program applications are due by 11:59 PM. Details:

Applications for the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program must be received by 11:59 PM EST 01/09/2023; applications for the Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program and the ACP Navigator Pilot Program must be received by 9:00 PM EST on 01/09/2023.

01/05/2023

Gift Card Scams

Reminder: Government agencies and legit companies will never call consumers to seek payment via gift cards.

Someone might ask you to pay for something by putting money on a gift card, like a Google Play or iTunes card, and then giving them the numbers on the back of the card.

01/04/2023

January 2023 Open Meeting Agenda

FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel today outlined the agenda for the next Open Meeting which includes proposed new outage reporting for the vital new 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline and proposed improvements to the FCC’s Rural Health Care Program.

Happy new year! After a busy 2022, we’re ready to get things off to a productive start for 2023.

01/04/2023

The FCC today announced it is committing over $34 million in a new funding round through the Emergency Connectivity Program, which provides digital services for students in communities across the country. Nearly 16 million students have benefited from the program that is helping to close the . Today’s funding commitments support applications from the third application window, benefiting approximately 80,000 students across the country, including students in Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington. Details: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-announces-over-34-million-emergency-connectivity-funding.

01/04/2023

FCC Starts Rulemaking on Licensed Spectrum for Unmanned Aircraft Use

The FCC today proposed rules to enable wireless communications for unmanned aircraft system use in the 5030-5091 MHz band and sought comment on whether measures are necessary to facilitate such use on flexible-use wireless networks. Chairwoman Rosenworcel said: “It is past time that we assess the availability of wireless communications resources for the increasingly important remote-piloted aircraft activity we rely on today.”

The FCC proposed rules to enable wireless communications for unmanned aircraft system use in the 5030-5091 MHz band and sought comment on whether measures are necessary to facilitate such use on flexible-use wireless networks.

01/03/2023

Digital Media Specialist

We’re looking for a Digital Media Specialist to join our Office of Media Relations to serve in a leadership capacity, interacting at the highest levels of the Commission with managing our social media channels, from social listening to content creation to providing analytics in each channel. Plus, you'll be assisting with UX design on fcc.gov. If you think this role suits you, please apply by January 13, 2023. https://www.usajobs.gov/job/695830900

This position is in the Office of Media Relations (OMR), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located in Washington, DC. RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID.   THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSIT...

12/31/2022

2022 in Review: A Note from the Chairwoman

Review Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s new note that highlights our 2022 accomplishments, from helping 15+ million households pay for high-speed internet service to fixing quirks so Tribal Nations can take advantage of the program to the launch of 988 and more.

Looking back on 2022, there is no question that it has been an eventful year at the Federal Communic

12/31/2022

Affordable Connectivity Program

A year ago, we launched the $14.2 billion Affordable Connectivity Program that was created by Congress through the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act to help eligible households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. Today we’ve helped more than 15 million households get affordable broadband. Please visit fcc.gov/ACP to learn more about the program.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a long-term, $14 billion program to help ensure we can afford the internet connections we need for work, school, health care and more. Eligible households can receive a monthly discount of up to $30 per month on their internet service bill and up to $75 per mon...

12/30/2022

Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program

The Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program is expanding diverse outreach efforts across America and building partnerships that mobilize people and organizations to increase program awareness and enrollment.

Register Now for the Upcoming Grant Office Hours! Resources Access to available resources such as program information, upcoming key dates, and contact information can be found here.

12/30/2022

National Broadband Map

Our new National Broadband Map shows internet availability data nationwide and, for the first time, accepts input from consumers like you! Visit BroadbandMap.gov and search for your home or small business. If the reported service or speed isn’t available for purchase, submit a challenge to correct the map. Help us improve the map! Learn more at FCC.gov/BroadbandData/consumers.

12/29/2022

Digital Media Specialist

‼️Job Alert‼️ We’re looking for a Digital Media Specialist to join our Office of Media Relations to serve in a leadership capacity, interacting at the highest levels of the FCC with respect to the planning, development, and use of social media. Apply today.

This position is in the Office of Media Relations (OMR), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) located in Washington, DC. RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID.   THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL ADDITIONAL POSIT...

12/29/2022

FCC Takes Latest Step to Improve Satellite Application Processing

Under its Space Innovation agenda, the FCC is studying communications issues involved in new space activities like satellite refueling and in-orbit repair; mitigating the risks of orbital debris by expediting the removal of out-of-service satellites; freeing up more spectrum in the 17 GHz band to support the growing demand for space-based services; moving forward on identifying spectrum for commercial space launches; proposing clearing the way for more satellite operators in the 50.4-51.4 GHz band; and exploring new opportunities in the V-band to provide service nationwide.

As Satellite Economy Grows, the FCC is Modernizing Its Processes to Accelerate Its Space Innovation Agenda

12/27/2022

December 2022 Open Commission Meeting

Did you miss the December Open Meeting that included promoting equal access to broadband, improving phone services for deaf and hard of hearing users, and making sure wireless 911 calls connect to the right call center? Watch it in its entirety below.

The FCC held this Open Meeting on the subjects listed below: Public Drafts of Meeting Items – The FCC is publicly releasing the draft text of each item expected to be considered at this Open Commission Meeting with the exception of items involving specific, enforcement-related matters including re...

12/23/2022

Safe for the Holidays: Webinar to Avoid Holiday Fraud and Scams

The holiday season is underway, and as consumers are busier than usual, fraudsters take advantage of the season to unleash holiday scams. Earlier this week, we held the Safe for the Holidays: Webinar to Avoid Holiday Fraud and Scams with the FTC. Watch a recap of the webinar.

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission will host a webinar providing information to consumers on how to avoid frauds and scams that are prevalent during the holiday season on December 19, 2022 at...

12/22/2022

This week, the FCC launched a proceeding to streamline its review processes for satellite applications. This is the latest initiative in the FCC’s Space Innovation agenda. As part of this agenda, the FCC has been improving its satellite review processes. This includes the proposed creation of a new Space Bureau in the agency and an increase in staffing levels – by 38 percent – of its satellite policy team. The FCC is also reviewing its processing round rules for satellite systems to encourage more competition.

12/21/2022

How to File Location and Availability Challenges to FCC’s Broadband Map Using Your Computer

Do you need help on your desktop using our new National Broadband Map? Check out this video on how to file location and availability challenges to our National Broadband Map using your computer.

A video tutorial showing how to file location and availability challenges to the FCC’s National Broadband Map from a computer.