Federal Communications Commission

01/17/2021

Amateur & Personal Radio Users Reminded Not to Use Radios in Crimes

The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau today issued a warning to remind amateur and personal radio services licensees and operators that they may not use radio equipment to commit or facilitate criminal acts. The Bureau specifically reminded amateur licensees that they are prohibited from transmitting "communications intended to facilitate a criminal act" or "messages encoded for the purpose of obscuring their meaning.” https://go.usa.gov/xApmr

The FCC Enforcement Bureau issued today an advisory to remind licensees and operators in the Amateur and Personal Radio Services that they may not use radio equipment to commit or facilitate crimes.

01/16/2021

Chairman Pai Signs Canadian Border Spectrum Coordination Arrangement

Chairman Pai signed an arrangement to implement a modernized framework for cross-border radio frequency spectrum coordination between the United States and Canada. “This agreement will improve our nations’ effectiveness in eliminating harmful interference along our shared border and enable rapid deployment of new communications services to consumers,” said Chairman Pai. Details here: https://go.usa.gov/xAVBw #FCCGov

01/15/2021

FCC Seeks Comment on Maximizing Efficient Use of 12 GHz Band

Today the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on how to maximize efficient use of the 500 megahertz of mid-band spectrum in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band. This action will advance a conversation as to whether terrestrial mobile wireless service could coexist with existing operations in the band without causing harmful interference to incumbent licensees.

Seeks input on feasibility of allowing mobile services in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band while protecting incumbents from harmful interference

01/15/2021

FCC Announces Initial Connected Care Pilot Program Projects

Today the FCC announced an initial set of 14 pilot projects with over 150 treatment sites in 11 states that have been selected for the Connected Care Pilot Program. A total of $26.6 million will be awarded to these applicants for proposed projects to treat nearly half a million patients in both urban and rural parts of the country. Overall, this Pilot Program will make available up to $100 million over a three-year period for selected pilot projects for qualifying purchases necessary to provide connected care services, with an emphasis on low-income and veteran patients. Details here: https://go.usa.gov/xAVbn #FCCGov

FCC Announces Initial Connected Care Pilot Program Projects

01/15/2021

First Phase of Record-Breaking 5G Spectrum Auction Concludes

Today the FCC announced the conclusion of bidding in the clock phase of Auction 107, the largest auction of mid-band 5G spectrum, and the highest-grossing spectrum auction at $80.9 billion in the United States. The auction made available licenses for 280 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.7-3.98 GHz band—a portion of the so-called C-band. Details here: https://go.usa.gov/xAVrz#FCCAuctions #5GFAST

01/15/2021

Today at 12pm ET, the Diversity in the Tech Sector Working Group of the FCC’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment and the Media Bureau are co-hosting, "A Road Map to Tech Jobs" Virtual Summit. Drawing on experts and participants from within the #tech industry, the summit will provide info and resources on obtaining #employment in the tech sector to diverse high school, college students, guidance counselors, and parents. Details here: https://go.usa.gov/xABe8 #FCCGov

01/15/2021

FCC Releases Paper on TV News and Market Size

Today the FCC released a new paper titled “Market Size and Local Television News.” This report focuses on the relationship between the number of independent local television news operations in a market and the size of the market, as measured by number of television households. Read the paper here: https://go.usa.gov/xAyzG #FCCGov

01/14/2021

FCC Announces 29 More Tribal Spectrum Applications Accepted for Filing

Today the FCC announced that an additional 29 of the 2.5 GHz band spectrum license applications received as part of the Rural Tribal Priority Window have passed initial review and have been accepted for filing. The Tribal applicants that filed these applications are now one step closer to obtaining access to this prime mid-band spectrum to help address the connectivity needs of their rural communities. Details here: https://go.usa.gov/xAy4q #5GFAST

01/14/2021

FCC Fines Robocaller Nearly $10 Million for Malicious Spoofing

The FCC just fined a malicious robocaller nearly $10 million for spoofing with the intent to cause harm for “neighbor spoofing” campaigns that threatened a reporter, sought to influence a jury, and bombarded a grieving community. FCC Chairman Pai noted: “With today’s fine, we once again make clear our commitment to aggressively go after those who are unlawfully bombarding the American people with spoofed robocalls.” https://go.usa.gov/xAmh6

'Neighbor Spoofing' Campaigns Threatened a Reporter, Sought to Influence a Jury, and Targeted a Grieving Community

01/14/2021

Technological Advisory Council Meeting - January 14, 2021

Today at 10am ET, the Technological Advisory Council will meet to vote on a white paper prepared by the Artificial Intelligence working group and hear recommendations from its four working groups. Details here: https://go.usa.gov/xAmcf #FCCGov

The TAC will consider and vote on a white paper prepared by the Artificial Intelligence working group and recommendations from its four working groups: 5G/IOT/V-RAN, Future of Unlicensed Operations, Artificial Intelligence, and 5G Radio Access Network Technology. This agenda may be modified at the d...

01/13/2021

FCC Seeks Comment on Procedures for 2.5 GHz Auction

Today the FCC has approved a Public Notice seeking comment on competitive bidding procedures for Auction 108, an auction for flexible-use, geographic overlay licenses for counties with unassigned spectrum in the 2.5 GHz band. This will be the third in a series of highly successful FCC auctions to put critical mid-band spectrum to use for next-generation wireless services, including 5G. Details here: https://go.usa.gov/xAmCV #FCCAuctions

Auction 108 to Offer Approximately 8,300 Spectrum Licenses in the 2.5 GHz Band

01/13/2021

FCC Reviews Accomplishments of OCBO, OMD, and OGC Teams

At today’s Open Meeting, the Commission heard reports from leaders of the Office of Communications Business Opportunity, Office of the Managing Director, and Office of the General Counsel on their work over the last four years under Chairman Pai. Review the presentations here: https://go.usa.gov/xAEMe #FCCGov

News Release (Agenda Item)

01/13/2021

FCC Hears from Consumer, Enforcement, and Public Safety Teams

At today’s Open Meeting, the Commission heard reports from leaders of the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Enforcement Bureau, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau on their work over the last few years. Check out the full presentations here: https://go.usa.gov/xAEFd #FCCGov

News Release (Agenda Item)

01/13/2021

FCC Reviews Accomplishments of Media and Incentive Auction Teams

Today at the first Open Meeting of 2021 and the final meeting under Chairman Pai, the Commissioners welcomed staff presentations from the Media Bureau and the Incentive Auction Task Force. Review the presentations here: https://go.usa.gov/xAEHU #FCCAuctions #MediaModernization

News Release/Agenda Item

01/13/2021

FCC Hears Reports from Wireline and Rural Broadband Auctions Teams

At today’s Open Meeting the FCC heard reports from leaders of the Wireline Competition Bureau and Rural Broadband Auctions Task Force on their work over the last four years. Check out the full presentations here: https://go.usa.gov/xAEHT #FCCAuctions #OpenMtgFCC

News Release/Agenda Item

01/13/2021

FCC Reviews Accomplishments of WTB, IB, OET, and OEA Teams

Check out these presentations from the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, International Bureau, Office of Engineering and Technology, and Office of Economics and Analytics on their accomplishments over the past four years that include 5G deployment, satellite broadband, making spectrum available for unlicensed uses, & more. Details here: https://go.usa.gov/xAEAj #FCCGov #5GFAST

News Release/Agenda Item

01/13/2021

January 2021 Open Commission Meeting

Today at 10:30am, the Commission will hold its final Open Meeting under Chairman Pai. Please review the full agenda here: go.usa.gov/xAkFE #FCCGov #OpenMtgFCC

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and related agency telework and headquarters access policies, this meeting will be held in a wholly electronic format and is open to the public on the Internet via live feed from the FCC’s web page at www.fcc.gov/live and on the FCC’s YouTube channel. The FCC...

01/12/2021

Tribal Webinar: Broadband Engineering Basics and Spectrum Licensee Obligations

Did you miss last week's webinar for Tribal spectrum licensees seeking to provide broadband and other advanced wireless communications services on their rural Tribal lands? Watch the video here: https://go.usa.gov/xAj5A #NativeNations #FCCGov

The Office of Native Affairs and Policy and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau held a free, two-hour informational webinar for Tribal spectrum licensees seeking to provide broadband and other advanced wireless communications services on their rural Tribal lands. The webinar included an overview....

01/12/2021

What They're Saying: FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Auction

Here’s what elected officials, organizations, stakeholders, and others are saying about the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase 1 Auction: https://go.usa.gov/xAPmM #FCCAuctions

01/11/2021

There Are Those Who Wireline

Check out the latest episode of the FCC podcast that discusses the evolution of the Wireline Competition Bureau's mission, the work the FCC does to bring broadband to more Americans, and updating regulations for the modern marketplace: https://go.usa.gov/xAndm #FCCGov

It may seem like ancient history, but there was a time when one of the FCC's top priorities was making sure landline telephone service reached every American. And as technology evolves—from copper phone lines to fiber optic cables, from landline phones to 5G smartphones—so does the mission of th...

01/08/2021

FCC Proposes Rules to Expedite Release of New Devices and Technologies

Last month, the Commission adopted a proposal to grant limited, early-stage flexibility to innovators to conditionally sell devices to consumers prior to receiving an equipment authorization. Details here: https://go.usa.gov/xA3P5 #FCCGov

Proposed Equipment Authorization Rule Changes Would Also Maintain Stringent Protections Against Harmful Interference

01/07/2021

FCC Proposes Over $47 Million in Fines on EBS Spectrum Licensees

Today the Commission proposed more than $47 million in fines on 10 entities for apparently failing to provide the educational services required by Educational Broadband Service spectrum licenses they hold. The parties also apparently failed to meet their obligations to maintain local program committees to inform the use of their respective licenses in the 2.5 GHz band. Details here: https://go.usa.gov/xAR75 #FCCGov

The FCC proposed fines on 10 entities for apparently failing to provide the educational services required by Educational Broadband Service (EBS) spectrum licenses they hold.

01/07/2021

FCC Modernizes Siting Rule for Small Hub and Relay Wireless Antennas

Today the Commission updated its over-the-air reception device rule to ensure that certain antennas that are used for the distribution of broadband-only fixed wireless services to multiple customer locations can be sited in ways that support the deployment of next generation networks, including 5G. The latest rule will ensure that these hub and relay wireless antennas fall under the same rule as other over-the-air reception devices. Details here: go.usa.gov/xARVg #5GFAST #FCCGov

Revises the Commission's Rule for Over-the-Air Reception Devices to Support Deployment of Small Antennas Used to Distribute Fixed Wireless Internet Access Services to Multiple Customers

01/07/2021

Tribal Webinar: Broadband Engineering Basics and Spectrum Licensee Obligations

Today at 2pm EST, the FCC will hold an informational webinar for Tribal spectrum licensees seeking to provide broadband and other advanced wireless communications services on their rural Tribal lands. For more info, visit: https://go.usa.gov/xAj5A #NativeNations #FCCGov

The Office of Native Affairs and Policy and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau will hold a free, two-hour informational webinar for Tribal spectrum licensees seeking to provide broadband and other advanced wireless communications services on their rural Tribal lands. The webinar will include an....

01/07/2021

Enforcement Bureau Reminds EAS Participants of Compliance Obligations

The FCC's Enforcement Bureau today issued an advisory to remind Emergency Alert System participants of their compliance obligations, including ensuring that alerts are accessible to people with disabilities. Details: https://go.usa.gov/xARKw #EAS #FCCGov

The FCC's Enforcement Bureau today issued an advisory to remind Emergency Alert System participants of their compliance obligations, including ensuring that alerts are accessible to people with disabilities

01/06/2021

FCC Seeks Input on Next Round of COVID-19 Telehealth Program

The FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau today announced it is seeking public input on how to administer Round 2 of the agency’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program, which received an additional $249.95 million in support as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021. In this Public Notice, the FCC seeks comment on the metrics the Commission should use to evaluate new applications for funding, how to treat applications that were filed during the initial funding round under the CARES Act, and additional program improvements. Details: https://go.usa.gov/xANEX #telehealth #DigitalDivide

Additional $249.95 Million in Round 2 Funding Support for Health Care Providers Will Build on Success of Initial Program

01/05/2021

A Road Map to Tech Jobs - Virtual Summit

“A Road Map to Tech Jobs” Virtual Summit, co-hosted by the Diversity in the Tech Sector Working Group of the @FCC’s Advisory Committee on #Diversity and Digital Empowerment and the FCC’s Media Bureau, will be held on January 15 from 12-3pm EST. This virtual summit, livestreamed on fcc.gov/live and @FCC’s YouTube channel, will provide info & resources on employment in the #tech sector to diverse high school and college students, as well as to key influencers such as guidance counselors, placement officers, and parents. Info: https://go.usa.gov/xAXUt

The Diversity in the Tech Sector Working Group of the FCC’s Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment (ACDDE) and the FCC’s Media Bureau are co-hosting this virtual summit. The event will be convened virtually and will be open to the public on the Internet via live feed from the FC...

01/04/2021

FCC Seeks Comment on New Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

Today, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau issued a request for comment on how best to administer a new $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program created by Congress to help low-income consumers access the Internet. This program responds to the FCC’s call for Congress to fund a program to advance the Keep Americans Connected initiative that the Commission launched last year. Details: https://go.usa.gov/xAX8p #digitaldivide

Initiative to Connect Low-Income Households Funded Through Recent Congressional Appropriation Responds to FCC's Call to Keep Americans Connected

01/04/2021

January 2021 Open Commission Meeting

At the next Open Meeting, leaders from the FCC's Bureaus, Offices, and Task Forces will summarize the work their teams have done over the last four years in a series of presentations: https://go.usa.gov/xAkFE

Chairman Pai announced that the following items are tentatively on the agenda for the January Open Commission Meeting. Bureau, Office, and Task Force leaders will summarize the work their teams have done over the last four years in a series of presentations: Panel One The Commission will hear presen...

12/31/2020

How to Keep Video Conferences Secure

If you’re planning virtual visits with family and friends using online videoconferencing this NYE, don’t let bad actors spoil the fun. #FCCtips can help you avoid having uninvited guests crash your virtual party: https://go.usa.gov/xAbHb #ProtectingConsumers #NewYearsEve2021

Scam Warnings As online shopping increases, so do delivery notification scam calls and texts. Find out what to watch out for this holiday season. Consumer Information The FCC COVID-19 Consumer Guide has information about coronavirus scams and how you can avoid becoming a victim, along with helpful t...

12/30/2020

International Calling Tip Sheet

This holiday season you may be calling loved ones who are abroad. Review this FCC guide on international long-distance calling made simple: http://go.usa.gov/x3Ww3 #FCCtips #HappyHolidays #ProtectingConsumers

International Calling Check List - Look Up Basic Rates - Web Resources: Service Providers