Federal Communications CommissionFCC Chairman Ajit Pai discusses FCC efforts to help protect consumers from the illegal and harmful practices of slamming, which is the unauthorized change of a consumer’s preferred telephone company, and cramming, which is the placement of unauthorized charges on a consumer’s phone bill.
Unscrupulous phone companies target vulnerable Americans by misrepresenting themselves on sales calls or fabricating a consumer’s verification to switch service providers. Others go so far as to ask consumers to answer questions on an unrelated call and splice the responses into the alleged verification. And some simply cram charges on consumers’ telephone bills for services that they never authorized.
Protecting Consumers from Unwanted Charges and Unauthorized Switches of Phone CompanyFederal Communications Commission2018-06-07 | FCC Chairman Ajit Pai discusses FCC efforts to help protect consumers from the illegal and harmful practices of slamming, which is the unauthorized change of a consumer’s preferred telephone company, and cramming, which is the placement of unauthorized charges on a consumer’s phone bill.
Unscrupulous phone companies target vulnerable Americans by misrepresenting themselves on sales calls or fabricating a consumer’s verification to switch service providers. Others go so far as to ask consumers to answer questions on an unrelated call and splice the responses into the alleged verification. And some simply cram charges on consumers’ telephone bills for services that they never authorized.Updates to Mapping Broadband Health in America platform – October 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-10-17 | During the October Open Meeting, the Connect2Health Task Force offered a preview on new, more extensive broadband and maternal health data sets to be incorporated into the platform to provide further insights on opportunities for telehealth to make a positive impact on maternal health outcomes.October 2024 Open Commission MeetingFederal Communications Commission2024-10-17 | The FCC held its Open Meeting on the subjects listed below:
* Achieving 100% Wireless Handset Model Hearing Aid Compatibility * Implementation of the National Suicide Hotline Act of 2018 * Connect2Health Task ForcePrecision Ag Connectivity Task Force Meeting – October 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-10-16 | At this meeting, the Task Force heard updates from Working Group leadership, discussed progress towards recommendations, and edited a draft Executive Summary.This is only a Test: Understanding Experimental LicensingFederal Communications Commission2024-10-09 | Many space organizations engage in operation of satellites or earth stations for the purposes of experimentation, product development and market trials. In all these cases, an experimental license from the FCC is required and licensees are not permitted to provide commercial service, charge fees, or receive payments for products or services of operation. The rules and regulations for the experimental radio service are contained in part 5 of the Commission’s Rules (CFR Title 47) and are administered by the FCC’s OET in coordination with the FCC’s Space Bureau.Back-to-School WebinarFederal Communications Commission2024-10-03 | An overview of FCC initiatives with presentations by guest speakers from the U.S. Dept. of Education and the and the Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition (also known as "Shelby").Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council IX MeetingFederal Communications Commission2024-09-27 | The CSRIC is a Federal Advisory Committee that will provide recommendations to the FCC regarding best practices and actions the FCC can take to ensure the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems.Chairwoman Rosenworcel visits Arizona school to discuss closing homework gap in rural communitiesFederal Communications Commission2024-09-26 | "Visiting rural Arizona made clear that if we want our children to succeed in this digital age then we need to ensure they can access the internet. Every child deserves internet access at home to thrive, regardless of their background or zip code." – Chairwoman Rosenworcel, in her recent visit to an Arizona school district where she talked with the community about our latest efforts to modernize the E-Rate program and close the homework gap for rural communities.September 2024 Open Commission MeetingFederal Communications Commission2024-09-26 | The FCC held this Open Meeting on the subjects listed below: * Improving Access to Video Conferencing Services * Freeing Up Spectrum to Support Satellite Broadband Service * Seven Enforcement Bureau ActionsConsumer Advisory Committee Meeting, September 24Federal Communications Commission2024-09-24 | At this meeting, Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) members presented a report in response to its charge from the FCC. Presentation of the recommendations were led by the Chairs of Working Group 1 – Technical and Working Group 2 – Outreach and Education.Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force Meeting – September 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-09-19 | At this meeting, the Task Force heard updates from Working Group leadership and discussed progress towards recommendations.Direct Video Calling ForumFederal Communications Commission2024-09-06 | DVC is an Internet-based communication service that allows conversations to occur between two callers using American Sign Language (ASL), without the need for translation services. The Commission has recognized that effective communications is ensured by the use of direct video communications with individuals with hearing and speech disabilities who use sign language.
The DVC Forum features an overview of relevant Executive Orders regarding accessible Federal customer services, panel discussions on the benefits of DVC and how federal agencies can implement DVC, and exhibits by DVC providers. Technical and policy experts will be on-site to answer any questions about this service, including questions about how to set up direct video calling capability in call centers.Technological Advisory Council Meeting - August 29, 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-08-29 | The TAC is comprised of a diverse group of leading technology experts. It provides technical expertise to the Commission to identify important areas of innovation and develop informed technology policies supporting the United States’ competitiveness in the global economy. The TAC will consider and advise the Commission on topics such as continued efforts at looking beyond 5G advanced as 6G begins to develop so as to facilitate U.S. leadership; studying advanced spectrum sharing techniques, including the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the utilization and administration of spectrum; and other emerging technologies.Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force Meeting – August 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-08-15 | At this meeting, the Task Force and Working Group Leadership provided updates on the progress of their respective reports; began discussions regarding Executive Summary details; reviewed and discussed program and policy expectations relevant to the Task Force’s duties; and continued to discuss strategies to advance broadband deployment on agricultural land and promoting precision agriculture.Communications Equity and Diversity Council Meeting - August 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-08-13 | The Federal Communications Commission’s Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC) held the second meeting of the CEDC under its new charter on August 13, 2024. The agenda for the meeting included introducing CEDC working group chairs, discussing working group plans going forward, and delivery of information from the FCC’s Office of Communications Business Opportunities and Wireline Competition Bureau.Missing and Endangered Persons Code - Lavina Willie-Nez Open Meeting TestimonyFederal Communications Commission2024-08-12 | The Commission considered a Report and Order to establish a Missing and Endangered Persons event code that will provide law enforcement, EAS Participants, and WEA providers with a means to quickly disseminate information pertaining to missing and endangered persons cases. In support of this effort, Lavina Willie-Nez, AMBER Alert Coordinator for the Navajo Department of Police, shares her impactful testimony during the August Open Meeting.Section 310b Petitions for Declaratory Ruling DemoFederal Communications Commission2024-08-09 | Demo for filing 310(b) PDR applications in Modernized ICFSInternational High Frequency Broadcast Stations DemoFederal Communications Commission2024-08-09 | Demo for filing IHF applications in Modernized ICFSSchedule S DemoFederal Communications Commission2024-08-09 | Demo for filing a Schedule S in Modernized ICFSSchedule B Demo Part 2Federal Communications Commission2024-08-09 | Part 2 Demo for filing a Schedule B in Modernized ICFSSatellite Space Stations DemoFederal Communications Commission2024-08-09 | Demo for filing SAT applications in Modernized ICFSSatellite Earth Stations Demo Part 2Federal Communications Commission2024-08-09 | ...International Section 214 Authorizations DemoFederal Communications Commission2024-08-09 | Demo for filing ITC applications in Modernized ICFSSignaling Point Codes DemoFederal Communications Commission2024-08-09 | Demo for filing SPC applications in Modernized ICFSSection 325c Permit Deliver Programs Foreign Broadcast Stations DemoFederal Communications Commission2024-08-09 | Demo for filing 325 applications in Modernized ICFSOpen Commission Meeting - August 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-08-07 | This meeting was open to the public on August 7, 2024 at FCC headquarters and on the Internet via live feed from the FCC’s web page at www.fcc.gov/live and on the FCC’s YouTube channel. For more information, see fcc.gov/august-2024-open-commission-meetingWorld Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee - Second MeetingFederal Communications Commission2024-08-05 | The second meeting of the World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee (WRC Advisory Committee) was held on August 5, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the Commission Meeting Room of the FCC, 45 L Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. The WRC Advisory Committee considered status reports and recommendations from its Informal Working Groups (IWG) concerning preparation for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27). This meeting was open to the public. The Commission’s WRC-27 website contains the latest updated information and agendas on all scheduled meetings and WRC Advisory Committee matters. Comments may be presented at the WRC Advisory Committee meeting or in advance of the meeting by email to: WRC-27@fcc.gov.Submarine Cable Landing DemoFederal Communications Commission2024-07-31 | Demo for filing SCL applications in Modernized ICFSSchedule B Demo Part 1Federal Communications Commission2024-07-31 | Part 1 Demo for filing SES applications in Modernized ICFSSatellite Earth Stations Demo Part 1Federal Communications Commission2024-07-31 | Part 1 Demo for filing SES applications in Modernized ICFSInternational Route List DemoFederal Communications Commission2024-07-31 | Demo for filing RTL notifications in Modernized ICFSData Network Identification CodesFederal Communications Commission2024-07-31 | Demo for filing DNC applications in Modernized ICFSJessica Explains Suicide Prevention & Crisis LifelineFederal Communications Commission2024-07-31 | “988” is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Too many people experience suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need. There are urgent mental health realities driving the need for crisis service transformation across our country. In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes—and for people aged 10-34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death.
There is hope. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – is a national network of more than 200 crisis centers that helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day. These centers are supported by local and state sources as well as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program WebinarFederal Communications Commission2024-07-26 | Overview of the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, including answers to commonly-asked questions. Webinar also includes update from the Department of Education regarding their efforts to address the cybersecurity challenges of K-12 schools.Open Commission Meeting - July 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-07-19 | The FCC held this Open Meeting on the subjects listed below:
* Bringing Common Sense and Fairness to Correctional Facility Phone Rates
* Modernizing E-Rate to Support Wi-Fi Hotspots
* Promoting Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Through Handset Unlocking Requirements and Policies
* Advancing the Transition to Next Generation 911
* Accessibility of User Interfaces, and Video Programming Guides and Menus
Due to audio issues, Ulandis Forte's full statement regarding his support for the Martha Wright-Reed Act of 2022 was not fully captured. Viewers are encouraged to read the complete statement submitted to the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) at fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings/filing/10718424207712.Chairwoman Rosenworcel on Increasing Transparency in AI Political AdsFederal Communications Commission2024-07-11 | During her testimony before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on July 9, 2024, Chairwoman Rosenworcel outlined the context and approach supporting the FCC's efforts to increase transparency in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in political ads.Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council IX Meeting, June 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-06-28 | The CSRIC is a Federal Advisory Committee that will provide recommendations to the FCC regarding best practices and actions the FCC can take to ensure the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems. This first meeting introduced members of the Council and announced the topics that CSRIC IX will consider and address.Consumer Advisory Committee Meeting, June 26Federal Communications Commission2024-06-27 | At this meeting, CAC members (i) discussed current and emerging challenges and opportunities in the area of artificial intelligence (AI); (ii) received updates from the working groups; and (iii) addressed other topics relevant to the CAC’s work. The meeting agenda is available at fcc.gov/consumer-advisory-committee.
For general information about the CAC, visit fcc.gov/consumer-advisory-committee. For specific questions about the CAC, contact Keyla Hernandez-Ulloa, Designated Federal Officer, CAC@fcc.gov, or (202) 418-2960.North American Numbering Council (NANC) Meeting - June 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-06-26 | At this meeting, the NANC considered votes on reports and recommendations from the following Working Groups: The Numbering Administration Oversight Working Group regarding performance reviews of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) Administrator, the Reassigned Numbers Database Administrator, and the NANP Billing and Collection Agent; as well as a Report and Recommendations for the NANP Fund Size Projections and Contribution Factor. The Toll Free: Future Utilization of Numbers Working Group regarding certain toll free numbering resources. The Call Authentication Trust Anchor Working Group regarding the regulatory treatment of international cellular roaming traffic.Technological Advisory Council Meeting - June 21, 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-06-21 | The Technological Advisory Council (TAC) is comprised of a diverse group of leading technology experts. It provides technical expertise to the Commission to identify important areas of innovation and develop informed technology policies supporting the United States’ competitiveness in the global economy. The TAC considered and advised the Commission on topics including continued efforts at looking beyond 5G advanced as 6G begins to develop so as to facilitate U.S. leadership; studying advanced spectrum sharing techniques, including the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the utilization and administration of spectrum; and other emerging technologies.Missing Endangered Persons (MEP) Emergency Alert System (EAS) Code Notice of Proposed RulemakingFederal Communications Commission2024-06-20 | Approved March 14, 2024, on unanimous vote, the NPRM proposes to revise Part 11 of the Commission’s rules regarding the Emergency Alert System (EAS) by adding a new “MEP” event code for delivery of critical messages to the public over television and radio about missing and endangered adult persons.June 2024 Open Commission MeetingFederal Communications Commission2024-06-06 | The FCC conducted the June Open Meeting on the following topics:
** Reporting on Border Gateway Protocol Risk Mitigation Progress
** Establishing a Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program
** Letters of Credit for Recipients of High-Cost Competitive Bidding Support Notice of Proposed RulemakingWorld Radiocommunication Conference Advisory CommitteeFederal Communications Commission2024-06-03 | The first meeting of the World Radiocommunication Conference Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) was held on June 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in person in the Commission Meeting Room of the FCC, 45 L Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. and via livestream at http://www.fcc.gov/live. The meeting focused on WAC processes, including the final charter, committee structure, including the appointed chairs and vice-chairs, and working methods.Federal Communications Commission Live StreamFederal Communications Commission2024-06-03 | ...May 2024 Open Commission MeetingFederal Communications Commission2024-05-23 | The FCC held this Open Meeting on May 23, 2024 and covered the subjects listed below:
** Promoting the Integrity and Security of Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Measurement Facilities, and the Equipment Authorization Program
** Dismissing AFR Seeking Waiver of FM Translator
** Proposed Fine for AI Deepfake Spoofed Robocalls
** Proposed Fine for Caller ID Authentication Violations
** Proposed Fine Against Telco Experts
** Proposed Fines Against TouchTone CommunicationsDisability Advisory Committee Meeting - May 2024Federal Communications Commission2024-05-17 | The Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) held the fourth meeting of its fifth term on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. EDT. The DAC meeting was conducted remotely and streamed at www.fcc.gov/live.
For general information about the DAC, visit fcc.gov/dac. For specific questions about the DAC, contact Joshua Mendelsohn, DFO, DAC@fcc.gov, or (202) 559-7304.Don’t Get Grounded: Understanding the Interagency Review of Satellites Prior to LaunchFederal Communications Commission2024-05-09 | Prior to a launch, U.S. government agencies review information regarding satellites and other “payloads” onboard the launch vehicle, including assessing whether the satellites have all necessary licensing and approvals, such as an FCC license. The event will feature speakers from across the U.S. government to discuss the respective roles of those agencies during this process, describe challenges for both government and industry, and identify ways to alleviate burdens throughout the process so satellite operators can prepare for successful and timely reviews.Broadband LabelsFederal Communications Commission2024-05-02 | We're now requiring internet service providers to display Broadband Facts – like FDA nutrition labels – that show you everything about broadband prices, introductory rates, data allowances, and speeds.April 2024 Open Commission MeetingFederal Communications Commission2024-04-25 | The FCC held this Open Meeting on the subjects listed below:
Georouting for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The Commission considered a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which would propose to require the implementation of one or more georouting solutions for wireless calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to ensure that calls are routed based on the geographic location for the origin of the call, rather than the area code and exchange associated with a wireless phone. (WC Docket No. 18-336)
Promoting a Fast, Open, and Fair Internet
The Commission considered a Declaratory Ruling, Order, Report and Order, and Order on Reconsideration that would reestablish the Commission’s authority to protect consumers and safeguard the fair and open Internet by classifying broadband Internet access service as a telecommunications service and classifying mobile broadband Internet access service as a commercial mobile service; exercising broad and tailored forbearance; and reinstating straightforward, clear rules to ensure Internet openness. (WC Docket No. 23-320)
Enforcement Bureau Action The Commission considered an enforcement action. Enforcement Bureau Action The Commission considered an enforcement action. Enforcement Bureau Action The Commission considered an enforcement action. Enforcement Bureau Action The Commission considered an enforcement action. Enforcement Bureau Action The Commission considered an enforcement action. Enforcement Bureau Action The Commission considered an enforcement action.Space Bureau’s Transparency Initiative - Satellite Spectrum CoordinationFederal Communications Commission2024-04-18 | The Space Bureau’s Transparency Initiative aims to provide resources to support industry engagement with the Commission. The April 18, 2024, event provided an overview on satellite spectrum coordination and FCC procedures. The event closed with a recognition of one-year since the Space Bureau was launched as part of the FCC’s Space Innovation Agenda.Communications Services for Incarcerated People with DisabilitiesFederal Communications Commission2024-04-12 | The FCC’s rules require providers of incarcerated people’s communications services (IPCS) to provide access to telecommunications relay services (TRS) and point-to-point video service for incarcerated people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind or who have a speech disability.
The FCC’s rules apply to providers of IPCS, not to correctional authorities. The U.S. Department of Justice is in charge of accessibility rules that apply to correctional authorities. The FCC’s rules cover telecommunication services and relay services, not in-person or virtual interpreting services for in-person visits to incarcerated people with disabilities.
Starting January 1, 2024, IPCS providers are required to provide communications services for eligible incarcerated people depending on two things. First, the size of the incarcerated population in all the correctional facilities run by either the city, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency. Second, whether broadband internet access is available at the facility.
If the total of correctional facilities run by a law enforcement agency have an “average daily population” of 50 or more incarcerated people and available broadband internet access service, the IPCS provider in such a correctional facility must provide Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS), Internet Protocol Relay Service (IP Relay), Video Relay Service (VRS), direct video communications for ASL callers, TTY-based relay service, and Speech-to-Speech Relay Service (STS). If there are no broadband internet access service in these facilities, the IPCS provider must provide non-Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (CTS); TTY-based relay service; and STS.
If the total correctional facilities run by a law enforcement agency have an “average daily population” less than 50 incarcerated persons, the IPCS provider in such correctional facilities must provide TTY-based relay service and STS.
IPCS providers must provide access to at least one certified provider of each required form of TRS.
IPCS providers must make available appropriate screen-equipped communications devices for using these services, such as tablets, smartphones, and videophones, as well as the software required to enable communication.
An incarcerated person can sign up for TRS by informing the correctional facility that you have a hearing or speech disability and that you request access to TRS. For VRS, IP CTS, CTS or IP Relay, the incarcerated person also needs to register with the TRS provider serving the facility.
An incarcerated person cannot be charged for a call using VRS, IP Relay, TTY-based TRS, or STS, or for the use of a device or service to use these relay services. But an incarcerated person can be charged for a call using IP CTS, CTS, or ASL point-to-point video, but the total charge cannot be more than the provider’s charge for a voice telephone call at the same correctional facility. This total cost includes any charge for the use of a device or service.
Also an incarcerated person can be charged for a TTY-to-TTY call, but the total charge cannot exceed 25 percent of the applicable per-minute rate for a voice telephone call at the same correctional facility. This total charge includes any charge for the use of a device or service.
As for monitoring TRS calls, employees of an IPCS provider or correctional facility may monitor and record relay service calls, just as they can with conventional telephone calls.