FCC Reform

Rep Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) has reintroduced the Federal Communications Commission Transparency Act (HR 6422), which would mandate that the FCC publish the drafts of items to be considered in a public meeting 21 days ahead of that vote.

As an initial matter, I largely refrain from discussing adjudicatory proceedings. However, since it appears that the document has been provided to the press by someone, I believe comment is warranted. In general, I have long stated that parties to merger applications are entitled to an answer from the Commission and have expressed deep objections to blindly sending decisions to the Commission’s Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order creating a more uniform set of procedural rules designed to improve formal complaint proceedings handled by the Enforcement Bureau. The Order streamlines and consolidates the procedural rules governing formal complaints against common carriers, formal complaints regarding pole attachments, and formal complaints concerning the accessibility of telecommunications and advanced communications services and equipment for people with disabilities.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai proposed an overhaul of the agency’s online comment system after millions of fake comments were posted about a recent FCC rule change.

Having your voice heard at the Federal Communications Commission could soon cost you hundreds of dollars, according to congressional Democrats who oppose a looming rule change. But that may not be the case after all, a review of the FCC proposal shows.

I have approximately 50 ideas – both old and new – on Federal Communications Commission process reform. 

[Press release] Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced that the following items are tentatively on the agenda for the July Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 12, 2018:

When it comes to 5G, we need to keep the playbook fresh and forward leaning. So at our July 12 meeting, the Federal Communications Commission will take another step to ensure that America continues to lead the world in mobile innovation. Headlining the agenda at the FCC’s July meeting is a proposal to make more intensive use of mid-band spectrum from 3.7 to 4.2 GHz, commonly called the C-band. Another area in which the FCC has made substantial progress but must not stand still is emergency alerting.