Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has announced that the items below are tentatively on the agenda for the Open Commission Meeting scheduled for March 16, 2023. Draft proposals are available at FCC.gov:
- Single Network Future: Supplemental Coverage from Space
The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing a new regulatory framework for supplemental coverage from space, that would enable satellite operators collaborating with terrestrial providers to operate space stations on currently licensed, flexible-use spectrum to expand coverage to the terrestrial provider’s subscribers. (GN Docket No. 23-65, IB Docket 22-271) - Ensuring Just and Reasonable Rates for Incarcerated People
The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order, which would begin the Commission’s implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on how the Commission should interpret that Act’s language to ensure just and reasonable rates and charges for incarcerated people’s audio and video communications services. (WC Docket Nos. 23-62, 12-375) - Enhancing Protections Against Illegal Robocalls
The Commission will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would close a gap in the STIR/SHAKEN caller ID authentication regime, expand robocall mitigation requirements for all providers, adopt more robust enforcement tools, and seek comment on additional steps to further enhance the effectiveness of the STIR/SHAKEN framework. (WC Docket No. 17-97). - Protecting Consumers with Robotext Blocking
The Commission will consider a Report and Order requiring that providers block texts from numbers on a reasonable Do-Not-Originate list; and make available a single point of contact for text message blocking complaints. The Commission will also consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to require further blocking of illegal robotexts; expand Do-Not-Call protections to robotexts; and protect consumers from getting robotexts and robocalls from multiple, unexpected callers when they provide their consent on websites for comparison shopping. (CG Docket Nos. 21-402, 02-278) - Updating Equipment Testing Standards
The Commission will consider a Report and Order incorporating standards that are to be used in the testing of equipment to ensure compliance with FCC rules. (ET Docket No. 21-363) - Audio Description DMA Expansion
The Commission will consider a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to expand support for individuals who are blind or visually impaired by expanding audio description requirements to additional market areas. (MB Docket No. 11-43)
Please contact Jamie Saloom at Jamie.Saloom@sba.gov at the Office of Advocacy with your small business concerns.