Current through 119-36
Section 1, R.S. § 5263, related to use of public domain.
Section 2, R.S. § 5264, related to use of materials from public lands.
Section 3, R.S. § 5266; acts June 19, 1934, ch. 652, § 601, 48 Stat. 1101; Mar. 6, 1943, ch. 10, § 6, 57 Stat. 12, related to Government priority in transmission of messages.
Section 4, R.S. § 5267; act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, § 601, 48 Stat. 1101, related to purchase of lines.
Section 5, R.S. § 5268; act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, § 601, 48 Stat. 1101, related to acceptance of obligations to be filed.
Section 6, R.S. § 5265; act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, § 601, 48 Stat. 1101, provided that rights were not transferable.
Act July 16, 1947, ch. 256, § 3, 61 Stat. 327, provided that:
Act July 16, 1947, ch. 256, § 2, 61 Stat. 327, provided that:
Section, act June 23, 1879, ch. 35, § 1, 21 Stat. 31, was dependent upon and incorporated by reference in sections 1 to 6 and 8 of this title which were repealed by act July 16, 1947, ch. 256, § 1, 61 Stat. 327.
Section, R.S. § 5269; acts Feb. 27, 1877, ch. 69, § 1, 19 Stat. 252; June 19, 1934, ch. 652, § 601, 48 Stat. 1101, related to refusal to transmit dispatches.
Repeal effective on tenth day following
See provisions set out as a note under section 1 of this title.
All railroad and telegraph companies to which the United States has granted any subsidy in lands or bonds or loan of credit for the construction of either railroad or telegraph lines, which, by the acts incorporating them, or by any act amendatory or supplementary thereto, are required to construct, maintain, or operate telegraph lines, and all companies engaged in operating said railroad or telegraph lines shall, by and through their own respective corporate officers and employees, maintain, and operate, for railroad, governmental, commercial, and all other purposes, telegraph lines, and exercise by themselves alone all the telegraph franchises conferred upon them and obligations assumed by them under the acts making the grants as aforesaid.
Whenever any telegraph company which shall have accepted the provisions of sections 1 to 6 and 8 1
Sections 1 to 6 and 8 of this title, referred to in text, were repealed by act July 16, 1947, ch. 256, § 1, 61 Stat. 327.
1954—Act
If any railroad or telegraph company referred to in section 9 of this title, or company operating such railroad or telegraph line shall refuse or fail, in whole or in part, to maintain, and operate a telegraph line as provided herein, for the use of the Government or the public, for commercial and other purposes, without discrimination, or shall refuse or fail to make or continue such arrangements for the interchange of business with any connecting telegraph company, then any person, company, corporation, or connecting telegraph company may apply for relief to the Federal Communications Commission, whose duty it shall thereupon be, under such rules and regulations as said commission may prescribe, to ascertain the facts, and determine and order what arrangement is proper to be made in the particular case, and the railroad or telegraph company concerned shall abide by and perform such order; and it shall be the duty of the Federal Communications Commission, when such determination and order are made, to notify the parties concerned, and, if necessary, enforce the same by writ of mandamus in the courts of the United States, in the name of the United States, at the relation of either of said communication commissioners. The commissioners may institute any inquiry, upon their own motion, in the same manner and to the same effect as though complaint had been made.
Duties, powers, and functions under this section relating to operation of telegraph lines by railroad and telegraph lines granted Government aid in construction of their lines imposed on and vested in Federal Communications Commission by act
In order to secure and preserve to the United States the full value and benefit of its liens upon all the telegraph lines required to be constructed by and lawfully belonging to railroad and telegraph companies referred to in section 9 of this title, and to have the same possessed, used, and operated in conformity with sections 9 to 15 of this title, it is made the duty of the Attorney General of the United States, by proper proceedings, to prevent any unlawful interference with the rights and equities of the United States under all acts of Congress relating to such railroads and telegraph lines, and to have legally ascertained and finally adjudicated all alleged rights of all persons and corporations whatever claiming in any manner any control or interest of any kind in any telegraph lines or property, or exclusive rights-of-way upon the lands of said railroad companies, or any of them, and to have all contracts and provisions of contracts set aside and annulled which have been unlawfully and beyond their powers entered into by said railroad or telegraph companies, or any of them, with any other person, company, or corporation.
Any officer or agent of said railroad or telegraph companies, or of any company operating the railroads and telegraph lines of said companies, who shall refuse or fail to operate the telegraph lines of said railroad or telegraph companies under his control, or which he is engaged in operating, in the manner herein directed, or who shall refuse or fail, in such operation and use, to afford and secure to the Government and the public equal facilities, or to secure to each of said connecting telegraph lines equal advantages and facilities in the interchange of business, as herein provided for, without any discrimination whatever for or adverse to the telegraph line of any or either of said connecting companies, or shall refuse to abide by or perform and carry out within a reasonable time the order or orders of the Federal Communications Commission, shall in every such case of refusal or failure be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof, shall in every such case be fined in a sum of not exceeding $1,000, and may be imprisoned not less than six months; and in every such case of refusal or failure the party aggrieved may not only cause the officer or agent guilty thereof to be prosecuted under the provisions of this section, but may also bring an action for the damages sustained thereby against the company whose officer or agent may be guilty thereof, in the district court of the United States in any State or Territory in which any portion of the road or telegraph line of said company may be situated; and in case of suit process may be served upon any agent of the company found in such State or Territory, and such service shall be held by the court good and sufficient.
Words “circuit or” which preceded “district court” were omitted in view of the abolition of the circuit courts and the transfer of their jurisdiction to the district courts by act
Duties, powers, and functions under this section relating to operation of telegraph lines by railroad and telegraph lines granted Government aid in construction of their lines imposed on and vested in Federal Communications Commission by act
It shall be the duty of each and every one of the aforesaid railroad and telegraph companies annually to report to the Federal Communications Commission, with reasonable fullness and certainty, the nature, extent, value, and condition of the telegraph lines and property then belonging to it, the gross earnings, and all expenses of maintenance, use, and operation thereof, and its relation and business with all connecting telegraph companies during the preceding year, at such time and in such manner as may be required by a system of reports which said commission shall prescribe; and if any of said railroad or telegraph companies shall refuse or fail to make such reports or any report as may be called for by said commission, or refuse to submit its books and records for inspection, such neglect or refusal shall operate as a forfeiture, in each case of such neglect or refusal, of a sum not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000, to be recovered by the Attorney General of the United States, in the name and for the use and benefit of the United States; and it shall be the duty of the Federal Communications Commission to inform the Attorney General of all such cases of neglect or refusal, whose duty it shall be to proceed at once to judicially enforce the forfeitures herein before provided.
A provision in the original enactment of this section requiring filing of copies of contracts, agreements, etc., within 60 days from passage of act
Duties, powers, and functions under this section relating to operation of telegraph lines by railroad and telegraph lines granted Government aid in construction of their lines imposed on and vested in Federal Communications Commission by act
Nothing in sections 9 to 15 of this title shall be construed to affect or impair the right of Congress, at any time hereafter, to alter, amend, or repeal sections 1 to 6 and 8 1
Sections 1 to 6 and 8 of this title, referred to in text, were repealed by act July 16, 1947, ch. 256, § 1, 61 Stat. 327.
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in text, is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 5 (§ 151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1954—Act
On and after
1972—Pub. L. 92–310 struck out provisions which permitted the expenses of procuring necessary official bonds of certain enlisted men to be paid from the receipts of the system.
Department of War designated Department of the Army and title of Secretary of War changed to Secretary of the Army by section 205(a) of act July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, 61 Stat. 501. Section 205(a) of act
Section, act May 26, 1900, ch. 586, 31 Stat. 206, related to prohibition of establishment of telegraph or cable lines by foreigners.
Any person who shall willfully and wrongfully break or injure, or attempt to break or injure, or who shall in any manner procure, counsel, aid, abet, or be accessory to such breaking or injury, or attempt to break or injure, a submarine cable in such manner as to interrupt or embarrass, in whole or in part, telegraphic communication, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to a fine not exceeding $5,000, or to both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.
Act Feb. 29, 1888, ch. 17, 25 Stat. 41, which enacted sections 21 to 33 of this title, is popularly known as the “Submarine Cable Act”.
The protection of submarine cables was made the subject of an international convention between the United States and Germany, Argentine Confederation, Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Brazil, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Spain, United States of Columbia, France, Great Britain, Guatemala, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Netherlands, Persia, Portugal, Roumania, Russia, Salvador, Servia, Sweden and Norway, Uruguay, and the British Colonies. It was concluded
Any person who by culpable negligence shall break or injure a submarine cable in such manner as to interrupt or embarrass, in whole or in part, telegraphic communication, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or to a fine not exceeding $500, or to both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.
The provisions of sections 21 and 22 of this title shall not apply to a person who breaks or injures a cable in an effort to save the life or limb of himself or of any other person, or to save his own or any other vessel: Provided, That he takes reasonable precautions to avoid such breaking or injury.
The master of any vessel which, while engaged in laying or repairing submarine cables, shall fail to observe the rules concerning signals that have been or shall be adopted by the parties to the convention described in section 30 of this title with a view to preventing collisions at sea; or the master of any vessel that, perceiving, or being able to perceive the said signals displayed upon a telegraph ship engaged in repairing a cable, shall not withdraw to or keep at distance of at least one nautical mile; or the master of any vessel that seeing or being able to see buoys intended to mark the position of a cable when being laid or when out of order or broken, shall not keep at a distance of at least a quarter of a nautical mile, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month, or to a fine of not exceeding $500.
The master of any fishing vessel who shall not keep his implements or nets at a distance of at least one nautical mile from a vessel engaged in laying or repairing a cable; or the master of any fishing vessel who shall not keep his implements or nets at a distance of at least a quarter of a nautical mile from a buoy or buoys intended to mark the position of a cable when being laid or when out of order or broken, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten days, or to a fine not exceeding $250, or to both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court. Fishing vessels, on perceiving or being able to perceive the said signals displayed on a telegraph ship, shall be allowed such time as may be necessary to obey the notice thus given, not exceeding twenty-four hours, during which period no obstacle shall be placed in the way of their operations.
For the purpose of carrying into effect the convention described in section 30 of this title a person commanding a ship of war of the United States or of any foreign state for the time being bound by the convention, or a ship specially commissioned by the Government of the United States or by the government of such foreign state, may exercise and perform the duties with respect to requiring exhibition of documents evidencing the nationality of offending vessels and making reports of infractions vested in and imposed on such officer by the convention.
The original enactment of this section did not contain the words, “with respect to requiring exhibition of documents evidencing the nationality of offending vessels and making reports of infractions,” which are inserted in view of the powers conferred on commanders of vessels of war contained in article 10 of the Convention, 24 Stat. 996, set out as a note under section 27 of this title.
Any person having the custody of the papers necessary for the preparation of the statements provided for in article 10 of the said convention with respect to reports of infractions, by officers commanding vessels of war or vessels especially commissioned, who shall refuse to exhibit them or shall violently resist persons having authority according to article 10 of said convention to draw up statements of facts in the exercise of their functions, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding two years, or to a fine not exceeding $5,000, or to both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.
The original enactment of this section did not contain the words, “with respect to reports of infractions, by officers commanding vessels of war or vessels especially commissioned,” which have been inserted in view of article 10 of the Convention, referred to in text, and set out as a note below.
Article 10 of the International Convention for the Protection of Submarine Cables, made at Paris on May (March) 14, 1884, and proclaimed by the President of the United States on
“Evidence of violations of this convention may be obtained by all methods of securing proof that are allowed by the laws of the country of the court before which a case has been brought.
“When the officers commanding the vessels of war or the vessels specially commissioned for that purpose, of one of the High Contracting Parties, shall have reason to believe that an infraction of the measures provided for by this Convention has been committed by a vessel other than a vessel of war, they may require the captain or master to exhibit the official documents furnishing evidence of the nationality of the said vessel. Summary mention of such exhibition shall at once be made on the documents exhibited.
“Reports may, moreover, be prepared by the said officers, whatever may be the nationality of the inculpated vessel. These reports shall be drawn up in the form and in the language in use in the country to which the officer drawing them up belongs; they may be used as evidence in the country in which they shall be invoked, and according to the laws of such country. The accused parties and the witnesses shall have the right to add or to cause to be added thereto, in their own language, any explanations that they may deem proper; these declarations shall be duly signed.”
The penalties provided in this chapter for the breaking or injury of a submarine cable shall not be a bar to a suit for damages on account of such breaking or injury.
When an offense against this chapter shall have been committed by means of a vessel, or of any boat belonging to a vessel, the master of such vessel shall, unless some other person is shown to have been in charge of and navigating such vessel or boat, be deemed to have been in charge of and navigating the same, and be liable to be punished accordingly.
Unless the context of this chapter otherwise requires, the term “vessel” shall be taken to mean every description of vessel used in navigation, in whatever way it is propelled; the term “master” shall be taken to include every person having command or charge of a vessel; and the term “person” to include a body of persons, corporate or incorporate. The term “convention” shall be taken to mean the International Convention for the Protection of Submarine Cables, made at Paris on the 14th day of May [March], 1884, and proclaimed by the President of the United States on the 22d day of May, 1885.
The provisions of sections 391–396 of title 33 shall extend to the trial of offenses against the provisions of sections 24 and 25 of this title.
The provisions of this chapter shall be held to apply only to cables to which the convention for the time being applies.
The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over all offenses against this chapter and of all suits of a civil nature arising thereunder, whether the infraction complained of shall have been committed within the territorial waters of the United States or on board a vessel of the United States outside of said waters: Provided, That in case such infraction is committed outside of the territorial waters of the United States the vessel on board of which it has been committed is a vessel of the United States. From the decrees and judgments of the district courts in actions and suits arising under this chapter appeals and writs of error 1
Writs of error were abolished, and relief previously obtainable by writs of error declared to be obtainable by appeal, by act Jan. 31, 1928, ch. 14, § 1, 45 Stat. 54. See note preceding section 1 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
No person shall land or operate in the United States any submarine cable directly or indirectly connecting the United States with any foreign country, or connecting one portion of the United States with any other portion thereof, unless a written license to land or operate such cable has been issued by the President of the United States. The conditions of sections 34 to 39 of this title shall not apply to cables, all of which, including both terminals, lie wholly within the continental United States.
Section was not enacted as part of the Submarine Cable Act which comprises this chapter.
Act May 27, 1921, ch. 12, which enacted sections 34 to 39 of this title, is popularly known as the Cable Landing Licensing Act.
For delegation of functions, vested in President by sections 34 to 39 of this title, to Federal Communications Commission, see section 5(a) of Ex. Ord. No. 10530, eff.
The President may withhold or revoke such license when he shall be satisfied after due notice and hearing that such action will assist in securing rights for the landing or operation of cables in foreign countries, or in maintaining the rights or interests of the United States or of its citizens in foreign countries, or will promote the security of the United States, or may grant such license upon such terms as shall be necessary to assure just and reasonable rates and service in the operation and use of cables so licensed. The license shall not contain terms or conditions granting to the licensee exclusive rights of landing or of operation in the United States. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission with respect to the transmission of messages.
Section was not enacted as part of the Submarine Cable Act which comprises this chapter.
1934—Act
For delegation of functions vested in President by this section to Federal Communications Commission, see note set out under section 34 of this title.
The President is empowered to prevent the landing of any cable about to be landed in violation of sections 34 to 39 of this title. When any such cable is about to be or is landed or is being operated without a license, any district court of the United States exercising jurisdiction in the district in which such cable is about to be or is landed, or any district court of the United States having jurisdiction of the parties, shall have jurisdiction, at the suit of the United States, to enjoin the landing or operation of such cable or to compel, by injunction, the removal thereof.
Section was not enacted as part of the Submarine Cable Act which comprises this chapter.
For delegation of functions vested in President by this section to Federal Communications Commission, see note set out under section 34 of this title.
Whoever knowingly commits, instigates, or assists in any act forbidden by section 34 of this title shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
Section was not enacted as part of the Submarine Cable Act which comprises this chapter.
The term “United States” as used in sections 34 to 39 of this title includes the Canal Zone and all territory continental or insular, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States of America.
For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in text, see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.
Words “the Philippine Islands” deleted on authority of Proc. No. 2695 issued pursuant to section 1394 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, which recognized independence of Philippine Islands as of
Section was not enacted as part of the Submarine Cable Act which comprises this chapter.
No right shall accrue to any government, person, or corporation under the terms of sections 34 to 39 of this title that may not be rescinded, changed, modified, or amended by the Congress.
Section was not enacted as part of the Submarine Cable Act which comprises this chapter.
Section 51, act Aug. 13, 1912, ch. 287, § 1, 37 Stat. 302, required license for operation of apparatus for radio communication and transmission of radiograms or signals, revocable for cause, described its interstate, foreign and local aspects, exempted the United States from its requirement and provided for special call letters for every Government station and penalties and forfeiture of offending apparatus. See sections 301, 305, 312, 501, and 503 of this title.
Section 52, act Aug. 13, 1912, ch. 287, § 2, 37 Stat. 303, related to form of license, United States citizenship of licensee, and contents of license, including statement of restrictions, ownership, location, purpose, wave length, and hours for work of station, subjection to rules and regulations and to closing by the President in time of war, public peril or disaster or Government use or control with payment of just compensation. See sections 307 to 309 of this title.
Section 53, act Aug. 13, 1912, ch. 287, § 3, 37 Stat. 303, required that operators of radio apparatus be licensed, provided for one year period of suspension of license for noncompliance with rules and regulations, declared the employment of unlicensed operators to be unlawful and provided penalty therefor and authorized the issuance of temporary permits in emergencies by collector of customs to operators on a vessel. See sections 308 and 318 of this title.
Section 54, act Aug. 13, 1912, ch. 287, § 4, 37 Stat. 304, subjected private and commercial stations to certain specific regulations, provided for enforcement and waiver of regulations, for grant of special temporary licenses to conduct radio tests and experiments, and prescribed general penalty for violation of regulations and reduction and remittance of such penalty and suspension or revocation of license. The Regulations, numbered First-Nineteenth, related to: (1) normal wave length; (2) other wave lengths; (3) use of a pure wave; (4) use of a sharp wave; (5) use of a standard distress wave; (6) signal of distress; (7) use of broad interfering wave for distress signals (see section 321(a) of this title); (8) distance requirement for distress signals; (9) right of way for distress signals (see section 321(b) of this title); (10) reduced power for ships near a Government station; (11) intercommunication (see section 322 of this title); (12) division of time (see section 323(a) of this title); (13) Government stations to observe divisions of time (see section 323(b) of this title); (14) use of unnecessary power (see section 324 of this title); (15) general restrictions on private stations; (16) special restrictions in the vicinities of Government stations; (17) ship stations to communicate with nearest shore stations; (18) limitations for future installations in vicinities of Government stations; (19) secrecy of messages and penalty for violations (see sections 501 and 605 of this title). See also sections 502 and 504 of this title.
Section 55, act Aug. 13, 1912, ch. 287, § 5, 37 Stat. 308, required license to prescribe that operator shall not willfully or maliciously interfere with any other radio communications and provided penalty for such violations. See sections 308 and 501 of this title.
Section 56, act Aug. 13, 1912, ch. 287, § 6, 37 Stat. 308, defined radio communication. See section 153 of this title.
Section 57, act of Aug. 13, 1912, ch. 287, § 7, 37 Stat. 308, prohibited uttering or transmitting false or fraudulent signals and prescribed penalty therefor. See sections 325 and 501 of this title.
Section 58, act Aug. 13, 1912, ch. 287, § 8, 37 Stat. 308, related to restriction of use of apparatus for radio communication on foreign ships. See section 306 of this title.
Section 59, act Aug. 13, 1912, ch. 287, § 9, 37 Stat. 308, related to jurisdictions of offenses. See section 505 of this title.
Section 60, act Aug. 13, 1912, ch. 287, § 10, 37 Stat. 308, declared radiotelegraph provisions to be inapplicable to Philippine Islands. See section 152 of this title.
Section 61, act June 5, 1920, ch. 269, § 1, 41 Stat. 1061, related to use of Government-owned radio stations and apparatus for official business, compass reports, and safety of ships. See section 305 of this title.
Section 62, acts June 5, 1920, ch. 269, § 2, 41 Stat. 1061; Apr. 14, 1922, ch. 132, 42 Stat. 495; Feb. 28, 1925, ch. 378, 43 Stat. 1091, related to use of Naval stations for commercial messages and rates thereof. See section 327 of this title.
Section 63, act June 5, 1920, ch. 269, § 3, 41 Stat. 1061, declared radiotelegraph provisions to be applicable to Government owned stations, except as otherwise provided therein. See section 305 of this title.
Section 81, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 1, 44 Stat. 1162, related to regulation of interstate and foreign radio communications and grant of license. See section 301 of this title.
Section 82, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 2, 44 Stat. 1162, related to division of United States into five zones.
Section 83, acts Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 3, 44 Stat. 1162; Mar. 28, 1928, ch. 263, § 2, 45 Stat. 373; Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 701, § 2, 45 Stat. 1559; Dec. 18, 1929, ch. 7, § 2, 46 Stat. 50, related to creation of Federal Radio Commission, composition, qualifications, appointments, meetings, employees, seal, reports and compensation. See sections 151 and 154 of this title and section 5311 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Sections 83a to 83e were omitted in view of abolition of Federal Radio Commission by act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title VI, § 603, 48 Stat. 1102, which was classified to former section 603 of this title.
Section 83a, act June 30, 1932, ch. 314, pt. II, title V, § 511, 47 Stat. 417, abolished Radio Division of Department of Commerce and transferred its powers and duties to Federal Radio Commission.
Section 83b, act June 30, 1932, ch. 314, pt. II, title V, § 512, 47 Stat. 417, transferred officers and employees of Radio Division to Federal Radio Commission.
Section 83c, act June 30, 1932, ch. 314, pt. II, title V, § 513, 47 Stat. 417, provided that orders, rules, regulations, and laws of Radio Division have continuing application until modified, amended or repealed by Federal Radio Commission.
Section 83d, act June 30, 1932, ch. 314, pt. II, title V, § 514, 47 Stat. 417, transferred unexpended appropriations from Radio Division to Federal Radio Commission.
Section 83e, act Mar. 28, 1934, ch. 102, title I, § 1, 48 Stat. 513, related to adjustment of classification or compensation of employees.
Section, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 4, 44 Stat. 1163, defined powers and duties of Federal Radio Commission. See sections 154(g), 303, and 409 of this title.
Section 84a, act Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 701, § 5, 45 Stat. 1559, provided for appointment and pay of general counsel, assistants to general counsel, and other legal assistants to Federal Radio Commission.
Section 84b, act Dec. 18, 1929, ch. 7, § 3, 46 Stat. 50, provided for appointment and pay of chief engineer, assistants to chief engineer, and other technical assistants to Federal Radio Commission.
Section 85, acts Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 5, 44 Stat. 1164; Mar. 28, 1928, ch. 263, § 1, 45 Stat. 373; Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 701, § 1, 45 Stat. 1559; Dec. 18, 1929, ch. 7, § 1, 46 Stat. 50; May 19, 1932, ch. 192, 47 Stat. 160 related to powers and authority of Secretary of Commerce, appeals to Federal Radio Commission, grant of station license, and waiver affecting wave length. See sections 155, 303(l) to (p), 304, and 307 to 309 of this title.
Section 86, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 6, 44 Stat. 1165, related to government radio stations, regulations, control of all stations by government in national emergency and stations on vessels. See sections 305(a), (b) and 606(c) of this title.
Section 87, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 7, 44 Stat. 1165, related to compensation by government for use or control of stations during national emergency. See section 606(e) of this title.
Section 88, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 8, 44 Stat. 1166, related to special call letters for stations and application of former section 81 of this title to foreign ships. See sections 305(c) and 306 of this title.
Section 89, acts Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 9, 44 Stat. 1166; Mar. 28, 1928, ch. 263, §§ 3, 5, 45 Stat. 373; Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 701, § 3, 45 Stat. 1559, related to grant and renewal of station licenses and period thereof. See section 307 of this title.
Section 90, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 10, 44 Stat. 1166, related to application for station license and conditions and restrictions therein. See section 308 of this title.
Section 91, acts Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 11, 44 Stat. 1167; Mar. 28, 1928, ch. 263, § 1, 45 Stat. 373; Mar. 4, 1929, ch. 701, § 1, 45 Stat. 1559; Dec. 18, 1929, ch. 7, § 1, 46 Stat. 50, related to issuance, renewal or modification of station licenses, hearing, form and terms of license. See section 309(a), (b), (d) of this title.
Section 92, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 12, 44 Stat. 1167, related to restrictions on grants and transfers of station licenses. See section 310 of this title.
Section 93, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 13, 44 Stat. 1167, related to refusal of station license to persons guilty of monopoly and liability to prosecution under laws against monopoly. See section 311 of this title.
Section 94, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 14, 44 Stat. 1168, related to revocation of station license, notice of revocation and hearing. See section 312 of this title.
Section 95, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 15, 44 Stat. 1168, related to application of laws against monopolies to radio combinations and revocation of licenses. See section 313 of this title.
Section 96, acts Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 16, 44 Stat. 1169; July 1, 1930, ch. 788, 46 Stat. 844, related to appeals in matters affecting permit and licenses. See section 402 of this title.
Section 97, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 17, 44 Stat. 1169, related to control by radio interests of cable, wire, telegraph or telephone system and prohibition thereof. See section 314 of this title.
Section 98, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 18, 44 Stat. 1170, related to use of broadcasting stations by legally qualified candidates and censorship over material for broadcast. See section 315(a) of this title.
Section 99, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 19, 44 Stat. 1170, related to broadcasting matter for valuable consideration and announcement of person furnishing. See section 317 of this title.
Section 100, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 20, 44 Stat. 1170, related to operation of transmitting apparatus in radio station and operator’s license. See section 318 of this title.
Section 101, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 21, 44 Stat. 1170, related to permits for construction and licenses for operation of stations. See section 319 of this title.
Section 102, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 22, 44 Stat. 1171, related to stations interfering with distress signals of ships and regulation thereof. See section 320 of this title.
Section 103, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 23, 44 Stat. 1171, related to radio stations or ships and equipment and regulation thereof. See section 321 of this title.
Section 104, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 24, 44 Stat. 1171, related to shore stations and ships stations and exchanging radio communications and signals. See section 322 of this title.
Section 105, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 25, 44 Stat. 1172, related to proximity of Government and private or commercial stations causing interference and regulation thereof. See section 323 of this title.
Section 106, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 26, 44 Stat. 1172, related to limit on amount of power used at stations. See section 324 of this title.
Section 107, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 27, 44 Stat. 1172, related to divulging and publishing radio communications. See section 605 of this title.
Section 108, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 28, 44 Stat. 1172, related to false and fraudulent signals of distress and communications and rebroadcasting programs without authority. See section 325(a) of this title.
Section 109, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 29, 44 Stat. 1172, related to censorship over radio communications and signals, protection of free speech and obscene language. See section 326 of this title.
Section 110, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 30, 44 Stat. 1173, related to use of United States owned radio stations and apparatus by Secretary of Navy for transmission of press messages, etc. See section 327 of this title.
Section 111, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 31, 44 Stat. 1173, defined radio communication. See section 153 of this title.
Section 112, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 32, 44 Stat. 1173, related to penalties for violation of rules of licensing authority, etc. See section 502 of this title.
Section 113, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 33, 44 Stat. 1173, related to penalties for violation of statutory provisions and perjury. See section 501 of this title and section 1621 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.
Section 114, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 34, 44 Stat. 1173, related to jurisdiction of offenses. See section 505 of this title.
Section 115, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 35, 44 Stat. 1174, related to application of section 81 et seq. of this title to Philippine Islands and Canal Zone.
Section 116, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 36, 44 Stat. 1174, related to administration of radio laws in Territories and insular possessions. See section 329 of this title.
Section 117, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 38, 44 Stat. 1174, related to invalidity of part of chapter and effect as to remainder. See section 608 of this title.
Section 118, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 39, 44 Stat. 1174, related to repeal of sections 51–63 and effect of repeal on existing rights.
Section 119, act Feb. 23, 1927, ch. 169, § 41, 44 Stat. 1174, related to citation of section 81 et seq. of this title as “Radio Act of 1927.”
Section 120, act July 5, 1932, ch. 421, § 1, 47 Stat. 576, related to equipment necessary on ocean-going vessels using ports in the Canal Zone.
Section 121, act July 5, 1932, ch. 421, § 2, 47 Stat. 576, related to jurisdiction of violations and penalties for ocean-going vessels not properly equipped.
For the purpose of regulating interstate and foreign commerce in communication by wire and radio so as to make available, so far as possible, to all the people of the United States, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex, a rapid, efficient, Nation-wide, and world-wide wire and radio communication service with adequate facilities at reasonable charges, for the purpose of the national defense, for the purpose of promoting safety of life and property through the use of wire and radio communications, and for the purpose of securing a more effective execution of this policy by centralizing authority heretofore granted by law to several agencies and by granting additional authority with respect to interstate and foreign commerce in wire and radio communication, there is created a commission to be known as the “Federal Communications Commission”, which shall be constituted as hereinafter provided, and which shall execute and enforce the provisions of this chapter.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1996—Pub. L. 104–104 inserted “, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex,” after “to all the people of the United States”.
1937—Act
Pub. L. 114–113, div. E, title VI, § 633,
Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title XI, “This title may be cited as the ‘Internet Tax Freedom Act’. “Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [ “Nothing in this Act [probably means “this title”] shall prohibit Texas or a political subdivision thereof from imposing or collecting the Texas municipal access line fee pursuant to Texas Local Govt. Code Ann. ch. 283 (Vernon 2005) and the definition of access line as determined by the Public Utility Commission of Texas in its ‘Order Adopting Amendments to Section 26.465 As Approved At The
[Pub. L. 110–108, § 7,
[Pub. L. 108–435, § 8,
Pub. L. 104–104, title I, § 101(c),
Pub. L. 97–259, title II, § 202,
Act July 29, 1954, ch. 647, 68 Stat. 587, established the Commission on Governmental Use of International Telecommunications to examine, study and report on the objectives, operations, and effectiveness of information programs with respect to the prompt development of techniques, methods, and programs for greatly expanded and far more effective operations in this vital area of foreign policy through the use of foreign telecommunications. The Commission was required to make a report of its findings and recommendations on or before
Act May 13, 1947, ch. 51, 61 Stat. 83, provided that nothing in this chapter, or in any other provision of law should be construed to prohibit United States communication common carriers from rendering free communication services to official participants in the world telecommunications conferences which were held in the United States in 1947.
Ex. Ord. No. 10460, eff.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in subsec. (a), see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.
Words “the Philippine Islands or” were omitted from this section on authority of Proc. No. 2695, issued pursuant to section 1394 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, which recognized the independence of the Philippine Islands as of
2023—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–338 inserted “section 276 of this title,” after “sections 223 through 227 of this title, inclusive,”.
1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–66 inserted “and section 332 of this title,” after “inclusive,”.
1991—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–243 substituted “Except as provided in sections 223 through 227 of this title, inclusive,” for “Except as provided in section 223 or 224 of this title”.
1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–336, which directed substitution of “sections 224 and 225” for “section 224”, could not be executed because of the intervening amendment by Pub. L. 101–166 which substituted “section 223 or 224” for “section 224”. See 1989 Amendment note below.
1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–166 substituted “section 223 or 224” for “section 224”.
1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–549, § 3(a)(1), inserted provision making this chapter applicable with respect to cable service, to all persons engaged within the United States in providing such service, and to the facilities of cable operators which relate to such service, as provided in subchapter V–A of this chapter.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–549, § 3(a)(2), inserted “and subchapter V–A” after “section 301 of this title”.
1978—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–234 substituted “Except as provided in section 224 of this title and subject” for “Subject”.
1954—Subsec. (b). Act
Pub. L. 101–166, title V, § 521(3),
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–549 effective 60 days after
Pub. L. 95–234, § 7,
Pub. L. 117–338, § 3,
Pub. L. 117–338, § 4,
Pub. L. 104–104, title VI, § 601, [Amended section 221 of this title.] [Amended section 18 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.]
Pub. L. 104–104, title VI, § 602,
The term “affiliate” means a person that (directly or indirectly) owns or controls, is owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with, another person. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “own” means to own an equity interest (or the equivalent thereof) of more than 10 percent.
The term “amateur station” means a radio station operated by a duly authorized person interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.
The term “AT&T Consent Decree” means the order entered
The term “broadcast station”, “broadcasting station”, or “radio broadcast station” means a radio station equipped to engage in broadcasting as herein defined.
The term “broadcasting” means the dissemination of radio communications intended to be received by the public, directly or by the intermediary of relay stations.
The term “cable service” has the meaning given such term in section 522 of this title.
The term “cable system” has the meaning given such term in section 522 of this title.
The term “chain broadcasting” means simultaneous broadcasting of an identical program by two or more connected stations.
The term “common carrier” or “carrier” means any person engaged as a common carrier for hire, in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio or interstate or foreign radio transmission of energy, except where reference is made to common carriers not subject to this chapter; but a person engaged in radio broadcasting shall not, insofar as such person is so engaged, be deemed a common carrier.
The term “connecting carrier” means a carrier described in clauses (2), (3), or (4) of section 152(b) of this title.
The term “construction permit” or “permit for construction” means that instrument of authorization required by this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter for the construction of a station, or the installation of apparatus, for the transmission of energy, or communications, or signals by radio, by whatever name the instrument may be designated by the Commission.
The term “consumer generated media” means content created and made available by consumers to online websites and services on the Internet, including video, audio, and multimedia content.
The term “corporation” includes any corporation, joint-stock company, or association.
The term “customer premises equipment” means equipment employed on the premises of a person (other than a carrier) to originate, route, or terminate telecommunications.
The term “dialing parity” means that a person that is not an affiliate of a local exchange carrier is able to provide telecommunications services in such a manner that customers have the ability to route automatically, without the use of any access code, their telecommunications to the telecommunications services provider of the customer’s designation from among 2 or more telecommunications services providers (including such local exchange carrier).
The term “disability” has the meaning given such term under section 12102 of title 42.
The term “electronic messaging service” means a service that provides real-time or near real-time non-voice messages in text form between individuals over communications networks.
The term “exchange access” means the offering of access to telephone exchange services or facilities for the purpose of the origination or termination of telephone toll services.
The term “foreign communication” or “foreign transmission” means communication or transmission from or to any place in the United States to or from a foreign country, or between a station in the United States and a mobile station located outside the United States.
The term “Great Lakes Agreement” means the Agreement for the Promotion of Safety on the Great Lakes by Means of Radio in force and the regulations referred to therein.
The term “harbor” or “port” means any place to which ships may resort for shelter or to load or unload passengers or goods, or to obtain fuel, water, or supplies. This term shall apply to such places whether proclaimed public or not and whether natural or artificial.
The term “information service” means the offering of a capability for generating, acquiring, storing, transforming, processing, retrieving, utilizing, or making available information via telecommunications, and includes electronic publishing, but does not include any use of any such capability for the management, control, or operation of a telecommunications system or the management of a telecommunications service.
The term “interconnected VoIP service” has the meaning given such term under section 9.3 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, as such section may be amended from time to time.
The term “interLATA service” means telecommunications between a point located in a local access and transport area and a point located outside such area.
The term “interoperable video conferencing service” means a service that provides real-time video communications, including audio, to enable users to share information of the user’s choosing.
The term “interstate communication” or “interstate transmission” means communication or transmission (A) from any State, Territory, or possession of the United States (other than the Canal Zone), or the District of Columbia, to any other State, Territory, or possession of the United States (other than the Canal Zone), or the District of Columbia, (B) from or to the United States to or from the Canal Zone, insofar as such communication or transmission takes place within the United States, or (C) between points within the United States but through a foreign country; but shall not, with respect to the provisions of subchapter II of this chapter (other than section 223 of this title), include wire or radio communication between points in the same State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, through any place outside thereof, if such communication is regulated by a State commission.
The term “land station” means a station, other than a mobile station, used for radio communication with mobile stations.
The term “licensee” means the holder of a radio station license granted or continued in force under authority of this chapter.
The term “local exchange carrier” means any person that is engaged in the provision of telephone exchange service or exchange access. Such term does not include a person insofar as such person is engaged in the provision of a commercial mobile service under section 332(c) of this title, except to the extent that the Commission finds that such service should be included in the definition of such term.
The term “mobile service” means a radio communication service carried on between mobile stations or receivers and land stations, and by mobile stations communicating among themselves, and includes (A) both one-way and two-way radio communication services, (B) a mobile service which provides a regularly interacting group of base, mobile, portable, and associated control and relay stations (whether licensed on an individual, cooperative, or multiple basis) for private one-way or two-way land mobile radio communications by eligible users over designated areas of operation, and (C) any service for which a license is required in a personal communications service established pursuant to the proceeding entitled “Amendment to the Commission’s Rules to Establish New Personal Communications Services” (GEN Docket No. 90–314; ET Docket No. 92–100), or any successor proceeding.
The term “mobile station” means a radio-communication station capable of being moved and which ordinarily does move.
The term “network element” means a facility or equipment used in the provision of a telecommunications service. Such term also includes features, functions, and capabilities that are provided by means of such facility or equipment, including subscriber numbers, databases, signaling systems, and information sufficient for billing and collection or used in the transmission, routing, or other provision of a telecommunications service.
The term “number portability” means the ability of users of telecommunications services to retain, at the same location, existing telecommunications numbers without impairment of quality, reliability, or convenience when switching from one telecommunications carrier to another.
The term “person” includes an individual, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, or corporation.
The term “radio communication” or “communication by radio” means the transmission by radio of writing, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds of all kinds, including all instrumentalities, facilities, apparatus, and services (among other things, the receipt, forwarding, and delivery of communications) incidental to such transmission.
The term “radio station” or “station” means a station equipped to engage in radio communication or radio transmission of energy.
The term “radiotelegraph auto alarm” on a ship of the United States subject to the provisions of part II of subchapter III of this chapter means an automatic alarm receiving apparatus which responds to the radiotelegraph alarm signal and has been approved by the Commission. “Radiotelegraph auto alarm” on a foreign ship means an automatic alarm receiving apparatus which responds to the radiotelegraph alarm signal and has been approved by the government of the country in which the ship is registered: Provided, That the United States and the country in which the ship is registered are parties to the same treaty, convention, or agreement prescribing the requirements for such apparatus. Nothing in this chapter or in any other provision of law shall be construed to require the recognition of a radiotelegraph auto alarm as complying with part II of subchapter III of this chapter, on a foreign ship subject to part II of subchapter III of this chapter, where the country in which the ship is registered and the United States are not parties to the same treaty, convention, or agreement prescribing the requirements for such apparatus.
The term “safety convention” means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea in force and the regulations referred to therein.
The term “State” includes the District of Columbia and the Territories and possessions.
The term “State commission” means the commission, board, or official (by whatever name designated) which under the laws of any State has regulatory jurisdiction with respect to intrastate operations of carriers.
The term “station license”, “radio station license”, or “license” means that instrument of authorization required by this chapter or the rules and regulations of the Commission made pursuant to this chapter, for the use or operation of apparatus for transmission of energy, or communications, or signals by radio, by whatever name the instrument may be designated by the Commission.
The term “telecommunications” means the transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user’s choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.
The term “telecommunications carrier” means any provider of telecommunications services, except that such term does not include aggregators of telecommunications services (as defined in section 226 of this title). A telecommunications carrier shall be treated as a common carrier under this chapter only to the extent that it is engaged in providing telecommunications services, except that the Commission shall determine whether the provision of fixed and mobile satellite service shall be treated as common carriage.
The term “telecommunications equipment” means equipment, other than customer premises equipment, used by a carrier to provide telecommunications services, and includes software integral to such equipment (including upgrades).
The term “telecommunications service” means the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used.
The term “telephone exchange service” means (A) service within a telephone exchange, or within a connected system of telephone exchanges within the same exchange area operated to furnish to subscribers intercommunicating service of the character ordinarily furnished by a single exchange, and which is covered by the exchange service charge, or (B) comparable service provided through a system of switches, transmission equipment, or other facilities (or combination thereof) by which a subscriber can originate and terminate a telecommunications service.
The term “telephone toll service” means telephone service between stations in different exchange areas for which there is made a separate charge not included in contracts with subscribers for exchange service.
The term “analog television service” means television service provided pursuant to the transmission standards prescribed by the Commission in section 73.682(a) of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.682(a)).
The term “digital television service” means television service provided pursuant to the transmission standards prescribed by the Commission in section 73.682(d) of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.682(d)).
The term “transmission of energy by radio” or “radio transmission of energy” includes both such transmission and all instrumentalities, facilities, and services incidental to such transmission.
The term “United States” means the several States and Territories, the District of Columbia, and the possessions of the United States, but does not include the Canal Zone.
The term “wire communication” or “communication by wire” means the transmission of writing, signs, signals, pictures, and sounds of all kinds by aid of wire, cable, or other like connection between the points of origin and reception of such transmission, including all instrumentalities, facilities, apparatus, and services (among other things, the receipt, forwarding, and delivery of communications) incidental to such transmission.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in pars. (28) and (58), see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.
Part II of subchapter III of this chapter, referred to in pars. (38), (41), and (43), is classified to section 351 et seq. of this title. Part III of subchapter III of this chapter, referred to in par. (38)(A), is classified to section 381 et seq. of this title.
In par. (41)(A), “chapter 71 of title 46” substituted for “the Act of
References to Philippine Islands in pars. (28) and (58) of this section omitted on authority of Proc. No. 2695, issued pursuant to section 1394 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, which proclamation recognized the independence of Philippine Islands as of
2023—Par. (1)(E). Pub. L. 117–338 added subpar. (E).
2010—Pub. L. 111–260 added pars. (53) to (59), reordered pars. in alphabetical order based on headings of pars., and renumbered pars. as so reordered, resulting in the renumbering of pars. (1) to (59) as pars. (2) to (13), (15) to (17), (20) to (24), (26), (28) to (35), (37) to (59), (1), (14), (18), (19), (25), (36), and (27), respectively.
1997—Pars. (49) to (52). Pub. L. 105–33 added par. (49) and redesignated former pars. (49) to (51) as (50) to (52), respectively.
1996—Pub. L. 104–104, § 3(a)(2), (c)(4)–(8), redesignated subsecs. (a) to (ff) as pars. (1) to (32), respectively, realigned margins, inserted headings and words “The term”, changed capitalization, added pars. (33) to (51), reordered pars. in alphabetical order based on headings of pars., and renumbered pars. as so reordered.
Subsecs. (e), (n). Pub. L. 104–104, § 3(c)(1), redesignated clauses (1) to (3) as (A) to (C), respectively.
Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 104–104, § 3(a)(1), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).
Subsec. (w). Pub. L. 104–104, § 3(c)(2), redesignated pars. (1) to (5) as subpars. (A) to (E), respectively.
Subsecs. (y), (z). Pub. L. 104–104, § 3(c)(3), redesignated pars. (1) and (2) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively.
1993—Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 103–66, § 6002(b)(2)(B)(ii)(I), inserted cl. (1) designation and added cls. (2) and (3).
Subsec. (gg). Pub. L. 103–66, § 6002(b)(2)(B)(ii)(II), struck out subsec. (gg) which read as follows: “ ‘Private land mobile service’ means a mobile service which provides a regularly interacting group of base, mobile, portable, and associated control and relay stations (whether licensed on an individual, cooperative, or multiple basis) for private one-way or two-way land mobile radio communications by eligible users over designated areas of operation.”
1982—Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 97–259, § 120(b)(2), substituted “a radio” for “the radio”, inserted “or receivers” after “between mobile stations”, and inserted provision that “mobile service” includes both one-way and two-way radio communication services.
Subsec. (gg). Pub. L. 97–259, § 120(b)(1), added subsec. (gg).
1968—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 90–299 inserted “(other than section 223 of this title)” after “subchapter II of this chapter”.
1965—Subsec. (w)(5). Pub. L. 89–121, § 1(1), added par. (5).
Subsec. (x). Pub. L. 89–121, § 1(2), among other changes, substituted “radiotelegraph auto alarm” for “auto-alarm” wherever appearing, “receiving apparatus which responds to the radiotelegraph alarm signal” for “receiver” in two places, and “country in which the ship is registered” for “country to which the ship belongs” and for “country of origin”.
Subsec. (y). Pub. L. 89–121, § 1(3), struck out “qualified operator” from pars. (1) and (2), and substituted “country in which the ship is registered” for “country to which the ship belongs”.
Subsec. (z). Pub. L. 89–121, § 1(4)(D), (E), added subsec. (z) and redesignated former subsec. (z) as (aa).
Subsec. (aa). Pub. L. 89–121, § 1(4)(A), (D), redesignated former subsec. (z) as (aa) and former subsec. (aa) as (bb).
Subsecs. (bb) to (dd). Pub. L. 89–121, § 1(4)(A), redesignated former subsecs. (aa) to (cc) as (bb) to (dd) and former subsec. (dd) as (ee).
Subsec. (ee). Pub. L. 89–121, § 1(4)(A), (B), redesignated former subsec. (dd) as (ee), and repealed former subsec. (ee) which defined “existing installation”.
Subsecs. (ff), (gg). Pub. L. 89–121, § 1(4)(B), (C), redesignated subsec. (gg) as (ff) and repealed former subsec. (ff) which defined “new installation”.
1956—Subsec. (y)(2). Act
1954—Subsec. (e). Act
Subsec. (u). Act
Subsecs. (ee), (ff). Act Aug. 13, 1954, ch. 729, added subsecs. (ee) and (ff).
Subsec. (gg), “Great Lakes Agreement”. Act Aug. 13, 1954, ch. 735, added another subsec. (ee) which for purposes of codification was designated subsec. (gg).
1952—Subsecs. (bb) to (dd). Act
1937—Subsecs. (w) to (aa). Act
Amendment by act
Amendment by act Aug. 13, 1954, ch. 735, effective
Section 19 of act
Pub. L. 111–260, § 2,
Pub. L. 111–260, § 3,
The Great Lakes Agreement, referred to in this section, relates to the bilateral Agreement for the Promotion of Safety on the Great Lakes by Means of Radio, signed at Ottawa, Canada,
The United States was a party to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, signed at London
Pub. L. 113–200, title I, § 112,
Pub. L. 111–260, title II, § 206,
Pub. L. 105–33, title III, § 3001(a),
Pub. L. 104–104, § 3(b),
The Federal Communications Commission (in this chapter referred to as the “Commission”) shall be composed of five commissioners appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, one of whom the President shall designate as chairman.
Each Commissioner shall receive an annual salary at the annual rate payable from time to time for level IV of the Executive Schedule, payable in monthly installments. The Chairman of the Commission, during the period of his service as Chairman, shall receive an annual salary at the annual rate payable from time to time for level III of the Executive Schedule.
The principal office of the Commission shall be in the District of Columbia, where its general sessions shall be held; but whenever the convenience of the public or of the parties may be promoted or delay or expense prevented thereby, the Commission may hold special sessions in any part of the United States.
Three members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum thereof. The Commission shall have an official seal which shall be judicially noticed.
The Commission may perform any and all acts, make such rules and regulations, and issue such orders, not inconsistent with this chapter, as may be necessary in the execution of its functions.
The Commission may conduct its proceedings in such manner as will best conduce to the proper dispatch of business and to the ends of justice. No commissioner shall participate in any hearing or proceeding in which he has a pecuniary interest. Any party may appear before the Commission and be heard in person or by attorney. Every vote and official act of the Commission shall be entered of record, and its proceedings shall be public upon the request of any party interested. The Commission is authorized to withhold publication of records or proceedings containing secret information affecting the national defense.
All reports of investigations made by the Commission shall be entered of record, and a copy thereof shall be furnished to the party who may have complained, and to any common carrier or licensee that may have been complained of.
The Commission shall provide for the publication of its reports and decisions in such form and manner as may be best adapted for public information and use, and such authorized publications shall be competent evidence of the reports and decisions of the Commission therein contained in all courts of the United States and of the several States without any further proof or authentication thereof.
Rates of compensation of persons appointed under this section shall be subject to the reduction applicable to officers and employees of the Federal Government generally.
For the purpose of obtaining maximum effectiveness from the use of radio and wire communications in connection with safety of life and property, the Commission shall investigate and study all phases of the problem and the best methods of obtaining the cooperation and coordination of these systems.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Level III and level IV of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsec. (d), are set out in sections 5314 and 5315, respectively, of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Part II of subchapter III of this chapter, referred to in subsec. (f)(3), is classified to section 351 et seq. of this title.
Provisions of part III of title 5, referred to in subsec. (f)(4)(E), are classified to section 2101 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
In subsec. (f)(1), (2), “chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5” substituted for “the Classification of 1949” on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, § 7(b),
In subsec. (f)(4)(E), “section 1342 of title 31” substituted for “section 3679(b) of the Revised Statutes (31 U.S.C. 665(b))” on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, § 4(b),
2018—Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(1)(A), struck out before period at end “and shall furnish notice of such action to the appropriate committees of each House of the Congress. Each such notice shall include information regarding the identity of the person receiving the waiver, the position held by such person, and the nature of the financial interests which are the subject of the waiver”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–141, § 509, amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “commissioners shall be appointed for terms of five years and until their successors are appointed and have been confirmed and taken the oath of office, except that they shall not continue to serve beyond the expiration of the next session of Congress subsequent to the expiration of said fixed term of office; except that any person chosen to fill a vacancy shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of the commissioner whom he succeeds. No vacancy in the Commission shall impair the right of the remaining commissioners to exercise all the powers of the Commission.”
Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(1)(B), struck out par. (2), which related to reimbursements to the Commission for necessary travel expenses.
Subsecs. (k) to (o). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(h)(1), redesignated subsecs. (l) to (o) as (k) to (n), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (k). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (k) read as follows: “The Commission shall make an annual report to Congress, copies of which shall be distributed as are other reports transmitted to Congress. Such reports shall contain—
“(1) such information and data collected by the Commission as may be considered of value in the determination of questions connected with the regulation of interstate and foreign wire and radio communication and radio transmission of energy;
“(2) such information and data concerning the functioning of the Commission as will be of value to Congress in appraising the amount and character of the work and accomplishments of the Commission and the adequacy of its staff and equipment;
“(3) an itemized statement of all funds expended during the preceding year by the Commission, of the sources of such funds, and of the authority in this chapter or elsewhere under which such expenditures were made; and
“(4) specific recommendations to Congress as to additional legislation which the Commission deems necessary or desirable, including all legislative proposals submitted for approval to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.”
1996—Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(b), inserted before period at end “: and Provided further, That, in the alternative, an entity designated by the Commission may make the inspections referred to in this paragraph”.
Subsec. (f)(4)(A). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(a)(1), in first sentence, inserted “or administering” after “for purposes of preparing”, “of” after “than the class”, and “or administered” after “being prepared”.
Subsec. (f)(4)(B). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(a)(2), (5), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: “The Commission, for purposes of administering any examination for an amateur station operator license, may accept and employ the voluntary and uncompensated services of any individual who holds an amateur station operator license of a higher class than the class license for which the examination is being conducted. In the case of examinations for the highest class of amateur station operator license, the Commission may accept and employ such services of any individual who holds such class of license. Any person who owns a significant interest in, or is an employee of, any company or other entity which is engaged in the manufacture or distribution of equipment used in connection with amateur radio transmissions, or in the preparation or distribution of any publication used in preparation for obtaining amateur station operator licenses, shall not be eligible to render any service under this subparagraph.”
Subsec. (f)(4)(C) to (G). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(a)(5), redesignated subpars. (D) to (H) as (C) to (G), respectively. Former subpar. (C) redesignated (B).
Subsec. (f)(4)(H). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(a)(5), redesignated subpar. (I) as (H). Former subpar. (H) redesignated (G).
Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(a)(3), substituted “subparagraphs (A) and (B)” for “subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C)”.
Subsec. (f)(4)(I). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(a)(5), redesignated subpar. (J) as (I). Former subpar. (I) redesignated (H).
Subsec. (f)(4)(J). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(a)(4), (5), redesignated subpar. (J) as (I) and substituted “subparagraph (A) of this paragraph” for “subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph” and struck out last sentence which read as follows: “The total amount of allowable cost reimbursement per examinee shall not exceed $4, adjusted annually every January 1 for changes in the Department of Labor Consumer Price Index.”
1995—Subsec. (f)(4)(J). Pub. L. 104–66 struck out at end “Such individuals and organizations shall maintain records of out-of-pocket expenditures and shall certify annually to the Commission that all costs for which reimbursement was obtained were necessarily and prudently incurred.”
1994—Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 103–414 substituted “overtime extends beyond” for “overtime exceeds beyond”.
1992—Subsec. (g)(2)(D). Pub. L. 102–538, § 201, substituted “1994” for “1992”.
Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 102–538, § 208, added par. (3).
1990—Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 101–396, § 3, added par. (5).
Subsec. (g)(2)(D). Pub. L. 101–396, § 4, substituted “1992” for “1989”.
1988—Subsec. (g)(2)(D). Pub. L. 100–594 substituted “1989” for “1987”.
1986—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–334 substituted “five years” for “seven years”.
Subsec. (g)(2)(D). Pub. L. 99–272, § 5002(b)(1), substituted “1987” for “1985”.
Subsec. (g)(2)(E). Pub. L. 99–272, § 5002(b)(2), added subpar. (E).
1983—Subsec. (f)(4)(E) to (I). Pub. L. 98–214, § 10, added subpar. (E) and redesignated existing subpars. (E) to (H) as (F) to (I), respectively.
Subsec. (f)(4)(J). Pub. L. 98–214, § 11, added subpar. (J).
1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–253, § 501(b)(1), substituted “five” for “seven”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–259, § 102, amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: “Each member of the Commission shall be a citizen of the United States. No member of the Commission or person in its employ shall be financially interested in the manufacture or sale of radio apparatus or of apparatus for wire or radio communication; in communication by wire or radio or in radio transmission of energy; in any company furnishing services or such apparatus to any company engaged in communication by wire or radio or to any company manufacturing or selling apparatus used for communication by wire or radio; or in any company owning stocks, bonds, or other securities of any such company; nor be in the employ of or hold any official relation to any person subject to any of the provisions of this chapter, nor own stocks, bonds, or other securities of any corporation subject to any of the provisions of this chapter. Such commissioners shall not engage in any other business, vocation, profession, or employment. Any such commissioner serving as such after one year from
Pub. L. 97–253, § 501(b)(2), amended last sentence of subsec. (b), prior to the general amendment by Pub. L. 97–259, by substituting language identical to that contained in par. (5), as added by Pub. L. 97–259.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–259, § 103(a), struck out “The” before “commissioners” at beginning of subsection, immediately thereafter struck out “first appointed under this chapter shall continue in office for the terms of one, two, three, four, five, six, and seven years, respectively, from the date of the taking effect of this chapter, the term of each to be designated by the President, but their successors”, and substituted “been confirmed and taken the oath of office” for “qualified”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–259, § 103(b), amended subsec. (d) generally, relating to the annual salary rate for the Chairman and Commissioners.
Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 97–259, § 103(c), substituted “three professional assistants” for “a legal assistant, an engineering assistant,”.
Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 97–259, § 104, added par. (4).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–259, § 103(d), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 97–253, § 501(b)(3), substituted “Three” for “Four”.
Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 97–259, § 103(e), struck out proviso after “its staff and equipment”, relating to the content of first and second annual reports after the enactment of the Communications Act Amendments of 1952.
Subsec. (k)(3). Pub. L. 97–259, § 103(f), redesignated par. (4) as (3).
Subsec. (k)(4), (5). Pub. L. 97–259, § 103(f), (g), redesignated par. (5) as (4) and substituted “Office of Management and Budget” for “Bureau of the Budget”. Former par. (4) redesignated (3).
1981—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–35 substituted requirement respecting authorizations under section 156 of this title, for provisions respecting appropriations from time to time.
1960—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–752 struck out provision that permitted commissioners to accept “reasonable honorarium or compensation” for “the presentation or delivery of publications or papers”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 86–619 provided for continuation in office of the commissioners upon termination of their term until their successors are appointed and have qualified, not beyond expiration of next session of Congress subsequent to the expiration of said fixed term of office.
Subsec. (k)(3). Pub. L. 86–533 repealed par. (3) which required the report to contain information with respect to all persons taken into the employment of the Commission during the preceding year, together with the names of those persons who left the employ of the Commission during the year.
1954—Subsec. (f)(3). Act
1952—Subsec. (b). Act
Subsec. (f). Act
Subsec. (g). Act
Subsec. (k). Act
1941—Subsec. (f). Act
1937—Subsec. (k). Act
Subsec. (o). Act
1936—Subsec. (f). Act
Pub. L. 99–334, § 1(b),
Pub. L. 97–253, title V, § 501(b)(4),
Amendment by act
For termination, effective
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title IV, § 403,
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title IV, § 404,
Pub. L. 100–594, § 6,
Pub. L. 97–253, title V, § 501(a),
All offices of collector of customs, referred to in subsec. (f)(3), in Bureau of Customs of Department of the Treasury to which appointments were required to be made by President with advice and consent of Senate ordered abolished with such offices to be terminated not later than
Ex. Ord. No. 13913,
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:
(a) “License” means any license, certificate of public interest, or other authorization issued or granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) after referral of an application by the FCC to the Committee established by subsection 3(a) of this order or, if referred before the date of this order [
(b) “Application” means any application, petition, or other request for a license or authorization, or the transfer of a license or authorization, that is referred by the FCC to the Committee established in subsection 3(a) of this order or that was referred by the FCC before the date of this order to the group of executive departments and agencies involved in the review process that was previously in place.
(c) “Intelligence Community” shall have the meaning assigned to it in subsection 3.5(h) of Executive Order 12333 of
(d) “Mitigation measures” shall mean both standard and non-standard mitigation measures.
(e) “Standard mitigation measures” shall be those measures agreed upon by the Committee Members (as defined in subsection 3(b) of this order) and Committee Advisors (as defined in subsection 3(d) of this order).
(i) to review applications and licenses for risks to national security and law enforcement interests posed by such applications or licenses; and
(ii) to respond to any risks presented by applications or licenses by recommending to the FCC, as appropriate and consistent with the provisions of this order, that it dismiss an application, deny an application, condition the grant of an application upon compliance with mitigation measures, modify a license with a condition of compliance with mitigation measures, or revoke a license.
(b) The Committee shall be composed of the following members (Committee Members):
(i) the Secretary of Defense;
(ii) the Attorney General;
(iii) the Secretary of Homeland Security; and
(iv) the head of any other executive department or agency, or any Assistant to the President, as the President determines appropriate.
(c) The Attorney General shall serve as Chair of the Committee (Chair).
(d) The following officials shall be advisors to the Committee (Committee Advisors) with no role in the duties set forth in sections 4 through 11 of this order except as provided in subsections 6(c), 9(f), 9(g), 10(g), and 11(d) of this order:
(i) the Secretary of State;
(ii) the Secretary of the Treasury;
(iii) the Secretary of Commerce;
(iv) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;
(v) the United States Trade Representative;
(vi) the Director of National Intelligence;
(vii) the Administrator of General Services;
(viii) the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs;
(ix) the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy;
(x) the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
(xi) the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers; and
(xii) any other Assistant to the President, as the President determines appropriate.
(e) The Committee Members and Committee Advisors may, subject to the limitations in this order, designate a senior executive from their entity to perform the functions described in this order on their behalf.
(i) submitting to applicants or licensees any questions or requests for information to establish facts about an application or license necessary to conduct the reviews and assessments described in sections 5 and 6 of this order;
(ii) identifying risks to national security or law enforcement interests of the United States raised by an application or license, in consultation, as appropriate, with other Committee Members;
(iii) coordinating with other Committee Members on the reviews and assessments described in sections 5 and 6 of this order;
(iv) proposing, in coordination with the Chair, any mitigation measures necessary to address any risk to national security or law enforcement interests of the United States identified through the risk-based analysis described in subsection 9(c) of this order;
(v) coordinating with other Committee Members and communicating with applicants or licensees regarding any mitigation measures necessary to address risks to national security and law enforcement interests of the United States;
(vi) monitoring compliance with, and coordinating with the Committee regarding, any mitigation measure the Committee recommends be imposed by the FCC as a condition on a license; or
(vii) any related responsibilities as specified by the Chair.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this order, the Chair shall have the exclusive authority to act, or to authorize other Committee Members to act, on behalf of the Committee, including communicating with the FCC and with applicants or licensees on behalf of the Committee.
(c) In acting on behalf of the Committee, the Chair or a Lead Member, as applicable, shall keep the Committee fully informed of the Chair’s or Lead Member’s respective activities taken under this order and shall consult with the Committee before taking any material actions under this order.
(b) Upon referral by the FCC of an application, the Committee shall conduct an initial review of the application to evaluate whether granting the requested license or transfer of license may pose a risk to national security or law enforcement interests of the United States.
(i) During the initial review, the Committee may determine:
(A) that granting an application for a license or the transfer of a license raises no current risk to national security or law enforcement interests;
(B) that any identified risk to national security or law enforcement interests raised by an application may be addressed through standard mitigation measures recommended by the Committee; or
(C) that a secondary assessment of an application is warranted because risk to national security or law enforcement interests cannot be mitigated by standard mitigation measures.
(ii) If the Committee determines that granting the application does not raise a current risk to national security or law enforcement interests or that standard mitigation measures would mitigate any risk to national security or law enforcement interests, such a determination and any recommendations shall be communicated to the FCC in a manner consistent with sections 9 and 10 of this order.
(iii) Except as provided in subsection 5(d) of this order, any initial review shall be completed before the end of the 120-day period beginning on the date the Chair determines that the applicant’s responses to any questions and information requests from the Committee are complete.
(c) When the Committee has determined that a secondary assessment of an application is warranted, it shall conduct such an assessment to further evaluate the risk posed to national security and law enforcement interests of the United States and to determine whether to make any recommendations pursuant to section 9 of this order. Any secondary assessment of an application shall be completed no more than 90 days after the Committee’s determination that a secondary assessment is warranted. The Chair shall notify the FCC of a determination that a secondary assessment is warranted.
(d) During an initial review under subsection 5(b) of this order or a secondary assessment under subsection 5(c) of this order, if an applicant fails to respond to any additional requests for information after the Chair determines the responses are complete, the Committee may either extend the initial review or secondary assessment period or make a recommendation to the FCC to dismiss the application without prejudice. The Chair shall notify the FCC of a determination that the applicant’s responses are complete, of any extensions of the initial review period, or when the Committee recommends dismissal under this subsection.
(b) The Committee shall determine whether to review an existing license by majority vote of the Committee Members.
(c) If the Committee conducts such a review, it shall promptly notify the Committee Advisors.
(b) The analysis required under subsection (a) of this section shall be provided to the Committee within the earlier of 30 days from the date on which the Chair determines that an applicant’s or licensee’s responses to any questions and requests for information from the Committee are complete or 30 days from the date on which the Chair requests such an analysis. Such an analysis may be supplemented or amended as appropriate or upon a request for additional information by the Chair.
(c) The Director of National Intelligence shall ensure that the Intelligence Community continues to analyze and disseminate to the Committee any additional relevant information that may become available during the course of a review or assessment conducted with respect to an application or license.
(a) to the extent required by law or for any administrative or judicial action or proceeding, or for law enforcement purposes;
(b) to other governmental entities at the discretion of the Chair, provided that such entities make adequate assurances to the Chair that they will not further disclose the shared information, including to members of the public; or
(c) to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States with respect to transactions reviewed by that Committee pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 4565, in which case this information and analysis shall be treated consistent with the disclosure protections of 50 U.S.C. 4565(c).
(i) advise the FCC that the Committee has no recommendation for the FCC on the application and no objection to the FCC granting the license or transfer of the license;
(ii) recommend that the FCC deny the application due to the risk to the national security or law enforcement interests of the United States; or
(iii) recommend that the FCC only grant the license or transfer of the license contingent on the applicant’s compliance with mitigation measures, consistent with section 10 of this order.
(b) With respect to a license reviewed pursuant to section 6 of this order, the Committee may, when appropriate:
(i) recommend that the FCC modify the license to include a condition of compliance with mitigation measures negotiated by the Committee;
(ii) recommend that the FCC revoke the license due to the risk to national security or law enforcement interests of the United States; or
(iii) take no action with respect to the license.
(c) Any recommendation made by the Committee pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall be based on a written risk-based analysis, conducted by the Committee Member entity or entities proposing the denial, mitigation measures, modification, revocation, or no action.
(d) The Committee shall make the recommendations described in subsections (a)(ii), (a)(iii), (b)(i), and (b)(ii) of this section if it determines that there is credible evidence that the application or license poses a risk to the national security or law enforcement interests of the United States.
(e) The Committee shall attempt to reach consensus on any recommendation authorized by this order. If senior executive Committee officials designated pursuant to subsection 3(e) of this order cannot reach consensus on a recommendation, the Chair shall present the issue to the Committee Members, who shall determine the Committee recommendation by majority vote. If the vote results in a tie, the Chair shall determine the recommendation.
(f) If the Committee’s determination is a recommendation to deny an application, to grant an application contingent on compliance with non-standard mitigation measures, to modify a license to condition it upon compliance with non-standard mitigation measures, or to revoke a license, the Chair shall notify the Committee Advisors and, to the extent consistent with applicable law, provide them all available assessments, evaluations, or other analyses regarding such determination. Within 21 days of the notification, the Committee Advisors shall advise the Chair whether they oppose the recommendation.
(i) If one or more of the Committee Advisors opposes the recommendation, the senior executives designated by the Committee Members and Committee Advisors shall promptly confer in an effort to reach consensus on a recommendation. If consensus is reached, the recommendation shall be provided to the FCC consistent with subsection 9(h) of this order.
(ii) If the senior executives designated by the Committee Members and Committee Advisors do not reach consensus, the Chair shall present the issue to the Committee Members and the Committee Advisors to seek to resolve any objections within 30 days of the notification by the Chair of a recommendation to deny or to grant an application contingent on compliance with non-standard mitigation, or within 60 days in the case of a recommendation to modify a license to condition it upon compliance with non-standard mitigation measures or to revoke a license. Committee Members and Committee Advisors may consider any submissions by the Committee Advisors (e.g., a countervailing risk assessment), as appropriate.
(iii) If the Committee Members and Committee Advisors are unable to reach consensus through the foregoing process, the Committee Members identified in subsection 3(b) of this order shall determine a recommendation by majority vote. If the vote results in a tie, the Chair shall determine the recommendation.
(g) The Chair shall notify the President of any intended recommendation, and any opposition thereto by a Committee Member or Committee Advisor, within 7 days of a majority or tie vote held under subsection 9(e) or 9(f)(iii) of this order if either the recommendation or any opposition thereto by a Committee Member or Committee Advisor involves the denial of an application, granting an application contingent on non-standard mitigation measures, modifying a license to condition it upon compliance with non-standard mitigation measures, or revoking a license. The FCC will receive notice of the recommendation, consistent with subsection 9(h) of this order, not earlier than 15 days after the date on which the President is notified of the intended action.
(h) Except as provided in subsection (b)(iii) of this section, the Chair, on behalf of the Committee, shall notify the FCC through the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of a final recommendation made pursuant to this section. The Administrator of NTIA shall notify the FCC of the recommendation within 7 days of the notification from the Chair.
(i) As necessary and in accordance with applicable law and policy, including procedures governing the handling of classified or otherwise privileged or protected information, the Committee may consider classified information and otherwise privileged or protected information in determining what recommendation to make to the FCC through the Administrator of NTIA under this section, and may provide such information to the FCC as necessary on an ex parte basis.
(b) The Committee may recommend to the FCC, consistent with section 9 of this order, that the FCC modify a license to condition it upon compliance with any mitigation measures in order to mitigate a risk to national security or law enforcement interests of the United States arising from the license.
(c) Consistent with subsection 4(a)(v) of this order, the Chair or assigned Lead Member shall communicate any mitigation measures proposed by the Committee to the applicant or licensee.
(d) Any mitigation measures negotiated pursuant to this section shall be based on a written risk-based analysis.
(e) The Committee shall monitor any mitigation measures imposed by the FCC as a condition on a license.
(i) Committee Member entities, as appropriate, shall report to the Committee regarding any material noncompliance with any mitigation measures imposed by the FCC as a condition on a license as a result of the Committee’s recommendation under subsections (a) through (d) of this section.
(ii) The Committee, in consultation with the FCC, as appropriate, and in a manner that does not unduly constrain Committee resources, shall develop methods for monitoring compliance with any mitigation measures imposed by the FCC as a condition on a license as a result of the Committee’s recommendation under subsections (a) through (d) of this section.
(f) If the Committee determines that a licensee has not complied with a mitigation measure and has not cured any such noncompliance in a satisfactory manner, the Committee may recommend actions consistent with subsection 9(b) of this order.
(g) When requested by the Chair, the Director of National Intelligence shall provide analyses assessing threats related to risk mitigation, compliance monitoring, and enforcement to Committee Member entities and Committee Advisor entities that are monitoring compliance with mitigation measures imposed by the FCC as conditions on licenses as a result of Committee recommendations under subsections (a) through (d) of this section.
(h) This order does not constrain the discretion of executive departments or agencies, pursuant to any relevant authority not described in this order, to:
(i) conduct inquiries with respect to an application or license;
(ii) communicate with any applicant, licensee, or other necessary party; or
(iii) negotiate, enter into, impose, or enforce contractual provisions with an applicant or licensee.
(b) The Department of Justice shall provide such funding and administrative support for the Committee as the Committee may require. The heads of executive departments and agencies shall provide, as appropriate and to the extent permitted by law, such resources, information, and assistance as required to implement this order within their respective agencies, including the assignment of staff to perform the duties described in this order. An Intelligence Community liaison designated by the Director of National Intelligence shall support the Committee, consistent with applicable law.
(c) Within 90 days from the date of this order, the Committee Members shall enter into a Memorandum of Understanding among themselves and with the Director of National Intelligence (or the Director’s designee) describing their plan to implement and execute this order. The Memorandum of Understanding shall, among other things, delineate questions and requests for applicants and licensees that may be needed to acquire information necessary to conduct the reviews and assessments described in sections 5 and 6 of this order, define the standard mitigation measures developed in accordance with section 2(e) of this order, and outline the process for designating a Lead Member as described in section 4 of this order.
(d) The Chair, in coordination with the Committee Members and the Committee Advisors, shall review the implementation of this order and provide a report to the President on an annual basis that identifies recommendations for relevant policy, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals;
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of any of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
The member of the Commission designated by the President as chairman shall be the chief executive officer of the Commission. It shall be his duty to preside at all meetings and sessions of the Commission, to represent the Commission in all matters relating to legislation and legislative reports, except that any commissioner may present his own or minority views or supplemental reports, to represent the Commission in all matters requiring conferences or communications with other governmental officers, departments or agencies, and generally to coordinate and organize the work of the Commission in such manner as to promote prompt and efficient disposition of all matters within the jurisdiction of the Commission. In the case of a vacancy in the office of the chairman of the Commission, or the absence or inability of the chairman to serve, the Commission may temporarily designate one of its members to act as chairman until the cause or circumstance requiring such designation shall have been eliminated or corrected.
From time to time as the Commission may find necessary, the Commission shall organize its staff into (1) integrated bureaus, to function on the basis of the Commission’s principal workload operations, and (2) such other divisional organizations as the Commission may deem necessary. Each such integrated bureau shall include such legal, engineering, accounting, administrative, clerical, and other personnel as the Commission may determine to be necessary to perform its functions.
Meetings of the Commission shall be held at regular intervals, not less frequently than once each calendar month, at which times the functioning of the Commission and the handling of its work load shall be reviewed and such orders shall be entered and other action taken as may be necessary or appropriate to expedite the prompt and orderly conduct of the business of the Commission with the objective of rendering a final decision (1) within three months from the date of filing in all original application, renewal, and transfer cases in which it will not be necessary to hold a hearing, and (2) within six months from the final date of the hearing in all hearing cases.
The Commission shall have a Managing Director who shall be appointed by the Chairman subject to the approval of the Commission. The Managing Director, under the supervision and direction of the Chairman, shall perform such administrative and executive functions as the Chairman shall delegate. The Managing Director shall be paid at a rate equal to the rate then payable for level V of the Executive Schedule.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Level V of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsec. (e), is set out in section 5316 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
In subsec. (c)(1), (8), “adjudication (as defined in section 551 of title 5)” substituted for “adjudication (as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act)”, and in subsec. (c)(1) “section 556(b) of title 5” substituted for references to “section 7(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act”, on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, § 7(b),
1996—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 104–104 inserted last sentence and struck out former last sentence which read as follows: “Nothing in this paragraph shall authorize the Commission to provide for the conduct, by any person or persons other than persons referred to in clauses (2) and (3) of section 556(b) of title 5, of any hearing to which such section 556(b) applies.”
1994—Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 103–414 redesignated subsec. (f) as (e).
1988—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 100–594, § 8(a), inserted “and except any action referred to in sections 204(a)(2), 208(b), and 405(b) of this title” after “and (6) of this subsection” in first sentence.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–594, § 4, struck out subsec. (g) which required an annual report to Congress and specified its contents.
1986—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–272 substituted “March 31” for “January 31”.
1982—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–259, § 105(a), substituted “From” for “Within six months after
Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 97–259, § 105(b), (c), redesignated subsecs. (d) and (e) as (c) and (d), respectively, and in par. (1) of subsec. (c), as so redesignated, substituted “two” for “three” after “employee board consisting of”.
1981—Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 97–35 added subsecs. (f) and (g).
1980—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 96–470 struck out “; and the Commission shall promptly report to the Congress each such case which has been pending before it more than such three- or six-month period, respectively, stating the reasons therefor” after “hearing cases”.
1961—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–192, § 1, repealed subsec. (c) which provided for establishment of review staff, its composition, responsibility and duties.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 87–192, § 2, substituted provisions which authorized the delegation of functions by published rule or by order to a panel of commissioners, and individual commissioner, an employee board, or an individual employee, and of review functions to an employee board of three or more employees, enumerated the functions to be delegated, with stated exceptions, and prescribed majority vote for order delegating review functions for former provision which authorized the assignment of reference of work, business or functions by order to an individual commissioner or commissioners or to a board of one or more employees and eliminated provision concerning force, effect and enforcement of orders, now incorporated in par. (3) of this subsection.
Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 87–192, § 2, added par. (2). The subject matter was formerly covered by the introductory words of former par. (1) of this subsection which read “Except as provided in section 409 of this title.” Sentences 1 and 2 of former par. (2) redesignated pars. (4) and (6), respectively.
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 87–192, § 2, redesignated second sentence of former par. (1) as par. (3) and substituted therein “report, or action made or taken pursuant to any such delegation, unless reviewed as provided in paragraph (4), shall have” and “other actions” for “report made, or other action taken, pursuant to any such order of assignment or reference shall, unless reviewed pursuant to paragraph (2), have” and “action”, respectively. Former par. (3) redesignated (9).
Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 87–192, § 2, redesignated first sentence of former par. (2) as par. (4), included “action” in enumeration, and inserted provision for review on initiative of the Commission.
Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 87–192, § 2, added par. (5).
Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 87–192, § 2, redesignated second sentence of former par. (2) as par. (6), inserting “for review” after “applications” and substituting “the Commission”, “the order”, “it may order” and “in accordance with” for “it”, “such order”, “may order” and “under”, respectively.
Subsec. (d)(7), (8). Pub. L. 87–192, § 2, added pars. (7) and (8).
Subsec. (d)(9). Pub. L. 87–192, § 2, redesignated former par. (3) as (9) and made it applicable to each panel of the Commission, each employee board instead of each board, and each individual employee.
1952—Act
The Chief Information Officer of the Commission, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer of the Commission and budget officials, shall specify and approve the allocation of amounts appropriated to the Commission for information technology, consistent with the provisions of appropriations Acts, budget guidelines, and recommendations from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Section was enacted as part of the Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act of 2018, also known as the RAY BAUM’S Act of 2018, and also as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, § 2,
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission to carry out the functions of the Commission $333,118,000 for fiscal year 2019 and $339,610,000 for fiscal year 2020.
The sum appropriated in any fiscal year to carry out the activities described in subsection (a), to the extent and in the amounts provided for in Appropriations Acts, shall be derived from fees authorized by section 159 of this title.
2018—Pub. L. 115–141 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to authorization of appropriations for fiscal years 1990 and 1991.
1993—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–66 added subsec. (d).
1990—Pub. L. 101–396 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: “There are authorized to be appropriated for the administration of this chapter by the Commission $107,250,000 for fiscal year 1988 and $109,250,000 for fiscal year 1989, together with such sums as may be necessary for increases resulting from adjustments in salary, pay, retirement, other employee benefits required by law, and other nondiscretionary costs, for each of the fiscal years 1988 and 1989.”
1988—Pub. L. 100–594 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: “There are authorized to be appropriated for the administration of this chapter by the Commission $98,100,000 for fiscal year 1986 and $97,600,000 for fiscal year 1987, together with such sums as may be necessary for increases resulting from adjustments in salary, pay, retirement, other employee benefits required by law, and other nondiscretionary costs, for each of the fiscal years 1986 and 1987.”
1986—Pub. L. 99–272 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: “There are authorized to be appropriated for the administration of this chapter by the Commission $91,156,000, together with such sums as may be necessary for increases resulting from adjustments in salary, pay, retirement, other employee benefits required by law, and other nondiscretionary costs, for each of the fiscal years 1984 and 1985.”
1983—Pub. L. 98–214 substituted provisions authorizing appropriations of $91,156,000 for each of the fiscal years 1984 and 1985 for provisions authorizing appropriations of $76,900,000 for each of the fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title I, § 103,
Pub. L. 100–594, § 2(b),
Pub. L. 99–272, title V, § 5002(a)(2),
Pub. L. 98–214, § 2(b),
Pub. L. 104–104, title VII, § 710(a), (b),
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–414 struck out “or twelve months after
Pub. L. 104–104, title VII, § 706,
The Commission shall assess and collect application fees at such rates as the Commission shall establish in a schedule of application fees to recover the costs of the Commission to process applications.
In paragraph (2), the term “current amount” means, with respect to a fee, the amount of the fee on the date when the fee was established, the date when the fee was last adjusted under paragraph (1), or the date when the fee was last amended under subsection (c), whichever is latest.
If, in the judgment of the Commission, the cost of collecting an application fee established under this section would exceed the amount collected, the Commission may by rule eliminate such fee.
Moneys received from application fees established under this section shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury.
2018—Pub. L. 115–141 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to application fees.
1994—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(3), substituted “payment of an” for “payment of a”.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(4), substituted “Additional Application Fee” for “Additional Charge” in item 7.f. under heading “
Pub. L. 103–414, § 302, added item 1.d. under heading “
1993—Pub. L. 103–66, § 6003(a)(2)(A), substituted “Application fees” for “Charges” as section catchline.
Subsecs. (a) to (e). Pub. L. 103–66, § 6003(a)(2)(B)–(D), substituted “application fees” for “charges” and “Schedule of Application Fees” for “Schedule of Charges” wherever appearing, and substituted “application fee” for “charge” in subsec. (c).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 103–66, § 6003(a)(2)(D), in text substituted “Schedule of Application Fees” for “Schedule of Charges”.
Pub. L. 103–66, § 6003(a)(2)(E), which directed amendment of schedule by substituting “
1992—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–538 in Schedule of Charges added twenty-second category, relating to Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Systems, under heading “
1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–239, § 3001(b)(1), struck out at end “The Schedule of Charges established under this subsection shall be implemented not later than 360 days after
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, § 3001(b)(2), substituted “
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, § 3001(b)(3), substituted “(A) to governmental entities and nonprofit entities licensed in the following radio services:” for “to the following radio services:” and inserted “(B)” after “Emergency Radio, or”.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–239, § 3001(a), added subsec. (g).
1988—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–594 substituted “two years after
Amendment by Pub. L. 115–141 effective
Pub. L. 101–239, title III, § 3001(c),
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title I, § 102(d)(1),
Section 5002(f) of Pub. L. 99–272 established the Schedule of Charges which the Federal Communications Commission is required to prescribe pursuant to subsec. (a) of this section. See subsec. (g) of this section as added by Pub. L. 101–239.
The Commission shall assess and collect regulatory fees to recover the costs of carrying out the activities described in section 156(a) of this title only to the extent, and in the total amounts, provided for in Appropriations Acts.
The Commission shall assess and collect regulatory fees at such rates as the Commission shall establish in a schedule of regulatory fees that will result in the collection, in each fiscal year, of an amount that can reasonably be expected to equal the amounts described in subsection (a) with respect to such fiscal year.
In making adjustments under this subsection, the Commission may round fees to the nearest $5 increment.
In addition to the adjustments required by subsection (c), the Commission shall by rule amend the schedule of regulatory fees established under this section if the Commission determines that the schedule requires amendment so that such fees reflect the full-time equivalent number of employees within the bureaus and offices of the Commission, adjusted to take into account factors that are reasonably related to the benefits provided to the payor of the fee by the Commission’s activities. In making an amendment under this subsection, the Commission may not change the total amount of regulatory fees required by subsection (b) to be collected in a fiscal year.
If, in the judgment of the Commission, the cost of collecting a regulatory fee established under this section from a party would exceed the amount collected from such party, the Commission may exempt such party from paying such fee.
Amounts received from fees authorized by this section shall be deposited as an offsetting collection in, and credited to, the account through which funds are made available to carry out the activities described in section 156(a) of this title.
Any regulatory fees collected in excess of the total amount of fees provided for in Appropriations Acts for a fiscal year shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury of the United States for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.
2018—Pub. L. 115–141 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to regulatory fees.
1994—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(5), designated second sentence of par. (1) as par. (2) and inserted par. (2) heading.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(6), inserted “95” after “(47 C.F.R. Part” in item pertaining to Interactive Video Data Service under Private Radio Bureau in Schedule of Regulatory Fees.
1993—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–121 designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, and added par. (2).
Amendment by Pub. L. 115–141 effective
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title I, § 102(d)(2),
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title I, § 102(e)(1),
Any adjustment or amendment to a schedule of fees under subsection (b) or (c) of section 158 of this title or subsection (c) or (d) of section 159 of this title is not subject to judicial review.
The Commission shall by rule prescribe an additional penalty for late payment of fees under section 158 or 159 of this title. Such additional penalty shall be 25 percent of the amount of the fee that was not paid in a timely manner.
The Commission shall charge interest, at a rate determined under section 3717 of title 31, on a fee under section 158 or 159 of this title or an additional penalty under this subsection that is not paid in a timely manner. Such section 3717 shall not otherwise apply with respect to such a fee or penalty.
The Commission may dismiss any application or other filing for failure to pay in a timely manner any fee under section 158 or 159 of this title or any interest or additional penalty under this subsection.
In addition to or in lieu of the penalties and dismissals authorized by this subsection, the Commission may revoke any instrument of authorization held by any licensee that has not paid in a timely manner a regulatory fee assessed under section 159 of this title or any related interest or penalty.
Revocation action may be taken by the Commission under this paragraph after notice of the Commission’s intent to take such action is sent to the licensee by registered mail, return receipt requested, at the licensee’s last known address. The notice shall provide the licensee at least 30 days to either pay the fee, interest, and any penalty or show cause why the fee, interest, or penalty does not apply to the licensee or should otherwise be waived or payment deferred.
A hearing is not required under this paragraph unless the licensee’s response presents a substantial and material question of fact.
In any case where a hearing is conducted under this paragraph, the hearing shall be based on written evidence only, and the burden of proceeding with the introduction of evidence and the burden of proof shall be on the licensee.
Unless the licensee substantially prevails in the hearing, the Commission may assess the licensee for the costs of such hearing.
Any Commission order adopted under this paragraph shall determine the amount due, if any, and provide the licensee with at least 30 days to pay that amount or have its authorization revoked.
No order of revocation under this paragraph shall become final until the licensee has exhausted its right to judicial review of such order under section 402(b)(5) of this title.
The Commission may waive, reduce, or defer payment of a fee under section 158 or 159 of this title or an interest charge or penalty under this section in any specific instance for good cause shown, where such action would promote the public interest.
The Commission shall develop accounting systems necessary to make the amendments authorized by sections 158(c) and 159(d) of this title.
Section effective
In making the determination under subsection (a)(3), the Commission shall consider whether forbearance from enforcing the provision or regulation will promote competitive market conditions, including the extent to which such forbearance will enhance competition among providers of telecommunications services. If the Commission determines that such forbearance will promote competition among providers of telecommunications services, that determination may be the basis for a Commission finding that forbearance is in the public interest.
Any telecommunications carrier, or class of telecommunications carriers, may submit a petition to the Commission requesting that the Commission exercise the authority granted under this section with respect to that carrier or those carriers, or any service offered by that carrier or carriers. Any such petition shall be deemed granted if the Commission does not deny the petition for failure to meet the requirements for forbearance under subsection (a) within one year after the Commission receives it, unless the one-year period is extended by the Commission. The Commission may extend the initial one-year period by an additional 90 days if the Commission finds that an extension is necessary to meet the requirements of subsection (a). The Commission may grant or deny a petition in whole or in part and shall explain its decision in writing.
Except as provided in section 251(f) of this title, the Commission may not forbear from applying the requirements of section 251(c) or 271 of this title under subsection (a) of this section until it determines that those requirements have been fully implemented.
A State commission may not continue to apply or enforce any provision of this chapter that the Commission has determined to forbear from applying under subsection (a).
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (e), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The Commission shall repeal or modify any regulation it determines to be no longer necessary in the public interest.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
In the last quarter of every even-numbered year, the Commission shall publish on its website and submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the state of the communications marketplace.
If the President designates a Commissioner as Chairman of the Commission during the last quarter of an even-numbered year, the portion of the report required by subsection (b)(4) may be published on the website of the Commission and submitted to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate as an addendum during the first quarter of the following odd-numbered year.
In assessing the state of competition under subsection (b)(1), the Commission shall consider all forms of competition, including the effect of intermodal competition, facilities-based competition, and competition from new and emergent communications services, including the provision of content and communications using the Internet.
In assessing the state of deployment under subsection (b)(2), the Commission shall compile a list of geographical areas that are not served by any provider of advanced telecommunications capability.
In assessing the state of competition under subsection (b)(1) and regulatory barriers under subsection (b)(3), the Commission shall consider market entry barriers for entrepreneurs and other small businesses in the communications marketplace in accordance with the national policy under section 257(b) of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1938—Subsec. (b). Act
Pub. L. 109–459, § 2,
Pub. L. 102–538, title II, § 213,
It shall be unlawful for any common carrier to make any unjust or unreasonable discrimination in charges, practices, classifications, regulations, facilities, or services for or in connection with like communication service, directly or indirectly, by any means or device, or to make or give any undue or unreasonable preference or advantage to any particular person, class of persons, or locality, or to subject any particular person, class of persons, or locality to any undue or unreasonable prejudice or disadvantage.
Charges or services, whenever referred to in this chapter, include charges for, or services in connection with, the use of common carrier lines of communication, whether derived from wire or radio facilities, in chain broadcasting or incidental to radio communication of any kind.
Any carrier who knowingly violates the provisions of this section shall forfeit to the United States the sum of $6,000 for each such offense and $300 for each and every day of the continuance of such offense.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1989—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted “$6,000” for “$500” and “$300” for “$25”.
1960—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–751 substituted “common carrier lines of communication, whether derived from wire or radio facilities,” for “wires”.
Every common carrier, except connecting carriers, shall, within such reasonable time as the Commission shall designate, file with the Commission and print and keep open for public inspection schedules showing all charges for itself and its connecting carriers for interstate and foreign wire or radio communication between the different points on its own system, and between points on its own system and points on the system of its connecting carriers or points on the system of any other carrier subject to this chapter when a through route has been established, whether such charges are joint or separate, and showing the classifications, practices, and regulations affecting such charges. Such schedules shall contain such other information, and be printed in such form, and be posted and kept open for public inspection in such places, as the Commission may by regulation require, and each such schedule shall give notice of its effective date; and such common carrier shall furnish such schedules to each of its connecting carriers, and such connecting carriers shall keep such schedules open for inspection in such public places as the Commission may require.
No carrier, unless otherwise provided by or under authority of this chapter, shall engage or participate in such communication unless schedules have been filed and published in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and with the regulations made thereunder; and no carrier shall (1) charge, demand, collect, or receive a greater or less or different compensation for such communication, or for any service in connection therewith, between the points named in any such schedule than the charges specified in the schedule then in effect, or (2) refund or remit by any means or device any portion of the charges so specified, or (3) extend to any person any privileges or facilities in such communication, or employ or enforce any classifications, regulations, or practices affecting such charges, except as specified in such schedule.
The Commission may reject and refuse to file any schedule entered for filing which does not provide and give lawful notice of its effective date. Any schedule so rejected by the Commission shall be void and its use shall be unlawful.
In case of failure or refusal on the part of any carrier to comply with the provisions of this section or of any regulation or order made by the Commission thereunder, such carrier shall forfeit to the United States the sum of $6,000 for each such offense, and $300 for each and every day of the continuance of such offense.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–396 substituted “one hundred and twenty days” for “ninety days” in pars. (1) and (2).
1989—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted “$6,000” for “$500” and “$300” for “$25”.
1976—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–376 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted “after ninety days notice” for “after thirty days’ notice”, and struck out provision that the Commission may, in its discretion and for good cause shown, modify the requirements made by or under authority of this section in particular instances or by a general order applicable to special circumstances or conditions, and added par. (2).
1996—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 104–104, § 402(b)(1)(A)(i), (ii), substituted “such hearing within 5 months” for “such hearing within 12 months” and struck out before period at end “, or within 15 months after such date if the hearing raises questions of fact of such extraordinary complexity that the questions cannot be resolved within 12 months”.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 104–104, § 402(b)(1)(A)(iii), added par. (3).
1992—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–538 substituted “a revised charge” for “an increased charge” after “a proposed charge for a new service or”, “or revised” for “or increased” before “charge, specifying by whom and in whose behalf”, “revised charges” for “increased charges” before “as by its decision shall be found not justified”, “new or revised charge, or a proposed new or revised charge” for “charge increased, or sought to be increased” before “, burden of proof to show”, and “new or revised charge” for “increased charge” before “, or proposed charge, is just and reasonable”.
1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–594 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–376 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted “any new or revised charge” for “any new charge”, “in whole or in part but not for a longer period than five months” for “but not for a longer period than three months”, “after such charge, classification, regulation, or practice had become effective” for “after it had become effective”, “the proposed new or revised charge” for “the proposed change of charge”, “but in case of a proposed charge for a new service or an increased charge” for “but in case of a proposed increased charge”, “by reason of such charge for a new service or increased charge” for “by reason of such increase”, “such portion of such charge for a new service or increased charges” for “such portion of such increased charges”, “burden of proof to show that the increased charge, or proposed charge” for “burden of proof to show that the increased charge, or proposed increased charge”, and struck out “after the organization of the Commission” before “the burden of proof.”
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–376 added subsec. (b).
Pub. L. 104–104, title IV, § 402(b)(4),
Pub. L. 104–104, title IV, § 402(b)(3),
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted “$12,000” for “$1,000”.
In case any common carrier shall do, or cause or permit to be done, any act, matter, or thing in this chapter prohibited or declared to be unlawful, or shall omit to do any act, matter, or thing in this chapter required to be done, such common carrier shall be liable to the person or persons injured thereby for the full amount of damages sustained in consequence of any such violation of the provisions of this chapter, together with a reasonable counsel or attorney’s fee, to be fixed by the court in every case of recovery, which attorney’s fee shall be taxed and collected as part of the costs in the case.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Any person claiming to be damaged by any common carrier subject to the provisions of this chapter may either make complaint to the Commission as hereinafter provided for, or may bring suit for the recovery of the damages for which such common carrier may be liable under the provisions of this chapter, in any district court of the United States of competent jurisdiction; but such person shall not have the right to pursue both such remedies.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1996—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–104 substituted “such investigation within 5 months” for “such investigation within 12 months” and struck out before period at end “, or within 15 months after such date if the investigation raises questions of fact of such extraordinary complexity that the questions cannot be resolved within 12 months”.
1988—Pub. L. 100–594 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–104 applicable with respect to any charge, classification, regulation, or practice filed on or after one year after
Nothing in amendment by Pub. L. 104–104 to be construed to limit authority of Commission to waive, modify, or forbear from applying certain requirements, see section 402(b)(3) of Pub. L. 104–104, set out as a note under section 204 of this title.
If, after hearing on a complaint, the Commission shall determine that any party complainant is entitled to an award of damages under the provisions of this chapter, the Commission shall make an order directing the carrier to pay to the complainant the sum to which he is entitled on or before a day named.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1940—Act
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
It shall be unlawful for any person to hold the position of officer or director of more than one carrier subject to this chapter, unless such holding shall have been authorized by order of the Commission, upon due showing in form and manner prescribed by the Commission, that neither public nor private interests will be adversely affected thereby: Provided, That the Commission may authorize persons to hold the position of officer or director in more than one such carrier, without regard to the requirements of this section, where it has found that one of the two or more carriers directly or indirectly owns more than 50 per centum of the stock of the other or others, or that 50 per centum or more of the stock of all such carriers is directly or indirectly owned by the same person. After this section takes effect it shall be unlawful for any officer or director of any carrier subject to this chapter to receive for his own benefit directly or indirectly, any money or thing of value in respect of negotiation, hypothecation, or sale of any securities issued or to be issued by such carrier, or to share in any of the proceeds thereof, or to participate in the making or paying of any dividends of such carriers from any funds properly included in capital account.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 substituted “It shall” for “After sixty days from
1956—Act
The Commission may from time to time, as may be necessary for the proper administration of this chapter, and after opportunity for hearing, make a valuation of all or of any part of the property owned or used by any carrier subject to this chapter, as of such date as the Commission may fix.
The Commission may at any time require any such carrier to file with the Commission an inventory of all or of any part of the property owned or used by said carrier, which inventory shall show the units of said property classified in such detail, and in such manner, as the Commission shall direct, and shall show the estimated cost of reproduction new of said units, and their reproduction cost new less depreciation, as of such date as the Commission may direct; and such carrier shall file such inventory within such reasonable time as the Commission by order shall require.
The Commission may at any time require any such carrier to file with the Commission a statement showing the original cost at the time of dedication to the public use of all or of any part of the property owned or used by said carrier. For the showing of such original cost said property shall be classified, and the original cost shall be defined, in such manner as the Commission may prescribe; and if any part of such cost cannot be determined from accounting or other records, the portion of the property for which such cost cannot be determined shall be reported to the Commission; and, if the Commission shall so direct, the original cost thereof shall be estimated in such manner as the Commission may prescribe. If the carrier owning the property at the time such original cost is reported shall have paid more or less than the original cost to acquire the same, the amount of such cost of acquisition, and any facts which the Commission may require in connection therewith, shall be reported with such original cost. The report made by a carrier under this subsection shall show the source or sources from which the original cost reported was obtained, and such other information as to the manner in which the report was prepared, as the Commission shall require.
Nothing shall be included in the original cost reported for the property of any carrier under subsection (c) of this section on account of any easement, license, or franchise granted by the United States or by any State or political subdivision thereof, beyond the reasonable necessary expense lawfully incurred in obtaining such easement, license, or franchise from the public authority aforesaid, which expense shall be reported separately from all other costs in such detail as the Commission may require; and nothing shall be included in any valuation of the property of any carrier made by the Commission on account of any such easement, license, or franchise, beyond such reasonable necessary expense lawfully incurred as aforesaid.
The Commission shall keep itself informed of all new construction, extensions, improvements, retirements, or other changes in the condition, quantity, use, and classification of the property of common carriers, and of the cost of all additions and betterments thereto and of all changes in the investment therein, and may keep itself informed of current changes in costs and values of carrier properties.
For the purpose of enabling the Commission to make a valuation of any of the property of any such carrier, or to find the original cost of such property, or to find any other facts concerning the same which are required for use by the Commission, it shall be the duty of each such carrier to furnish to the Commission, within such reasonable time as the Commission may order, any information with respect thereto which the Commission may by order require, including copies of maps, contracts, reports of engineers, and other data, records, and papers, and to grant to all agents of the Commission free access to its property and its accounts, records, and memoranda whenever and wherever requested by any such duly authorized agent, and to cooperate with and aid the Commission in the work of making any such valuation or finding in such manner and to such extent as the Commission may require and direct, and all rules and regulations made by the Commission for the purpose of administering this section shall have the full force and effect of law. Unless otherwise ordered by the Commission, with the reasons therefor, the records and data of the Commission shall be open to the inspection and examination of the public. The Commission, in making any such valuation, shall be free to adopt any method of valuation which shall be lawful.
Nothing in this section shall impair or diminish the powers of any State commission.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1994—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 103–414 redesignated subsec. (h) as (g) and struck out former subsec. (g) which read as follows: “Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter the Interstate Commerce Commission, if requested to do so by the Commission, shall complete, at the earliest practicable date, such valuations of properties of carriers subject to this chapter as are now in progress, and shall thereafter transfer to the Commission the records relating thereto.”
No carrier shall undertake the construction of a new line or of an extension of any line, or shall acquire or operate any line, or extension thereof, or shall engage in transmission over or by means of such additional or extended line, unless and until there shall first have been obtained from the Commission a certificate that the present or future public convenience and necessity require or will require the construction, or operation, or construction and operation, of such additional or extended line: Provided, That no such certificate shall be required under this section for the construction, acquisition, or operation of (1) a line within a single State unless such line constitutes part of an interstate line, (2) local, branch, or terminal lines not exceeding ten miles in length, or (3) any line acquired under section 221 of this title: Provided further, That the Commission may, upon appropriate request being made, authorize temporary or emergency service, or the supplementing of existing facilities, without regard to the provisions of this section. No carrier shall discontinue, reduce, or impair service to a community, or part of a community, unless and until there shall first have been obtained from the Commission a certificate that neither the present nor future public convenience and necessity will be adversely affected thereby; except that the Commission may, upon appropriate request being made, authorize temporary or emergency discontinuance, reduction, or impairment of service, or partial discontinuance, reduction, or impairment of service, without regard to the provisions of this section. As used in this section the term “line” means any channel of communication established by the use of appropriate equipment, other than a channel of communication established by the interconnection of two or more existing channels: Provided, however, That nothing in this section shall be construed to require a certificate or other authorization from the Commission for any installation, replacement, or other changes in plant, operation, or equipment, other than new construction, which will not impair the adequacy or quality of service provided.
Upon receipt of an application for any such certificate, the Commission shall cause notice thereof to be given to, and shall cause a copy of such application to be filed with, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State (with respect to such applications involving service to foreign points), and the Governor of each State in which such line is proposed to be constructed, extended, acquired, or operated, or in which such discontinuance, reduction, or impairment of service is proposed, with the right to those notified to be heard; and the Commission may require such published notice as it shall determine.
The Commission shall have power to issue such certificate as applied for, or to refuse to issue it, or to issue it for a portion or portions of a line, or extension thereof, or discontinuance, reduction, or impairment of service, described in the application, or for the partial exercise only of such right or privilege, and may attach to the issuance of the certificate such terms and conditions as in its judgment the public convenience and necessity may require. After issuance of such certificate, and not before, the carrier may, without securing approval other than such certificate, comply with the terms and conditions contained in or attached to the issuance of such certificate and proceed with the construction, extension, acquisition, operation, or discontinuance, reduction, or impairment of service covered thereby. Any construction, extension, acquisition, operation, discontinuance, reduction, or impairment of service contrary to the provisions of this section may be enjoined by any court of competent jurisdiction at the suit of the United States, the Commission, the State commission, any State affected, or any party in interest.
The Commission may, after full opportunity for hearing, in a proceeding upon complaint or upon its own initiative without complaint, authorize or require by order any carrier, party to such proceeding, to provide itself with adequate facilities for the expeditious and efficient performance of its service as a common carrier and to extend its line or to establish a public office; but no such authorization or order shall be made unless the Commission finds, as to such provision of facilities, as to such establishment of public offices, or as to such extension, that it is reasonably required in the interest of public convenience and necessity, or as to such extension or facilities that the expense involved therein will not impair the ability of the carrier to perform its duty to the public. Any carrier which refuses or neglects to comply with any order of the Commission made in pursuance of this subsection shall forfeit to the United States $1,200 for each day during which such refusal or neglect continues.
A State commission shall upon its own motion or upon request designate a common carrier that meets the requirements of paragraph (1) as an eligible telecommunications carrier for a service area designated by the State commission. Upon request and consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity, the State commission may, in the case of an area served by a rural telephone company, and shall, in the case of all other areas, designate more than one common carrier as an eligible telecommunications carrier for a service area designated by the State commission, so long as each additional requesting carrier meets the requirements of paragraph (1). Before designating an additional eligible telecommunications carrier for an area served by a rural telephone company, the State commission shall find that the designation is in the public interest.
If no common carrier will provide the services that are supported by Federal universal service support mechanisms under section 254(c) of this title to an unserved community or any portion thereof that requests such service, the Commission, with respect to interstate services or an area served by a common carrier to which paragraph (6) applies, or a State commission, with respect to intrastate services, shall determine which common carrier or carriers are best able to provide such service to the requesting unserved community or portion thereof and shall order such carrier or carriers to provide such service for that unserved community or portion thereof. Any carrier or carriers ordered to provide such service under this paragraph shall meet the requirements of paragraph (1) and shall be designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier for that community or portion thereof.
A State commission (or the Commission in the case of a common carrier designated under paragraph (6)) shall permit an eligible telecommunications carrier to relinquish its designation as such a carrier in any area served by more than one eligible telecommunications carrier. An eligible telecommunications carrier that seeks to relinquish its eligible telecommunications carrier designation for an area served by more than one eligible telecommunications carrier shall give advance notice to the State commission (or the Commission in the case of a common carrier designated under paragraph (6)) of such relinquishment. Prior to permitting a telecommunications carrier designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier to cease providing universal service in an area served by more than one eligible telecommunications carrier, the State commission (or the Commission in the case of a common carrier designated under paragraph (6)) shall require the remaining eligible telecommunications carrier or carriers to ensure that all customers served by the relinquishing carrier will continue to be served, and shall require sufficient notice to permit the purchase or construction of adequate facilities by any remaining eligible telecommunications carrier. The State commission (or the Commission in the case of a common carrier designated under paragraph (6)) shall establish a time, not to exceed one year after the State commission (or the Commission in the case of a common carrier designated under paragraph (6)) approves such relinquishment under this paragraph, within which such purchase or construction shall be completed.
The term “service area” means a geographic area established by a State commission (or the Commission under paragraph (6)) for the purpose of determining universal service obligations and support mechanisms. In the case of an area served by a rural telephone company, “service area” means such company’s “study area” unless and until the Commission and the States, after taking into account recommendations of a Federal-State Joint Board instituted under section 410(c) of this title, establish a different definition of service area for such company.
In the case of a common carrier providing telephone exchange service and exchange access that is not subject to the jurisdiction of a State commission, the Commission shall upon request designate such a common carrier that meets the requirements of paragraph (1) as an eligible telecommunications carrier for a service area designated by the Commission consistent with applicable Federal and State law. Upon request and consistent with the public interest, convenience and necessity, the Commission may, with respect to an area served by a rural telephone company, and shall, in the case of all other areas, designate more than one common carrier as an eligible telecommunications carrier for a service area designated under this paragraph, so long as each additional requesting carrier meets the requirements of paragraph (1). Before designating an additional eligible telecommunications carrier for an area served by a rural telephone company, the Commission shall find that the designation is in the public interest.
1997—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 105–125, § 1(1), substituted “(2), (3), or (6)” for “(2) or (3)”.
Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 105–125, § 1(2), substituted “interstate services or an area served by a common carrier to which paragraph (6) applies” for “interstate services”.
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 105–125, § 1(3), inserted “(or the Commission in the case of a common carrier designated under paragraph (6))” after “State commission” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 105–125, § 1(4), inserted “(or the Commission under paragraph (6))” after “State commission”.
Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 105–125, § 1(5), added par. (6).
1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–104 added subsec. (e).
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–414 substituted “section 221” for “section 221 or 222”.
1989—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted “$1,200” for “$100”.
1974—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–506 substituted “the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State (with respect to such applications involving service to foreign points),” for “the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy,”.
1943—Subsec. (a). Act
Subsec. (b). Act
Subsec. (c). Act
Subsec. (d). Act
Pub. L. 104–104, title IV, § 402(b)(2),
The Commission shall examine into transactions entered into by any common carrier which relate to the furnishing of equipment, supplies, research, services, finances, credit, or personnel to such carrier and/or which may affect the charges made or to be made and/or the services rendered or to be rendered by such carrier, in wire or radio communication subject to this chapter, and shall report to the Congress whether any such transactions have affected or are likely to affect adversely the ability of the carrier to render adequate service to the public, or may result in any undue or unreasonable increase in charges or in the maintenance of undue or unreasonable charges for such service; and in order to fully examine into such transactions the Commission shall have access to and the right of inspection and examination of all accounts, records, and memoranda, including all documents, papers, and correspondence now or hereafter existing, of persons furnishing such equipment, supplies, research, services, finances, credit, or personnel. The Commission shall include in its report its recommendations for necessary legislation in connection with such transactions, and shall report specifically whether in its opinion legislation should be enacted (1) authorizing the Commission to declare any such transactions void or to permit such transactions to be carried out subject to such modification of their terms and conditions as the Commission shall deem desirable in the public interest; and/or (2) subjecting such transactions to the approval of the Commission where the person furnishing or seeking to furnish the equipment, supplies, research, services, finances, credit, or personnel is a person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, such carrier; and/or (3) authorizing the Commission to require that all or any transactions of carriers involving the furnishing of equipment, supplies, research, services, finances, credit, or personnel to such carrier be upon competitive bids on such terms and conditions and subject to such regulations as it shall prescribe as necessary in the public interest.
The Commission shall examine all contracts of common carriers subject to this chapter which prevent the other party thereto from dealing with another common carrier subject to this chapter, and shall report its findings to Congress, together with its recommendations as to whether additional legislation on this subject is desirable.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2018—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 115–141 redesignated subsec. (c) as (b) and struck out former subsec. (b). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (b) read as follows: “The Commission shall investigate the methods by which and the extent to which wire telephone companies are furnishing wire telegraph service and wire telegraph companies are furnishing wire telephone service, and shall report its findings to Congress, together with its recommendations as to whether additional legislation on this subject is desirable.”
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all receivers and operating trustees of carriers subject to this chapter to the same extent that it applies to carriers.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
In construing and enforcing the provisions of this chapter, the act, omission, or failure of any officer, agent, or other person acting for or employed by any common carrier or user, acting within the scope of his employment, shall in every case be also deemed to be the act, omission, or failure of such carrier or user as well as that of the person.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The Commission may inquire into the management of the business of all carriers subject to this chapter, and shall keep itself informed as to the manner and method in which the same is conducted and as to technical developments and improvements in wire and radio communication and radio transmission of energy to the end that the benefits of new inventions and developments may be made available to the people of the United States. The Commission may obtain from such carriers and from persons directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, such carriers full and complete information necessary to enable the Commission to perform the duties and carry out the objects for which it was created.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted “$1,200” for “$100”.
1962—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–444, § 1, struck out “under oath” after “require annual report”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–444, § 2, struck out provisions that the periodical or special reports be under oath whenever the Commission so required.
1956—Subsec. (a). Act
The Commission may prescribe, for such carriers as it determines to be appropriate, the classes of property for which depreciation charges may be properly included under operating expenses, and the percentages of depreciation which shall be charged with respect to each of such classes of property, classifying the carriers as it may deem proper for this purpose. The Commission may, when it deems necessary, modify the classes and percentages so prescribed. Such carriers shall not, after the Commission has prescribed the classes of property for which depreciation charges may be included, charge to operating expenses any depreciation charges on classes of property other than those prescribed by the Commission, or, after the Commission has prescribed percentages of depreciation, charge with respect to any class of property a percentage of depreciation other than that prescribed therefor by the Commission. No such carrier shall in any case include in any form under its operating or other expenses any depreciation or other charge or expenditure included elsewhere as a depreciation charge or otherwise under its operating or other expenses.
The Commission shall at all times have access to and the right of inspection and examination of all accounts, records, and memoranda, including all documents, papers, and correspondence now or hereafter existing, and kept or required to be kept by such carriers, and the provisions of this section respecting the preservation and destruction of books, papers, and documents shall apply thereto. The burden of proof to justify every accounting entry questioned by the Commission shall be on the person making, authorizing, or requiring such entry and the Commission may suspend a charge or credit pending submission of proof by such person. Any provision of law prohibiting the disclosure of the contents of messages or communications shall not be deemed to prohibit the disclosure of any matter in accordance with the provisions of this section. The Commission may obtain the services of any person licensed to provide public accounting services under the law of any State to assist with, or conduct, audits under this section. While so employed or engaged in conducting an audit for the Commission under this section, any such person shall have the powers granted the Commission under this subsection and shall be subject to subsection (f) in the same manner as if that person were an employee of the Commission.
In case of failure or refusal on the part of any such carrier to keep such accounts, records, and memoranda on the books and in the manner prescribed by the Commission, or to submit such accounts, records, memoranda, documents, papers, and correspondence as are kept to the inspection of the Commission or any of its authorized agents, such carrier shall forfeit to the United States the sum of $6,000 for each day of the continuance of each such offense.
Any person who shall willfully make any false entry in the accounts of any book of accounts or in any record or memoranda kept by any such carrier, or who shall willfully destroy, mutilate, alter, or by any other means or device falsify any such account, record, or memoranda, or who shall willfully neglect or fail to make full, true, and correct entries in such accounts, records, or memoranda of all facts and transactions appertaining to the business of the carrier, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be subject, upon conviction, to a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 or imprisonment for a term of not less than one year nor more than three years, or both such fine and imprisonment: Provided, That the Commission may in its discretion issue orders specifying such operating, accounting, or financial papers, records, books, blanks, or documents which may, after a reasonable time, be destroyed, and prescribing the length of time such books, papers, or documents shall be preserved.
No member, officer, or employee of the Commission shall divulge any fact or information which may come to his knowledge during the course of examination of books or other accounts, as hereinbefore provided, except insofar as he may be directed by the Commission or by a court.
After the Commission has prescribed the forms and manner of keeping of accounts, records, and memoranda to be kept by any person as herein provided, it shall be unlawful for such person to keep any other accounts, records, or memoranda than those so prescribed or such as may be approved by the Commission or to keep the accounts in any other manner than that prescribed or approved by the Commission. Notice of alterations by the Commission in the required manner or form of keeping accounts shall be given to such persons by the Commission at least six months before the same are to take effect.
The Commission may classify carriers subject to this chapter and prescribe different requirements under this section for different classes of carriers, and may, if it deems such action consistent with the public interest, except the carriers of any particular class or classes in any State from any of the requirements under this section in cases where such carriers are subject to State commission regulation with respect to matters to which this section relates.
The Commission, before prescribing any requirements as to accounts, records, or memoranda, shall notify each State commission having jurisdiction with respect to any carrier involved, and shall give reasonable opportunity to each such commission to present its views, and shall receive and consider such views and recommendations.
The Commission shall investigate and report to Congress as to the need for legislation to define further or harmonize the powers of the Commission and of State commissions with respect to matters to which this section relates.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (h), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(d), substituted “may prescribe, for such carriers as it determines to be appropriate,” for “shall prescribe for such carriers”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(e), inserted at end “The Commission may obtain the services of any person licensed to provide public accounting services under the law of any State to assist with, or conduct, audits under this section. While so employed or engaged in conducting an audit for the Commission under this section, any such person shall have the powers granted the Commission under this subsection and shall be subject to subsection (f) in the same manner as if that person were an employee of the Commission.”
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(7), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–414, § 304(a)(5), struck out “, as soon as practicable,” after “The Commission shall”.
Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(8), substituted “classes” for “clasess” after “prescribed the” in third sentence.
1989—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted “$6,000” for “$500”.
Subject to the provisions of sections 225 and 301 of this title, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply, or to give the Commission jurisdiction, with respect to charges, classifications, practices, services, facilities, or regulations for or in connection with wire, mobile, or point-to-point radio telephone exchange service, or any combination thereof, even though a portion of such exchange service constitutes interstate or foreign communication, in any case where such matters are subject to regulation by a State commission or by local governmental authority.
For the purpose of administering this chapter as to carriers engaged in wire telephone communication, the Commission may classify the property of any such carrier used for wire telephone communication, and determine what property of said carrier shall be considered as used in interstate or foreign telephone toll service. Such classification shall be made after hearing, upon notice to the carrier, the State commission (or the Governor, if the State has no State commission) of any State in which the property of said carrier is located, and such other persons as the Commission may prescribe.
In making a valuation of the property of any wire telephone carrier the Commission, after making the classification authorized in this section, may in its discretion value only that part of the property of such carrier determined to be used in interstate or foreign telephone toll service.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (c), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–104 struck out subsec. (a) relating to notification of State Governor and State commission, public hearing, and certification.
1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–336 substituted “sections 225 and 301” for “section 301”.
1956—Subsec. (a). Act
1954—Subsec. (b). Act
Every telecommunications carrier has a duty to protect the confidentiality of proprietary information of, and relating to, other telecommunication carriers, equipment manufacturers, and customers, including telecommunication carriers reselling telecommunications services provided by a telecommunications carrier.
A telecommunications carrier that receives or obtains proprietary information from another carrier for purposes of providing any telecommunications service shall use such information only for such purpose, and shall not use such information for its own marketing efforts.
Except as required by law or with the approval of the customer, a telecommunications carrier that receives or obtains customer proprietary network information by virtue of its provision of a telecommunications service shall only use, disclose, or permit access to individually identifiable customer proprietary network information in its provision of (A) the telecommunications service from which such information is derived, or (B) services necessary to, or used in, the provision of such telecommunications service, including the publishing of directories.
A telecommunications carrier shall disclose customer proprietary network information, upon affirmative written request by the customer, to any person designated by the customer.
A telecommunications carrier that receives or obtains customer proprietary network information by virtue of its provision of a telecommunications service may use, disclose, or permit access to aggregate customer information other than for the purposes described in paragraph (1). A local exchange carrier may use, disclose, or permit access to aggregate customer information other than for purposes described in paragraph (1) only if it provides such aggregate information to other carriers or persons on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms and conditions upon reasonable request therefor.
Notwithstanding subsections (b), (c), and (d), a telecommunications carrier that provides telephone exchange service shall provide subscriber list information gathered in its capacity as a provider of such service on a timely and unbundled basis, under nondiscriminatory and reasonable rates, terms, and conditions, to any person upon request for the purpose of publishing directories in any format.
Notwithstanding subsections (b), (c), and (d), a telecommunications carrier that provides telephone exchange service or a provider of IP-enabled voice service (as such term is defined in section 615b of this title) shall provide information described in subsection (i)(3)(A) 1
The term “aggregate customer information” means collective data that relates to a group or category of services or customers, from which individual customer identities and characteristics have been removed.
The term “public safety answering point” means a facility that has been designated to receive emergency calls and route them to emergency service personnel.
The term “emergency services” means 9–1–1 emergency services and emergency notification services.
The term “emergency notification services” means services that notify the public of an emergency.
The term “emergency support services” means information or data base management services used in support of emergency services.
A prior section 222, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title II, § 222, as added Mar. 6, 1943, ch. 10, § 1, 57 Stat. 5; amended
2008—Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 110–283, § 301(1), inserted “or the user of an IP-enabled voice service (as such term is defined in section 615b of this title)” after “section 332(d) of this title)” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–283, § 301(2), struck out “wireless” before “location” in heading.
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 110–283, § 301(1), inserted “or the user of an IP-enabled voice service (as such term is defined in section 615b of this title)” after “section 332(d) of this title)”.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–283, § 301(3), inserted “or a provider of IP-enabled voice service (as such term is defined in section 615b of this title)” after “telephone exchange service”.
1999—Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 106–81, § 5(1), added par. (4).
Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 106–81, § 5(2), added subsecs. (f) and (g). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (h).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 106–81, § 5(2)–(4), redesignated subsec. (f) as (h), inserted “location,” after “destination,” in par. (1)(A), and added pars. (4) to (7).
Nothing in subsection (a), (d), (e), or (f) or in the defenses to prosecution under subsection (a) or (d) shall be construed to affect or limit the application or enforcement of any other Federal law.
The term “consent” means an affirmative, conscious, and voluntary authorization made by an individual free from force, fraud, duress, misrepresentation, or coercion.
The term “digital forgery” means any intimate visual depiction of an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual depiction, that, when viewed as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual depiction of the individual.
The term “interactive computer service” has the meaning given the term in section 230 of this title.
The term “intimate visual depiction” has the meaning given such term in section 6851 of title 15.
The term “minor” means any individual under the age of 18 years.
Any person who violates paragraph (2)(A) or (3)(A) shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.
Any person who violates paragraph (2)(B) or (3)(B) shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 3 years, or both.
Any person who intentionally threatens to commit an offense under paragraph (2) for the purpose of intimidation, coercion, extortion, or to create mental distress shall be punished as provided in paragraph (4).
Any person who intentionally threatens to commit an offense under paragraph (3)(A) for the purpose of intimidation, coercion, extortion, or to create mental distress shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 18 months, or both.
Any person who intentionally threatens to commit an offense under paragraph (3)(B) for the purpose of intimidation, coercion, extortion, or to create mental distress shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 30 months, or both.
Section 853 of title 21, with the exception of subsections (a) and (d), shall apply to the criminal forfeiture of property under subparagraph (A).
The court shall order restitution for an offense under paragraph (2) or (3) in the same manner as under section 2264 of title 18.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the application of any other relevant law, including section 2252 of title 18.
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsec. (b)(6), are set out in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (h)(1)(A), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Section 1104 of the Internet Tax Freedom Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(1)(C), is section 1104 of title XI of div. C of Pub. L. 105–277, which is set out in a note under section 151 of this title. The term “Internet” is defined in section 1105 of Pub. L. 105–277, which is set out in the same note under section 151 of this title.
The Library Services and Construction Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(5), is act June 19, 1956, ch. 407, 70 Stat. 293. Title III of the Act was classified generally to subchapter III (§ 355e et seq.) of chapter 16 of Title 20, Education, and was repealed by Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, § 101(e) [title VII, § 708(a)],
2025—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 119–12, § 2(b), substituted “, (d), or (h)” for “or (d)”.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 119–12, § 2(a)(2), added subsec. (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 119–12, § 2(a)(1), (c), redesignated subsec. (h) as (i) and inserted heading.
2013—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 113–4, § 1102(1), struck out “annoy,” after “intent to” in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 113–4, § 1102(2)(B), which directed the substitution of “harass any specific person” for “harass any person at the called number or who receives the communication”, was executed by making the substitution for “harass any person at the called number or who receives the communications”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 113–4, § 1102(2)(A), struck out “annoy,” after “intent to”.
Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 113–4, § 1102(3), substituted “harass any specific person” for “harass any person at the called number or who receives the communication”.
2006—Subsec. (h)(1)(C). Pub. L. 109–162 added subpar. (C).
2003—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 108–21, § 603(1)(A), substituted “or child pornography” for “, lewd, lascivious, filthy, or indecent” in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 108–21, § 603(1)(B), substituted “child pornography” for “indecent” in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 108–21, § 603(2), substituted “is obscene or child pornography” for “, in context, depicts or describes, in terms patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards, sexual or excretory activities or organs” in concluding provisions.
1998—Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 105–277 substituted “230(f)(2)” for “230(e)(2)”.
Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 105–244, which directed amendment of section 223(h)(4) of the Telecommunications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 223(h)(4)) by substituting “section 1001” for “section 1141”, was executed to this section, which is section 223 of the Communications Act of 1934, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–104, § 502(1), added subsec. (a) and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows: “Whoever—
“(1) in the District of Columbia or in interstate or foreign communication by means of telephone—
“(A) makes any comment, request, suggestion or proposal which is obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, or indecent;
“(B) makes a telephone call, whether or not conversation ensues, without disclosing his identity and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person at the called number;
“(C) makes or causes the telephone of another repeatedly or continuously to ring, with intent to harass any person at the called number; or
“(D) makes repeated telephone calls, during which conversation ensues, solely to harass any person at the called number; or
“(2) knowingly permits any telephone facility under his control to be used for any purpose prohibited by this section,
shall be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.”
Subsecs. (d) to (h). Pub. L. 104–104, § 502(2), added subsecs. (d) to (h).
1994—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 103–414 substituted “defendant restricted access” for “defendant restrict access”.
1989—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 101–166 added subsecs. (b) and (c) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows:
“(1) Whoever knowingly—
“(A) in the District of Columbia or in interstate or foreign communication, by means of telephone, makes (directly or by recording device) any obscene communication for commercial purposes to any person, regardless of whether the maker of such communication placed the call; or
“(B) permits any telephone facility under such person’s control to be used for an activity prohibited by clause (i);
shall be fined in accordance with title 18 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
“(2) Whoever knowingly—
“(A) in the District of Columbia or in interstate or foreign communication, by means of telephone, makes (directly or by recording device) any indecent communication for commercial purposes to any person, regardless of whether the maker of such communication placed the call; or
“(B) permits any telephone facility under such person’s control to be used for an activity prohibited by clause (i),
shall be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.”
1988—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–690 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows:
“(1) Whoever knowingly—
“(A) in the District of Columbia or in interstate or foreign communication, by means of telephone, makes (directly or by recording device) any obscene or indecent communication for commercial purposes to any person, regardless of whether the maker of such communication placed the call; or
“(B) permits any telephone facility under such person’s control to be used for an activity prohibited by subparagraph (A),
shall be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
“(2) In addition to the penalties under paragraph (1), whoever, in the District of Columbia or in interstate or foreign communication, intentionally violates paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) shall be subject to a fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation. For purposes of this paragraph, each day of violation shall constitute a separate violation.
“(3)(A) In addition to the penalties under paragraphs (1) and (2), whoever, in the District of Columbia or in interstate or foreign communication, violates paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) shall be subject to a civil fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation. For purposes of this paragraph, each day of violation shall constitute a separate violation.
“(B) A fine under this paragraph may be assessed either—
“(i) by a court, pursuant to a civil action by the Commission or any attorney employed by the Commission who is designated by the Commission for such purposes, or
“(ii) by the Commission after appropriate administrative proceedings.
“(4) The Attorney General may bring a suit in the appropriate district court of the United States to enjoin any act or practice which violates paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B). An injunction may be granted in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.”
Pub. L. 100–297, in par. (1)(A), struck out “under eighteen years of age or to any other person without that person’s consent” after “to any person”, redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: “It is a defense to a prosecution under this subsection that the defendant restricted access to the prohibited communication to persons eighteen years of age or older in accordance with procedures which the Commission shall prescribe by regulation.”, redesignated par. (4) as (3) and substituted “under paragraphs (1) and (2)” for “under paragraphs (1) and (3)”, and redesignated par. (5) as (4).
1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–214, § 8(a)(1), (2), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and substituted “$50,000” for “$500” in provisions after par. (2).
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–214, § 8(b), inserted “facility” after “telephone”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–214, § 8(a)(3), added subsec. (b).
Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title XIV, § 1406,
Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–166 effective 120 days after
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–297 effective
Pub. L. 119–12, § 5,
Pub. L. 109–162, title I, § 113(b),
Pub. L. 104–104, title V, § 561,
Pub. L. 98–214, § 8(c), (d),
A covered platform shall not be liable for any claim based on the covered platform’s good faith disabling of access to, or removal of, material claimed to be a nonconsensual intimate visual depiction based on facts or circumstances from which the unlawful publishing of an intimate visual depiction is apparent, regardless of whether the intimate visual depiction is ultimately determined to be unlawful or not.
A failure to reasonably comply with the notice and takedown obligations under subsection (a) shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or a deceptive act or practice under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)).
Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the Commission shall enforce this section in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this section.
Any person who violates this section shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.).
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority of the Federal Trade Commission under any other provision of law.
Notwithstanding sections 4, 5(a)(2), or 6 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 44, 45(a)(2), 46), or any jurisdictional limitation of the Commission, the Commission shall also enforce this section in the same manner provided in subparagraph (A), with respect to organizations that are not organized to carry on business for their own profit or that of their members.
The Federal Trade Commission Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(A), (B), is act Sept. 26, 1914, ch. 311, 38 Stat. 717, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§ 41 et seq.) of chapter 2 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 58 of Title 15 and Tables.
This Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(C), is Pub. L. 119—12,
Section was enacted as part of the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act, also known as the TAKE IT DOWN Act, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
Pub. L. 119–12, § 4,
A utility that engages in the provision of telecommunications services or cable services shall impute to its costs of providing such services (and charge any affiliate, subsidiary, or associate company engaged in the provision of such services) an equal amount to the pole attachment rate for which such company would be liable under this section.
Whenever the owner of a pole, duct, conduit, or right-of-way intends to modify or alter such pole, duct, conduit, or right-of-way, the owner shall provide written notification of such action to any entity that has obtained an attachment to such conduit or right-of-way so that such entity may have a reasonable opportunity to add to or modify its existing attachment. Any entity that adds to or modifies its existing attachment after receiving such notification shall bear a proportionate share of the costs incurred by the owner in making such pole, duct, conduit, or right-of-way accessible.
An entity that obtains an attachment to a pole, conduit, or right-of-way shall not be required to bear any of the costs of rearranging or replacing its attachment, if such rearrangement or replacement is required as a result of an additional attachment or the modification of an existing attachment sought by any other entity (including the owner of such pole, duct, conduit, or right-of-way).
1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–104, § 703(1), inserted first sentence and struck out former first sentence which read as follows: “The term ‘utility’ means any person whose rates or charges are regulated by the Federal Government or a State and who owns or controls poles, ducts, conduits, or rights-of-way used, in whole or in part, for wire communication.”
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 104–104, § 703(2), inserted “or provider of telecommunications service” after “system”.
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 104–104, § 703(3), added par. (5).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 104–104, § 703(4), inserted “, or access to poles, ducts, conduits, and rights-of-way as provided in subsection (f),” after “conditions”.
Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 104–104, § 703(5), substituted “the services offered via such attachments” for “cable television services”.
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 104–104, § 703(6), added par. (3).
Subsecs. (e) to (i). Pub. L. 104–104, § 703(7), added subsecs. (e) to (i).
1994—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 103–414 substituted “The Commission” for “Within 180 days from
1984—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 98–549 added par. (3).
1982—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–259 struck out subsec. (e) which provided that, upon expiration of 5-year period that began on
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–549 effective 60 days after
Section effective on thirtieth day after
The term “common carrier” or “carrier” includes any common carrier engaged in interstate communication by wire or radio as defined in section 153 of this title and any common carrier engaged in intrastate communication by wire or radio, notwithstanding sections 152(b) and 221(b) of this title.
The term “TDD” means a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, which is a machine that employs graphic communication in the transmission of coded signals through a wire or radio communication system.
The term “telecommunications relay services” means telephone transmission services that provide the ability for an individual who is deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or who has a speech disability to engage in communication by wire or radio with one or more individuals, in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of a hearing individual who does not have a speech disability to communicate using voice communication services by wire or radio.
In order to carry out the purposes established under section 151 of this title, to make available to all individuals in the United States a rapid, efficient nationwide communication service, and to increase the utility of the telephone system of the Nation, the Commission shall ensure that interstate and intrastate telecommunications relay services are available, to the extent possible and in the most efficient manner, to hearing-impaired and speech-impaired individuals in the United States.
For the purposes of administering and enforcing the provisions of this section and the regulations prescribed thereunder, the Commission shall have the same authority, power, and functions with respect to common carriers engaged in intrastate communication as the Commission has in administering and enforcing the provisions of this subchapter with respect to any common carrier engaged in interstate communication. Any violation of this section by any common carrier engaged in intrastate communication shall be subject to the same remedies, penalties, and procedures as are applicable to a violation of this chapter by a common carrier engaged in interstate communication.
The Commission shall ensure that regulations prescribed to implement this section encourage, consistent with section 157(a) of this title, the use of existing technology and do not discourage or impair the development of improved technology.
Consistent with the provisions of section 410 of this title, the Commission shall prescribe regulations governing the jurisdictional separation of costs for the services provided pursuant to this section.
Such regulations shall generally provide that costs caused by interstate telecommunications relay services shall be recovered from all subscribers for every interstate service and costs caused by intrastate telecommunications relay services shall be recovered from the intrastate jurisdiction. In a State that has a certified program under subsection (f), a State commission shall permit a common carrier to recover the costs incurred in providing intrastate telecommunications relay services by a method consistent with the requirements of this section.
Subject to subsections (f) and (g), the Commission shall enforce this section.
The Commission shall resolve, by final order, a complaint alleging a violation of this section within 180 days after the date such complaint is filed.
Any State desiring to establish a State program under this section shall submit documentation to the Commission that describes the program of such State for implementing intrastate telecommunications relay services and the procedures and remedies available for enforcing any requirements imposed by the State program.
Except as provided in subsection (d), the Commission shall not refuse to certify a State program based solely on the method such State will implement for funding intrastate telecommunication relay services.
The Commission may suspend or revoke such certification if, after notice and opportunity for hearing, the Commission determines that such certification is no longer warranted. In a State whose program has been suspended or revoked, the Commission shall take such steps as may be necessary, consistent with this section, to ensure continuity of telecommunications relay services.
If a complaint to the Commission alleges a violation of this section with respect to intrastate telecommunications relay services within a State and certification of the program of such State under subsection (f) is in effect, the Commission shall refer such complaint to such State.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2010—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 111–260 amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The term ‘telecommunications relay services’ means telephone transmission services that provide the ability for an individual who has a hearing impairment or speech impairment to engage in communication by wire or radio with a hearing individual in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of an individual who does not have a hearing impairment or speech impairment to communicate using voice communication services by wire or radio. Such term includes services that enable two-way communication between an individual who uses a TDD or other nonvoice terminal device and an individual who does not use such a device.”
1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–104 substituted “section 153” for “section 153(h)”.
In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (1), during the 3-year period beginning on the date that is 90 days after
The requirements of paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply to an aggregator in any case in which State law or State regulation requires the aggregator to take actions that are substantially the same as those required in paragraph (1)(A).
The Commission shall consider the need to prescribe compensation (other than advance payment by consumers) for owners of competitive public pay telephones for calls routed to providers of operator services that are other than the presubscribed provider of operator services for such telephones. Within 9 months after
Any equipment and software manufactured or imported more than 18 months after
In any proceeding to carry out the provisions of this section, the Commission shall require such actions or measures as are necessary to ensure that aggregators are not exposed to undue risk of fraud.
Each provider of operator services shall file, within 90 days after
Unless the Commission makes the determination described in subparagraph (B), the Commission shall, within 180 days after submission of the report required under paragraph (3)(B)(iii), complete a rulemaking proceeding pursuant to this subchapter to establish regulations for implementing the requirements of this subchapter (and paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection) that rates and charges for operator services be just and reasonable. Such regulations shall include limitations on the amount of commissions or any other compensation given to aggregators by providers of operator service.
The requirement of subparagraph (A) shall not apply if, on the basis of the proceeding under paragraph (3)(A), the Commission makes (and includes in the report required by paragraph (3)(B)(iii)) a factual determination that market forces are securing rates and charges that are just and reasonable, as evidenced by rate levels, costs, complaints, service quality, and other relevant factors.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the obligations, powers, or duties of common carriers or the Commission under the other sections of this chapter.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (i), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1994—Subsec. (d)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(10), redesignated pars. (3) and (4) as (2) and (3), respectively, and struck out heading and text of former par. (2). Text read as follows: “The Commission shall initiate the proceeding required under paragraph (1) within 60 days after
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 103–414, § 304(a)(8), struck out “within 9 months after
1992—Subsec. (d)(4)(A). Pub. L. 102–538 inserted “and aggregators” after “operator services”.
1990—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–555, § 4(a), substituted “90 days” for “30 days”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(J). Pub. L. 101–555, § 4(b), struck out subpar. (J) which read as follows: “not bill an interexchange telephone call to a billing card number which—
“(i) is issued by another provider of operator services, and
“(ii) permits the identification of the other provider,
unless the call is billed at a rate not greater than the other provider’s rate for the call, the consumer requests a special service that is not available under tariff from the other provider, or the consumer expressly consents to a rate greater than the other provider’s rate.”
Subsecs. (b)(2), (c)(1), (h)(1)(A). Pub. L. 101–555, § 4(a), substituted “90 days” for “30 days”.
Pub. L. 101–435, § 2,
Any person that is determined by the Commission, in accordance with paragraph (3) or (4) of section 503(b) of this title, to have violated this subsection shall be liable to the United States for a forfeiture penalty pursuant to section 503(b)(1) of this title. Paragraph (5) of section 503(b) of this title shall not apply in the case of a violation of this subsection. A forfeiture penalty under this subparagraph shall be in addition to any other penalty provided for by this chapter. The amount of the forfeiture penalty determined under this subparagraph shall be determined in accordance with subparagraphs (A) through (F) of section 503(b)(2) of this title.
Any person that is determined by the Commission, in accordance with paragraph (3) or (4) of section 503(b) of this title, to have violated this subsection with the intent to cause such violation shall be liable to the United States for a forfeiture penalty pursuant to section 503(b)(1) of this title. Paragraph (5) of section 503(b) of this title shall not apply in the case of a violation of this subsection. A forfeiture penalty under this subparagraph shall be in addition to any other penalty provided for by this chapter. The amount of the forfeiture penalty determined under this subparagraph shall be equal to an amount determined in accordance with subparagraphs (A) through (F) of section 503(b)(2) of this title plus an additional penalty not to exceed $10,000.
Any forfeiture penalty determined under subparagraph (A) or (B) shall be recoverable under section 504(a) of this title.
No forfeiture liability shall be determined under subparagraph (A) or (B) against any person unless such person receives the notice required by section 503(b)(3) of this title or section 503(b)(4) of this title.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the Commission may not determine or impose a forfeiture penalty on a person under both subparagraphs (A) and (B) based on the same conduct.
Not later than 9 months after
The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed to permit a communication prohibited by subsection (b).
The Commission shall revise the regulations setting technical and procedural standards for telephone facsimile machines to require that any such machine which is manufactured after one year after
It shall be unlawful for any person within the United States, or any person outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States, in connection with any voice service or text messaging service, to cause any caller identification service to knowingly transmit misleading or inaccurate caller identification information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value, unless such transmission is exempted pursuant to paragraph (3)(B).
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prevent or restrict any person from blocking the capability of any caller identification service to transmit caller identification information.
The Commission shall prescribe regulations to implement this subsection.
The regulations required under subparagraph (A) shall include such exemptions from the prohibition under paragraph (1) as the Commission determines is appropriate.
Any person that is determined by the Commission, in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 503(b) of this title, to have violated this subsection shall be liable to the United States for a forfeiture penalty. A forfeiture penalty under this paragraph shall be in addition to any other penalty provided for by this chapter. The amount of the forfeiture penalty determined under this paragraph shall not exceed $10,000 for each violation, or 3 times that amount for each day of a continuing violation, except that the amount assessed for any continuing violation shall not exceed a total of $1,000,000 for any single act or failure to act.
Any forfeiture penalty determined under clause (i) shall be recoverable pursuant to section 504(a) of this title. Paragraph (5) of section 503(b) of this title shall not apply in the case of a violation of this subsection.
No forfeiture liability shall be determined under clause (i) against any person unless such person receives the notice required by section 503(b)(3) of this title or section 503(b)(4) of this title.
No forfeiture penalty shall be determined or imposed against any person under clause (i) if the violation charged occurred more than 4 years prior to the date of issuance of the required notice or notice or apparent liability.
Any person who willfully and knowingly violates this subsection shall upon conviction thereof be fined not more than $10,000 for each violation, or 3 times that amount for each day of a continuing violation, in lieu of the fine provided by section 501 of this title for such a violation. This subparagraph does not supersede the provisions of section 501 of this title relating to imprisonment or the imposition of a penalty of both fine and imprisonment.
The chief legal officer of a State, or any other State officer authorized by law to bring actions on behalf of the residents of a State, may bring a civil action, as parens patriae, on behalf of the residents of that State in an appropriate district court of the United States to enforce this subsection or to impose the civil penalties for violation of this subsection, whenever the chief legal officer or other State officer has reason to believe that the interests of the residents of the State have been or are being threatened or adversely affected by a violation of this subsection or a regulation under this subsection.
The chief legal officer or other State officer shall serve written notice on the Commission of any civil action under subparagraph (A) prior to initiating such civil action. The notice shall include a copy of the complaint to be filed to initiate such civil action, except that if it is not feasible for the State to provide such prior notice, the State shall provide such notice immediately upon instituting such civil action.
For purposes of bringing any civil action under subparagraph (A), nothing in this paragraph shall prevent the chief legal officer or other State officer from exercising the powers conferred on that officer by the laws of such State to conduct investigations or to administer oaths or affirmations or to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documentary and other evidence.
An action brought under subparagraph (A) shall be brought in a district court of the United States that meets applicable requirements relating to venue under section 1391 of title 28.
This subsection does not prohibit any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement agency of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision of a State, or of an intelligence agency of the United States.
The term “caller identification information” means information provided by a caller identification service regarding the telephone number of, or other information regarding the origination of, a call made using a voice service or a text message sent using a text messaging service.
The term “caller identification service” means any service or device designed to provide the user of the service or device with the telephone number of, or other information regarding the origination of, a call made using a voice service or a text message sent using a text messaging service. Such term includes automatic number identification services.
The term “text messaging service” means a service that enables the transmission or receipt of a text message, including a service provided as part of or in connection with a voice service.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, subsection (f) shall not apply to this subsection or to the regulations under this subsection.
If, pursuant to subsection (c)(3), the Commission requires the establishment of a single national database of telephone numbers of subscribers who object to receiving telephone solicitations, a State or local authority may not, in its regulation of telephone solicitations, require the use of any database, list, or listing system that does not include the part of such single national database that relates to such State.
Whenever the attorney general of a State, or an official or agency designated by a State, has reason to believe that any person has engaged or is engaging in a pattern or practice of telephone calls or other transmissions to residents of that State in violation of this section or the regulations prescribed under this section, the State may bring a civil action on behalf of its residents to enjoin such calls, an action to recover for actual monetary loss or receive $500 in damages for each violation, or both such actions. If the court finds the defendant willfully or knowingly violated such regulations, the court may, in its discretion, increase the amount of the award to an amount equal to not more than 3 times the amount available under the preceding sentence.
The district courts of the United States, the United States courts of any territory, and the District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all civil actions brought under this subsection. Upon proper application, such courts shall also have jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus, or orders affording like relief, commanding the defendant to comply with the provisions of this section or regulations prescribed under this section, including the requirement that the defendant take such action as is necessary to remove the danger of such violation. Upon a proper showing, a permanent or temporary injunction or restraining order shall be granted without bond.
The State shall serve prior written notice of any such civil action upon the Commission and provide the Commission with a copy of its complaint, except in any case where such prior notice is not feasible, in which case the State shall serve such notice immediately upon instituting such action. The Commission shall have the right (A) to intervene in the action, (B) upon so intervening, to be heard on all matters arising therein, and (C) to file petitions for appeal.
Any civil action brought under this subsection in a district court of the United States may be brought in the district wherein the defendant is found or is an inhabitant or transacts business or wherein the violation occurred or is occurring, and process in such cases may be served in any district in which the defendant is an inhabitant or where the defendant may be found.
For purposes of bringing any civil action under this subsection, nothing in this section shall prevent the attorney general of a State, or an official or agency designated by a State, from exercising the powers conferred on the attorney general or such official by the laws of such State to conduct investigations or to administer oaths or affirmations or to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documentary and other evidence.
Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit an authorized State official from proceeding in State court on the basis of an alleged violation of any general civil or criminal statute of such State.
Whenever the Commission has instituted a civil action for violation of regulations prescribed under this section, no State may, during the pendency of such action instituted by the Commission, subsequently institute a civil action against any defendant named in the Commission’s complaint for any violation as alleged in the Commission’s complaint.
As used in this subsection, the term “attorney general” means the chief legal officer of a State.
Not later than 1 year after
The Commission shall prepare the report required by paragraph (1) without requiring the provision of additional information from providers of telecommunications service or voice service (as defined in section 227b(a) of this title).
In this subsection, the term “text message” has the meaning given such term in subsection (e)(8).
In this subsection, the term “text message” has the meaning given such term in subsection (e)(8).
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (b)(4)(A), (B) and (e)(5)(A)(i), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
For information regarding the constitutionality of provisions of subsection (b)(1)(A)(iii) of this section, see the Table of Laws Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court on the Constitution Annotated website, constitution.congress.gov.
2019—Subsec. (b)(2)(I). Pub. L. 116–105, § 8(a), added subpar. (I).
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 116–105, § 3(a)(1), added par. (4).
Subsec. (e)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 116–105, § 3(a)(2)(A), inserted at end “Paragraph (5) of section 503(b) of this title shall not apply in the case of a violation of this subsection.”
Subsec. (e)(5)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 116–105, § 3(a)(2)(B), substituted “4-year” for “2-year” in heading and “4 years” for “2 years” in text.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 116–105, § 3(a)(3), added subsec. (h) and struck out former subsec. (h) which related to annual junk fax enforcement report.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 116–105, § 10(a), added subsec. (i).
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 116–105, § 10(b), added subsec. (j).
2018—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–141, § 503(a)(3), inserted “misleading or” before “inaccurate” in heading.
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 115–141, § 503(a)(1), substituted “or any person outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States, in connection with any voice service or text messaging service” for “in connection with any telecommunications service”.
Subsec. (e)(3)(A). Pub. L. 115–141, § 503(a)(4)(A), substituted “The Commission” for “Not later than 6 months after
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(3), struck out par. (4). Text read as follows: “Not later than 6 months after
Subsec. (e)(8)(A), (B). Pub. L. 115–141, § 503(a)(2)(A), (B), substituted “voice service or a text message sent using a text messaging service” for “telecommunications service or IP-enabled voice service”.
Subsec. (e)(8)(C) to (E). Pub. L. 115–141, § 503(a)(2)(C), added subpars. (C) to (E) and struck out former subpar. (C) which defined IP-enabled voice service.
2015—Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 114–74, § 301(a)(1)(A), inserted “, unless such call is made solely to collect a debt owed to or guaranteed by the United States” after “charged for the call”.
Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 114–74, § 301(a)(1)(B), inserted “, is made solely pursuant to the collection of a debt owed to or guaranteed by the United States,” after “emergency purposes”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(H). Pub. L. 114–74, § 301(a)(2), added subpar. (H).
2010—Subsecs. (e) to (h). Pub. L. 111–331 added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsecs. (e) to (g) as (f) to (h), respectively.
2005—Subsec. (a)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 109–21, § 2(b), added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively. Former par. (4) redesignated (5).
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 109–21, § 2(b)(1), (g), redesignated par. (4) as (5) and inserted “, in writing or otherwise” before period at end.
Subsec. (b)(1)(C). Pub. L. 109–21, § 2(a), amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) read as follows: “to use any telephone facsimile machine, computer, or other device to send an unsolicited advertisement to a telephone facsimile machine; or”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(D) to (G). Pub. L. 109–21, § 2(c)–(f), added subpars. (D) to (G).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–21, § 3, added subsec. (g).
2003—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 108–187 inserted “, or any person outside the United States if the recipient is within the United States” after “United States” in introductory provisions.
1994—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(11), substituted “paragraph” for “paragraphs”.
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(12), substituted “national database” for “national datebase” after “such single”.
1992—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 102–556 added subpar. (C).
Pub. L. 116–105, § 3(b),
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title V, § 503(a)(5),
Amendment by Pub. L. 108–187 effective
Pub. L. 102–243, § 3(c),
Pub. L. 116–105, § 3(c),
Pub. L. 116–105, § 8(b),
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title V, § 503(a)(4)(B),
Pub. L. 114–74, title III, § 301(b),
Pub. L. 109–21, § 2(h),
Pub. L. 116–105, § 15,
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title V, § 503(d),
Pub. L. 116–105, § 7,
Pub. L. 116–105, § 10(d),
Pub. L. 116–105, § 12,
Pub. L. 116–105, § 13,
Pub. L. 116–105, § 14,
Pub. L. 102–243, § 2,
Pub. L. 116–105, § 2,
The Commission shall ensure that the consumer education materials required under paragraph (1) are updated on a regular basis.
The Commission shall include the consumer education materials developed under paragraph (1) on its website.
Section was enacted as part of the Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act of 2018, also known as the RAY BAUM’S Act of 2018, and as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
For definition of “Commission” as used in this section, see section 2 of div. P of Pub. L. 115–141, set out as a note under section 155a of this title.
The term “STIR/SHAKEN authentication framework” means the secure telephone identity revisited and signature-based handling of asserted information using tokens standards proposed by the information and communications technology industry.
Subject to subparagraphs (C) through (F), for any provider or class of providers of voice service, or type of voice calls, only to the extent that such a provider or class of providers of voice service, or type of voice calls, materially relies on a non-internet protocol network for the provision of such service or calls, the Commission shall grant a delay of required compliance under subparagraph (A)(ii) until a call authentication protocol has been developed for calls delivered over non-internet protocol networks and is reasonably available.
During the time of a delay of compliance granted under subparagraph (A)(ii), the Commission shall require, pursuant to the authority of the Commission, that any provider subject to such delay shall implement an appropriate robocall mitigation program to prevent unlawful robocalls from originating on the network of the provider.
If the consortium registered under section 13(d) identifies a provider of voice service that is subject to a delay of compliance granted under subparagraph (A)(ii) as repeatedly originating large-scale unlawful robocall campaigns, the Commission shall require such provider to take action to ensure that such provider does not continue to originate such calls.
The Commission shall make reasonable efforts to minimize the burden of any robocall mitigation required pursuant to clause (ii), which may include prescribing certain specific robocall mitigation practices for providers of voice service that have repeatedly originated large-scale unlawful robocall campaigns.
The Commission shall take reasonable measures to address any issues in an assessment under subparagraph (A)(i) and enable as promptly as reasonable full participation of all classes of providers of voice service and types of voice calls to receive the highest level of trust. Such measures shall include, without limitation, as appropriate, limiting or terminating a delay of compliance granted to a provider under subparagraph (B) if the Commission determines in such assessment that the provider is not making reasonable efforts to develop the call authentication protocol described in such subparagraph.
The Commission shall identify, in consultation with small providers of voice service and those in rural areas, alternative effective methodologies to protect customers from unauthenticated calls during any delay of compliance granted under subparagraph (A)(ii).
The Commission shall prohibit providers of voice service from adding any additional line item charges to consumer or small business customer subscribers for the effective call authentication technology required under paragraph (1).
Not later than 12 months after
Nothing in this section shall preclude the Commission from initiating a rulemaking pursuant to its existing statutory authority.
Section 13, referred to in subsec. (b)(5)(C)(ii), is section 13 of Pub. L. 116–105, which is set out as a note under section 227 of this title.
Section 10, referred to in subsec. (c), means section 10 of Pub. L. 116–105.
Section was enacted as part of the Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act, also known as the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
For definition of “Commission” as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 116–105, set out as a note under section 227 of this title.
Not later than 180 days after
If the Commission determines under paragraph (1) that modifying the policies described in that paragraph could help achieve the goal described in that paragraph, the Commission shall prescribe regulations to implement those policy modifications.
Any person who knowingly, through an employee, agent, officer, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, by or through any means or device whatsoever, is a party to obtaining number resources, including number resources for toll-free and non-toll-free telephone numbers, from a common carrier regulated under title II of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), in violation of a regulation prescribed under subsection (a), shall, notwithstanding section 503(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 503(b)(5)), be subject to a forfeiture penalty under section 503(b) of that Act (47 U.S.C. 503(b)). A forfeiture penalty under this subsection shall be in addition to any other penalty provided for by law.
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (b), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064. Title II of the Act is classified generally to this subchapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Section was enacted as part of the Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act, also known as the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
For definition of “Commission” as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 116–105, set out as a note under section 227 of this title.
If the Chief of the Enforcement Bureau of the Commission obtains evidence that suggests a willful, knowing, and repeated robocall violation with an intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value, the Chief of the Enforcement Bureau shall provide such evidence to the Attorney General.
In this section, the term “robocall violation” means a violation of subsection (b) or (e) of section 227 of this title.
Section was enacted as part of the Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act, also known as the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
For definition of “Commission” as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 116–105, set out as a note under section 227 of this title.
Any common carrier assigning to a provider of pay-per-call services a telephone number with a prefix or area code designated by the Commission in accordance with subsection (b)(5) shall require by contract or tariff that such provider comply with the provisions of titles II and III of the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act [15 U.S.C. 5711 et seq.; 5721 et seq.] and the regulations prescribed by the Federal Trade Commission pursuant to those titles.
A common carrier that by contract or tariff assigns a telephone number with a prefix or area code designated by the Commission in accordance with subsection (b)(5) to a provider of pay-per-call services shall terminate, in accordance with procedures specified in such regulations, the offering of a pay-per-call service of a provider if the carrier knows or reasonably should know that such service is not provided in compliance with title II or III of the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act [15 U.S.C. 5711 et seq.; 5721 et seq.] or the regulations prescribed by the Federal Trade Commission pursuant to such titles.
A common carrier shall not disconnect or interrupt a subscriber’s local exchange telephone service or long distance telephone service because of nonpayment of charges for any pay-per-call service.
A common carrier that assigns by contract or tariff a telephone number with a prefix or area code designated by the Commission in accordance with subsection (b)(5) to a provider of pay-per-call services that the carrier knows or reasonably should know is engaged in soliciting charitable contributions shall obtain from such provider proof of the tax exempt status of any person or organization for which contributions are solicited.
“Common carriers may not disconnect local or long distance telephone service for failure to pay disputed charges for information services.”; and
The remedies provided in this paragraph are in addition to any other remedies that are available under subchapter V of this chapter.
The requirements of paragraph (9) shall not apply to calls from repeat callers using a bypass mechanism to avoid listening to the introductory message: Provided, That information providers shall disable such a bypass mechanism after the institution of any price increase and for a period of time determined to be sufficient by the Federal Trade Commission to give callers adequate and sufficient notice of a price increase.
As used in this subsection, the term “calling card” means an identifying number or code unique to the individual, that is issued to the individual by a common carrier and enables the individual to be charged by means of a phone bill for charges incurred independent of where the call originates.
No common carrier shall be liable for a criminal or civil sanction or penalty solely because the carrier provided transmission or billing and collection for a pay-per-call service unless the carrier knew or reasonably should have known that such service was provided in violation of a provision of, or regulation prescribed pursuant to, title II or III of the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act [15 U.S.C. 5711 et seq.; 5721 et seq.] or any other Federal law. This paragraph shall not prevent the Commission from imposing a sanction or penalty on a common carrier for a violation by that carrier of a regulation prescribed under this section.
No cause of action may be brought in any court or administrative agency against any common carrier or any of its affiliates on account of any act of the carrier or affiliate to terminate any pay-per-call service in order to comply with the regulations prescribed under this section, title II or III of the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act [15 U.S.C. 5711 et seq.; 5721 et seq.], or any other Federal law unless the complainant demonstrates that the carrier or affiliate did not act in good faith.
The regulations required by subsection (d) shall establish procedures, consistent with the provisions of titles II and III of the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act [15 U.S.C. 5711 et seq.; 5721 et seq.], to ensure that carriers and other parties providing billing and collection services with respect to pay-per-call services provide appropriate refunds to subscribers who have been billed for pay-per-call services pursuant to programs that have been found to have violated this section or such regulations, any provision of, or regulations prescribed pursuant to, title II or III of the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act, or any other Federal law.
The regulations prescribed by the Commission under this section shall permit a common carrier to recover its cost of complying with such regulations from providers of pay-per-call services, but shall not permit such costs to be recovered from local or long distance ratepayers.
The Commission, within one year after
Nothing in this section shall relieve any provider of pay-per-call services, common carrier, local exchange carrier, or any other person from the obligation to comply with Federal, State, and local election statutes and regulations.
Nothing in this section shall relieve any provider of pay-per-call services, common carrier, local exchange carrier, or any other person from the obligation to comply with any Federal, State, or local statute or regulation relating to consumer protection or unfair trade.
Nothing in this section shall preclude any State from enforcing its statutes and regulations with regard to lotteries, wagering, betting, and other gambling activities.
Nothing in this section shall preclude any State from enacting and enforcing additional and complementary oversight and regulatory systems or procedures, or both, so long as such systems and procedures govern intrastate services and do not significantly impede the enforcement of this section or other Federal statutes.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Commission from enforcing regulations prescribed prior to
Nothing in this section shall affect the provisions of section 223 of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act, referred to in subsecs. (c)(1), (3), (d)(1)(A), (e), and (f)(1), is Pub. L. 102–556,
1996—Subsec. (c)(7)(C). Pub. L. 104–104, § 701(a)(1)(A), added subpar. (C) and struck out former subpar. (C) which read as follows: “the calling party being charged for information conveyed during the call unless the calling party has a preexisting agreement to be charged for the information or discloses a credit or charge card number during the call; or”.
Subsec. (c)(7)(E). Pub. L. 104–104, § 701(a)(1)(B), added subpar. (E).
Subsec. (c)(8) to (11). Pub. L. 104–104, § 701(a)(1)(C), added pars. (8) to (11).
Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 104–104, § 701(b)(2), struck out “or any service the charge for which is tariffed,” after “local exchange carrier or its affiliate,”.
1994—Subsec. (c)(2) to (7). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(13), redesignated par. (2), relating to compliance procedures, as (3) and pars. (3) to (6) as (4) to (7), respectively.
Subsec. (c)(7)(D). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(14), which directed substitution of “conversation” for “conservation” in par. (6)(D), was executed by making the substitution in par. (7)(D) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the redesignation of par. (6) as (7) by Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(13). See above.
Pub. L. 104–104, title VII, § 701(a)(3),
Pub. L. 104–104, title VII, § 701(a)(2),
The Commission shall prescribe such rules as are necessary to implement the requirements of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act [47 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.].
The Commission shall review the policies and procedures submitted under subsection (b)(3) and shall order a common carrier to modify any such policy or procedure that the Commission determines does not comply with Commission regulations. The Commission shall conduct such investigations as may be necessary to insure compliance by common carriers with the requirements of the regulations prescribed under this section.
For purposes of this chapter, a violation by an officer or employee of any policy or procedure adopted by a common carrier pursuant to subsection (b), or of a rule prescribed by the Commission pursuant to subsection (a), shall be considered to be a violation by the carrier of a rule prescribed by the Commission pursuant to this chapter.
A common carrier may petition the Commission to adjust charges, practices, classifications, and regulations to recover costs expended for making modifications to equipment, facilities, or services pursuant to the requirements of section 103 of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act [47 U.S.C. 1002].
The Commission may grant, with or without modification, a petition under paragraph (1) if the Commission determines that such costs are reasonable and that permitting recovery is consistent with the public interest. The Commission may, consistent with maintaining just and reasonable charges, practices, classifications, and regulations in connection with the provision of interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio by a common carrier, allow carriers to adjust such charges, practices, classifications, and regulations in order to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
The Commission shall convene a Federal-State joint board to recommend appropriate changes to part 36 of the Commission’s rules with respect to recovery of costs pursuant to charges, practices, classifications, and regulations under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (e), is title I of Pub. L. 103–414,
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (d) and (e)(2), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.
A provider of interactive computer service shall, at the time of entering an agreement with a customer for the provision of interactive computer service and in a manner deemed appropriate by the provider, notify such customer that parental control protections (such as computer hardware, software, or filtering services) are commercially available that may assist the customer in limiting access to material that is harmful to minors. Such notice shall identify, or provide the customer with access to information identifying, current providers of such protections.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to impair the enforcement of section 223 or 231 of this title, chapter 71 (relating to obscenity) or 110 (relating to sexual exploitation of children) of title 18, or any other Federal criminal statute.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or expand any law pertaining to intellectual property.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any State from enforcing any State law that is consistent with this section. No cause of action may be brought and no liability may be imposed under any State or local law that is inconsistent with this section.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the application of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 or any of the amendments made by such Act, or any similar State law.
The term “Internet” means the international computer network of both Federal and non-Federal interoperable packet switched data networks.
The term “interactive computer service” means any information service, system, or access software provider that provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a computer server, including specifically a service or system that provides access to the Internet and such systems operated or services offered by libraries or educational institutions.
The term “information content provider” means any person or entity that is responsible, in whole or in part, for the creation or development of information provided through the Internet or any other interactive computer service.
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, referred to in subsec. (e)(4), is Pub. L. 99–508,
Section 509 of Pub. L. 104–104, which directed amendment of title II of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) by adding section 230 at end, was executed by adding the section at end of part I of title II of the Act to reflect the probable intent of Congress and amendments by sections 101(a), (b), and 151(a) of Pub. L. 104–104 designating §§ 201 to 229 as part I and adding parts II (§ 251 et seq.) and III (§ 271 et seq.) to title II of the Act.
2018—Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 115–164 added par. (5).
1998—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–277, § 1404(a)(3), added subsec. (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 105–277, § 1404(a)(1), inserted “or 231” after “section 223”.
Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 105–277, § 1404(a)(2), redesignated subsecs. (d) and (e) as (e) and (f), respectively.
Pub. L. 115–164, § 4(b),
Amendment by Pub. L. 105–277 effective 30 days after
Pub. L. 115–164, § 7,
Pub. L. 115–164, § 2,
Ex. Ord. No. 13925,
Whoever knowingly and with knowledge of the character of the material, in interstate or foreign commerce by means of the World Wide Web, makes any communication for commercial purposes that is available to any minor and that includes any material that is harmful to minors shall be fined not more than $50,000, imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.
In addition to the penalties under paragraph (1), whoever intentionally violates such paragraph shall be subject to a fine of not more than $50,000 for each violation. For purposes of this paragraph, each day of violation shall constitute a separate violation.
In addition to the penalties under paragraphs (1) and (2), whoever violates paragraph (1) shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $50,000 for each violation. For purposes of this paragraph, each day of violation shall constitute a separate violation.
No cause of action may be brought in any court or administrative agency against any person on account of any activity that is not in violation of any law punishable by criminal or civil penalty, and that the person has taken in good faith to implement a defense authorized under this subsection or otherwise to restrict or prevent the transmission of, or access to, a communication specified in this section.
The term “by means of the World Wide Web” means by placement of material in a computer server-based file archive so that it is publicly accessible, over the Internet, using hypertext transfer protocol or any successor protocol.
A person shall be considered to make a communication for commercial purposes only if such person is engaged in the business of making such communications.
The term “engaged in the business” means that the person who makes a communication, or offers to make a communication, by means of the World Wide Web, that includes any material that is harmful to minors, devotes time, attention, or labor to such activities, as a regular course of such person’s trade or business, with the objective of earning a profit as a result of such activities (although it is not necessary that the person make a profit or that the making or offering to make such communications be the person’s sole or principal business or source of income). A person may be considered to be engaged in the business of making, by means of the World Wide Web, communications for commercial purposes that include material that is harmful to minors, only if the person knowingly causes the material that is harmful to minors to be posted on the World Wide Web or knowingly solicits such material to be posted on the World Wide Web.
The term “Internet” means the combination of computer facilities and electromagnetic transmission media, and related equipment and software, comprising the interconnected worldwide network of computer networks that employ the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol or any successor protocol to transmit information.
The term “Internet access service” means a service that enables users to access content, information, electronic mail, or other services offered over the Internet, and may also include access to proprietary content, information, and other services as part of a package of services offered to consumers. Such term does not include telecommunications services.
The term “Internet information location tool” means a service that refers or links users to an online location on the World Wide Web. Such term includes directories, indices, references, pointers, and hypertext links.
The term “minor” means any person under 17 years of age.
Section effective 30 days after
Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title XIV, § 1402,
Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title XIV, § 1405,
The duty not to prohibit, and not to impose unreasonable or discriminatory conditions or limitations on, the resale of its telecommunications services.
The duty to provide, to the extent technically feasible, number portability in accordance with requirements prescribed by the Commission.
The duty to provide dialing parity to competing providers of telephone exchange service and telephone toll service, and the duty to permit all such providers to have nondiscriminatory access to telephone numbers, operator services, directory assistance, and directory listing, with no unreasonable dialing delays.
The duty to afford access to the poles, ducts, conduits, and rights-of-way of such carrier to competing providers of telecommunications services on rates, terms, and conditions that are consistent with section 224 of this title.
The duty to establish reciprocal compensation arrangements for the transport and termination of telecommunications.
The duty to negotiate in good faith in accordance with section 252 of this title the particular terms and conditions of agreements to fulfill the duties described in paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (b) and this subsection. The requesting telecommunications carrier also has the duty to negotiate in good faith the terms and conditions of such agreements.
The duty to provide, to any requesting telecommunications carrier for the provision of a telecommunications service, nondiscriminatory access to network elements on an unbundled basis at any technically feasible point on rates, terms, and conditions that are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement and the requirements of this section and section 252 of this title. An incumbent local exchange carrier shall provide such unbundled network elements in a manner that allows requesting carriers to combine such elements in order to provide such telecommunications service.
The duty to provide reasonable public notice of changes in the information necessary for the transmission and routing of services using that local exchange carrier’s facilities or networks, as well as of any other changes that would affect the interoperability of those facilities and networks.
The duty to provide, on rates, terms, and conditions that are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory, for physical collocation of equipment necessary for interconnection or access to unbundled network elements at the premises of the local exchange carrier, except that the carrier may provide for virtual collocation if the local exchange carrier demonstrates to the State commission that physical collocation is not practical for technical reasons or because of space limitations.
Within 6 months after
The Commission shall create or designate one or more impartial entities to administer telecommunications numbering and to make such numbers available on an equitable basis. The Commission shall have exclusive jurisdiction over those portions of the North American Numbering Plan that pertain to the United States. Nothing in this paragraph shall preclude the Commission from delegating to State commissions or other entities all or any portion of such jurisdiction.
The cost of establishing telecommunications numbering administration arrangements and number portability shall be borne by all telecommunications carriers on a competitively neutral basis as determined by the Commission.
The Commission and any agency or entity to which the Commission has delegated authority under this subsection shall designate 9–1–1 as the universal emergency telephone number within the United States for reporting an emergency to appropriate authorities and requesting assistance. The designation shall apply to both wireline and wireless telephone service. In making the designation, the Commission (and any such agency or entity) shall provide appropriate transition periods for areas in which 9–1–1 is not in use as an emergency telephone number on
9–8–8 is designated as the universal telephone number within the United States for the purpose of the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system operating through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline maintained by the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use under section 520E–3 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb–36c) and through the Veterans Crisis Line maintained by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under section 1720F(h) of title 38.
Subsection (c) of this section shall not apply to a rural telephone company until (i) such company has received a bona fide request for interconnection, services, or network elements, and (ii) the State commission determines (under subparagraph (B)) that such request is not unduly economically burdensome, is technically feasible, and is consistent with section 254 of this title (other than subsections (b)(7) and (c)(1)(D) thereof).
The party making a bona fide request of a rural telephone company for interconnection, services, or network elements shall submit a notice of its request to the State commission. The State commission shall conduct an inquiry for the purpose of determining whether to terminate the exemption under subparagraph (A). Within 120 days after the State commission receives notice of the request, the State commission shall terminate the exemption if the request is not unduly economically burdensome, is technically feasible, and is consistent with section 254 of this title (other than subsections (b)(7) and (c)(1)(D) thereof). Upon termination of the exemption, a State commission shall establish an implementation schedule for compliance with the request that is consistent in time and manner with Commission regulations.
The exemption provided by this paragraph shall not apply with respect to a request under subsection (c) from a cable operator providing video programming, and seeking to provide any telecommunications service, in the area in which the rural telephone company provides video programming. The limitation contained in this subparagraph shall not apply to a rural telephone company that is providing video programming on
On and after
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect the Commission’s authority under section 201 of this title.
2020—Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 116–172 added par. (4).
1999—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 106–81 added par. (3).
Pub. L. 116–172, § 3(b),
Pub. L. 116–172, § 2,
Nothing in this Act, any amendment made by this Act, the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.), or any Commission regulation or order may prevent the imposition and collection of a fee or charge applicable to a commercial mobile service or an IP-enabled voice service specifically designated by a State, a political subdivision of a State, an Indian Tribe, or village or regional corporation serving a region established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) for 9–8–8 related services, if the fee or charge is held in a sequestered account to be obligated or expended only in support of 9–8–8 services, or enhancements of such services, as specified in the provision of State or local law adopting the fee or charge.
The term “commercial mobile service” has the meaning given that term under section 332(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d)).
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “State” has the meaning given that term in section 615b of this title.
This Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is Pub. L. 116–172,
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), is Pub. L. 92–203,
Upon receiving a request for interconnection, services, or network elements pursuant to section 251 of this title, an incumbent local exchange carrier may negotiate and enter into a binding agreement with the requesting telecommunications carrier or carriers without regard to the standards set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 251 of this title. The agreement shall include a detailed schedule of itemized charges for interconnection and each service or network element included in the agreement. The agreement, including any interconnection agreement negotiated before
Any party negotiating an agreement under this section may, at any point in the negotiation, ask a State commission to participate in the negotiation and to mediate any differences arising in the course of the negotiation.
During the period from the 135th to the 160th day (inclusive) after the date on which an incumbent local exchange carrier receives a request for negotiation under this section, the carrier or any other party to the negotiation may petition a State commission to arbitrate any open issues.
A non-petitioning party to a negotiation under this section may respond to the other party’s petition and provide such additional information as it wishes within 25 days after the State commission receives the petition.
The refusal of any other party to the negotiation to participate further in the negotiations, to cooperate with the State commission in carrying out its function as an arbitrator, or to continue to negotiate in good faith in the presence, or with the assistance, of the State commission shall be considered a failure to negotiate in good faith.
For the purposes of section 251(c)(4) of this title, a State commission shall determine wholesale rates on the basis of retail rates charged to subscribers for the telecommunications service requested, excluding the portion thereof attributable to any marketing, billing, collection, and other costs that will be avoided by the local exchange carrier.
Any interconnection agreement adopted by negotiation or arbitration shall be submitted for approval to the State commission. A State commission to which an agreement is submitted shall approve or reject the agreement, with written findings as to any deficiencies.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), but subject to section 253 of this title, nothing in this section shall prohibit a State commission from establishing or enforcing other requirements of State law in its review of an agreement, including requiring compliance with intrastate telecommunications service quality standards or requirements.
If the State commission does not act to approve or reject the agreement within 90 days after submission by the parties of an agreement adopted by negotiation under subsection (a), or within 30 days after submission by the parties of an agreement adopted by arbitration under subsection (b), the agreement shall be deemed approved. No State court shall have jurisdiction to review the action of a State commission in approving or rejecting an agreement under this section.
If a State commission fails to act to carry out its responsibility under this section in any proceeding or other matter under this section, then the Commission shall issue an order preempting the State commission’s jurisdiction of that proceeding or matter within 90 days after being notified (or taking notice) of such failure, and shall assume the responsibility of the State commission under this section with respect to the proceeding or matter and act for the State commission.
In a case in which a State fails to act as described in paragraph (5), the proceeding by the Commission under such paragraph and any judicial review of the Commission’s actions shall be the exclusive remedies for a State commission’s failure to act. In any case in which a State commission makes a determination under this section, any party aggrieved by such determination may bring an action in an appropriate Federal district court to determine whether the agreement or statement meets the requirements of section 251 of this title and this section.
A Bell operating company may prepare and file with a State commission a statement of the terms and conditions that such company generally offers within that State to comply with the requirements of section 251 of this title and the regulations thereunder and the standards applicable under this section.
A State commission may not approve such statement unless such statement complies with subsection (d) of this section and section 251 of this title and the regulations thereunder. Except as provided in section 253 of this title, nothing in this section shall prohibit a State commission from establishing or enforcing other requirements of State law in its review of such statement, including requiring compliance with intrastate telecommunications service quality standards or requirements.
Paragraph (3) shall not preclude the State commission from continuing to review a statement that has been permitted to take effect under subparagraph (B) of such paragraph or from approving or disapproving such statement under paragraph (2).
The submission or approval of a statement under this subsection shall not relieve a Bell operating company of its duty to negotiate the terms and conditions of an agreement under section 251 of this title.
Where not inconsistent with the requirements of this chapter, a State commission may, to the extent practical, consolidate proceedings under sections 214(e), 251(f), 253 of this title, and this section in order to reduce administrative burdens on telecommunications carriers, other parties to the proceedings, and the State commission in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter.
A State commission shall make a copy of each agreement approved under subsection (e) and each statement approved under subsection (f) available for public inspection and copying within 10 days after the agreement or statement is approved. The State commission may charge a reasonable and nondiscriminatory fee to the parties to the agreement or to the party filing the statement to cover the costs of approving and filing such agreement or statement.
A local exchange carrier shall make available any interconnection, service, or network element provided under an agreement approved under this section to which it is a party to any other requesting telecommunications carrier upon the same terms and conditions as those provided in the agreement.
For purposes of this section, the term “incumbent local exchange carrier” has the meaning provided in section 251(h) of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (g), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
No State or local statute or regulation, or other State or local legal requirement, may prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the ability of any entity to provide any interstate or intrastate telecommunications service.
Nothing in this section shall affect the ability of a State to impose, on a competitively neutral basis and consistent with section 254 of this title, requirements necessary to preserve and advance universal service, protect the public safety and welfare, ensure the continued quality of telecommunications services, and safeguard the rights of consumers.
Nothing in this section affects the authority of a State or local government to manage the public rights-of-way or to require fair and reasonable compensation from telecommunications providers, on a competitively neutral and nondiscriminatory basis, for use of public rights-of-way on a nondiscriminatory basis, if the compensation required is publicly disclosed by such government.
If, after notice and an opportunity for public comment, the Commission determines that a State or local government has permitted or imposed any statute, regulation, or legal requirement that violates subsection (a) or (b), the Commission shall preempt the enforcement of such statute, regulation, or legal requirement to the extent necessary to correct such violation or inconsistency.
Nothing in this section shall affect the application of section 332(c)(3) of this title to commercial mobile service providers.
Within one month after
The Commission shall initiate a single proceeding to implement the recommendations from the Joint Board required by paragraph (1) and shall complete such proceeding within 15 months after
Quality services should be available at just, reasonable, and affordable rates.
Access to advanced telecommunications and information services should be provided in all regions of the Nation.
Consumers in all regions of the Nation, including low-income consumers and those in rural, insular, and high cost areas, should have access to telecommunications and information services, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services, that are reasonably comparable to those services provided in urban areas and that are available at rates that are reasonably comparable to rates charged for similar services in urban areas.
All providers of telecommunications services should make an equitable and nondiscriminatory contribution to the preservation and advancement of universal service.
There should be specific, predictable and sufficient Federal and State mechanisms to preserve and advance universal service.
Elementary and secondary schools and classrooms, health care providers, and libraries should have access to advanced telecommunications services as described in subsection (h).
Such other principles as the Joint Board and the Commission determine are necessary and appropriate for the protection of the public interest, convenience, and necessity and are consistent with this chapter.
The Joint Board may, from time to time, recommend to the Commission modifications in the definition of the services that are supported by Federal universal service support mechanisms.
In addition to the services included in the definition of universal service under paragraph (1), the Commission may designate additional services for such support mechanisms for schools, libraries, and health care providers for the purposes of subsection (h).
Every telecommunications carrier that provides interstate telecommunications services shall contribute, on an equitable and nondiscriminatory basis, to the specific, predictable, and sufficient mechanisms established by the Commission to preserve and advance universal service. The Commission may exempt a carrier or class of carriers from this requirement if the carrier’s telecommunications activities are limited to such an extent that the level of such carrier’s contribution to the preservation and advancement of universal service would be de minimis. Any other provider of interstate telecommunications may be required to contribute to the preservation and advancement of universal service if the public interest so requires.
After the date on which Commission regulations implementing this section take effect, only an eligible telecommunications carrier designated under section 214(e) of this title shall be eligible to receive specific Federal universal service support. A carrier that receives such support shall use that support only for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities and services for which the support is intended. Any such support should be explicit and sufficient to achieve the purposes of this section.
A State may adopt regulations not inconsistent with the Commission’s rules to preserve and advance universal service. Every telecommunications carrier that provides intrastate telecommunications services shall contribute, on an equitable and nondiscriminatory basis, in a manner determined by the State to the preservation and advancement of universal service in that State. A State may adopt regulations to provide for additional definitions and standards to preserve and advance universal service within that State only to the extent that such regulations adopt additional specific, predictable, and sufficient mechanisms to support such definitions or standards that do not rely on or burden Federal universal service support mechanisms.
Within 6 months after
A telecommunications carrier shall, upon receiving a bona fide request, provide telecommunications services which are necessary for the provision of health care services in a State, including instruction relating to such services, to any public or nonprofit health care provider that serves persons who reside in rural areas in that State at rates that are reasonably comparable to rates charged for similar services in urban areas in that State. A telecommunications carrier providing service under this paragraph shall be entitled to have an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the rates for services provided to health care providers for rural areas in a State and the rates for similar services provided to other customers in comparable rural areas in that State treated as a service obligation as a part of its obligation to participate in the mechanisms to preserve and advance universal service.
Telecommunications services and network capacity provided to a public institutional telecommunications user under this subsection may not be sold, resold, or otherwise transferred by such user in consideration for money or any other thing of value.
No entity listed in this subsection shall be entitled to preferential rates or treatment as required by this subsection, if such entity operates as a for-profit business, is a school described in paragraph (7)(A) with an endowment of more than $50,000,000, or is a library or library consortium not eligible for assistance from a State library administrative agency under the Library Services and Technology Act [20 U.S.C. 9121 et seq.].
The prohibition in clause (i) shall not apply with respect to a school that receives services at discount rates under paragraph (1)(B) only for purposes other than the provision of Internet access, Internet service, or internal connections.
An elementary or secondary school described in clause (i), or the school board, local educational agency, or other authority with responsibility for administration of the school, shall provide reasonable public notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address the proposed Internet safety policy. In the case of an elementary or secondary school other than an elementary school or a secondary school as defined in section 7801 of title 20, the notice and hearing required by this clause may be limited to those members of the public with a relationship to the school.
An administrator, supervisor, or other person authorized by the certifying authority under subparagraph (A)(i) may disable the technology protection measure concerned, during use by an adult, to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purpose.
A school covered by clause (i) that has in place an Internet safety policy and technology protection measures meeting the requirements necessary for certification under subparagraphs (B) and (C) shall certify its compliance with subparagraphs (B) and (C) during each annual program application cycle under this subsection, except that with respect to the first program funding year after the effective date of this paragraph under section 1721(h) of the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the certifications shall be made not later than 120 days after the beginning of such first program funding year.
Any school subject to subclause (II) that cannot come into compliance with subparagraphs (B) and (C) in such second year program may seek a waiver of subclause (II)(bb) if State or local procurement rules or regulations or competitive bidding requirements prevent the making of the certification otherwise required by such subclause. A school, school board, local educational agency, or other authority with responsibility for administration of the school shall notify the Commission of the applicability of such subclause to the school. Such notice shall certify that the school in question will be brought into compliance before the start of the third program year after the effective date of this subsection in which the school is applying for funds under this subsection.
Any school that knowingly fails to comply with the application guidelines regarding the annual submission of certification required by this paragraph shall not be eligible for services at discount rates or funding in lieu of services at such rates under this subsection.
Any school that knowingly fails to ensure the use of its computers in accordance with a certification under subparagraphs (B) and (C) shall reimburse any funds and discounts received under this subsection for the period covered by such certification.
A school that has failed to submit a certification under clause (i) may remedy the failure by submitting the certification to which the failure relates. Upon submittal of such certification, the school shall be eligible for services at discount rates under this subsection.
A school that has failed to comply with a certification as described in clause (ii) may remedy the failure by ensuring the use of its computers in accordance with such certification. Upon submittal to the Commission of a certification or other appropriate evidence of such remedy, the school shall be eligible for services at discount rates under this subsection.
The prohibition in clause (i) shall not apply with respect to a library that receives services at discount rates under paragraph (1)(B) only for purposes other than the provision of Internet access, Internet service, or internal connections.
A library described in clause (i) shall provide reasonable public notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address the proposed Internet safety policy.
An administrator, supervisor, or other person authorized by the certifying authority under subparagraph (A)(i) may disable the technology protection measure concerned, during use by an adult, to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purpose.
A library covered by clause (i) that has in place an Internet safety policy and technology protection measures meeting the requirements necessary for certification under subparagraphs (B) and (C) shall certify its compliance with subparagraphs (B) and (C) during each annual program application cycle under this subsection, except that with respect to the first program funding year after the effective date of this paragraph under section 1721(h) of the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the certifications shall be made not later than 120 days after the beginning of such first program funding year.
Any library subject to subclause (II) that cannot come into compliance with subparagraphs (B) and (C) in such second year may seek a waiver of subclause (II)(bb) if State or local procurement rules or regulations or competitive bidding requirements prevent the making of the certification otherwise required by such subclause. A library, library board, or other authority with responsibility for administration of the library shall notify the Commission of the applicability of such subclause to the library. Such notice shall certify that the library in question will be brought into compliance before the start of the third program year after the effective date of this subsection in which the library is applying for funds under this subsection.
Any library that knowingly fails to comply with the application guidelines regarding the annual submission of certification required by this paragraph shall not be eligible for services at discount rates or funding in lieu of services at such rates under this subsection.
Any library that knowingly fails to ensure the use of its computers in accordance with a certification under subparagraphs (B) and (C) shall reimburse all funds and discounts received under this subsection for the period covered by such certification.
A library that has failed to submit a certification under clause (i) may remedy the failure by submitting the certification to which the failure relates. Upon submittal of such certification, the library shall be eligible for services at discount rates under this subsection.
A library that has failed to comply with a certification as described in clause (ii) may remedy the failure by ensuring the use of its computers in accordance with such certification. Upon submittal to the Commission of a certification or other appropriate evidence of such remedy, the library shall be eligible for services at discount rates under this subsection.
The term “elementary and secondary schools” means elementary schools and secondary schools, as defined in section 7801 of title 20.
The term “public institutional telecommunications user” means an elementary or secondary school, a library, or a health care provider as those terms are defined in this paragraph.
The term “minor” means any individual who has not attained the age of 17 years.
The term “obscene” has the meaning given such term in section 1460 of title 18.
The term “child pornography” has the meaning given such term in section 2256 of title 18.
The terms “sexual act” and “sexual contact” have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18.
The term “technology protection measure” means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to the material covered by a certification under paragraph (5) or (6) to which such certification relates.
The Commission and the States should ensure that universal service is available at rates that are just, reasonable, and affordable.
Nothing in this section shall affect the collection, distribution, or administration of the Lifeline Assistance Program provided for by the Commission under regulations set forth in section 69.117 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, and other related sections of such title.
A telecommunications carrier may not use services that are not competitive to subsidize services that are subject to competition. The Commission, with respect to interstate services, and the States, with respect to intrastate services, shall establish any necessary cost allocation rules, accounting safeguards, and guidelines to ensure that services included in the definition of universal service bear no more than a reasonable share of the joint and common costs of facilities used to provide those services.
Each Internet safety policy adopted under this subsection shall be made available to the Commission, upon request of the Commission, by the school, school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority responsible for adopting such Internet safety policy for purposes of the review of such Internet safety policy by the Commission.
This subsection shall apply with respect to schools and libraries on or after the date that is 120 days after
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(7), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The Library Services and Technology Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(4), is subtitle B (§§ 211–263) of title II of Pub. L. 94–462, as added by Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, § 101(e) [title VII, § 702],
For the effective date of this paragraph under section 1721(h) of the Children’s Internet Protection Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(5)(E), (6)(E), as 120 days after
The effective date of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (h)(5)(E), (6)(E), probably means the effective date of subsec. (h)(5) and (6) which is 120 days after
2016—Subsec. (h)(7)(B)(vii), (viii). Pub. L. 114–182 added cl. (vii), redesignated former cl. (vii) as (viii), and substituted “clauses (i) through (vii)” for “clauses (i) through (vi)” in cl. (viii).
2015—Subsec. (h)(5)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 114–95, § 9215(s)(1), substituted “an elementary school or a secondary school as defined in section 7801 of title 20” for “an elementary or secondary school as defined in section 8801 of title 20”.
Subsec. (h)(7)(A). Pub. L. 114–95, § 9215(s)(2), made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 7801 of title 20.
2008—Subsec. (h)(5)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 110–385 added cl. (iii).
2002—Subsec. (h)(7)(A). Pub. L. 107–110 substituted “section 7801” for “paragraphs (14) and (25), respectively, of section 8801”.
2000—Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1721(d)], substituted “paragraph (7)(A)” for “paragraph (5)(A)”.
Subsec. (h)(5). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1721(a)(2)], added par. (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (7).
Subsec. (h)(6). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1721(b)], added par. (6).
Subsec. (h)(7). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1721(a)(1)], redesignated par. (5) as (7).
Subsec. (h)(7)(D) to (I). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1721(c)], added subpars. (D) to (I).
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1732], added subsec. (l).
1996—Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 104–208 substituted “library or library consortium not eligible for assistance from a State library administrative agency under the Library Services and Technology Act” for “library not eligible for participation in State-based plans for funds under title III of the Library Services and Construction Act (20 U.S.C. 335c et seq.)”.
Pub. L. 114–182, title II, § 202(c),
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–95 effective
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–110 effective
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1721(h)],
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1721(f)],
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1733],
Pub. L. 114–182, title II, § 202(b),
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1721(e)],
Pub. L. 117–2, title VII, § 7402,
Pub. L. 116–260, div. N, title IX, § 903,
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title V, § 505,
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1702],
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1741],
Pub. L. 105–33, title III, § 3006,
The term “disability” has the meaning given to it by section 12102(2)(A) 1
The term “readily achievable” has the meaning given to it by section 12181(9) of title 42.
A manufacturer of telecommunications equipment or customer premises equipment shall ensure that the equipment is designed, developed, and fabricated to be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if readily achievable.
A provider of telecommunications service shall ensure that the service is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if readily achievable.
Whenever the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) are not readily achievable, such a manufacturer or provider shall ensure that the equipment or service is compatible with existing peripheral devices or specialized customer premises equipment commonly used by individuals with disabilities to achieve access, if readily achievable.
Within 18 months after
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any private right of action to enforce any requirement of this section or any regulation thereunder. The Commission shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to any complaint under this section.
Section 12102 of title 42, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was amended generally by Pub. L. 110–325, § 4(a),
Nothing in this section shall be construed as expanding or limiting any authority that the Commission may have under law in effect before
As used in this section, the term “public telecommunications network interconnectivity” means the ability of two or more public telecommunications networks used to provide telecommunications service to communicate and exchange information without degeneration, and to interact in concert with one another.
Within 15 months after
In carrying out subsection (a), the Commission shall seek to promote the policies and purposes of this chapter favoring diversity of media voices, vigorous economic competition, technological advancement, and promotion of the public interest, convenience, and necessity.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2018—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–141 struck out subsec. (c). Text read as follows: “Every 3 years following the completion of the proceeding required by subsection (a), the Commission shall review and report to Congress on—
“(1) any regulations prescribed to eliminate barriers within its jurisdiction that are identified under subsection (a) and that can be prescribed consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; and
“(2) the statutory barriers identified under subsection (a) that the Commission recommends be eliminated, consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity.”
No telecommunications carrier shall submit or execute a change in a subscriber’s selection of a provider of telephone exchange service or telephone toll service except in accordance with such verification procedures as the Commission shall prescribe. Nothing in this section shall preclude any State commission from enforcing such procedures with respect to intrastate services.
Any telecommunications carrier that violates the verification procedures described in subsection (a) and that collects charges for telephone exchange service or telephone toll service from a subscriber shall be liable to the carrier previously selected by the subscriber in an amount equal to all charges paid by such subscriber after such violation, in accordance with such procedures as the Commission may prescribe. The remedies provided by this subsection are in addition to any other remedies available by law.
The Commission shall prescribe, within one year after
A local exchange carrier to which this section applies that has entered into an infrastructure sharing agreement under this section shall provide to each party to such agreement timely information on the planned deployment of telecommunications services and equipment, including any software or upgrades of software integral to the use or operation of such telecommunications equipment.
The Commission shall establish procedures for the receipt and review of complaints concerning violations of subsection (a) or the regulations thereunder that result in material financial harm to a provider of telemessaging service. Such procedures shall ensure that the Commission will make a final determination with respect to any such complaint within 120 days after receipt of the complaint. If the complaint contains an appropriate showing that the alleged violation occurred, the Commission shall, within 60 days after receipt of the complaint, order the local exchange carrier and any affiliates to cease engaging in such violation pending such final determination.
As used in this section, the term “telemessaging service” means voice mail and voice storage and retrieval services, any live operator services used to record, transcribe, or relay messages (other than telecommunications relay services), and any ancillary services offered in combination with these services.
Nothing in this part shall be construed to prohibit the Commission from enforcing regulations prescribed prior to
Nothing in this part shall be construed to prohibit any State commission from enforcing regulations prescribed prior to
Nothing in this part precludes a State from imposing requirements on a telecommunications carrier for intrastate services that are necessary to further competition in the provision of telephone exchange service or exchange access, as long as the State’s requirements are not inconsistent with this part or the Commission’s regulations to implement this part.
A covered provider may not use an intermediate provider to transmit covered voice communications unless such intermediate provider is registered under subsection (a)(1).
Not later than 180 days after
Not later than 1 year after
The Commission shall make the registry established under subsection (c)(1)(A) publicly available on the website of the Commission.
The requirements of this section shall apply regardless of the format by which any communication or service is provided, the protocol or format by which the transmission of such communication or service is achieved, or the regulatory classification of such communication or service.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the regulatory classification of any communication or service.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to preempt or expand the authority of a State public utility commission or other relevant State agency to collect data, or investigate and enforce State law and regulations, regarding the completion of intrastate voice communications, regardless of the format by which any communication or service is provided, the protocol or format by which the transmission of such communication or service is achieved, or the regulatory classification of such communication or service.
The term “covered provider” has the meaning given the term in section 64.2101 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto.
Neither a Bell operating company, nor any affiliate of a Bell operating company, may provide interLATA services except as provided in this section.
A Bell operating company, or any affiliate of that Bell operating company, may provide interLATA services originating in any of its in-region States (as defined in subsection (i)) if the Commission approves the application of such company for such State under subsection (d)(3).
A Bell operating company, or any affiliate of that Bell operating company, may provide interLATA services originating outside its in-region States after
A Bell operating company, or any affiliate of a Bell operating company, may provide incidental interLATA services (as defined in subsection (g)) originating in any State after
Nothing in this section prohibits a Bell operating company or any of its affiliates from providing termination for interLATA services, subject to subsection (j).
A Bell operating company meets the requirements of this subparagraph if it has entered into one or more binding agreements that have been approved under section 252 of this title specifying the terms and conditions under which the Bell operating company is providing access and interconnection to its network facilities for the network facilities of one or more unaffiliated competing providers of telephone exchange service (as defined in section 153(47)(A) 1
A Bell operating company meets the requirements of this subparagraph if, after 10 months after
On and after
The Commission shall notify the Attorney General promptly of any application under paragraph (1). Before making any determination under this subsection, the Commission shall consult with the Attorney General, and if the Attorney General submits any comments in writing, such comments shall be included in the record of the Commission’s decision. In consulting with and submitting comments to the Commission under this paragraph, the Attorney General shall provide to the Commission an evaluation of the application using any standard the Attorney General considers appropriate. The Commission shall give substantial weight to the Attorney General’s evaluation, but such evaluation shall not have any preclusive effect on any Commission decision under paragraph (3).
Before making any determination under this subsection, the Commission shall consult with the State commission of any State that is the subject of the application in order to verify the compliance of the Bell operating company with the requirements of subsection (c).
The Commission may not, by rule or otherwise, limit or extend the terms used in the competitive checklist set forth in subsection (c)(2)(B).
Not later than 10 days after issuing a determination under paragraph (3), the Commission shall publish in the Federal Register a brief description of the determination.
The Commission shall establish procedures for the review of complaints concerning failures by Bell operating companies to meet conditions required for approval under paragraph (3). Unless the parties otherwise agree, the Commission shall act on such complaint within 90 days.
Until a Bell operating company is authorized pursuant to subsection (d) to provide interLATA services in an in-region State, or until 36 months have passed since
A Bell operating company granted authority to provide interLATA services under subsection (d) shall provide intraLATA toll dialing parity throughout that State coincident with its exercise of that authority.
Except for single-LATA States and States that have issued an order by
Neither subsection (a) nor section 273 of this title shall prohibit a Bell operating company or affiliate from engaging, at any time after
The provisions of subsection (g) are intended to be narrowly construed. The interLATA services provided under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of subsection (g)(1) are limited to those interLATA transmissions incidental to the provision by a Bell operating company or its affiliate of video, audio, and other programming services that the company or its affiliate is engaged in providing to the public. The Commission shall ensure that the provision of services authorized under subsection (g) by a Bell operating company or its affiliate will not adversely affect telephone exchange service ratepayers or competition in any telecommunications market.
The term “in-region State” means a State in which a Bell operating company or any of its affiliates was authorized to provide wireline telephone exchange service pursuant to the reorganization plan approved under the AT&T Consent Decree, as in effect on the day before
The term “audio programming services” means programming provided by, or generally considered to be comparable to programming provided by, a radio broadcast station.
The terms “video programming service” and “other programming services” have the same meanings as such terms have under section 522 of this title.
Section 153 of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(A), was subsequently amended and no longer contains a par. (47)(A). However, the term “telephone exchange service” is defined elsewhere in that section.
Section 254(h)(5) of this title, referred to in subsec. (g)(2), was redesignated section 254(h)(7) of this title by Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1721(a)(1)],
A company required to operate a separate affiliate under this section shall obtain and pay for a joint Federal/State audit every 2 years conducted by an independent auditor to determine whether such company has complied with this section and the regulations promulgated under this section, and particularly whether such company has complied with the separate accounting requirements under subsection (b).
The auditor described in paragraph (1) shall submit the results of the audit to the Commission and to the State commission of each State in which the company audited provides service, which shall make such results available for public inspection. Any party may submit comments on the final audit report.
The provisions of this section (other than subsection (e)) shall cease to apply with respect to the manufacturing activities or the interLATA telecommunications services of a Bell operating company 3 years after the date such Bell operating company or any Bell operating company affiliate is authorized to provide interLATA telecommunications services under section 271(d) of this title, unless the Commission extends such 3-year period by rule or order.
The provisions of this section (other than subsection (e)) shall cease to apply with respect to the interLATA information services of a Bell operating company 4 years after
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the authority of the Commission under any other section of this chapter to prescribe safeguards consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity.
A Bell operating company affiliate required by this section may not market or sell telephone exchange services provided by the Bell operating company unless that company permits other entities offering the same or similar service to market and sell its telephone exchange services.
A Bell operating company may not market or sell interLATA service provided by an affiliate required by this section within any of its in-region States until such company is authorized to provide interLATA services in such State under section 271(d) of this title.
The joint marketing and sale of services permitted under this subsection shall not be considered to violate the nondiscrimination provisions of subsection (c).
With respect to any activity in which a Bell operating company is engaged on
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (f)(3), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
A Bell operating company may manufacture and provide telecommunications equipment, and manufacture customer premises equipment, if the Commission authorizes that Bell operating company or any Bell operating company affiliate to provide interLATA services under section 271(d) of this title, subject to the requirements of this section and the regulations prescribed thereunder, except that neither a Bell operating company nor any of its affiliates may engage in such manufacturing in conjunction with a Bell operating company not so affiliated or any of its affiliates.
Subsection (a) shall not prohibit a Bell operating company from engaging in close collaboration with any manufacturer of customer premises equipment or telecommunications equipment during the design and development of hardware, software, or combinations thereof related to such equipment.
Each Bell operating company shall, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Commission, maintain and file with the Commission full and complete information with respect to the protocols and technical requirements for connection with and use of its telephone exchange service facilities. Each such company shall report promptly to the Commission any material changes or planned changes to such protocols and requirements, and the schedule for implementation of such changes or planned changes.
A Bell operating company shall not disclose any information required to be filed under paragraph (1) unless that information has been filed promptly, as required by regulation by the Commission.
The Commission may prescribe such additional regulations under this subsection as may be necessary to ensure that manufacturers have access to the information with respect to the protocols and technical requirements for connection with and use of telephone exchange service facilities that a Bell operating company makes available to any manufacturing affiliate or any unaffiliated manufacturer.
Each Bell operating company shall provide, to interconnecting carriers providing telephone exchange service, timely information on the planned deployment of telecommunications equipment.
Any entity which establishes standards for telecommunications equipment or customer premises equipment, or generic network requirements for such equipment, or certifies telecommunications equipment or customer premises equipment, shall be prohibited from releasing or otherwise using any proprietary information, designated as such by its owner, in its possession as a result of such activity, for any purpose other than purposes authorized in writing by the owner of such information, even after such entity ceases to be so engaged.
Within 90 days after
The requirements of paragraphs (3) and (4) shall terminate for the particular relevant activity when the Commission determines that there are alternative sources of industry-wide standards, industry-wide generic requirements, or product certification for a particular class of telecommunications equipment or customer premises equipment available in the United States. Alternative sources shall be deemed to exist when such sources provide commercially viable alternatives that are providing such services to customers. The Commission shall act on any application for such a determination within 90 days after receipt of such application, and shall receive public comment on such application.
For the purposes of administering this subsection and the regulations prescribed thereunder, the Commission shall have the same remedial authority as the Commission has in administering and enforcing the provisions of this subchapter with respect to any common carrier subject to this chapter.
Each Bell operating company or any entity acting on its behalf shall make procurement decisions and award all supply contracts for equipment, services, and software on the basis of an objective assessment of price, quality, delivery, and other commercial factors.
A Bell operating company shall, to the extent consistent with the antitrust laws, engage in joint network planning and design with local exchange carriers operating in the same area of interest. No participant in such planning shall be allowed to delay the introduction of new technology or the deployment of facilities to provide telecommunications services, and agreement with such other carriers shall not be required as a prerequisite for such introduction or deployment.
Neither a Bell operating company engaged in manufacturing nor a manufacturing affiliate of such a company shall restrict sales to any local exchange carrier of telecommunications equipment, including software integral to the operation of such equipment and related upgrades.
A Bell operating company and any entity it owns or otherwise controls shall protect the proprietary information submitted for procurement decisions from release not specifically authorized by the owner of such information.
For the purposes of administering and enforcing the provisions of this section and the regulations prescribed thereunder, the Commission shall have the same authority, power, and functions with respect to any Bell operating company or any affiliate thereof as the Commission has in administering and enforcing the provisions of this subchapter with respect to any common carrier subject to this chapter.
The Commission may prescribe such additional rules and regulations as the Commission determines are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, and otherwise to prevent discrimination and cross-subsidization in a Bell operating company’s dealings with its affiliate and with third parties.
As used in this section, the term “manufacturing” has the same meaning as such term has under the AT&T Consent Decree.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (d)(7), (e)(1), and (f), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
No Bell operating company or any affiliate may engage in the provision of electronic publishing that is disseminated by means of such Bell operating company’s or any of its affiliates’ basic telephone service, except that nothing in this section shall prohibit a separated affiliate or electronic publishing joint venture operated in accordance with this section from engaging in the provision of electronic publishing.
A Bell operating company may provide inbound telemarketing or referral services related to the provision of electronic publishing for a separated affiliate, electronic publishing joint venture, affiliate, or unaffiliated electronic publisher: Provided, That if such services are provided to a separated affiliate, electronic publishing joint venture, or affiliate, such services shall be made available to all electronic publishers on request, on nondiscriminatory terms.
A Bell operating company may engage in nondiscriminatory teaming or business arrangements to engage in electronic publishing with any separated affiliate or with any other electronic publisher if (i) the Bell operating company only provides facilities, services, and basic telephone service information as authorized by this section, and (ii) the Bell operating company does not own such teaming or business arrangement.
A Bell operating company or affiliate may participate on a nonexclusive basis in electronic publishing joint ventures with entities that are not a Bell operating company, affiliate, or separated affiliate to provide electronic publishing services, if the Bell operating company or affiliate has not more than a 50 percent direct or indirect equity interest (or the equivalent thereof) or the right to more than 50 percent of the gross revenues under a revenue sharing or royalty agreement in any electronic publishing joint venture. Officers and employees of a Bell operating company or affiliate participating in an electronic publishing joint venture may not have more than 50 percent of the voting control over the electronic publishing joint venture. In the case of joint ventures with small, local electronic publishers, the Commission for good cause shown may authorize the Bell operating company or affiliate to have a larger equity interest, revenue share, or voting control but not to exceed 80 percent. A Bell operating company participating in an electronic publishing joint venture may provide promotion, marketing, sales, or advertising personnel and services to such joint venture.
A Bell operating company under common ownership or control with a separated affiliate or electronic publishing joint venture shall provide network access and interconnections for basic telephone service to electronic publishers at just and reasonable rates that are tariffed (so long as rates for such services are subject to regulation) and that are not higher on a per-unit basis than those charged for such services to any other electronic publisher or any separated affiliate engaged in electronic publishing.
Any person claiming that any act or practice of any Bell operating company, affiliate, or separated affiliate constitutes a violation of this section may file a complaint with the Commission or bring suit as provided in section 207 of this title, and such Bell operating company, affiliate, or separated affiliate shall be liable as provided in section 206 of this title; except that damages may not be awarded for a violation that is discovered by a compliance review as required by subsection (b)(7) of this section and corrected within 90 days.
In addition to the provisions of paragraph (1), any person claiming that any act or practice of any Bell operating company, affiliate, or separated affiliate constitutes a violation of this section may make application to the Commission for an order to cease and desist such violation or may make application in any district court of the United States of competent jurisdiction for an order enjoining such acts or practices or for an order compelling compliance with such requirement.
Any separated affiliate under this section shall file with the Commission annual reports in a form substantially equivalent to the Form 10–K required by regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Any electronic publishing service being offered to the public by a Bell operating company or affiliate on
The provisions of this section shall not apply to conduct occurring after 4 years after
The term “electronic publishing” means the dissemination, provision, publication, or sale to an unaffiliated entity or person, of any one or more of the following: news (including sports); entertainment (other than interactive games); business, financial, legal, consumer, or credit materials; editorials, columns, or features; advertising; photos or images; archival or research material; legal notices or public records; scientific, educational, instructional, technical, professional, trade, or other literary materials; or other like or similar information.
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (i)(4), is act June 6, 1934, ch. 404, 48 Stat. 881, which is classified principally to chapter 2B (§ 78a et seq.) of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 78a of Title 15 and Tables.
No Bell operating company or affiliate thereof shall engage in the provision of alarm monitoring services before the date which is 5 years after
Paragraph (1) does not prohibit or limit the provision, directly or through an affiliate, of alarm monitoring services by a Bell operating company that was engaged in providing alarm monitoring services as of
The Commission shall establish procedures for the receipt and review of complaints concerning violations of subsection (b) or the regulations thereunder that result in material financial harm to a provider of alarm monitoring service. Such procedures shall ensure that the Commission will make a final determination with respect to any such complaint within 120 days after receipt of the complaint. If the complaint contains an appropriate showing that the alleged violation occurred, as determined by the Commission in accordance with such regulations, the Commission shall, within 60 days after receipt of the complaint, order the incumbent local exchange carrier (as defined in section 251(h) of this title) and its affiliates to cease engaging in such violation pending such final determination.
A local exchange carrier may not record or use in any fashion the occurrence or contents of calls received by providers of alarm monitoring services for the purposes of marketing such services on behalf of such local exchange carrier, or any other entity. Any regulations necessary to enforce this subsection shall be issued initially within 6 months after
In the rulemaking conducted pursuant to paragraph (1), the Commission shall determine whether public interest payphones, which are provided in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare, in locations where there would otherwise not be a payphone, should be maintained, and if so, ensure that such public interest payphones are supported fairly and equitably.
Nothing in this section shall affect any existing contracts between location providers and payphone service providers or interLATA or intraLATA carriers that are in force and effect as of
To the extent that any State requirements are inconsistent with the Commission’s regulations, the Commission’s regulations on such matters shall preempt such State requirements.
As used in this section, the term “payphone service” means the provision of public or semi-public pay telephones, the provision of inmate telephone service and advanced communications services described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (D), and (E) of section 153(1) of this title in correctional institutions, and any ancillary services.
2023—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–338, § 2(a)(1), struck out “per call” before “compensation plan” and “each and every” before “completed intrastate”, inserted “, and all rates and charges are just and reasonable,” after “fairly compensated” and “or other calling device” after “their payphone”, and substituted “communications using” for “call using”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–338, § 2(a)(2), inserted “and advanced communications services described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (D), and (E) of section 153(1) of this title” after “inmate telephone service”.
It is the purpose of this chapter, among other things, to maintain the control of the United States over all the channels of radio transmission; and to provide for the use of such channels, but not the ownership thereof, by persons for limited periods of time, under licenses granted by Federal authority, and no such license shall be construed to create any right, beyond the terms, conditions, and periods of the license. No person shall use or operate any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by radio (a) from one place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States or in the District of Columbia to another place in the same State, Territory, possession, or District; or (b) from any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or from the District of Columbia to any other State, Territory, or possession of the United States; or (c) from any place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or in the District of Columbia, to any place in any foreign country or to any vessel; or (d) within any State when the effects of such use extend beyond the borders of said State, or when interference is caused by such use or operation with the transmission of such energy, communications, or signals from within said State to any place beyond its borders, or from any place beyond its borders to any place within said State, or with the transmission or reception of such energy, communications, or signals from and/or to places beyond the borders of said State; or (e) upon any vessel or aircraft of the United States (except as provided in section 303(t) of this title); or (f) upon any other mobile stations within the jurisdiction of the United States, except under and in accordance with this chapter and with a license in that behalf granted under the provisions of this chapter.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1982—Pub. L. 97–259 struck out “interstate and foreign” after “channels of” in first sentence, substituted “State, Territory,” for “Territory” after “from one place in any” and inserted “State,” after “to another place in the same” in cl. (a), and inserted “(except as provided in section 303(t) of this title)” in cl. (e).
Section, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title III, § 302, 48 Stat. 1081, divided United States into five zones for purposes of this subchapter.
The Commission may, consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity, make reasonable regulations (1) governing the interference potential of devices which in their operation are capable of emitting radio frequency energy by radiation, conduction, or other means in sufficient degree to cause harmful interference to radio communications; and (2) establishing minimum performance standards for home electronic equipment and systems to reduce their susceptibility to interference from radio frequency energy. Such regulations shall be applicable to the manufacture, import, sale, offer for sale, or shipment of such devices and home electronic equipment and systems, and to the use of such devices.
No person shall manufacture, import, sell, offer for sale, or ship devices or home electronic equipment and systems, or use devices, which fail to comply with regulations promulgated pursuant to this section.
The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to carriers transporting such devices or home electronic equipment and systems without trading in them, to devices or home electronic equipment and systems manufactured solely for export, to the manufacture, assembly, or installation of devices or home electronic equipment and systems for its own use by a public utility engaged in providing electric service, or to devices or home electronic equipment and systems for use by the Government of the United States or any agency thereof. Devices and home electronic equipment and systems for use by the Government of the United States or any agency thereof shall be developed, procured, or otherwise acquired, including offshore procurement, under United States Government criteria, standards, or specifications designed to achieve the objectives of reducing interference to radio reception and to home electronic equipment and systems, taking into account the unique needs of national defense and security.
2000—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–521 added subsec. (f).
1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–104 added subsec. (e).
1992—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–556 added subsec. (d).
1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–259, § 108(a)(1), (2), inserted “(1)” after “regulations” and “; and (2) establishing minimum performance standards for home electronic equipment and systems to reduce their susceptibility to interference from radio frequency energy” after “radio communications”, and substituted “or shipment of such devices and home electronic equipment and systems, and to the use of such devices” for “shipment, or use of such devices”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–259, § 108(a)(3), substituted “or ship devices or home electronic equipment and systems, or use devices,” for “ship, or use devices”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–259, § 108(a)(4), inserted “or home electronic equipment and systems” after “devices” wherever appearing, inserted “and home electronic equipment and systems” after “Devices”, substituted “objectives” for “common objective”, and inserted “and to home electronic equipment and systems” after “reception”.
Pub. L. 102–556, title IV, § 403(c),
Pub. L. 97–259, title I, § 108(b),
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Enactment of subsec. (w) by Pub. L. 104–104, § 551(b)(1), did not become effective pursuant to Pub. L. 104–104, § 551(e)(1), because the Federal Communications Commission on
In subsec. (l)(3), “subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5” substituted for “the Administrative Procedure Act” on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, § 7(b),
2010—Subsec. (u). Pub. L. 111–260, § 203(a), amended subsec. (u) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (u) read as follows: “Require that apparatus designed to receive television pictures broadcast simultaneously with sound be equipped with built-in decoder circuitry designed to display closed-captioned television transmissions when such apparatus is manufactured in the United States or imported for use in the United States, and its television picture screen is 13 inches or greater in size.”
Subsec. (z). Pub. L. 111–260, § 203(b), added subsec. (z).
Subsec. (aa). Pub. L. 111–260, § 204(a), added subsec. (aa).
Subsec. (aa)(3). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(12), substituted “for activating” for “by activating”.
Subsec. (bb). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(15), struck out concluding provisions which read as follows: “With respect to apparatus features and functions delivered in software, the requirements set forth in this subsection shall apply to the manufacturer of such software. With respect to apparatus features and functions delivered in hardware, the requirements set forth in this subsection shall apply to the manufacturer of such hardware.”
Pub. L. 111–260, § 205(a), added subsec. (bb).
Subsec. (bb)(3). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(13)–(15), added par. (3).
1997—Subsec. (y). Pub. L. 105–33 added subsec. (y).
1996—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(g), struck out “, after a public hearing,” after “unless”.
Subsec. (v). Pub. L. 104–104, § 205(b), added subsec. (v).
Subsec. (w). Pub. L. 104–104, § 551(b)(1), which did not become effective, directed the insertion of subsec. (w) reading as follows: “Prescribe—
“(1) on the basis of recommendations from an advisory committee established by the Commission in accordance with section 551(b)(2) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, guidelines and recommended procedures for the identification and rating of video programming that contains sexual, violent, or other indecent material about which parents should be informed before it is displayed to children: Provided, That nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to authorize any rating of video programming on the basis of its political or religious content; and
“(2) with respect to any video programming that has been rated, and in consultation with the television industry, rules requiring distributors of such video programming to transmit such rating to permit parents to block the display of video programming that they have determined is inappropriate for their children.”
See Codification note above and Effective Date of 1996 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (x). Pub. L. 104–104, § 551(c), added subsec. (x).
1992—Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 102–538 inserted “, and the tower owner in any case in which the owner is not the permittee or licensee,” after “permittee or licensee”.
1990—Subsec. (l)(3). Pub. L. 101–396 substituted “multilateral or bilateral agreement, to which the United States and the alien’s government are parties,” for “bilateral agreement between the United States and the alien’s government”.
Subsec. (u). Pub. L. 101–431 added subsec. (u).
1982—Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 97–259, § 109, substituted “persons who are found to be qualified by the commission and who otherwise are legally eligible for employment in the United States” for “such citizens or nationals of the United States, or citizens of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands presenting valid identity certificates issued by the High Commissioner of such Territory, as the Commission finds qualified”, and substituted provision that the requirement relating to eligibility for employment in the United States shall not apply in the case of licenses issued by the Commission to (A) persons holding United States pilot certificates; or (B) persons holding foreign aircraft pilot certificates which are valid in the United States, if the foreign government involved has entered into a reciprocal agreement under which such foreign government does not impose any similar requirement relating to eligibility for employment upon citizens of the United States for provision that in issuing licenses for the operation of radio stations on aircraft the Commission, if it found that the public interest would be served thereby, could waive the requirement of citizenship in the case of persons holding United States pilot certificates or in the case of persons holding foreign aircraft pilot certificates which were valid in the United States on the basis of reciprocal agreements entered into with foreign governments.
Subsec. (m)(1)(A). Pub. L. 97–259, § 110, inserted “, or caused, aided, or abetted the violation of,” after “violated”.
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 97–259, § 113(b), inserted “, or which the Commission by rule has authorized to operate without a license under section 307(e)(1) of this title,” after “licensed by any Act”.
Subsec. (t). Pub. L. 97–259, § 111(a), added subsec. (t).
1974—Subsec. (l)(2). Pub. L. 93–505 substituted provisions relating to issuance, notwithstanding par. (1) of this subsection, to an individual to whom a radio station is licensed under this chapter of an operator’s license to operate that station, for provisions relating to issuance by the Commission of authorizations, under terms and conditions, for aliens licensed as amateur radio operators by their governments to operate in the United States, possessions, and Puerto Rico upon meeting specified preconditions.
Subsec. (l)(3). Pub. L. 93–505 substituted provisions relating to issuance of authorizations for aliens licensed by their governments as amateur radio operators to operate their radio stations in the United States, possessions, and Puerto Rico, under terms and conditions prescribed by the Commission and upon meeting specified preconditions, for provisions relating to issuance of licenses by the Commission, notwithstanding par. (1) of this subsection, to aliens admitted to the United States as permanent residents.
1971—Subsec. (l)(3). Pub. L. 92–81 added par. (3).
1965—Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 89–268 required abandoned or unused radio towers to continue to meet the same painting and lighting requirements that would be applicable if such towers were being used in connection with transmission of radio energy pursuant to a license issued by the Commission and authorized the Commission to direct dismantlement of such towers when the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Agency determines that there is a reasonable possibility that they may constitute a menace to air navigation.
1964—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 88–487 inserted “or citizens of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands presenting valid identity certificates issued by the High Commissioner of such Territory”.
Pub. L. 88–313 designated existing provisions of subsec. (l) as par. (1), and added par. (2).
1962—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 87–445 inserted “or nationals” after “citizens”.
Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 87–529 added subsec. (s).
1958—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 85–817 authorized Commission to waive citizenship requirement in issuing licenses for operation of radio stations on aircraft.
1937—Subsecs. (m), (n). Act
Subsec. (r). Act
Pub. L. 104–104, title V, § 551(e),
Pub. L. 102–538, title II, § 210(c),
Pub. L. 101–431, § 5,
Pub. L. 111–260, title II, § 203(d), (e),
[For definitions of terms used in section 203(d), (e) of Pub. L. 111–260, set out above, see section 206 of Pub. L. 111–260, set out as a note under section 153 of this title.]
Pub. L. 111–260, title II, § 204(b)–(d),
[For definitions of terms used in section 204(b)–(d) of Pub. L. 111–260, set out above, see section 206 of Pub. L. 111–260, set out as a note under section 153 of this title.]
Pub. L. 111–260, title II, § 205(b),
[For definitions of terms used in section 205(b) of Pub. L. 111–260, set out above, see section 206 of Pub. L. 111–260, set out as a note under section 153 of this title.]
Pub. L. 101–431, § 6,
Pub. L. 100–459, title VI, § 608,
Pub. L. 118–85, “This Act may be cited as the ‘Launch Communications Act’.
Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIV [LXXXIV], § 8416,
Pub. L. 111–371, “This Act may be cited as the ‘Local Community Radio Act of 2010’. “ ‘Sec. 632. (a) The Federal Communications Commission shall modify the rules authorizing the operation of low-power FM radio stations, as proposed in MM Docket No. 99–25, to— “ ‘(1) prescribe protection for co-channels and first- and second-adjacent channels; and “ ‘(2) prohibit any applicant from obtaining a low-power FM license if the applicant has engaged in any manner in the unlicensed operation of any station in violation of section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301). “ ‘(b) Any license that was issued by the Federal Communications Commission to a low-power FM station prior to “The Federal Communications Commission shall comply with its existing minimum distance separation requirements for full-service FM stations, FM translator stations, and FM booster stations that broadcast radio reading services via an analog subcarrier frequency to avoid potential interference by low-power FM stations. “The Federal Communications Commission shall modify its rules to address the potential for predicted interference to FM translator input signals on third-adjacent channels set forth in section 2.7 of the technical report entitled ‘Experimental Measurements of the Third-Adjacent Channel Impacts of Low-Power FM Stations, Volume One—Final Report (May 2003)’.
Pub. L. 104–104, title II, § 202, [Amended section 533(a) of this title.]”
Pub. L. 104–104, title II, § 207,
Pub. L. 104–104, title V, § 551(a),
Pub. L. 104–104, title V, § 551(b)(2),
Pub. L. 104–104, title V, § 552,
Pub. L. 102–538, title II, § 214,
Pub. L. 102–356, § 16(a),
Pub. L. 101–431, § 2,
Pub. L. 98–214, § 9,
The Commission shall, within 30 days after
Except as provided in subsection (c), the standards prescribed under subsection (a) shall include the requirement that each commercial television broadcast licensee shall limit the duration of advertising in children’s television programming to not more than 10.5 minutes per hour on weekends and not more than 12 minutes per hour on weekdays.
As used in this section, the term “commercial television broadcast licensee” includes a cable operator, as defined in section 522 of this title.
Section was enacted as part of the Children’s Television Act of 1990, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
Pub. L. 101–437, title I, § 101,
Section was enacted as part of the Children’s Television Act of 1990, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–414 substituted “noncommercial” for “noncommerical”.
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–356 inserted reference to commercial or noncommercial television broadcast licenses.
This section may be cited as the “Television Program Improvement Act of 1990”.
The antitrust laws shall not apply to any joint discussion, consideration, review, action, or agreement by or among persons in the television industry for the purpose of, and limited to, developing and disseminating voluntary guidelines designed to alleviate the negative impact of violence in telecast material.
Section was enacted as part of the Television Program Improvement Act of 1990 and also as part of the Judicial Improvements Act of 1990, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
No station license shall be granted by the Commission until the applicant therefor shall have waived any claim to the use of any particular frequency or of the electromagnetic spectrum as against the regulatory power of the United States because of the previous use of the same, whether by license or otherwise.
1992—Pub. L. 102–538 substituted “waived” for “signed a waiver of”.
1982—Pub. L. 97–259 substituted “electromagnetic spectrum” for “ether”.
Radio stations belonging to and operated by the United States shall not be subject to the provisions of sections 301 and 303 of this title. All such Government stations shall use such frequencies as shall be assigned to each or to each class by the President. All such stations, except stations on board naval and other Government vessels while at sea or beyond the limits of the continental United States, when transmitting any radio communication or signal other than a communication or signal relating to Government business, shall conform to such rules and regulations designed to prevent interference with other radio stations and the rights of others as the Commission may prescribe.
All stations owned and operated by the United States, except mobile stations of the Army of the United States, and all other stations on land and sea, shall have special call letters designated by the Commission.
The provisions of sections 301 and 303 of this title notwithstanding, the President may, provided he determines it to be consistent with and in the interest of national security, authorize a foreign government, under such terms and conditions as he may prescribe, to construct and operate at the seat of government of the United States a low-power radio station in the fixed service at or near the site of the embassy or legation of such foreign government for transmission of its messages to points outside the United States, but only (1) where he determines that the authorization would be consistent with the national interest of the United States and (2) where such foreign government has provided reciprocal privileges to the United States to construct and operate radio stations within territories subject to its jurisdiction. Foreign government stations authorized pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall conform to such rules and regulations as the President may prescribe. The authorization of such stations, and the renewal, modification, suspension, revocation, or other termination of such authority shall be in accordance with such procedures as may be established by the President and shall not be subject to the other provisions of this chapter or of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
In subsec. (c), “subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5” substituted for “the Administrative Procedure Act” on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, § 7(b),
1996—Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 104–104 redesignated subsecs. (c) and (d) as (b) and (c), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: “Radio stations on board vessels of the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation or the Inland and Coastwise Waterways Service shall be subject to the provisions of this subchapter.”
1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–31 substituted “Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation” for “United States Shipping Board Bureau or the United States Shipping Board Merchant Fleet Corporation”. For prior transfers of functions, see Transfer of Functions note set out below.
1962—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 87–795 added subsec. (d).
For transfer of functions of United States Shipping Board Bureau and United States Shipping Board Merchant Fleet Corporation, see Ex. Ord. No. 6166, set out under section 901 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, act June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title II, §§ 203, 204, title IX, § 904, 49 Stat. 1987, 2016, and Reorg. Plan No. 6 of 1949, Reorg. Plan No. 21 of 1950, and Reorg. Plan No. 7 of 1961, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.
Prepared by the President and Transmitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress Assembled,
The functions relating to assigning frequencies to radio stations belonging to and operated by the United States, or to classes thereof, conferred upon the President by the provisions of section 305(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. 305(a), are hereby transferred to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy hereinafter provided for.
There is hereby established in the Executive Office of the President the Office of Telecommunications Policy, hereinafter referred to as the Office.
(a) There shall be at the head of the Office the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy, hereinafter referred to as the Director. The Director shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and shall be compensated at the rate now or hereafter provided for Level III of the Executive Schedule Pay Rates (5 U.S.C. 5314).
(b) There shall be in the Office a Deputy Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and shall be compensated at the rate now or hereafter provided for Level IV of the Executive Schedule Pay Rates (5 U.S.C. 5315). The Deputy Director shall perform such functions as the Director may from time to time prescribe and, unless the President shall designate another person to so act, shall act as Director during the absence or disability of the Director or in the event of vacancy in the office of Director.
(c) No person shall while holding office as Director or Deputy Director engage in any other business, vocation, or employment.
(a) The Director may appoint employees necessary for the work of the Office under the classified civil service and fix their compensation in accordance with the classification laws.
(b) The Director may from time to time make such provisions as he shall deem appropriate authorizing the performance of any function transferred to him hereunder by any other officer, or by any organizational entity or employee, of the Office.
That office of Assistant Director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness held by the Director of Telecommunications Management under Executive Order No. 10995 of
(a) So much of the personnel, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations, allocations, and other funds employed, held, or used by, or available or to be made available to, the Office of Emergency Preparedness in connection with functions affected by the provisions of this reorganization plan as the Director of the Bureau of the Budget shall determine shall be transferred to the Office of Telecommunications Policy at such time or times as he shall direct.
(b) Such further measures and dispositions as the Director of the Bureau of the Budget shall deem to be necessary in order to effectuate the transfers provided for in subsection (a) of this section shall be carried out in such manner as he shall direct and by such agencies as he shall designate.
The President may authorize any person who immediately prior to the effective date of this reorganization plan holds a position in the Executive Office of the President to act as Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy until the office of Director is for the first time filled pursuant to the provisions of section 3 of this reorganization plan or by recess appointment, as the case may be. The President may authorize any person who serves in an acting capacity under the foregoing provisions of this section to receive the compensation attached to the office of Director. Such compensation, if authorized, shall be in lieu of, but not in addition to, other compensation from the United States to which such person may be entitled.
[The Office of Telecommunications Policy was abolished and its functions transferred to the President and the Secretary of Commerce by secs. 3 and 5 of Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1977, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.]
To the Congress of the United States:
We live in a time when the technology of telecommunications is undergoing rapid change which will dramatically affect the whole of our society. It has long been recognized that the executive branch of the Federal government should be better equipped to deal with the issues which arise from telecommunications growth. As the largest single user of the nation’s telecommunications facilities, the Federal government must also manage its internal communications operations in the most effective manner possible.
Accordingly, I am today transmitting to the Congress Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1970, prepared in accordance with chapter 9 of title 5 of the United States Code.
That plan would establish a new Office of Telecommunications Policy in the Executive Office of the President. The new unit would be headed by a Director and a Deputy Director who would be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The existing office held by the Director of Telecommunications Management in the Office of Emergency Preparedness would be abolished.
In addition to the functions which are transferred to it by the reorganization plan, the new Office would perform certain other duties which I intend to assign to it by Executive order as soon as the reorganization plan takes effect. That order would delegate to the new Office essentially those functions which are now assigned to the Director of Telecommunications Management. The Office of Telecommunications Policy would be assisted in its research and analysis responsibilities by the agencies and departments of the Executive Branch including another new office, located in the Department of Commerce.
The new Office of Telecommunications Policy would play three essential roles:
1. It would serve as the President’s principal adviser on telecommunications policy, helping to formulate government policies concerning a wide range of domestic and international telecommunications issues and helping to develop plans and programs which take full advantage of the nation’s technological capabilities. The speed of economic and technological advance in our time means that new questions concerning communications are constantly arising, questions on which the government must be well informed and well advised. The new Office will enable the President and all government officials to share more fully in the experience, the insights, and the forecasts of government and non-government experts.
2. The Office of Telecommunications Policy would help formulate policies and coordinate operations for the Federal government’s own vast communications systems. It would, for example, set guidelines for the various departments and agencies concerning their communications equipment and services. It would regularly review the ability of government communications systems to meet the security needs of the nation and to perform effectively in time of emergency. The Office would direct the assignment of those portions of the radio spectrum which are reserved for government use, carry out responsibilities conferred on the President by the Communications Satellite Act, advise State and local governments, and provide policy direction for the National Communications System.
3. Finally, the new Office would enable the executive branch to speak with a clearer vote and to act as a more effective partner in discussions of communications policy with both the Congress and the Federal Communications Commission. This action would take away none of the prerogatives or functions assigned to the Federal Communications Commission by the Congress. It is my hope, however, that the new Office and the Federal Communications Commission would cooperate in achieving certain reforms in telecommunications policy, especially in their procedures for allocating portions of the radio spectrum for government and civilian use. Our current procedures must be more flexible if they are to deal adequately with problems such as the worsening spectrum shortage.
Each reorganization included in the plan which accompanies this message is necessary to accomplish one or more of the purposes set forth in section 901(a) of title 5 of the United States Code. In particular, the plan is responsive to section 901(a)(1), “to promote the better execution of the laws, the more effective management of the executive branch and of its agencies and functions, and the expeditious administration of the public business;” and section 901(a)(3), “to increase the efficiency of the operations of the government to the fullest extent practicable.”
The reorganization provided for in this plan make necessary the appointment and compensation of new officers, as specified in sections 3(a) and 3(b) of the plan. The rates of compensation fixed for these officers are comparable to those fixed for other officers in the executive branch who have similar responsibilities.
This plan should result in the more efficient operation of the government. It is not practical, however, to itemize or aggregate the exact expenditure reductions which will result from this action.
The public interest requires that government policies concerning telecommunications be formulated with as much sophistication and vision as possible. This reorganization plan—and the executive order which would follow it—are necessary instruments if the government is to respond adequately to the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid pace of change in communications. I urge that the Congress allow this plan to become effective so that these necessary reforms can be accomplished.
Ex. Ord. No. 10995, eff.
Ex. Ord. No. 11556,
Ex. Ord. No. 12046,
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including Section 7 of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1977 (42 FR 56101 (
1–101. The transfer of all the functions of the Office of Telecommunications Policy and of its Director, as provided by Section 5B of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1977 (42 FR 56101), is hereby effective.
1–102. The abolition of the Office of Telecommunications Policy, as provided by Section 3C of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1977, is hereby effective.
1–103. The establishment of an Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, Department of Commerce, as provided by Section 4 of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1977, is hereby effective.
1–201. Prior to the effective date of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1977, the Office of Telecommunications Policy and its Director had the functions set forth or referenced by: (1) Section 1 of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1970 (5 U.S.C. App.), (2) Executive Order No. 11556 of
1–202. So much of those functions which relate to the preparation of Presidential telecommunications policy options or to the disposition of appeals from assignments of radio frequencies to stations of the United States Government were transferred to the President. These functions may be delegated within the Executive Office of the President and the delegations are set forth in this Order at Sections 3–1 through 4–3.
1–203. Those telecommunications functions which were not transferred to the President were transferred to the Secretary of Commerce. Functions transferred to the Secretary are set forth in this Order at Sections 2–1 through 2–5.
2–101. The authority of the President to assign frequencies to radio stations or to classes of radio stations belonging to and operated by the United States, including the authority to amend, modify, or revoke such assignments, was transferred to the Secretary of Commerce.
2–102. This authority, which was originally vested in the President by Section 305(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (47 U.S.C. 305(a)), was transferred and assigned to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy by Section 1 of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1970 and Section 3 of Executive Order No. 11556.
2–103. The authority to assign frequencies to radio stations is subject to the authority to dispose of appeals from frequency assignments as set forth in Section 3–2 of this Order.
2–201. The authority to authorize a foreign government to construct and operate a radio station at the seat of government of the United States was transferred to the Secretary of Commerce. Authorization for the construction and operation of a radio station pursuant to this authority and the assignment of a frequency for its use can be made only upon recommendation of the Secretary of State and after consultation with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
2–202. This authority, which was originally vested in the President by Section 305(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (47 U.S.C. 305), was delegated to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy by Section 5 of Executive Order No. 11556.
2–301. Certain functions relating to the communications satellite system were transferred to the Secretary of Commerce. Those functions were delegated or assigned to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy by Executive Order No. 11191, as amended by Executive Order No. 11556. The functions include authority vested in the President by Section 201(a) of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 (76 Stat. 421, 47 U.S.C. 721(a)). These functions are specifically set forth in the following provisions of this Section.
(a) Aid in the planning and development of the commercial communications satellite system and aid in the execution of a national program for the operation of such a system.
(b) Conduct a continuous review of all phases of the development and operation of such system, including the activities of the Corporation.
(c) Coordinate, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the activities of governmental agencies with responsibilities in the field of telecommunications, so as to insure that there is full and effective compliance at all times with the policies set forth in the Act [47 U.S.C. 701 et seq.].
(d) Make recommendations to the President and others as appropriate, with respect to all steps necessary to insure the availability and appropriate utilization of the communications satellite system for general government purposes in consonance with Section 201(a)(6) of the Act [47 U.S.C. 721(a)(6)].
(e) Help attain coordinated and efficient use of the electromagnetic spectrum and the technical compatibility of the communications satellite system with existing communications facilities both in the United States and abroad.
(f) Assist in the preparation of Presidential action documents for consideration by the President as may be appropriate under Section 201(a) of the Act, make necessary recommendations to the President in connection therewith, and keep the President currently informed with respect to the carrying out of the Act.
(g) Serve as the chief point of liaison between the President and the Corporation.
(h) The Secretary of Commerce shall timely submit to the President each year the report (including evaluations and recommendations) provided for in Section 404(a) of the Act (47 U.S.C. 744(a)).
(i) The Secretary of Commerce shall coordinate the performance of these functions with the Secretary of State. The Corporation and other concerned Executive agencies shall provide the Secretary of Commerce with such assistance, documents, and other cooperation as will enable the Secretary to carry out these functions.
Certain functions assigned, subject to the authority and control of the President to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy by Section 2 of Executive Order No. 11556 were transferred to the Secretary of Commerce. These functions, subject to the authority and control of the President, are set forth in the following subsections.
2–401. The Secretary of Commerce shall serve as the President’s principal adviser on telecommunications policies pertaining to the Nation’s economic and technological advancement and to the regulation of the telecommunications industry.
2–402. The Secretary of Commerce shall advise the Director of the Office of Management and Budget on the development of policies relating to the procurement and management of Federal telecommunications systems.
2–403. The Secretary of Commerce shall conduct studies and evaluations concerning telecommunications research and development, and concerning the initiation, improvement, expansion, testing, operation, and use of Federal telecommunications systems. The Secretary shall advise appropriate agencies, including the Office of Management and Budget, of the recommendations which result from such studies and evaluations.
2–404. The Secretary of Commerce shall develop and set forth, in coordination with the Secretary of State and other interested agencies, plans, policies, and programs which relate to international telecommunications issues, conferences, and negotiations. The Secretary of Commerce shall coordinate economic, technical, operational and related preparations for United States participation in international telecommunications conferences and negotiations. The Secretary shall provide advice and assistance to the Secretary of State on international telecommunications policies to strengthen the position and serve the best interests of the United States, in support of the Secretary of State’s responsibility for the conduct of foreign affairs.
2–405. The Secretary of Commerce shall provide for the coordination of the telecommunications activities of the Executive Branch, and shall assist in the formulation of policies and standards for those activities, including but not limited to considerations of interoperability, privacy, security, spectrum use and emergency readiness.
2–406. The Secretary of Commerce shall develop and set forth telecommunications policies pertaining to the Nation’s economic and technological advancement and to the regulation of the telecommunications industry.
2–407. The Secretary of Commerce shall ensure that the Executive Branch views on telecommunications matters are effectively presented to the Federal Communications Commission and, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to the Congress.
2–408. The Secretary of Commerce shall establish policies concerning spectrum assignments and use by radio stations belonging to and operated by the United States. Agencies shall consult with the Secretary of Commerce to ensure that their conduct of telecommunications activities is consistent with those policies.
2–409. The Secretary of Commerce shall develop, in cooperation with the Federal Communications Commission, a comprehensive long-range plan for improved management of all electromagnetic spectrum resources.
2–410. The Secretary of Commerce shall conduct studies and make recommendations concerning the impact of the convergence of computer and communications technology.
2–411. The Secretary of Commerce shall coordinate Federal telecommunications assistance to State and local governments, except as otherwise provided by Executive Order No. 12472 [set out as a note under section 5195 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare].
2–412. The Secretary of Commerce shall conduct and coordinate economic and technical analyses of telecommunications policies, activities, and opportunities in support of assigned responsibilities.
2–413. The Secretary of Commerce shall contract for studies and reports related to any aspect of assigned responsibilities.
2–414. [Revoked. Ex. Ord. No. 12472,
2–501. The authority to establish coordinating committees, as assigned to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy by Section 10 of Executive Order No. 11556, was transferred to the Secretary of Commerce.
2–502. As permitted by law, the Secretary of Commerce shall establish such interagency committees and working groups composed of representatives of interested agencies, and shall consult with such departments and agencies as may be necessary for the most effective performance of his functions. To the extent he deems it necessary to continue the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee, that Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Secretary. As permitted by law, the Secretary also shall establish one or more telecommunications advisory committees composed of experts in the telecommunications area outside the Government.
3–101. The responsibility for serving as the President’s principal adviser on procurement and management of Federal telecommunications systems and the responsibility for developing and establishing policies for procurement and management of such systems, which responsibilities were assigned to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy subject to the authority and control of the President by Section 2(b) of Executive Order No. 11556, were transferred to the President.
3–102. These functions are delegated to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
3–201. The authority to make final disposition of appeals from frequency assignments by the Secretary of Commerce for radio stations belonging to and operated by the United States, which authority was vested in the President by Section 305(a) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 305(a)) and transferred to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy by Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1970 (5 U.S.C. App.), was transferred to the President.
3–202. This function is delegated to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
4–101. The war power functions of the President under Section 606 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (47 U.S.C. 606), which were delegated to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy by the Provisions of Section 4 of Executive Order No. 10705, were transferred to the President.
4–102. [Revoked. Ex. Ord. No. 12472,
4–103. [Revoked. Ex. Ord. No. 12472,
4–201. The responsibility for policy direction of the development and operation of a National Communications System, which was assigned to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy by the Presidential Memorandum of
4–202. [Revoked. Ex. Ord. No. 12472,
4–301. The function of coordinating the development of policy, plans, programs, and standards for the mobilization and use of the Nation’s telecommunications resources in any emergency, which function was assigned to the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Policy subject to the authority and control of the President by Section 2(h) of the Executive Order No. 11556, was transferred to the President.
4–302. [Revoked. Ex. Ord. No. 12472,
5–101. The Secretary of Commerce shall continue to perform the following functions previously assigned by Section 13 of Executive Order No. 11556:
(a) Perform analysis, engineering, and administrative functions, including the maintenance of necessary files and data bases, as necessary in the performance of assigned responsibilities for the management of electromagnetic spectrum.
(b) Conduct research and analysis of electromagnetic propagation, radio systems characteristics, and operating techniques affecting the utilization of the electromagnetic spectrum in coordination with specialized, related research and analysis performed by other Federal agencies in their areas of responsibility.
(c) Conduct research and analysis in the general field of telecommunications sciences in support of assigned functions and in support of other Government agencies.
5–102. The Secretary of Commerce shall participate, as appropriate, in evaluating the capability of telecommunications resources, in recommending remedial actions, and in developing policy options.
5–201. With respect to telecommunications, the Secretary of State shall exercise primary authority for the conduct of foreign policy, including the determination of United States positions and the conduct of United States participation in negotiations with foreign governments and international bodies. In exercising this responsibility the Secretary of State shall coordinate with other agencies as appropriate, and, in particular, shall give full consideration to the Federal Communications Commission’s regulatory and policy responsibility in this area.
5–202. The Secretary of State shall continue to perform the following functions previously assigned by Executive Order No. 11191, as amended:
(a) Exercise the supervision provided for in Section 201(a)(4) of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962, as amended (47 U.S.C. 721(a)(4)), be responsible, although the Secretary of Commerce is the chief point of liaison, for instructing the Communications Satellite Corporation in its role as the designated United States representative to the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization; and direct the foreign relations of the United States with respect to actions under the Communications Satellite Act of 1962, as amended [section 701 et seq. of this title].
(b) Coordinate, in accordance with the applicable interagency agreements, the performance of these functions with the Secretary of Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission, other concerned Executive agencies, and the Communications Satellite Corporation (see 47 U.S.C. 731–735). The Corporation and other concerned Executive agencies shall provide the Secretary of State with such assistance, documents, and other cooperation as will enable the Secretary to carry out these functions.
6–101. [Revoked. Ex. Ord. No. 12472,
6–102. The primary responsibility for performing all administrative support and service functions that are related to functions transferred from the Office of Telecommunications Policy and its Director to the President, including those functions delegated or assigned within the Executive Office of the President, are transferred to the Office of Administration. The Domestic Policy Staff shall perform such functions related to the preparation of Presidential telecommunications policy options as the President may from time to time direct.
6–103. The records, property, personnel, and unexpended balances of appropriations, available or to be made available, which relate to the functions transferred, assigned, or delegated as provided in this Order are hereby transferred as appropriate.
6–104. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall make such determinations, issue such orders, and take all actions necessary or appropriate to effectuate the transfers or reassignments provided in this Order, including the transfer of funds, records, property, and personnel.
In order to reflect the transfers provided by this Order, the following conforming amendments and revocations are ordered:
6–201. Section 306 of Executive Order No. 11051, as amended [former 50 U.S.C. App. 2271 note], is further amended to read:
“Sec. 306. Emergency telecommunications. The Administrator of General Services shall be responsible for coordinating with the National Security Council in planning for the mobilization of the Nation’s telecommunications resources in time of national emergency.”.
6–202. Executive Order No. 11490, as amended [former 50 U.S.C. App. 2251 note] is further amended by:
(1) substituting “National Security Council” for “Office of Telecommunications Policy (35 FR 6421)” in Section 401(27), and
(2) substituting the number of this Order for “11556” and deleting references to Executive Order No. 10705 [47 U.S.C. 606 note] in Sections 1802 and 2002(3).
6–203. Executive Order No. 11725, as amended [former 50 U.S.C. App. 2271 note], is further amended by substituting the number and date of this Order for the reference to Executive Order No. 11556 of
6–204. Executive Orders No. 10705, as amended [47 U.S.C. 606 note], No. 11191, as amended [47 U.S.C. 721 note] and No. 11556, as amended, are revoked.
6–301. All Executive agencies to which functions are assigned pursuant to this Order shall issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry them out.
6–302. All Executive agencies are authorized and directed to cooperate with the departments and agencies to which functions are assigned pursuant to this Order and to furnish them such information, support and assistance, not inconsistent with law, as they may require in the performance of those functions.
6–303. (a) Nothing in this Order reassigns any function assigned any agency under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended [see chapters 1 to 11 of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, and division C (except sections 3302, 3307(e), 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of Title 41, Public Contracts], nor does anything in this Order impair the existing authority of the Administrator of General Services to provide and operate telecommunications services and to prescribe policies and methods of procurement, or impair the policy and oversight roles of the Office of Management and Budget.
(b) In carrying out the functions in this Order, the Secretary of Commerce shall coordinate activities as appropriate with the Federal Communications Commission and make appropriate recommendations to it as the regulator of the private sector. Nothing in this Order reassigns any function vested by law in the Federal Communications Commission.
6–304. This Order shall be effective
Section 301 of this title shall not apply to any person sending radio communications or signals on a foreign ship while the same is within the jurisdiction of the United States, but such communications or signals shall be transmitted only in accordance with such regulations designed to prevent interference as may be promulgated under the authority of this chapter.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The Commission, if public convenience, interest, or necessity will be served thereby, subject to the limitations of this chapter, shall grant to any applicant therefor a station license provided for by this chapter.
In considering applications for licenses, and modifications and renewals thereof, when and insofar as there is demand for the same, the Commission shall make such distribution of licenses, frequencies, hours of operation, and of power among the several States and communities as to provide a fair, efficient, and equitable distribution of radio service to each of the same.
Each license granted for the operation of a broadcasting station shall be for a term of not to exceed 8 years. Upon application therefor, a renewal of such license may be granted from time to time for a term of not to exceed 8 years from the date of expiration of the preceding license, if the Commission finds that public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served thereby. Consistent with the foregoing provisions of this subsection, the Commission may by rule prescribe the period or periods for which licenses shall be granted and renewed for particular classes of stations, but the Commission may not adopt or follow any rule which would preclude it, in any case involving a station of a particular class, from granting or renewing a license for a shorter period than that prescribed for stations of such class if, in its judgment, the public interest, convenience, or necessity would be served by such action.
In order to expedite action on applications for renewal of broadcasting station licenses and in order to avoid needless expense to applicants for such renewals, the Commission shall not require any such applicant to file any information which previously has been furnished to the Commission or which is not directly material to the considerations that affect the granting or denial of such application, but the Commission may require any new or additional facts it deems necessary to make its findings.
Pending any administrative or judicial hearing and final decision on such an application and the disposition of any petition for rehearing pursuant to section 405 or section 402 of this title, the Commission shall continue such license in effect.
No renewal of an existing station license in the broadcast or the common carrier services shall be granted more than thirty days prior to the expiration of the original license.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, (1) any holder of a broadcast license may broadcast to an area of Alaska that otherwise does not have access to over the air broadcasts via translator, microwave, or other alternative signal delivery even if another holder of a broadcast license begins broadcasting to such area, (2) any holder of a broadcast license who has broadcast to an area of Alaska that did not have access to over the air broadcasts via translator, microwave, or other alternative signal delivery may continue providing such service even if another holder of a broadcast license begins broadcasting to such area, and shall not be fined or subject to any other penalty, forfeiture, or revocation related to providing such service including any fine, penalty, forfeiture, or revocation for continuing to operate notwithstanding orders to the contrary.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (e), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2004—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 108–447, § 213(1), substituted “any administrative or judicial hearing” for “any hearing” and inserted “or section 402” after “section 405”.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–447, § 213(2), added subsec. (f).
1996—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–104, § 203, inserted heading and amended text generally, restructuring existing provisions into pars. (1) to (3) and substituting provisions providing 8 year term for licenses of broadcasting stations for provisions providing 5 year term for licenses of television broadcasting stations, 7 year term for licenses of radio broadcasting stations, and 10 year term for other broadcasting stations.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(i), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) read as follows:
“(1) Notwithstanding any licensing requirement established in this chapter, the Commission may by rule authorize the operation of radio stations without individual licenses in the radio control service and the citizens band radio service if the Commission determines that such authorization serves the public interest, convenience, and necessity.
“(2) Any radio station operator who is authorized by the Commission under paragraph (1) to operate without an individual license shall comply with all other provisions of this chapter and with rules prescribed by the Commission under this chapter.
“(3) For purposes of this subsection, the terms ‘radio control service’ and ‘citizens band radio service’ shall have the meanings given them by the Commission by rule.”
1982—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–259, § 112, redesignated subsec. (d) as (c), substituted “ten years” for “five years” after “station) shall be for a longer term than” and “term of not to exceed”, and inserted provision that the term of any license for the operation of any auxiliary broadcast station or equipment which can be used only in conjunction with a primary radio, television, or translator station shall be concurrent with the term of the license for such primary radio, television, or translator station. Former subsec. (c), which required the Commission to study proposal that Congress allocate fixed percentages of radio broadcasting facilities to nonprofit activities and report recommendations, with reasons, to Congress not later than
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–259, § 112(a), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (c).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–259, §§ 112(a), 113(a), added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (d).
1981—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–35 substituted provisions authorizing term of five years for a television broadcasting station license, seven years for a radio broadcasting station license, and five years for any other class of license, with comparable provisions for renewal, for provisions authorizing term of three years for a broadcasting station license, and five years for any other class of station license, with comparable provisions for renewal.
1962—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 87–439 inserted “in the broadcast or the common carrier services” before “shall be granted”.
1960—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 86–752 inserted last sentence dealing with the Commission’s authority to grant licenses for periods shorter than 3 years.
1952—Subsec. (d). Act
1936—Subsec. (b). Act
Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, § 1241(b),
The Commission may grant construction permits and station licenses, or modifications or renewals thereof, only upon written application therefor received by it: Provided, That (1) in cases of emergency found by the Commission involving danger to life or property or due to damage to equipment, or (2) during a national emergency proclaimed by the President or declared by the Congress and during the continuance of any war in which the United States is engaged and when such action is necessary for the national defense or security or otherwise in furtherance of the war effort, or (3) in cases of emergency where the Commission finds, in the nonbroadcast services, that it would not be feasible to secure renewal applications from existing licensees or otherwise to follow normal licensing procedure, the Commission may grant construction permits and station licenses, or modifications or renewals thereof, during the emergency so found by the Commission or during the continuance of any such national emergency or war, in such manner and upon such terms and conditions as the Commission shall by regulation prescribe, and without the filing of a formal application, but no authorization so granted shall continue in effect beyond the period of the emergency or war requiring it: Provided further, That the Commission may issue by cable, telegraph, or radio a permit for the operation of a station on a vessel of the United States at sea, effective in lieu of a license until said vessel shall return to a port of the continental United States.
All applications for station licenses, or modifications or renewals thereof, shall set forth such facts as the Commission by regulation may prescribe as to the citizenship, character, and financial, technical, and other qualifications of the applicant to operate the station; the ownership and location of the proposed station and of the stations, if any, with which it is proposed to communicate; the frequencies and the power desired to be used; the hours of the day or other periods of time during which it is proposed to operate the station; the purposes for which the station is to be used; and such other information as it may require. The Commission, at any time after the filing of such original application and during the term of any such license, may require from an applicant or licensee further written statements of fact to enable it to determine whether such original application should be granted or denied or such license revoked. Such application and/or such statement of fact shall be signed by the applicant and/or licensee in any manner or form, including by electronic means, as the Commission may prescribe by regulation.
The Commission in granting any license for a station intended or used for commercial communication between the United States or any Territory or possession, continental or insular, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and any foreign country, may impose any terms, conditions, or restrictions authorized to be imposed with respect to submarine-cable licenses by section 35 of this title.
Each applicant for the renewal of a commercial or noncommercial television license shall attach as an exhibit to the application a summary of written comments and suggestions received from the public and maintained by the licensee (in accordance with Commission regulations) that comment on the applicant’s programming, if any, and that are characterized by the commentor as constituting violent programming.
1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–104 added subsec. (d).
1994—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–414 made technical amendment to reference to section 35 of this title to correct reference to corresponding section of original act.
1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–538 inserted before period at end “in any manner or form, including by electronic means, as the Commission may prescribe by regulation”.
1962—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–444 struck out requirement that applications or statements of fact were to be signed under oath or affirmation.
1952—Subsec. (a). Act
Subsec. (b). Act
Pub. L. 104–104, title II, § 204(c),
Subject to the provisions of this section, the Commission shall determine, in the case of each application filed with it to which section 308 of this title applies, whether the public interest, convenience, and necessity will be served by the granting of such application, and, if the Commission, upon examination of such application and upon consideration of such other matters as the Commission may officially notice, shall find that public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by the granting thereof, it shall grant such application.
If, in the case of any application to which subsection (a) of this section applies, a substantial and material question of fact is presented or the Commission for any reason is unable to make the finding specified in such subsection, it shall formally designate the application for hearing on the ground or reasons then obtaining and shall forthwith notify the applicant and all other known parties in interest of such action and the grounds and reasons therefor, specifying with particularity the matters and things in issue but not including issues or requirements phrased generally. When the Commission has so designated an application for hearing the parties in interest, if any, who are not notified by the Commission of such action may acquire the status of a party to the proceeding thereon by filing a petition for intervention showing the basis for their interest not more than thirty days after publication of the hearing issues or any substantial amendment thereto in the Federal Register. Any hearing subsequently held upon such application shall be a full hearing in which the applicant and all other parties in interest shall be permitted to participate. The burden of proceeding with the introduction of evidence and the burden of proof shall be upon the applicant, except that with respect to any issue presented by a petition to deny or a petition to enlarge the issues, such burdens shall be as determined by the Commission.
When an application subject to subsection (b) has been filed, the Commission, notwithstanding the requirements of such subsection, may, if the grant of such application is otherwise authorized by law and if it finds that there are extraordinary circumstances requiring temporary operations in the public interest and that delay in the institution of such temporary operations would seriously prejudice the public interest, grant a temporary authorization, accompanied by a statement of its reasons therefor, to permit such temporary operations for a period not exceeding 180 days, and upon making like findings may extend such temporary authorization for additional periods not to exceed 180 days. When any such grant of a temporary authorization is made, the Commission shall give expeditious treatment to any timely filed petition to deny such application and to any petition for rehearing of such grant filed under section 405 of this title.
The Commission is authorized to adopt reasonable classifications of applications and amendments in order to effectuate the purposes of this section.
Such station licenses as the Commission may grant shall be in such general form as it may prescribe, but each license shall contain, in addition to other provisions, a statement of the following conditions to which such license shall be subject: (1) The station license shall not vest in the licensee any right to operate the station nor any right in the use of the frequencies designated in the license beyond the term thereof nor in any other manner than authorized therein; (2) neither the license nor the right granted thereunder shall be assigned or otherwise transferred in violation of this chapter; (3) every license issued under this chapter shall be subject in terms to the right of use or control conferred by section 606 of this title.
If, consistent with the obligations described in paragraph (6)(E), mutually exclusive applications are accepted for any initial license or construction permit, then, except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commission shall grant the license or permit to a qualified applicant through a system of competitive bidding that meets the requirements of this subsection.
No person shall be permitted to participate in a system of competitive bidding pursuant to this subsection unless such bidder submits such information and assurances as the Commission may require to demonstrate that such bidder’s application is acceptable for filing. No license shall be granted to an applicant selected pursuant to this subsection unless the Commission determines that the applicant is qualified pursuant to subsection (a) and sections 308(b) and 310 of this title. Consistent with the objectives described in paragraph (3), the Commission shall, by regulation, prescribe expedited procedures consistent with the procedures authorized by subsection (i)(2) for the resolution of any substantial and material issues of fact concerning qualifications.
In making a decision pursuant to section 303(c) of this title to assign a band of frequencies to a use for which licenses or permits will be issued pursuant to this subsection, and in prescribing regulations pursuant to paragraph (4)(C) of this subsection, the Commission may not base a finding of public interest, convenience, and necessity on the expectation of Federal revenues from the use of a system of competitive bidding under this subsection.
In prescribing regulations pursuant to paragraph (4)(A) of this subsection, the Commission may not base a finding of public interest, convenience, and necessity solely or predominantly on the expectation of Federal revenues from the use of a system of competitive bidding under this subsection.
Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Commission from continuing to consider consumer demand for spectrum-based services.
Except as provided in subparagraphs (B), (D), (E), (F), and (G), all proceeds from the use of a competitive bidding system under this subsection shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with chapter 33 of title 31.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the salaries and expenses account of the Commission shall retain as an offsetting collection such sums as may be necessary from such proceeds for the costs of developing and implementing the program required by this subsection. Such offsetting collections shall be available for obligation subject to the terms and conditions of the receiving appropriations account, and shall be deposited in such accounts on a quarterly basis. Such offsetting collections are authorized to remain available until expended.
Except as provided in clause (ii), cash proceeds attributable to the auction of any eligible frequencies described in section 113(g)(2) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 923(g)(2)) shall be deposited in the Spectrum Relocation Fund established under section 118 of such Act [47 U.S.C. 928], and shall be available in accordance with that section.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) and except as provided in subparagraph (B), in the case of proceeds (including deposits and upfront payments from successful bidders) attributable to the auction of eligible frequencies described in paragraph (2) of section 113(g) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act [47 U.S.C. 923(g)] that are required to be auctioned by section 1451(b)(1)(B) of this title, such portion of such proceeds as is necessary to cover the relocation or sharing costs (as defined in paragraph (3) of such section 113(g)) of Federal entities relocated from such eligible frequencies shall be deposited in the Spectrum Relocation Fund. The remainder of such proceeds shall be deposited in the Public Safety Trust Fund established by section 1457(a)(1) of this title.
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the proceeds (including deposits and upfront payments from successful bidders) from the use of a competitive bidding system under this subsection with respect to recovered analog spectrum shall be deposited in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund.
On
For purposes of clause (i), the term “recovered analog spectrum” has the meaning provided in paragraph (15)(C)(vi).
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) and except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (D)(ii), the proceeds (including deposits and upfront payments from successful bidders) from the use of a system of competitive bidding under this subsection pursuant to section 1451(b)(1)(B) of this title shall be deposited in the Public Safety Trust Fund established by section 1457(a)(1) of this title.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) and except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Commission may encourage a licensee to relinquish voluntarily some or all of its licensed spectrum usage rights in order to permit the assignment of new initial licenses subject to flexible-use service rules by sharing with such licensee a portion, based on the value of the relinquished rights as determined in the reverse auction required by clause (ii)(I), of the proceeds (including deposits and upfront payments from successful bidders) from the use of a competitive bidding system under this subsection.
At least 3 months before any incentive auction conducted under this subparagraph, the Chairman of the Commission, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress of the methodology for calculating the amounts that will be shared with licensees under clause (i).
Notwithstanding paragraph (6)(G), the Commission shall not award licenses pursuant to a preferential treatment accorded by the Commission to persons who make significant contributions to the development of a new telecommunications service or technology, except in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph.
The Commission shall require such person to pay the sum required by subparagraph (B) in a lump sum or in guaranteed installment payments, with or without royalty payments, over a period of not more than 5 years.
The authority of the Commission to provide preferential treatment in licensing procedures (by precluding the filing of mutually exclusive applications) to persons who make significant contributions to the development of a new service or to the development of new technologies that substantially enhance an existing service shall expire on
This paragraph shall be effective on
A full-power television broadcast license that authorizes analog television service may not be renewed to authorize such service for a period that extends beyond
Subject to the provisions of this subsection (including paragraph (11)), but notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission shall determine the timing of and deadlines for the conduct of competitive bidding under this subsection, including the timing of and deadlines for qualifying for bidding; conducting auctions; collecting, depositing, and reporting revenues; and completing licensing processes and assigning licenses.
Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the Commission shall not commence or conduct auctions 31 and 44 on
The entities that shall be eligible to bid in the auction of the C-block and D-block licenses described in clause (i) shall be those entities that were qualified entities, and that submitted applications to participate in auction 44, by
Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), the auction of the C-block and D-block licenses described in clause (i) shall be commenced no earlier than
Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), the Commission shall conduct the auction of the licenses for recovered analog spectrum by commencing the bidding not later than
Within one month after
The Commission shall revise the regulations prescribed under paragraph (4)(F) of this subsection to prescribe methods by which the total cash proceeds from any auction of eligible frequencies described in section 113(g)(2) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 923(g)(2)) shall at least equal 110 percent of the total estimated relocation or sharing costs provided to the Commission pursuant to section 113(g)(4) of such Act.
The Commission shall not conclude any auction of eligible frequencies described in section 113(g)(2) of such Act [47 U.S.C. 923(g)(2)] if the total cash proceeds attributable to such spectrum are less than 110 percent of the total estimated relocation or sharing costs provided to the Commission pursuant to section 113(g)(4) of such Act. If the Commission is unable to conclude an auction for the foregoing reason, the Commission shall cancel the auction, return within 45 days after the auction cancellation date any deposits from participating bidders held in escrow, and absolve such bidders from any obligation to the United States to bid in any subsequent reauction of such spectrum.
In any auction conducted under the regulations required by subparagraph (A), the Commission may grant a license assigned for the use of eligible frequencies prior to the termination of an eligible Federal entity’s authorization. However, the Commission shall condition such license by requiring that the licensee cannot cause harmful interference to such Federal entity until such entity’s authorization has been terminated by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Nothing in subparagraph (A) affects any authority the Commission has to adopt and enforce rules of general applicability, including rules concerning spectrum aggregation that promote competition.
If any licensee of a broadcast station fails to meet the requirements of this subsection, the Commission may deny the application for renewal in accordance with paragraph (3), or grant such application on terms and conditions as are appropriate, including renewal for a term less than the maximum otherwise permitted.
In making the determinations specified in paragraph (1) or (2), the Commission shall not consider whether the public interest, convenience, and necessity might be served by the grant of a license to a person other than the renewal applicant.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (h), (j)(4)(C), (6), and (k)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act, referred to in subsec. (j)(9)(B), is title I of Pub. L. 102–538,
2025—Subsec. (j)(11). Pub. L. 119–21 substituted “complete a system of competitive bidding under this subsection shall expire
2022—Subsec. (j)(11). Pub. L. 117–328 substituted “
Pub. L. 117–229 substituted “
Pub. L. 117–180 substituted “
2021—Subsec. (j)(11). Pub. L. 117–58 inserted before period at end “, and with respect to the electromagnetic spectrum identified under section 90008(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, such authority shall expire on the date that is 7 years after
2018—Subsec. (j)(8)(B). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(h)(2), struck out at end: “No sums may be retained under this subparagraph during any fiscal year beginning after
Subsec. (j)(8)(C). Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(b)(1), substituted “the Treasury.” for “an interest bearing account at a financial institution designated for purposes of this subsection by the Commission (after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury).” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(i). Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(b)(2)(A), substituted “deposited in the general fund of the Treasury (where such deposits shall be used for the sole purpose of deficit reduction)” for “paid to the Treasury”.
Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(b)(3), substituted “, and payments representing the return of such deposits shall not be subject to administrative offset under section 3716(c) of title 31.” for “; and”
Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(b)(2)(B), (4), struck out cl. (iii) which read as follows: “the interest accrued to the account shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, where such amount shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.”
Subsec. (j)(12). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(4)(A), struck out par. (12) which required the Commission to submit to Congress a report evaluating the use of competitive bidding systems.
Subsec. (j)(15)(C)(iv). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(4)(B), struck out cl. (iv) which required the Commission to submit to Congress a report related to the rescheduling of auctions 31 and 44 and progress made by the Commission in the digital television transition.
Subsec. (j)(18). Pub. L. 115–141, § 512(a), added par. (18).
2015—Subsec. (j)(11). Pub. L. 114–74 inserted before period at end “, except that, with respect to the electromagnetic spectrum identified under section 1004(a) of the Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2015, such authority shall expire on
2012—Subsec. (j)(3)(F). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(b), substituted “relocation or sharing costs” for “relocation costs”.
Subsec. (j)(8)(A). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6401(c)(1), substituted “(D), (E), (F), and (G),” for “(D), and (E),”.
Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(i). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6401(c)(2), substituted “subparagraphs (D)(ii), (E)(ii), (F), and (G)” for “subparagraph (E)(ii)”.
Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6601, amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, subcl. (iii) read as follows: “the interest accrued to the account shall be transferred to the Telecommunications Development Fund established pursuant to section 614 of this title.”
Subsec. (j)(8)(D). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6401(c)(3), substituted “Proceeds from reallocated Federal spectrum” for “Disposition of cash proceeds” in subpar. heading, designated existing provisions as cl. (i), inserted cl. heading, substituted “Except as provided in clause (ii), cash” for “Cash”, and added cl. (ii).
Subsec. (j)(8)(F). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6401(c)(4), added subpar. (F).
Subsec. (j)(8)(G). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6402, added subpar. (G).
Subsec. (j)(11). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6405, substituted “2022” for “2012”.
Subsec. (j)(16)(A), (B). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(b), substituted “relocation or sharing costs” for “relocation costs”.
Subsec. (j)(17). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6404, added par. (17).
2009—Subsec. (j)(11). Pub. L. 111–4, § 5, substituted “2012” for “2011”.
Subsec. (j)(14)(A). Pub. L. 111–4, § 2(b)(2), substituted “
2006—Subsec. (j)(8)(A). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3004(1), substituted “subparagraphs (B), (D), and (E)” for “subparagraph (B) or subparagraph (D)”.
Subsec. (j)(8)(C)(i). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3004(2), inserted “, except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (E)(ii)” before semicolon at end.
Subsec. (j)(8)(E). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3004(3), added subpar. (E).
Subsec. (j)(11). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3003(b), substituted “2011” for “2007”.
Subsec. (j)(14)(A). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(1), inserted “full-power” before “television broadcast license” and substituted “
Subsec. (j)(14)(B). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(2), (5), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which related to requirement of Commission to extend renewal period upon certain findings.
Subsec. (j)(14)(C). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(5), redesignated subpar. (D) as (C). Former subpar. (C) redesignated (B).
Subsec. (j)(14)(C)(i)(I). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(3), struck out “or (B)” after “pursuant to subparagraph (A)”.
Subsec. (j)(14)(D). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(5), redesignated subpar. (D) as (C).
Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(a)(4), substituted “subparagraph (B)(i)” for “subparagraph (C)(i)” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (j)(15). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3003(a)(2), added cls. (v) and (vi) to subpar. (C).
Pub. L. 109–171, § 3003(a)(1), redesignated par. (15) relating to special auction provisions for eligible frequencies as (16).
Subsec. (j)(16). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3003(a)(1), redesignated par. (15) relating to special auction provisions for eligible frequencies as (16).
2004—Subsec. (j)(3)(F). Pub. L. 108–494, § 203(a), added subpar. (F).
Subsec. (j)(8)(A). Pub. L. 108–494, § 203(c)(1), inserted “or subparagraph (D)” after “subparagraph (B)”.
Subsec. (j)(8)(D). Pub. L. 108–494, § 203(c)(2), added subpar. (D).
Subsec. (j)(15). Pub. L. 108–494, § 203(b), added par. (15) relating to special auction provisions for eligible frequencies.
2002—Subsec. (j)(14)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 107–195, § 3(b)(1), struck out at end “The Commission shall complete the assignment of such licenses, and report to the Congress the total revenues from such competitive bidding, by
Subsec. (j)(15). Pub. L. 107–195, § 3(a), added par. (15).
1997—Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(2)(A), added par. (1) and struck out heading and text of former par. (1). Text read as follows: “If—
“(A) there is more than one application for any initial license or construction permit which will involve a use of the electromagnetic spectrum; and
“(B) the Commission has determined that the use is not described in subsection (j)(2)(A) of this section;
then the Commission shall have the authority to grant such license or permit to a qualified applicant through the use of a system of random selection.”
Subsec. (i)(5). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(2)(B), added par. (5).
Subsec. (j)(1), (2). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(A), added pars. (1) and (2) and struck out former pars. (1) and (2) which read as follows:
“(1)
“(2)
“(A) the principal use of such spectrum will involve, or is reasonably likely to involve, the licensee receiving compensation from subscribers in return for which the licensee—
“(i) enables those subscribers to receive communications signals that are transmitted utilizing frequencies on which the licensee is licensed to operate; or
“(ii) enables those subscribers to transmit directly communications signals utilizing frequencies on which the licensee is licensed to operate; and
“(B) a system of competitive bidding will promote the objectives described in paragraph (3).”
Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(B)(i), inserted after second sentence of introductory provisions “The Commission shall, directly or by contract, provide for the design and conduct (for purposes of testing) of competitive bidding using a contingent combinatorial bidding system that permits prospective bidders to bid on combinations or groups of licenses in a single bid and to enter multiple alternative bids within a single bidding round.”
Subsec. (j)(3)(E). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(B)(ii)–(iv), added subpar. (E).
Subsec. (j)(4)(F). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(C), added subpar. (F).
Subsec. (j)(8)(B). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(D), struck out “Any funds appropriated to the Commission for fiscal years 1994 through 1998 for the purpose of assigning licenses using random selection under subsection (i) of this section shall be used by the Commission to implement this subsection.” after “quarterly basis.” and inserted at end “No sums may be retained under this subparagraph during any fiscal year beginning after
Subsec. (j)(11). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(E), substituted “2007” for “1998”.
Subsec. (j)(13)(F). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(1)(F), substituted “
Subsec. (j)(14). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3003, added par. (14).
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(a)(3), added subsec. (l).
1996—Subsec. (b)(2)(A) to (G). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(j), redesignated subpars. (B) to (G) as (A) to (F), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: “fixed point-to-point microwave stations (exclusive of control and relay stations used as integral parts of mobile radio systems),”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–104, § 204(a)(2), inserted “(or subsection (k) in the case of renewal of any broadcast station license)” after “with subsection (a)” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (j)(8)(B). Pub. L. 104–104, § 710(c), inserted at end “Such offsetting collections are authorized to remain available until expended.”
Subsec. (j)(8)(C). Pub. L. 104–104, § 707(a), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 104–104, § 204(a)(1), added subsec. (k).
1994—Subsec. (c)(2)(F). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(16), substituted “section 325(c)” for “section 325(b)”.
Subsec. (i)(4)(A). Pub. L. 103–414, § 304(a)(9), which directed substitution of “The Commission shall” for “The commission, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Communications Technical Amendments Act of 1982, shall”, was executed by making the substitution for “The Commission, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Communications Amendments Act of 1982, shall”, which for purposes of codification had been translated as “The Commission, not later than 180 days after
Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(17), substituted “date of the enactment of the Communications Amendments Act of 1982” for “date of the enactment of the Communications Technical Amendments Act of 1982”, which for purposes of codification had been translated as “
Subsec. (j)(13). Pub. L. 103–465 added par. (13).
1993—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 103–66, § 6002(b)(1), inserted subsec. heading, added par. (1), struck out former par. (1), and in par. (4), added subpar. (C). Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “If there is more than one application for any initial license or construction permit which will involve any use of the electromagnetic spectrum, then the Commission, after determining that each such application is acceptable for filing, shall have authority to grant such license or permit to a qualified applicant through the use of a system of random selection.”
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 103–66, § 6002(a), added subsec. (j).
1984—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 98–549 substituted “section 706” for “section 606” in the original to accommodate renumbering of sections in subchapter VI (section 601 et seq.) of this chapter by section 6(a) of Pub. L. 98–549. Because both sections translate as “section 606 of this title”, the amendment by section 6(b)(1) of Pub. L. 98–549 resulted in no change in text.
1982—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–259, § 114, substituted “temporary” for “emergency” wherever appearing, “additional periods” for “one additional period”, and “180 days” for “ninety days” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 97–259, § 115(a), substituted “application” for “applicant” after “more than one”, and “that each such application is acceptable for filing” for “the qualifications of each such applicant under section 308(b) of this title”.
Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 97–259, § 115(b), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: “The determination of the Commission under paragraph (1) with respect to the qualifications of applicants for an initial license or construction permit shall be made after notice and opportunity for a hearing, except that the provisions of section 409(c)(2) of this title shall not apply in the case of any such determination.”
Subsec. (i)(3)(A). Pub. L. 97–259, § 115(c)(1), substituted “used for granting licenses or construction permits for any media of mass communications, significant preferences will be granted to applicants or groups of applicants, the grant to which of the license or permit would increase the diversification of ownership of the media of mass communications. To further diversify the ownership of the media of mass communications, an additional significant preference shall be granted to any applicant controlled by a member or members of a minority group” for “, groups or organizations, or members of groups or organizations, which are underrepresented in the ownership of telecommunications facilities or properties will be granted significant preferences”.
Subsec. (i)(3)(C). Pub. L. 97–259, § 115(c)(2), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (i)(4)(A). Pub. L. 97–259, § 115(d), substituted “
1981—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 97–35 added subsec. (i).
1964—Subsec. (c)(2)(G). Pub. L. 88–307 inserted “not to exceed sixty days”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 88–306 substituted “not more than thirty days after publication of the hearing issues or any substantial amendment thereto in the Federal Register” for “at any time not less than ten days prior to the date of hearing”.
1960—Pub. L. 86–752 amended section generally to revise pre-grant procedure, and, among other changes, a public notice was substituted for a mandatory notice to applicants and interested parties before hearings upon applications; the Commission was required to hold applications for 30 days before acting upon them without hearings; interested parties were permitted to file petitions to deny applications before the Commission acted upon them without hearings, in lieu of 30 days after applications were granted; interested parties were required to support their petitions with “specific” allegations of fact; the Commission was permitted to dispense with formal hearings when there are “no substantial or material questions of fact,” subject to a requirement that it issue a “concise statement of the reasons” for its action.
1956—Subsec. (c). Act
1954—Subsec. (c). Act
1952—Act
Amendment by section 101(b) of Pub. L. 115–141 effective
Pub. L. 105–33, title III, § 3002(a)(5),
Amendment by section 204(a) of Pub. L. 104–104 applicable to applications filed after
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–549 effective 60 days after
Pub. L. 86–752, § 4(d)(1)–(3),
Pub. L. 119–21, title IV, § 40002, [Amended this section.]
Pub. L. 118–159, div. E, title LIV, §§ 5402–5404,
Pub. L. 118–27, “This Act may be cited as the ‘5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement Act’ or the ‘5G SALE Act’. “In the case of any applicant for a license or permit for the use of spectrum in the band of frequencies between 2496 megahertz and 2690 megahertz, inclusive, that the Federal Communications Commission selected through a system of competitive bidding conducted under section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)) on or before
Pub. L. 111–4, § 4,
Pub. L. 110–459, “This Act may be cited as the ‘Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act’. “As used in this Act, the term ‘emergency information’ has the meaning such term has under part 79 of the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (47 C.F.R. part 79).”
Pub. L. 109–171, title III, [Amended this section.] [Amended section 337 of this title.] [Amended this section.] [Amended this section.] “The Assistant Secretary shall make payments of not to exceed $156,000,000, in the aggregate, during the fiscal year 2007 through 2012 period from the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund established under section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)) to implement a unified national alert system capable of alerting the public, on a national, regional, or local basis to emergency situations by using a variety of communications technologies. The Assistant Secretary shall use $50,000,000 of such amounts to implement a tsunami warning and coastal vulnerability program. “In addition to any fees assessed under the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.), the Federal Communications Commission shall assess extraordinary fees for licenses in the aggregate amount of $10,000,000, which shall be deposited in the Treasury during fiscal year 2006 as offsetting receipts.”
[Pub. L. 111–4, § 3(d),
Pub. L. 107–195, § 2,
Pub. L. 107–195, § 4,
Pub. L. 107–195, § 5,
Pub. L. 105–33, title III, § 3007,
Pub. L. 105–33, title III, § 3008,
Pub. L. 103–66, title VI, § 6002(d)(1), (2),
Pub. L. 103–66, title VI, § 6002(e),
Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, § 1242(b),
Not later than
Section is comprised of section 512 of div. P of Pub. L. 115–141. Subsec. (a) of section 512 of div. P of Pub. L. 115–141 amended section 309 of this title.
The station license required under this chapter shall not be granted to or held by any foreign government or the representative thereof.
In addition to amateur station licenses which the Commission may issue to aliens pursuant to this chapter, the Commission may issue authorizations, under such conditions and terms as it may prescribe, to permit an alien licensed by his government as an amateur radio operator to operate his amateur radio station licensed by his government in the United States, its possessions, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico provided there is in effect a multilateral or bilateral agreement, to which the United States and the alien’s government are parties, for such operation on a reciprocal basis by United States amateur radio operators. Other provisions of this chapter and of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5 shall not be applicable to any request or application for or modification, suspension, or cancellation of any such authorization.
No construction permit or station license, or any rights thereunder, shall be transferred, assigned, or disposed of in any manner, voluntarily or involuntarily, directly or indirectly, or by transfer of control of any corporation holding such permit or license, to any person except upon application to the Commission and upon finding by the Commission that the public interest, convenience, and necessity will be served thereby. Any such application shall be disposed of as if the proposed transferee or assignee were making application under section 308 of this title for the permit or license in question; but in acting thereon the Commission may not consider whether the public interest, convenience, and necessity might be served by the transfer, assignment, or disposal of the permit or license to a person other than the proposed transferee or assignee.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
In subsec. (c), “subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5” substituted for “the Administrative Procedure Act” on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, § 7(b),
1996—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(k)(1), struck out “of which any officer or director is an alien or” before “of which more”.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 104–104, § 403(k)(2), struck out “of which any officer or more than one-fourth of the directors are aliens, or” after “any other corporation”.
1990—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–396 substituted “multilateral or bilateral agreement, to which the United States and the alien’s government are parties,” for “bilateral agreement between the United States and the alien’s government”.
1983—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–214 added subsec. (e).
1974—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–505 added subsec. (a). Former subsec. (a), which related to granting to or holding of required station licenses by aliens, was struck out.
Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 93–505 added subsecs. (b) and (c) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (d).
1971—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 92–81 inserted provisions empowering the Commission to issue licenses to certain aliens admitted to the United States for permanent residence, provided that the Commission notify the appropriate agencies of the Government of applications received for license, and that such agencies furnish to the Commission information bearing on the request’s compatibility with national security.
1964—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 88–313 empowered the Commission to issue authorizations to permit an alien licensed by his government as an amateur radio operator to operate his station, licensed by his government, in the United States, its possessions, and Puerto Rico, provided there is a bilateral agreement between the United States and the alien’s government giving similar rights to United States amateur radio operators, and provided that the Commission notify appropriate agencies of our Government of any applications for authorization, and that such agencies furnish to the Commission information bearing on the request’s compatibility with our national security.
1958—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 85–817 inserted paragraph authorizing the grant of licenses for radio stations on aircraft to aliens or representatives of aliens holding pilot certificates.
1952—Subsec. (b). Act
Hearings referred to in subsection (a) may be held at such places as the Commission shall determine to be appropriate, and in making such determination in any case the Commission shall consider whether the public interest, convenience, or necessity will be served by conducting the hearing at a place in, or in the vicinity of, the principal area to be served by the station involved.
1982—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 97–259, § 116(a), inserted provision that the Commission may not approve the agreement if it determines that a party to the agreement filed its application for the purpose of reaching or carrying out the agreement, and struck out provision that if the agreement did not contemplate a merger, but contemplated the making of any direct or indirect payment to any party thereto in consideration of his withdrawal of his application, the Commission could determine the agreement to be consistent with the public interest, convenience, or necessity only if the amount or value of such payment, as determined by the Commission, was not in excess of the aggregate amount determined by the Commission to have been legitimately and prudently expended and to be expended by such applicant in connection with preparing, filing, and advocating the granting of his application.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 97–259, § 116(b), substituted “an application for the renewal of a license granted for the operation of a broadcasting station and one or more applications for a construction permit relating to such station” for “two or more applications for a license granted for the operation of a broadcasting station”.
Subsec. (d)(3)(B). Pub. L. 97–259, § 116(c), struck out “license” after “filed its”.
1981—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–35 added subsec. (d).
1960—Pub. L. 86–752 amended section generally, substituting provisions on requirements for certain applications for broadcasting service, for provisions directing the Commission to refuse a license or permit to any person whose license had been revoked by a court under section 313 of this title.
1952—Act
Where any person (1) has failed to operate substantially as set forth in a license, (2) has violated or failed to observe any of the provisions of this chapter, or section 1304, 1343, or 1464 of title 18, or (3) has violated or failed to observe any rule or regulation of the Commission authorized by this chapter or by a treaty ratified by the United States, the Commission may order such person to cease and desist from such action.
Before revoking a license or permit pursuant to subsection (a), or issuing a cease and desist order pursuant to subsection (b), the Commission shall serve upon the licensee, permittee, or person involved an order to show cause why an order of revocation or a cease and desist order should not be issued. Any such order to show cause shall contain a statement of the matters with respect to which the Commission is inquiring and shall call upon said licensee, permittee, or person to appear before the Commission at a time and place stated in the order, but in no event less than thirty days after the receipt of such order, and give evidence upon the matter specified therein; except that where safety of life or property is involved, the Commission may provide in the order for a shorter period. If after hearing, or a waiver thereof, the Commission determines that an order of revocation or a cease and desist order should issue, it shall issue such order, which shall include a statement of the findings of the Commission and the grounds and reasons therefor and specify the effective date of the order, and shall cause the same to be served on said licensee, permittee, or person.
In any case where a hearing is conducted pursuant to the provisions of this section, both the burden of proceeding with the introduction of evidence and the burden of proof shall be upon the Commission.
The provisions of section 558(c) of title 5 which apply with respect to the institution of any proceeding for the revocation of a license or permit shall apply also with respect to the institution, under this section, of any proceeding for the issuance of a cease and desist order.
If a broadcasting station fails to transmit broadcast signals for any consecutive 12-month period, then the station license granted for the operation of that broadcast station expires at the end of that period, notwithstanding any provision, term, or condition of the license to the contrary, except that the Commission may extend or reinstate such station license if the holder of the station license prevails in an administrative or judicial appeal, the applicable law changes, or for any other reason to promote equity and fairness. Any broadcast license revoked or terminated in Alaska in a proceeding related to broadcasting via translator, microwave, or other alternative signal delivery is reinstated.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(4), (b), and (f)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
In subsec. (e), “section 558(c) of title 5” substituted for “section 1008(b) of title 5” on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, § 7(b),
2004—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 108–447 inserted before period at end “, except that the Commission may extend or reinstate such station license if the holder of the station license prevails in an administrative or judicial appeal, the applicable law changes, or for any other reason to promote equity and fairness. Any broadcast license revoked or terminated in Alaska in a proceeding related to broadcasting via translator, microwave, or other alternative signal delivery is reinstated”.
2000—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 106–554 inserted “, other than a non-commercial educational broadcast station,” after “use of a broadcasting station”.
1996—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–104 added subsec. (g).
1982—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–259 added subsec. (f).
1972—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 92–225 added par. (7).
1960—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 86–752 inserted provisions referring to sections 1304, 1343 and 1464 of title 18.
1952—Act
Repeal of title I of Pub. L. 92–225, cited as a credit to this section, by Pub. L. 93–443, title II, § 205(b),
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title I, § 148(b)],
The Federal Communications Commission may revoke any private operator’s license issued to any person under the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) who is found to have willfully used said license for the purpose of distributing, or assisting in the distribution of, any controlled substance in violation of any provision of Federal law. In addition, the Federal Communications Commission may, upon the request of an appropriate Federal law enforcement agency, assist in the enforcement of Federal law prohibiting the use or distribution of any controlled substance where communications equipment within the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission under the Communications Act of 1934 is willfully being used for purposes of distributing, or assisting in the distribution of, any such substance.
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in text, is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to this chapter (§ 151 et seq.). For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Section was enacted as part of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, and also as part of the National Drug Interdiction Improvement Act of 1986, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
All laws of the United States relating to unlawful restraints and monopolies and to combinations, contracts, or agreements in restraint of trade are declared to be applicable to the manufacture and sale of and to trade in radio apparatus and devices entering into or affecting interstate or foreign commerce and to interstate or foreign radio communications. Whenever in any suit, action, or proceeding, civil or criminal, brought under the provisions of any of said laws or in any proceedings brought to enforce or to review findings and orders of the Federal Trade Commission or other governmental agency in respect of any matters as to which said Commission or other governmental agency is by law authorized to act, any licensee shall be found guilty of the violation of the provisions of such laws or any of them, the court, in addition to the penalties imposed by said laws, may adjudge, order, and/or decree that the license of such licensee shall, as of the date the decree or judgment becomes finally effective or as of such other date as the said decree shall fix, be revoked and that all rights under such license shall thereupon cease: Provided, however, That such licensee shall have the same right of appeal or review as is provided by law in respect of other decrees and judgments of said court.
The Commission is hereby directed to refuse a station license and/or the permit hereinafter required for the construction of a station to any person (or to any person directly or indirectly controlled by such person) whose license has been revoked by a court under this section.
1960—Pub. L. 86–752 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).
All executive and administrative functions of the Federal Trade Commission were, with certain exceptions, transferred to the Chairman of such Commission by Reorg. Plan No. 8 of 1950, § 1, eff.
After the effective date of this chapter no person engaged directly, or indirectly through any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, such person, or through an agent, or otherwise, in the business of transmitting and/or receiving for hire energy, communications, or signals by radio in accordance with the terms of the license issued under this chapter, shall by purchase, lease, construction, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, acquire, own, control, or operate any cable or wire telegraph or telephone line or system between any place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States or in the District of Columbia, and any place in any foreign country, or shall acquire, own, or control any part of the stock or other capital share or any interest in the physical property and/or other assets of any such cable, wire, telegraph, or telephone line or system, if in either case the purpose is and/or the effect thereof may be to substantially lessen competition or to restrain commerce between any place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or in the District of Columbia, and any place in any foreign country, or unlawfully to create monopoly in any line of commerce; nor shall any person engaged directly, or indirectly through any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under direct or indirect common control with, such person, or through an agent, or otherwise, in the business of transmitting and/or receiving for hire messages by any cable, wire, telegraph, or telephone line or system (a) between any place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or in the District of Columbia, and any place in any other State, Territory, or possession of the United States; or (b) between any place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and any place in any foreign country, by purchase, lease, construction, or otherwise, directly or indirectly acquire, own, control, or operate any station or the apparatus therein, or any system for transmitting and/or receiving radio communications or signals between any place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or in the District of Columbia, and any place in any foreign country, or shall acquire, own, or control any part of the stock or other capital share or any interest in the physical property and/or other assets of any such radio station, apparatus, or system, if in either case the purpose is and/or the effect thereof may be to substantially lessen competition or to restrain commerce between any place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or in the District of Columbia, and any place in any foreign country, or unlawfully to create monopoly in any line of commerce.
For effective date of this chapter, see section 607 of this title.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
In the case of a candidate for Federal office, such candidate shall not be entitled to receive the rate under paragraph (1)(A) for the use of any broadcasting station unless the candidate provides written certification to the broadcast station that the candidate (and any authorized committee of the candidate) shall not make any direct reference to another candidate for the same office, in any broadcast using the rights and conditions of access under this chapter, unless such reference meets the requirements of subparagraph (C) or (D).
If a candidate for Federal office (or any authorized committee of such candidate) makes a reference described in subparagraph (A) in any broadcast that does not meet the requirements of subparagraph (C) or (D), such candidate shall not be entitled to receive the rate under paragraph (1)(A) for such broadcast or any other broadcast during any portion of the 45-day and 60-day periods described in paragraph (1)(A), that occur on or after the date of such broadcast, for election to such office.
A candidate meets the requirements of this subparagraph if, in the case of a radio broadcast, the broadcast includes a personal audio statement by the candidate that identifies the candidate, the office the candidate is seeking, and indicates that the candidate has approved the broadcast.
Certifications under this section shall be provided and certified as accurate by the candidate (or any authorized committee of the candidate) at the time of purchase.
For purposes of this paragraph, the terms “authorized committee” and “Federal office” have the meanings given such terms by section 30101 of title 52.
The Commission shall prescribe appropriate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
The information required under this subsection shall be placed in a political file as soon as possible and shall be retained by the licensee for a period of not less than 2 years.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(2)(A), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2002—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–155, § 305(a), (b), inserted subsec. heading, designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted par. heading, redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, of par. (1), inserted “subject to paragraph (2),” before “during the forty-five days” in par. (1)(A), and added par. (2).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–155, § 504, which directed addition of subsec. (e) and redesignation of former subsecs. (e) and (f) as (f) and (g), respectively, was executed by adding subsec. (e) to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Section did not contain subsecs. (e) and (f).
1974—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 93–443, § 402, struck out provisions respecting station use charges upon certification of nonviolation of Federal limitations of expenditures for use of communications media; redesignated former subsec. (f) as (c); incorporated former par. (1)(A) and (B) provisions in clauses designated (1) and (2) and struck out subpar. (C) definition of “Federal elective office” and par. (2) definition of “legally qualified candidate”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–443, § 402(a), struck out provisions respecting station use charges upon certification of nonviolation of State limitations of expenditures for use of communications media and conditions for application of State limitations and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (d).
Subsecs. (e) to (g). Pub. L. 93–443, § 402(a), struck out subsec. (e) provisions respecting penalties for violations and inapplicability of sections 501 through 503 of this title and redesignated former subsecs. (f) and (g) as (c) and (d).
1972—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 92–225, § 103(a)(2)(B), inserted “under this subsection” after “No obligation is imposed”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 92–225, § 103(a)(1), substituted in introductory text “by any person who is a legally qualified candidate for any public office in connection with his campaign for nomination for election, or election, to such office”, for “for any of the purposes set forth in this section”, added par. (1), designated existing provisions as par. (2), inserted therein the opening words “at any other time,” and substituted “by other users thereof” for “for other purposes”.
Subsecs. (c) to (g). Pub. L. 92–225, § 104(c), added subsecs. (c) to (f) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (g).
1959—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–274 provided that appearances by legally qualified candidates on bona fide newscasts, interviews and documentaries and on on-the-spot coverage of bona fide news events shall not be deemed to be use of a broadcasting station within the meaning of this subsection.
1952—Act
Pub. L. 107–155, title III, § 305(c),
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–155 effective
Amendment by Pub. L. 93–443 effective
Repeal of title I of Pub. L. 92–225, cited as a credit to this section, by Pub. L. 93–443, title II, § 205(b),
Pub. L. 86–274, § 2,
Pub. L. 86–677,
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
A prior section 316 of act
1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–214, § 4(a)(1), (2), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted “and shall be given reasonable opportunity, of at least thirty days, to protest such proposed order of modification; except that, where safety of life or property is involved, the Commission may by order provide, for a shorter period of notice” for “and shall have been given reasonable opportunity, in no event less than thirty days, to show cause by public hearing, if requested, why such order of modification should not issue: Provided, That where safety of life or property is involved, the Commission may by order provide for a shorter period of notice”, and added pars. (2) and (3).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–214, § 4(a)(3), inserted “; except that, with respect to any issue that addresses the question of whether the proposed action would modify the license or permit of a person described in subsection (a)(2), such burdens shall be as determined by the Commission”.
In any case where a report has been made to a radio station, as required by section 508 of this title, of circumstances which would have required an announcement under this section had the consideration been received by such radio station, an appropriate announcement shall be made by such radio station.
The licensee of each radio station shall exercise reasonable diligence to obtain from its employees, and from other persons with whom it deals directly in connection with any program or program matter for broadcast, information to enable such licensee to make the announcement required by this section.
The Commission may waive the requirement of an announcement as provided in this section in any case or class of cases with respect to which it determines that the public interest, convenience, or necessity does not require the broadcasting of such announcement.
The Commission shall prescribe appropriate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–507 conformed the reference to section 508 of this title to reflect the renumbering of that section by Pub. L. 96–507.
1960—Pub. L. 86–752 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserting proviso clause, and added subsecs. (b) to (e).
The actual operation of all transmitting apparatus in any radio station for which a station license is required by this chapter shall be carried on only by a person holding an operator’s license issued hereunder, and no person shall operate any such apparatus in such station except under and in accordance with an operator’s license issued to him by the Commission: Provided, however, That the Commission if it shall find that the public interest, convenience, or necessity will be served thereby may waive or modify the foregoing provisions of this section for the operation of any station except (1) stations for which licensed operators are required by international agreement, (2) stations for which licensed operators are required for safety purposes, and (3) stations operated as common carriers on frequencies below thirty thousand kilocycles: Provided further, That the Commission shall have power to make special regulations governing the granting of licenses for the use of automatic radio devices and for the operation of such devices.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 made technical amendments to directory language of Pub. L. 102–538, § 205(1). See 1992 Amendment note below.
1992—Pub. L. 102–538, § 205(2), redesignated cl. (4) as (3).
Pub. L. 102–538, § 205(1), as amended by Pub. L. 103–414, struck out cl. (3) which read as follows: “stations engaged in broadcasting (other than those engaged primarily in the function of rebroadcasting the signals of broadcast stations),”.
1976—Pub. L. 94–335 substituted “engaged primarily in the function of rebroadcasting the signals of broadcast stations” for “engaged solely in the function of rebroadcasting the signals of television broadcast stations” in parenthetical provisions of cl. (3).
1960—Pub. L. 86–609 inserted “(other than those engaged solely in the function of rebroadcasting the signals of television broadcast stations)” after “engaged in broadcasting”.
1937—Act
No license shall be issued under the authority of this chapter for the operation of any station unless a permit for its construction has been granted by the Commission. The application for a construction permit shall set forth such facts as the Commission by regulation may prescribe as to the citizenship, character, and the financial, technical, and other ability of the applicant to construct and operate the station, the ownership and location of the proposed station and of the station or stations with which it is proposed to communicate, the frequencies desired to be used, the hours of the day or other periods of time during which it is proposed to operate the station, the purpose for which the station is to be used, the type of transmitting apparatus to be used, the power to be used, the date upon which the station is expected to be completed and in operation, and such other information as the Commission may require. Such application shall be signed by the applicant in any manner or form, including by electronic means, as the Commission may prescribe by regulation.
Such permit for construction shall show specifically the earliest and latest dates between which the actual operation of such station is expected to begin, and shall provide that said permit will be automatically forfeited if the station is not ready for operation within the time specified or within such further time as the Commission may allow, unless prevented by causes not under the control of the grantee.
Upon the completion of any station for the construction or continued construction of which a permit has been granted, and upon it being made to appear to the Commission that all the terms, conditions, and obligations set forth in the application and permit have been fully met, and that no cause or circumstance arising or first coming to the knowledge of the Commission since the granting of the permit would, in the judgment of the Commission, make the operation of such station against the public interest, the Commission shall issue a license to the lawful holder of said permit for the operation of said station. Said license shall conform generally to the terms of said permit. The provisions of section 309(a)–(g) of this title shall not apply with respect to any station license the issuance of which is provided for and governed by the provisions of this subsection.
A permit for construction shall not be required for Government stations, amateur stations, or mobile stations. A permit for construction shall not be required for public coast stations, privately owned fixed microwave stations, or stations licensed to common carriers, unless the Commission determines that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by requiring such permits for any such stations. With respect to any broadcasting station, the Commission shall not have any authority to waive the requirement of a permit for construction, except that the Commission may by regulation determine that a permit shall not be required for minor changes in the facilities of authorized broadcast stations. With respect to any other station or class of stations, the Commission shall not waive the requirement for a construction permit unless the Commission determines that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by such a waiver.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–104 substituted “With respect to any broadcasting station, the Commission shall not have any authority to waive the requirement of a permit for construction, except that the Commission may by regulation determine that a permit shall not be required for minor changes in the facilities of authorized broadcast stations. With respect to any other station or class of stations, the Commission shall not waive the requirement for a construction permit unless the Commission determines that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by such a waiver.” for “With respect to any broadcasting station, the Commission shall not have any authority to waive the requirement of a permit for construction. With respect to any other station or class of stations, the Commission shall not waive such requirement unless the Commission determines that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by such a waiver.”
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–538 inserted before period at end “in any manner or form, including by electronic means, as the Commission may prescribe by regulation”.
1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–259, § 118, struck out “the construction of which is begun or is continued after this chapter takes effect,” after “operation of any station”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–259, § 119, substituted provision that a permit for construction shall not be required for public coast stations, privately owned fixed microwave stations, or stations licensed to common carriers, unless the Commission determines that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by requiring such permits for any such stations, that with respect to any broadcasting station, the Commission shall not have any authority to waive the requirement of a permit for construction, and that with respect to any other station or class of stations, the Commission shall not waive such requirement unless the Commission determines that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served by such a waiver, for provision that with respect to stations or classes of stations other than Government stations, amateur stations, mobile stations, and broadcasting stations, the Commission could waive the requirement of a permit for construction if it found that the public interest, convenience, or necessity would be served thereby, that such waiver would apply only to stations whose construction was begun subsequent to the effective date of the waiver, and that if the Commission found that the public interest, convenience, and necessity would be served thereby, it could waive the requirement of a permit for construction of a station that was engaged solely in rebroadcasting television signals if such station had been constructed on or before
1962—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–444 struck out requirement that applications were to be signed under oath or affirmation.
1960—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 86–752 inserted references to section 309(d)–(g).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 86–609 authorized the Commission to waive the requirement of a permit for construction of a station engaged solely in rebroadcasting television signals if such station was constructed on or before
1954—Subsec. (b). Act
Subsec. (d). Act
1952—Subsec. (a). Act
Subsec. (b). Act
Subsec. (c). Act
Amendment by Pub. L. 86–752 effective ninety days after
The Commission is authorized to designate from time to time radio stations the communications or signals of which, in its opinion, are liable to interfere with the transmission or reception of distress signals of ships. Such stations are required to keep a licensed radio operator listening in on the frequencies designated for signals of distress and radio communications relating thereto during the entire period the transmitter of such station is in operation.
1937—Subsec. (a). Act
Every land station open to general public service between the coast and vessels or aircraft at sea shall, within the scope of its normal operations, be bound to exchange radio communications or signals with any ship or aircraft station at sea; and each station on shipboard or aircraft at sea shall, within the scope of its normal operations, be bound to exchange radio communications or signals with any other station on shipboard or aircraft at sea or with any land station open to general public service between the coast and vessels or aircraft at sea: Provided, That such exchange of radio communication shall be without distinction as to radio systems or instruments adopted by each station.
1937—Act
In all circumstances, except in case of radio communications or signals relating to vessels in distress, all radio stations, including those owned and operated by the United States, shall use the minimum amount of power necessary to carry out the communication desired.
No person within the jurisdiction of the United States shall knowingly utter or transmit, or cause to be uttered or transmitted, any false or fraudulent signal of distress, or communication relating thereto, nor shall any broadcasting station rebroadcast the program or any part thereof of another broadcasting station without the express authority of the originating station.
No person shall be permitted to locate, use, or maintain a radio broadcast studio or other place or apparatus from which or whereby sound waves are converted into electrical energy, or mechanical or physical reproduction of sound waves produced, and caused to be transmitted or delivered to a radio station in a foreign country for the purpose of being broadcast from any radio station there having a power output of sufficient intensity and/or being so located geographically that its emissions may be received consistently in the United States, without first obtaining a permit from the Commission upon proper application therefor.
Such application shall contain such information as the Commission may by regulation prescribe, and the granting or refusal thereof shall be subject to the requirements of section 309 of this title with respect to applications for station licenses or renewal or modification thereof, and the license or permission so granted shall be revocable for false statements in the application so required or when the Commission, after hearings, shall find its continuation no longer in the public interest.
For purposes of any proceeding under this subsection, any satellite carrier that retransmits the signal of any broadcast station shall be deemed to designate the Secretary of the Commission as its agent for service of process. A television broadcast station may serve a satellite carrier with a complaint concerning an alleged violation of subsection (b)(1) through retransmission of a station within the local market of such station by filing the original and two copies of the complaint with the Secretary of the Commission and serving a copy of the complaint on the satellite carrier by means of two commonly used overnight delivery services, each addressed to the chief executive officer of the satellite carrier at its principal place of business, and each marked “URGENT LITIGATION MATTER” on the outer packaging. Service shall be deemed complete one business day after a copy of the complaint is provided to the delivery services for overnight delivery. On receipt of a complaint filed by a television broadcast station under this subsection, the Secretary of the Commission shall send the original complaint by United States mail, postage prepaid, receipt requested, addressed to the chief executive officer of the satellite carrier at its principal place of business.
Within five business days after the date of service, the satellite carrier shall file an answer with the Commission and shall serve the answer by a commonly used overnight delivery service and by United States mail, on the counsel designated in the complaint at the address listed for such counsel in the complaint.
The defenses under this paragraph are the exclusive defenses available to a satellite carrier against which a complaint under this subsection is filed.
The retransmission without consent of a particular television broadcast station on a particular day to one or more persons in the local market of the station shall be considered a separate violation of subsection (b)(1).
With respect to each alleged violation, the burden of proof shall be on a television broadcast station to establish that the satellite carrier retransmitted the station to at least one person in the local market of the station on the day in question. The burden of proof shall be on the satellite carrier with respect to all defenses other than the defense under paragraph (4)(B)(i).
Within 60 days after
Within 45 days after the filing of a complaint, the Commission shall issue a final determination in any proceeding brought under this subsection. The Commission’s final determination shall specify the number of violations committed by the satellite carrier. The Commission shall hear witnesses only if it clearly appears, based on written filings by the parties, that there is a genuine dispute about material facts. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, the Commission may issue a final ruling based on written filings by the parties.
The Commission may direct the parties to exchange pertinent documents, and if necessary to take prehearing depositions, on such schedule as the Commission may approve, but only if the Commission first determines that such discovery is necessary to resolve a genuine dispute about material facts, consistent with the obligation to make a final determination within 45 days.
The procedure for an appeal under this paragraph by the satellite carrier shall supersede any other appeal rights under Federal or State law. A United States district court shall be deemed to have personal jurisdiction over the satellite carrier if the carrier, or a company under common control with the satellite carrier, has delivered television programming by satellite to more than 30 customers in that district during the preceding 4-year period. If the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia does not have personal jurisdiction over the satellite carrier, an enforcement action or appeal shall be brought in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, which may find personal jurisdiction based on the satellite carrier’s ownership of licenses issued by the Commission. An application by a television broadcast station for an order enforcing any cease-and-desist relief granted by the Commission shall be resolved on a highly expedited schedule. No discovery may be conducted by the parties in any such proceeding. The district court shall enforce the Commission order unless the Commission record reflects manifest error and an abuse of discretion by the Commission.
Within 6 months after issuance of an order by the Commission under this subsection, a television broadcast station may file a civil action in any United States district court that has personal jurisdiction over the satellite carrier for an award of statutory damages for any violation that the Commission has determined to have been committed by a satellite carrier under this subsection. Such action shall not be subject to transfer under section 1404(a) of title 28. On finding that the satellite carrier has committed one or more violations of subsection (b), the District Court shall be required to award the television broadcast station statutory damages of $25,000 per violation, in accordance with paragraph (5), and the costs and attorney’s fees incurred by the station. Such statutory damages shall be awarded only if the television broadcast station has filed a binding stipulation with the court that such station will donate the full amount in excess of $1,000 of any statutory damage award to the United States Treasury for public purposes. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a station shall incur no tax liability of any kind with respect to any amounts so donated. Discovery may be conducted by the parties in any proceeding under this paragraph only if and to the extent necessary to resolve a genuinely disputed issue of fact concerning one of the defenses under paragraph (4). In any such action, the defenses under paragraph (4) shall be exclusive, and the burden of proof shall be on the satellite carrier with respect to all defenses other than the defense under paragraph (4)(B)(i). A judgment under this paragraph may be enforced in any manner permissible under Federal or State law.
The nonprevailing party before a United States district court may appeal a decision under this subsection to the United States Court of Appeals with jurisdiction over that district court. The Court of Appeals shall not issue any stay of the effectiveness of any decision granting relief against a satellite carrier unless the carrier presents clear and convincing evidence that it is highly likely to prevail on appeal and only after posting a bond for the full amount of any monetary award assessed against it and for such further amount as the Court of Appeals may believe appropriate.
If the Commission denies relief in response to a complaint filed by a television broadcast station under this subsection, the television broadcast station filing the complaint may file an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
No complaint or civil action may be filed under this subsection after
2019—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 116–94, § 1003(c)(1), struck out “, and the term ‘local market’ has the meaning given that term in section 122(j) of such title” before period at end of concluding provisions.
Pub. L. 116–94, § 1002(b), struck out “the term ‘unserved household’ has the meaning given that term under section 119(d) of such title” after “
Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 116–94, § 1002(a)(1), struck out “until
“(i) is located in an area outside the local market of such stations; and
“(ii) resides in an unserved household;”.
Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 116–94, § 1002(a)(2), struck out “until
Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(iv), (v). Pub. L. 116–94, § 1003(c)(2), struck out “(as defined in section 122(j) of title 17)” after “local market”.
Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(vi). Pub. L. 116–94, § 1003(a), added cl. (vi).
Subsec. (b)(7)(C) to (F). Pub. L. 116–94, § 1003(b), added subpars. (C) to (F).
2014—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 113–200, § 101(1), substituted “
Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 113–200, § 101(2), substituted “
Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 113–200, §§ 101(2), 103(d)(1), substituted “
Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(iv). Pub. L. 113–200, § 103(a), added cl. (iv).
Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(v). Pub. L. 113–200, § 103(b), added cl. (v).
Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 113–200, § 103(d)(2), realigned margins.
2010—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 111–175, § 202(1), substituted “
Pub. L. 111–157, § 9(b)(1), substituted “
Pub. L. 111–151, § 2(b)(1), substituted “
Pub. L. 111–144, § 10(b)(1), substituted “
Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 111–175, § 202(2), substituted “
Pub. L. 111–157, § 9(b)(2), substituted “
Pub. L. 111–151, § 2(b)(2), substituted “
Pub. L. 111–144, § 10(b)(2), substituted “
2009—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 111–118, § 1003(b)(1), substituted “
Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 111–118, § 1003(b)(2), substituted “
2004—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 108–447, § 201, substituted “
Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 108–447, § 207(a)(1), (2), in introductory provisions, substituted “The” for “Within 45 days after
Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 108–447, § 207(a)(4)(A), substituted “
Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 108–447, § 207(a)(3), (4)(B), (5), added cl. (iii).
1999—Subsec. (b)(1), (2). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(9) [title I, § 1009(a)(1)], amended pars. (1) and (2) generally. Prior to amendment, pars. (1) and (2) read as follows:
“(1) Following the date that is one year after
“(A) with the express authority of the originating station; or
“(B) pursuant to section 534 of this title, in the case of a station electing, in accordance with this subsection, to assert the right to carriage under such section.
“(2) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to—
“(A) retransmission of the signal of a noncommercial broadcasting station;
“(B) retransmission directly to a home satellite antenna of the signal of a broadcasting station that is not owned or operated by, or affiliated with, a broadcasting network, if such signal was retransmitted by a satellite carrier on
“(C) retransmission of the signal of a broadcasting station that is owned or operated by, or affiliated with, a broadcasting network directly to a home satellite antenna, if the household receiving the signal is an unserved household; or
“(D) retransmission by a cable operator or other multichannel video programming distributor of the signal of a superstation if such signal was obtained from a satellite carrier and the originating station was a superstation on
For purposes of this paragraph, the terms ‘satellite carrier’, ‘superstation’, and ‘unserved household’ have the meanings given those terms, respectively, in section 119(d) of title 17 as in effect on
Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(9) [title I, § 1009(a)(2)], added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(9) [title I, § 1009(a)(3)], inserted at end “If an originating television station elects under paragraph (3)(C) to exercise its right to grant retransmission consent under this subsection with respect to a satellite carrier, section 338 of this title shall not apply to the carriage of the signal of such station by such satellite carrier.”
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(9) [title I, § 1009(a)(4)], substituted “338, 534, or 535 of this title” for “534 or 535 of this title”.
Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(9) [title I, § 1009(a)(5)], added par. (7).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(9) [title I, § 1009(b)], added subsec. (e).
1992—Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 102–385 added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsecs. (b) and (c) as (c) and (d), respectively.
Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title X, § 1003(d),
Amendment by Pub. L. 111–175 effective
Pub. L. 102–385, § 28,
Pub. L. 113–200, title I, § 103(e),
Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IX [title II, § 207(b)],
Pub. L. 111–175, title II, § 208,
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(9) [title I, § 1010],
Pub. L. 113–200, title I, § 103(c),
Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IX [title II, § 212],
Nothing in this chapter shall be understood or construed to give the Commission the power of censorship over the radio communications or signals transmitted by any radio station, and no regulation or condition shall be promulgated or fixed by the Commission which shall interfere with the right of free speech by means of radio communication.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1948—Act
Amendment by act
The Secretary of the Navy is authorized, unless restrained by international agreement, under the terms and conditions and at rates prescribed by him, which rates shall be just and reasonable, and which, upon complaint, shall be subject to review and revision by the Commission, to use all radio stations and apparatus, wherever located, owned by the United States and under the control of the Navy Department, (a) for the reception and transmission of press messages offered by any newspaper published in the United States, its Territories or possessions, or published by citizens of the United States in foreign countries, or by any press association of the United States, and (b) for the reception and transmission of private commercial messages between ships, between ship and shore, between localities in Alaska and between Alaska and the continental United States: Provided, That the rates fixed for the reception and transmission of all such messages, other than press messages between the Pacific coast of the United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, American Samoa, the Philippine Islands, and the Orient, and between the United States and the Virgin Islands, shall not be less than the rates charged by privately owned and operated stations for like messages and service: Provided further, That the right to use such stations for any of the purposes named in this section shall terminate and cease as between any countries or localities or between any locality and privately operated ships whenever privately owned and operated stations are capable of meeting the normal communication requirements between such countries or localities or between any locality and privately operated ships, and the Commission shall have notified the Secretary of the Navy thereof.
The Philippine Islands, referred to in text, were granted their independence by Proc. No. 2695, eff.
Section, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title III, § 328, 48 Stat. 1092; Proc. No. 2695, eff.
The Commission is authorized to designate any officer or employee of any other department of the Government on duty in any Territory or possession of the United States to render therein such service in connection with the administration of this chapter as the Commission may prescribe and also to designate any officer or employee of any other department of the Government to render such services at any place within the United States in connection with the administration of this subchapter as may be necessary: Provided, That such designation shall be approved by the head of the department in which such person is employed.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1937—Act
For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.
2010—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–260, in first sentence substituted “303(u) and (z)” for “303(u)”, in second sentence substituted “Such rules shall provide performance and display standards for such built-in decoder circuitry or capability designed to display closed captioned video programming, the transmission and delivery of video description services, and the conveyance of emergency information as required by section 303 of this title.” for “Such rules shall provide performance and display standards for such built-in decoder circuitry.”, and in fourth sentence substituted “closed-captioning service and video description service continue” for “closed-captioning service continues”.
1996—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–104, § 551(d)(1)(B), added subsec. (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–104, § 551(d)(2), in introductory provisions substituted “and sections 303(s), 303(u), and 303(x) of this title” for “section 303(s) of this title, and section 303(u) of this title”.
Pub. L. 104–104, § 551(d)(1)(B), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d).
1990—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 101–431 added subsec. (b), redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c), and substituted “, section 303(s) of this title, and section 303(u) of this title” for “and section 303(s) of this title”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–431 effective
It shall be the policy of the Federal Communications Commission to allocate channels for very high frequency commercial television broadcasting in a manner which ensures that not less than one such channel shall be allocated to each State, if technically feasible. In any case in which licensee of a very high frequency commercial television broadcast station notifies the Commission to the effect that such licensee will agree to the reallocation of its channel to a community within a State in which there is allocated no very high frequency commercial television broadcast channel at the time 1
It shall be the policy of the Commission, in any case in which the licensee of an existing AM daytime-only station located in a community with a population of more than 100,000 persons that lacks a local full-time aural station licensed to that community and that is located within a Class I station primary service area notifies the Commission that such licensee seeks to provide full-time service, to ensure that such a licensee is able to place a principal community contour signal over its entire community of license 24 hours a day, if technically feasible.
Subsec. (d) of section 307 of this title, referred to in subsec. (a), was redesignated subsec. (c) of section 307 by Pub. L. 97–259, title I, § 112(a),
Another section 331 of act
A prior section 331, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title III, § 331, as added
2018—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–141 struck out at end: “The Commission shall report to the appropriate committees of Congress within 30 days after
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 amended section catchline generally.
1991—Pub. L. 102–243 inserted “and AM radio stations” in section catchline, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).
A person engaged in the provision of a service that is a private mobile service shall not, insofar as such person is so engaged, be treated as a common carrier for any purpose under this chapter. A common carrier (other than a person that was treated as a provider of a private land mobile service prior to
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to alter or affect the regulatory treatment required by title IV of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 [47 U.S.C. 741 et seq.] of the corporation authorized by title III of such Act [47 U.S.C. 731 et seq.].
Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Commission from continuing to determine whether the provision of space segment capacity by satellite systems to providers of commercial mobile services shall be treated as common carriage.
Except as provided in this paragraph, nothing in this chapter shall limit or affect the authority of a State or local government or instrumentality thereof over decisions regarding the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities.
A person engaged in the provision of commercial mobile services, insofar as such person is so engaged, shall not be required to provide equal access to common carriers for the provision of telephone toll services. If the Commission determines that subscribers to such services are denied access to the provider of telephone toll services of the subscribers’ choice, and that such denial is contrary to the public interest, convenience, and necessity, then the Commission shall prescribe regulations to afford subscribers unblocked access to the provider of telephone toll services of the subscribers’ choice through the use of a carrier identification code assigned to such provider or other mechanism. The requirements for unblocking shall not apply to mobile satellite services unless the Commission finds it to be in the public interest to apply such requirements to such services.
Provisions of part III of title 5, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), are classified to section 2101 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The Communications Satellite Act of 1962, referred to in subsec. (c)(4), is Pub. L. 87–624,
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, referred to in subsec. (c)(6), is Pub. L. 103–66,
In subsec. (b)(2), “section 1342 of title 31” substituted for “section 3679(b) of the Revised Statutes (31 U.S.C. 665(b))” on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, § 4(b),
2022—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted “chapter 10 of title 5.” for “the Federal Advisory Committee Act.”
2018—Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 115–141 struck out first and second sentences which read as follows: “The Commission shall review competitive market conditions with respect to commercial mobile services and shall include in its annual report an analysis of those conditions. Such analysis shall include an identification of the number of competitors in various commercial mobile services, an analysis of whether or not there is effective competition, an analysis of whether any of such competitors have a dominant share of the market for such services, and a statement of whether additional providers or classes of providers in those services would be likely to enhance competition.”
1996—Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 104–104, § 704(a), added par. (7).
Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 104–104, § 705, added par. (8).
Subsec. (d)(1), (3). Pub. L. 104–104, § 3(d)(2), substituted “section 153” for “section 153(n)”.
1993—Pub. L. 103–66 struck out “Private land” before “mobile services” in section catchline, struck out “land” before “mobile services” wherever appearing in subsecs. (a) and (b), added subsecs. (c) and (d), and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to service provided by specialized mobile radio, multiple licensed radio dispatch systems, and other radio dispatch systems; common carriers; and rate or entry regulations.
Pub. L. 103–66, title VI, § 6002(c),
Pub. L. 104–104, title VII, § 704(c),
Pub. L. 103–66, title VI, § 6002(d)(3),
No person shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communications of any station licensed or authorized by or under this chapter or operated by the United States Government.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The Commission shall revise the regulations described in subsection (a) to require a midterm review of television broadcast station licensees’ employment practices and to require the Commission to inform such licensees of necessary improvements in recruitment practices identified as a consequence of such review.
The Commission may revise the regulations described in subsection (a) to make nonsubstantive technical or clerical revisions in such regulations as necessary to reflect changes in technology, terminology, or Commission organization.
Section effective 60 days after
The Commission shall, within 180 days after
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Commission shall require, as a condition of any provision, initial authorization, or authorization renewal for a provider of direct broadcast satellite service providing video programming, that the provider of such service reserve a portion of its channel capacity, equal to not less than 4 percent nor more than 7 percent, exclusively for noncommercial programming of an educational or informational nature.
The Commission shall require, as a condition of any provision, initial authorization, or authorization renewal for a qualified satellite provider of direct broadcast satellite service providing video programming, that such provider reserve a portion of its channel capacity, equal to not less than 3.5 percent nor more than 7 percent, exclusively for noncommercial programming of an educational or informational nature.
A provider of such service may utilize for any purpose any unused channel capacity required to be reserved under this subsection pending the actual use of such channel capacity for noncommercial programming of an educational or informational nature.
A provider of direct broadcast satellite service shall meet the requirements of this subsection by making channel capacity available to national educational programming suppliers, upon reasonable prices, terms, and conditions, as determined by the Commission under paragraph (4). The provider of direct broadcast satellite service shall not exercise any editorial control over any video programming provided pursuant to this subsection.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2010—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–175, § 209(1), inserted “State public affairs,” after “educational,” in heading.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–175, § 209(2), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The Commission shall require, as a condition of any provision, initial authorization, or authorization renewal for a provider of direct broadcast satellite service providing video programming, that the provider of such service reserve a portion of its channel capacity, equal to not less than 4 percent nor more than 7 percent, exclusively for noncommercial programming of an educational or informational nature.”
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 111–175, § 209(3), which directed substitution of “For purposes of this subsection:” for “For purposes of the subsection—”, was executed by making the substitution for “For purposes of this subsection—” in introductory provisions, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Subsec. (b)(5)(C), (D). Pub. L. 111–175, § 209(4), added subpars. (C) and (D).
Amendment by Pub. L. 111–175 effective
Section effective 60 days after
If the Commission grants a license for advanced television services to a person that, as of the date of such issuance, is licensed to operate a television broadcast station or holds a permit to construct such a station (or both), the Commission shall, as a condition of such license, require that either the additional license or the original license held by the licensee be surrendered to the Commission for reallocation or reassignment (or both) pursuant to Commission regulation.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as relieving a television broadcasting station from its obligation to serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity. In the Commission’s review of any application for renewal of a broadcast license for a television station that provides ancillary or supplementary services, the television licensee shall establish that all of its program services on the existing or advanced television spectrum are in the public interest. Any violation of the Commission rules applicable to ancillary or supplementary services shall reflect upon the licensee’s qualifications for renewal of its license.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), all proceeds obtained pursuant to the regulations required by this subsection shall be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with chapter 33 of title 31.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the salaries and expenses account of the Commission shall retain as an offsetting collection such sums as may be necessary from such proceeds for the costs of developing and implementing the program required by this section and regulating and supervising advanced television services. Such offsetting collections shall be available for obligation subject to the terms and conditions of the receiving appropriations account, and shall be deposited in such accounts on a quarterly basis.
The Commission shall annually advise the Congress on the amounts collected pursuant to the program required by this subsection.
Within 30 days after
Consistent with the requirements set forth in paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection, a licensee may submit an application for class A designation under this paragraph within 30 days after final regulations are adopted under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. Except as provided in paragraphs (6) and (7), the Commission shall, within 30 days after receipt of an application of a licensee of a qualifying low-power television station that is acceptable for filing, award such a class A television station license to such licensee.
If a station that is awarded a construction permit to maximize or significantly enhance its digital television service area, later files a change application to reduce its digital television service area, the protected contour of that station shall be reduced in accordance with such change modification.
No low-power television station authorized as of
The Commission is not required to issue any additional license for advanced television services to the licensee of a class A television station under this subsection, or to any licensee of any television translator station, but shall accept a license application for such services proposing facilities that will not cause interference to the service area of any other broadcast facility applied for, protected, permitted, or authorized on the date of filing of the advanced television application. Such new license or the original license of the applicant shall be forfeited after the end of the digital television service transition period, as determined by the Commission. A licensee of a low-power television station or television translator station may, at the option of licensee, elect to convert to the provision of advanced television services on its analog channel, but shall not be required to convert to digital operation until the end of such transition period.
Nothing in this subsection preempts or otherwise affects section 337 of this title.
The Commission may not grant a class A license to a low-power television station for operation between 698 and 806 megahertz, but the Commission shall provide to low-power television stations assigned to and temporarily operating in that bandwidth the opportunity to meet the qualification requirements for a class A license. If such a qualified applicant for a class A license is assigned a channel within the core spectrum (as such term is defined in MM Docket No. 87–286,
The Commission may not grant under this subsection a class A license to a low-power television station operating on a channel within the core spectrum that includes any of the 175 additional channels referenced in paragraph 45 of its
Low-power stations that are displaced by an application filed under this section shall have priority over other low-power stations in the assignment of available channels.
The term “advanced television services” means television services provided using digital or other advanced technology as further defined in the opinion, report, and order of the Commission entitled “Advanced Television Systems and Their Impact Upon the Existing Television Broadcast Service”, MM Docket 87–268, adopted
The term “designated frequency” means each of the frequencies designated by the Commission for licenses for advanced television services.
The term “high definition television” refers to systems that offer approximately twice the vertical and horizontal resolution of receivers generally available on
The date of enactment of LPTV Digital Data Services Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(3), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 106–554, which enacted subsec. (h) of this section, and which was approved
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (h)(6), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2018—Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 115–141 amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Within 5 years after
2000—Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 106–554 added subsec. (h) and redesignated former subsec. (h) as (i).
1999—Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 106–113 added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsecs. (f) and (g) as (g) and (h), respectively.
Pub. L. 117–344, “This Act may be cited as the ‘Low Power Protection Act’.
Pub. L. 107–188, title V, § 531,
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title I, § 143(b)],
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(9) [title V, § 5008(b)],
Ex. Ord. No. 13038,
The Commission shall commence assignment of licenses for public safety services created pursuant to subsection (a) no later than
Paragraph (1) shall apply to any application to provide public safety services that is pending or filed on or after
Any full-power television station licensee that holds a television broadcast license to operate between 698 and 806 megahertz may not operate at that frequency after
After making any allocation or assignment under this section, the Commission shall seek to assure, consistent with the Commission’s plan for allotments for digital television service, that each qualifying low-power television station is assigned a frequency below 698 megahertz to permit the continued operation of such station.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2012—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6101(b)(1), substituted “34” for “24”.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6101(b)(2), substituted “26” for “36”.
2009—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 111–4 substituted “
2006—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(c)(1)(A), substituted “Channels 52 to 69” for “Channels 60 to 69” in heading and substituted in text “full-power television station licensee that” for “person who”, “698 and 806 megahertz” for “746 and 806 megahertz”, and “
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 109–171, § 3002(c)(1)(B), substituted “698 megahertz” for “746 megahertz”.
1999—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–113, § 1000(a)(5) [title II, § 213(a)(1)], substituted “The Commission shall commence assignment of licenses for public safety services created pursuant to subsection (a) no later than
“(1) commence assignment of the licenses for public safety services created pursuant to subsection (a) no later than
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 106–79, which struck out par. (2) reading “commence competitive bidding for the commercial licenses created pursuant to subsection (a) after
Pub. L. 107–195, § 6,
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(5) [title II, § 213],
Pub. L. 106–79, title VIII, § 8124,
Each satellite carrier providing, under section 122 of title 17, secondary transmissions to subscribers located within the local market of a television broadcast station of a primary transmission made by that station shall carry upon request the signals of all television broadcast stations located within that local market, subject to section 325(b) of this title.
In addition to the remedies available to television broadcast stations under section 501(f) of title 17, the Commission may use the Commission’s authority under this chapter to assure compliance with the obligations of this subsection, but in no instance shall a Commission enforcement proceeding be required as a predicate to the pursuit of a remedy available under such section 501(f).
No low power television station whose signals are provided under section 119(a)(14) 1
A satellite carrier that offers multichannel video programming distribution service in the United States to more than 5,000,000 subscribers shall (A) within 1 year after
If, on or after the date of enactment of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010, an eligible satellite carrier initiates the provision, under section 122 of title 17, of any secondary transmissions in high definition format to subscribers located within the local market of a television broadcast station of a primary transmission made by that station, then such satellite carrier shall carry the signals in high-definition format of all qualified noncommercial educational television stations located within that local market.
A television broadcast station asserting its right to carriage under subsection (a) shall be required to bear the costs associated with delivering a good quality signal to the designated local receive facility of the satellite carrier or to another facility that is acceptable to at least one-half the stations asserting the right to carriage in the local market.
The regulations issued under subsection (g) shall set forth the obligations necessary to carry out this subsection.
Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), a satellite carrier shall not be required to carry upon request the signal of any local commercial television broadcast station that substantially duplicates the signal of another local commercial television broadcast station which is secondarily transmitted by the satellite carrier within the same local market, or to carry upon request the signals of more than one local commercial television broadcast station in a single local market that is affiliated with a particular television network unless such stations are licensed to communities in different States.
The Commission shall prescribe regulations limiting the carriage requirements under subsection (a) of satellite carriers with respect to the carriage of multiple local noncommercial television broadcast stations. To the extent possible, such regulations shall provide the same degree of carriage by satellite carriers of such multiple stations as is provided by cable systems under section 535 of this title.
No satellite carrier shall be required to provide the signal of a local television broadcast station to subscribers in that station’s local market on any particular channel number or to provide the signals in any particular order, except that the satellite carrier shall retransmit the signal of the local television broadcast stations to subscribers in the stations’ local market on contiguous channels and provide access to such station’s signals at a nondiscriminatory price and in a nondiscriminatory manner on any navigational device, on-screen program guide, or menu.
A satellite carrier shall not accept or request monetary payment or other valuable consideration in exchange either for carriage of local television broadcast stations in fulfillment of the requirements of this section or for channel positioning rights provided to such stations under this section, except that any such station may be required to bear the costs associated with delivering a good quality signal to the local receive facility of the satellite carrier.
Whenever a local television broadcast station believes that a satellite carrier has failed to meet its obligations under subsections (b) through (e) of this section, such station shall notify the carrier, in writing, of the alleged failure and identify its reasons for believing that the satellite carrier failed to comply with such obligations. The satellite carrier shall, within 30 days after such written notification, respond in writing to such notification and comply with such obligations or state its reasons for believing that it is in compliance with such obligations. A local television broadcast station that disputes a response by a satellite carrier that it is in compliance with such obligations may obtain review of such denial or response by filing a complaint with the Commission. Such complaint shall allege the manner in which such satellite carrier has failed to meet its obligations and the basis for such allegations.
The Commission shall afford the satellite carrier against which a complaint is filed under paragraph (1) an opportunity to present data and arguments to establish that there has been no failure to meet its obligations under this section.
Within 120 days after the date a complaint is filed under paragraph (1), the Commission shall determine whether the satellite carrier has met its obligations under subsections (b) through (e). If the Commission determines that the satellite carrier has failed to meet such obligations, the Commission shall order the satellite carrier to take appropriate remedial action. If the Commission determines that the satellite carrier has fully met the requirements of such subsections, the Commission shall dismiss the complaint.
Each satellite carrier that retransmits the signals of local television broadcast stations in a local market shall retransmit such stations in such market so that a subscriber may receive such stations by means of a single reception antenna and associated equipment.
If the carrier retransmits the signals of local television broadcast stations in a local market in high definition format, the carrier shall retransmit such signals in such market so that a subscriber may receive such signals by means of a single reception antenna and associated equipment, but such antenna and associated equipment may be separate from the single reception antenna and associated equipment used to comply with paragraph (1).
Within 180 days after
Such regulations shall require that each satellite carrier shall transmit the notices required by such regulation via certified mail to the address for such television station licensee listed in the consolidated database system maintained by the Commission.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a satellite carrier shall not use any facilities used by the satellite carrier to collect personally identifiable information concerning any subscriber without the prior written or electronic consent of the subscriber concerned.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a satellite carrier shall not disclose personally identifiable information concerning any subscriber without the prior written or electronic consent of the subscriber concerned and shall take such actions as are necessary to prevent unauthorized access to such information by a person other than the subscriber or satellite carrier.
A satellite subscriber shall be provided access to all personally identifiable information regarding that subscriber which is collected and maintained by a satellite carrier. Such information shall be made available to the subscriber at reasonable times and at a convenient place designated by such satellite carrier. A satellite subscriber shall be provided reasonable opportunity to correct any error in such information.
A satellite carrier shall destroy personally identifiable information if the information is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected and there are no pending requests or orders for access to such information under paragraph (5) or pursuant to a court order.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit any State from enacting or enforcing laws consistent with this section for the protection of subscriber privacy.
Within 1 year after
The term “distributor” means an entity which contracts to distribute secondary transmissions from a satellite carrier and, either as a single channel or in a package with other programming, provides the secondary transmission either directly to individual subscribers or indirectly through other program distribution entities.
The term “local receive facility” means the reception point in each local market which a satellite carrier designates for delivery of the signal of the station for purposes of retransmission.
The term “local market” has the meaning given that term under section 122(j) of title 17.
The term “low power television station” means a low power television station as defined under section 74.701(f) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on
The term “satellite carrier” has the meaning given such term under section 119(d) of title 17.
The term “secondary transmission” has the meaning given such term in section 119(d) of title 17.
The term “subscriber” has the meaning given that term under section 122(j) of title 17.
The term “television broadcast station” has the meaning given such term in section 325(b)(7) of this title.
Following a written request, the Commission may, with respect to a particular commercial television broadcast station, include additional communities within its local market or exclude communities from such station’s local market to better effectuate the purposes of this section.
A market determination under this subsection shall not create additional carriage obligations for a satellite carrier if it is not technically and economically feasible for such carrier to accomplish such carriage by means of its satellites in operation at the time of the determination.
A satellite carrier shall not delete from carriage the signal of a commercial television broadcast station during the pendency of any proceeding under this subsection.
Not later than 120 days after the date that a written request is filed under paragraph (1), the Commission shall grant or deny the request.
No modification of a commercial television broadcast station’s local market pursuant to this subsection shall have any effect on the eligibility of households in the community affected by such modification to receive distant signals pursuant to section 339 of this title, notwithstanding subsection (h)(1) of this section.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Section 119(a)(14) of title 17, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), was redesignated as section 119(a)(13) of title 17 by Pub. L. 111–175, title I, § 102(h)(1)(B),
The date of enactment of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010, referred to in subsecs. (a)(5) and (k)(2)(B), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 111–175, which shall be deemed to refer to
For the effective date of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (i)(1), as 60 days after
2014—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 113–200 added subsec. (l).
2010—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(a)(1), struck out par. (3) relating to effective date. Text read as follows: “No satellite carrier shall be required to carry local television broadcast stations under paragraph (1) until
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 111–175, § 207(a), added par. (5).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(a)(2), amended subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (g) related to carriage of local stations on a single dish.
Subsec. (k)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 111–175, § 207(b)(1), (2), added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) to (4) as (3) to (5), respectively. Former par. (5) redesignated (6).
Subsec. (k)(6). Pub. L. 111–175, § 207(b)(4), added par. (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (7).
Pub. L. 111–175, § 207(b)(1), redesignated par. (5) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (7).
Subsec. (k)(7) to (9). Pub. L. 111–175, § 207(b)(3), redesignated pars. (6) to (8) as (7) to (9), respectively. Former par. (9) redesignated (10).
Pub. L. 111–175, § 207(b)(1), redesignated pars. (6) to (8) as (7) to (9), respectively.
Subsec. (k)(10). Pub. L. 111–175, § 207(b)(3), redesignated par. (9) as (10).
2004—Subsec. (a)(1) to (3). Pub. L. 108–447, § 203(b)(1), added pars. (1) and (2) and the par. (3) relating to low power station carriage and struck out former pars. (1) and (2) which required each satellite carrier providing secondary transmissions within the local market of a television broadcast station of a primary transmission made by that station to carry upon request the signals of all television broadcast stations within that local market and provided for remedies for failure to carry.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 108–447, § 210, added par. (4).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 108–447, § 203(b)(2), substituted “subsection (a)(1)” for “subsection (a)”.
Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 108–447, §§ 203(a)(2), 205, added subsecs. (g) and (h). Former subsecs. (g) and (h) redesignated (j) and (k), respectively.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 108–447, § 206(a), added subsec. (i).
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 108–447, § 203(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (j).
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 108–447, § 203(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (h) as (k).
Subsec. (k)(4) to (8). Pub. L. 108–447, § 203(b)(3), added par. (4) and redesignated former pars. (4) to (7) as (5) to (8), respectively.
Amendment by Pub. L. 111–175 effective
Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IX [title II, § 206(b)],
Pub. L. 113–200, title I, § 102(c),
Pub. L. 113–200, title I, § 102(d),
Pub. L. 113–200, title I, § 108,
Pub. L. 111–175, title II, § 205,
Pub. L. 111–175, title III, §§ 301, 305, “In this title [enacting provisions set out as notes under section 111 of Title 17, Copyrights], the term ‘appropriate Congressional committees’ means the Committees on the Judiciary and on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committees on the Judiciary and on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(9) [title II], “This title may be cited as the ‘Rural Local Broadcast Signal Act’.
Subject to section 119 of title 17, any satellite carrier shall be permitted to provide the signals of no more than two network stations in a single day for each television network to any household not located within the local markets of those network stations.
In addition to signals provided under subparagraph (A), any satellite carrier may also provide service under the statutory license of section 122 of title 17, to the local market within which such household is located. The service provided under section 122 of such title may be in addition to the two signals provided under section 119 of such title.
In the case of any subscriber of a satellite carrier who is eligible to receive the distant signal of a network station solely by reason of section 119(e) 1 of title 17 and who did not receive a distant signal of a station affiliated with the same network on
A subscriber of a satellite carrier who was lawfully receiving the distant signal of a network station on the day before the date of enactment of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 may receive both such distant signal and the local signal of a network station affiliated with the same network until such subscriber chooses to no longer receive such distant signal from such carrier, whether or not such subscriber elects to subscribe to such local signal.
Any eligible subscriber under this subparagraph who is a lawful subscriber to such a distant signal as of the date of enactment of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 may continue to receive such distant signal.
In a case in which the satellite carrier makes available to an eligible subscriber under this subparagraph the signal of a local network station pursuant to section 338 of this title, the carrier may only provide the distant signal of a station affiliated with the same network to that subscriber if, in the case of any local market in the 48 contiguous States of the United States, the distant signal is the secondary transmission of a station whose prime time network programming is generally broadcast simultaneously with, or later than, the prime time network programming of the affiliate of the same network in the local market.
Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to affect a satellite carrier’s obligations under section 338 of this title.
This paragraph shall not prohibit a retransmission of a distant signal of any distant network station to any subscriber to whom the signal of a local network station affiliated with the same network is available, if and to the extent that such local network station has affirmatively granted a waiver from the requirements of this paragraph to such satellite carrier with respect to retransmission of such distant network station to such subscriber.
This paragraph shall not affect the eligibility of a subscriber to receive secondary transmissions under section 340 of this title or as an unserved household included under section 119(a)(12) 1 of title 17.
For purposes of this paragraph, a satellite carrier makes available a local signal to a subscriber or person if the satellite carrier offers that local signal to other subscribers who reside in the same zip code as that subscriber or person.
Any satellite carrier that knowingly and willfully provides the signals of television stations to subscribers in violation of this subsection shall be liable for a forfeiture penalty under section 503 of this title in the amount of $50,000 for each violation or each day of a continuing violation, except that paragraph (2)(D) of this subsection, relating to the provision of distant digital signals, shall be enforceable under the provisions of section 340(f) of this title.
The Commission shall complete all actions necessary to prescribe regulations required by this section so that the regulations shall become effective within 1 year after
A subscriber who is denied the retransmission of a signal of a network station under section 119 of title 17 may request a waiver from such denial by submitting a request, through such subscriber’s satellite carrier, to the network station asserting that the retransmission is prohibited. The network station shall accept or reject a subscriber’s request for a waiver within 30 days after receipt of the request. The subscriber shall be permitted to receive such retransmission under section 119(d)(10)(B) 1 of title 17, if such station agrees to the waiver request and files with the satellite carrier a written waiver with respect to that subscriber allowing the subscriber to receive such retransmission. If a television network station fails to accept or reject a subscriber’s request for a waiver within the 30-day period after receipt of the request, that station shall be deemed to agree to the waiver request and have filed such written waiver.
Within 270 days after the date of the enactment of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010, the Commission shall develop and prescribe by rule a point-to-point predictive model for reliably and presumptively determining the ability of individual locations, through the use of an antenna, to receive signals in accordance with the signal intensity standard in section 73.622(e)(1) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or a successor regulation, including to account for the continuing operation of translator stations and low power television stations. In prescribing such model, the Commission shall rely on the Individual Location Longley-Rice model set forth by the Commission in CS Docket No. 98–201, as previously revised with respect to analog signals, and as recommended by the Commission with respect to digital signals in its Report to Congress in ET Docket No. 05–182, FCC 05–199 (released
The Commission shall issue an order completing its rulemaking proceeding in ET Docket No. 06–94 within 270 days after the date of enactment of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010. In conducting such rulemaking, the Commission shall seek ways to minimize consumer burdens associated with on-location testing.
If a subscriber’s request for a waiver under paragraph (2) is rejected and the subscriber submits to the subscriber’s satellite carrier a request for a test verifying the subscriber’s inability to receive a signal of the signal intensity referenced in clause (i) of subsection (a)(2)(D), the satellite carrier and the network station or stations asserting that the retransmission is prohibited with respect to that subscriber shall select a qualified and independent person to conduct the test referenced in such clause. Such test shall be conducted within 30 days after the date the subscriber submits a request for the test. If the written findings and conclusions of a test conducted in accordance with such clause demonstrate that the subscriber does not receive a signal that meets or exceeds the requisite signal intensity standard in such clause, the subscriber shall not be denied the retransmission of a signal of a network station under section 119(d)(10)(A) 1 of title 17.
If the satellite carrier and the network station or stations asserting that the retransmission is prohibited are unable to agree on such a person to conduct the test, the person shall be designated by an independent and neutral entity designated by the Commission by rule. Unless the satellite carrier and the network station or stations otherwise agree, the costs of conducting the test under this paragraph shall be borne by the satellite carrier, if the station’s signal meets or exceeds such requisite signal intensity standard, or by the network station, if its signal fails to meet or exceed such standard.
Commission regulations prescribed under this paragraph shall seek to avoid any undue burden on any party.
Within 1 year after
A satellite carrier may refuse to engage in the testing process. If the carrier does so refuse, a subscriber in a local market in which the satellite carrier does not offer the signals of local broadcast stations under section 338 of this title may, at his or her own expense, authorize a signal intensity test to be performed pursuant to the procedures specified by the Commission in section 73.686(d) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, by a tester who is approved by the satellite carrier and by each affected network station, or who has been previously approved by the satellite carrier and by each affected network station but not previously disapproved. A tester may not be so disapproved for a test after the tester has commenced such test. The tester shall give 5 business days advance written notice to the satellite carrier and to the affected network station or stations. A signal intensity test conducted in accordance with this subparagraph shall be determinative of the signal strength received at that household for purposes of determining whether the household is capable of receiving a signal.
Notwithstanding subsection (d)(4), for purposes of paragraphs (2) and (4) of this subsection, the term “satellite carrier” includes a distributor (as defined in section 119(d)(1) of title 17), but only if the satellite distributor’s relationship with the subscriber includes billing, collection, service activation, and service deactivation.
The term “local market” has the meaning given that term under section 122(j) of title 17.
The term “network station” has the meaning given such term under section 119(d) of title 17.
The term “satellite carrier” has the meaning given such term under section 119(d) of title 17.
The term “television network” means a television network in the United States which offers an interconnected program service on a regular basis for 15 or more hours per week to at least 25 affiliated broadcast stations in 10 or more States.
Section 119(e) of title 17, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A), was repealed and section 119(f) was redesignated section 119(e) by Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title XI, § 1102(a)(4), (6),
The date of enactment of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2)(B)(ii), (C), (D)(ii), and (c)(3), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 111–175, which shall be deemed to refer to
Section 119(d)(10) of title 17, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2)(D)(i)(III) and (c)(2), (4)(A), was amended by Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title XI, § 1102(a)(3)(A),
Section 119(a)(12) of title 17, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(G), was redesignated first as section 119(a)(11) of title 17 by Pub. L. 111–175, title I, § 102(h)(1)(B),
2018—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–141 struck out par. (1) which related to study of digital strength testing procedures.
2010—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(A), which directed amendment of subpar. (B) by striking out “ ‘Such two network stations’ and all that follows through ‘more than two network stations.’ ”, was executed by striking out concluding provisions which read “Such two network stations may be comprised of both the analog signal and digital signal of not more than two network stations.”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(i), struck out “to analog signals” after “subscribers” in heading.
Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(ii)(I), (II), struck out “analog” before “signals” in heading, substituted “signal” for “analog signal” wherever appearing, and, in introductory provisions, substituted “
Subsec. (a)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(ii)(III), (IV), struck out “analog” before “signals” in heading, substituted “signal” for “analog signal” wherever appearing in text, and substituted “2009” for “2004”.
Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(iii), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) related to rules for other subscribers to analog signals.
Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(iv)(I), which directed striking out “analog”, was executed by striking out “analog” before “signal” in introductory provisions, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the subsequent amendment of cl. (ii) by Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(iv)(III). See below.
Subsec. (a)(2)(C)(i). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(iv)(II), substituted “the date of the enactment of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 and, at the time such person seeks to subscribe to receive such secondary transmission, resides in a local market where the satellite carrier makes available to that person the signal of a local network station affiliated with the same television network pursuant to section 338 of this title (and the retransmission of such signal by such carrier can reach such subscriber); or” for “
Subsec. (a)(2)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(iv)(III), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “at the time such person seeks to subscribe to receive such secondary transmission, resides in a local market where the satellite carrier makes available to that person the analog signal of a local network station affiliated with the same television network pursuant to section 338 of this title, and the retransmission of such signal by such carrier can reach such subscriber.”
Subsec. (a)(2)(D). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(v)(I), struck out “digital” before “signals” in heading.
Subsec. (a)(2)(D)(i). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(v)(IV), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (i) related to signal testing for digital signals.
Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(v)(II), (III), redesignated and reordered cl. (vi) as (i) and struck out former cl. (i) which related to eligibility.
Subsec. (a)(2)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(v)(V), struck out “digital” before “signal” in heading and in two places in text, struck out “, whether or not such subscriber elects to subscribe to local digital signals” before the period, and substituted “Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010” for “Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004”.
Subsec. (a)(2)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(v)(II), (VI), added cl. (iii) and struck out former cl. (iii) which related to local-to-local analog markets.
Subsec. (a)(2)(D)(iv). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(v)(II), (VII), redesignated cl. (x) as (iv) and struck out former cl. (iv) which related to local-to-local digital markets.
Subsec. (a)(2)(D)(v). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(v)(II), struck out cl. (v) which related to non-local-to-local markets.
Subsec. (a)(2)(D)(vi). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(v)(III), redesignated cl. (vi) as (i).
Subsec. (a)(2)(D)(vii) to (ix). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(v)(II), struck out cls. (vii) to (ix) which related to trigger events for use of testing, testing waivers, and a special waiver provision for translators, respectively.
Subsec. (a)(2)(D)(x). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(v)(VII), redesignated cl. (x) as (iv).
Subsec. (a)(2)(D)(xi). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(v)(II), struck out cl. (xi) which defined “emergency response providers”.
Subsec. (a)(2)(E). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(1)(B)(vi), substituted “distant signal” for “distant analog signal or distant digital signal (within the meaning of subparagraph (A), (B), or (D))”.
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(2)(A), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Within 180 days after
Subsec. (c)(4)(A). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(2)(B), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “If a subscriber’s request for a waiver under paragraph (2) is rejected and the subscriber submits to the subscriber’s satellite carrier a request for a test verifying the subscriber’s inability to receive a signal that meets the signal intensity standard in effect under section 119(d)(10)(A) of title 17, the satellite carrier and the network station or stations asserting that the retransmission is prohibited with respect to that subscriber shall select a qualified and independent person to conduct a test in accordance with section 73.686(d) of its regulations (47 CFR 73.686(d)), or any successor regulation. Such test shall be conducted within 30 days after the date the subscriber submits a request for the test. If the written findings and conclusions of a test conducted in accordance with such section (or any successor regulation) demonstrate that the subscriber does not receive a signal that meets or exceeds the signal intensity standard in effect under section 119(d)(10)(A) of title 17, the subscriber shall not be denied the retransmission of a signal of a network station under section 119 of title 17.”
Subsec. (c)(4)(B). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(2)(C), substituted “such requisite signal intensity standard” for “the signal intensity standard in effect under section 119(d)(10)(A) of title 17”.
Subsec. (c)(4)(E). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(b)(2)(D), struck out “Grade B intensity” before “signal.”
2004—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 108–447, § 204(a)(1), inserted at end “Such two network stations may be comprised of both the analog signal and digital signal of not more than two network stations.”
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 108–447, § 204(a)(3), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 108–447, § 204(a)(4), which directed amendment of par. (3) by inserting “, except that paragraph (2)(D) of this subsection, relating to the provision of distant digital signals, shall be enforceable under the provisions of section 340(f) of this title” at end, was executed by making the insertion before period at end, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 108–447, § 204(a)(2), redesignated par. (2) as (3).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 108–447, § 204(b), added par. (1) and struck out heading and text of former par. (1). Text read as follows: “For the purposes of identifying an unserved household under section 119(d)(10) of title 17, within 1 year after
“(A) recommend modifications to the Grade B intensity standard for analog signals set forth in section 73.683(a) of its regulations (47 CFR 73.683(a)), or recommend alternative standards or factors for purposes of determining such eligibility; and
“(B) make a further recommendation relating to an appropriate standard for digital signals.”
Subsec. (c)(4)(D), (E). Pub. L. 108–447, § 209, added subpars. (D) and (E).
2000—Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 106–553 added par. (5).
Amendment by Pub. L. 111–175 effective
This section shall apply only to retransmissions to subscribers of a satellite carrier who receive retransmissions of a signal from that satellite carrier pursuant to section 338 of this title.
A satellite carrier may retransmit to a subscriber in high definition format the signal of a station determined by the Commission to be significantly viewed under subsection (a) only if such carrier also retransmits in high definition format the signal of a station located in the local market of such subscriber and affiliated with the same network whenever such format is available from such station.
The limitations in paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not prohibit a retransmission under this section to a subscriber located in a local market in which there are no network stations affiliated with the same television network as the station whose signal is being retransmitted pursuant to this section.
Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not prohibit a retransmission of a network station to a subscriber if and to the extent that the network station in the local market in which the subscriber is located, and that is affiliated with the same television network, has privately negotiated and affirmatively granted a waiver from the requirements of paragraph 2
The Commission shall make readily available to the public in electronic form, on the Internet website of the Commission or other comparable facility, a list of the stations that are eligible for retransmission under subsection (a) and the communities in which such stations are eligible for such retransmission. The Commission shall update such list within 10 business days after the date on which the Commission issues an order making any modification of such stations and communities.
Carriage of a signal under this section is not mandatory, and any right of a station licensee to have the signal of such station carried under section 338 of this title is not affected by the eligibility of such station to be carried under this section.
The eligibility of the signal of a station to be carried under this section does not affect any right of the licensee of such station to grant (or withhold) retransmission consent under section 325(b)(1) of this title.
Signals eligible to be carried under this section are not subject to the Commission’s regulations concerning network nonduplication or syndicated exclusivity unless, pursuant to regulations adopted by the Commission, the Commission determines to permit network nonduplication or syndicated exclusivity to apply within the appropriate zone of protection.
Nothing in this subsection or Commission regulations shall permit the application of network nonduplication or syndicated exclusivity regulations to the retransmission of distant signals of network stations that are carried by a satellite carrier pursuant to a statutory license under section 119(a)(2)(A) or (B) of title 17, with respect to persons who reside in unserved households, under 3
The Commission shall issue a final determination resolving a complaint brought under this subsection not later than 180 days after the submission of a complaint under this subsection. The Commission may hear witnesses if it clearly appears, based on written filings by the parties, that there is a genuine dispute about material facts. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, the Commission may issue a final ruling based on written filings by the parties.
The remedies under this subsection are in addition to any remedies available under title 17.
Any determination, action, or failure to act of the Commission under this subsection shall have no effect on any proceeding under title 17 and shall not be introduced in evidence in any proceeding under that title. In no instance shall a Commission enforcement proceeding under this subsection be required as a predicate to the pursuit of a remedy available under title 17.
In revising its regulations as required by paragraph (1), the Commission shall provide that any such station shall conduct a unified negotiation for the entire portion of its local market for which retransmission consent is elected.
If a satellite carrier notifies a television broadcast station that it reserves the right to retransmit an affiliate of the same television network during the next election cycle pursuant to this section, the station may choose between retransmission consent and mandatory carriage for any portion of the 3-year election cycle that is not covered by an existing retransmission consent agreement.
The terms “local market”, “satellite carrier”, “subscriber”, and “television broadcast station” have the meanings given such terms in section 338(k) of this title.
The terms “network station” and “television network” have the meanings given such terms in section 339(d) of this title.
Section 119(a)(4)(A) and section 119(a)(12) of title 17, referred to in subsec. (e)(2), were redesignated as sections 119(a)(3)(A) and 119(a)(11) of title 17, respectively, by Pub. L. 111–175, title I, § 102(h)(1)(B),
2010—Subsec. (b)(1), (2). Pub. L. 111–175, § 203(a), amended pars. (1) and (2) generally. Prior to amendment, pars. (1) and (2) related to limitations for certain analog and digital services, respectively.
Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 111–175, § 204(c), struck out par. (4). Text read as follows: “The terms ‘equivalent bandwidth’ and ‘entire bandwidth’ shall be defined by the Commission by regulation, except that this paragraph shall not be construed—
“(A) to prevent a satellite operator from using compression technology;
“(B) to require a satellite operator to use the identical bandwidth or bit rate as the local or distant broadcaster whose signal it is retransmitting;
“(C) to require a satellite operator to use the identical bandwidth or bit rate for a local network station as it does for a distant network station;
“(D) to affect a satellite operator’s obligations under subsection (a)(1) of this section; or
“(E) to affect the definitions of ‘program related’ and ‘primary video’.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 111–175 effective
Pub. L. 111–175, title II, § 203(b),
The Commission shall provide 30 days for public comment on a request for certification under this section.
The Commission shall grant or deny a request for certification within 90 days after the date on which such request is filed.
An entity granted qualified carrier status pursuant to section 119(g) 1 of title 17 shall file an affidavit with the Commission 30 months after such status was granted stating that, to the best of the affiant’s knowledge, it is in compliance with the requirements for a qualified carrier.
The term “designated market area” has the meaning given such term in section 122(j)(2)(C) of title 17.
For the purposes of subparagraph (A), the top 100 designated market areas shall be as determined by Nielsen Media Research and published in the Nielsen Station Index Directory and Nielsen Station Index United States Television Household Estimates or any successor publication as of the date of a satellite carrier’s application for certification under this section.
Section 119(g) of title 17, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (d), was redesignated section 119(f) of title 17 by Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title XI, § 1102(a)(6),
The date of enactment of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2) and (b)(1), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 111–175, which shall be deemed to refer to
Section effective
The Commission shall not permit commercial terrestrial operations in the 1525–1559 megahertz band or the 1626.5–1660.5 megahertz band until the date that is 90 days after the Commission resolves concerns of widespread harmful interference by such operations in such band to covered GPS devices.
At the conclusion of the decision regarding whether to permit such operations in such band, the Commission shall submit to the congressional committees described in paragraph (2) official copies of the documents containing the final decision of the Commission. If the decision is to permit such operations in such band, such documents shall contain or be accompanied by an explanation of how the concerns described in subsection (a) have been resolved.
In this section, the term “covered GPS device” means a Global Positioning System device of the Department of Defense.
Section, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title III, § 344, as added and amended Pub. L. 117–58, div. F, title VI, § 60602,
Pub. L. 117–58, div. F, title VI, § 60602(b),
Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall be construed to require a criminal conviction or any other determination of a court in order for conduct to constitute a covered act.
The term “covered provider” means a provider of a private mobile service or commercial mobile service, as those terms are defined in section 332(d) of this title.
The term “primary account holder” means an individual who is a party to a mobile service contract with a covered provider.
Nothing in paragraph (2) shall be construed to require a covered provider to provide a rate plan for the primary account holder that is not otherwise commercially available.
A covered provider shall offer a survivor the ability to submit a line separation request under subsection (c) through secure remote means that are easily navigable, provided that remote options are commercially available and technically feasible.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), beginning on the date on which a covered provider transfers billing responsibilities for and use of a telephone number or numbers to a survivor under paragraph (1)(A) in response to a line separation request submitted by the survivor under subsection (c), unless ordered otherwise by a court, the survivor shall assume financial responsibility, including for monthly service costs, for the transferred telephone number or numbers.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), upon the transfer of a telephone number under paragraph (1)(B) in response to a line separation request submitted by a survivor under subsection (c), the survivor shall have no further financial responsibilities to the transferring covered provider for the services provided by the transferring covered provider for the telephone number or for any mobile device associated with the telephone number.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), beginning on the date on which a covered provider transfers billing responsibilities for and rights to a telephone number or numbers to a survivor under paragraph (1)(A) in response to a line separation request submitted by the survivor under subsection (c), unless otherwise ordered by a court, the survivor shall not assume financial responsibility for any mobile device associated with the separated line, unless the survivor purchased the mobile device, or affirmatively elects to maintain possession of the mobile device.
If a covered provider separates a line from a shared mobile service contract under paragraph (1) and the primary account holder is not the survivor, the covered provider shall notify the survivor of the date on which the covered provider intends to give any formal notice to the primary account holder.
A covered provider shall notify a survivor seeking relief under subsection (b) in clear and accessible language that the covered provider may contact the survivor, or designated representative of the survivor, to confirm the line separation, or if the covered provider is unable to complete the line separation for any reason, pursuant to subparagraphs (B) and (C).
A covered provider shall notify a survivor under subparagraph (A) through remote means, provided that remote means are commercially available and technically feasible.
This subsection shall not affect any law or regulation of a State providing communications protections for survivors (or any similar category of individuals) that has less stringent requirements for providing evidence of a covered act (or any similar category of conduct) than this subsection.
Notwithstanding section 222(c)(2) of this title, a covered provider and any officer, director, employee, vendor, or agent thereof shall treat any information submitted by a survivor under subsection (c) as confidential and securely dispose of the information not later than 90 days after receiving the information.
Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to prohibit a covered provider from maintaining, for longer than the period specified in that paragraph, a record that verifies that a survivor fulfilled the conditions of a line separation request under subsection (c).
The requirement to effectuate a line separation request pursuant to subsection (b)(1) shall not apply to a covered provider if the covered provider cannot operationally or technically effectuate the request.
A covered provider and any officer, director, employee, vendor, or agent thereof shall not be subject to liability for any claims deriving from an action taken or omission made with respect to compliance with this section and the rules adopted to implement this section.
Nothing in this subsection shall limit the authority of the Commission to enforce this section or any rules or regulations promulgated by the Commission pursuant to this section.
Pub. L. 117–223, § 6,
Pub. L. 117–223, § 7,
Pub. L. 117–223, § 3,
Pub. L. 117–223, § 5,
Pub. L. 117–223, § 2,
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–121 substituted “radio station” for “radio installation”, broadened coverage so as to extend to vessels over 300 tons rather than 500 tons, required passenger ships irrespective of size and cargo ships over 1600 tons to be equipped with a radio telegraph station and cargo ships over 300 tons, unless equipped with a radiotelegraph station, to be equipped with a radiotelephone station, and eliminated provisions which empowered the Commission to defer the application of the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection for periods not beyond
1954—Subsec. (a)(1). Act
Subsec. (a)(2). Act
Section 16 of act
Act Aug. 3, 1956, ch. 913, 70 Stat. 967, authorized the Federal Communications Commission, the United States Coast Guard, and the Federal Maritime Administration, acting jointly, to make a full and complete study and investigation with respect to the need for installing automatic radiotelegraph call selectors on cargo ships of the United States carrying less than two radio operators, and other such safety devices, and the feasibility thereof, and required a report to the Congress not later than
If, because of unforeseeable failure of equipment, a ship is unable to comply with the equipment requirements of this part without undue delay of the ship, the mileage limitations set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) shall not apply: Provided, That exemption of the ship is found to be reasonable or necessary in accordance with subsection (b) to permit the ship to proceed to a port where the equipment deficiency may be remedied.
Except for nuclear ships, and except for ships of five thousand gross tons and upward which are subject to the Safety Convention, the Commission may exempt from the requirements, for radio direction finding apparatus, of this part and of the Safety Convention, any ship which falls within the descriptions set forth in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (b) of this section, if it considers that the route or conditions of the voyage or other circumstances are such as to render such apparatus unreasonable or unnecessary.
Panama Canal Company, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), deemed to refer to Panama Canal Commission, see section 3602(b)(5) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.
1981—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 97–31 substituted “Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation” for “United States Maritime Commission”. For prior transfers of functions, see Transfer of Functions note set out below.
1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–121, § 3(a), added pars. (6) to (8) and struck out former par. (6) which made the provisions of this part inapplicable to a vessel navigating solely on the Great Lakes, or on any bays, sounds, rivers, or protected waters within the jurisdiction of the United States, or to a vessel leaving or attempting to leave any harbor or port of the United States for a voyage solely on the Great Lakes, or on any bays, sounds, rivers, or protected waters within the jurisdiction of the United States.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–121, § 3(b), excepted nuclear ships and substituted “or, alternatively, do not go more than two hundred nautical miles” for “or more than two hundred nautical miles”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–121, § 3(c), added subsec. (d).
1954—Subsec. (a)(3). Act
Subsec. (c). Act
1950—Subsec. (a)(2). Act
Section effective
Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIII [LXXXIII], § 8336,
For transfer of functions of United States Maritime Commission, see Reorg. Plan No. 21 of 1950 and Reorg. Plan No. 7 of 1961, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Each cargo ship which in accordance with this part is equipped with a radiotelegraph station and which is not equipped with a radiotelegraph auto alarm, and each passenger ship required by this part to be equipped with a radiotelegraph station, shall, for safety purposes, carry at least two radio officers.
A cargo ship which in accordance with this part is equipped with a radiotelegraph station, which is equipped with a radiotelegraph auto alarm, shall, for safety purposes, carry at least one radio officer who shall have had at least six months’ previous service in the aggregate as a radio officer in a station on board a ship or ships of the United States.
Each ship of the United States which in accordance with this part is equipped with a radiotelegraph station shall, while being navigated in the open sea outside of a harbor or port, keep a continuous watch by means of radio officers whenever the station is not being used for authorized traffic: Provided, That, in lieu thereof, on a cargo ship equipped with a radiotelegraph auto alarm in proper operating condition, a watch of at least eight hours per day, in the aggregate, shall be maintained by means of a radio officer.
The Commission shall, when it finds it necessary for safety purposes, have authority to prescribe the particular hours of watch on a ship of the United States which in accordance with this part is equipped with a radiotelegraph station.
On all ships of the United States equipped with a radiotelegraph auto alarm, said apparatus shall be in operation at all times while the ship is being navigated in the open sea outside of a harbor or port when the radio officer is not on watch.
1965—Pub. L. 89–121, among other changes, substituted wherever appearing “radiotelegraph station” for “radiotelegraph installation”, “radiotelegraph auto alarm” for “auto-alarm”, and “radio officer” and “radio officers” for “qualified operator” and “qualified operators”, required a continuous watch to be kept when the radiotelegraph station is not being used for authorized traffic, and inserted “while being navigated in the open sea” in two places.
1954—Act
1943—Subsec. (b). Act
1941—Subsec. (b). Act
Acts
Section effective
Act Dec. 17, 1941, ch. 588, 55 Stat. 808, as amended June 28, 1943, ch. 174, 57 Stat. 244; June 13, 1945, ch. 190, 59 Stat. 259; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, § 101, eff.
1965—Pub. L. 89–121 substituted “radiotelephone station” for “radiotelephone installation” in two places, and “one operator who may be the master, an officer, or a member of the crew” for “one qualified operator who may be a member of the crew holding only a certificate for radio telephony”, inserted “in the open sea” before “outside of a harbor”, and required a continuous watch whenever the station is not being used for authorized traffic.
1965—Pub. L. 89–121 substituted “radiotelegraph station” for “radio installation” in opening provisions.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–121, among other changes, substituted “radiotelegraph station” for “radio installation”, required the main installation and the reserve installation to be electrically separate and independent of each other, and included cargo ships between 300 and 500 tons within the ships that may omit the reserve transmitter if the main transmitter complies with all the requirements for the reserve transmitter.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–121 required the radiotelegraph station to be so located that no harmful interference will be caused to the proper reception of radio signals, and to be installed in such a position that it will be protected against the harmful effects of water or extremes of temperature, and will be readily accessible both for immediate use in case of distress and for repair.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–121 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–121 redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d), and substituted “main and reserve installations shall be capable of transmitting and receiving on the frequencies, and using the classes of emission, designated” for “main and emergency or reserve installations shall be capable of transmitting and receiving on the frequencies and types of waves designated”. Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 89–121 redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e), and inserted provisions requiring the reserve installation to have a minimum normal range of 100 nautical miles. Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 89–121 redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f), and substituted “electrical energy” for “power” and “operate the main installation over the normal range required by subsection (e) of this section as well as for the purpose of charging any batteries forming part of the radiotelegraph station” for “operate the main radio installation efficiently under normal conditions over the range specified in subsection (d) of this section”. Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 89–121 redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g), directed that the reserve source of energy and its switchboard shall be as high as practicable in the ship and readily accessible to the radio officer, and eliminated provisions which stated that for the emergency or reserve installation the normal range shall be at least 100 nautical miles. Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 89–121 redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h), and substituted provisions requiring the method of communication between the bridge and the radiotelegraph room and the location of the radio direction finding apparatus to be an efficient two-way system for calling and voice communication for provisions which required an efficient means of communication. Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 89–121 redesignated former subsec. (h) as (i), and substituted provisions requiring the apparatus to be capable of receiving signals with the minimum of receiver noise for provisions which required the apparatus to be capable of receiving clearly perceptible signals.
1954—Act
Subsec. (a). Act
Section effective
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of
Coast Guard transferred to Department of Transportation, and functions, powers, and duties relating to Coast Guard of Secretary of the Treasury and of all other officers and offices of Department of the Treasury transferred to Secretary of Transportation by Pub. L. 89–670, § 6(b)(1),
“Commandant of the Coast Guard” substituted in subsec. (b) for “Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation, Department of Commerce” on authority of Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1946, §§ 101–104, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.
For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of the Treasury, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of the Treasury with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 26 of 1950, §§ 1, 2, eff.
1965—Pub. L. 89–121 limited the opening provisions to cargo ships of 300 gross tons and upwards.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–121 required the radiotelephone station to be so located that it is sheltered to the greatest possible extent from noise which might impair the correct reception of messages and signals.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–121 substituted “on the frequencies, and using the classes of emission, designated” for “on the frequencies and with types of emissions designated”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–121 substituted “radiotelephone installation” for “transmitter” and inserted provisions requiring the installation to be capable of receiving clearly perceptible signals over the minimum normal range.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–121 substituted “a main source of electrical energy” for “a source of energy”, “at least six continuous hours” for “at least six hours continuously”, and “installations made on or after
Every ship required to be provided with survival craft radio by treaty to which the United States is a party, by statute, or by regulation made in conformity with a treaty, convention, or statute, shall be fitted with efficient radio equipment appropriate to such requirement under such rules and regulations as the Commission may find necessary for safety of life. For purposes of this section, “radio equipment” shall include portable as well as nonportable apparatus.
1965—Pub. L. 89–121 substituted “survival craft” for “lifeboat”.
1954—Act
Act
Section effective
This part, referred to in text, commences with section 351 of this title.
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 struck out “(a)” before “Insofar as”.
Section effective
The master of every ship of the United States, equipped with radio transmitting apparatus, which meets with dangerous ice, a dangerous derelict, a tropical storm, or any other direct danger to navigation, or encounters subfreezing air temperatures associated with gale force winds causing severe ice accretion on superstructures, or winds of force 10 or above on the Beaufort scale for which no storm warning has been received, shall cause to be transmitted all pertinent information relating thereto to ships in the vicinity and to the appropriate authorities on land, in accordance with rules and regulations issued by the Commission. When they consider it necessary, such authorities of the United States shall promptly bring the information received by them to the knowledge of those concerned, including interested foreign authorities.
No charge shall be made by any ship or station in the mobile service of the United States for the transmission, receipt, or relay of the information designated in subsection (a) originating on a ship of the United States or of a foreign country.
The transmission by any ship of the United States, made in compliance with subsection (a), to any station which imposes a charge for the reception, relay, or forwarding of the required information, shall be free of cost to the ship concerned and any communication charges incurred by the ship for transmission, relay, or forwarding of the information may be certified to the Commission for reimbursement out of moneys appropriated to the Commission for that purpose.
No charge shall be made by any ship or station in the mobile service of the United States for the transmission of distress messages and replies thereto in connection with situations involving the safety of life and property at sea.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any station or carrier may render free service in connection with situations involving the safety of life and property, including hydrographic reports, weather reports, reports regarding aids to navigation and medical assistance to injured or sick persons on ships and aircraft at sea. All free service permitted by this subsection shall be subject to such rules and regulations as the Commission may prescribe, which rules may limit such free service to the extent which the Commission finds desirable in the public interest.
1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–121 directed the master of every ship of the United States equipped with radio transmitting apparatus which encounters subfreezing air temperatures associated with gale force winds causing severe ice accretion on superstructures, or winds of force 10 or above on the Beaufort scale for which no storm warning has been received to transmit the pertinent information relating thereto.
Section effective
The radio installation, the operators, the regulation of their watches, the transmission and receipt of messages, and the radio service of the ship except as they may be regulated by law or international agreement, or by rules and regulations made in pursuance thereof, shall in the case of a ship of the United States be under the supreme control of the master.
Section effective
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
This part, referred to in subsec. (b), commences with section 351 of this title.
1965—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–121 substituted “Cargo ship safety radio telegraphy certificates, cargo ship safety radiotelephony certificates, and exemption certificates with respect to radio particulars shall be issued” for “Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificates and Safety Radiotelephony Certificates, as prescribed by the said Convention, and Exemption Certificates issued in lieu of such certificates, shall be issued.”
1954—Act
Subsec. (b). Act
Section effective
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of
Coast Guard transferred to Department of Transportation, and functions, powers, and duties relating to Coast Guard of Secretary of the Treasury and of all other officers and offices of Department of the Treasury transferred to Secretary of Transportation by Pub. L. 89–670, § 6(b)(1),
This part, referred to in subsec. (b), commences with section 351 of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–104 amended subsec. (b) generally, revising structure of subsec. so as to contain 2 pars. and adding provisions relating to inspection by an entity designated by Commission, waiver of inspection for up to 90 days, and waiver for vessels in compliance with radio provisions of Safety Convention that are outside the jurisdiction of the United States.
1962—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–811 empowered the Commission to waive the annual inspection from the time of first arrival at a United States port from a foreign port, for the sole purpose of enabling the vessel to proceed coastwise to another port in the United States where an inspection can be held, and limiting such waiver to not more than a period of 30 days.
Section effective
Nothing in this subchapter shall be interpreted as lessening in any degree the control of the Commission over all matters connected with the radio equipment and its operation on shipboard and its decision and determination in regard to the radio requirements, installations, or exemptions from prescribed radio requirements shall be final, subject only to review in accordance with law.
Section effective
This part, referred to in text, commences with section 351 of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–239, § 3002(g)(1), substituted “$5,000” for “$500”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–239, § 3002(g)(2), substituted “$1,000” for “$100”.
Section effective
Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter or any other provision of law or regulation, a ship documented under the laws of the United States operating in accordance with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System provisions of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention shall not be required to be equipped with a radio telegraphy station operated by one or more radio officers or operators. This section shall take effect for each vessel upon a determination by the United States Coast Guard that such vessel has the equipment required to implement the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System installed and operating in good working condition.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of
Except as provided in section 382 of this title, it shall be unlawful for any vessel of the United States, transporting more than six passengers for hire, to be navigated in the open sea or any tidewater within the jurisdiction of the United States adjacent or contiguous to the open sea, unless such vessel is equipped with an efficient radiotelephone installation in operating condition.
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 inserted section catchline.
Section 4 of act
Part II of this subchapter, referred to in par. (1), is classified to section 351 et seq. of this title.
1996—Par. (2). Pub. L. 104–104 struck out “except a vessel of the United States Maritime Administration, the Inland and Coastwise Waterways Service, or the Panama Canal Company,” after “the Government,”.
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 inserted section catchline.
Section effective
The Commission shall exempt from the provisions of this part any vessel, or class of vessels, in the case of which the route or conditions of the voyage, or other conditions or circumstances, are such as to render a radio installation unreasonable, unnecessary, or ineffective, for the purposes of this chapter.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 inserted section catchline.
Section effective
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 inserted section catchline.
Section effective
The Commission or an entity designated by the Commission shall make such inspections as may be necessary to insure compliance with the requirements of this part. In accordance with such other provisions of law as apply to Government contracts, the Commission may enter into contracts with any person for the purpose of carrying out such inspections and certifying compliance with those requirements, and may, as part of any such contract, allow any such person to accept reimbursement from the license holder for travel and expense costs of any employee conducting an inspection or certification.
1996—Pub. L. 104–104 inserted “or an entity designated by the Commission” after “The Commission” and inserted at end “In accordance with such other provisions of law as apply to Government contracts, the Commission may enter into contracts with any person for the purpose of carrying out such inspections and certifying compliance with those requirements, and may, as part of any such contract, allow any such person to accept reimbursement from the license holder for travel and expense costs of any employee conducting an inspection or certification.”
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 inserted section catchline.
Section effective
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 inserted section catchline.
1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–239, § 3002(h)(1), substituted “$5,000” for “$500”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–239, § 3002(h)(2), substituted “$1,000” for “$100”.
Section effective
The purpose of this subpart is to assist, through matching grants, in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities in order to achieve the following objectives: (1) extend delivery of public telecommunications services to as many citizens of the United States as possible by the most efficient and economical means, including the use of broadcast and nonbroadcast technologies; (2) increase public telecommunications services and facilities available to, operated by, and owned by minorities and women; and (3) strengthen the capability of existing public television and radio stations to provide public telecommunications services to the public.
1978—Pub. L. 95–567 expanded scope of section to authorize construction financing for telecommunications facilities other than television and radio broadcasting, and assistance in the planning, as well as the construction, of such facilities, and substituted provisions relating to the objectives of this subpart for former provision relating to the demonstration of the use of telecommunication technologies for the distribution of information.
1976—Pub. L. 94–309 designated existing phrase relating to assistance in the construction of noncommercial educational broadcasting facilities as cl. (1) and added cl. (2).
1967—Pub. L. 90–129 inserted “noncommercial” and “or radio” and substituted “subpart” for “part”, respectively.
Pub. L. 95–567, title IV, § 403,
Pub. L. 100–584, § 3,
Pub. L. 90–129, title III, §§ 301–303,
There are authorized to be appropriated $42,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1992, 1993, and 1994, to be used by the Secretary of Commerce to assist in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities as provided in this subpart. Sums appropriated under this subpart for any fiscal year shall remain available until expended for payment of grants for projects for which applications approved by the Secretary pursuant to this subpart have been submitted within such fiscal year. Sums appropriated under this subpart may be used by the Secretary to cover the cost of administering the provisions of this subpart.
1992—Pub. L. 102–356 substituted provisions authorizing appropriations of $42,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1992, 1993, and 1994 for provisions authorizing appropriations of $40,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1983, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1984, $24,000,000 for fiscal year 1986, $28,000,000 for fiscal year 1987, $32,000,000 for fiscal year 1988, $36,000,000 for fiscal year 1989, $39,000,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $42,000,000 for fiscal year 1991.
1988—Pub. L. 100–626 struck out “and” after “fiscal year 1987,” and inserted “$36,000,000 for fiscal year 1989, $39,000,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $42,000,000 for fiscal year 1991,” after “fiscal year 1988,”.
1986—Pub. L. 99–272 struck out “and” after “1983,” and inserted “, $24,000,000 for fiscal year 1986, $28,000,000 for fiscal year 1987, and $32,000,000 for fiscal year 1988,” after “1984,”.
1981—Pub. L. 97–35 inserted provisions authorizing appropriations for fiscal years 1982, 1983, and 1984 of $20,000,000, $15,000,000, and $12,000,000, respectively.
1978—Pub. L. 95–567 substituted provisions authorizing appropriations of $40,000,000 for fiscal years 1979 to 1981 for provisions authorizing appropriations of $7,500,000 for
1976—Pub. L. 94–309 substituted provision authorizing appropriation of $7,500,000 for period
1973—Pub. L. 93–84 substituted authorization of appropriation of amounts not exceeding $25,000,000 and $30,000,000 for fiscal year ending
1972—Pub. L. 92–411 substituted authorization of appropriation of $25,000,000 for fiscal year ending
1969—Pub. L. 91–97 authorized appropriations of $15,000,000 for fiscal year ending
1967—Pub. L. 90–129 authorized appropriations of $10,500,000, and $12,500,000, and $15,000,000 for fiscal years ending
Pub. L. 100–626, § 12,
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–567 effective
Upon approving any application under this section with respect to any project for the construction of public telecommunications facilities, the Secretary shall make a grant to the applicant in an amount determined by the Secretary, except that such amount shall not exceed 75 percent of the amount determined by the Secretary to be the reasonable and necessary cost of such project.
The Secretary may provide such funds as the Secretary deems necessary for the planning of any project for which construction funds may be obtained under this section. An applicant for a planning grant shall provide such information with respect to such project as the Secretary may require and shall provide assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the applicant meets the eligible requirements of subsection (a) to receive construction assistance.
Any studies conducted by or for any grant recipient under this section shall be provided to the Secretary, if such studies are conducted through the use of funds received under this section.
The Secretary shall establish such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this subpart, including rules and regulations relating to the order of priority in approving applications for construction projects and relating to determining the amount of each grant for such projects.
In establishing criteria for grants pursuant to section 393 of this title and in establishing procedures relating to the order of priority established in subsection (e) in approving applications for grants, the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications which would increase minority and women’s ownership of, operation of, and participation in public telecommunications entities. The Secretary shall take affirmative steps to inform minorities and women of the availability of funds under this subpart, and the localities where new public telecommunications facilities are needed, and to provide such other assistance and information as may be appropriate.
Each recipient of assistance under this subpart shall keep such records as may be reasonably necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out the functions of the Secretary under this subpart, including a complete and itemized inventory of all public telecommunications facilities under the control of such recipient, and records which fully disclose the amount and the disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of such assistance, the total cost of the project in connection with which such assistance is given or used, the amount and nature of that portion of the cost of the project supplied by other sources, and such other records as will facilitate an effective audit.
The Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, and records of any recipient of assistance under this subpart that are pertinent to assistance received under this subpart.
1981—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1223(a), inserted provisions relating to noninterference of facilities with services required under this part, and substituted “primarily” for “only”.
Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1223(b), substituted “primarily” for “only”, and provisions relating to interference of uses of facilities for provisions relating to good cause for release of applicant or owner from requirements.
1978—Pub. L. 95–567 completely revised and restructured existing provisions, inserting provisions requiring applicant to submit a 5 year plan, allowing nonprofit educational or cultural groups to apply for grants, authorizing the Secretary to make grants up to 75 percent of the cost, establishing rules and regulations for approving grants and administering grants made before, on or after
1976—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 94–309, § 4(a), substituted “a public or private nonprofit college or university or other educational or cultural institution which is affiliated with an eligible college or university” for “a college or university deriving its support in whole or in part from tax revenues”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 94–309, § 4(b), substituted separate provisions relating to grant criteria for television and for radio in place of single provision that Secretary shall base his determinations of whether to approve applications for grants and the amount of grants on criteria set forth in regulations and designed to achieve, with respect to noncommercial educational television channels, prompt and effective use of all such channels remaining available and, with respect to noncommercial educational television and radio broadcasting facilities, equitable geographical distribution of such facilities throughout the States and provision of such facilities which will serve the greatest number of persons in as many areas as possible and which are adaptable to the broadest educational uses.
1967—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–129, § 103(b)(1), inserted “noncommercial” and “or radio” in introductory text.
Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 90–129, § 103(b)(2), required the State educational television agency applicant for a television facilities project to be a noncommercial agency and inserted requirement that applicant for a radio facilities project be a State educational radio agency.
Subsec. (a)(1)(D). Pub. L. 90–129, § 103(b)(3), designated existing provisions as cl. (i), made such cl. (i) applicable to television facilities projects and noncommercial television, and added cl. (ii) and provision for applicant meeting both television and radio broadcasting requirements.
Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 90–129, § 103(b)(4), added cl. (E).
Subsec. (a)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 90–129, § 103(b)(5), struck out “television” before “broadcasting facilities” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 90–129, § 103(b)(6), added par. (5).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–129, § 102, substituted limitation on grants for construction of noncommercial educational television and radio broadcasting facilities in any State to 8½ per centum of fiscal year appropriation for former $1,000,000 limitation for construction of educational television broadcasting facilities in any State.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–129, § 103(c), designated existing provisions as par. (1), restricted such provisions to noncommercial educational television broadcasting facilities, and added par. (2).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90–129, § 103(d), inserted in cls. (2) and (3) “noncommercial” and “or noncommercial educational radio broadcasting facilities, as the case may be,” before and after “educational television broadcasting facilities”, respectively.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 90–129, § 104, increased the maximum Federal share in the cost of constructing educational broadcasting facilities from 50 to 75 percent, eliminated the additional credit, formerly allowed the grantee, of 25 percent of the cost of facilities owned by the applicant on the date his application is filed, eliminated the prohibition against using not more than 15 percent of a grant for the acquisition and installation of interconnection facilities, microwave equipment, boosters, translators, and repeaters, and provided for payment of cost of the project from the sum available therefor.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 90–129, § 103(e), inserted “or radio” in introductory text and, in par. (2), “noncommercial” and “or noncommercial educational radio purposes, as the case may be” before and after “educational television purposes”, respectively.
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–567 effective
Pub. L. 90–129, title I, § 102,
Pub. L. 95–567, title I, § 103(b),
Section, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title III, § 392A, as added
Repeal effective
The Secretary, in consultation with the Corporation, public telecommunications entities, and as appropriate with others, shall establish criteria for making construction and planning grants. Such criteria shall be consistent with the objectives and provisions set forth in this subpart, and shall be made available to interested parties upon request.
Of the sums appropriated pursuant to section 391 of this title for any fiscal year, a substantial amount shall be available for the expansion and development of noncommercial radio broadcast station facilities.
1992—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–356 inserted before period at end “, including services to underserved audiences such as deaf and hearing impaired individuals and blind and visually impaired individuals”.
1986—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 99–272 redesignated subsec. (d) as (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) relating to extension of services to new areas.
1978—Pub. L. 95–567 amended section generally, striking out provisions dealing with keeping records and access to records by Secretary and Comptroller General and inserting provisions dealing with criteria for approval and expenditures by Secretary. See sections 392(h) and 395(h) of this title.
1967—Pub. L. 90–129 substituted “subpart” for “part” wherever appearing.
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–567 effective
1995—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–66 struck out subsec. (b) which read as follows: “The plan required in subsection (a) of this section shall be updated annually, and a summary of the activities of the Secretary in implementing the plan, shall be submitted concurrently to the President and the Congress not later than the 31st day of December of each year.”
1978—Pub. L. 95–567 substituted provisions dealing with long-range planning for facilities for provisions authorizing the Secretary to establish rules and regulations necessary for this subpart. See section 392(e) of this title.
1967—Pub. L. 90–129, § 201(2), substituted “subpart” for “part”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–567 effective
It is the purpose of this section to enhance the education of children through the creation and production of television programming specifically directed toward the development of fundamental intellectual skills.
Upon approving any application for a grant under subsection (b)(1)(B), the Secretary shall make a grant to the applicant in an amount determined by the Secretary, except that such amounts shall not exceed 75 percent of the amount determined by the Secretary to be the reasonable and necessary cost of the project for which the grant is made.
The Secretary is authorized to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section, including those relating to the order of priority in approving applications for projects under this section or to determining the amounts of contracts and grants for such projects.
There are authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1991, $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1992, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1993, and $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 to be used by the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this section. Sums appropriated under this subsection for any fiscal year shall remain available for contracts and grants for projects for which applications approved under this section have been submitted wtihin 1
A prior section 394, act
Another prior section 394, act
1992—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 102–538 substituted “1991,” for “1991 and” and inserted “, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1993, and $6,000,000 for fiscal year 1994” after “1992”.
Advisory councils established after
Pub. L. 101–437, title II, § 202,
It is the purpose of this subpart to promote the development of nonbroadcast telecommunications facilities and services for the transmission, distribution, and delivery of health, education, and public or social service information. The Secretary is authorized, upon receipt of an application in such form and containing such information as he may by regulation require, to make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public and private nonprofit agencies, organizations, and institutions for the purpose of carrying out telecommunications demonstrations.
Upon approving any application under this subpart with respect to any project, the Secretary shall make a grant to or enter into a contract with the applicant in an amount determined by the Secretary not to exceed the reasonable and necessary cost of such project. The Secretary shall pay such amount from the sums available therefor, in advance or by way of reimbursement, and in such installments consistent with established practice, as he may determine.
Funds made available pursuant to this subpart shall not be available for the construction, remodeling, or repair of structures to house the facilities or equipment acquired or developed with such funds, except that such funds may be used for minor remodeling which is necessary for and incidental to the installation of such facilities or equipment.
For purposes of this section, the term “nonbroadcast telecommunications facilities” includes, but is not limited to, cable television systems, communications satellite systems and related terminal equipment, and other modes of transmitting, emitting, or receiving images and sounds or intelligence by means of wire, radio, optical, electromagnetic, or other means.
The funding of any demonstration pursuant to this subpart shall continue for not more than 3 years from the date of the original grant or contract.
The Secretary shall require that the recipient of a grant or contract under this subpart submit a summary and evaluation of the results of the demonstration at least annually for each year in which funds are received pursuant to this section.
The Secretary is authorized to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this subpart, including regulations relating to the order of priority in approving applications for projects under this subpart or to determining the amounts of grants for such projects.
The Commission is authorized to provide such assistance in carrying out the provisions of this subpart as may be requested by the Secretary. The Secretary shall provide for close coordination with the Commission in the administration of the Secretary’s functions under this subpart which are of interest to or affect the functions of the Commission. The Secretary shall provide for close coordination with the Corporation in the administration of the Secretary’s functions under this subpart which are of interest to or affect the functions of the Corporation.
There are authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1979, 1980, and 1981, to be used by the Secretary to carry out the provisions of this subpart. Sums appropriated under this subsection for any fiscal year shall remain available for payment of grants or contracts for projects for which applications approved under this subpart have been submitted within one year after the last day of such fiscal year.
A prior section 395, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title III, § 395, as added
Section effective
There is authorized to be established a nonprofit corporation, to be known as the “Corporation for Public Broadcasting”, which will not be an agency or establishment of the United States Government. The Corporation shall be subject to the provisions of this section, and, to the extent consistent with this section, to the District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act.
The right to repeal, alter, or amend this section at any time is expressly reserved.
The District of Columbia Nonprofit Corporation Act, referred to in subsecs. (b), (c)(4), and (g)(3), is Pub. L. 87–569,
Section 5(c) of the Public Telecommunications Act of 1992, referred to in subsec. (c)(5), is section 5(c) of Pub. L. 102–356, which is set out below.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (c)(6), (h)(1), and (k)(6)(A), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
A prior section 396, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title III, § 396, as added
2018—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(8)(A), struck out subsec. (i) which required the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to submit to Congress a comprehensive annual report.
Subsec. (k)(1)(F). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(8)(B)(i), struck out subpar. (F) which read as follows: “In recognition of the importance of educational programs and services, and the expansion of public radio services, to unserved and underserved audiences, the Corporation, after consultation with the system of public telecommunications entities, shall prepare and submit to the Congress an annual report for each of the fiscal years 1994, 1995, and 1996 on the Corporation’s activities and expenditures relating to those programs and services.”
Subsec. (k)(3)(B)(iii)(V). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(8)(B)(ii), struck out subcl. (V) which read as follows: “The Corporation shall report annually to Congress regarding the activities and expenditures of the independent production service, including carriage and viewing information for programs produced or acquired with funds provided pursuant to subclause (I). At the end of fiscal years 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995, the Corporation shall submit a report to Congress evaluating the performance of the independent production service in light of its mission to expand the diversity and innovativeness of programming available to public broadcasting.”
Subsec. (l)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(8)(C), struck out “shall be included in the annual report required by subsection (i) of this section. The audit report” after “each such independent audit”.
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(i)(8)(D), struck out subsec. (m). Text read as follows:
“(1) Prior to
“(2) Commencing
“(3) As soon as they have been prepared, each assessment and annual report required under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be submitted to Congress.”
2004—Subsec. (l)(2)(A). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted “Government Accountability Office” for “General Accounting Office” in two places.
2001—Subsec. (k)(1)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 107–20 added subpar. (D) and redesignated former subpars. (D) and (E) as (E) and (F), respectively.
1999—Subsec. (k)(12). Pub. L. 106–113 added par. (12).
1998—Subsec. (k)(9). Pub. L. 105–277, which directed the amendment of section 396(k)(9) of Title 47, United States Code, by substituting “in excess of reasonable compensation as determined pursuant to Section 4958 of title 26 for services that the officer or employee renders to organization” for “at an annual rate of pay which exceeds the rate of basic pay in effect from time to time for level I of the Executive Schedule under 5312 of title 5,”, was executed to subsec. (k)(9) of this section, which is section 396 of the Communications Act of 1934, by making the substitution for text which contained “under section 5312” rather than “under 5312”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
1992—Subsec. (a)(8) to (10). Pub. L. 102–356, § 4, added pars. (8) and (9) and redesignated former par. (8) as (10).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–356, § 5(a)(1), substituted “9” for “10” and “5” for “6”.
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 102–356, § 5(a)(2), substituted “9” for “10”.
Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 102–356, § 5(b), amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: “The term of office of each member of the Board appointed by the President shall be 5 years, except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. No member of the Board shall be eligible to serve in excess of 2 consecutive terms of 5 years each.”
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 102–356, § 6, inserted fourth sentence and struck out former fourth sentence which read as follows: “No officer of the Corporation, other than the Chairman or a Vice Chairman, may receive any salary or other compensation from any source other than the Corporation for services rendered during the period of his employment by the Corporation.”
Subsec. (i)(1)(C), (D). Pub. L. 102–356, § 7, added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpar. (C) as (D).
Subsec. (k)(1)(C). Pub. L. 102–356, § 8(a), inserted provisions authorizing appropriations of $310,000,000 for fiscal year 1994, $375,000,000 for fiscal year 1995, and $425,000,000 for fiscal year 1996, and struck out provisions authorizing appropriations of $180,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1982, $220,000,000 for fiscal year 1983, $145,000,000 for fiscal year 1984, $153,000,000 for fiscal year 1985, $162,000,000 for fiscal year 1986, $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1987, $214,000,000 for fiscal year 1988, $238,000,000 for fiscal year 1989, $254,000,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $245,000,000 for fiscal year 1991.
Subsec. (k)(1)(E). Pub. L. 102–356, § 8(b), added subpar. (E).
Subsec. (k)(3)(A)(i)(II). Pub. L. 102–356, § 9, inserted “or for assistance in the provision of affordable training programs for employees at public broadcast stations” after “other than English”.
Subsec. (k)(3)(B)(iii)(V). Pub. L. 102–356, § 10, inserted before period at end of first sentence “, including carriage and viewing information for programs produced or acquired with funds provided pursuant to subclause (I)” and substituted “fiscal years 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995” for “fiscal year 1992” in second sentence.
Subsec. (k)(3)(B)(iii)(VI). Pub. L. 102–356, § 14(b), added subcl. (VI).
Subsec. (k)(6)(B). Pub. L. 102–356, § 11, inserted “(which the Corporation shall review periodically in consultation with public radio and television licensees or permittees, or their designated representatives)” after “eligibility criteria”.
Subsec. (k)(11). Pub. L. 102–356, § 12(a), added par. (11).
Subsec. (l)(3)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 102–356, § 13(a), (b)(1), designated existing provisions as subcl. (I), substituted “biennial” for “biannual”, substituted “or” for “and” after semicolon, and added subcl. (II).
Subsec. (l)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 102–356, § 13(b)(2), substituted “biennially” for “biannually”.
Subsec. (l)(4). Pub. L. 102–356, § 14(a), added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4) which consisted of subpars. (A) to (C) relating to National Public Radio’s system of financial controls and budget and requiring Corporation to report to Congress not later than 15 days after
Subsec. (m)(2). Pub. L. 102–356, § 12(b), inserted at end “Such report shall include a summary of the statistical reports received by the Corporation pursuant to subsection (k)(11), and a comparison of the information contained in those reports with the information submitted by the Corporation in the previous year’s annual report.”
1988—Subsec. (a)(6) to (8). Pub. L. 100–626, § 5, added par. (6) and redesignated former pars. (6) and (7) as (7) and (8), respectively.
Subsec. (g)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 100–626, § 6, struck out “contract or” after “respect to any”.
Subsec. (k)(1)(C). Pub. L. 100–626, § 3, substituted “1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993” for “and 1990” and “40 percent” for “50 percent”, struck out “and” after “fiscal year 1989,”, and inserted “, $245,000,000 for fiscal year 1991, $265,000,000 for fiscal year 1992, and $285,000,000 for fiscal year 1993” after “fiscal year 1990”.
Subsec. (k)(3)(A)(i)(I), (II). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(a)(1), (2), amended subcls. (I) and (II) generally. Prior to amendment, subcls. (I) and (II) read as follows:
“(I) not more than 5 percent of such amounts shall be available for the administrative expenses of the Corporation;
“(II) not less than 5 percent of such amounts shall be available for other expenses incurred by the Corporation, including capital costs relating to telecommunications satellites, the payment of programming royalties and other fees, and the costs of interconnection facilities and operations (as provided in clause (iv)(I)), except that the total amount available for obligation for any fiscal year under this subclause and subclause (I) shall not exceed 10 percent of the amounts appropriated into the Fund available for allocation for such fiscal year;”.
Subsec. (k)(3)(A)(i)(III). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(a)(3), substituted “clause (ii)” for “clause (ii)(I)”.
Subsec. (k)(3)(A)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(b), substituted “, and in accordance with any plan implemented under paragraph (6)(A), for national public” for “for public”.
Subsec. (k)(3)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(c), amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iii) read as follows: “Of the amounts allocated under clause (i)(IV) for any fiscal year—
“(I) not less than 50 percent of such amounts (as determined under paragraph (6)(A)) shall be available for distribution among the licensees and permittees of public radio stations pursuant to paragraph (6)(B); and
“(II) not more than 50 percent of such amounts (as determined under paragraph (6)(A)) shall be available for distribution under subparagraph (B)(i) for public radio.”
Subsec. (k)(3)(A)(iv)(I). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(e), substituted “From the amount provided pursuant to clause (i)(II),” for “Subject to the provisions of clause (v),”.
Subsec. (k)(3)(A)(v). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(d), amended cl. (v) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (v) read as follows: “If the expenses incurred by the Corporation under clause (i)(II) for any fiscal year for—
“(I) capital costs relating to telecommunications satellites;
“(II) the payment of programming royalties and other fees; and
“(III) the costs of interconnection facilities and operations (as provided in clause (iv));
exceed 6 percent of the amounts appropriated into the Fund available for allocation for such fiscal year, then 75 percent of such excess costs shall be defrayed by the licensees and permittees of public television stations from amounts available to such licensees and permittees under clause (ii)(I) and 25 percent of such excess costs shall be defrayed by the licensees and permittees of public radio stations from amounts available to such licensees and permittees under clause (iii)(I).”
Subsec. (k)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(f), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (i) read as follows: “The Corporation shall utilize the funds allocated pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) and subparagraph (A)(iii)(II), and a significant portion of such other funds as may be available to the Corporation, to make grants and contracts for production of public television or radio programs by independent producers and production entities and public telecommunications entities, and for acquisition of such programs by public telecommunications entities. Of the funds utilized pursuant to this clause, a substantial amount shall be reserved for distribution to independent producers and production entities for the production of programs.”
Subsec. (k)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 100–626, § 8, added cl. (iii).
Subsec. (k)(3)(C). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(g), struck out subpar. (C) which related to limit on expenditure by Corporation in fiscal year 1981 of an amount equal to not more than 5 percent of funds made available by Secretary of the Treasury.
Subsec. (k)(3)(D). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(g), struck out subpar. (D) which related to expenditure by Corporation of 105 percent of amount derived for preceding fiscal year, for activities authorized under subsection (g)(2) of this section, in fiscal years 1982 and 1983.
Subsec. (k)(6)(A). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(h), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “The Corporation, in consultation with public radio stations and with National Public Radio (or any successor organization), shall determine the percentage of funds allocated under subclause (I) and subclause (II) of paragraph (3)(A)(iii) for each fiscal year. The Corporation, in consultation with such organizations, also shall conduct an annual review of the criteria and conditions applicable to such allocations.”
Subsec. (k)(6)(B). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(i), inserted after first sentence “The Corporation shall assist radio stations to maintain and improve their service where public radio is the only broadcast service available.”
Subsec. (k)(7). Pub. L. 100–626, § 7(j), inserted “(ii)(I) and (iii)(I)” after “paragraph (3)(A)”.
Subsec. (k)(10). Pub. L. 100–626, § 4(a), added par. (10).
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 100–626, § 9(a), added subsec. (m).
1986—Subsec. (k)(1)(C). Pub. L. 99–272, § 5001(c)(1), substituted “1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990” for “and 1986”, struck out “and” after “fiscal year 1985,”, and inserted “, $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1987, $214,000,000 for fiscal year 1988, $238,000,000 for fiscal year 1989, and $254,000,000 for fiscal year 1990” before period at end.
Subsec. (k)(3)(A)(i)(II). Pub. L. 99–272, § 5001(c)(2), struck out “research, training, technical assistance, engineering, instructional support, payment of interest on indebtedness,” after “Corporation, including”.
Subsec. (k)(8) to (10). Pub. L. 99–272, § 5001(c)(3), redesignated paragraphs (9) and (10) as (8) and (9), respectively. Former subsec. (8), which related to refunding to the Corporation of an amount equal to the amount of unrelated business income tax, was struck out.
1983—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 98–214, § 6(a), struck out “, and the President of the Corporation” after “advice and consent of the Senate” and provision directing that the President of the Corporation serve as the Chairman of the Board.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 98–214, § 6(b)(1), inserted “elect one of their members to be Chairman and” after “Members of the Board shall annually”.
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 98–214, § 6(c), substituted “No officer of the Corporation, other than the Chairman or a Vice Chairman” for “No officer of the Corporation, other than a Vice Chairman”.
Subsec. (k)(1)(C). Pub. L. 98–214, § 3(a), substituted “, $145,000,000 for fiscal year 1984, $153,000,000 for fiscal year 1985, and $162,000,000 for fiscal year 1986” for “, and $130,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1984, 1985, and 1986”.
Subsec. (k)(10). Pub. L. 98–214, § 3(b), inserted provision requiring assurances that no officer or employee of such entity will be loaned money by that entity on an interest-free basis.
Subsec. (l)(4). Pub. L. 98–214, § 5, added par. (4).
1981—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1224, inserted provisions respecting alternative telecommunications services.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1225(a)(1), amended subsec. (c) generally, substituting provisions respecting appointment, selection, service, etc., of the ten members of the Board of Directors, for provisions respecting appointment, selection, service, etc., of the 15 members of the Board of Directors.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1225(b), amended subsec. (d) generally, substituting in par. (1) provisions respecting election, status, compensation, etc., of Vice Chairman, for provisions respecting election, status, compensation, etc., of Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1225(c), inserted reference to services rendered by a Vice Chairman, and struck out reference to the Chairman.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1234(a), struck out par. (5) relating to study and report concerning manner of including personal services of volunteers in determining non-Federal financial support, and redesignated par. (6) as (5).
Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1226, substituted “May” for “February”.
Subsec. (k)(1)(C). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1227(a), extended authorization of appropriations through 1986.
Subsec. (k)(2)(B). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1227(b), substituted fiscal year basis for disbursement for quarterly basis.
Subsec. (k)(3)(A). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1227(c)(1), amended subpar. (A) generally, substituting provisions mandating the establishment by the Corporation of an annual budget for use in allocating amounts from the Fund, setting out the allocation and distribution formulae, and providing for interconnecting facilities and operations costs for making public television and radio programs available to public broadcast stations for former provisions which had directed the Corporation to reserve for distribution among the licensees and permittees of public television and radio stations an amount equal to (i) not less than 40 percent of the funds disbursed by the Corporation from the Fund under this section in each fiscal year in which the amount disbursed was $88,000,000 or more, but less than $121,000,000; (ii) not less than 45 percent of such funds in each fiscal year in which the amount disbursed was $121,000,000 or more, but less than $160,000,000; and (iii) not less than 50 percent of such funds in each fiscal year in which the amount disbursed was $160,000,000 or more.
Subsec. (k)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1227(c)(2), amended cl. (i) generally, substituting “The Corporation shall utilize the funds allocated pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) and subparagraph (A)(iii)(II), and a significant portion of such other funds as may be available to the Corporation, to make grants and contracts for production of public television or radio programs by independent producers and production entities and public telecommunications entities, and for acquisition of such programs by public telecommunications entities. Of the funds utilized pursuant to this clause, a substantial amount shall be reserved for distribution to independent producers and production entities for the production of programs” for “The Corporation shall establish an annual budget according to which it shall made grants and contracts for production of public television or radio programs by independent producers and production entities and public telecommunications entities, for acquisition of such programs by public telecommunications entities, for interconnection facilities and operations, for distribution of funds among public telecommunications entities, and for engineering and program-related research. A significant portion of funds available under the budget established by the Corporation under this subparagraph shall be used for funding the production of television and radio programs. Of such portion, a substantial amount shall be reserved for distribution to independent producers and production entities for the production of programs”.
Subsec. (k)(3)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1227(c)(3)(A), amended cl. (ii) generally, substituting “available for distribution under clause (i)” for “contained in the annual budget established by the Corporation under clause (i)”.
Subsec. (k)(3)(B)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1227(c)(3)(B), struck out cls. (iii) and (iv) which had provided, respectively, that “During each of the fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983, the annual budget established by the Corporation under clause (i) shall consist of not less than 95 percent of the funds made available by the Secretary of the Treasury to the Corporation pursuant to paragraph (2)(A)” and that “In determining the amount of funds which shall be made available for radio programming and operations under this subparagraph, the Corporation shall take into account the increased financial needs relating to radio programming and operations resulting from the expansion and development of noncommercial radio broadcast station facilities through the use of funds made available pursuant to section 393(d) of this title”.
Subsec. (k)(6)(A). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1227(d)(1), amended subpar. (A) generally, substituting “The Corporation, in consultation with public radio stations and with National Public Radio (or any successor organization), shall determine the percentage of funds allocated under subclause (I) and subclause (II) of paragraph (3)(A)(iii) for each fiscal year. The Corporation, in consultation with such organizations, also shall conduct an annual review of the criteria and conditions applicable to such allocations” for “The Corporation, in consultation with public television and radio licensees, shall review annually the percentage of funds reserved pursuant to paragraph (3)(A), and the criteria and conditions regarding the division and distribution of such funds among public television and radio stations”.
Subsec. (k)(6)(B). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1227(d)(2), amended subpar. (B) generally, striking out provision that the funds reserved for public broadcast stations pursuant to paragraph (3)(A) be divided into two portions, one to be distributed among radio stations and one to be distributed among television stations in the provisions preceding cl. (i) and inserting “under paragraph (3)(A)(ii)(I)” and “under paragraph (3)(A)(iii)(I)”.
Subsec. (k)(7). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1227(e), amended par. (7) generally, substituting provisions relating to use of funds distributed for provisions limiting amount of funds distributed.
Subsec. (k)(8). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1227(f), amended par. (8) generally, substituting provisions relating to refunding funds to the Corporation for provisions relating to the use of funds distributed.
Subsec. (k)(9). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1227(g), in subpar. (A) substituted “to assure that (i) its advisory board meets at regular intervals; (ii) the members of its advisory board regularly attend the meetings of the advisory board; and (iii) the composition of its advisory board are reasonably representative of the diverse needs” for “to assure that the composition of its advisory board reasonably reflects the diverse needs” and in subpars. (A), (D), and (E) inserted provisions respecting stations owned and operated by a State, a political or special purpose subdivision of a State or a public agency.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 97–35, § 1228, inserted provisions in par. (1)(A) respecting shared auditing arrangements, and substituted in par. (3)(B)(ii) and (iii) provisions relating to biannual audits and accompanying report, for provisions relating to annual audits and accompanying report.
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–567, § 301, substituted “public” for “noncommercial educational” and “telecommunications” for “radio and television” wherever appearing and inserted provisions relating to the growth and development of nonbroadcast telecommunications technologies for the delivery of public telecommunications services.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 95–567, § 302, struck out provision authorizing the President to designate one of the members first appointed to the Board as Chairman.
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 95–567, § 303(a), inserted provision which regulated the rate of compensation an officer or employee of the Corporation could receive.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 95–567, § 304, amended subsec. (g) generally, substituting “public telecommunications” for “educational broadcasting”, “noncommercial educational television or radio”, or “program production” wherever appearing, authorizing panel of outside experts to evaluate programs, authorizing Corporation to use its own judgment when dealing with programming, and striking out provision dealing with the creation of new noncommercial educational broadcast stations.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 95–567, § 305, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 95–567, § 306, revised and restructured subsection and, as so restructured, substituted “September 30” for “June 30”, “15th day of February” for “31st day of December”, and inserted provisions comprising pars. (1)(B) and (C).
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 95–567, § 307(a), completely revised and restructured subsec. (k) and, in so doing, inserted provisions establishing an annual budget, authorizing funds for the fiscal years 1978 to 1983, requiring funds be disbursed on a quarterly basis, requiring that all meetings of entities receiving funds be open to the public, and that the financial records of such entities be available for public examination.
Subsec. (l)(3). Pub. L. 95–567, § 308, completely revised and restructured par. (3) and, in so doing, inserted provisions requiring an annual audit, furnishing a copy of the audit report, and use of uniform accounting principals.
1975—Subsec. (g)(2)(H). Pub. L. 94–192, § 3, inserted “and the use of nonbroadcast communications technologies for the dissemination of educational television or radio programs” after “broadcasting”.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 94–192, § 4, directed that officers and directors be available to testify before Congressional committees concerning the annual fiscal report, audit report, or any other matter.
Subsec. (k)(3) to (7). Pub. L. 94–192, § 2, added pars. (3) to (7).
1973—Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 93–84, § 1(a), substituted authorization of appropriation of $50,000,000 and $60,000,000 for the fiscal years ending
Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 93–84, § 1(b), substituted “1975” for “1973”.
1972—Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 92–411 struck out authorization of appropriation for fiscal years ending
Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 92–411 substituted “
1970—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 91–437 authorized appropriations of $20,000,000 for the fiscal year ending
1969—Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 91–97, § 3(a), inserted “and for the next fiscal year the sum of $20,000,000” after “the sum of $9,000,000”.
Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 91–97, § 3(b), inserted “or the next fiscal year” after “the fiscal year ending
1968—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 90–294 substituted “1969” for “1968”.
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(9) [title V, § 5002(b)],
Pub. L. 102–356, § 22,
Amendment by sections 6 and 7(d) of Pub. L. 100–626 effective
Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, § 1227(c)(4),
Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, § 1227(d)(3),
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–567 effective
For termination, effective
Pub. L. 102–356, § 5(c),
Pub. L. 102–356, § 19,
Pub. L. 102–356, § 20,
Pub. L. 102–356, § 21,
Pub. L. 100–626, § 4(b),
Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, § 1225(a)(2),
Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, §§ 1232, 1233,
Pub. L. 95–567, title III, § 303(b),
Pub. L. 95–567, title III, § 307(b),
This part, referred to in provision preceding par. (1), commences with section 390 of this title.
A prior section 397, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title III, § 397, as added
1996—Par. (9). Pub. L. 104–316, in closing provisions, struck out “and approved by the Comptroller General pursuant to section 396(g)(5) of this title” after “by the Corporation” and “with respect to such services provided to public telecommunications entities after such standards are approved by the Comptroller General and only” before “, with respect to such an entity”.
1990—Par. (2). Pub. L. 101–437, § 203(b)(1), substituted “subpart D” for “subpart C”.
Par. (15). Pub. L. 101–437, § 203(b)(2), inserted “and subpart B” after “subpart A” and substituted “subpart C, subpart D” for “subpart B, subpart C”.
1981—Par. (15). Pub. L. 97–35 substituted “Health and Human Services” for “Health, Education, and Welfare”.
1978—Pub. L. 95–567, revised definition of “construction”, “corporation”, “interconnection”, “noncommercial educational broadcast station”, “non-Federal financial support”, “Secretary” and “State”, inserted definitions of “meeting”, “interconnection system”, “noncommercial telecommunications entity”, “preoperational expenses”, “public telecommunications entity”, “public telecommunications facilities”, and “public telecommunications services”, and deleted definitions of “educational television or radio programs” and “State educational television agency” in order to make such definitions consistent with the chapter as amended.
1976—Par. (2). Pub. L. 94–309 substituted “transmission and reception apparatus” for “transmission apparatus” and “closed circuit television or radio programs” for “closed circuit television programs” and inserted in parenthetical text reference to non-video recording equipment, radio subcarrier receivers and satellite transceivers.
1975—Pars. (10), (11). Pub. L. 94–192 added pars. (10) and (11).
1967—Par. (1). Pub. L. 90–129, § 105(a), included the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in definition of “State”.
Par. (2). Pub. L. 90–129, §§ 103(f)(1), 106, provided for application of term “construction” to educational radio broadcasting facilities and defined such term to include acquisition and installation of transmission apparatus necessary for radio broadcasting, and included costs of planning, respectively.
Par. (4). Pub. L. 90–129, §§ 103(f)(2), 105(b), substituted “The terms ‘State educational television agency’ and ‘State educational radio agency’ mean, with respect to television broadcasting and radio broadcasting, respectively,” for “The term ‘State educational television agency’ means” and “such broadcasting” for “educational television” in cls. (A) and (B), and defined “Governor” to include the High Commissioner of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, respectively.
Pars. (6) to (9). Pub. L. 90–129, § 201(6), added pars. (6) to (9).
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–567 effective
For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.
Nothing contained in this part shall be deemed (1) to amend any other provision of, or requirement under, this chapter; or (2) except to the extent authorized in subsection (b), to authorize any department, agency, officer, or employee of the United States to exercise any direction, supervision, or control over public telecommunications, or over the Corporation or any of its grantees or contractors, or over the charter or bylaws of the Corporation, or over the curriculum, program of instruction, or personnel of any educational institution, school system, or public telecommunications entity.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any department, agency, officer, or employee of the United States to exercise any direction, supervision, or control over the content or distribution of public telecommunications programs and services, or over the curriculum or program of instruction of any educational institution or school system.
This part, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(5), commences with section 390 of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Subpart C, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), (3)(A), was redesignated subpart D by Pub. L. 101–437, title II, § 203(a)(2),
2018—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 115–141 struck out “The Corporation shall submit a summary of such report to the President and the Congress as part of the report required in section 396(i) of this title.” after “by the Secretary.”.
1988—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–626, § 9(b), inserted “in accordance with the equal employment opportunity regulations of the Commission,” before “and no person”.
1978—Pub. L. 95–567 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted “public telecommunications entity” and “public telecommunications” for “educational broadcasting station or system” and “educational television or radio broadcasting”, respectively, and added subsecs. (b) and (c).
1967—Pub. L. 90–129, §§ 103(g), 201(5), inserted “or radio” and “, or over the Corporation or any of its grantees or contractors, or over the charter or bylaws of the Corporation,” before and after “broadcasting”, where first appearing, respectively.
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–567 effective
No noncommercial educational broadcasting station may support or oppose any candidate for political office.
1988—Pub. L. 100–626, in section catchline, substituted “Support of” for “Editorializing and support of”, and in text, struck out provisions which prohibited editorializing by noncommercial educational broadcasting station which receives grant from Corporation under subpart C of this part.
1981—Pub. L. 97–35 revised subsec. (a) into existing provisions and, as so revised, added requirement respecting grant under subpart C of this part, and struck out subsec. (b), which related to program recording of broadcasts where issues of public importance are discussed.
1976—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 94–309 added par. (5).
1973—Pub. L. 93–84 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).
For purposes of this section, the term “business or institutional logogram” means any aural or visual letters or words, or any symbol or sign, which is used for the exclusive purpose of identifying any corporation, company, or other organization, and which is not used for the purpose of promoting the products, services, or facilities of such corporation, company, or other organization.
Each public television station and each public radio station shall be authorized to broadcast announcements which include the use of any business or institutional logogram and which include a reference to the location of the corporation, company, or other organization involved, except that such announcements may not interrupt regular programming.
The provisions of this section shall not be construed to limit the authority of the Commission to prescribe regulations relating to the manner in which logograms may be used to identify corporations, companies, or other organizations.
Any public broadcast station which engages in any offering specified in subsection (b)(1) may not use any funds distributed by the Corporation under section 396(k) of this title to defray any costs associated with such offering. Any such offering by a public broadcast station shall not interfere with the provision of public telecommunications services by such station.
Each public broadcast station which engages in the activity specified in subsection (b)(1) shall, in consultation with the Corporation, develop an accounting system which is designed to identify any amounts received as remuneration for, or costs related to, such activities under this section, and to account for such amounts separately from any other amounts received by such station from any source.
The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction, upon application of the Attorney General of the United States at the request of the Commission, alleging a failure to comply with or a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter by any person, to issue a writ or writs of mandamus commanding such person to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
If any person fails or neglects to obey any order of the Commission other than for the payment of money, while the same is in effect, the Commission or any party injured thereby, or the United States, by its Attorney General, may apply to the appropriate district court of the United States for the enforcement of such order. If, after hearing, that court determines that the order was regularly made and duly served, and that the person is in disobedience of the same, the court shall enforce obedience to such order by a writ of injunction or other proper process, mandatory or otherwise, to restrain such person or the officers, agents, or representatives of such person, from further disobedience of such order, or to enjoin upon it or them obedience to the same.
Upon the request of the Commission it shall be the duty of any United States attorney to whom the Commission may apply to institute in the proper court and to prosecute under the direction of the Attorney General of the United States all necessary proceedings for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter and for the punishment of all violations thereof, and the costs and expenses of such prosecutions shall be paid out of the appropriations for the expenses of the courts of the United States.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1974—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–528 repealed subsec. (d) which provided that the provisions of sections 28 and 29 of title 15, section 345(1) of title 28, and sections 44 and 45 of title 49, shall be held to apply to any suit in equity arising under sections 201 to 222 of this title, wherein the United States is complainant.
Act
Any proceeding to enjoin, set aside, annul, or suspend any order of the Commission under this chapter (except those appealable under subsection (b) of this section) shall be brought as provided by and in the manner prescribed in chapter 158 of title 28.
Such appeal shall be taken by filing a notice of appeal with the court within thirty days from the date upon which public notice is given of the decision or order complained of. Such notice of appeal shall contain a concise statement of the nature of the proceedings as to which the appeal is taken; a concise statement of the reasons on which the appellant intends to rely, separately stated and numbered; and proof of service of a true copy of said notice and statement upon the Commission. Upon filing of such notice, the court shall have jurisdiction of the proceedings and of the questions determined therein and shall have power, by order, directed to the Commission or any other party to the appeal, to grant such temporary relief as it may deem just and proper. Orders granting temporary relief may be either affirmative or negative in their scope and application so as to permit either the maintenance of the status quo in the matter in which the appeal is taken or the restoration of a position or status terminated or adversely affected by the order appealed from and shall, unless otherwise ordered by the court, be effective pending hearing and determination of said appeal and compliance by the Commission with the final judgment of the court rendered in said appeal.
Upon the filing of any such notice of appeal the appellant shall, not later than five days after the filing of such notice, notify each person shown by the records of the Commission to be interested in said appeal of the filing and pendency of the same. The Commission shall file with the court the record upon which the order complained of was entered, as provided in section 2112 of title 28.
Within thirty days after the filing of any such appeal any interested person may intervene and participate in the proceedings had upon said appeal by filing with the court a notice of intention to intervene and a verified statement showing the nature of the interest of such party, together with proof of service of true copies of said notice and statement, both upon appellant and upon the Commission. Any person who would be aggrieved or whose interest would be adversely affected by a reversal or modification of the order of the Commission complained of shall be considered an interested party.
The record and briefs upon which any such appeal shall be heard and determined by the court shall contain such information and material, and shall be prepared within such time and in such manner as the court may by rule prescribe.
The court shall hear and determine the appeal upon the record before it in the manner prescribed by section 706 of title 5.
In the event that the court shall render a decision and enter an order reversing the order of the Commission, it shall remand the case to the Commission to carry out the judgment of the court and it shall be the duty of the Commission, in the absence of the proceedings to review such judgment, to forthwith give effect thereto, and unless otherwise ordered by the court, to do so upon the basis of the proceedings already had and the record upon which said appeal was heard and determined.
The court may, in its discretion, enter judgment for costs in favor of or against an appellant, or other interested parties intervening in said appeal, but not against the Commission, depending upon the nature of the issues involved upon said appeal and the outcome thereof.
The court’s judgment shall be final, subject, however, to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon writ of certiorari on petition therefor under section 1254 of title 28, by the appellant, by the Commission, or by any interested party intervening in the appeal, or by certification by the court pursuant to the provisions of that section.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2010—Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 111–260 added par. (10).
1996—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 104–104, § 151(b)(1), inserted reference to par. (9).
Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 104–104, § 151(b)(2), added par. (9).
1984—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98–620 substituted “The” for “At the earliest convenient time the” and “706 of title 5” for “10(e) of the Administrative Procedure Act [former 5 U.S.C. 1009(e)]”.
1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–259, § 127(b), substituted “chapter 158 of title 28” for “Public Law 901, Eighty-first Congress, approved
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–259, § 121, substituted “appellant” for “Commission”, “filing of such notice” for “date of service upon it”, struck out “and shall thereafter permit any such person to inspect and make copies of said notice and statement of reasons therefor at the office of the Commission in the city of Washington” after “pendency of the same”, and substituted “The” for “Within thirty days after the filing of an appeal, the” before “Commission shall file”.
1958—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 85–791 substituted “the record upon which the order complained of was entered, as provided in section 2112 of title 28,” for “a copy of the order complained of, a full statement in writing of the facts and grounds relied upon by it in support of the order involved upon said appeal, and the originals or certified copies of all papers and evidence presented to and considered by it in entering said order” in second sentence.
1952—Act
1949—Subsec. (a). Act
1937—Subsec. (a). Act
Subsec. (b)(3). Act
Subsec. (c). Act
Act June 7, 1934, ch. 426, 48 Stat. 926, changed name of “Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia” to “United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–620 not applicable to cases pending on
Section 19(2) of act
Court of appeals exclusive jurisdiction respecting final orders of Federal Communications Commission made reviewable by subsec. (a) of this section, see section 2342 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
The Commission shall have full authority and power at any time to institute an inquiry, on its own motion, in any case and as to any matter or thing concerning which complaint is authorized to be made, to or before the Commission by any provision of this chapter, or concerning which any question may arise under any of the provisions of this chapter, or relating to the enforcement of any of the provisions of this chapter. The Commission shall have the same powers and authority to proceed with any inquiry instituted on its own motion as though it had been appealed to by complaint or petition under any of the provisions of this chapter, including the power to make and enforce any order or orders in the case, or relating to the matter or thing concerning which the inquiry is had, excepting orders for the payment of money.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Whenever an investigation shall be made by the Commission it shall be its duty to make a report in writing in respect thereto, which shall state the conclusions of the Commission, together with its decision, order, or requirement in the premises; and in case damages are awarded such report shall include the findings of fact on which the award is made.
“Reconsiderations” substituted in text for “Rehearings” as the probable intent of Congress, in view of amendment by section 127(c)(1) of Pub. L. 97–259, which substituted “reconsideration” for “rehearing” wherever appearing in this section.
1988—Pub. L. 100–594 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted “section 155(c)(1)” for “section 155(d)(1)” in two places, and added subsec. (b).
1982—Pub. L. 97–259 substituted “reconsideration” for “rehearing” wherever appearing and “the Commission gives public notice of the order, decision, report, or action complained of” for “public notice is given of orders disposing of all petitions for rehearing filed with the Commission in such proceeding or case, but any order, decision, report, or action made or taken after such rehearing reversing, changing, or modifying the original order shall be subject to the same provisions with respect to rehearing as an original order”.
1961—Pub. L. 87–192 provided for petition for rehearing to the authority making or taking the order, decision, report, or action, substituted references to report and action for requirement, wherever else appearing, and inserted references to proceeding by any designated authority within the Commission, wherever appearing.
1960—Pub. L. 86–752 substituted “any party” for “and party” in first sentence, and inserted sentence dealing with disposition of petitions for rehearing.
1952—Act
Pub. L. 86–752, § 4(d)(4),
The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction upon the relation of any person alleging any violation, by a carrier subject to this chapter, of any of the provisions of this chapter which prevent the relator from receiving service in interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio, or in interstate or foreign transmission of energy by radio, from said carrier at the same charges, or upon terms or conditions as favorable as those given by said carrier for like communication or transmission under similar conditions to any other person, to issue a writ or writs of mandamus against said carrier commanding such carrier to furnish facilities for such communication or transmission to the party applying for the writ: Provided, That if any question of fact as to the proper compensation to the carrier for the service to be enforced by the writ is raised by the pleadings, the writ of peremptory mandamus may issue, notwithstanding such question of fact is undetermined, upon such terms as to security, payment of money into the court, or otherwise, as the court may think proper pending the determination of the question of fact: Provided further, That the remedy given by writ of mandamus shall be cumulative and shall not be held to exclude or interfere with other remedies provided by this chapter.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
If a carrier does not comply with an order for the payment of money within the time limit in such order, the complainant, or any person for whose benefit such order was made, may file in the district court of the United States for the district in which he resides or in which is located the principal operating office of the carrier, or through which the line of the carrier runs, or in any State court of general jurisdiction having jurisdiction of the parties, a petition setting forth briefly the causes for which he claims damages, and the order of the Commission in the premises. Such suit in the district court of the United States shall proceed in all respects like other civil suits for damages, except that on the trial of such suits the findings and order of the Commission shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated, except that the petitioner shall not be liable for costs in the district court nor for costs at any subsequent stage of the proceedings unless they accrue upon his appeal. If the petitioner shall finally prevail, he shall be allowed a reasonable attorney’s fee, to be taxed and collected as a part of the costs of the suit.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all orders of the Commission, other than orders for the payment of money, shall take effect thirty calendar days from the date upon which public notice of the order is given, unless the Commission designates a different effective date. All such orders shall continue in force for the period of time specified in the order or until the Commission or a court of competent jurisdiction issues a superseding order.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1982—Pub. L. 97–259 substituted provision that all orders of the Commission but for payment of money shall take effect thirty calendar days from the date upon which public notice of the order is given, unless the Commission designates a different effective date, and that such orders shall continue in force for the period of time specified in the order or until the Commission or a court of competent jurisdiction issues a superseding order, for provision that such orders would take effect within such reasonable time, not less than thirty days after service of the order, and would continue in force until its further order, or for a specified period of time, as prescribed in the order, unless the same were suspended or modified or set aside by the Commission, or suspended or set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction.
In every case of adjudication (as defined in section 551 of title 5) which has been designated by the Commission for hearing, the person or persons conducting the hearing shall prepare and file an initial, tentative, or recommended decision, except where such person or persons become unavailable to the Commission or where the Commission finds upon the record that due and timely execution of its functions imperatively and unavoidably require that the record be certified to the Commission for initial or final decision.
In every case of adjudication (as defined in section 551 of title 5) which has been designated by the Commission for hearing, any party to the proceeding shall be permitted to file exceptions and memoranda in support thereof to the initial, tentative, or recommended decision, which shall be passed upon by the Commission or by the authority within the Commission, if any, to whom the function of passing upon the exceptions is delegated under section 155(d)(1) 1
To the extent that the foregoing provisions of this section and section 155(d) 1 of this title are in conflict with the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5, such provisions of this section and section 155(d) 1 of this title shall be held to supersede and modify the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5.
For the purposes of this chapter the Commission shall have the power to require by subpena the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of all books, papers, schedules of charges, contracts, agreements, and documents relating to any matter under investigation. Witnesses summoned before the Commission shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the courts of the United States.
Such attendance of witnesses, and the production of such documentary evidence, may be required from any place in the United States, at any designated place of hearing. And in case of disobedience to a subpena the Commission, or any party to a proceeding before the Commission, may invoke the aid of any court of the United States in requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents under the provisions of this section.
Any of the district courts of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such inquiry is carried on may, in case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpena issued to any common carrier or licensee or other person, issue an order requiring such common carrier, licensee, or other person to appear before the Commission (and produce books and papers if so ordered) and give evidence touching the matter in question; and any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof.
The testimony of any witness may be taken, at the instance of a party, in any proceeding or investigation pending before the Commission, by deposition, at any time after a cause or proceeding is at issue on petition and answer. The Commission may also order testimony to be taken by deposition in any proceeding or investigation pending before it, at any stage of such proceeding or investigation. Such depositions may be taken before any judge of any court of the United States, or any United States magistrate judge, or any clerk of a district court, or any chancellor, justice, or judge of a supreme or superior court, mayor, or chief magistrate of a city, judge of a county court, or court of common pleas of any of the United States, or any notary public, not being of counsel or attorney to either of the parties, nor interested in the event of the proceeding or investigation. Reasonable notice must first be given in writing by the party or his attorney proposing to take such deposition to the opposite party or his attorney of record, as either may be nearest, which notice shall state the name of the witness and the time and place of the taking of his deposition. Any person may be compelled to appear and depose, and to produce documentary evidence, in the same manner as witnesses may be compelled to appear and testify and produce documentary evidence before the Commission, as hereinbefore provided.
Every person deposing as herein provided shall be cautioned and sworn (or affirm, if he so request) to testify the whole truth, and shall be carefully examined. His testimony shall be reduced to writing by the magistrate taking the deposition, or under his direction, and shall, after it has been reduced to writing, be subscribed by the deponent.
If a witness whose testimony may be desired to be taken by deposition be in a foreign country, the deposition may be taken before an officer or person designated by the Commission, or agreed upon by the parties by stipulation in writing to be filed with the Commission. All depositions must be promptly filed with the Commission.
Witnesses whose depositions are taken as authorized in this chapter, and the magistrate or other officer taking the same, shall severally be entitled to the same fees as are paid for like services in the courts of the United States.
Any person who shall neglect or refuse to attend and testify, or to answer any lawful inquiry, or to produce books, papers, schedules of charges, contracts, agreements, and documents, if in his power to do so, in obedience to the subpena or lawful requirement of the Commission, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof by a court of competent jurisdiction shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $5,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Section 155(d) of this title, referred to in subsecs. (b), (c), and (d), was redesignated section 155(c) of this title by Pub. L. 97–259, title I, § 105(b),
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (e) and (k), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
In subsecs. (a), (b), and (c)(1), “adjudication (as defined in section 551 of title 5)” substituted for “adjudication (as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act)”, in subsec. (c)(2) “section 554(d) of title 5” substituted for “subsection (c) of section 5 of the Administrative Procedure Act”, and in subsec. (d) “subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5” substituted for “the Administrative Procedure Act” and “that Act”, respectively, on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, § 7(b),
1970—Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 91–452 struck out subsec. (l) which related to the immunity from prosecution of any individual compelled to testify or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, after claiming his privilege against self-incrimination.
1961—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–192 substituted provision for filing of initial decisions, with stated exceptions, formerly contained in first sentence of subsec. (b) of this section but amplified to include tentative or recommended decisions, for provision relating to assignment of cases to examiners.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–192 provided for filing of memoranda in support of exceptions to initial, tentative, or recommended decisions, to be passed upon by the Commission or the designated authority within the Commission, and eliminated provisions for oral argument on the exceptions, filing of initial decisions, with stated exceptions, incorporated in subsec. (a) of this section, and making all decisions part of the record and requiring the decisions to include a statement of findings, and conclusions upon all material issues of fact, law, or discretion and the appropriate decision, order, or requirement. See section 557 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–192 continued requirement of notice and opportunity for participation by all parties when person seeks to make any additional presentation of case, having previously participated in the presentation of or preparation for presentation of the case, made applicable provisions of section 554(d) of Title 5 to applications for initial licenses and eliminated provisions for separation of functions of examiners from the investigative and prosecutory functions of persons engaged in performance of such functions, prohibition against consultation with Commission or any member or employee thereof with respect to initial decisions or exceptions taken to findings, rulings or recommendations, prohibition against members of Office of The General Counsel, Office of the Chief Engineer or the Office of the Chief Accountant from making any presentations respecting a case, and prohibition against persons engaged in performance of investigative or prosecuting functions for the Commission from consulting in any case of adjudication.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 87–192 inserted references to section 155(d) of this title.
1952—Act
“United States magistrate judge” substituted for “United States magistrate” in subsec. (h) pursuant to section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. Previously, “United States magistrate” substituted for “United States commissioner” pursuant to Pub. L. 90–578. See chapter 43 (§ 631 et seq.) of Title 28.
Amendment by Pub. L. 91–452 effective on sixtieth day following
Pub. L. 87–192, § 5,
Except as provided in section 409 of this title, the Commission may refer any matter arising in the administration of this chapter to a joint board to be composed of a member, or of an equal number of members, as determined by the Commission, from each of the States in which the wire or radio communication affected by or involved in the proceeding takes place or is proposed. For purposes of acting upon such matter any such board shall have all the jurisdiction and powers conferred by law upon an examiner provided for in section 3105 of title 5, designated by the Commission, and shall be subject to the same duties and obligations. The action of a joint board shall have such force and effect and its proceedings shall be conducted in such manner as the Commission shall by regulations prescribe. The joint board member or members for each State shall be nominated by the State commission of the State or by the Governor if there is no State commission, and appointed by the Federal Communications Commission. The Commission shall have discretion to reject any nominee. Joint board members shall receive such allowances for expenses as the Commission shall provide.
The Commission may confer with any State commission having regulatory jurisdiction with respect to carriers, regarding the relationship between rate structures, accounts, charges, practices, classifications, and regulations of carriers subject to the jurisdiction of such State commission and of the Commission; and the Commission is authorized under such rules and regulations as it shall prescribe to hold joint hearings with any State commission in connection with any matter with respect to which the Commission is authorized to act. The Commission is authorized in the administration of this chapter to avail itself of such cooperation, services, records, and facilities as may be afforded by any State commission.
The Commission shall refer any proceeding regarding the jurisdictional separation of common carrier property and expenses between interstate and intrastate operations, which it institutes pursuant to a notice of proposed rulemaking and, except as provided in section 409 of this title, may refer any other matter, relating to common carrier communications of joint Federal-State concern, to a Federal-State Joint Board. The Joint Board shall possess the same jurisdiction, powers, duties, and obligations as a joint board established under subsection (a) of this section, and shall prepare a recommended decision for prompt review and action by the Commission. In addition, the State members of the Joint Board shall sit with the Commission en banc at any oral argument that may be scheduled in the proceeding. The Commission shall also afford the State members of the Joint Board an opportunity to participate in its deliberations, but not vote, when it has under consideration the recommended decision of the Joint Board or any further decisional action that may be required in the proceeding. The Joint Board shall be composed of three Commissioners of the Commission and of four State commissioners nominated by the national organization of the State commissions and approved by the Commission. The Chairman of the Commission, or another Commissioner designated by the Commission, shall serve as Chairman of the Joint Board.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
In subsec. (a), “section 3105 of title 5” substituted for “section 11 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1010)” on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, § 7(b),
1994—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–414 struck out “, as referred to in sections 202(b) and 205(f) of the Interstate Commerce Act,” after “State commissions”.
1971—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 92–131 added subsec. (c).
1956—Subsec. (a). Act
1952—Subsec. (a). Act
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The copies of schedules of charges, classifications, and of all contracts, agreements, and arrangements between common carriers filed with the Commission as herein provided, and the statistics, tables, and figures contained in the annual or other reports of carriers and other persons made to the Commission as required under the provisions of this chapter shall be preserved as public records in the custody of the secretary of the Commission, and shall be received as prima facie evidence of what they purport to be for the purpose of investigations by the Commission and in all judicial proceedings; and copies of and extracts from any of said schedules, classifications, contracts, agreements, arrangements, or reports, made public records as aforesaid, certified by the secretary, under the Commission’s seal, shall be received in evidence with like effect as the originals: Provided, That the Commission may, if the public interest will be served thereby, keep confidential any contract, agreement, or arrangement relating to foreign wire or radio communication when the publication of such contract, agreement, or arrangement would place American communication companies at a disadvantage in meeting the competition of foreign communication companies.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
It shall be the duty of every carrier subject to this chapter to designate in writing an agent in the District of Columbia, upon whom service of all notices and process and all orders, decisions, and requirements of the Commission may be made for and on behalf of said carrier in any proceeding or suit pending before the Commission, and to file such designation in the office of the secretary of the Commission, which designation may from time to time be changed by like writing similarly filed; and thereupon service of all notices and process and orders, decisions, and requirements of the Commission may be made upon such carrier by leaving a copy thereof with such designated agent at his office or usual place of residence in the District of Columbia, with like effect as if made personally upon such carrier, and in default of such designation of such agent, service of any notice or other process in any proceeding before said Commission, or of any order, decision, or requirement of the Commission, may be made by posting such notice, process, order, requirement, or decision in the office of the secretary of the Commission.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1994—Pub. L. 103–414 struck out “, within sixty days after the taking effect of this chapter,” after “every carrier subject to this chapter”.
Nothing in this chapter contained shall in any way abridge or alter the remedies now existing at common law or by statute, but the provisions of this chapter are in addition to such remedies.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
All actions at law by carriers for recovery of their lawful charges, or any part thereof, shall be begun within two years from the time the cause of action accrues, and not after.
All complaints against carriers for the recovery of damages not based on overcharges shall be filed with the Commission within two years from the time the cause of action accrues, and not after, subject to subsection (d) of this section.
For recovery of overcharges action at law shall be begun or complaint filed with the Commission against carriers within two years from the time the cause of action accrues, and not after, subject to subsection (d) of this section, except that if claim for the overcharge has been presented in writing to the carrier within the two-year period of limitation said period shall be extended to include two years from the time notice in writing is given by the carrier to the claimant of disallowance of the claim, or any part or parts thereof, specified in the notice.
If on or before expiration of the period of limitation in subsection (b) or (c) a carrier begins action under subsection (a) for recovery of lawful charges in respect of the same service, or, without beginning action, collects charges in respect of that service, said period of limitation shall be extended to include ninety days from the time such action is begun or such charges are collected by the carrier.
The cause of action in respect of the transmission of a message shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to accrue upon delivery or tender of delivery thereof by the carrier, and not after.
A petition for the enforcement of an order of the Commission for the payment of money shall be filed in the district court or the State court within one year from the date of the order, and not after.
The term “overcharges” as used in this section shall be deemed to mean charges for services in excess of those applicable thereto under the schedules of charges lawfully on file with the Commission.
1974—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 93–507 amended subsecs. (a) to (c) generally, substituting reference to two years for reference to one year wherever appearing.
Every order of the Commission shall be forthwith served upon the designated agent of the carrier in the city of Washington or in such other manner as may be provided by law.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Commission is authorized to suspend or modify its orders upon such notice and in such manner as it shall deem proper.
It shall be the duty of every person, its agents and employees, and any receiver or trustee thereof, to observe and comply with such orders so long as the same shall remain in effect.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Any person who willfully and knowingly does or causes or suffers to be done any act, matter, or thing, in this chapter prohibited or declared to be unlawful, or who willfully and knowingly omits or fails to do any act, matter, or thing in this chapter required to be done, or willfully and knowingly causes or suffers such omission or failure, shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished for such offense, for which no penalty (other than a forfeiture) is provided in this chapter, by a fine of not more than $10,000 or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both; except that any person, having been once convicted of an offense punishable under this section, who is subsequently convicted of violating any provision of this chapter punishable under this section, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1954—Act
Any person who willfully and knowingly violates any rule, regulation, restriction, or condition made or imposed by the Commission under authority of this chapter, or any rule, regulation, restriction, or condition made or imposed by any international radio or wire communications treaty or convention, or regulations annexed thereto, to which the United States is or may hereafter become a party, shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be punished, upon conviction thereof, by a fine of not more than $500 for each and every day during which such offense occurs.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Any person who shall deliver messages for interstate or foreign transmission to any carrier, or for whom as sender or receiver, any such carrier shall transmit any interstate or foreign wire or radio communication, who shall knowingly by employee, agent, officer, or otherwise, directly or indirectly, by or through any means or device whatsoever, receive or accept from such common carrier any sum of money or any other valuable consideration as a rebate or offset against the regular charges for transmission of such messages as fixed by the schedules of charges provided for in this chapter, shall in addition to any other penalty provided by this chapter forfeit to the United States a sum of money three times the amount of money so received or accepted and three times the value of any other consideration so received or accepted, to be ascertained by the trial court; and in the trial of said action all such rebates or other considerations so received or accepted for a period of six years prior to the commencement of the action, may be included therein, and the amount recovered shall be three times the total amount of money, or three times the total value of such consideration, so received or accepted, or both, as the case may be.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Parts II and III of subchapter III, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), are classified to sections 351 et seq. and 381 et seq., respectively, of this title.
2010—Subsec. (b)(2)(F). Pub. L. 111–260 added subpar. (F).
2008—Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 110–385 substituted “1464, or 2252” for “or 1464”.
2006—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 109–235, § 2(2), added subpar. (C). Former subpar. (C) redesignated (D).
Subsec. (b)(2)(D). Pub. L. 109–235, § 2(1), (3), redesignated subpar. (C) as (D) and substituted “subparagraph (A), (B), or (C)” for “subparagraph (A) or (B)”. Former subpar. (D) redesignated (E).
Subsec. (b)(2)(E). Pub. L. 109–235, § (2)(1), redesignated subpar. (D) as (E).
1992—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 102–538, § 210(b), substituted “system operator,” for “system operator or” and inserted “, or in the case of violations of section 303(q) of this title, if the person involved is a nonlicensee tower owner who has previously received notice of the obligations imposed by section 303(q) of this title from the Commission or the permittee or licensee who uses that tower” after “section 307(e) of this title”.
Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 102–538, § 206(2), inserted at end “For purposes of this paragraph, ‘date of commencement of the current term of such license’ means the date of commencement of the last term of license for which the licensee has been granted a license by the Commission. A separate license term shall not be deemed to have commenced as a result of continuing a license in effect under section 307(c) of this title pending decision on an application for renewal of the license.”
Subsec. (b)(6)(A). Pub. L. 102–538, § 206(1), struck out “so long as such violation occurred within 3 years prior to the date of issuance of such required notice” after “whichever is earlier”.
1990—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 101–396 inserted “and if such person is not an applicant for a license, permit, certificate, or other authorization issued by the Commission,” before “unless, prior”.
1989—Subsec. (b)(1), (2). Pub. L. 101–239 inserted “(1)” before “Any person who” in first par., added par. (2), and struck out former par. (2) thereby resulting in increasing penalty if violator is a common carrier from $20,000 to $100,000 per day to a maximum of $1,000,000 per act and penalty if violator is a broadcast station licensee or cable television operator from $20,000 to $25,000 per day to a maximum of $250,000 per act, making such penalty also applicable to television operator applicants, and increasing penalty in all other cases from $5,000 to $10,000 per day to a maximum of $75,000.
1983—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 98–214 inserted “or if the person involved is transmitting on frequencies assigned for use in a service in which individual station operation is authorized by rule pursuant to section 307(e) of this title”.
1982—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 97–259 inserted “, or is a cable television system operator” after “other authorization is required”.
1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–507 conformed references in first paragraph to sections 509(a) and 507 of this title to reflect renumbering of those sections which required no change in text.
1978—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–234 substituted provisions relating to activities making persons liable for forfeiture penalties, amounts of forfeiture penalties, procedures applicable for imposition of forfeiture penalties, and exemptions from liability from imposition of forfeiture penalties, for provisions relating to activities of licensees or permittees constituting violations and authorizing forfeiture to the United States of a sum not to exceed $1,000 for each separate offense, procedures applicable for imposition of forfeiture liability, and limitations on imposition of forfeiture liability.
1960—Pub. L. 86–752 amended section catchline substituting “Forfeitures” for “Rebates and offsets, forfeitures,”, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), and added subsec. (b).
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–234 effective on thirtieth day after
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title V, § 511,
The forfeitures provided for in this chapter shall be payable into the Treasury of the United States, and shall be recoverable, except as otherwise provided with respect to a forfeiture penalty determined under section 503(b)(3) of this title, in a civil suit in the name of the United States brought in the district where the person or carrier has its principal operating office or in any district through which the line or system of the carrier runs: Provided, That any suit for the recovery of a forfeiture imposed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be a trial de novo: Provided further, That in the case of forfeiture by a ship, said forfeiture may also be recoverable by way of libel in any district in which such ship shall arrive or depart. Such forfeitures shall be in addition to any other general or specific penalties provided in this chapter. It shall be the duty of the various United States attorneys, under the direction of the Attorney General of the United States, to prosecute for the recovery of forfeitures under this chapter. The costs and expenses of such prosecutions shall be paid from the appropriation for the expenses of the courts of the United States.
The forfeitures imposed by subchapter II, parts II and III of subchapter III, and sections 503(b) and 507 of this title shall be subject to remission or mitigation by the Commission under such regulations and methods of ascertaining the facts as may seem to it advisable, and, if suit has been instituted, the Attorney General, upon request of the Commission, shall direct the discontinuance of any prosecution to recover such forfeitures: Provided, however, That no forfeiture shall be remitted or mitigated after determination by a court of competent jurisdiction.
In any case where the Commission issues a notice of apparent liability looking toward the imposition of a forfeiture under this chapter, that fact shall not be used, in any other proceeding before the Commission, to the prejudice of the person to whom such notice was issued, unless (i) the forfeiture has been paid, or (ii) a court of competent jurisdiction has ordered payment of such forfeiture, and such order has become final.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Parts II and III of subchapter III, referred to in subsec. (b), are classified to sections 351 et seq. and 381 et seq., respectively, of this title.
1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–507 conformed reference to section 507 of this title to reflect renumbering of that section which required no change in text.
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–234, § 3(a), inserted in first sentence “, except as otherwise provided with respect to a forfeiture penalty determined under section 503(b)(3) of this title,” after “recoverable”. Such wording was inserted only after the first reference to “recoverable” as the probable intent of Congress.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–234, § 3(b), inserted reference to subchapter II of this chapter and struck out reference to section 510 of this title and “, upon application therefor,” after “by the Commission”.
1962—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–448 empowered the Commission to remit or mitigate the forfeitures imposed by section 510 of this title.
1960—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 86–752, § 7(b), inserted proviso that any suit for recovery of a forfeiture shall be a trial de novo.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–752, § 7(c), substituted “sections 503(b) and 507” for “section 507”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 86–752, § 7(d), added subsec. (c).
1956—Subsec. (b). Act
1954—Subsec. (b). Act
1937—Act
Act
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–234 effective on thirtieth day after
Pub. L. 87–448, § 3,
Amendment by act
Amendment by act
The trial of any offense under this chapter shall be in the district in which it is committed; or if the offense is committed upon the high seas, or out of the jurisdiction of any particular State or district, the trial shall be in the district where the offender may be found or into which he shall be first brought. Whenever the offense is begun in one jurisdiction and completed in another it may be dealt with, inquired of, tried, determined, and punished in either jurisdiction in the same manner as if the offense had been actually and wholly committed therein.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Section, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title V, § 506, as added Apr. 16, 1946, ch. 138, 60 Stat. 89, prohibited certain coercive practices affecting broadcasting and provided penalties for violations.
A prior section 506 of act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, was classified to section 506 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 96–507.
Section 6 of act
Subject to subsection (d), any employee of a radio station who accepts or agrees to accept from any person (other than such station), or any person (other than such station) who pays or agrees to pay such employee, any money, service or other valuable consideration for the broadcast of any matter over such station shall, in advance of such broadcast, disclose the fact of such acceptance or agreement to such station.
Subject to subsection (d), any person who, in connection with the production or preparation of any program or program matter which is intended for broadcasting over any radio station, accepts or agrees to accept, or pays or agrees to pay, any money, service or other valuable consideration for the inclusion of any matter as a part of such program or program matter, shall, in advance of such broadcast, disclose the fact of such acceptance or payment or agreement to the payee’s employer, or to the person for whom such program or program matter is being produced, or to the licensee of such station over which such program is broadcast.
Subject to subsection (d), any person who supplies to any other person any program or program matter which is intended for broadcasting over any radio station shall, in advance of such broadcast, disclose to such other person any information of which he has knowledge, or which has been disclosed to him, as to any money, service or other valuable consideration which any person has paid or accepted, or has agreed to pay or accept, for the inclusion of any matter as a part of such program or program matter.
The provisions of this section requiring the disclosure of information shall not apply in any case where, because of a waiver made by the Commission under section 317(d) of this title, an announcement is not required to be made under section 317 of this title.
The inclusion in the program of the announcement required by section 317 of this title shall constitute the disclosure required by this section.
The term “service or other valuable consideration” as used in this section shall not include any service or property furnished without charge or at a nominal charge for use on, or in connection with, a broadcast, or for use on a program which is intended for broadcasting over any radio station, unless it is so furnished in consideration for an identification in such broadcast or in such program of any person, product, service, trademark, or brand name beyond an identification which is reasonably related to the use of such service or property in such broadcast or such program.
Any person who violates any provision of this section shall, for each such violation, be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
A prior section 507 of act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, was renumbered section 506 by section 1 of Pub. L. 96–507, and is classified to section 507 of this title.
Whoever violates subsection (a) shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
A prior section 508 of act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, was renumbered section 507 by section 1 of Pub. L. 96–507, and is classified to section 508 of this title.
Any electronic, electromagnetic, radio frequency, or similar device, or component thereof, used, sent, carried, manufactured, assembled, possessed, offered for sale, sold, or advertised with willful and knowing intent to violate section 301 or 302a of this title, or rules prescribed by the Commission under such sections, may be seized and forfeited to the United States.
Any property subject to forfeiture to the United States under this section may be seized by the Attorney General of the United States upon process issued pursuant to the supplemental rules for certain admiralty and maritime claims by any district court of the United States having jurisdiction over the property, except that seizure without such process may be made if the seizure is incident to a lawful arrest or search.
Whenever property is forfeited under this section, the Attorney General of the United States may forward it to the Commission or sell any forfeited property which is not harmful to the public. The proceeds from any such sale shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury of the United States.
The supplemental rules for certain admiralty and maritime claims, referred to in subsec. (b), were renamed the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims and Asset Forfeiture Actions and are set out as part of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in the Appendix to Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
A prior section 510, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title V, § 510, as added
Any person who willfully and knowingly does or causes or suffers to be done any pirate radio broadcasting shall be subject to a fine of not more than $2,000,000.
Any person who willfully and knowingly violates this chapter or any rule, regulation, restriction, or condition made or imposed by the Commission under authority of this chapter, or any rule, regulation, restriction, or condition made or imposed by any international radio or wire communications treaty or convention, or regulations annexed thereto, to which the United States is party, relating to pirate radio broadcasting shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be subject to a fine of not more than $100,000 for each day during which such offense occurs, in accordance with the limit described in subsection (a).
Not later than 1 year after
Not less than once each year, the Commission shall assign appropriate enforcement personnel to focus specific and sustained attention on the elimination of pirate radio broadcasting within the top 5 radio markets identified as prevalent for such broadcasts. Such effort shall include identifying, locating, and taking enforcement actions designed to terminate such operations.
Within 6 months after conducting the enforcement sweeps required by paragraph (1), the Commission shall conduct monitoring sweeps to ascertain whether the pirate radio broadcasting identified by enforcement sweeps is continuing to broadcast and whether additional pirate radio broadcasting is occurring.
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Commission shall not decrease or diminish the regular enforcement efforts targeted to pirate radio broadcast stations for other times of the year.
The Commission may not preempt any State or local law prohibiting pirate radio broadcasting.
The Commission shall revise its rules to require that, absent good cause, in any case alleging a violation of subsection (a) or (b), the Commission shall proceed directly to issue a notice of apparent liability without first issuing a notice of unlicensed operation.
In this section, the term “pirate radio broadcasting” means the transmission of communications on spectrum frequencies between 535 and 1705 kilohertz, inclusive, or 87.7 and 108 megahertz, inclusive, without a license issued by the Commission, but does not include unlicensed operations in compliance with part 15 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Pub. L. 98–549, § 9(a),
For short title of Pub. L. 98–549 [enacting this subchapter] as the “Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984”, see section 1(a) of Pub. L. 98–549, set out as a Short Title of 1984 Amendment note under section 609 of this title.
Pub. L. 102–385, § 2(a), (b),
Pub. L. 102–385, § 26,
Pub. L. 102–385, § 27,
Pub. L. 98–549, § 3(b),
1996—Par. (6)(B). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(a)(1), inserted “or use” after “the selection”.
Par. (7)(B). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(a)(2), added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: “a facility that serves only subscribers in 1 or more multiple unit dwellings under common ownership, control, or management, unless such facility or facilities uses any public right-of-way;”.
Par. (7)(C) to (E). Pub. L. 104–104, § 302(b)(2)(A), which directed substitution of “, unless the extent of such use is solely to provide interactive on-demand services; (D) an open video system that complies with section 573 of this title; or (E)” for “, or (D)”, was executed by making the substitution for “; or (D)” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pars. (12) to (20). Pub. L. 104–104, § 302(b)(2)(B), (C), added par. (12) and redesignated former pars. (12) to (19) as (13) to (20), respectively.
1992—Pub. L. 102–385 added pars. (1), (12), and (18) and redesignated former pars. (1) to (10) as (2) to (11), respectively, former pars. (11) to (15) as (13) to (17), respectively, and former par. (16) as (19).
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
A franchising authority may establish requirements in a franchise with respect to the designation or use of channel capacity for public, educational, or governmental use only to the extent provided in this section.
A franchising authority may in its request for proposals require as part of a franchise, and may require as part of a cable operator’s proposal for a franchise renewal, subject to section 546 of this title, that channel capacity be designated for public, educational, or governmental use, and channel capacity on institutional networks be designated for educational or governmental use, and may require rules and procedures for the use of the channel capacity designated pursuant to this section.
A franchising authority may enforce any requirement in any franchise regarding the providing or use of such channel capacity. Such enforcement authority includes the authority to enforce any provisions of the franchise for services, facilities, or equipment proposed by the cable operator which relate to public, educational, or governmental use of channel capacity, whether or not required by the franchising authority pursuant to subsection (b).
Subject to section 544(d) of this title, a cable operator shall not exercise any editorial control over any public, educational, or governmental use of channel capacity provided pursuant to this section, except a cable operator may refuse to transmit any public access program or portion of a public access program which contains obscenity, indecency, or nudity.
For purposes of this section, the term “institutional network” means a communication network which is constructed or operated by the cable operator and which is generally available only to subscribers who are not residential subscribers.
1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–104 inserted before period at end “, except a cable operator may refuse to transmit any public access program or portion of a public access program which contains obscenity, indecency, or nudity”.
Section effective 60 days after
Pub. L. 102–385, § 10(c),
The purpose of this section is to promote competition in the delivery of diverse sources of video programming and to assure that the widest possible diversity of information sources are made available to the public from cable systems in a manner consistent with growth and development of cable systems.
Any person aggrieved by the failure or refusal of a cable operator to make channel capacity available for use pursuant to this section may bring an action in the district court of the United States for the judicial district in which the cable system is located to compel that such capacity be made available. If the court finds that the channel capacity sought by such person has not been made available in accordance with this section, or finds that the price, terms, or conditions established by the cable operator are unreasonable, the court may order such system to make available to such person the channel capacity sought, and further determine the appropriate price, terms, or conditions for such use consistent with subsection (c), and may award actual damages if it deems such relief appropriate. In any such action, the court shall not consider any price, term, or condition established between an operator and an affiliate for comparable services.
In any action brought under this section in any Federal district court or before the Commission, there shall be a presumption that the price, terms, and conditions for use of channel capacity designated pursuant to subsection (b) are reasonable and in good faith unless shown by clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.
Notwithstanding sections 541(c) and 543(a) of this title, at such time as cable systems with 36 or more activated channels are available to 70 percent of households within the United States and are subscribed to by 70 percent of the households to which such systems are available, the Commission may promulgate any additional rules necessary to provide diversity of information sources. Any rules promulgated by the Commission pursuant to this subsection shall not preempt authority expressly granted to franchising authorities under this subchapter.
Any cable service offered pursuant to this section shall not be provided, or shall be provided subject to conditions, if such cable service in the judgment of the franchising authority or the cable operator is obscene, or is in conflict with community standards in that it is lewd, lascivious, filthy, or indecent or is otherwise unprotected by the Constitution of the United States. This subsection shall permit a cable operator to enforce prospectively a written and published policy of prohibiting programming that the cable operator reasonably believes describes or depicts sexual or excretory activities or organs in a patently offensive manner as measured by contemporary community standards.
For information regarding the constitutionality of certain provisions of this section, see the Table of Laws Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court on the Constitution Annotated website, constitution.congress.gov.
1996—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 104–104 substituted “a cable operator may refuse to transmit any leased access program or portion of a leased access program which contains obscenity, indecency, or nudity and” for “an operator”.
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–385, § 9(a), inserted “to promote competition in the delivery of diverse sources of video programming and” after “purpose of this section is”.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 102–385, § 9(d), amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: “For the purposes of this section—
“(A) the term ‘activated channels’ means those channels engineered at the headend of the cable system for the provision of services generally available to residential subscribers of the cable system, regardless of whether such services actually are provided, including any channel designated for public, educational, or governmental use; and
“(B) the term ‘commercial use’ means the provision of video programming, whether or not for profit.”
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–385, § 9(b)(1), inserted “and with rules prescribed by the Commission under paragraph (4)” after “purpose of this section”.
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 102–385, § 9(b)(2), added par. (4).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 102–385, § 10(a), inserted “or the cable operator” after “franchising authority” and inserted at end “This subsection shall permit a cable operator to enforce prospectively a written and published policy of prohibiting programming that the cable operator reasonably believes describes or depicts sexual or excretory activities or organs in a patently offensive manner as measured by contemporary community standards.”
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–385, § 9(c), added subsec. (i).
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 102–385, § 10(b), added subsec. (j).
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
The Commission may prescribe rules with respect to the ownership or control of cable systems by persons who own or control other media of mass communications which serve the same community served by a cable system.
Any State or franchising authority may not prohibit the ownership or control of a cable system by any person because of such person’s ownership or control of any other media of mass communications or other media interests. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any State or franchising authority from prohibiting the ownership or control of a cable system in a jurisdiction by any person (1) because of such person’s ownership or control of any other cable system in such jurisdiction; or (2) in circumstances in which the State or franchising authority determines that the acquisition of such a cable system may eliminate or reduce competition in the delivery of cable service in such jurisdiction.
This section shall not apply to prohibit any combination of any interests held by any person on
For purposes of this section, the term “media of mass communications” shall have the meaning given such term under section 309(i)(3)(C)(i) of this title.
1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–104, § 202(i), redesignated par. (2) as subsec. (a) and subpars. (A) and (B) of par. (2) as pars. (1) and (2) of subsec. (a), respectively, added par. (3), and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “It shall be unlawful for any person to be a cable operator if such person, directly or through 1 or more affiliates, owns or controls, the licensee of a television broadcast station and the predicted grade B contour of such station covers any portion of the community served by such operator’s cable system.”
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–104, § 302(b)(1), struck out subsec. (b), which related to common carriers, direct video programming, an exception for rural areas, and waiver.
1994—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 103–414 substituted “pole, line, conduit space” for “pole line conduit space”.
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–385, § 11(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–385, § 11(b), substituted “any other media” for “any media” and inserted at end “Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any State or franchising authority from prohibiting the ownership or control of a cable system in a jurisdiction by any person (1) because of such person’s ownership or control of any other cable system in such jurisdiction; or (2) in circumstances in which the State or franchising authority determines that the acquisition of such a cable system may eliminate or reduce competition in the delivery of cable service in such jurisdiction.”
Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 102–385, § 11(c), added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsecs. (f) and (g) as (g) and (h), respectively.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
Each cable operator shall carry, on the cable system of that operator, the signals of local commercial television stations and qualified low power stations as provided by this section. Carriage of additional broadcast television signals on such system shall be at the discretion of such operator, subject to section 325(b) of this title.
The signals of local commercial television stations that a cable operator carries shall be carried without material degradation. The Commission shall adopt carriage standards to ensure that, to the extent technically feasible, the quality of signal processing and carriage provided by a cable system for the carriage of local commercial television stations will be no less than that provided by the system for carriage of any other type of signal.
At such time as the Commission prescribes modifications of the standards for television broadcast signals, the Commission shall initiate a proceeding to establish any changes in the signal carriage requirements of cable television systems necessary to ensure cable carriage of such broadcast signals of local commercial television stations which have been changed to conform with such modified standards.
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a cable operator shall not be required to carry the signal of any local commercial television station that substantially duplicates the signal of another local commercial television station which is carried on its cable system, or to carry the signals of more than one local commercial television station affiliated with a particular broadcast network (as such term is defined by regulation). If a cable operator elects to carry on its cable system a signal which substantially duplicates the signal of another local commercial television station carried on the cable system, or to carry on its system the signals of more than one local commercial television station affiliated with a particular broadcast network, all such signals shall be counted toward the number of signals the operator is required to carry under paragraph (1).
Each signal carried in fulfillment of the carriage obligations of a cable operator under this section shall be carried on the cable system channel number on which the local commercial television station is broadcast over the air, or on the channel on which it was carried on
Signals carried in fulfillment of the requirements of this section shall be provided to every subscriber of a cable system. Such signals shall be viewable via cable on all television receivers of a subscriber which are connected to a cable system by a cable operator or for which a cable operator provides a connection. If a cable operator authorizes subscribers to install additional receiver connections, but does not provide the subscriber with such connections, or with the equipment and materials for such connections, the operator shall notify such subscribers of all broadcast stations carried on the cable system which cannot be viewed via cable without a converter box and shall offer to sell or lease such a converter box to such subscribers at rates in accordance with section 543(b)(3) of this title.
A cable operator shall identify, upon request by any person, the signals carried on its system in fulfillment of the requirements of this section.
A cable operator shall provide written notice to a local commercial television station at least 30 days prior to either deleting from carriage or repositioning that station. The notification provisions of this paragraph shall not be used to undermine or evade the channel positioning or carriage requirements imposed upon cable operators under this section.
A cable operator required to carry more than one signal of a qualified low power station under this subsection may do so, subject to approval by the franchising authority pursuant to section 531 of this title, by placing such additional station on public, educational, or governmental channels not in use for their designated purposes.
Whenever a local commercial television station believes that a cable operator has failed to meet its obligations under this section, such station shall notify the operator, in writing, of the alleged failure and identify its reasons for believing that the cable operator is obligated to carry the signal of such station or has otherwise failed to comply with the channel positioning or repositioning or other requirements of this section. The cable operator shall, within 30 days of such written notification, respond in writing to such notification and either commence to carry the signal of such station in accordance with the terms requested or state its reasons for believing that it is not obligated to carry such signal or is in compliance with the channel positioning and repositioning and other requirements of this section. A local commercial television station that is denied carriage or channel positioning or repositioning in accordance with this section by a cable operator may obtain review of such denial by filing a complaint with the Commission. Such complaint shall allege the manner in which such cable operator has failed to meet its obligations and the basis for such allegations.
The Commission shall afford such cable operator an opportunity to present data and arguments to establish that there has been no failure to meet its obligations under this section.
Within 120 days after the date a complaint is filed, the Commission shall determine whether the cable operator has met its obligations under this section. If the Commission determines that the cable operator has failed to meet such obligations, the Commission shall order the cable operator to reposition the complaining station or, in the case of an obligation to carry a station, to commence carriage of the station and to continue such carriage for at least 12 months. If the Commission determines that the cable operator has fully met the requirements of this section, it shall dismiss the complaint.
Within 180 days after
Pending the outcome of the proceeding under paragraph (2), nothing in this chapter shall require a cable operator to carry on any tier, or prohibit a cable operator from carrying on any tier, the signal of any commercial television station or video programming service that is predominantly utilized for the transmission of sales presentations or program length commercials.
Within 270 days after
For purposes of this section, the term “local commercial television station” means any full power television broadcast station, other than a qualified noncommercial educational television station within the meaning of section 535(l)(1) of this title, licensed and operating on a channel regularly assigned to its community by the Commission that, with respect to a particular cable system, is within the same television market as the cable system.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2014—Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 113–200, § 105(a), struck out “No deletion or repositioning of a local commercial television station shall occur during a period in which major television ratings services measure the size of audiences of local television stations.” after “that station.”
Subsec. (h)(1)(C)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 113–200, § 102(b)(1)(A), substituted “community or on the satellite carrier or carriers serving such community” for “community”.
Subsec. (h)(1)(C)(ii)(III). Pub. L. 113–200, § 102(b)(1)(C), added subcl. (III). Former subcl. (III) redesignated (IV).
Subsec. (h)(1)(C)(ii)(IV). Pub. L. 113–200, § 102(b)(1)(B), redesignated subcl. (III) as (IV). Former subcl. (IV) redesignated (V).
Subsec. (h)(1)(C)(ii)(V). Pub. L. 113–200, § 102(b)(1)(D), amended subcl. (V) generally. Prior to amendment, subcl. (V) read as follows: “evidence of viewing patterns in cable and noncable households within the areas served by the cable system or systems in such community.”
Pub. L. 113–200, § 102(b)(1)(B), redesignated subcl. (IV) as (V).
Subsec. (h)(1)(C)(iv). Pub. L. 113–200, § 102(b)(2), realigned margins.
1996—Subsec. (h)(1)(C)(i). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(d)(1)(A), substituted “by the Commission by regulation or order using, where available, commercial publications which delineate television markets based on viewing patterns,” for “in the manner provided in section 73.3555(d)(3)(i) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on
Subsec. (h)(1)(C)(iv). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(d)(1)(B), added cl. (iv) and struck out former cl. (iv) which read as follows: “In the rulemaking proceeding required by subsection (f) of this section, the Commission shall provide for expedited consideration of requests filed under this subparagraph.”
Section effective 60 days after
Pub. L. 113–200, title I, § 105(b),
Pub. L. 104–104, title III, § 301(d)(2),
In addition to the carriage requirements set forth in section 534 of this title, each cable operator of a cable system shall carry the signals of qualified noncommercial educational television stations in accordance with the provisions of this section.
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) and subsection (e), each cable operator shall carry, on the cable system of that cable operator, any qualified local noncommercial educational television station requesting carriage.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, all cable operators shall continue to provide carriage to all qualified local noncommercial educational television stations whose signals were carried on their systems as of
A cable operator required to add the signals of qualified local noncommercial educational television stations to a cable system under this section may do so, subject to approval by the franchising authority pursuant to section 531 of this title, by placing such additional stations on public, educational, or governmental channels not in use for their designated purposes.
A cable operator of a cable system with a capacity of more than 36 usable activated channels which is required to carry the signals of three qualified local noncommercial educational television stations shall not be required to carry the signals of additional such stations the programming of which substantially duplicates the programming broadcast by another qualified local noncommercial educational television station requesting carriage. Substantial duplication shall be defined by the Commission in a manner that promotes access to distinctive noncommercial educational television services.
A qualified local noncommercial educational television station whose signal is carried by a cable operator shall not assert any network nonduplication rights it may have pursuant to section 76.92 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, to require the deletion of programs aired on other qualified local noncommercial educational television stations whose signals are carried by that cable operator.
A cable operator shall retransmit in its entirety the primary video, accompanying audio, and line 21 closed caption transmission of each qualified local noncommercial educational television station whose signal is carried on the cable system, and, to the extent technically feasible, program-related material carried in the vertical blanking interval, or on subcarriers, that may be necessary for receipt of programming by handicapped persons or for educational or language purposes. Retransmission of other material in the vertical blanking interval or on subcarriers shall be within the discretion of the cable operator.
A cable operator shall provide each qualified local noncommercial educational television station whose signal is carried in accordance with this section with bandwidth and technical capacity equivalent to that provided to commercial television broadcast stations carried on the cable system and shall carry the signal of each qualified local noncommercial educational television station without material degradation.
The signal of a qualified local noncommercial educational television station shall not be repositioned by a cable operator unless the cable operator, at least 30 days in advance of such repositioning, has provided written notice to the station and all subscribers of the cable system. For purposes of this paragraph, repositioning includes (A) assignment of a qualified local noncommercial educational television station to a cable system channel number different from the cable system channel number to which the station was assigned as of
Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, a cable operator shall not be required to carry the signal of any qualified local noncommercial educational television station which does not deliver to the cable system’s principal headend a signal of good quality or a baseband video signal, as may be defined by the Commission.
Each signal carried in fulfillment of the carriage obligations of a cable operator under this section shall be carried on the cable system channel number on which the qualified local noncommercial educational television station is broadcast over the air, or on the channel on which it was carried on
Signals carried in fulfillment of the carriage obligations of a cable operator under this section shall be available to every subscriber as part of the cable system’s lowest priced service tier that includes the retransmission of local commercial television broadcast signals.
A cable operator shall not accept monetary payment or other valuable consideration in exchange for carriage of the signal of any qualified local noncommercial educational television station carried in fulfillment of the requirements of this section, except that such a station may be required to bear the cost associated with delivering a good quality signal or a baseband video signal to the principal headend of the cable system.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a cable operator shall not be required to add the signal of a qualified local noncommercial educational television station not already carried under the provision of subsection (c), where such signal would be considered a distant signal for copyright purposes unless such station indemnifies the cable operator for any increased copyright costs resulting from carriage of such signal.
Whenever a qualified local noncommercial educational television station believes that a cable operator of a cable system has failed to comply with the signal carriage requirements of this section, the station may file a complaint with the Commission. Such complaint shall allege the manner in which such cable operator has failed to comply with such requirements and state the basis for such allegations.
The Commission shall afford such cable operator an opportunity to present data, views, and arguments to establish that the cable operator has complied with the signal carriage requirements of this section.
Within 120 days after the date a complaint is filed under this subsection, the Commission shall determine whether the cable operator has complied with the requirements of this section. If the Commission determines that the cable operator has failed to comply with such requirements, the Commission shall state with particularity the basis for such findings and order the cable operator to take such remedial action as is necessary to meet such requirements. If the Commission determines that the cable operator has fully complied with such requirements, the Commission shall dismiss the complaint.
A cable operator shall identify, upon request by any person, those signals carried in fulfillment of the requirements of this section.
Section effective 60 days after
As used in this section, the term “video programming vendor” means a person engaged in the production, creation, or wholesale distribution of video programming for sale.
Section effective 60 days after
A franchising authority shall, if the franchise requires franchising authority approval of a sale or transfer, have 120 days to act upon any request for approval of such sale or transfer that contains or is accompanied by such information as is required in accordance with Commission regulations and by the franchising authority. If the franchising authority fails to render a final decision on the request within 120 days, such request shall be deemed granted unless the requesting party and the franchising authority agree to an extension of time.
1996—Pub. L. 104–104 redesignated subsec. (e) as entire section, substituted “A franchising authority” for “
Section effective 60 days after
Nothing in this section may be construed as applying to the editorial use by a local commercial television station, qualified noncommercial educational television station, or television broadcast station of programming that is owned, controlled, or financed (in whole or in part) by the Government of the Russian Federation.
Section was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
Any cable system shall not be subject to regulation as a common carrier or utility by reason of providing any cable service.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to affect the authority of any State to license or otherwise regulate any facility or combination of facilities which serves only subscribers in one or more multiple unit dwellings under common ownership, control, or management and which does not use any public right-of-way.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (f), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1996—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 104–104, § 303(a), added par. (3).
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 104–104, § 3(d)(3), substituted “section 153” for “section 153(v)”.
1992—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–385, § 7(a)(1), inserted before period at end “; except that a franchising authority may not grant an exclusive franchise and may not unreasonably refuse to award an additional competitive franchise. Any applicant whose application for a second franchise has been denied by a final decision of the franchising authority may appeal such final decision pursuant to the provisions of section 555 of this title for failure to comply with this subsection”.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 102–385, § 7(b), added par. (4).
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–385, § 7(c)(1), inserted “and subsection (f)” after “paragraph (2)”.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 102–385, § 7(c)(2), added subsec. (f).
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
Subject to the limitation of subsection (b), any cable operator may be required under the terms of any franchise to pay a franchise fee.
For any twelve-month period, the franchise fees paid by a cable operator with respect to any cable system shall not exceed 5 percent of such cable operator’s gross revenues derived in such period from the operation of the cable system to provide cable services. For purposes of this section, the 12-month period shall be the 12-month period applicable under the franchise for accounting purposes. Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a franchising authority and a cable operator from agreeing that franchise fees which lawfully could be collected for any such 12-month period shall be paid on a prepaid or deferred basis; except that the sum of the fees paid during the term of the franchise may not exceed the amount, including the time value of money, which would have lawfully been collected if such fees had been paid per annum.
In any court action under subsection (c), the franchising authority shall demonstrate that the rate structure reflects all costs of the franchise fees.
Any cable operator shall pass through to subscribers the amount of any decrease in a franchise fee.
A cable operator may designate that portion of a subscriber’s bill attributable to the franchise fee as a separate item on the bill.
Any Federal agency may not regulate the amount of the franchise fees paid by a cable operator, or regulate the use of funds derived from such fees, except as provided in this section.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (h)(1), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–104 inserted “to provide cable services” before period at end of first sentence.
1992—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–385 amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: “A cable operator may pass through to subscribers the amount of any increase in a franchise fee, unless the franchising authority demonstrates that the rate structure specified in the franchise reflects all costs of franchise fees and so notifies the cable operator in writing.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
No Federal agency or State may regulate the rates for the provision of cable service except to the extent provided under this section and section 532 of this title. Any franchising authority may regulate the rates for the provision of cable service, or any other communications service provided over a cable system to cable subscribers, but only to the extent provided under this section. No Federal agency, State, or franchising authority may regulate the rates for cable service of a cable system that is owned or operated by a local government or franchising authority within whose jurisdiction that cable system is located and that is the only cable system located within such jurisdiction.
Upon petition by a cable operator or other interested party, the Commission shall review the regulation of cable system rates by a franchising authority under this subsection. A copy of the petition shall be provided to the franchising authority by the person filing the petition. If the Commission finds that the franchising authority has acted inconsistently with the requirements of this subsection, the Commission shall grant appropriate relief. If the Commission, after the franchising authority has had a reasonable opportunity to comment, determines that the State and local laws and regulations are not in conformance with the regulations prescribed by the Commission under subsection (b), the Commission shall revoke the jurisdiction of such authority.
If the Commission disapproves a franchising authority’s certification under paragraph (4), or revokes such authority’s jurisdiction under paragraph (5), the Commission shall exercise the franchising authority’s regulatory jurisdiction under paragraph (2)(A) until the franchising authority has qualified to exercise that jurisdiction by filing a new certification that meets the requirements of paragraph (3). Such new certification shall be effective upon approval by the Commission. The Commission shall act to approve or disapprove any such new certification within 90 days after the date it is filed.
The Commission shall allow cable operators, pursuant to any rules promulgated under subsection (b)(3), to aggregate, on a franchise, system, regional, or company level, their equipment costs into broad categories, such as converter boxes, regardless of the varying levels of functionality of the equipment within each such broad category. Such aggregation shall not be permitted with respect to equipment used by subscribers who receive only a rate regulated basic service tier.
Within 120 days of
The Commission shall, by regulation, ensure that the rates for the basic service tier are reasonable. Such regulations shall be designed to achieve the goal of protecting subscribers of any cable system that is not subject to effective competition from rates for the basic service tier that exceed the rates that would be charged for the basic service tier if such cable system were subject to effective competition.
The regulations prescribed by the Commission under this subsection shall include standards to identify costs attributable to satisfying franchise requirements to support public, educational, and governmental channels or the use of such channels or any other services required under the franchise.
The procedures prescribed by the Commission pursuant to paragraph (5)(A) shall require a cable operator to provide 30 days’ advance notice to a franchising authority of any increase proposed in the price to be charged for the basic service tier.
A cable operator may add additional video programming signals or services to the basic service tier. Any such additional signals or services provided on the basic service tier shall be provided to subscribers at rates determined under the regulations prescribed by the Commission under this subsection.
A cable operator may not require the subscription to any tier other than the basic service tier required by paragraph (7) as a condition of access to video programming offered on a per channel or per program basis. A cable operator may not discriminate between subscribers to the basic service tier and other subscribers with regard to the rates charged for video programming offered on a per channel or per program basis.
If, in any proceeding initiated at the request of any cable operator, the Commission determines that compliance with the requirements of subparagraph (A) would require the cable operator to increase its rates, the Commission may, to the extent consistent with the public interest, grant such cable operator a waiver from such requirements for such specified period as the Commission determines reasonable and appropriate.
The Commission shall review any complaint submitted by a franchising authority after
This subsection shall not apply to cable programming services provided after
A cable operator shall have a rate structure, for the provision of cable service, that is uniform throughout the geographic area in which cable service is provided over its cable system. This subsection does not apply to (1) a cable operator with respect to the provision of cable service over its cable system in any geographic area in which the video programming services offered by the operator in that area are subject to effective competition, or (2) any video programming offered on a per channel or per program basis. Bulk discounts to multiple dwelling units shall not be subject to this subsection, except that a cable operator of a cable system that is not subject to effective competition may not charge predatory prices to a multiple dwelling unit. Upon a prima facie showing by a complainant that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the discounted price is predatory, the cable system shall have the burden of showing that its discounted price is not predatory.
A cable operator shall not charge a subscriber for any service or equipment that the subscriber has not affirmatively requested by name. For purposes of this subsection, a subscriber’s failure to refuse a cable operator’s proposal to provide such service or equipment shall not be deemed to be an affirmative request for such service or equipment.
The Commission shall, by regulation, require cable operators to file with the Commission or a franchising authority, as appropriate, within one year after
Within 180 days after
In developing and prescribing regulations pursuant to this section, the Commission shall design such regulations to reduce the administrative burdens and cost of compliance for cable systems that have 1,000 or fewer subscribers.
During the term of an agreement made before
The Commission shall publish with its report under section 163 of this title statistical reports on the average rates for basic cable service and other cable programming, and for converter boxes, remote control units, and other equipment of cable systems that the Commission has found are subject to effective competition under subsection (a)(2) compared with cable systems that the Commission has found are not subject to such effective competition.
The Commission shall include in its report under paragraph (1) the aggregate average total amount paid by cable systems in compensation under section 325 of this title.
The Commission shall publish information under this paragraph in a manner substantially similar to the way other comparable information is published in such report.
For purposes of this subsection, the term “small cable operator” means a cable operator that, directly or through an affiliate, serves in the aggregate fewer than 1 percent of all subscribers in the United States and is not affiliated with any entity or entities whose gross annual revenues in the aggregate exceed $250,000,000.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or of section 532 of this title, losses associated with a cable system (including losses associated with the grant or award of a franchise) that were incurred prior to
Not later than 180 days after
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to have any effect on the duty of a small cable operator to prove the existence of effective competition under this section.
In this subsection, the term “small cable operator” has the meaning given the term in subsection (m)(2).
2018—Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(e)(1), substituted “publish with its report under section 163 of this title” for “annually publish”.
Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 115–141, § 402(e)(2), struck out “annual” before “report” in heading.
2014—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 113–200, § 110, amended subsec. (k) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The Commission shall annually publish statistical reports on the average rates for basic cable service and other cable programming, and for converter boxes, remote control units, and other equipment, of—
“(1) cable systems that the Commission has found are subject to effective competition under subsection (a)(2) of this section, compared with
“(2) cable systems that the Commission has found are not subject to such effective competition.”
Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 113–200, § 111, added subsec. (o).
1996—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(j), added par. (7).
Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(b)(1)(A), substituted “franchising authority (in accordance with paragraph (3))” for “subscriber, franchising authority, or other relevant State or local government entity”.
Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(b)(1)(B), substituted “the first complaint filed with the franchising authority under paragraph (3)” for “such complaint”.
Subsec. (c)(3), (4). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(b)(1)(C), added pars. (3) and (4) and struck out heading and text of former par. (3). Text read as follows: “Except during the 180-day period following the effective date of the regulations prescribed by the Commission under paragraph (1), the procedures established under subparagraph (B) of such paragraph shall be available only with respect to complaints filed within a reasonable period of time following a change in rates that is initiated after that effective date, including a change in rates that results from a change in that system’s service tiers.”
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(b)(2), inserted at end “This subsection does not apply to (1) a cable operator with respect to the provision of cable service over its cable system in any geographic area in which the video programming services offered by the operator in that area are subject to effective competition, or (2) any video programming offered on a per channel or per program basis. Bulk discounts to multiple dwelling units shall not be subject to this subsection, except that a cable operator of a cable system that is not subject to effective competition may not charge predatory prices to a multiple dwelling unit. Upon a prima facie showing by a complainant that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the discounted price is predatory, the cable system shall have the burden of showing that its discounted price is not predatory.”
Subsec. (l)(1)(D). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(b)(3), added subpar. (D).
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(c), added subsec. (m).
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(k)(1), added subsec. (n).
1992—Pub. L. 102–385 amended section generally, substituting present provisions for former provisions which related in subsec. (a) to limitation on regulatory power of Federal agencies, States, or franchising authorities, in subsec. (b) to promulgation, scope, content, periodic review, and amendment of regulations, in subsec. (c) to regulation by franchising authority during initial 2-year period, in subsec. (d) to automatic granting of rate increase requests upon agency inaction within 180-day period, in subsec. (e) to additional increases in rates and to reduction by amount of increase under franchise provisions, in subsec. (f) to nondiscrimination and facilitation of reception by hearing-impaired individuals, in subsec. (g) to continued effectiveness of limitation or the preemption of regulation under prior State law, and in subsec. (h) to reports and recommendations to Congress.
Pub. L. 104–104, title III, § 301(k)(2),
Pub. L. 102–385, § 3(b),
Section effective 60 days after
Pub. L. 98–549, § 9(b),
Any franchising authority may not regulate the services, facilities, and equipment provided by a cable operator except to the extent consistent with this subchapter.
In the case of any franchise in effect on the effective date of this subchapter, the franchising authority may, subject to section 545 of this title, enforce requirements contained within the franchise for the provision of services, facilities, and equipment, whether or not related to the establishment or operation of a cable system.
Within one year after
Notwithstanding any such rule, regulation, or order, each cable operator shall comply with such standards as the Commission shall prescribe to ensure that viewers of video programming on cable systems are afforded the same emergency information as is afforded by the emergency broadcasting system pursuant to Commission regulations in subpart G of part 73, title 47, Code of Federal Regulations.
Within 120 days after
For “the effective date of this subchapter”, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (c), as 60 days after
1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–104 substituted “No State or franchising authority may prohibit, condition, or restrict a cable system’s use of any type of subscriber equipment or any transmission technology.” for “A franchising authority may require as part of a franchise (including a modification, renewal, or transfer thereof) provisions for the enforcement of the standards prescribed under this subsection. A franchising authority may apply to the Commission for a waiver to impose standards that are more stringent than the standards prescribed by the Commission under this subsection.”
1994—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 103–414, § 304(a)(12), struck out designation “(A)”, inserted “of” after “restrict the viewing”, and struck out subpar. (B) which read as follows: “Subparagraph (A) shall take effect 180 days after the effective date of this subchapter.”
Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(23), inserted “of” after “restrict the viewing” in subpar. (A).
1992—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–385, § 16(c)(1), inserted “, except as provided in subsection (h),” after “but may not”.
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 102–385, § 15, added par. (3).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–385, § 16(a), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) read as follows: “The Commission may establish technical standards relating to the facilities and equipment of cable systems which a franchising authority may require in the franchise.”
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–385, § 16(b), added subsec. (g).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 102–385, § 16(c)(2), added subsec. (h).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–385, § 16(d), added subsec. (i).
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
Section not to be construed to allow a franchising authority, or a State or political subdivision thereof, to require a cable operator to restore, retier or reprice cable service previously eliminated, retiered, or repriced as of
The Commission shall issue such regulations as are necessary to assure compatibility between televisions and video cassette recorders and cable systems, consistent with the need to prevent theft of cable service, so that cable subscribers will be able to enjoy the full benefit of both the programming available on cable systems and the functions available on their televisions and video cassette recorders.
In issuing the regulations referred to in paragraph (1), the Commission shall determine whether and, if so, under what circumstances to permit cable systems to scramble or encrypt signals or to restrict cable systems in the manner in which they encrypt or scramble signals, except that the Commission shall not limit the use of scrambling or encryption technology where the use of such technology does not interfere with the functions of subscribers’ television receivers or video cassette recorders.
The Commission shall periodically review and, if necessary, modify the regulations issued pursuant to this section in light of any actions taken in response to such regulations and to reflect improvements and changes in cable systems, television receivers, video cassette recorders, and similar technology.
2018—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–141, in heading, substituted “Regulations” for “Report; regulations”, and in text, substituted “The Commission shall issue such regulations as are necessary to assure” for “Within 1 year after
1996—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(f)(1), added par. (4).
Subsec. (c)(1)(A) to (C). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(f)(2), added subpar. (A) and redesignated former subpars. (A) and (B) as (B) and (C), respectively.
Subsec. (c)(2)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 104–104, § 301(f)(3), added subpar. (D) and redesignated former subpars. (D) and (E) as (E) and (F), respectively.
Section effective 60 days after
Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), a cable operator may take such actions to rearrange a particular service from one service tier to another, or otherwise offer the service, if the rates for all of the service tiers involved in such actions are not subject to regulation under section 543 of this title.
A cable operator may not obtain modification under this section of any requirement for services relating to public, educational, or governmental access.
For purposes of this section, the term “commercially impracticable” means, with respect to any requirement applicable to a cable operator, that it is commercially impracticable for the operator to comply with such requirement as a result of a change in conditions which is beyond the control of the operator and the nonoccurrence of which was a basic assumption on which the requirement was based.
Section effective 60 days after
Any denial of a proposal for renewal that has been submitted in compliance with subsection (b) shall be based on one or more adverse findings made with respect to the factors described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection (c)(1), pursuant to the record of the proceeding under subsection (c). A franchising authority may not base a denial of renewal on a failure to substantially comply with the material terms of the franchise under subsection (c)(1)(A) or on events considered under subsection (c)(1)(B) in any case in which a violation of the franchise or the events considered under subsection (c)(1)(B) occur after the effective date of this subchapter unless the franchising authority has provided the operator with notice and the opportunity to cure, or in any case in which it is documented that the franchising authority has waived its right to object, or the cable operator gives written notice of a failure or inability to cure and the franchising authority fails to object within a reasonable time after receipt of such notice.
Any decision of a franchising authority on a proposal for renewal shall not be considered final unless all administrative review by the State has occurred or the opportunity therefor has lapsed.
For purposes of this section, the term “franchise expiration” means the date of the expiration of the term of the franchise, as provided under the franchise, as it was in effect on
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) through (g) of this section, a cable operator may submit a proposal for the renewal of a franchise pursuant to this subsection at any time, and a franchising authority may, after affording the public adequate notice and opportunity for comment, grant or deny such proposal at any time (including after proceedings pursuant to this section have commenced). The provisions of subsections (a) through (g) of this section shall not apply to a decision to grant or deny a proposal under this subsection. The denial of a renewal pursuant to this subsection shall not affect action on a renewal proposal that is submitted in accordance with subsections (a) through (g).
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) through (h), any lawful action to revoke a cable operator’s franchise for cause shall not be negated by the subsequent initiation of renewal proceedings by the cable operator under this section.
For “the effective date of this subchapter”, referred to in subsec. (d), as 60 days after
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–385, § 18(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: “During the 6-month period which begins with the 36th month before the franchise expiration, the franchising authority may on its own initiative, and shall at the request of the cable operator, commence proceedings which afford the public in the franchise area appropriate notice and participation for the purpose of—
“(1) identifying the future cable-related community needs and interests; and
“(2) reviewing the performance of the cable operator under the franchise during the then current franchise term.”
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–385, § 18(b), inserted “pursuant to subsection (b)” after “renewal of a franchise” and substituted “date of the submission of the cable operator’s proposal pursuant to subsection (b)” for “completion of any proceedings under subsection (a)”.
Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 102–385, § 18(c), substituted “mix or quality” for “mix, quality, or level”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–385, § 18(d), inserted “that has been submitted in compliance with subsection (b)” after “Any denial of a proposal for renewal” and substituted “or the cable operator gives written notice of a failure or inability to cure and the franchising authority fails to object within a reasonable time after receipt of such notice” for “or has effectively acquiesced”.
Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–385, § 18(e), inserted “, other than harmless error,” after “franchising authority”.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–385, § 18(f), added subsec. (i).
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
For “the effective date of this subchapter”, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2) and (b)(2), as 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
The purpose of this section is to promote the public interest, convenience, and necessity by increasing competition and diversity in the multichannel video programming market, to increase the availability of satellite cable programming and satellite broadcast programming to persons in rural and other areas not currently able to receive such programming, and to spur the development of communications technologies.
It shall be unlawful for a cable operator, a satellite cable programming vendor in which a cable operator has an attributable interest, or a satellite broadcast programming vendor to engage in unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices, the purpose or effect of which is to hinder significantly or to prevent any multichannel video programming distributor from providing satellite cable programming or satellite broadcast programming to subscribers or consumers.
Within 180 days after
Nothing in this section shall require any person who is engaged in the national or regional distribution of video programming to make such programming available in any geographic area beyond which such programming has been authorized or licensed for distribution.
Nothing in this section shall apply (i) to the signal of any broadcast affiliate of a national television network or other television signal that is retransmitted by satellite but that is not satellite broadcast programming, or (ii) to any internal satellite communication of any broadcast network or cable network that is not satellite broadcast programming.
The prohibition required by paragraph (2)(D) shall cease to be effective 10 years after
Any multichannel video programming distributor aggrieved by conduct that it alleges constitutes a violation of subsection (b), or the regulations of the Commission under subsection (c), may commence an adjudicatory proceeding at the Commission.
Upon completion of such adjudicatory proceeding, the Commission shall have the power to order appropriate remedies, including, if necessary, the power to establish prices, terms, and conditions of sale of programming to the aggrieved multichannel video programming distributor.
The remedies provided in paragraph (1) are in addition to and not in lieu of the remedies available under subchapter V or any other provision of this chapter.
Any provision that applies to a cable operator under this section shall apply to a common carrier or its affiliate that provides video programming by any means directly to subscribers. Any such provision that applies to a satellite cable programming vendor in which a cable operator has an attributable interest shall apply to any satellite cable programming vendor in which such common carrier has an attributable interest. For the purposes of this subsection, two or fewer common officers or directors shall not by itself establish an attributable interest by a common carrier in a satellite cable programming vendor (or its parent company).
Nothing in this section shall affect any contract that grants exclusive distribution rights to any person with respect to satellite cable programming and that was entered into on or before
A contract that was entered into on or before
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (e)(2), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2018—Subsecs. (g), (j). Pub. L. 115–141 redesignated subsec. (j) as (g), transferred subsec. (g) to appear after subsec. (f), and struck out former subsec. (g). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (g) read as follows: “The Commission shall, beginning not later than 18 months after promulgation of the regulations required by subsection (c), annually report to Congress on the status of competition in the market for the delivery of video programming.”
1996—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 104–104 added subsec. (j).
Section effective 60 days after
The Commission shall, in consultation with appropriate industry standard-setting organizations, adopt regulations to assure the commercial availability, to consumers of multichannel video programming and other services offered over multichannel video programming systems, of converter boxes, interactive communications equipment, and other equipment used by consumers to access multichannel video programming and other services offered over multichannel video programming systems, from manufacturers, retailers, and other vendors not affiliated with any multichannel video programming distributor. Such regulations shall not prohibit any multichannel video programming distributor from also offering converter boxes, interactive communications equipment, and other equipment used by consumers to access multichannel video programming and other services offered over multichannel video programming systems, to consumers, if the system operator’s charges to consumers for such devices and equipment are separately stated and not subsidized by charges for any such service.
The Commission shall not prescribe regulations under subsection (a) which would jeopardize security of multichannel video programming and other services offered over multichannel video programming systems, or impede the legal rights of a provider of such services to prevent theft of service.
The Commission shall waive a regulation adopted under subsection (a) for a limited time upon an appropriate showing by a provider of multichannel video programming and other services offered over multichannel video programming systems, or an equipment provider, that such waiver is necessary to assist the development or introduction of a new or improved multichannel video programming or other service offered over multichannel video programming systems, technology, or products. Upon an appropriate showing, the Commission shall grant any such waiver request within 90 days of any application filed under this subsection, and such waiver shall be effective for all service providers and products in that category and for all providers of services and products.
Determinations made or regulations prescribed by the Commission with respect to commercial availability to consumers of converter boxes, interactive communications equipment, and other equipment used by consumers to access multichannel video programming and other services offered over multichannel video programming systems, before
Nothing in this section affects section 64.702(e) of the Commission’s regulations (47 C.F.R. 64.702(e)) or other Commission regulations governing interconnection and competitive provision of customer premises equipment used in connection with basic common carrier communications services.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as expanding or limiting any authority that the Commission may have under law in effect before
A cable subscriber shall be provided access to all personally identifiable information regarding that subscriber which is collected and maintained by a cable operator. Such information shall be made available to the subscriber at reasonable times and at a convenient place designated by such cable operator. A cable subscriber shall be provided reasonable opportunity to correct any error in such information.
A cable operator shall destroy personally identifiable information if the information is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected and there are no pending requests or orders for access to such information under subsection (d) or pursuant to a court order.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit any State or any franchising authority from enacting or enforcing laws consistent with this section for the protection of subscriber privacy.
For “the effective date of this section”, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), as 60 days after
2001—Subsec. (c)(2)(D). Pub. L. 107–56, § 211(1), added subpar. (D).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–56, § 211(2), substituted “Except as provided in subsection (c)(2)(D), a governmental entity” for “A governmental entity” in introductory provisions.
1992—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 102–385, § 20(a), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: “For purposes of this section, the term ‘personally identifiable information’ does not include any record of aggregate data which does not identify particular persons.”
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–385, § 20(b), inserted before period at end “and shall take such actions as are necessary to prevent unauthorized access to such information by a person other than the subscriber or cable operator”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
A cable operator may provide notice of service and rate changes to subscribers using any reasonable written means at its sole discretion. Notwithstanding section 543(b)(6) of this title or any other provision of this chapter, a cable operator shall not be required to provide prior notice of any rate change that is the result of a regulatory fee, franchise fee, or any other fee, tax, assessment, or charge of any kind imposed by any Federal agency, State, or franchising authority on the transaction between the operator and the subscriber.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit any State or any franchising authority from enacting or enforcing any consumer protection law, to the extent not specifically preempted by this subchapter.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a franchising authority and a cable operator from agreeing to customer service requirements that exceed the standards established by the Commission under subsection (b). Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prevent the establishment or enforcement of any municipal law or regulation, or any State law, concerning customer service that imposes customer service requirements that exceed the standards set by the Commission under this section, or that addresses matters not addressed by the standards set by the Commission under this section.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1996—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 104–104 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).
1992—Pub. L. 102–385 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows:
“(a) A franchising authority may require, as part of a franchise (including a franchise renewal, subject to section 546 of this title), provisions for enforcement of—
“(1) customer service requirements of the cable operator; and
“(2) construction schedules and other construction-related requirements of the cable operator.
“(b) A franchising authority may enforce any provision, contained in any franchise, relating to requirements described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of this section, to the extent not inconsistent with this subchapter.
“(c) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit any State or any franchising authority from enacting or enforcing any consumer protection law, to the extent not inconsistent with this subchapter.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
1992—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–385, § 21(1), substituted “$50,000” for “$25,000”, “2 years” for “1 year”, “$100,000” for “$50,000”, and “5 years” for “2 years”.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 102–385, § 21(2), added par. (3).
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
This section shall apply to any corporation, partnership, association, joint-stock company, or trust engaged primarily in the management or operation of any cable system.
Equal opportunity in employment shall be afforded by each entity specified in subsection (a), and no person shall be discriminated against in employment by such entity because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, or sex.
Employees or applicants for employment who believe they have been discriminated against in violation of the requirements of this section, or rules under this section, or any other interested person, may file a complaint with the Commission. A complaint by any such person shall be in writing, and shall be signed and sworn to by that person. The regulations under subsection (d)(1) shall specify a program, under authorities otherwise available to the Commission, for the investigation of complaints and violations, and for the enforcement of this section.
The Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992, referred to in subsec. (d)(1), is Pub. L. 102–385,
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (f)(2), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
For “the effective date of this subchapter”, referred to in subsec. (i)(1)(C), as 60 days after
1994—Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 103–414 substituted “section 522(7)(A)” for “section 522(6)(A)”.
1992—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 102–385, § 22(b), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: “Not later than 270 days after the effective date of this section, and after notice and opportunity for hearing, the Commission shall prescribe rules to carry out this section.”
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 102–385, § 22(c), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: “Such rules also shall require an entity specified in subsection (a) with more than 5 full-time employees to file with the Commission an annual statistical report identifying by race and sex the number of employees in each of the following full-time and part-time job categories:
“(A) officials and managers;
“(B) professionals;
“(C) technicians;
“(D) sales persons;
“(E) office and clerical personnel;
“(F) skilled craft persons;
“(G) semiskilled operatives;
“(H) unskilled laborers; and
“(I) service workers.
The report shall include the number of minorities and women in the relevant labor market for each of the above categories. The statistical report shall be available to the public at the central office and at every location where more than 5 full-time employees are regularly assigned to work.”
Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 102–385, § 22(d), substituted “$500” for “$200”.
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 102–385, § 22(e), inserted before period at end “and any multichannel video programming distributor”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
Pub. L. 102–385, § 22(a),
Pub. L. 102–385, § 22(g),
The court may award any appropriate relief consistent with the provisions of the relevant section described in subsection (a) and with the provisions of subsection (a).
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–385, § 7(a)(2), inserted “541(a)(1),” after “section”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–385, § 24(b), inserted “and with the provisions of subsection (a)” after “subsection (a)”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–385, § 23, added subsec. (c).
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
In any court proceeding pending on or initiated after
The limitation contained in subsection (a) shall not apply to actions that, prior to such violation, have been determined by a final order of a court of binding jurisdiction, no longer subject to appeal, to be in violation of a cable operator’s rights.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the relief authorized with respect to any claim against a franchising authority or other governmental entity, or any official, member, employee, or agent of such authority or entity, to the extent such claim involves discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, or handicap.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as creating or authorizing liability of any kind, under any law, for any action or failure to act relating to cable service or the granting of a franchise by any franchising authority or other governmental entity, or any official, member, employee, or agent of such authority or entity.
Section effective 60 days after
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to affect any authority of any State, political subdivision, or agency thereof, or franchising authority, regarding matters of public health, safety, and welfare, to the extent consistent with the express provisions of this subchapter.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to restrict a State from exercising jurisdiction with regard to cable services consistent with this subchapter.
Except as provided in section 557 of this title, any provision of law of any State, political subdivision, or agency thereof, or franchising authority, or any provision of any franchise granted by such authority, which is inconsistent with this chapter shall be deemed to be preempted and superseded.
For purposes of this section, the term “State” has the meaning given such term in section 153 of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–104 substituted “section 153” for “section 153(v)”.
Section effective 60 days after
For “the effective date of this subchapter” and “such effective date”, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), as 60 days after
1996—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–104 substituted “section 153” for “section 153(v)”.
Section effective 60 days after
Nothing in this subchapter shall be deemed to affect the criminal or civil liability of cable programmers or cable operators pursuant to the Federal, State, or local law of libel, slander, obscenity, incitement, invasions of privacy, false or misleading advertising, or other similar laws, except that cable operators shall not incur any such liability for any program carried on any channel designated for public, educational, governmental use or on any other channel obtained under section 532 of this title or under similar arrangements unless the program involves obscene material.
1992—Pub. L. 102–385 inserted before period at end “unless the program involves obscene material”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–385 effective 60 days after
Section effective 60 days after
Whoever transmits over any cable system any matter which is obscene or otherwise unprotected by the Constitution of the United States shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.
1996—Pub. L. 104–104 substituted “under title 18” for “not more than $10,000”.
Section effective 60 days after
Upon request by a cable service subscriber, a cable operator shall, without charge, fully scramble or otherwise fully block the audio and video programming of each channel carrying such programming so that one not a subscriber does not receive it.
As used in this section, the term “scramble” means to rearrange the content of the signal of the programming so that the programming cannot be viewed or heard in an understandable manner.
In providing sexually explicit adult programming or other programming that is indecent on any channel of its service primarily dedicated to sexually-oriented programming, a multichannel video programming distributor shall fully scramble or otherwise fully block the video and audio portion of such channel so that one not a subscriber to such channel or programming does not receive it.
Until a multichannel video programming distributor complies with the requirement set forth in subsection (a), the distributor shall limit the access of children to the programming referred to in that subsection by not providing such programming during the hours of the day (as determined by the Commission) when a significant number of children are likely to view it.
As used in this section, the term “scramble” means to rearrange the content of the signal of the programming so that the programming cannot be viewed or heard in an understandable manner.
For information regarding the constitutionality of this section, see the Table of Laws Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court on the Constitution Annotated website, constitution.congress.gov.
Pub. L. 104–104, title V, § 505(b),
Before entering into a contract with a consumer for the provision of a covered service, a provider of a covered service shall provide the consumer, by phone, in person, online, or by other reasonable means, the total monthly charge for the covered service, whether offered individually or as part of a bundled service, selected by the consumer (explicitly noting the amount of any applicable promotional discount reflected in such charge and when such discount will expire), including any related administrative fees, equipment fees, or other charges, a good faith estimate of any tax, fee, or charge imposed by the Federal Government or a State or local government (whether imposed on the provider or imposed on the consumer but collected by the provider), and a good faith estimate of any fee or charge that is used to recover any other assessment imposed on the provider by the Federal Government or a State or local government.
A provider of a covered service that enters into a contract described in paragraph (1) shall, not later than 24 hours after entering into the contract, send the consumer, by email, online link, or other reasonably comparable means, a copy of the information described in such paragraph.
A provider of a covered service that enters into a contract described in paragraph (1) shall permit the consumer to cancel the contract, without paying early cancellation fees or other disconnection fees or penalties, during the 24-hour period beginning when the provider of the covered service sends the copy required by paragraph (2).
The term “broadband internet access service” has the meaning given such term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
The term “covered equipment” means equipment (such as a router) employed on the premises of a person (other than a provider of a covered service or fixed broadband internet access service) to provide a covered service or to provide fixed broadband internet access service.
The term “covered service” means service provided by a multichannel video programming distributer,1
Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title X, § 1004(b),
To the extent that a common carrier (or any other person) is providing video programming to subscribers using radio communication, such carrier (or other person) shall be subject to the requirements of subchapter III and section 572 of this title, but shall not otherwise be subject to the requirements of this subchapter.
To the extent that a common carrier is providing transmission of video programming on a common carrier basis, such carrier shall be subject to the requirements of subchapter II and section 572 of this title, but shall not otherwise be subject to the requirements of this subchapter. This paragraph shall not affect the treatment under section 522(7)(C) of this title of a facility of a common carrier as a cable system.
A common carrier that is providing video programming in a manner described in paragraph (1) or (2), or a combination thereof, may elect to provide such programming by means of an open video system that complies with section 573 of this title. If the Commission approves such carrier’s certification under section 573 of this title, such carrier shall be subject to the requirements of this part, but shall be subject to parts I through IV of this subchapter only as provided in 573(c) of this title.
A local exchange carrier that provides cable service through an open video system or a cable system shall not be required, pursuant to subchapter II of this chapter, to make capacity available on a nondiscriminatory basis to any other person for the provision of cable service directly to subscribers.
A common carrier shall not be required to obtain a certificate under section 214 of this title with respect to the establishment or operation of a system for the delivery of video programming.
No local exchange carrier or any affiliate of such carrier owned by, operated by, controlled by, or under common control with such carrier may purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly more than a 10 percent financial interest, or any management interest, in any cable operator providing cable service within the local exchange carrier’s telephone service area.
No cable operator or affiliate of a cable operator that is owned by, operated by, controlled by, or under common ownership with such cable operator may purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, more than a 10 percent financial interest, or any management interest, in any local exchange carrier providing telephone exchange service within such cable operator’s franchise area.
A local exchange carrier and a cable operator whose telephone service area and cable franchise area, respectively, are in the same market may not enter into any joint venture or partnership to provide video programming directly to subscribers or to provide telecommunications services within such market.
Notwithstanding subsection (c), a local exchange carrier may obtain, with the concurrence of the cable operator on the rates, terms, and conditions, the use of that part of the transmission facilities of a cable system extending from the last multi-user terminal to the premises of the end user, if such use is reasonably limited in scope and duration, as determined by the Commission.
Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (c), a local exchange carrier with less than $100,000,000 in annual operating revenues (or any affiliate of such carrier owned by, operated by, controlled by, or under common control with such carrier) may purchase or otherwise acquire more than a 10 percent financial interest in, or any management interest in, or enter into a joint venture or partnership with, any cable system within the local exchange carrier’s telephone service area that serves no more than 20,000 cable subscribers, if no more than 12,000 of those subscribers live within an urbanized area, as defined by the Bureau of the Census.
For purposes of this section, the term “telephone service area” when used in connection with a common carrier subject in whole or in part to subchapter II of this chapter means the area within which such carrier provided telephone exchange service as of
A local exchange carrier may provide cable service to its cable service subscribers in its telephone service area through an open video system that complies with this section. To the extent permitted by such regulations as the Commission may prescribe consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity, an operator of a cable system or any other person may provide video programming through an open video system that complies with this section. An operator of an open video system shall qualify for reduced regulatory burdens under subsection (c) of this section if the operator of such system certifies to the Commission that such carrier complies with the Commission’s regulations under subsection (b) and the Commission approves such certification. The Commission shall publish notice of the receipt of any such certification and shall act to approve or disapprove any such certification within 10 days after receipt of such certification.
The Commission shall have the authority to resolve disputes under this section and the regulations prescribed thereunder. Any such dispute shall be resolved within 180 days after notice of such dispute is submitted to the Commission. At that time or subsequently in a separate damages proceeding, the Commission may, in the case of any violation of this section, require carriage, award damages to any person denied carriage, or any combination of such sanctions. Any aggrieved party may seek any other remedy available under this chapter.
Subject to the requirements of paragraph (1) and the regulations thereunder, nothing in this section prohibits a common carrier or its affiliate from negotiating mutually agreeable terms and conditions with over-the-air broadcast stations and other unaffiliated video programming providers to allow consumer access to their signals on any level or screen of any gateway, menu, or other program guide, whether provided by the carrier or its affiliate.
In the rulemaking proceeding to prescribe the regulations required by subsection (b)(1), the Commission shall, to the extent possible, impose obligations that are no greater or lesser than the obligations contained in the provisions described in paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection. The Commission shall complete all action (including any reconsideration) to prescribe such regulations no later than 6 months after
An operator of an open video system under this part may be subject to the payment of fees on the gross revenues of the operator for the provision of cable service imposed by a local franchising authority or other governmental entity, in lieu of the franchise fees permitted under section 542 of this title. The rate at which such fees are imposed shall not exceed the rate at which franchise fees are imposed on any cable operator transmitting video programming in the franchise area, as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Commission. An operator of an open video system may designate that portion of a subscriber’s bill attributable to the fee under this subparagraph as a separate item on the bill.
With respect to the establishment and operation of an open video system, the requirements of this section shall apply in lieu of, and not in addition to, the requirements of subchapter II.
Nothing in this chapter precludes a video programming provider making use of an open video system from being treated as an operator of a cable system for purposes of section 111 of title 17.
For purposes of this section, the term “telephone service area” when used in connection with a common carrier subject in whole or in part to subchapter II of this chapter means the area within which such carrier is offering telephone exchange service.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2) and (c)(4), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
In subsec. (a), “subtitle IV of title 49” substituted for “the Interstate Commerce Act and all Acts amendatory thereof or supplemental thereto [49 U.S.C. 1 et seq.]” on authority of Pub. L. 95–473, § 3(b),
Office of Postmaster General of Post Office Department abolished and functions, powers, and duties of Postmaster General transferred to United States Postal Service by Pub. L. 91–375, § 4(a),
Interstate Commerce Commission abolished and functions of Commission transferred, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 104–88, to Surface Transportation Board effective
Section 602, acts June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title VII, § 702(a), (b), formerly title VI, § 602(a), (b), 48 Stat. 1102; May 20, 1937, ch. 229, § 15, 50 Stat. 197; Mar. 18, 1940, ch. 66, 54 Stat. 54; renumbered title VII, § 702(a), (b),
Section 603, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title VII, § 703, formerly title VI, § 603, 48 Stat. 1102; renumbered title VII, § 703,
All orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, contracts, licenses, and privileges which have been issued, made, or granted by the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Federal Radio Commission, or the Postmaster General, under any provision of law repealed or amended by this chapter or in the exercise of duties, powers, or functions transferred to the Commission by this chapter, and which are in effect at the time this section takes effect, shall continue in effect until modified, terminated, superseded, or repealed by the Commission or by operation of law.
All records transferred to the Commission under this chapter shall be available for use by the Commission to the same extent as if such records were originally records of the Commission. All final valuations and determinations of depreciation charges by the Interstate Commerce Commission with respect to common carriers engaged in radio or wire communication, and all orders of the Interstate Commerce Commission with respect to such valuations and determinations, shall have the same force and effect as though made by the Commission under this chapter.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
1994—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 103–414 redesignated subsec. (c) as (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: “Any proceeding, hearing, or investigation commenced or pending before the Federal Radio Commission, the Interstate Commerce Commission, or the Postmaster General, at the time of the organization of the Commission, shall be continued by the Commission in the same manner as though originally commenced before the Commission, if such proceeding, hearing, or investigation (1) involves the administration of duties, powers, and functions transferred to the Commission by this chapter, or (2) involves the exercise of jurisdiction similar to that granted to the Commission under the provisions of this chapter.”
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(14)(A), struck out subsec. (d) which read as follows: “The provisions of this chapter shall not affect suits commenced prior to the date of the organization of the Commission; and all such suits shall be continued, proceedings therein had, appeals therein taken and judgments therein rendered, in the same manner and with the same effect as if this chapter had not been passed. No suit, action, or other proceeding lawfully commenced by or against any agency or officer of the United States, in relation to the discharge of official duties, shall abate by reason of any transfer of authority, power, and duties from such agency or officer to the Commission under the provisions of this chapter, but the court, upon motion or supplemental petition filed at any time within twelve months after such transfer, showing the necessity for a survival of such suit, action, or other proceeding to obtain a settlement of the questions involved, may allow the same to be maintained by or against the Commission.”
Office of Postmaster General of Post Office Department abolished and functions, powers, and duties of Postmaster General transferred to United States Postal Service by Pub. L. 91–375, § 4(a),
Interstate Commerce Commission abolished and functions of Commission transferred, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 104–88, to Surface Transportation Board effective
Except as authorized by chapter 119, title 18, no person receiving, assisting in receiving, transmitting, or assisting in transmitting, any interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio shall divulge or publish the existence, contents, substance, purport, effect, or meaning thereof, except through authorized channels of transmission or reception, (1) to any person other than the addressee, his agent, or attorney, (2) to a person employed or authorized to forward such communication to its destination, (3) to proper accounting or distributing officers of the various communicating centers over which the communication may be passed, (4) to the master of a ship under whom he is serving, (5) in response to a subpena issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, or (6) on demand of other lawful authority. No person not being authorized by the sender shall intercept any radio communication and divulge or publish the existence, contents, substance, purport, effect, or meaning of such intercepted communication to any person. No person not being entitled thereto shall receive or assist in receiving any interstate or foreign communication by radio and use such communication (or any information therein contained) for his own benefit or for the benefit of another not entitled thereto. No person having received any intercepted radio communication or having become acquainted with the contents, substance, purport, effect, or meaning of such communication (or any part thereof) knowing that such communication was intercepted, shall divulge or publish the existence, contents, substance, purport, effect, or meaning of such communication (or any part thereof) or use such communication (or any information therein contained) for his own benefit or for the benefit of another not entitled thereto. This section shall not apply to the receiving, divulging, publishing, or utilizing the contents of any radio communication which is transmitted by any station for the use of the general public, which relates to ships, aircraft, vehicles, or persons in distress, or which is transmitted by an amateur radio station operator or by a citizens band radio operator.
No person shall encrypt or continue to encrypt satellite delivered programs included in the National Program Service of the Public Broadcasting Service and intended for public viewing by retransmission by television broadcast stations; except that as long as at least one unencrypted satellite transmission of any program subject to this subsection is provided, this subsection shall not prohibit additional encrypted satellite transmissions of the same program.
Nothing in this section shall affect any right, obligation, or liability under title 17, any rule, regulation, or order thereunder, or any other applicable Federal, State, or local law.
If the Commission finds, based on the information gathered from the inquiry required by subsection (g), that a universal encryption standard is necessary and in the public interest, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking to establish such a standard.
1996—Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 104–104 inserted “or direct-to-home satellite services,” after “programming,”.
1994—Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(25), substituted “subsection (e)” for “subsection (d)”.
Subsec. (e)(3)(A). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(26), substituted “paragraph (4) of this subsection” for “paragraph (4) of subsection (d)”.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(27), redesignated subsec. (f), relating to universal encryption standard, as (g).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 103–414, § 304(a)(15), which directed substitution of “The Commission” for “within 6 months after
Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(27), redesignated subsec. (f), relating to universal encryption standard, as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 103–414, § 303(a)(27), (28), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h) and substituted “subsection (g)” for “subsection (f)”.
1988—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 100–626 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).
Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 100–667, § 205(1), which directed the addition of par. (6) to subsec. (c), was executed to subsec. (d) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of subsec. (c) as (d) by Pub. L. 100–626.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–667, § 205(2)–(12), which directed the amendment of subsec. (d)(1) to (4) of this section, was executed to subsec. (e)(1) to (4) of this section, see below, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of subsec. (d) as (e) by Pub. L. 100–626.
Pub. L. 100–626 redesignated subsec. (d) as (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 100–667, § 205(2), substituted “$2,000” for “$1,000”.
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 100–667, § 205(3), substituted “$50,000 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both, for the first such conviction and shall be fined not more than $100,000 or imprisoned for not more than 5 years” for “$25,000 or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both, for the first such conviction and shall be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned for not more than 2 years”.
Subsec. (e)(3)(A). Pub. L. 100–667, § 205(4), inserted “or paragraph (4) of subsection (d)” before “may bring”.
Subsec. (e)(3)(B). Pub. L. 100–667, § 205(5)–(8), struck out “may” after “The court” and substituted “may grant” for “grant” in cl. (i), “may award” for “award” in cl. (ii), and “shall direct” for “direct” in cl. (iii).
Subsec. (e)(3)(C)(i)(II). Pub. L. 100–667, § 205(9), inserted “of subsection (a)” after “violation”, substituted “$1,000” for “$250”, and inserted before period at end “, and for each violation of paragraph (4) of this subsection involved in the action an aggrieved party may recover statutory damages in a sum not less than $10,000, or more than $100,000, as the court considers just”.
Subsec. (e)(3)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 100–667, § 205(10), substituted “$100,000 for each violation of subsection (a)” for “$50,000”.
Subsec. (e)(3)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 100–667, § 205(11), substituted “$250” for “$100”.
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 100–667, § 205(12), added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4) which read as follows: “The importation, manufacture, sale, or distribution of equipment by any person with the intent of its use to assist in any activity prohibited by subsection (a) shall be subject to penalties and remedies under this subsection to the same extent and in the same manner as a person who has engaged in such prohibited activity.”
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–667, § 204, added subsec. (f) relating to universal encryption standard.
Pub. L. 100–626 redesignated subsec. (e), relating to rights, obligations, and liabilities under other laws, as (f).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–667, § 204, added subsec. (g).
1984—Pub. L. 98–549, § 5(a), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsecs. (b) to (e).
1982—Pub. L. 97–259 struck out “broadcast or” after “communication which is”, substituted “any station” for “amateurs or others”, struck out “or” after “general public,”, and substituted “ships, aircraft, vehicles, or persons in distress, or which is transmitted by an amateur radio station operator or by a citizens band radio operator” for “ships in distress”.
1968—Pub. L. 90–351 inserted “Except as authorized by chapter 119, title 18”, designated existing provisions as cls. (1) to (6), inserted “radio” before “communication” in second and fourth sentences, struck out “wire or” before “radio” in third sentence, and substituted “intercepted” for “obtained” in fourth sentence.
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–667 effective
Pub. L. 98–549, § 5(b),
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–549 effective 60 days after
During the continuance of a war in which the United States is engaged, the President is authorized, if he finds it necessary for the national defense and security, to direct that such communications as in his judgment may be essential to the national defense and security shall have preference or priority with any carrier subject to this chapter. He may give these directions at and for such times as he may determine, and may modify, change, suspend, or annul them and for any such purpose he is authorized to issue orders directly, or through such person or persons as he designates for the purpose, or through the Commission. Any carrier complying with any such order or direction for preference or priority herein authorized shall be exempt from any and all provisions in existing law imposing civil or criminal penalties, obligations, or liabilities upon carriers by reason of giving preference or priority in compliance with such order or direction.
It shall be unlawful for any person during any war in which the United States is engaged to knowingly or willfully, by physical force or intimidation by threats of physical force, obstruct or retard or aid in obstructing or retarding interstate or foreign communication by radio or wire. The President is authorized, whenever in his judgment the public interest requires, to employ the armed forces of the United States to prevent any such obstruction or retardation of communication: Provided, That nothing in this section shall be construed to repeal, modify, or affect either section 17 of title 15 or section 52 of title 29.
Upon proclamation by the President that there exists war or a threat of war, or a state of public peril or disaster or other national emergency, or in order to preserve the neutrality of the United States, the President, if he deems it necessary in the interest of national security or defense, may suspend or amend, for such time as he may see fit, the rules and regulations applicable to any or all stations or devices capable of emitting electromagnetic radiations within the jurisdiction of the United States as prescribed by the Commission, and may cause the closing of any station for radio communication, or any device capable of emitting electromagnetic radiations between 10 kilocycles and 100,000 megacycles, which is suitable for use as a navigational aid beyond five miles, and the removal therefrom of its apparatus and equipment, or he may authorize the use or control of any such station or device and/or its apparatus and equipment, by any department of the Government under such regulations as he may prescribe upon just compensation to the owners. The authority granted to the President, under this subsection, to cause the closing of any station or device and the removal therefrom of its apparatus and equipment, or to authorize the use or control of any station or device and/or its apparatus and equipment, may be exercised in the Canal Zone.
Upon proclamation by the President that there exists a state or threat of war involving the United States, the President, if he deems it necessary in the interest of the national security and defense, may, during a period ending not later than six months after the termination of such state or threat of war and not later than such earlier date as the Congress by concurrent resolution may designate, (1) suspend or amend the rules and regulations applicable to any or all facilities or stations for wire communication within the jurisdiction of the United States as prescribed by the Commission, (2) cause the closing of any facility or station for wire communication and the removal therefrom of its apparatus and equipment, or (3) authorize the use or control of any such facility or station and its apparatus and equipment by any department of the Government under such regulations as he may prescribe, upon just compensation to the owners.
The President shall ascertain the just compensation for such use or control and certify the amount ascertained to Congress for appropriation and payment to the person entitled thereto. If the amount so certified is unsatisfactory to the person entitled thereto, such person shall be paid only 75 per centum of the amount and shall be entitled to sue the United States to recover such further sum as added to such payment of 75 per centum will make such amount as will be just compensation for the use and control. Such suit shall be brought in the manner provided by section 1346 or section 1491 of title 28.
Nothing in subsection (c) or (d) shall be construed to amend, repeal, impair, or affect existing laws or powers of the States in relation to taxation or the lawful police regulations of the several States, except wherein such laws, powers, or regulations may affect the transmission of Government communications, or the issue of stocks and bonds by any communication system or systems.
Nothing in subsection (c) or (d) shall be construed to authorize the President to make any amendment to the rules and regulations of the Commission which the Commission would not be authorized by law to make; and nothing in subsection (d) shall be construed to authorize the President to take any action the force and effect of which shall continue beyond the date after which taking of such action would not have been authorized.
Any person who willfully does or causes or suffers to be done any act prohibited pursuant to the exercise of the President’s authority under this section, or who willfully fails to do any act which he is required to do pursuant to the exercise of the President’s authority under this section, or who willfully causes or suffers such failure, shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished for such offense by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, and, if a firm, partnership, association, or corporation, by fine of not more than $5,000, except that any person who commits such an offense with intent to injure the United States, or with intent to secure an advantage to any foreign nation, shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than $20,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in subsec. (c), see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.
In subsec. (e), “section 1346 or section 1491 of title 28” substituted for “paragraph 20 of section 24 or by section 145, of the Judicial Code, as amended” (which were classified to sections 41(20) and 250 of former Title 28, Judicial Code and Judiciary) on authority of act June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 869, the first section of which enacted Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. Section 1346 of Title 28 sets forth the basic jurisdiction of the district courts in cases in which the United States is defendant. Section 1491 of Title 28 sets forth the basic jurisdiction of the United States Court of Claims. Sections 24(20) and 145 of the Judicial Code were also classified to sections 1496, 1501, 1503, 2401, 2402, and 2501 of Title 28.
1951—Subsec. (c). Act
Subsec. (h). Act
1947—Subsec. (h). Act
1942—Subsecs. (d), (e). Act
Subsecs. (f), (g). Act
Subsec. (h). Act
Act July 25, 1947, ch. 327, § 3, 61 Stat. 451, provided that in the interpretation of this section, the date
Authorities of President under subsecs. (a) and (c) to (e) of this section delegated to the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, if the President takes the actions, including issuing any necessary proclamations and findings, required by this section to invoke those authorities, see section 2.3 of Ex. Ord. No. 13618, which is set out as a note under section 5195 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Ex. Ord. No. 8964, eff.
Ex. Ord. No. 9831, eff.
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes, including the Communications Act of 1934 (48 Stat. 1104, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 606) and as President of the United States, and in the interest of the internal management of the Government, it is hereby ordered as follows:
1. The Board of War Communications, established as the Defense Communications Board by Executive Order No. 8546 of
2. Executive Orders Nos. 8546 of
Ex. Ord. No. 10312, eff.
Ex. Ord. No. 10705,
This chapter shall take effect upon the organization of the Commission, except that this section and sections 151 and 154 of this title shall take effect
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
This chapter may be cited as the “Communications Act of 1934.”
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which enacted this chapter, amended section 35 of this title, section 21 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, section 487 of former Title 46, Shipping, and sections 1, 2, 5, and 15 of former Title 49, Transportation, and repealed sections 484 to 487 of former Title 46. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
Pub. L. 119–12, § 1,
Pub. L. 118–159, div. E, title LIV, § 5401,
Pub. L. 117–338, § 1,
Pub. L. 117–223, § 1,
Pub. L. 117–58, div. F, title VI, § 60601,
Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title IX, § 902(a),
Pub. L. 116–172, § 1,
Pub. L. 116–130, § 1,
Pub. L. 116–109, § 1,
Pub. L. 116–105, § 1,
Pub. L. 116–94, div. P, title X, § 1001,
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, § 1(a),
Pub. L. 115–129, § 1,
Pub. L. 115–127, § 1,
Pub. L. 114–182, title II, § 201,
Pub. L. 113–200, § 1(a),
Pub. L. 113–197, § 1,
Pub. L. 111–331, § 1,
Pub. L. 111–311, § 1,
Pub. L. 111–260, § 1(a),
Pub. L. 111–4, § 1,
Pub. L. 110–295, § 1,
Pub. L. 110–283, § 1,
Pub. L. 110–108, § 1,
Pub. L. 109–459, § 1,
Pub. L. 109–235, § 1,
Pub. L. 109–21, § 1,
Pub. L. 108–435, § 1,
Pub. L. 107–195, § 1,
Pub. L. 107–75, § 1,
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1731],
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(9) [title V, § 5008(a)],
Pub. L. 106–81, § 1,
Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title XIV, § 1401,
Pub. L. 104–104, § 1(a),
Pub. L. 104–104, title V, § 501,
Pub. L. 102–385, § 1,
Pub. L. 102–356, § 1,
Pub. L. 102–243, § 1,
Pub. L. 101–437, § 1,
Pub. L. 101–437, title II, § 201,
Pub. L. 101–435, § 1,
Pub. L. 101–431, § 1,
Pub. L. 101–396, § 1,
Pub. L. 100–626, § 1,
Pub. L. 100–594, § 1,
Pub. L. 100–394, § 1,
Pub. L. 98–549, § 1(a),
Pub. L. 98–214, § 1,
Pub. L. 97–410, § 1,
Pub. L. 97–259, title I, § 101,
Pub. L. 97–130, § 1, Dec 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1687, provided that:
Pub. L. 97–35, title XII, § 1221,
Pub. L. 95–567, § 1,
Pub. L. 95–234, § 1,
Pub. L. 94–309, § 1,
Pub. L. 94–192, § 1,
Pub. L. 92–131, § 1,
Pub. L. 91–437, § 1,
Pub. L. 91–97, § 1,
Pub. L. 90–129, § 1,
Pub. L. 86–752, § 1,
Act July 16, 1952, ch. 879, § 1, 66 Stat. 711, provided that:
The Commission shall establish such regulations as are necessary to ensure reasonable access to telephone service by persons with impaired hearing.
The Commission shall establish or approve such technical standards as are required to enforce this section. A telephone or other customer premises equipment that is compliant with relevant technical standards developed through a public participation process and in consultation with interested consumer stakeholders (designated by the Commission for the purposes of this section) will be considered hearing aid compatible for purposes of this section, until such time as the Commission may determine otherwise. The Commission shall consult with the public, including people with hearing loss, in establishing or approving such technical standards. The Commission may delegate this authority to an employee pursuant to section 155(c) of this title. The Commission shall remain the final arbiter as to whether the standards meet the requirements of this section.
The Commission shall establish such requirements for the labeling of packaging materials for equipment as are needed to provide adequate information to consumers on the compatibility between telephones and hearing aids.
In any rulemaking to implement the provisions of this section, the Commission shall specifically consider the costs and benefits to all telephone users, including persons with and without hearing loss. The Commission shall ensure that regulations adopted to implement this section encourage the use of currently available technology and do not discourage or impair the development of improved technology. In implementing the provisions of subsection (b)(1)(C), the Commission shall use appropriate timetables or benchmarks to the extent necessary (1) due to technical feasibility, or (2) to ensure the marketability or availability of new technologies to users.
The Commission shall periodically review the regulations established pursuant to this section. Except for coin-operated telephones and telephones provided for emergency use, the Commission may not require the retrofitting of equipment to achieve the purposes of this section.
Any common carrier or connecting carrier may provide specialized terminal equipment needed by persons whose hearing, speech, vision, or mobility is impaired. The State commission may allow the carrier to recover in its tariffs for regulated service reasonable and prudent costs not charged directly to users of such equipment.
Nothing in the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 shall be construed to modify the Commission’s regulations set forth in section 20.19 of title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on
The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, referred to in subsec. (h), is Pub. L. 111–260,
2010—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–260, § 102(a)(1), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows:
“(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), the Commission shall require that—
“(A) all essential telephones, and
“(B) all telephones manufactured in the United States (other than for export) more than one year after
provide internal means for effective use with hearing aids that are designed to be compatible with telephones which meet established technical standards for hearing aid compatibility.”
Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–260, § 102(a)(2)(A)(i)(I), in introductory provisions, struck out “initial” before “regulations” and “of this subsection after
Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(ii) to (iv). Pub. L. 111–260, § 102(a)(2)(A)(i)(II)–(IV), inserted “and” at the end of clause (ii), redesignated cl. (iv) as (iii), and struck out former cl. (iii) which read as follows: “cordless telephones; and”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (C). Pub. L. 111–260, § 102(a)(2)(A)(ii), (iii), redesignated subpar. (C) as (B), substituted “The Commission shall periodically assess the appropriateness of continuing in effect the exemptions for telephones and other customer premises equipment described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.” for “The Commission shall periodically assess the appropriateness of continuing in effect the exemptions provided by such regulations for telephones used with public mobile services and telephones used with private radio services.” in introductory provisions, substituted “subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1)” for “paragraph (1)(B)” in cls. (iii) and (iv), and struck out former subpar. (B) which read as follows: “The exemption provided by such regulations for cordless telephones shall not apply with respect to cordless telephones manufactured or imported more than three years after
Subsec. (b)(4)(B). Pub. L. 111–260, § 102(a)(2)(B), substituted “telephones used with public mobile” for “public mobile”, inserted “telephones and other customer premises equipment used in whole or in part with” after “means”, substituted “or other common carrier” for “and other common carrier”, struck out “part 22 of” before “title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations”, and inserted before semicolon at end “, or any functionally equivalent unlicensed wireless services”.
Subsec. (b)(4)(C). Pub. L. 111–260, § 102(a)(2)(C), substituted “term ‘telephones used with private radio services’ ” for “term ‘private radio services’ ” and inserted “telephones and other customer premises equipment used in whole or in part with” after “means”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–260, § 102(b), inserted at end: “A telephone or other customer premises equipment that is compliant with relevant technical standards developed through a public participation process and in consultation with interested consumer stakeholders (designated by the Commission for the purposes of this section) will be considered hearing aid compatible for purposes of this section, until such time as the Commission may determine otherwise. The Commission shall consult with the public, including people with hearing loss, in establishing or approving such technical standards. The Commission may delegate this authority to an employee pursuant to section 155(c) of this title. The Commission shall remain the final arbiter as to whether the standards meet the requirements of this section.”
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 111–260, § 102(c), substituted “loss” for “impairments” and inserted at end “In implementing the provisions of subsection (b)(1)(C), the Commission shall use appropriate timetables or benchmarks to the extent necessary (1) due to technical feasibility, or (2) to ensure the marketability or availability of new technologies to users.”
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 111–260, § 102(d), amended subsec. (h) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (h) related to State enforcement.
1994—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–414 substituted “The Commission” for “The Commission shall complete rulemaking actions required by this section and issue specific and detailed rules and regulations resulting therefrom within one year after
1988—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–394, § 3(a), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: “The Commission shall require that essential telephones provide internal means for effective use with hearing aids that are specially designed for telephone use. For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘essential telephones’ means only coin-operated telephones, telephones provided for emergency use, and other telephones frequently needed for use by persons using such hearing aids.”
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–394, § 3(b), substituted “The Commission shall complete rulemaking actions required to implement the amendments made by the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 within nine months after
Pub. L. 100–394, § 2,
Pub. L. 97–410, § 2,
1990—Pub. L. 101–336 amended section generally, substituting provisions relating to closed-captioning of public service announcements for provisions relating to establishment, functions, composition, etc., of Telecommunications Policy Study Commission.
Section effective 60 days after
1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–414 struck out “, within 120 days after
Section effective
The regulations prescribed pursuant to subsection (b) shall include an appropriate schedule of deadlines for the provision of closed captioning of video programming once published or exhibited on television.
Not later than 6 months after the submission of the report to the Commission required by subsection (e)(1) 1
The regulations prescribed under this paragraph shall include an appropriate schedule of deadlines for the provision of closed captioning, taking into account whether such programming is prerecorded and edited for Internet distribution, or whether such programming is live or near-live and not edited for Internet distribution.
The Commission may delay or waive the regulation promulgated under subparagraph (A) to the extent the Commission finds that the application of the regulation to live video programming delivered using Internet protocol with captions after the effective date of such regulations would be economically burdensome to providers of video programming or program owners.
An entity may meet the requirements of this section through alternate means than those prescribed by regulations pursuant to subsection (b), as revised pursuant to paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection, if the requirements of this section are met, as determined by the Commission.
On the day that is 1 year after
The availability, use, and benefits of video description on video programming distributed on television, the technical and creative issues associated with providing such video description, and the financial costs of providing such video description for providers of video programming and program owners.
The technical and operational issues, costs, and benefits of providing video descriptions for video programming that is delivered using Internet protocol.
The Commission may not issue additional regulations unless the Commission determines, at least 2 years after completing the reports required in paragraph (3), that the need for and benefits of providing video description for video programming, insofar as such programming is transmitted for display on television, are greater than the technical and economic costs of providing such additional programming.
If the Commission makes the determination under subparagraph (A) and issues additional regulations, the Commission may not increase, in total, the hour requirement for additional described programming by more than 75 percent of the requirement in the regulations reinstated under paragraph (1).
After the Commission completes the reports on video description required in paragraph (3), the Commission shall phase in the video description regulations for the top 60 designated market areas, except that the Commission may grant waivers to entities in specific designated market areas where it deems appropriate.
The phase-in described in clause (i) shall be completed not later than 6 years after
The term “video description” means the insertion of audio narrated descriptions of a television program’s key visual elements into natural pauses between the program’s dialogue.
The term “video programming” means programming by, or generally considered comparable to programming provided by a television broadcast station, but not including consumer-generated media (as defined in section 153 of this title).
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any private right of action to enforce any requirement of this section or any regulation thereunder. The Commission shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to any complaint under this section.
Subsection (e)(1) of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 and subsection (e)(2), referred to in subsecs. (c)(2)(A) and (g), respectively, probably mean subsections (e)(1) and (e)(2) of section 201 of Pub. L. 111–260, which are set out as a note under this section.
The Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(D)(v), (vi), probably means act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
A prior section 613, act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, title VII, § 713, as added
2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–141 struck out subsec. (a). Text read as follows: “Within 180 days after
2010—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–260, § 202(b), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Such regulations shall include an appropriate schedule of deadlines for the provision of closed captioning of video programming.”
Subsec. (c)(2)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(9), substituted “programming distributors” for “programming distribution”.
Subsec. (c)(2)(D)(v). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(10), substituted “programming providers” for “progamming providers”.
Subsec. (c)(2)(D)(vi). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(11), substituted “and makes” for “and video description signals and make”.
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 111–260, § 202(c), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: “a provider of video programming or program owner may petition the Commission for an exemption from the requirements of this section, and the Commission may grant such petition upon a showing that the requirements contained in this section would result in an undue burden.”
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–260, § 202(a)(1), (3), added subsec. (f) and struck out former subsec. (f). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Within 6 months after
Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(6), substituted “such” for “and”.
Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(7), inserted “have” after “nonbroadcast networks that”.
Subsec. (f)(4)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(8), inserted “and Commerce” after “Energy”.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 111–260, § 202(a)(1), (3), added subsec. (g) and struck out former subsec. (g). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “For purposes of this section, ‘video description’ means the insertion of audio narrated descriptions of a television program’s key visual elements into natural pauses between the program’s dialogue.”
Subsecs. (h), (j). Pub. L. 111–260, § 202(a)(2), (3), added subsec. (h) and redesignated former subsec. (h) as (j).
Pub. L. 111–260, § 201,
[For definitions of terms used in section 201 of Pub. L. 111–260, set out above, see section 206 of Pub. L. 111–260, set out as a note under section 153 of this title.]
There is hereby established a body corporate to be known as the Telecommunications Development Fund, which shall have succession until dissolved. The Fund shall maintain its principal office in the District of Columbia and shall be deemed, for purposes of venue and jurisdiction in civil actions, to be a resident and citizen thereof.
The Fund shall have a Board of Directors consisting of 5 people with experience in areas including finance, investment banking, government banking, communications law and administrative practice, and public policy. The Board of Directors shall select annually a Chair from among the directors. A nominating committee, comprised of the Chair and 2 other directors selected by the Chair, shall appoint additional directors. The Fund’s bylaws shall regulate the other aspects of the Board of Directors, including provisions relating to meetings, quorums, committees, and other matters, all as typically contained in the bylaws of a similar private investment fund.
Any advances appropriated pursuant to subsection (d)(1) shall be disbursed upon such terms and conditions (including conditions relating to the time or times of repayment) as are specified in any appropriations Act providing such advances.
The accounts of the Fund shall be audited annually. Such audits shall be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by independent certified public accountants. A report of each such audit shall be furnished to the Secretary of the Treasury and the Commission. The representatives of the Secretary and the Commission shall have access to all books, accounts, financial records, reports, files, and all other papers, things, or property belonging to or in use by the Fund and necessary to facilitate the audit.
A report of each such audit for a fiscal year shall be made by the Secretary of the Treasury to the President and to the Congress not later than 6 months following the close of such fiscal year. The report shall set forth the scope of the audit and shall include a statement of assets and liabilities, capital and surplus or deficit; a statement of surplus or deficit analysis; a statement of income and expense; a statement of sources and application of funds; and such comments and information as may be deemed necessary to keep the President and the Congress informed of the operations and financial condition of the Fund, together with such recommendations with respect thereto as the Secretary may deem advisable.
The term “eligible small business” means business enterprises engaged in the telecommunications industry that have $50,000,000 or less in annual revenues, on average over the past 3 years prior to submitting the application under this section.
The term “Fund” means the Telecommunications Development Fund established pursuant to this section.
The term “telecommunications industry” means communications businesses using regulated or unregulated facilities or services and includes broadcasting, telecommunications, cable, computer, data transmission, software, programming, advanced messaging, and electronics businesses.
2012—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6602(1), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to the Board of Directors of the Fund.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6602(2), struck out “(after consultation with the Commission and the Secretary of the Treasury)” after “Chairman of the Board ” in introductory provisions, redesignated pars. (2) to (4) as (1) to (3), respectively, and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “interest transferred pursuant to section 309(j)(8)(C) of this title;”.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6602(3), substituted “subsection (d)(1)” for “subsection (d)(2)”.
2004—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–494 reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Loans or other extensions of credit from the Fund shall be made available in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.) and any other applicable law to an eligible small business on the basis of—
“(1) the analysis of the business plan of the eligible small business;
“(2) the reasonable availability of collateral to secure the loan or credit extension;
“(3) the extent to which the loan or credit extension promotes the purposes of this section; and
“(4) other lending policies as defined by the Board.”
The Federal Communications Commission shall encourage and support efforts by States to deploy comprehensive end-to-end emergency communications infrastructure and programs, based on coordinated statewide plans, including seamless, ubiquitous, reliable wireless telecommunications networks and enhanced wireless 9–1–1 service. In encouraging and supporting that deployment, the Commission shall consult and cooperate with State and local officials responsible for emergency services and public safety, the telecommunications industry (specifically including the cellular and other wireless telecommunications service providers), the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, emergency medical service providers and emergency dispatch providers, transportation officials, special 9–1–1 districts, public safety, fire service and law enforcement officials, consumer groups, and hospital emergency and trauma care personnel (including emergency physicians, trauma surgeons, and nurses). The Commission shall encourage each State to develop and implement coordinated statewide deployment plans, through an entity designated by the governor, and to include representatives of the foregoing organizations and entities in development and implementation of such plans. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize or require the Commission to impose obligations or costs on any person.
Section was enacted as part of the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
Pub. L. 106–81, § 2,
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title V, § 506,
A wireless carrier, IP-enabled voice service provider, or other emergency communications provider, and their officers, directors, employees, vendors, and agents, shall have immunity or other protection from liability in a State of a scope and extent that is not less than the scope and extent of immunity or other protection from liability that any local exchange company, and its officers, directors, employees, vendors, or agents, have under Federal and State law (whether through statute, judicial decision, tariffs filed by such local exchange company, or otherwise) applicable in such State, including in connection with an act or omission involving the release to a PSAP, emergency medical service provider or emergency dispatch provider, public safety, fire service or law enforcement official, or hospital emergency or trauma care facility of subscriber information related to emergency calls, emergency services, or other emergency communications services.
A person using wireless 9–1–1 service, or making 9–1–1 communications via IP-enabled voice service or other emergency communications service, shall have immunity or other protection from liability of a scope and extent that is not less than the scope and extent of immunity or other protection from liability under applicable law in similar circumstances of a person using 9–1–1 service that is not via wireless 9–1–1 service, IP-enabled voice service, or other emergency communications service.
In matters related to 9–1–1 communications via wireless 9–1–1 service, IP-enabled voice service, or other emergency communications service, a PSAP, and its employees, vendors, agents, and authorizing government entity (if any) shall have immunity or other protection from liability of a scope and extent that is not less than the scope and extent of immunity or other protection from liability under applicable law accorded to such PSAP, employees, vendors, agents, and authorizing government entity, respectively, in matters related to 9–1–1 communications that are not via wireless 9–1–1 service, IP-enabled voice service, or other emergency communications service.
This section is enacted as an exercise of the enforcement power of the Congress under section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution and the power of the Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several States, and with Indian tribes.
Section was enacted as part of the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
2008—Pub. L. 110–283, § 201(a)(1), substituted “Service provider parity of protection” for “Parity of protection for provision or use of wireless service” in section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–283, § 201(a)(2), substituted “wireless carrier, IP-enabled voice service provider, or other emergency communications provider, and their officers” for “wireless carrier, and its officers” and “emergency calls, emergency services, or other emergency communications services” for “emergency calls or emergency services”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–283, § 201(a)(3), substituted “using wireless 9–1–1 service, or making 9–1–1 communications via IP-enabled voice service or other emergency communications service, shall” for “using wireless 9–1–1 service shall” and “that is not via wireless 9–1–1 service, IP-enabled voice service, or other emergency communications service” for “that is not wireless”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 110–283, § 201(a)(4), substituted “9–1–1 communications via wireless 9–1–1 service, IP-enabled voice service, or other emergency communications service, a PSAP” for “wireless 9–1–1 communications, a PSAP” and “that are not via wireless 9–1–1 service, IP-enabled voice service, or other emergency communications service” for “that are not wireless”.
It shall be the duty of each IP-enabled voice service provider to provide 9–1–1 service and enhanced 9–1–1 service to its subscribers in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission, as in effect on the date of enactment of the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008 and as such requirements may be modified by the Commission from time to time.
An IP-enabled voice service provider that seeks capabilities to provide 9–1–1 and enhanced 9–1–1 service from an entity with ownership or control over such capabilities, to comply with its obligations under subsection (a), shall, for the exclusive purpose of complying with such obligations, have a right of access to such capabilities, including interconnection, to provide 9–1–1 and enhanced 9–1–1 service on the same rates, terms, and conditions that are provided to a provider of commercial mobile service (as such term is defined in section 332(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d))), subject to such regulations as the Commission prescribes under subsection (c).
The Commission may delegate authority to enforce the regulations issued under subsection (c) to State commissions or other State or local agencies or programs with jurisdiction over emergency communications. Nothing in this section is intended to alter the authority of State commissions or other State or local agencies with jurisdiction over emergency communications, provided that the exercise of such authority is not inconsistent with Federal law or Commission requirements.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the Commission to issue regulations that require or impose a specific technology or technological standard.
The Commission shall enforce this section as if this section was a part of the Communications Act of 1934 [47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.]. For purposes of this section, any violations of this section, or any regulations promulgated under this section, shall be considered to be a violation of the Communications Act of 1934 or a regulation promulgated under that Act, respectively.
Nothing in this Act, the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.), the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008, or any Commission regulation or order shall prevent the imposition and collection of a fee or charge applicable to commercial mobile services or IP-enabled voice services specifically designated by a State, political subdivision thereof, Indian tribe, or village or regional corporation serving a region established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, as amended (85 Stat. 688) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.] 1
To ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the collection and expenditure of a fee or charge for the support or implementation of 9–1–1 or enhanced 9–1–1 services, the Commission shall submit a report within 1 year after the date of enactment of the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008, and annually thereafter, to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives detailing the status in each State of the collection and distribution of such fees or charges, and including findings on the amount of revenues obligated or expended by each State or political subdivision thereof for any purpose or function other than the purposes and functions designated in the final rules issued under paragraph (3) as purposes and functions for which the obligation or expenditure of any such fees or charges is acceptable.
In order to prevent diversion of 9–1–1 fees or charges, the Commission shall, not later than 180 days after
The purposes and functions designated under subparagraph (A) shall be limited to the support and implementation of 9–1–1 services provided by or in the State or taxing jurisdiction imposing the fee or charge and operational expenses of public safety answering points within such State or taxing jurisdiction. In designating such purposes and functions, the Commission shall consider the purposes and functions that States and taxing jurisdictions specify as the intended purposes and functions for the 9–1–1 fees or charges of such States and taxing jurisdictions, and determine whether such purposes and functions directly support providing 9–1–1 services.
The Commission shall consult with public safety organizations and States and taxing jurisdictions as part of any proceeding under this paragraph.
The term “9–1–1 fee or charge” means a fee or charge applicable to commercial mobile services or IP-enabled voice services specifically designated by a State or taxing jurisdiction for the support or implementation of 9–1–1 services.
The term “9–1–1 services” has the meaning given such term in section 942(e) of this title.
The term “State or taxing jurisdiction” means a State, political subdivision thereof, Indian Tribe, or village or regional corporation serving a region established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).
If a State or taxing jurisdiction (as defined in paragraph (3)(D)) receives a grant under section 942 of this title after
A State or taxing jurisdiction (as defined in paragraph (3)(D)) may submit to the Commission a petition for a determination that an obligation or expenditure of a 9–1–1 fee or charge (as defined in such paragraph) by such State or taxing jurisdiction for a purpose or function other than a purpose or function designated under paragraph (3)(A) should be treated as such a purpose or function. If the Commission finds that the State or taxing jurisdiction has provided sufficient documentation to make the demonstration described in subparagraph (B), the Commission shall grant such petition.
The Commission may compile a list of public safety answering point contact information, contact information for providers of selective routers, testing procedures, classes and types of services supported by public safety answering points, and other information concerning 9–1–1 and enhanced 9–1–1 elements, for the purpose of assisting IP-enabled voice service providers in complying with this section, and may make any portion of such information available to telecommunications carriers, wireless carriers, IP-enabled voice service providers, other emergency service providers, or the vendors to or agents of any such carriers or providers, if such availability would improve public safety.
Nothing in the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008 shall be construed as altering, delaying, or otherwise limiting the ability of the Commission to enforce the Federal actions taken or rules adopted obligating an IP-enabled voice service provider to provide 9–1–1 or enhanced 9–1–1 service as of the date of enactment of the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008.
If any provision of this section or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this section and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
The date of enactment of the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008, referred to in subsecs. (a), (c)(1), (f)(2), and (i), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–283, which was approved
The New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008 and such Act, referred to in subsecs. (c)(1), (f)(1), and (i), is Pub. L. 110–283,
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsecs. (e)(2) and (f)(1), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
This Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), is Pub. L. 106–81,
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), (3)(D)(iii), is Pub. L. 92–203,
Section was enacted as part of the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
A prior section 6 of Pub. L. 106–81 was renumbered section 7 and is classified to section 615b of this title.
2020—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 116–260, § 902(c)(1)(A), substituted “consistent with the purposes and functions designated in the final rules issued under paragraph (3) as purposes and functions for which the obligation or expenditure of such a fee or charge is acceptable” for “as specified in the provision of State or local law adopting the fee or charge”.
Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 116–260, § 902(c)(1)(B), substituted “any purpose or function other than the purposes and functions designated in the final rules issued under paragraph (3) as purposes and functions for which the obligation or expenditure of any such fees or charges is acceptable” for “any purpose other than the purpose for which any such fees or charges are specified”.
Subsec. (f)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 116–260, § 902(c)(1)(C), added pars. (3) to (5).
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 116–260, § 902(c)(2), added subsec. (j).
2008—Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 110–368 substituted “paragraph (3)” for “paragraph (2)”.
Pub. L. 110–368, § 1(b),
Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title IX, § 902(e),
Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title IX, § 902(d),
Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title IX, § 902(f),
The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Transportation.
The term “State” means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, or any territory or possession of the United States.
The term “public safety answering point” or “PSAP” means a facility that has been designated to receive 9–1–1 calls and route them to emergency service personnel.
The term “wireless carrier” means a provider of commercial mobile services or any other radio communications service that the Federal Communications Commission requires to provide wireless 9–1–1 service.
The term “enhanced wireless 9–1–1 service” means any enhanced 9–1–1 service so designated by the Federal Communications Commission in the proceeding entitled “Revision of the Commission’s Rules to Ensure Compatibility with Enhanced 9–1–1 Emergency Calling Systems” (CC Docket No. 94–102; RM–8143), or any successor proceeding.
The term “wireless 9–1–1 service” means any 9–1–1 service provided by a wireless carrier, including enhanced wireless 9–1–1 service.
The term “emergency dispatch providers” shall include governmental and nongovernmental providers of emergency dispatch services.
The term “IP-enabled voice service” has the meaning given the term “interconnected VoIP service” by section 9.3 of the Federal Communications Commission’s regulations (47 CFR 9.3).
The term “other emergency communications service” means the provision of emergency information to a public safety answering point via wire or radio communications, and may include 9–1–1 and enhanced 9–1–1 service.
The term “enhanced 9–1–1 service” means the delivery of 9–1–1 calls with automatic number identification and automatic location identification, or successor or equivalent information features over the wireline E911 network (as defined in section 9.3 of the Federal Communications Commission’s regulations (47 C.F.R. 9.3) as of
This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 106–81,
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in par. (9)(A), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Section was enacted as part of the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
2008—Par. (8). Pub. L. 110–283, § 201(b), added par. (8) defining “other emergency communications service”.
Pub. L. 110–283, § 101(3), added par. (8) defining “IP-enabled voice service”.
Pars. (9), (10). Pub. L. 110–283, § 201(b), added pars. (9) and (10).
For the purpose of achieving equal access to emergency services by individuals with disabilities, as a part of the migration to a national Internet protocol-enabled emergency network, not later than 60 days after
Representatives of State and local governments and representatives of emergency response providers, selected from among individuals nominated by national organizations representing such governments and representatives.
Representatives of such other stakeholders and interested and affected parties as the Chairman of the Commission determines appropriate.
The initial meeting of the Advisory Committee shall take place not later than 45 days after the completion of the member appointment process by the Chairman of the Commission pursuant to subsection (b).
After the initial meeting, the Advisory Committee shall meet at the call of the chairs, but no less than monthly until the recommendations required pursuant to subsection (c) are completed and submitted.
Any meetings held by the Advisory Committee shall be duly noticed at least 14 days in advance and shall be open to the public.
One-third of the members of the Advisory Committee shall constitute a quorum for conducting business of the Advisory Committee.
To assist the Advisory Committee in carrying out its functions, the chair may establish appropriate subcommittees composed of members of the Advisory Committee and other subject matter experts as determined to be necessary.
The Advisory Committee may adopt other rules as needed.
Chapter 10 of title 5 shall not apply to the Advisory Committee.
The Commission shall have the authority to promulgate regulations to implement the recommendations proposed by the Advisory Committee, as well as any other regulations, technical standards, protocols, and procedures as are necessary to achieve reliable, interoperable communication that ensures access by individuals with disabilities to an Internet protocol-enabled emergency network, where achievable and technically feasible.
Section 158(e)(4) of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(7), probably means section 158(f)(4) of title I of Pub. L. 102–538, which was formerly classified to section 942(f)(4) of this title and was omitted from the Code.
Section was enacted as part of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
2022—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted “Chapter 10 of title 5” for “Federal Advisory Committee Act” in heading and “Chapter 10 of title 5” for “The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)” in text.
Within one year after
With respect to equipment manufactured after the effective date of the regulations established pursuant to subsection (e), and subject to those regulations, a manufacturer of equipment used for advanced communications services, including end user equipment, network equipment, and software, shall ensure that the equipment and software that such manufacturer offers for sale or otherwise distributes in interstate commerce shall be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless the requirements of this subsection are not achievable.
With respect to services provided after the effective date of the regulations established pursuant to subsection (e), and subject to those regulations, a provider of advanced communications services shall ensure that such services offered by such provider in or affecting interstate commerce are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless the requirements of this subsection are not achievable.
Whenever the requirements of subsections 1
Each provider of advanced communications services has the duty not to install network features, functions, or capabilities that impede accessibility or usability.
The Commission shall issue prospective guidelines for a manufacturer or provider regarding the requirements of this section.
The requirements of this section shall not apply to any equipment or services, including interconnected VoIP service, that are subject to the requirements of section 255 of this title on the day before
The Commission may exempt small entities from the requirements of this section.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to customized equipment or services that are not offered directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used.
This section shall not be construed to require a manufacturer of equipment used for advanced communications or a provider of advanced communications services to make every feature and function of every device or service accessible for every disability.
2010—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(1), struck out “do not” before “impede accessibility”.
Subsec. (e)(1)(D). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(2), substituted “facilitate” for “facilities”.
The Commission shall not charge any fee to an individual who files a complaint alleging a violation of section 255, 617, or 619 of this title.
The Commission shall establish separate and identifiable electronic, telephonic, and physical receptacles for the receipt of complaints filed under section 255, 617, or 619 of this title.
Any person alleging a violation of section 255, 617, or 619 of this title by a manufacturer of equipment or provider of service subject to such sections may file a formal or informal complaint with the Commission.
The Commission may consolidate for investigation and resolution complaints alleging substantially the same violation.
Before the Commission makes a determination pursuant to paragraph (3), the party that is the subject of the complaint shall have a reasonable opportunity to respond to such complaint, and may include in such response any factors that are relevant to such determination. Before issuing a final order under paragraph (3)(B)(i), the Commission shall provide such party a reasonable opportunity to comment on any proposed remedial action.
If the Commission fails to carry out any of its responsibilities to act upon a complaint in the manner prescribed in paragraph (3), the person that filed such complaint may bring an action in the nature of mandamus in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to compel the Commission to carry out any such responsibility.
The limitations of section 255(f) of this title shall apply to any claim that alleges a violation of section 255, 617, or 619 of this title. Nothing in this paragraph affects or limits any action for mandamus under paragraph (6) or any appeal pursuant to section 402(b)(10) of this title.
Nothing in the Commission’s rules or this chapter shall be construed to preclude a person who files a complaint and a manufacturer or provider from resolving a formal or informal complaint prior to the Commission’s final determination in a complaint proceeding. In the event of such a resolution, the parties shall jointly request dismissal of the complaint and the Commission shall grant such request.
The Commission shall seek public comment on its tentative findings prior to submission to the Committees of the report under this subsection.
Not later than 5 years after
Within one year after
Upon establishment of the clearinghouse of information required under subsection (d), the Commission, in coordination with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, shall conduct an informational and educational program designed to inform the public about the availability of the clearinghouse and the protections and remedies available under sections 255, 617, and 619 of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(8), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
2010—Subsec. (a)(5)(C). Pub. L. 111–265 substituted “provider,” for “provider in the manner prescribed in paragraph (3),”.
Pub. L. 111–260, title I, § 104(b),
Within 6 months after
For purposes of this subsection,1
The total amount of support the Commission may provide from its interstate relay fund for any fiscal year may not exceed $10,000,000.
The Helen Keller National Center Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is title II of Pub. L. 98–221,
2010—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(5), inserted “low-income” after “accessible by”.
Pub. L. 111–265, § 2(4), made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to “
Within 1 year after
The Federal Communications Commission shall prescribe that the regulation adopted pursuant to subsection (a) shall become effective 1 year after the date of its adoption.
For any television broadcast station, cable operator, or other multichannel video programming distributor that demonstrates that obtaining the equipment to comply with the regulation adopted pursuant to subsection (a) would result in financial hardship, the Federal Communications Commission may grant a waiver of the effective date set forth in paragraph (1) for 1 year and may renew such waiver for 1 additional year.
Nothing in this section affects the Commission’s authority under section 1.3 of its rules (47 C.F.R. 1.3) to waive any rule required by this Act, or the application of any such rule, for good cause shown to a television broadcast station, cable operator, or other multichannel video programming distributor, or to a class of such stations, operators, or distributors.
Any broadcast television operator, cable operator, or other multichannel video programming distributor that installs, utilizes, and maintains in a commercially reasonable manner the equipment and associated software in compliance with the regulations issued by the Federal Communications Commission in accordance with subsection (a) shall be deemed to be in compliance with such regulations.
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (a), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
This Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is Pub. L. 111–311,
Section was enacted as part of the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act, or the CALM Act, and not as part of the Communications Act of 1934 which comprises this chapter.
Not later than 9 months after
Pub. L. 113–197, § 4,
Pub. L. 113–197, § 2,
A person engaged in the business of manufacturing, importing, selling, or leasing multi-line telephone systems may not manufacture or import for use in the United States, or sell or lease or offer to sell or lease in the United States, a multi-line telephone system, unless such system is pre-configured such that, when properly installed in accordance with subsection (b), a user may directly initiate a call to 9–1–1 from any station equipped with dialing facilities, without dialing any additional digit, code, prefix, or post-fix, including any trunk-access code such as the digit “9”, regardless of whether the user is required to dial such a digit, code, prefix, or post-fix for other calls.
A person engaged in the business of installing, managing, or operating multi-line telephone systems may not install, manage, or operate for use in the United States such a system, unless such system is configured such that a user may directly initiate a call to 9–1–1 from any station equipped with dialing facilities, without dialing any additional digit, code, prefix, or post-fix, including any trunk-access code such as the digit “9”, regardless of whether the user is required to dial such a digit, code, prefix, or post-fix for other calls.
A person engaged in the business of installing, managing, or operating multi-line telephone systems shall, in installing, managing, or operating such a system for use in the United States, configure the system to provide a notification to a central location at the facility where the system is installed or to another person or organization regardless of location, if the system is able to be configured to provide the notification without an improvement to the hardware or software of the system.
Nothing in this section is intended to alter the authority of State commissions or other State or local agencies with jurisdiction over emergency communications, if the exercise of such authority is not inconsistent with this chapter.
This section shall be enforced under subchapter V, except that section 501 of this title applies only to the extent that such section provides for the punishment of a fine.
In this section, the term “multi-line telephone system” has the meaning given such term in section 1471 of this title.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (d), was in the original “this Act”, meaning act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, known as the Communications Act of 1934, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Pub. L. 115–127, § 2(b),
Not later than 90 days after
The term “foreign principal” has the meaning given such term in section 1(b)(1) of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (22 U.S.C. 611(b)(1)).
The Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(B), is act June 8, 1938, ch. 327, 52 Stat. 631, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§ 611 et seq.) of chapter 11 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 611 of Title 22 and Tables.
The term “broadband internet access service” has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
The term “Broadband Map” means the map created by the Commission under section 642(c)(1)(A) of this title.
The term “cell edge probability” means the likelihood that the minimum threshold download and upload speeds with respect to broadband internet access service will be met or exceeded at a distance from a base station that is intended to indicate the ultimate edge of the coverage area of a cell.
The term “cell loading” means the percentage of the available air interface resources of a base station that are used by consumers with respect to broadband internet access service.
The term “clutter” means a natural or man-made surface feature that affects the propagation of a signal from a base station.
The term “Fabric” means the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric established under section 642(b)(1)(B) of this title.
The term “Form 477” means Form 477 of the Commission relating to local telephone competition and broadband reporting.
The term “Indian Tribe” has the meaning given the term “Indian tribe” in section 5304 of title 25.
The term “Mobility Fund Phase II” means the second phase of the proceeding to provide universal service support from the Mobility Fund (WC Docket No. 10–90; WT Docket No. 10–208).
The term “propagation model” means a mathematical formulation for the characterization of radio wave propagation as a function of frequency, distance, and other conditions.
The term “provider” means a provider of fixed or mobile broadband internet access service.
The term “quality of service” means, with respect to broadband internet access service, the download and upload speeds (and, for relevant services, latency) with respect to that service, as determined by, and to the extent otherwise collected by, the Commission.
The Commission shall create a common dataset of all locations in the United States where fixed broadband internet access service can be installed, as determined by the Commission.
Subject to subclauses (II) and (III), the Commission may contract with an entity with expertise with respect to geographic information systems (referred to in this subsection as “GIS”) to create and maintain the dataset under clause (i).
A contract into which the Commission enters under subclause (I) shall in all respects comply with applicable provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
The Commission shall prioritize implementing the Fabric for rural and insular areas of the United States.
The Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the Commission, for inclusion in the Fabric, a count of the aggregate number of housing units in each census block, as collected by the Bureau of the Census.
On and after the date on which the Commission carries out subparagraph (A), the Commission shall continue to collect and publicly report subscription data that the Commission collected through the Form 477 broadband deployment service availability process, as in effect on
The Commission shall establish a process to make the data collected under paragraph (2) available to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Any requirement of a rule issued under subsection (a)(1) that relates to quality of service shall take effect not earlier than the date that is 180 days after the date on which the Commission issues that rule.
2021—Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60103(d)(1), added subpar. (D).
Subsec. (b)(5)(C)(i). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60102(h)(2)(E)(i), substituted “challenges, which shall require that the Commission resolve a challenge not later than 90 days after the date on which a final response by a provider to a challenge to the accuracy of a map or information described in subparagraph (A) is complete” for “challenges”.
Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60103(e), inserted “, including on a publicly available website,” after “make public” in introductory provisions. Directory language amending “the matter preceding paragraph (6)” was executed as if it had referred to the matter preceding subpar. (A), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 117–247, “This Act may be cited as the ‘Data Mapping to Save Moms’ Lives Act’.
For requirement to implement amendment made by section 60102(h)(2)(E)(i) of Pub. L. 117–58 as soon as possible after
It shall be unlawful for an entity or individual to willfully and knowingly, or recklessly, submit information or data under this subchapter that is materially inaccurate or incomplete with respect to the availability of broadband internet access service or the quality of service with respect to broadband internet access service.
The Commission shall conduct regular audits of information submitted to the Commission by providers under section 642(b)(2) of this title to ensure that the providers are complying with this subchapter.
The Commission shall develop a process through which entities or individuals in the United States may submit specific information about the deployment and availability of broadband internet access service in the United States on an ongoing basis so that the information may be used to verify and supplement information provided by providers of broadband internet access service for inclusion in the maps created under section 642(c)(1) of this title.
Subject to paragraph (2), the Commission shall hold workshops for Tribal Governments in each of the 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs regions to provide technical assistance with the collection and submission of data under section 642(a)(2) of this title.
Each year, the Commission, in consultation with Indian Tribes, shall review the need for continued workshops required under paragraph (1).
The Commission shall establish a process through which a provider that has fewer than 100,000 active broadband internet access service connections may request and receive assistance from the Commission with respect to geographic information system data processing to ensure that the provider is able to comply with the requirements under section 642(b) of this title in a timely and accurate manner.
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of key data sources that are used for purposes of the Fabric to identify and geocode locations where fixed broadband internet access service can be installed in order for the Comptroller General to develop recommendations for how the quality and completeness of those data sources can be improved as data sources for the Fabric.
Not later than 1 year after
2021—Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (C). Pub. L. 117–58 added subpar. (B) and struck out former subpars. (B) and (C) which read as follows:
“(B) not later than 1 year after
“(C) not later than 14 months after
“(i) a determination regarding whether the partnerships with Federal agencies described in that subparagraph are able to facilitate the collection and submission of information described in paragraph (1); and
“(ii) any steps that the Commission plans to take to facilitate the partnerships described in that subparagraph.”
The Commission may not use funds from the universal service programs of the Commission established under section 254 of this title, and the regulations issued under that section, to pay for any costs associated with this subchapter.
The Commission may recover costs associated with this subchapter under section 159 of this title to the extent provided for in an appropriation Act, as required under subsection (a) of that section.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the initial rule making required under section 642(a)(1) of this title shall be exempt from review by the Office of Management and Budget.
Subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44 (commonly known as the “Paperwork Reduction Act”) shall not apply to any rule making or other action by the Commission required under this subchapter.
Each fiscal year, the Commission shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that summarizes the implementation of this subchapter and associated enforcement activities conducted during the previous fiscal year.
If the Commission, before
2021—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–58 substituted “any rule making or other action by the Commission required under this subchapter” for “the initial rule making required under section 642(a)(1) of this title”.
For requirement to implement amendment made by section 60102(h)(2)(E)(ii) of Pub. L. 117–58 as soon as possible after
Section, Pub. L. 87–624, title I, § 102,
Pub. L. 108–39, § 1,
Pub. L. 106–180, § 1,
Pub. L. 87–624, title I, § 101,
Pub. L. 87–624, title V, § 501, as added by Pub. L. 95–564,
Pub. L. 103–414, title III, § 303(f),
Pub. L. 99–93, title I, § 146,
Par. (7) of this section, which defined the term “communications common carrier”, ceased to be effective
Section, Pub. L. 109–34, § 4,
The Communications Act of 1934, as amended, referred to in subsec. (c), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to chapter 5 (§ 151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Subsecs. (a)(1), (5), (6), (b), and (c)(1), (3) to (5), (8) to (10) of this section ceased to be effective
Subsecs. (a)(2) to (4), (7) and (c)(2), (6), (7) of this section ceased to be effective
1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–414 struck out “as expeditiously as possible,” after “establishment and operation,”.
Ex. Ord. No. 11191,
Sections 731 and 732 ceased to be effective
Section 731, Pub. L. 87–624, title III, § 301, as added Pub. L. 103–414, title III, § 304(b)(2),
A prior section 731, Pub. L. 87–624, title III, § 301,
Section 732, Pub. L. 87–624, title III, § 302, as added Pub. L. 103–414, title III, § 304(b)(2),
A prior section 732, Pub. L. 87–624, title III, § 302,
Sections 733 and 734 ceased to be effective
Section 733, Pub. L. 87–624, title III, § 303,
Section 734, Pub. L. 87–624, title III, § 304,
Section 735, Pub. L. 87–624, title III, § 305,
Sections 741 to 744 ceased to be effective
Section 741, Pub. L. 87–624, title IV, § 401,
Section 742, Pub. L. 87–624, title IV, § 402,
Section 743, Pub. L. 87–624, title IV, § 403,
Section 744, Pub. L. 87–624, title IV, § 404,
Sections ceased to be effective
Section 751, Pub. L. 87–624, title V, § 502, as added Pub. L. 95–564,
Section 752, Pub. L. 87–624, title V, § 503, as added Pub. L. 95–564,
Subsecs. (a)(2), (4) and (c) of this section ceased to be effective
Subsecs. (b) and (d) of this section ceased to be effective
Section 754, Pub. L. 87–624, title V, § 505, as added Pub. L. 95–564,
Section 755, Pub. L. 87–624, title V, § 506, as added Pub. L. 95–564,
Section 756, Pub. L. 87–624, title V, § 507, as added Pub. L. 95–564,
A prior section 505 of Pub. L. 87–624 was classified to section 754 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–414, § 304(b)(5).
For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.
The Commission may not issue a license or construction permit to any separated entity, or renew or permit the assignment or use of any such license or permit, or authorize the use by any entity subject to United States jurisdiction of any space segment owned, leased, or operated by any separated entity, unless the Commission determines that such issuance, renewal, assignment, or use will not harm competition in the telecommunications market of the United States. If the Commission does not make such a determination, it shall deny or revoke authority to use space segment owned, leased, or operated by the separated entity to provide services to, from, or within the United States.
In making the determination required by paragraph (1), the Commission shall use the licensing criteria in sections 763 and 763b 1
If the Commission determines that such competition will be harmed or that grant of such application or request for authority is not otherwise in the public interest, the Commission shall limit through conditions or deny such application or request, and limit or revoke previous authorizations to provide non-core services to, from, or within the United States. After due notice and opportunity for comment, the Commission shall apply the same limitations, restrictions, and conditions to all entities subject to United States jurisdiction using space segment owned, leased, or operated by INTELSAT, Inmarsat, or their successor entities.
The Commission shall not impose any limitation, condition, or restriction under subparagraph (B) in a manner that will, or is reasonably likely to, result in limitation, denial, or revocation of authority for non-core services that are used by and required for a national security agency or law enforcement department or agency of the United States, or used by and required for, and otherwise in the public interest, any other Department or Agency of the United States to protect the health and safety of the public. Such services may be obtained by the United States directly from INTELSAT, Inmarsat, or a successor entity, or indirectly through COMSAT, or authorized carriers or distributors of the successor entity.
Nothing in this subsection is intended to preclude the Commission from acting upon applications of INTELSAT, Inmarsat, or their successor entities prior to the latest date set out in section 763(5)(A) of this title, including such actions as may be necessary for the United States to become the licensing jurisdiction for INTELSAT, but the Commission shall condition a grant of authority pursuant to this subsection upon compliance with sections 763 and 763a of this title.
In making the determination required by paragraph (1), the Commission shall use the licensing criteria in sections 763, 763a, and 763c 1 of this title, and shall determine that competition in the telecommunications markets of the United States will be harmed unless the Commission finds that the privatization referred to in paragraph (1) is consistent with such criteria.
In making its licensing decisions under this subsection, the Commission shall consider whether users of non-core services provided by INTELSAT or Inmarsat or successor or separated entities are able to obtain non-core services from providers offering services other than through INTELSAT or Inmarsat or successor or separated entities, at competitive rates, terms, or conditions. Such consideration shall also include whether such licensing decisions would require users to replace equipment at substantial costs prior to the termination of its design life. In making its licensing decisions, the Commission shall also consider whether competitive alternatives in individual markets do not exist because they have been foreclosed due to anticompetitive actions undertaken by or resulting from the INTELSAT or Inmarsat systems. Such licensing decisions shall be made in a manner which facilitates achieving the purposes and goals in this subchapter and shall be subject to notice and comment.
In making its determinations and licensing decisions under subsections (a) and (b), the Commission shall construe such subsections in a manner consistent with the United States obligations and commitments for satellite services under the Fourth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as precluding COMSAT from investing in or owning satellites or other facilities independent from INTELSAT and Inmarsat, and successor or separated entities, or from providing services through reselling capacity over the facilities of satellite systems independent from INTELSAT and Inmarsat, and successor or separated entities. This subsection shall not be construed as restricting the types of contracts which can be executed or services which may be provided by COMSAT over the independent satellites or facilities described in this subsection.
Section 763b of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), was repealed by Pub. L. 109–34, § 2,
Section 763c of this title, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), was amended generally by Pub. L. 109–34, § 3,
Pub. L. 106–180, § 2,
Until INTELSAT, Inmarsat, and their successor or separate entities are privatized in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter, INTELSAT, Inmarsat, and their successor or separate entities, respectively, shall not be permitted to provide additional services. The Commission shall take all necessary measures to implement this requirement, including denial by the Commission of licensing for such services.
Until such privatization is achieved, the United States shall oppose and decline to facilitate applications by such entities for new orbital locations to provide such services.
During the transition period prior to privatization under this subchapter, INTELSAT and Inmarsat shall be precluded from expanding into additional services.
Any successor entity or separated entity created after
Section 763b of this title, referred to in text, was repealed by Pub. L. 109–34, § 2,
Section 763c of this title, referred to in text, was amended generally by Pub. L. 109–34, § 3,
2005—Par. (5)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 109–34, § 1(1), (2), struck out subcl. (I) designation after “managers who” and substituted “signatories; and” for “signatories, or (II) have any direct financial interest in or financial relationship to any signatories or former signatories, except that such interest may be managed through a blind trust or similar mechanism;”.
Par. (5)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 109–34, § 1(3), substituted “organization.” for “organization; and”.
Par. (5)(D)(iv). Pub. L. 109–34, § 1(4), struck out cl. (iv) which read as follows: “in the case of a separated entity, have no officers or directors, who (I) are officers or managers of any intergovernmental organization, or (II) have any direct financial interest in or financial relationship to any international organization, except that such interest may be managed through a blind trust or similar mechanism.”
2004—Par. (5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 108–228 substituted “
Par. (5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 108–371, § 1(1), substituted “
Par. (5)(F), (G). Pub. L. 108–371, § 1(2), added subpars. (F) and (G).
2003—Par. (5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 108–39 substituted “
2002—Par. (5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 107–233 substituted “
2001—Par. (5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 107–77 substituted “not later than
Title III of Pub. L. 106–396,
Section, Pub. L. 87–624, title VI, § 623, as added Pub. L. 106–180, § 3,
The United States shall preserve the space segment capacity of the GMDSS. This section is not intended to alter the status that the GMDSS would otherwise have under United States laws and regulations of the International Telecommunication Union with respect to spectrum, orbital locations, or other operational parameters, or to be a barrier to competition for the provision of GMDSS services.
2005—Pub. L. 109–34 amended section catchline and text generally, substituting provisions relating to space segment capacity of the GMDSS for provisions relating to specific criteria for Inmarsat privatization.
The Secretary’s determinations under paragraph (1) shall be made in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission, the Secretary of State, and the United States Trade Representative, and shall take into account the totality of a country’s actions in all relevant fora, including the Assemblies of Parties of INTELSAT and Inmarsat.
The Commission shall, in exercising its authority to establish settlements rates for United States international common carriers, seek to advance United States policy in favor of cost-based settlements in all relevant fora on international telecommunications policy, including in meetings with parties and signatories of INTELSAT and Inmarsat.
Beginning on
Within 180 days after
Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the abrogation or modification of any contract.
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (b), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to chapter 5 (§ 151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The Federal Communications Commission, after a public interest determination, in consultation with the executive branch, may restrict foreign ownership of a United States signatory if the Commission determines that not to do so would constitute a threat to national security.
The United States Government shall not require signatories to represent the United States in INTELSAT or Inmarsat or in any successor entities after a pro-competitive privatization is achieved consistent with sections 763, 763a, and 763c 1
Notwithstanding any other law or executive agreement, COMSAT shall not be entitled to any privileges or immunities under the laws of the United States or any State on the basis of its status as a signatory of INTELSAT or Inmarsat.
COMSAT or any successor in interest shall not be liable for action taken by it in carrying out the specific, written instruction of the United States issued in connection with its relationships and activities with foreign governments, international entities, and the intergovernmental satellite organizations.
If COMSAT is found liable for any action taken in its status as a signatory or a representative of the party to INTELSAT, any such liability shall be limited to the portion of the judgment that corresponds to COMSAT’s percentage of the ownership of INTELSAT at the time the activity began which lead to the liability.
Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to liability for any action taken by COMSAT before
Notwithstanding any other law or executive agreement, the Commission shall have the authority to impose similar regulatory fees on the United States signatory which it imposes on other entities providing similar services.
Section 763c of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), was amended generally by Pub. L. 109–34, § 3,
Nothing in this subchapter or the Communications Act of 1934 [47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.] shall be construed to authorize or require any preference, in Federal Government procurement of telecommunications services, for the satellite space segment provided by INTELSAT, Inmarsat, or any successor entity or separated entity.
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in text, is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to chapter 5 (§ 151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The Commission and United States satellite companies shall utilize the International Telecommunication Union procedures for technical coordination with INTELSAT and its successor entities and separated entities, rather than INTELSAT procedures.
The President and the Commission shall take the action necessary to ensure that the United States remains the ITU notifying administration for the privatized INTELSAT’s existing and future orbital slot registrations.
The transfer of assets and receipt by signatories of ownership shares in the successor entity of INTELSAT, referred to in par. (2), occurred on
The effective date of the Commission order relating to Inmarsat privatization, referred to in par. (3), is
Section 763c of this title, referred to in par. (3), was amended generally by Pub. L. 109–34, § 3,
The effective date of the Commission order relating to INTELSAT privatization, referred to in par. (4), is
Section, Pub. L. 87–624, title VI, § 646, as added Pub. L. 106–180, § 3,
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commission shall not have the authority to assign by competitive bidding orbital locations or spectrum used for the provision of international or global satellite communications services. The President shall oppose in the International Telecommunication Union and in other bilateral and multilateral fora any assignment by competitive bidding of orbital locations or spectrum used for the provision of such services.
No satellite operator shall acquire or enjoy the exclusive right of handling telecommunications to or from the United States, its territories or possessions, and any other country or territory by reason of any concession, contract, understanding, or working arrangement to which the satellite operator or any persons or companies controlling or controlled by the operator are parties.
The President shall secure the pro-competitive privatizations required by this subchapter in a manner that meets the criteria in part B.
The term “INTELSAT” means the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization established pursuant to the Agreement Relating to the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT).
The term “Inmarsat” means the International Mobile Satellite Organization established pursuant to the Convention on the International Maritime Organization.
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “International Telecommunication Union” means the intergovernmental organization that is a specialized agency of the United Nations in which member countries cooperate for the development of telecommunications, including adoption of international regulations governing terrestrial and space uses of the frequency spectrum as well as use of the geostationary satellite orbit.
The term “separated entity” means a privatized entity to whom a portion of the assets owned by INTELSAT or Inmarsat are transferred prior to full privatization of INTELSAT or Inmarsat, including in particular the entity whose structure was under discussion by INTELSAT as of
The term “orbital location” means the location for placement of a satellite on the geostationary orbital arc as defined in the International Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations.
The term “space segment” means the satellites, and the tracking, telemetry, command, control, monitoring and related facilities and equipment used to support the operation of satellites owned or leased by INTELSAT, Inmarsat, or a separated entity or successor entity.
The term “non-core services” means, with respect to INTELSAT provision, services other than public-switched network voice telephony and occasional-use television, and with respect to Inmarsat provision, services other than global maritime distress and safety services or other existing maritime or aeronautical services for which there are not alternative providers.
The term “INTELSAT Agreement” means the Agreement Relating to the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (“INTELSAT”), including all its annexes (TIAS 7532, 23 UST 3813).
The term “Headquarters Agreement” means the International Telecommunication 1
The term “Inmarsat Convention” means the Convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization (Inmarsat) (TIAS 9605, 31 UST 1).
The term “national corporation” means a corporation the ownership of which is held through publicly traded securities, and that is incorporated under, and subject to, the laws of a national, state, or territorial government.
The term “COMSAT” means the corporation established pursuant to subchapter III of this chapter, or the successor in interest to such corporation.
The term “ICO” means the company known, as of
The term “global maritime distress and safety services” or “GMDSS” means the automated ship-to-shore distress alerting system which uses satellite and advanced terrestrial systems for international distress communications and promoting maritime safety in general. The GMDSS permits the worldwide alerting of vessels, coordinated search and rescue operations, and dissemination of maritime safety information.
The term “national security agency” means the National Security Agency, the Director of Central Intelligence and the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense, and the Coast Guard.
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (a), terms used in this subchapter that are defined in section 153 of this title have the meanings provided in such section.
Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director’s capacity as the head of the intelligence community deemed to be a reference to the Director of National Intelligence. Reference to the Director of Central Intelligence or the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Director’s capacity as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency deemed to be a reference to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. See section 1081(a), (b) of Pub. L. 108–458, set out as a note under section 3001 of Title 50, War and National Defense.
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of
Section 801, Pub. L. 92–225, title I, § 102,
Section 802, Pub. L. 92–225, title I, § 103(b),
Section 803, Pub. L. 92–225, title I, § 104(a), (b),
Section 804, Pub. L. 92–225, title I, § 105,
Section 805, Pub. L. 92–225, title I, § 106,
Sections 801 to 805 repealed effective
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original, “this title”, meaning title I of Pub. L. 102–538,
The Communications Satellite Act of 1962, referred to in subsec. (a)(5), is Pub. L. 87–624,
Executive Order 12046, referred to in subsec. (b)(6), is set out as a note under section 305 of this title.
Pub. L. 114–74, title X, § 1001,
Pub. L. 110–53, title XXIII, § 2301,
Pub. L. 108–494, title I, § 101,
Pub. L. 108–494, title II, § 201,
Pub. L. 107–317, § 1,
Pub. L. 102–538, title I, § 101,
Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XCII, § 9204,
Pub. L. 116–129, “This Act may be cited as the ‘Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020’.
Ex. Ord. No. 12382,
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution of the United States of America, and in order to establish, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended ([former] 5 U.S.C. App.) [see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.], an advisory committee on National Security Telecommunications, it is hereby ordered as follows:
(b) The President shall designate a Chair and Vice Chair from among the members of the Committee, each for a term of up to 2 years.
(c) To assist the Committee in carrying out its functions, the Committee may establish appropriate subcommittees or working groups composed, in whole or in part, of individuals who are not members of the Committee.
(b) The Committee shall provide information and advice to the President, through the Secretary of Homeland Security, regarding the feasibility of implementing specific measures to improve the resiliency and security of the digital and communications infrastructure of the United States.
(c) The Committee shall provide technical information, advice, and recommendations as it relates to NS/EP policy issues concerning cybersecurity, ICT, and telecommunications matters.
(d) The Committee shall periodically report on matters in this section to the President, through the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(b) Members of the Committee shall serve without any compensation for their work on the Committee. However, to the extent permitted by law, they shall be entitled to travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence.
(c) Any expenses of the Committee shall, to the extent permitted by law, be paid from funds available to the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(b) In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Committee shall terminate on
Term of President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee extended until
Previous extensions of term of President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee were contained in the following prior Executive Orders:
Ex. Ord. No. 14048,
Ex. Ord. No. 13889,
Ex. Ord. No. 13811,
Ex. Ord. No. 13708,
Ex. Ord. No. 13652,
Ex. Ord. No. 13585,
Ex. Ord. No. 13511,
Ex. Ord. No. 13446,
Ex. Ord. No. 13385,
Ex. Ord. No. 13316,
Ex. Ord. No. 13225,
Ex. Ord. No. 13138,
Ex. Ord. No. 13062,
Ex. Ord. No. 12974,
Ex. Ord. No. 12869,
Ex. Ord. No. 12774,
Ex. Ord. No. 12692,
Ex. Ord. No. 12610,
Ex. Ord. No. 12534,
Ex. Ord. No. 12454,
Ex. Ord. No. 12399,
Memorandum of President of the United States,
Memorandum of President of the United States,
Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to meet the growing requirements of United States radio frequency spectrum users, it is hereby ordered as follows:
This memorandum directs my Administration to build on prior innovation by promoting efficient and effective spectrum use by both agencies and non-Federal users. My Administration’s goal is to accelerate United States leadership in wireless communications and other spectrum-based technologies and to unlock innovations that benefit the American people, while ensuring necessary access to spectrum for agencies and private-sector users, such as for scientific, public safety, critical infrastructure, and national security uses, now and into the future.
The policy of my Administration is to ensure that spectrum management, usage, and allocation decisions are coordinated, consistent, and reflect the needs and diverse missions of agencies and non-Federal users. This memorandum reaffirms the policies and authorities stated in Executive Order 12046 of
The Congress has charged NTIA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with jointly managing the Nation’s radio spectrum resources. The NTIA and FCC perform their functions consistent with the
Accordingly, I direct the following actions to modernize the usage of spectrum in the United States:
There is hereby established the Interagency Spectrum Advisory Council (Council) to serve as the principal interagency forum for heads of agencies to advise NTIA on spectrum policy matters and to ensure that all decisions made by NTIA take into consideration the diverse missions of the Federal Government. Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum [
The NTIA’s Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC) shall continue to advise NTIA with respect to NTIA’s statutory role to develop and execute policies, programs, procedures, and technical criteria pertaining to the allocation, management, and Federal use of the electromagnetic spectrum.
(a) a roadmap to make spectrum resources available to continue United States leadership in advanced wireless technologies and services, which shall provide a “pipeline” of spectrum bands to support commercial innovation and agencies’ needs now and into the future by identifying at least 1500 megahertz for in-depth study to determine suitability for repurposing, which may include spectrum bands currently allocated for Federal operations, non-Federal operations, or shared Federal and non-Federal operations;
(b) data-driven processes for long-term spectrum planning that increase transparency into current and future Federal and non-Federal spectrum use; anticipate and enable technological advances in order to facilitate spectrum access; and fully account for essential Federal missions, including national defense and homeland security, safeguarding the national airspace, securing the Nation’s critical infrastructure, climate monitoring and forecasting, and other scientific endeavors;
(c) plans to optimize United States spectrum management and use by considering different types of spectrum governance models, including exclusive licensing, unlicensed use, shared use, and combinations of these approaches;
(d) plans for investing in and promoting the development of emerging technological advancements in spectrum management, including spectrum sharing and improving understanding of electromagnetic spectrum science; and
(e) recommendations for developing an enduring, scalable mechanism for managing shared spectrum access for the Federal Government, with the goal of increasing the efficiency of spectrum use.
(a) In undertaking these duties, NTIA shall:
(i) adhere to the terms of the
(ii) solicit views of stakeholder agencies in a timely fashion and provide sufficient time and procedures for such agencies to present their views and supporting technical information to NTIA;
(iii) provide agencies with timely written feedback articulating why and how agency views will be incorporated into the position that NTIA communicates to FCC;
(iv) facilitate the presentation by agencies of classified or otherwise sensitive views to FCC;
(v) develop the position of the executive branch on spectrum-related issues, including any supporting technical and operational information to facilitate FCC decision-making, and provide that position to FCC; and
(vi) endeavor to provide such views and information within FCC’s applicable timelines and request additional time when needed.
(b) In matters where NTIA and an agency or agencies cannot reach a consensus on the views to be presented to FCC, NTIA shall:
(i) notify FCC of the lack of consensus and anticipated next steps and timing to resolve it;
(ii) request the joint assistance of the Secretary of Commerce and the head of any agency objecting to NTIA’s proposed submission to FCC to find a mutually agreeable resolution; and
(iii) keep FCC informed, as appropriate, regarding anticipated next steps and timing of resolution.
(c) If a resolution is not reached, NTIA shall within 90 days submit, or the disputing agency or agencies may submit, the disagreement to the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, who shall, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Space Council, resolve the dispute through the interagency process described in National Security Memorandum 2 of
(a) The complainant agency, no later than 45 days after learning of the unforeseen risk of harmful interference, shall formally request that NTIA address the matter with FCC for an appropriate remedy, and in that request shall:
(i) clearly indicate the manner in which the public interest will be implicated or harmed or an agency’s mission will be adversely affected;
(ii) present evidence to NTIA that such new use is causing or potentially will cause harmful interference or potential harm to the public interest, including any technical or scientific data that supports that position; and
(iii) explain why the complainant agency cannot take steps to ensure mission continuity that are consistent with FCC’s decision.
(b) If NTIA believes that the complainant agency has produced sufficient evidence that the new use will risk harmful interference that cannot be reasonably mitigated without FCC action, it shall, within 60 days of the complainant agency’s request, address FCC under established processes for seeking appropriate relief. If NTIA does not believe that there is sufficient evidence to seek relief from FCC, the complainant agency may invoke the process set forth in sections 5(b) and 5(c) of this memorandum.
(c) Before any significant regulatory action directly related to the spectrum subject to license is taken by the complainant agency pursuant to its statutory authorities, the regulatory action shall be submitted to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Office of Management and Budget, as required by sections 3(f) and 6(a)(3) of Executive Order 12866 of
(a) Agencies shall expeditiously, and no later than 45 days subsequent to any NTIA request outside of the time frames set by section IV(3) of the
(b) Agencies shall furnish NTIA “with such information, support, and assistance, not inconsistent with law, as it may require in the performance of its functions, [sic]” (47 U.S.C. 904(c)(2)), including coordinating with NTIA on:
(i) all relevant information to be considered for filing with FCC; and
(ii) any significant regulatory actions to be taken by the agency pursuant to its statutory authorities directly relating to spectrum issues, prior to its submission to OIRA as required by Executive Order 12866.
(c) Agencies shall collaborate with NTIA to facilitate long-term spectrum planning, including by sharing information about their current spectrum use and long-term spectrum needs as requested by NTIA.
(d) Agencies shall coordinate with NTIA prior to carrying out any electromagnetic compatibility study or testing plan that the agency seeks to be considered in formulating the views of the executive branch regarding spectrum regulatory matters. Coordination with NTIA will ensure the use of consistent methods across the executive branch, promoting reliable findings as well as evidence-based decision-making. Nothing herein is intended to prevent agencies from conducting spectrum-related studies for internal purposes unrelated to formulating executive branch views on spectrum regulatory matters. Agencies are strongly encouraged to conduct spectrum-related testing and research in cooperation with NTIA’s Institute for Telecommunication Sciences.
(e) Agencies shall favor the development and procurement of systems that enable coexistence with other spectrum users. Accordingly, agencies shall ensure that their acquisition processes properly consider spectrum coexistence and access prior to milestone investment decisions. The NTIA shall, in turn, improve its criteria and processes for certification regarding spectrum availability to facilitate spectrum access.
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The Secretary of Commerce is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
There shall be within the Department of Commerce an administration to be known as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
The head of the NTIA shall be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
Subject to section 904(d) of this title, the Secretary shall assign to the Assistant Secretary and the NTIA responsibility for the performance of the Secretary’s communications and information functions.
Reorganization Plan Number 1 of 1977, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Executive Order 12046, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is set out as a note under section 305 of this title.
The Communications Satellite Act of 1962, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(C)(iii), (vi), is Pub. L. 87–624,
Section 201(a)(6) of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(C)(iv), was classified to section 721(a)(6) of this title and was omitted from the Code.
Executive Order 11556, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(S), which was formerly set out as a note under section 305 of this title was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12046, set out as a note under section 305 of this title. Section 10 of Ex. Ord. No. 11556 related to advisory committees established by the Director of the former Office of Telecommunications Policy.
2012—Subsec. (b)(2)(U). Pub. L. 112–96 added subpar. (U).
2002—Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 107–317 added subpar. (C).
Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XCII, § 9203,
Pub. L. 110–161, div. B, title V, § 536,
Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(4) [div. B, title XVII, § 1703],
Within 180 days after
Not later than 180 days after
In assigning frequencies for mobile radio services and other radio services, the Secretary of Commerce shall promote efficient and cost-effective use of the spectrum to the maximum extent feasible.
The Secretary of Commerce shall have the authority to withhold or refuse to assign frequencies for mobile radio service or other radio service in order to further the goal of making efficient and cost-effective use of the spectrum.
By
By
The NTIA shall maintain on file the proofs submitted under paragraph (1), or facsimiles thereof.
1993—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–66 added subsec. (e).
Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Commerce of House of Representatives by section 1(a) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Commerce of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives, and jurisdiction over matters relating to securities and exchanges and insurance generally transferred to Committee on Financial Services of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Seventh Congress,
Pub. L. 108–7, div. B, title II,
Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:
Pub. L. 107–77, title II,
Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title II],
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(1) [title II],
Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, § 101(b) [title II],
Pub. L. 105–119, title II,
Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, § 101(a) [title II],
Federal agencies shall consult with the Assistant Secretary and the NTIA to ensure that the conduct of telecommunications activities by such agencies is consistent with the policies developed under section 902(b)(2)(K) of this title.
The Secretary shall timely submit to the President each year the report (including evaluations and recommendations) provided for in section 744(a) 1
The Secretary shall coordinate with the Secretary of State the performance of the functions described in section 902(b)(2)(C) of this title. The Corporation and concerned executive agencies shall provide the Secretary with such assistance, documents, and other cooperation as will enable the Secretary to carry out those functions.
To the extent the Assistant Secretary deems it necessary to continue the Interdepartmental Radio Advisory Committee, such Committee shall serve as an advisory committee to the Assistant Secretary and the NTIA. As permitted by law, the Assistant Secretary may establish one or more telecommunications or information advisory committees (or both) composed of experts in the telecommunications and/or information areas outside the Government. The NTIA may also informally consult with industry as appropriate to carry out the most effective performance of its functions.
The Secretary and NTIA shall issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the functions assigned under this chapter.
All executive agencies are authorized and directed to cooperate with the NTIA and to furnish it with such information, support, and assistance, not inconsistent with law, as it may require in the performance of its functions.
Nothing in this chapter reassigns any function that is, on
Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may reassign to another unit of the Department of Commerce a function (or portion thereof) required to be assigned to the NTIA by section 902(b) of this title.
The Secretary may not make any reassignment of a function (or portion thereof) required to be assigned to the NTIA by section 902(b) of this title unless the Secretary submits to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a statement describing the proposed reassignment and containing an explanation of the reasons for the reassignment. No reassignment of any such function (or portion thereof) shall be effective until 90 legislative days after the Secretary submits that statement to such Committees. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “legislative days” includes only days on which both Houses of Congress are in session.
Notwithstanding section 1522 of title 15, neither the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, nor any officer or employee of the NTIA shall solicit any gift or bequest of property, both real and personal, from any entity for the purpose of furthering the authorized functions of the NTIA if such solicitation would create a conflict of interest or an appearance of a conflict of interest.
Section 744(a) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), was repealed by Pub. L. 103–414, title III, § 304(b)(4)(A),
Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Commerce of House of Representatives by section 1(a) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Commerce of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives, and jurisdiction over matters relating to securities and exchanges and insurance generally transferred to Committee on Financial Services of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Seventh Congress,
Advisory committees established after
Section, Pub. L. 95–567, title IV, § 402,
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the “Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund” (referred to in this paragraph as the “Innovation Fund”).
Amounts appropriated to the Innovation Fund shall remain available through the end of the tenth fiscal year beginning after the date on which funds are appropriated to the Fund.
Any amounts remaining in the Innovation Fund after the end of the tenth fiscal year beginning after the date of appropriation shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury.
Amounts appropriated to the Innovation Fund shall be available to the Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, to make grants on a competitive basis under this paragraph in such amounts as the Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, determines appropriate, subject to clause (ii).
The amount of a grant awarded under this paragraph to a recipient for a specific research focus area may not exceed $50,000,000.
To the greatest extent practicable, the Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, shall ensure that any research funded by a grant awarded under this paragraph avoids duplication of other Federal or private sector research.
Not later than one year after the date on which funds are appropriated to the Innovation Fund, the Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, shall begin awarding grants under this paragraph.
The Secretary, acting through the NTIA Administrator, and in consultation with the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, shall establish a Federal advisory committee, in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.),1
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the “Multilateral Telecommunications Security Fund”.
Amounts appropriated to the Multilateral Telecommunications Security Fund shall be available to the Secretary of State to make expenditures under this paragraph in such amounts as the Secretary of State determines appropriate.
Any amounts remaining in the Multilateral Telecommunications Security Fund after the end of the tenth fiscal year beginning after
Not later than 15 days prior to the Fund making a financial commitment associated with the provision of expenditures under subparagraph (A)(ii) in an amount in excess of $1,000,000, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report in writing that contains the information required by clause (ii).
The Secretary of State shall notify the appropriate congressional committees not later than 30 days after entering into a new bilateral or multilateral arrangement or agreement described in subparagraph (A)(iii)(I)(bb).
The Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Chairman of the Commission shall jointly submit to the relevant committees of Congress an annual report on the progress made under paragraph (1).
The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(F)(i), is Pub. L. 92–463,
Section was enacted as part of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 and not as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act which comprises this chapter.
2023—Subsec. (a)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 118–31 redesignated subpar. (D) as (C) and struck out former subpar. (C) which related to annual report to Congress.
2022—Subsec. (a)(1)(G)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 117–167 inserted “(including whether recipients are majority owned and controlled by minority individuals and majority owned and controlled by women)” after “to whom”.
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in par. (3), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to chapter 5 (§ 151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Pub. L. 117–58, div. I, § 90008(a), (b),
Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title IX, § 905,
Pub. L. 114–74, title X, §§ 1002–1004, “Each range of frequencies described in this title shall be construed to be inclusive of the upper and lower frequencies in the range.
Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title II],
Pub. L. 106–398, § 1 [[div. A], title XVII, § 1705],
Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, § 1062(b),
[Pub. L. 108–494, title II, § 206,
Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, § 1062(c)(1),
Pub. L. 102–538, title I, § 156, as added by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, § 1062(a),
In accordance with the provisions of this section, the Secretary shall recommend for reallocation in the initial report required by subsection (a), for use other than by Federal Government stations under section 305 of the 1934 Act (47 U.S.C. 305), bands of frequencies that in the aggregate span not less than 200 megahertz, that are located below 5 gigahertz, and that meet the criteria specified in paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (a). Such bands of frequencies shall include bands of frequencies, located below 3 gigahertz, that span in the aggregate not less than 100 megahertz.
The criteria specified by subsection (a) shall be deemed not to be met for any purpose under this subchapter with regard to any frequency assignment to, or any frequency assignment used by, a Federal power agency for the purpose of withdrawing that assignment.
The frequencies assigned to any Federal power agency may only be eligible for mixed use under subsection (b)(2) in geographically separate areas, but in those cases where a frequency is to be shared by an affected Federal power agency and a non-Federal user, such use by the non-Federal user shall not cause harmful interference to the affected Federal power agency or adversely affect the reliability of its power system.
As used in this paragraph, the term “Federal power agency” means the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Bonneville Power Administration, the Western Area Power Administration, the Southwestern Power Administration, the Southeastern Power Administration, or the Alaska Power Administration.
None of the frequencies recommended for reallocation in the reports required by this subsection shall have been recommended, prior to
Within 6 months after
The Secretary shall provide interested persons with the opportunity to submit, within 90 days after the date of its publication, written comment on the preliminary report required by paragraph (1). The Secretary shall immediately transmit a copy of any such comment to the Commission.
The Commission shall, within 90 days after the conclusion of the period for comment provided pursuant to paragraph (2), submit to the Secretary the Commission’s analysis of such comments and the Commission’s recommendations for responses to such comments, together with such other comments and recommendations as the Commission deems appropriate.
The Secretary shall encourage and provide opportunity for direct discussions among commercial representatives and Federal Government users of the spectrum to aid the Secretary in determining which frequencies to recommend for reallocation. The Secretary shall provide notice to the public and the Commission of any such discussions, including the name or names of any businesses or other persons represented in such discussions. A representative of the Commission (and of the Secretary at the election of the Secretary) shall be permitted to attend any such discussions. The Secretary shall provide the public and the Commission with an opportunity to comment on the results of any such discussions prior to the submission of the initial report required by subsection (a).
The Secretary shall, as part of the reports required by subsections (a) and (d)(1), include a timetable that recommends effective dates by which the President shall withdraw or limit assignments of the frequencies specified in such reports.
The Secretary shall, as part of the report required by subsection (d)(1), specifically identify and recommend for immediate reallocation bands of frequencies that in the aggregate span not less than 50 megahertz, that meet the criteria described in subsection (a), and that can be made available for reallocation immediately upon issuance of the report required by subsection (d)(1). Such bands of frequencies shall include bands of frequencies, located below 3 gigahertz, that in the aggregate span not less than 25 megahertz.
The Secretary may, as part of such report, identify and recommend bands of frequencies for immediate reallocation for a mixed use pursuant to subsection (b)(2), but such bands of frequencies may not count toward the minimums required by subparagraph (A).
If the Secretary receives a notice from the Commission pursuant to section 3002(c)(5) of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the President, the Commission, and the Congress a report recommending for reallocation for use other than by Federal Government stations under section 305 of the 1934 Act (47 U.S.C. 305), bands of frequencies that are suitable for the licensees identified in the Commission’s notice. The Commission shall, not later than one year after receipt of such report, prepare, submit to the President and the Congress, and implement, a plan for the immediate allocation and assignment of such frequencies under the 1934 Act [47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.] to incumbent licensees described in the Commission’s notice.
Any Federal entity that operates a Federal Government station that incurs relocation or sharing costs because of planning for an auction of eligible spectrum frequencies or the reallocation of eligible spectrum frequencies from Federal use to exclusive non-Federal use or to shared use shall receive payment for such relocation or sharing costs from the Spectrum Relocation Fund, in accordance with this section and section 928 of this title. For purposes of this paragraph, Federal power agencies exempted under subsection (c)(4) that choose to relocate from the frequencies identified for reallocation pursuant to subsection (a) are eligible to receive payment under this paragraph.
The NTIA shall, at the time of providing an initial estimate of relocation or sharing costs to the Commission under paragraph (4)(A), submit to 1
The NTIA shall take such actions as necessary to ensure the timely relocation of Federal entities’ spectrum-related operations from frequencies described in paragraph (2) to frequencies or facilities of comparable capability and to ensure the timely implementation of arrangements for the sharing of frequencies described in such paragraph. Upon a finding by the NTIA that a Federal entity has achieved comparable capability of systems, the NTIA shall terminate or limit the entity’s authorization and notify the Commission that the entity’s relocation has been completed or sharing arrangement has been implemented. The NTIA shall also terminate such entity’s authorization if the NTIA determines that the entity has unreasonably failed to comply with the timeline for relocation or sharing submitted by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under section 928(d)(2)(C) of this title.
Not later than 240 days before the commencement of any auction of eligible frequencies described in subsection (g)(2), a Federal entity shall submit to the NTIA and to the Technical Panel established by paragraph (3) a transition plan for the implementation by such entity of the relocation or sharing arrangement. The NTIA shall specify, after public input, a common format for all Federal entities to follow in preparing transition plans under this paragraph.
There is established within the NTIA a panel to be known as the Technical Panel.
Each member of the Technical Panel shall be a radio engineer or a technical expert.
The initial members of the Technical Panel shall be appointed not later than 180 days after
The term of a member of the Technical Panel shall be 18 months, and no individual may serve more than 1 consecutive term.
Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. A member may serve after the expiration of that member’s term until a successor has taken office. A vacancy shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
The members of the Technical Panel shall not receive any compensation for service on the Technical Panel. If any such member is an employee of the agency of the official that appointed such member to the Technical Panel, compensation in the member’s capacity as such an employee shall not be considered compensation under this clause.
The NTIA shall provide the Technical Panel with the administrative support services necessary to carry out its duties under this subsection, subsection (i), and section 928(g)(2)(E) of this title.
Not later than 180 days after
Chapter 10 of title 5 and sections 552 and 552b of title 5 shall not apply to the Technical Panel.
Not later than 30 days after the submission of the plan under paragraph (1), the Technical Panel shall submit to the NTIA and to the Federal entity a report on the sufficiency of the plan, including whether the plan includes the information required by paragraph (2) and an assessment of the reasonableness of the proposed timelines and estimated relocation or sharing costs, including the costs of any proposed expansion of the capabilities of a Federal system in connection with relocation or sharing.
If the Technical Panel finds the plan insufficient, the Federal entity shall, not later than 90 days after the submission of the report by the Technical Panel under subparagraph (A), submit to the Technical Panel a revised plan. Such revised plan shall be treated as a plan submitted under paragraph (1).
Not later than 120 days before the commencement of the auction described in paragraph (1), the NTIA shall make the transition plan publicly available on its website.
As the Federal entity implements the transition plan, it shall periodically update the plan to reflect any changed circumstances, including changes in estimated relocation or sharing costs or the timeline for relocation or sharing. The NTIA shall make the updates available on its website.
Not later than 180 days after
If a dispute arises between a Federal entity and a non-Federal user regarding the execution, timing, or cost of the transition plan submitted by the Federal entity under subsection (h)(1), the Federal entity or the non-Federal user may request that the NTIA establish a dispute resolution board to resolve the dispute.
If the NTIA receives a request under paragraph (1), it shall establish a dispute resolution board.
The representative of OMB shall be the Chair of the dispute resolution board.
Any vacancy in the dispute resolution board shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
The members of the dispute resolution board shall not receive any compensation for service on the board. If any such member is an employee of the agency of the official that appointed such member to the board, compensation in the member’s capacity as such an employee shall not be considered compensation under this subparagraph.
The dispute resolution board shall be terminated after it rules on the dispute that it was established to resolve and the time for appeal of its decision under paragraph (7) has expired, unless an appeal has been taken under such paragraph. If such an appeal has been taken, the board shall continue to exist until the appeal process has been exhausted and the board has completed any action required by a court hearing the appeal.
The dispute resolution board shall meet simultaneously with representatives of the Federal entity and the non-Federal user to discuss the dispute. The dispute resolution board may require the parties to make written submissions to it.
The dispute resolution board shall rule on the dispute not later than 30 days after the request was made to the NTIA under paragraph (1).
The Technical Panel established under subsection (h)(3) shall provide the dispute resolution board with such technical assistance as the board requests.
The NTIA shall provide the dispute resolution board with the administrative support services necessary to carry out its duties under this subsection.
A decision of the dispute resolution board may be appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit by filing a notice of appeal with that court not later than 30 days after the date of such decision. Each party shall bear its own costs and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, for any appeal under this paragraph.
Not later than 180 days after
Chapter 10 of title 5 and sections 552 and 552b of title 5 shall not apply to a dispute resolution board established under paragraph (2)(A).
In evaluating a band of frequencies for possible reallocation for exclusive non-Federal use or shared use, the NTIA shall give priority to options involving reallocation of the band for exclusive non-Federal use and shall choose options involving shared use only when it determines, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, that relocation of a Federal entity from the band is not feasible because of technical or cost constraints.
If the NTIA determines under paragraph (1) that relocation of a Federal entity from the band is not feasible, the NTIA shall notify the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives of the determination, including the specific technical or cost constraints on which the determination is based.
Any Federal Government station which operates on electromagnetic spectrum that has been identified in any reallocation report under this section shall, to the maximum extent practicable through the use of the authority granted under subsection (g) and any other applicable provision of law, take action to relocate its spectrum use to other frequencies that are reserved for Federal use or to consolidate its spectrum use with other Federal Government stations in a manner that maximizes the spectrum available for non-Federal use.
For purposes of this section, the term “Federal entity” means any department, agency, or other instrumentality of the Federal Government that utilizes a Government station license obtained under section 305 of the 1934 Act (47 U.S.C. 305).
For definition of the 1934 Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(3), (5), (b)(2), and (f), see section 921(3) of this title.
Section 3002(c)(5) of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, referred to in subsec. (f), is section 3002(c)(5) of Pub. L. 105–33, which is set out as a note under section 925 of this title.
2022—Subsec. (h)(3)(E). Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(299)(A), substituted “Chapter 10 of title 5” for “The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)”.
Subsec. (i)(9). Pub. L. 117–286, § 4(a)(299)(B), substituted “Chapter 10 of title 5” for “The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)”.
2015—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 114–74, § 1005(c)(1)(A), struck out “authorized to use a band of eligible frequencies described in paragraph (2) and” after “Federal Government station” and inserted “eligible” after “auction of” and after “reallocation of”.
Subsec. (g)(3)(A). Pub. L. 114–74, § 1005(c)(1)(B), substituted “or the sharing of spectrum frequencies” for “previously assigned to such entity or the sharing of spectrum frequencies assigned to such entity”.
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 114–74, § 1005(c)(2), struck out “authorized to use any such frequency” after “a Federal entity”.
Subsec. (h)(3)(C). Pub. L. 114–74, § 1005(b), substituted “this subsection, subsection (i), and section 928(g)(2)(E) of this title” for “this subsection and subsection (i)”.
2012—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(a)(1)(A), substituted “Relocation of and spectrum sharing by Federal Government stations” for “Relocation of Federal Government stations” in heading.
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(a)(1)(B), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Any Federal entity that operates a Federal Government station assigned to a band of frequencies specified in paragraph (2) and that incurs relocation costs because of the reallocation of frequencies from Federal use to non-Federal use shall receive payment for such costs from the Spectrum Relocation Fund, in accordance with section 928 of this title. For purposes of this paragraph, Federal power agencies exempted under subsection (c)(4) of this section that choose to relocate from the frequencies identified for reallocation pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, are eligible to receive payment under this paragraph.”
Subsec. (g)(2)(B). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(a)(1)(C), amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: “any other band of frequencies reallocated from Federal use to non-Federal use after
Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(a)(1)(D), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) defined relocation costs.
Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(a)(1)(E)(i), which directed substitution of “relocation or sharing costs” for “relocations costs” in heading, was executed by making the substitution for “relocation costs” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Subsec. (g)(4)(A). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(a)(1)(E)(ii), (iii), substituted “relocation or sharing costs” for “relocation costs” and inserted “or sharing” after “such relocation”.
Subsec. (g)(4)(B). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(a)(1)(E)(ii), substituted “relocation or sharing costs” for “relocation costs”.
Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(a)(1)(F), substituted “relocation or sharing costs” for “relocation costs” and inserted “or sharing” after “for relocation”.
Subsec. (g)(6). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(a)(1)(G), amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The NTIA shall take such actions as necessary to ensure the timely relocation of Federal entities’ spectrum-related operations from frequencies defined in paragraph (2) to frequencies or facilities of comparable capability. Upon a finding by the NTIA that a Federal entity has achieved comparable capability of systems by relocating to a new frequency assignment or by utilizing an alternative technology, the NTIA shall terminate the entity’s authorization and notify the Commission that the entity’s relocation has been completed. The NTIA shall also terminate such entity’s authorization if the NTIA determines that the entity has unreasonably failed to comply with the timeline for relocation submitted by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under section 928(d)(2)(B) of this title.”
Subsecs. (h) to (l). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6701(a)(2), (3), added subsecs. (h) to (j) and redesignated former subsecs. (h) and (i) as (k) and (l), respectively.
2004—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 108–494 added pars. (1) to (6) and struck out former pars. (1) to (3) which related to relocation of Federal Government stations in general, process for relocation, and right to reclaim.
1999—Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted “12 megahertz” for “20 megahertz”.
1998—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 105–261 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted subpar. heading, substituted “Any such Federal entity which proposes to so relocate shall notify the NTIA, which in turn shall notify the Commission, before the auction concerned of the marginal costs anticipated to be associated with such relocation or with modifications necessary to accommodate prospective licensees. The Commission in turn shall notify potential bidders of the estimated relocation or modification costs based on the geographic area covered by the proposed licenses before the auction.” for “Such payments may be in advance of relocation and may be in cash or in kind. Any such payment in cash shall be deposited in the account of such Federal entity in the Treasury of the United States or in a separate account authorized by law. Funds deposited according to this paragraph shall be available, without appropriation or fiscal year limitation, only for such expenses of the Federal entity for which such funds were deposited under this paragraph.”, and added subpars. (B) to (F).
1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(e)(1), inserted “and within 6 months after
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(e)(2)(A), (B), substituted “Initial reallocation report” for “In general” in heading and inserted “in the initial report required by subsection (a)” after “recommend for reallocation” in text.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(e)(2)(C), inserted “or (3)” after “paragraph (1)” in two places.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(e)(2)(D), added par. (3).
Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(e)(3), substituted “initial report” for “final report”.
Subsecs. (f) to (i). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(d)(1), added subsecs. (f) to (i).
Pub. L. 108–494, title II, § 208(a),
Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title X, § 1064(d),
For purposes of paragraph (1), a frequency may not be substituted for a frequency identified and recommended by the report of the Secretary under section 923(a) of this title unless the substituted frequency also meets each of the criteria specified by section 923(a) of this title.
1997—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(d)(2)(A), substituted “subsection (a), (d)(1), or (f)” for “subsection (a) or (d)(1)”.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(d)(2)(B), substituted “any such 6-month period” for “either such 6-month period”.
With respect to the frequencies made available for immediate reallocation pursuant to section 923(e)(2) of this title, the Commission, not later than 18 months after
With respect to the frequencies made available for reallocation pursuant to section 923(b)(3) of this title, the Commission shall, not later than one year after receipt of the second reallocation report required by section 923(a) of this title, prepare, submit to the President and the Congress, and implement, a plan for the immediate allocation and assignment under the 1934 Act [47 U.S.C. § 151 et seq.] of all such frequencies in accordance with section 309(j) of such Act [47 U.S.C. 309(j)].
The plan prepared by the Commission under paragraph (1) shall consist of a schedule of allocation and assignment of those frequencies in accordance with section 309(j) of the 1934 Act in time for the assignment of those licenses or permits by
For definition of the 1934 Act, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (c)(1), see section 921(3) of this title.
1997—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(e)(4)(A), substituted “the initial reallocation report required” for “the report required” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–33, § 3002(e)(4)(B), added subsec. (c).
Pub. L. 105–33, title III, § 3002(b),
Pub. L. 105–33, title III, § 3002(c),
Subsequent to the withdrawal of assignment to Federal Government stations pursuant to section 924 of this title, the President may reclaim reassigned frequencies for reassignment to Federal Government stations in accordance with this section.
If the frequencies to be reclaimed have not been allocated or assigned by the Commission pursuant to the 1934 Act [47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], the President shall follow the procedures for substitution of frequencies established by section 924(b) of this title.
The Federal Government shall bear all costs of reclaiming frequencies pursuant to this section, including the cost of equipment which is rendered unusable, the cost of relocating operations to a different frequency, and any other costs that are directly attributable to the reclaiming of the frequency pursuant to this section, and there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
The Commission shall not withdraw licenses for any reclaimed frequencies until the end of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which a statement under section 924(b)(1)(B) of this title pertaining to such frequencies is received by the Commission.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect the authority of the President under section 706 of the 1934 Act (47 U.S.C. 606).
For definition of the 1934 Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), see section 921(3) of this title.
Nothing in this subchapter prevents or limits additional reallocation of spectrum from the Federal Government to other users.
There is established on the books of the Treasury a separate fund to be known as the “Spectrum Relocation Fund” (in this section referred to as the “Fund”), which shall be administered by the Office of Management and Budget (in this section referred to as “OMB”), in consultation with the NTIA.
The Fund shall be credited with the amounts specified in section 309(j)(8)(D) of this title.
The amounts in the Fund from auctions of eligible frequencies are authorized to be used to pay relocation or sharing costs of an eligible Federal entity incurring such costs with respect to relocation from or sharing of those frequencies.
There are hereby appropriated from the Fund such sums as are required to pay the relocation or sharing costs specified in subsection (c).
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Director of OMB may transfer to an eligible Federal entity, at any time (including prior to a scheduled auction), such sums as may be available in the Fund to pay relocation or sharing costs related to pre-auction estimates or research, as such costs are described in section 923(g)(3)(A)(iii) of this title.
The Director of OMB may transfer under subparagraph (A) not more than $10,000,000 for costs incurred after
Any amounts transferred by the Director of OMB pursuant to clause (i) shall be in addition to any amounts that the Director of OMB may transfer for costs incurred on or after
Any amounts in the Fund that are remaining after the payment of the relocation or sharing costs that are payable from the Fund shall revert to and be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, for the sole purpose of deficit reduction, not later than 8 years after the date of the deposit of such proceeds to the Fund, unless within 60 days in advance of the reversion of such funds, the Director of OMB, in consultation with the NTIA, notifies the congressional committees described in paragraph (2)(C) that such funds are needed to complete or to implement current or future relocation or sharing arrangements.
An eligible Federal entity that has received such amounts shall report its expenditures to OMB and shall transfer any amounts in excess of actual relocation or sharing costs back to the Fund immediately after the NTIA has notified the Commission that the relocation of the entity or implementation of the sharing arrangement by the entity is complete, or has determined that such entity has unreasonably failed to complete such relocation or the implementation of such arrangement in accordance with the timeline required by subsection (d)(2)(B).
Notwithstanding subsections (c) through (e), after
The Director of OMB, in consultation with the NTIA, may use amounts made available under paragraph (1) to make payments to eligible Federal entities that are implementing a transition plan submitted under section 923(h)(1) of this title in order to encourage such entities to complete the implementation more quickly, thereby encouraging timely access to the eligible frequencies that are being reallocated for exclusive non-Federal use or shared use.
The Director of OMB may use amounts made available under paragraph (1) to make payments requested by Federal entities for research and development, engineering studies, economic analyses, activities with respect to systems, or other planning activities intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the spectrum use of Federal entities in order to make available frequencies described in subparagraph (C) for reallocation for non-Federal use or shared Federal and non-Federal use, or a combination thereof, and for auction in accordance with such reallocation.
Not later than 120 days after a Federal entity submits a plan under subparagraph (D)(i)(I) to the Technical Panel established under section 923(h)(3) of this title, the Technical Panel shall approve or disapprove such plan.
In determining whether to make payments under subsections (f) and (g), the Director of OMB shall, to the extent practicable, prioritize payments under subsection (g).
2018—Subsec. (d)(3)(B)(i)(II). Pub. L. 115–141, § 612, substituted “8 years” for “5 years”.
Subsec. (e)(1)(D), (E). Pub. L. 115–141, § 613, added subpars. (D) and (E).
2015—Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 114–74 added subsecs. (g) and (h) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (i).
2012—Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(1), substituted “relocation or sharing costs” for “relocation costs” wherever appearing.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(2), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The amounts in the Fund from auctions of eligible frequencies are authorized to be used to pay relocation or sharing costs, as defined in section 923(g)(3) of this title, of an eligible Federal entity incurring such costs with respect to relocation from those frequencies.”
Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(3)(A)(iv), added subpar. (A). Former subpar. (A) redesignated (B).
Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(3)(A)(i), inserted “or sharing” before the semicolon.
Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(3)(A)(iii), redesignated subpar. (A) as (B). Former subpar. (B) redesignated (C).
Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(3)(A)(ii), inserted “or sharing” before period at end.
Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(3)(A)(iii), redesignated subpar. (B) as (C).
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(3)(B), (C), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Any auction proceeds in the Fund that are remaining after the payment of the relocation or sharing costs that are payable from the Fund shall revert to and be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury not later than 8 years after the date of the deposit of such proceeds to the Fund.”
Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(3)(C), added par. (4).
Subsec. (e)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(4)(A)(i), substituted “subsection (d)(2)(B)” for “subsection (d)(2)(A)”.
Subsec. (e)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(4)(A)(ii), substituted “subsection (d)(2)(C)” for “subsection (d)(2)(B)”.
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(4)(B), substituted “relocation of the entity or implementation of the sharing arrangement by the entity” for “entity’s relocation” and “subsection (d)(2)(B)” for “subsection (d)(2)(A)” and inserted “or the implementation of such arrangement” after “such relocation”.
Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 112–96, § 6702(5), added subsecs. (f) and (g).
2009—Subsec. (e)(1)(B)(ii) to (iv). Pub. L. 111–8 inserted “and” after semicolon in cl. (ii), substituted period for “; and” in cl. (iii), and struck out cl. (iv) which read as follows: “the Comptroller General shall, within 30 days after receiving such plan, review such plan and submit to such committees an assessment of the explanation for the subsequent transfer or transfers.”
Pub. L. 108–494, title II, § 207,
If the head of an Executive agency (as defined in section 105 of title 5) determines that public disclosure of any information contained in a notification or report required by section 923 or 928 of this title would reveal classified national security information, or other information for which there is a legal basis for nondisclosure and the public disclosure of which would be detrimental to national security, homeland security, or public safety or would jeopardize a law enforcement investigation, the head of the Executive agency shall notify the Assistant Secretary of that determination prior to the release of such information.
The head of the Executive agency shall place the information with respect to which a determination was made under subsection (a) in a separate annex to the notification or report required by section 923 or 928 of this title. The annex shall be provided to the subcommittee of primary jurisdiction of the congressional committee of primary jurisdiction in accordance with appropriate national security stipulations but shall not be disclosed to the public or provided to any unauthorized person through any means.
The NTIA shall require the registry selected to operate and maintain the United States country code Internet domain to establish, operate, and maintain a second-level domain within the United States country code domain that provides access only to material that is suitable for minors and not harmful to minors (in this section referred to as the “new domain”).
The NTIA shall not exercise any option periods under any contract between the NTIA and the initial registry to operate and maintain the United States country code Internet domain unless the initial registry agrees, during the 90-day period beginning upon
The NTIA shall not enter into any contract for operating and maintaining the United States country code Internet domain with any successor registry unless such registry enters into an agreement with the NTIA, during the 90-day period after selection of such registry, that provides for the registry to carry out, and the new domain to operate in accordance with, the requirements under subsection (c).
The NTIA shall grant the initial registry the option periods available under the contract between the NTIA and the initial registry to operate and maintain the United States country code Internet domain if, and may not grant such option periods unless, the NTIA finds that the initial registry has satisfactorily performed its obligations under this Act and under the contract. Nothing in this section shall preempt or alter the NTIA’s authority to terminate such contract for the operation of the United States country code Internet domain for cause or for convenience.
Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to affect the applicability of any other provision of title II of the Communications Act of 1934 [47 U.S.C. 201 et seq.] to the entities covered by subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1).
The NTIA shall carry out a program to publicize the availability of the new domain and to educate the parents of minors regarding the process for utilizing the new domain in combination and coordination with hardware and software technologies that provide for filtering or blocking. The program under this subsection shall be commenced not later than 30 days after the date that the new domain first becomes operational and accessible by the public.
The registry shall prepare, on an annual basis, a report on the registry’s monitoring and enforcement procedures for the new domain. The registry shall submit each such report, setting forth the results of the review of its monitoring and enforcement procedures for the new domain, to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
If the NTIA finds, pursuant to its own review or upon a good faith petition by the registry, that the new domain is not serving its intended purpose, the NTIA shall instruct the registry to suspend operation of the new domain until such time as the NTIA determines that the new domain can be operated as intended.
The term “minor” means any person under 13 years of age.
The term “registry” means the registry selected to operate and maintain the United States country code Internet domain.
The term “successor registry” means any entity that enters into a contract with the NTIA to operate and maintain the United States country code Internet domain that covers any period after the termination or expiration of the contract to operate and maintain the United States country code Internet domain, and any option periods under such contract, that was signed on
This Act, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 102–538,
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (e)(2), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§ 201 et seq.) of chapter 5 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Pub. L. 107–317, § 2,
The Federal share of the cost of a project eligible for a grant under this section shall not exceed 60 percent.
Not later than 120 days after
For the purposes of this subsection, the term “designated 9–1–1 charges” means any taxes, fees, or other charges imposed by a State or other taxing jurisdiction that are designated or presented as dedicated to deliver or improve 9–1–1 services, E9–1–1 services, or Next Generation 9–1–1 services.
Each applicant for a matching grant under this section shall certify to the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator at the time of application, and each applicant that receives such a grant shall certify to the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator annually thereafter during any period of time during which the funds from the grant are available to the applicant, that no portion of any designated 9–1–1 charges imposed by a State or other taxing jurisdiction within which the applicant is located are being obligated or expended for any purpose other than the purposes for which such charges are designated or presented during the period beginning 180 days immediately preceding the date of the application and continuing through the period of time during which the funds from the grant are available to the applicant.
Each applicant for a grant under this section shall agree, as a condition of receipt of the grant, that if the State or other taxing jurisdiction within which the applicant is located, during any period of time during which the funds from the grant are available to the applicant, obligates or expends designated 9–1–1 charges for any purpose other than the purposes for which such charges are designated or presented, eliminates such charges, or redesignates such charges for purposes other than the implementation or operation of 9–1–1 services, E9–1–1 services, or Next Generation 9–1–1 services, all of the funds from such grant shall be returned to the Office.
From the amounts made available to the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator under section 1457(b)(6) of this title, the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator are authorized to provide grants under this section through the end of fiscal year 2022. Not more than 5 percent of such amounts may be obligated or expended to cover the administrative costs of carrying out this section.
Effective on
The term “9–1–1 services” includes both E9–1–1 services and Next Generation 9–1–1 services.
The term “E9–1–1 services” means both phase I and phase II enhanced 9–1–1 services, as described in section 20.18 of the Commission’s regulations (47 C.F.R. 20.18), as in effect on
The term “eligible entity” means a State or local government or a tribal organization (as defined in section 5304(l) of title 25).
The term “eligible entity” includes public authorities, boards, commissions, and similar bodies created by one or more eligible entities described in subparagraph (A) to provide 9–1–1 services, E9–1–1 services, or Next Generation 9–1–1 services.
The term “eligible entity” does not include any entity that has failed to submit the most recently required certification under subsection (c) within 30 days after the date on which such certification is due.
The term “Office” means the 9–1–1 Implementation Coordination Office.
The term “public safety answering point” has the meaning given the term in section 222 of this title.
The term “State” means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.
2021—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 117–58 struck out par. (4). Text read as follows: “The Assistant Secretary and the Administrator shall provide an annual report to Congress by the first day of October of each year on the activities of the Office to improve coordination and communication with respect to the implementation of 9–1–1 services, E9–1–1 services, and Next Generation 9–1–1 services.”
2012—Pub. L. 112–96 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section established a joint program to facilitate coordination and communication between Federal, State, and local emergency communications systems, emergency personnel, public safety organizations, telecommunications carriers, and telecommunications equipment manufacturers and vendors involved in the implementation of E–911 services and created an E–911 Implementation Coordination Office.
2008—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 110–283, § 102(1), inserted “and for migration to an IP-enabled emergency network” before period at end.
Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 110–283, § 102(2), (3), added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsecs. (d) and (e) as (e) and (f), respectively.
2007—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 110–53 inserted at end “Within 180 days after
Pub. L. 117–58, div. B, title IV, § 24113(a),
Pub. L. 108–494, title I, § 102,
Pub. L. 108–494, title I, § 103,
Pub. L. 103–414, title I, § 111,
Pub. L. 103–414, title I, § 101,
A telecommunications carrier shall not be responsible for decrypting, or ensuring the government’s ability to decrypt, any communication encrypted by a subscriber or customer, unless the encryption was provided by the carrier and the carrier possesses the information necessary to decrypt the communication.
In emergency or exigent circumstances (including those described in sections 2518(7) or (11)(b) and 3125 of title 18 and section 1805(e) of title 50), a carrier at its discretion may comply with subsection (a)(3) by allowing monitoring at its premises if that is the only means of accomplishing the interception or access.
A telecommunications carrier that is a provider of commercial mobile service (as defined in section 332(d) of this title) offering a feature or service that allows subscribers to redirect, hand off, or assign their wire or electronic communications to another service area or another service provider or to utilize facilities in another service area or of another service provider shall ensure that, when the carrier that had been providing assistance for the interception of wire or electronic communications or access to call-identifying information pursuant to a court order or lawful authorization no longer has access to the content of such communications or call-identifying information within the service area in which interception has been occurring as a result of the subscriber’s use of such a feature or service, information is made available to the government (before, during, or immediately after the transfer of such communications) identifying the provider of a wire or electronic communication service that has acquired access to the communications.
Section effective on the date that is 4 years after
After the date described in paragraph (1), a telecommunications carrier shall, subject to subsection (e), ensure that it can accommodate expeditiously any increase in the actual number of communication interceptions, pen registers, and trap and trace devices that authorized agencies may seek to conduct and use, up to the maximum capacity requirement set forth in the notice under subsection (a)(1)(B).
The Attorney General shall periodically publish in the Federal Register, after notice and comment, notice of any necessary increases in the maximum capacity requirement set forth in the notice under subsection (a)(1)(B).
Within 3 years after notice of increased maximum capacity requirements is published under paragraph (1), or within such longer time period as the Attorney General may specify, a telecommunications carrier shall, subject to subsection (e), ensure that its systems are capable of expanding to the increased maximum capacity set forth in the notice.
Within 180 days after the publication by the Attorney General of a notice of capacity requirements pursuant to subsection (a) or (c), a telecommunications carrier shall submit to the Attorney General a statement identifying any of its systems or services that do not have the capacity to accommodate simultaneously the number of interceptions, pen registers, and trap and trace devices set forth in the notice under such subsection.
The Attorney General shall review the statements submitted under subsection (d) and may, subject to the availability of appropriations, agree to reimburse a telecommunications carrier for costs directly associated with modifications to attain such capacity requirement that are determined to be reasonable in accordance with section 1008(e) of this title. Until the Attorney General agrees to reimburse such carrier for such modification, such carrier shall be considered to be in compliance with the capacity notices under subsection (a) or (c).
A telecommunications carrier shall ensure that any interception of communications or access to call-identifying information effected within its switching premises can be activated only in accordance with a court order or other lawful authorization and with the affirmative intervention of an individual officer or employee of the carrier acting in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Commission.
Section effective on the date that is 4 years after
A telecommunications carrier shall consult, as necessary, in a timely fashion with manufacturers of its telecommunications transmission and switching equipment and its providers of telecommunications support services for the purpose of ensuring that current and planned equipment, facilities, and services comply with the capability requirements of section 1002 of this title and the capacity requirements identified by the Attorney General under section 1003 of this title.
Subject to sections 1003(e), 1007(a), and 1008(b) and (d) of this title, a manufacturer of telecommunications transmission or switching equipment and a provider of telecommunications support services shall, on a reasonably timely basis and at a reasonable charge, make available to the telecommunications carriers using its equipment, facilities, or services such features or modifications as are necessary to permit such carriers to comply with the capability requirements of section 1002 of this title and the capacity requirements identified by the Attorney General under section 1003 of this title.
To ensure the efficient and industry-wide implementation of the assistance capability requirements under section 1002 of this title, the Attorney General, in coordination with other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies, shall consult with appropriate associations and standard-setting organizations of the telecommunications industry, with representatives of users of telecommunications equipment, facilities, and services, and with State utility commissions.
A telecommunications carrier shall be found to be in compliance with the assistance capability requirements under section 1002 of this title, and a manufacturer of telecommunications transmission or switching equipment or a provider of telecommunications support services shall be found to be in compliance with section 1005 of this title, if the carrier, manufacturer, or support service provider is in compliance with publicly available technical requirements or standards adopted by an industry association or standard-setting organization, or by the Commission under subsection (b), to meet the requirements of section 1002 of this title.
A telecommunications carrier proposing to install or deploy, or having installed or deployed, any equipment, facility, or service prior to the effective date of section 1002 of this title may petition the Commission for 1 or more extensions of the deadline for complying with the assistance capability requirements under section 1002 of this title.
The Commission may, after consultation with the Attorney General, grant an extension under this subsection, if the Commission determines that compliance with the assistance capability requirements under section 1002 of this title is not reasonably achievable through application of technology available within the compliance period.
An extension under this subsection shall apply to only that part of the carrier’s business on which the new equipment, facility, or service is used.
The effective date of section 1002 of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), is the date that is 4 years after
Upon issuing an order enforcing this subchapter, the court shall specify a reasonable time and conditions for complying with its order, considering the good faith efforts to comply in a timely manner, any effect on the carrier’s, manufacturer’s, or service provider’s ability to continue to do business, the degree of culpability or delay in undertaking efforts to comply, and such other matters as justice may require.
The Attorney General may, subject to the availability of appropriations, agree to pay telecommunications carriers for all reasonable costs directly associated with the modifications performed by carriers in connection with equipment, facilities, and services installed or deployed on or before
The Attorney General shall allocate funds appropriated to carry out this subchapter in accordance with law enforcement priorities determined by the Attorney General.
If a carrier has requested payment in accordance with procedures promulgated pursuant to subsection (e), and the Attorney General has not agreed to pay the telecommunications carrier for all reasonable costs directly associated with modifications necessary to bring any equipment, facility, or service deployed on or before
The Attorney General shall, after notice and comment, establish regulations necessary to effectuate timely and cost-efficient payment to telecommunications carriers under this subchapter, under chapters 119 and 121 of title 18, and under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).
Such regulations shall require any telecommunications carrier that the Attorney General has agreed to pay for modifications pursuant to this section and that has installed or deployed such modification to submit to the Attorney General a claim for payment that contains or is accompanied by such information as the Attorney General may require.
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), is Pub. L. 95–511,
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subchapter a total of $500,000,000 for fiscal years 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998. Such sums are authorized to remain available until expended.
On or before
The effective date of section 1002 of this title, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is the date that is 4 years after
1996—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–316, § 126(b)(1), inserted introductory provisions and struck out heading and text of former introductory provisions. Text read as follows: “On or before
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–316, § 126(b)(2), substituted “findings and conclusions” for “the findings and conclusions of the Comptroller General”.
There is hereby established in the United States Treasury a fund to be known as the Department of Justice Telecommunications Carrier Compliance Fund (hereafter referred to as “the Fund”), which shall be available without fiscal year limitation to the Attorney General for making payments to telecommunications carriers, equipment manufacturers, and providers of telecommunications support services pursuant to section 1008 of this title.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any agency of the United States with law enforcement or intelligence responsibilities may deposit as offsetting collections to the Fund any unobligated balances that are available until expended, upon compliance with any Congressional notification requirements for reprogrammings of funds applicable to the appropriation from which the deposit is to be made.
Funds shall not be available for obligation unless an implementation plan as set forth in subsection (e) is submitted to each member of the Committees on the Judiciary and Appropriations of both the House of Representatives and the Senate and the Congress does not by law block or prevent the obligation of such funds. Such funds shall be treated as a reprogramming of funds under section 605 of the Department of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997, and shall not be available for obligation or expenditure except in compliance with the procedures set forth in that section and this section.
The Attorney General shall submit to the Congress each year a report specifically detailing all deposits and expenditures made pursuant to subchapter I 2
Section 605 of the Department of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997, referred to in subsec. (d), probably means section 605 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997, Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, § 101(a) [title VI],
Subchapter I of this chapter, referred to in subsec. (f), was in the original “this Act” and was translated as reading “title I of this Act”, meaning title I of Pub. L. 103–414,
Pub. L. 106–246, div. B, title II,
Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, § 6603(1),
Section 1101, Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title X, § 1002],
Section 1102, Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title X, § 1003],
Section 1103, Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title X, § 1004],
Section 1104, Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title X, § 1005],
Section 1105, Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title X, § 1006],
Section 1106, Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title X, § 1007],
Section 1107, Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title X, § 1009],
Section 1108, Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title X, § 1010],
Section 1109, Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title X, § 1011],
Section 1110, Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title X, § 1012],
Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title X, § 1001],
Within 180 days after the date on which the Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee, established pursuant to section 1202(a) of this title, transmits recommendations to the Federal Communications Commission, the Commission shall complete a proceeding to adopt relevant technical standards, protocols, procedures, and other technical requirements based on the recommendations of such Advisory Committee necessary to enable commercial mobile service alerting capability for commercial mobile service providers that voluntarily elect to transmit emergency alerts. The Commission shall consult with the National Institute of Standards and Technology regarding the adoption of technical standards under this subsection.
Within 30 days after the Commission issues its order under paragraph (1), each licensee providing commercial mobile service shall file an election with the Commission with respect to whether or not it intends to transmit emergency alerts.
A commercial mobile service licensee that elects to transmit emergency alerts may not impose a separate or additional charge for such transmission or capability.
Within 90 days after the date on which the Commission adopts relevant technical standards based on recommendations of the Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee, established pursuant to section 1202(a) of this title, the Commission shall complete a proceeding to require licensees and permittees of noncommercial educational broadcast stations or public broadcast stations (as those terms are defined in section 397(6) of this title) to install necessary equipment and technologies on, or as part of, any broadcast television digital signal transmitter to enable the distribution of geographically targeted alerts by commercial mobile service providers that have elected to transmit emergency alerts under this section.
The Federal Communications Commission may enforce compliance with this chapter but shall have no rulemaking authority under this chapter, except as provided in subsections (a), (b), (c), and (f).
The election by a commercial mobile service provider under subsection (b)(2)(A) not to transmit emergency alerts, or to withdraw its election to transmit such alerts under subsection (b)(2)(D) shall not, by itself, provide a basis for liability against the provider (including its officers, directors, employees, vendors, and agents).
The Commission shall require by regulation technical testing for commercial mobile service providers that elect to transmit emergency alerts and for the devices and equipment used by such providers for transmitting such alerts.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (d) and (e)(1), was in the original “this title”, meaning title VI of Pub. L. 109–347,
2021—Subsec. (b)(2)(E). Pub. L. 116–283, substituted in first sentence, “other than an alert issued by—” for “other than an alert issued by the President.”, and added cls. (i) and (ii), and struck out after first sentence “Within 2 years after the Commission completes the proceeding under paragraph (1), the Commission shall examine the issue of whether a commercial mobile service provider should continue to be permitted to offer its subscribers such capability. The Commission shall submit a report with its recommendations to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.”
Pub. L. 109–347, title VI, § 601,
Not later than 60 days after
Representatives of State and local governments and representatives of emergency response providers, selected from among individuals nominated by national organizations representing such governments and personnel.
Representatives from Federally recognized Indian tribes and National Indian organizations.
Qualified representatives of such other stakeholders and interested and affected parties as the chairman deems appropriate.
The initial meeting of the Advisory Committee shall take place not later than 60 days after
After the initial meeting, the Advisory Committee shall meet at the call of the chair.
Any meetings held by the Advisory Committee shall be duly noticed at least 14 days in advance and shall be open to the public.
One-third of the members of the Advisory Committee shall constitute a quorum for conducting business of the Advisory Committee.
To assist the Advisory Committee in carrying out its functions, the chair may establish appropriate subcommittees composed of members of the Advisory Committee and other subject matter experts as deemed necessary.
The Advisory Committee may adopt other rules as needed.
Neither chapter 10 of title 5 nor any rule, order, or regulation promulgated under that chapter shall apply to the Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee shall consult with the National Institute of Standards and Technology in its work on developing recommendations under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c).
2022—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted “Chapter 10 of title 5” for “Federal Advisory Committee Act” in heading and “chapter 10 of title 5 nor any rule, order, or regulation promulgated under that chapter” for “the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) nor any rule, order, or regulation promulgated under that Act” in text.
The Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology, in consultation with the director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, shall establish a research, development, testing, and evaluation program based on the recommendations of the Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee, established pursuant to section 1202(a) of this title, to support the development of technologies to increase the number of commercial mobile service devices that can receive emergency alerts.
The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall establish a program under which grants may be made to provide for outdoor alerting technologies in remote communities effectively unserved by commercial mobile service (as determined by the Federal Communications Commission within 180 days after
The Under Secretary may not make grants under subsection (a) more than 5 years after
The sum of the amounts awarded for all fiscal years as grants under this section may not exceed $10,000,000.
In addition to any amounts provided by appropriation Acts, funding for this chapter shall be provided from the Digital Transition and Public Safety Fund in accordance with section 3010 of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (47 U.S.C. 309 note).
The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information shall compensate any such broadcast station licensee or permittee for reasonable costs incurred in complying with the requirements imposed pursuant to section 1201(c) of this title from funds made available under this section. The Assistant Secretary shall ensure that sufficient funds are made available to effectuate geographically targeted alerts.
The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, may borrow from the Treasury beginning on
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), was in the original “this title”, meaning title VI of Pub. L. 109–347,
Section 3010 of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005, referred to in subsec. (a), is section 3010 of Pub. L. 109–171, which is set out in a note under section 309 of this title.
Not later than 180 days after
The Commission shall consult with the Administrator regarding the adoption of regulations under paragraph (1)(C).
Not later than 180 days after
Not later than 180 days after
The amendment made by paragraph (1)(B), referred to in subsec. (a)(2), means the amendment made by Pub. L. 116–283, § 9201(a)(1)(B) which amended section 1201 of this title.
The Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(4), is title VI of Pub. L. 109–347,
Section was enacted as part of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 and not as part of the Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act which comprises this chapter.
Section is comprised of section 9201 of Pub. L. 116–283. Subsec. (a) of section 9201 of Pub. L. 116–283 amended section 1201 of this title.
Pub. L. 110–385, title I, § 101,
Pub. L. 116–260, div. N, title IX, § 904,
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title V, § 508,
Ex. Ord. No. 13616,
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and in order to facilitate broadband deployment on Federal lands, buildings, and rights of way, federally assisted highways, and tribal and individual Indian trust lands (tribal lands), particularly in underserved communities, it is hereby ordered as follows:
(b) The Working Group shall be composed of:
(i) a representative from each of the following agencies, and the Co-Chairs, all of which have significant ownership of, or responsibility for managing, Federal lands, buildings, and rights of way, federally assisted highways, and tribal lands (Broadband Member Agencies):
(1) the Department of Defense;
(2) the Department of the Interior;
(3) the Department of Agriculture;
(4) the Department of Commerce;
(5) the Department of Transportation;
(6) the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
(7) the United States Postal Service;
(ii) a representative from each of the following agencies or offices, to provide advice and assistance:
(1) the Federal Communications Commission;
(2) the Council on Environmental Quality;
(3) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; and
(4) the National Security Staff; and
(iii) representatives from such other agencies or offices as the Co-Chairs may invite to participate.
(c) Within 1 year of the date of this order, the Working Group shall report to the Steering Committee on Federal Infrastructure Permitting and Review Process Improvement, established pursuant to Executive Order 13604 of
(i) develop and implement a strategy to facilitate the timely and efficient deployment of broadband facilities on Federal lands, buildings, and rights of way, federally assisted highways, and tribal lands, that:
(1) ensures a consistent approach across the Federal Government that facilitates broadband deployment processes and decisions, including by: avoiding duplicative reviews; coordinating review processes; providing clear notice of all application and other requirements; ensuring consistent interpretation and application of all procedures, requirements, and policies; supporting decisions on deployment of broadband service to those living on tribal lands consistent with existing statutes, treaties, and trust responsibilities; and ensuring the public availability of current information on these matters;
(2) where beneficial and appropriate, includes procedures for coordination with State, local, and tribal governments, and other appropriate entities;
(3) is coordinated with appropriate external stakeholders, as determined by each Broadband Member Agency, prior to implementation; and
(4) is provided to the Co-Chairs within 180 days of the date of this order; and
(ii) provide comprehensive and current information on accessing Federal lands, buildings, and rights of way, federally assisted highways, and tribal lands for the deployment of broadband facilities, and develop strategies to increase the usefulness and accessibility of this information, including ensuring such information is available online and in a format that is compatible with appropriate Government websites, such as the Federal Infrastructure Projects Dashboard created pursuant to my memorandum of
(b) The activities conducted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, particularly with respect to the establishment of timelines for permitting and review processes, shall be consistent with Executive Order 13604 and with the Federal Plan and Agency Plans to be developed pursuant to that order.
(c) The Co-Chairs, in consultation with the Director and in coordination with the CPO, shall coordinate, review, and monitor the development and implementation of the strategies required by paragraph (a)(i) of this section.
(d) Broadband Member Agencies may limit the information made available pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of this section as appropriate to accommodate national security, public safety, and privacy concerns.
(b) To the extent not already addressed by section 6409, each Broadband Member Agency with responsibility for managing Federal lands, buildings, or rights of way (as determined by the Co-Chairs) shall, in coordination with the Working Group and within 1 year of the date of this order, develop and use one or more templates for uniform contract, application, and permit terms to facilitate nongovernment entities’ use of Federal property for the deployment of broadband facilities. The templates shall, where appropriate, allow for access by multiple broadband service providers and public safety entities. To ensure a consistent approach across the Federal Government and different broadband technologies, the templates shall, to the extent practicable and efficient, provide equal access to Federal property for the deployment of wireline and wireless facilities.
(i) the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Working Group, shall review dig once requirements in its existing programs and implement a flexible set of best practices that can accommodate changes in broadband technology and minimize excavations consistent with competitive broadband deployment;
(ii) the Department of Transportation shall work with State and local governments to help them develop and implement best practices on such matters as establishing dig once requirements, effectively using private investment in State ITS infrastructure, determining fair market value for rights of way on federally assisted highways, and reestablishing any highway assets disturbed by installation;
(iii) the Department of the Interior and other Broadband Member Agencies with responsibility for federally owned highways and rights of way on tribal lands (as determined by the Co-Chairs) shall revise their procedures, requirements, and policies to include the use of dig once requirements and similar policies to encourage the deployment of broadband infrastructure in conjunction with Federal highway construction, as well as to provide for the reestablishment of any highway assets disturbed by installation;
(iv) the Department of Transportation, after outreach to relevant nonfederal stakeholders, shall review and, if necessary, revise its guidance to State departments of transportation on allowing for-profit or other entities to accommodate or construct, safely and securely maintain, and utilize broadband facilities on State and locally owned rights of way in order to reflect changes in broadband technologies and markets and to promote competitive broadband infrastructure deployment; and
(v) the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Working Group and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, shall create an online platform that States and counties may use to aggregate and make publicly available their rights of way laws and joint occupancy guidelines and agreements.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the term “dig once requirements” means requirements designed to reduce the number and scale of repeated excavations for the installation and maintenance of broadband facilities in rights of way.
(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(c) Independent agencies are strongly encouraged to comply with this order.
(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
[Reference to the National Security Staff deemed to be a reference to the National Security Council Staff, see Ex. Ord. No. 13657, set out as a note under section 3021 of Title 50, War and National Defense.]
Ex. Ord. No. 13821,
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to promote better access to broadband internet service in rural America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
It shall therefore be the policy of the executive branch to use all viable tools to accelerate the deployment and adoption of affordable, reliable, modern high-speed broadband connectivity in rural America, including rural homes, farms, small businesses, manufacturing and production sites, tribal communities, transportation systems, and healthcare and education facilities.
To implement this policy and enable sustainable rural broadband infrastructure projects, executive departments and agencies (agencies) should seek to reduce barriers to capital investment, remove obstacles to broadband services, and more efficiently employ Government resources.
Among other actions, the executive branch will continue its implementation of section 6409 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–96) [47 U.S.C. 1455] (“section 6409”), which requires, among other things, that the General Services Administration (GSA) develop a common form and master contract for wireless facility sitings on buildings and other property owned by the Federal Government. These documents enable the Federal Government to process wireless facility siting requests more efficiently and will also provide additional predictability regarding the availability of locations for asset installation to installers of wireless broadband facilities.
(b) As part of this evaluation, the Administrator shall determine whether any revisions to the GSA Common Form Application are appropriate and, to the extent consistent with law, shall begin implementation of any such revisions.
(c) In furtherance of section 6409, all applicants and Federal property managing agencies shall use the GSA Common Form Application for wireless service antenna structure siting developed by the Administrator for requests to locate broadband facilities on Federal property. Federal property managing agencies shall expeditiously review and approve such requests unless an approval would negatively affect performance of the agency’s mission or otherwise not be in the best interests of the United States.
(d) Within 180 days of the date of this order, and on a quarterly basis thereafter, all Federal property managing agencies shall report to the GSA regarding their required use of the Common Form Application, the number of Common Form Applications received, the percentage approved, the percentage rejected, the basis for any rejection, and the number of working days each application was pending before being approved or rejected. Each report shall include the number of applications received, approved, and rejected within the preceding quarter.
(e) Ninety days after the date of this order, and on a quarterly basis thereafter, the Administrator shall prepare and provide to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (Director) an aggregated summary report detailing results from the reports submitted under subsection (d) of this section. Not later than 1 year from the date of this order, the Administrator shall recommend to the Director improvements to the Common Form Application needed to further the purposes of this order.
(a) The term “Federal property managing agencies” means agencies that have custody and control of, or responsibility for managing, Federal lands, buildings, and rights of way, federally assisted highways, and tribal lands.
(b) The term “Federal real property” has the same meaning as that term has in Executive Order 13327 of
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
Memorandum of President of the United States,
Memorandum of President of the United States,
Memorandum of President of the United States,
Memorandum for the Secretary of the Interior
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
(b) Within 180 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary shall report to the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy recording DOI’s progress in identifying the assets that can be used to support rural broadband deployment and adoption.
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
The Commission and each State commission with regulatory jurisdiction over telecommunications services shall encourage the deployment on a reasonable and timely basis of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans (including, in particular, elementary and secondary schools and classrooms) by utilizing, in a manner consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity, price cap regulation, regulatory forbearance, measures that promote competition in the local telecommunications market, or other regulating methods that remove barriers to infrastructure investment.
The Commission shall, within 30 months after
The term “advanced telecommunications capability” is defined, without regard to any transmission media or technology, as high-speed, switched, broadband telecommunications capability that enables users to originate and receive high-quality voice, data, graphics, and video telecommunications using any technology.
The term “elementary and secondary schools” means elementary and secondary schools, as defined in section 7801 of title 20.
Subsection (d)(1), referred to in subsec. (c), was in the original “section 706(c)(1) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996” and was translated as reading “section 706(d)(1) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996”, which is classified to subsection (d)(1) of this section, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the redesignation of subsec. (c) as (d) by Pub. L. 110–385, title I, § 103(a)(2),
Section was formerly set out as a note under section 157 of this title.
Section was enacted as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and not as part of the Broadband Data Improvement Act which comprises this chapter.
2015—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 114–95 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 7801 of title 20.
2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–385, § 103(a)(1), substituted “annually” for “regularly”.
Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 110–385, § 103(a)(2), (3), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).
2002—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 107–110 substituted “section 7801 of title 20” for “paragraphs (14) and (25), respectively, of section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801)”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–95 effective
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–110 effective
For definitions of terms used in this section, see section 3(b) of Pub. L. 104–104, set out as a Common Terminology note under section 153 of this title.
As part of its report under section 163 of this title, the Federal Communications Commission shall include information comparing the extent of broadband service capability (including data transmission speeds and price for broadband service capability) in a total of 75 communities in at least 25 countries abroad for each of the data rate benchmarks for broadband service utilized by the Commission to reflect different speed tiers.
The Commission shall identify relevant similarities and differences in each community, including their market structures, the number of competitors, the number of facilities-based providers, the types of technologies deployed by such providers, the applications and services those technologies enable, the regulatory model under which broadband service capability is provided, the types of applications and services used, business and residential use of such services, and other media available to consumers.
The Commission shall make publicly available the results of surveys conducted under this subsection at least once per year.
The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission, shall expand the American Community Survey conducted by the Bureau of the Census to elicit information for residential households, including those located on native lands, to determine whether persons at such households own or use a computer at that address, whether persons at that address subscribe to Internet service and, if so, whether such persons subscribe to dial-up or broadband Internet service at that address.
Nothing in this chapter shall reduce or remove any obligation the Commission has to protect proprietary information, nor shall this chapter be construed to compel the Commission to make publicly available any proprietary information.
Section is comprised of section 103 of Pub. L. 110–385. Subsec. (a) of section 103 of Pub. L. 110–385 amended section 1302 of this title.
2018—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted “its report under section 163 of this title, the Federal Communications Commission” for “the assessment and report required by section 1302 of this title, the Federal Communications Commission”.
The Secretary of Commerce shall award grants, taking into account the results of the peer review process under subsection (d), to eligible entities for the development and implementation of statewide initiatives to identify and track the availability and adoption of broadband services within each State.
Any grant under subsection (b) shall be awarded on a competitive basis.
The Secretary shall by regulation require appropriate technical and scientific peer review of applications made for grants under this section.
For each State, an eligible entity may not receive a new grant under this section to fund the activities described in subsection (d) within such State if such organization obtained prior grant awards under this section to fund the same activities in that State in each of the previous 4 consecutive years.
Subject to paragraph (2), the Commission shall provide eligible entities access, in electronic form, to aggregate data collected by the Commission based on the Form 477 submissions of broadband service providers.
Notwithstanding any provision of Federal or State law to the contrary, an eligible entity shall treat any matter that is a trade secret, commercial or financial information, or privileged or confidential, as a record not subject to public disclosure except as otherwise mutually agreed to by the broadband service provider and the eligible entity. This paragraph applies only to information submitted by the Commission or a broadband provider to carry out the provisions of this chapter and shall not otherwise limit or affect the rules governing public disclosure of information collected by any Federal or State entity under any other Federal or State law or regulation.
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as giving any public or private entity established or affected by this chapter any regulatory jurisdiction or oversight authority over providers of broadband services or information technology.
The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information (Assistant Secretary), in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (Commission), shall establish a national broadband service development and expansion program in conjunction with the technology opportunities program, which shall be referred to as the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. The Assistant Secretary shall ensure that the program complements and enhances and does not conflict with other Federal broadband initiatives and programs.
Concurrent with the issuance of the Request for Proposal for grant applications pursuant to this section, the Assistant Secretary shall, in coordination with the Commission, publish the non-discrimination and network interconnection obligations that shall be contractual conditions of grants awarded under this section, including, at a minimum, adherence to the principles contained in the Commission’s broadband policy statement (FCC 05-15, adopted
The Assistant Secretary shall develop and maintain a comprehensive nationwide inventory map of existing broadband service capability and availability in the United States that depicts the geographic extent to which broadband service capability is deployed and available from a commercial provider or public provider throughout each State. Not later than 2 years after
The Assistant Secretary shall have the authority to prescribe such rules as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
The Broadband Data Improvement Act, referred to in subsec. (k)(3), is title I of Pub. L. 110–385,
Section was enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and not as part of the Broadband Data Improvement Act which comprises this chapter.
Pub. L. 116–260, div. N, title IX, § 905,
With respect to a Tribal College or University that is located on land held in trust by the United States, the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, may establish a different maximum distance for the purposes of subparagraph (A)(i) if the Assistant Secretary is able to ensure that, in establishing that different maximum distance, each anchor community that is established as a result of that action is statistically comparable to other anchor communities described in subparagraph (A).
The term “Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
The term “broadband internet access service” has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “connected device” means a laptop computer, tablet computer, or similar device that is capable of connecting to broadband internet access service.
The term “Director” means the Director of the Office.
The term “historically Black college or university” has the meaning given the term “part B institution” in section 1061 of title 20.
The term “minority business enterprise” has the meaning given the term in section 1400.2 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
The term “Office” means the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives established pursuant to subsection (b)(1).
The term “Pilot Program” means the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program established under the rules promulgated by the Assistant Secretary under subsection (c)(1).
The term “Tribal College or University” has the meaning given the term in section 1059c(b) of title 20.
The term “Wi-Fi” means a wireless networking protocol based on Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standard 802.11, or any successor standard.
Not later than 180 days after
The Office shall be headed by the Director of the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives, who shall be appointed by the Assistant Secretary.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Assistant Secretary submits a report under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall, to the extent feasible, make that report publicly available.
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the Connecting Minority Communities Fund.
Amounts in the Connecting Minority Communities Fund established under subparagraph (A) shall be available to the Assistant Secretary to provide support under the rules promulgated under paragraph (1).
When making grants under the Pilot Program, the Assistant Secretary shall coordinate with other Federal agencies, including the Commission, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Education, to ensure the efficient expenditure of Federal funds, including by preventing multiple expenditures of Federal funds for the same purpose.
For each of fiscal years 2021 and 2022, the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce shall conduct an audit of the Pilot Program according to the requirements established under paragraph (1)(B)(v).
After completing each audit conducted under subparagraph (A), the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that details the findings of the audit.
There is appropriated, out of amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year ending
Except with respect to the report required under paragraph (7) and the authority of the Secretary of Commerce and the Inspector General of the Department of Commerce described in paragraph (8), the Pilot Program, including all reporting requirements under this section, shall terminate on the date on which the amounts made available to carry out the Pilot Program are fully expended.
Section was enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and not as part of the Broadband Data Improvement Act which comprises this chapter.
This section may be cited as the “Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Business Resources, Opportunities, Access, and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand Act” or the “ACCESS BROADBAND Act”.
Not later than 180 days after
The Office shall track the construction and use of and access to any broadband infrastructure built using any Federal support in a central database.
The Office shall develop a streamlined accounting mechanism by which any agency offering a Federal broadband support program and the Commission for any Universal Service Fund Program shall provide the information described in subparagraph (A) in a standardized and efficient fashion.
The Assistant Secretary shall assign to the Office all activities performed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration as of
The Office shall consult with any agency offering a Federal broadband support program to streamline and standardize the applications process for financial assistance or grants for such program.
Any agency offering a Federal broadband support program shall amend the applications of the agency for broadband support, to the extent practicable and as necessary, to streamline and standardize applications for Federal broadband support programs across the Government.
To the greatest extent practicable, the Office shall seek to create one application that may be submitted to apply for all, or substantially all, Federal broadband support programs.
Not later than 180 days after
The Office and the Commission shall consult the broadband availability maps produced by the Commission when coordinating under paragraph (1).
The term “agency” has the meaning given that term in section 551 of title 5.
The term “Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “Office” means the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth established pursuant to subsection (b).
The term “Universal Service Fund Program” means any program authorized under section 254 of this title to help deploy broadband.
The term “universal service mechanism” means any funding stream provided by a Universal Service Fund Program to support broadband access.
Nothing in this section is intended to alter or amend any provision of section 254 of this title.
This section, referred to in subsecs. (d), (g), and (h), was in the original “this Act”, which was translated as meaning section 903 of Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title IX,
The Rural Electrification Act of 1936, referred to in subsec. (g)(4)(B), is act May 20, 1936, ch. 432, 49 Stat. 1363, which is classified generally to chapter 31 (§ 901 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. Title VI of the Act is classified generally to subchapter VI (§ 950bb et seq.) of chapter 31 of Title 7. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 901 of Title 7 and Tables.
The Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (g)(4)(B), is Pub. L. 101–624,
Section was enacted as part of the Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Business Resources, Opportunities, Access, and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand Act, also known as the ACCESS BROADBAND Act, and not as part of the Broadband Data Improvement Act which comprises this chapter.
This section may be cited as the “Broadband Interagency Coordination Act of 2020”.
This section, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), was in the original “this Act”, which was translated as meaning section 904 of Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title IX,
Section was enacted as part of the Broadband Interagency Coordination Act of 2020 and as part the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and not as part of the Broadband Data Improvement Act which comprises this chapter.
The term “700 MHz band” means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 698 megahertz to 806 megahertz.
The term “700 MHz D block spectrum” means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 758 megahertz to 763 megahertz and between the frequencies from 788 megahertz to 793 megahertz.
The term “Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
The term “Board” means the Board of the First Responder Network Authority established under section 1424(b) of this title.
The term “broadcast television spectrum” means the portions of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 54 megahertz to 72 megahertz, from 76 megahertz to 88 megahertz, from 174 megahertz to 216 megahertz, and from 470 megahertz to 698 megahertz.
The term “commercial mobile service” has the meaning given such term in section 332 of this title.
The term “commercial standards” means the technical standards followed by the commercial mobile service and commercial mobile data service industries for network, device, and Internet Protocol connectivity. Such term includes standards developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS), the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “core network” means the core network described in section 1422(b)(1) of this title.
The term “First Responder Network Authority” means the First Responder Network Authority established under section 1424 of this title.
The term “forward auction” means the portion of an incentive auction of broadcast television spectrum under section 1452(c) of this title.
The term “incentive auction” means a system of competitive bidding under subparagraph (G) of section 309(j)(8) of this title, as added by section 6402.
The term “Interoperability Board” means the Technical Advisory Board for First Responder Interoperability established under section 1423 of this title.
The term “multichannel video programming distributor” has the meaning given such term in section 522 of this title.
The term “narrowband spectrum” means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 769 megahertz to 775 megahertz and between the frequencies from 799 megahertz to 805 megahertz.
The term “nationwide public safety broadband network” means the nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network described in section 1422 of this title.
The term “NIST” means the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The term “NTIA” means the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
The term “public safety answering point” has the meaning given such term in section 222 of this title.
The term “public safety entity” means an entity that provides public safety services.
The term “Public Safety Trust Fund” means the trust fund established under section 1457(a)(1) of this title.
The term “radio access network” means the radio access network described in section 1422(b)(2) of this title.
The term “reverse auction” means the portion of an incentive auction of broadcast television spectrum under section 1452(a) of this title, in which a broadcast television licensee may submit bids stating the amount it would accept for voluntarily relinquishing some or all of its broadcast television spectrum usage rights.
The term “State” has the meaning given such term in section 153 of this title.
The term “ultra high frequency” means, with respect to a television channel, that the channel is located in the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 470 megahertz to 698 megahertz.
The term “very high frequency” means, with respect to a television channel, that the channel is located in the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 54 megahertz to 72 megahertz, from 76 megahertz to 88 megahertz, or from 174 megahertz to 216 megahertz.
Section 6402, referred to in par. (17), is section 6402 of Pub. L. 112–96, which amended section 309 of this title.
Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, § 6501,
Each range of frequencies described in this chapter shall be construed to be inclusive of the upper and lower frequencies in the range.
The Commission shall implement and enforce this chapter as if this chapter is a part of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.). A violation of this chapter, or a regulation promulgated under this chapter, shall be considered to be a violation of the Communications Act of 1934, or a regulation promulgated under such Act, respectively.
Subsection (a) does not apply in the case of a provision of this chapter that is expressly required to be carried out by an agency (as defined in section 551 of title 5) other than the Commission.
The Assistant Secretary may promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement and enforce any provision of this chapter that is expressly required to be carried out by the Assistant Secretary.
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (a), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to chapter 5 (§ 151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
No funds made available by subchapter II or III may be used to make payments under a contract to a person described in subsection (c).
A person described in this subsection is a person who has been, for reasons of national security, barred by any agency of the Federal Government from bidding on a contract, participating in an auction, or receiving a grant.
Section 6402, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is section 6402 of Pub. L. 112–96, which amended section 309 of this title.
The Commission shall reallocate the 700 MHz D block spectrum for use by public safety entities in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “this Act”, and was translated as reading “this title”, meaning title VI of Pub. L. 112–96,
Section is comprised of section 6101 of Pub. L. 112–96. Subsec. (b) of section 6101 of Pub. L. 112–96 amended section 337 of this title.
The Commission may allow the narrowband spectrum to be used in a flexible manner, including usage for public safety broadband communications, subject to such technical and interference protection measures as the Commission may require.
Section, Pub. L. 112–96, title VI, § 6103,
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and subject to the provisions of this chapter, the Commission shall reallocate and grant a license to the First Responder Network Authority for the use of the 700 MHz D block spectrum and existing public safety broadband spectrum.
The license granted under subsection (a) shall be for an initial term of 10 years from the date of the initial issuance of the license.
Prior to expiration of the term of the initial license granted under subsection (a) or the expiration of any subsequent renewal of such license, the First Responder Network Authority shall submit to the Commission an application for the renewal of such license. Such renewal application shall demonstrate that, during the preceding license term, the First Responder Network Authority has met the duties and obligations set forth under this chapter. A renewal license granted under this paragraph shall be for a term of not to exceed 10 years.
The Commission shall take all actions necessary to facilitate the transition of the existing public safety broadband spectrum to the First Responder Network Authority.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(2), was in the original “this Act”, and was translated as reading “this title”, meaning title VI of Pub. L. 112–96,
The First Responder Network Authority shall ensure the establishment of a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network.
There is established within the Commission an advisory board to be known as the “Technical Advisory Board for First Responder Interoperability”.
The Assistant Secretary shall appoint 1 non-voting member to the Interoperability Board.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), members of the Interoperability Board shall be appointed for the life of the Interoperability Board.
A member of the Interoperability Board may be removed for cause upon the determination of the Chairman of the Commission.
Any vacancy in the Interoperability Board shall not affect the powers of the Interoperability Board, and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
The Interoperability Board shall select a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among the members of the Interoperability Board.
A majority of the members of the Interoperability Board shall constitute a quorum.
In developing recommended minimum technical requirements under paragraph (1), the Interoperability Board shall base the recommended minimum technical requirements on the commercial standards for Long Term Evolution (LTE) service.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Interoperability Board submits recommended minimum technical requirements under paragraph (1)(B), the Commission shall approve the recommendations, with any revisions it deems necessary, and transmit such recommendations to the First Responder Network Authority.
Any actions taken under subparagraph (A) shall not be reviewable as a final agency action.
The members of the Interoperability Board shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Interoperability Board.
Chapter 10 of title 5 shall not apply to the Interoperability Board.
The Interoperability Board shall terminate 15 days after the date on which the Commission transmits the recommendations to the First Responder Network Authority under subsection (c)(3)(A).
2022—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted “chapter 10 of title 5” for “FACA” in heading and “Chapter 10 of title 5” for “The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)” in text.
There is established as an independent authority within the NTIA the “First Responder Network Authority” or “FirstNet”.
Knowledge and experience in the use of Federal, State, local, or tribal public safety or emergency response.
Technical expertise and fluency regarding broadband communications, including public safety communications.
Expertise in building, deploying, and operating commercial telecommunications networks.
Expertise in financing and funding telecommunications networks.
No individual other than a citizen of the United States may serve as a member of the Board.
Members of the Board shall be appointed not later than 180 days after
Each member of the Board described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of subsection (b)(1) shall serve as a member of the Board for the life of the First Responder Network Authority.
The term of office of each individual appointed to be a member of the Board under subsection (b)(1)(D) shall be 3 years. No member described in this clause may serve more than 2 consecutive full 3-year terms.
Any member whose term has expired may serve until such member’s successor has taken office, or until the end of the calendar year in which such member’s term has expired, whichever is earlier.
Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which that member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of the predecessor’s term.
A vacancy in the membership of the Board shall not affect the Board’s powers, and shall be filled in the same manner as the original member was appointed.
The Secretary of Commerce shall select, from among the members of the Board appointed under subsection (b)(1)(D), an individual to serve for a 2-year term as Chair of the Board.
An individual may not serve for more than 2 consecutive terms as Chair of the Board.
Meetings of the Board, including any committee of the Board, shall be open to the public. The Board may, by majority vote, close any such meeting only for the time necessary to preserve the confidentiality of commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential, to discuss personnel matters, or to discuss legal matters affecting the First Responder Network Authority, including pending or potential litigation.
Eight members of the Board shall constitute a quorum, including at least 6 of the members appointed under subsection (b)(1)(D).
The members of the Board appointed under subsection (b)(1)(D) shall be compensated at the daily rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule for each day during which such members are engaged in performing a function of the Board.
A member of the Board appointed under subparagraphs (A) through (C) of subsection (b)(1) shall serve without additional pay, and shall not otherwise benefit, directly or indirectly, as a result of their service to the First Responder Network Authority, but shall be allowed a per diem allowance for travel expenses, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the First Responder Network Authority.
Level IV of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsec. (g)(1), is set out under section 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
The First Responder Network Authority shall select parties to serve as its agents, consultants, or experts in a fair, transparent, and objective manner, and such agents may include a program manager to carry out certain of the duties and responsibilities of deploying and operating the nationwide public safety broadband network described in subsections (b) and (c) of section 1426 of this title.
If the selection of an agent, consultant, or expert satisfies the requirements under paragraph (1), the selection of that agent, consultant, or expert shall be final and binding.
In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this subsection, including issuing requests for proposals, the nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network, consistent with the license granted under section 1421 of this title, shall require deployment phases with substantial rural coverage milestones as part of each phase of the construction and deployment of the network. To the maximum extent economically desirable, such proposals shall include partnerships with existing commercial mobile providers to utilize cost-effective opportunities to speed deployment in rural areas.
The consultation required under subparagraph (A) shall occur between the First Responder Network Authority and the single officer or governmental body designated under section 1442(d) of this title.
The First Responder Network Authority shall ensure the maintenance, operation, and improvement of the nationwide public safety broadband network, including by ensuring that the First Responder Network Authority updates and revises any policies established under paragraph (1) to take into account new and evolving technologies.
The First Responder Network Authority shall negotiate and enter into, as it determines appropriate, roaming agreements with commercial network providers to allow the nationwide public safety broadband network to roam onto commercial networks and gain prioritization of public safety communications over such networks in times of an emergency.
The Director of NIST, in consultation with the First Responder Network Authority and the Commission, shall ensure the development of a list of certified devices and components meeting appropriate protocols and standards for public safety entities and commercial vendors to adhere to, if such entities or vendors seek to have access to, use of, or compatibility with the nationwide public safety broadband network.
The First Responder Network Authority, in consultation with the Director of NIST, the Commission, and the public safety advisory committee established under section 1425(a) of this title, shall represent the interests of public safety users of the nationwide public safety broadband network before any proceeding, negotiation, or other matter in which a standards organization, standards body, standards development organization, or any other recognized standards-setting entity addresses the development of standards relating to interoperability.
The First Responder Network Authority shall not have the authority to negotiate or enter into any agreements with a foreign government on behalf of the United States.
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the “Network Construction Fund”.
The authority of the First Responder Network Authority shall terminate on the date that is 15 years after
Not later than 10 years after
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A), was in the original “this Act”, and was translated as reading “this title”, meaning title VI of Pub. L. 112–96,
Prior to the deposit of proceeds into the Public Safety Trust Fund from the incentive auctions to be carried out under section 309(j)(8)(G) of this title or the auction of spectrum pursuant to section 1451 of this title, the NTIA may borrow from the Treasury such sums as may be necessary, but not to exceed $2,000,000,000, to implement this subchapter. The NTIA shall reimburse the Treasury, without interest, from funds deposited into the Public Safety Trust Fund.
Administrative expenses of the First Responder Network Authority may not exceed $100,000,000 during the 10-year period beginning on
For purposes of this subsection, the term “administrative expenses” does not include the costs incurred by the First Responder Network Authority for oversight and audits to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse.
Section 1451, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original “section 6401” and means section 6401 of Pub. L. 112–96, which enacted section 1451 of this title and amended section 309 of this title.
A user or subscription fee from each entity, including any public safety entity or secondary user, that seeks access to or use of the nationwide public safety broadband network.
A fee from any entity that seeks to enter into a covered leasing agreement.
A fee from any entity that seeks access to or use of any equipment or infrastructure, including antennas or towers, constructed or otherwise owned by the First Responder Network Authority resulting from a public-private arrangement to construct, manage, and operate the nationwide public safety broadband network.
The total amount of the fees assessed for each fiscal year pursuant to this section shall be sufficient, and shall not exceed the amount necessary, to recoup the total expenses of the First Responder Network Authority in carrying out its duties and responsibilities described under this subchapter for the fiscal year involved.
The NTIA shall review the fees assessed under this section on an annual basis, and such fees may only be assessed if approved by the NTIA.
The First Responder Network Authority shall reinvest amounts received from the assessment of fees under this section in the nationwide public safety interoperable broadband network by using such funds only for constructing, maintaining, operating, or improving the network.
The Secretary of Commerce shall enter into a contract with an independent auditor to conduct an audit, on an annual basis, of the First Responder Network Authority in accordance with general accounting principles and procedures applicable to commercial corporate transactions. Each audit conducted under this paragraph shall be made available to the appropriate committees of Congress.
Any audit conducted under paragraph (1) shall be conducted at the place or places where accounts of the First Responder Network Authority are normally kept.
All books, accounts, records, reports, files, papers, and property of the First Responder Network Authority shall remain in the possession and custody of the First Responder Network Authority.
Not later than 1 year after
Section 1429 of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), was in the original a reference to section 6210 of Pub. L. 112–96, this section, and was translated as if it had been a reference to section 6209 of Pub. L. 112–96, which is classified to section 1429 of this title, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Section 6210 does not relate to audits.
The First Responder Network Authority shall not offer, provide, or market commercial telecommunications or information services directly to consumers.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the First Responder Network Authority and a secondary user from entering into a covered leasing agreement pursuant to section 1428(a)(2)(B) of this title. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the First Responder Network Authority from collecting lease fees related to network equipment and infrastructure pursuant to section 1428(a)(3) of this title.
The Commission may provide technical assistance to the First Responder Network Authority and may take any action necessary to assist the First Responder Network Authority in effectuating its duties and responsibilities under this subchapter.
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the State and Local Implementation Fund.
Any amounts borrowed under subsection (c)(1) and any amounts in the State and Local Implementation Fund that are not necessary to reimburse the general fund of the Treasury for such borrowed amounts shall be available to the Assistant Secretary to implement section 1442 of this title.
Prior to the end of fiscal year 2022, the Assistant Secretary may borrow from the general fund of the Treasury such sums as may be necessary, but not to exceed $135,000,000, to implement section 1442 of this title.
The Assistant Secretary shall reimburse the general fund of the Treasury, without interest, for any amounts borrowed under paragraph (1) as funds are deposited into the State and Local Implementation Fund.
If there is a balance remaining in the State and Local Implementation Fund on
The Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the First Responder Network Authority, shall take such action as is necessary to establish a grant program to make grants to States to assist State, regional, tribal, and local jurisdictions to identify, plan, and implement the most efficient and effective way for such jurisdictions to utilize and integrate the infrastructure, equipment, and other architecture associated with the nationwide public safety broadband network to satisfy the wireless communications and data services needs of that jurisdiction, including with regards to coverage, siting, and other needs.
The Federal share of the cost of any activity carried out using a grant under this section may not exceed 80 percent of the eligible costs of carrying out that activity, as determined by the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the First Responder Network Authority.
The Assistant Secretary may waive, in whole or in part, the requirements of paragraph (1) for good cause shown if the Assistant Secretary determines that such a waiver is in the public interest.
In carrying out the grant program established under this section, the Assistant Secretary shall require each State to certify in its application for grant funds that the State has designated a single officer or governmental body to serve as the coordinator of implementation of the grant funds.
Upon making a decision to opt-out under paragraph (2)(B), the Governor shall notify the First Responder Network Authority, the NTIA, and the Commission of such decision.
Not later than 180 days after the date on which a Governor provides notice under subparagraph (A), the Governor shall develop and complete requests for proposals for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the radio access network within the State.
Upon submission of a State plan under clause (i), the Commission shall either approve or disapprove the plan.
If the Commission disapproves a plan under this subparagraph, the construction, maintenance, operation, and improvements of the network within the State shall proceed in accordance with the plan proposed by the First Responder Network Authority.
If a State chooses to build its own radio access network, the State shall pay any user fees associated with State use of elements of the core network.
A State that chooses to build its own radio access network shall not provide commercial service to consumers or offer wholesale leasing capacity of the network within the State except directly through public-private partnerships for construction, maintenance, operation, and improvement of the network within the State.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the State and a secondary user from entering into a covered leasing agreement. Any revenue gained by the State from such a leasing agreement shall be used only for constructing, maintaining, operating, or improving the radio access network of the State.
The United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review a decision of the Commission made under subsection (e)(3)(C)(iv).
From amounts made available from the Public Safety Trust Fund, the Director of NIST, in consultation with the Commission, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the National Institute of Justice of the Department of Justice, as appropriate, shall conduct research and assist with the development of standards, technologies, and applications to advance wireless public safety communications.
The electromagnetic spectrum described in this paragraph is the 15 megahertz of spectrum between 1675 megahertz and 1710 megahertz identified under paragraph (3).
Not later than 1 year after
Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to relieve the Commission from the requirements of section 309(j)(16)(B) of this title.
Section is comprised of section 6401 of Pub. L. 112–96. Subsec. (c) of section 6401 of Pub. L. 112–96 amended section 309 of this title.
The Commission shall conduct a reverse auction to determine the amount of compensation that each broadcast television licensee would accept in return for voluntarily relinquishing some or all of its broadcast television spectrum usage rights in order to make spectrum available for assignment through a system of competitive bidding under subparagraph (G) of section 309(j)(8) of this title.
The Commission shall take all reasonable steps necessary to protect the confidentiality of Commission-held data of a licensee participating in the reverse auction under paragraph (1), including withholding the identity of such licensee until the reassignments and reallocations (if any) under subsection (b)(1)(B) become effective, as described in subsection (f)(2).
A broadcast television station that voluntarily relinquishes spectrum usage rights under this subsection in order to share a television channel and that possessed carriage rights under section 338, 534, or 535 of this title on
In making any reassignments or reallocations under paragraph (1)(B), the Commission shall make all reasonable efforts to preserve, as of
In lieu of reimbursement for relocation costs under subparagraph (A), a broadcast television licensee may accept, and the Commission may grant as it considers appropriate, a waiver of the service rules of the Commission to permit the licensee, subject to interference protections, to make flexible use of the spectrum assigned to the licensee to provide services other than broadcast television services. Such waiver shall only remain in effect while the licensee provides at least 1 broadcast television program stream on such spectrum at no charge to the public.
The Commission may not make reimbursements under subparagraph (A) for lost revenues.
The Commission shall make all reimbursements required by subparagraph (A) not later than the date that is 3 years after the completion of the forward auction under subsection (c)(1).
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to alter the spectrum usage rights of low-power television stations.
If the amount of the proceeds from the forward auction under paragraph (1) is not greater than the sum described in subparagraph (B), no licenses shall be assigned through such forward auction, no reassignments or reallocations under subsection (b)(1)(B) shall become effective, and the Commission may not revoke any spectrum usage rights by reason of a bid that the Commission accepts in the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1).
The amount of the proceeds from the forward auction under paragraph (1) that the salaries and expenses account of the Commission is required to retain under section 309(j)(8)(B) of this title shall be sufficient to cover the costs incurred by the Commission in conducting the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1), conducting the evaluation of the broadcast television spectrum under subparagraph (A) of subsection (b)(1), and making any reassignments or reallocations under subparagraph (B) of such subsection, in addition to the costs incurred by the Commission in conducting such forward auction.
In conducting the forward auction under paragraph (1), the Commission shall consider assigning licenses that cover geographic areas of a variety of different sizes.
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund.
Any amounts borrowed under paragraph (3)(A) and any amounts in the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund that are not necessary for reimbursement of the general fund of the Treasury for such borrowed amounts shall be available to the Commission to make the payments required by subsection (b)(4)(A).
Beginning on the date when any reassignments or reallocations under subsection (b)(1)(B) become effective, as provided in subsection (f)(2), and ending when $1,000,000,000 has been deposited in the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund, the Commission may borrow from the Treasury of the United States an amount not to exceed $1,000,000,000 to use toward the payments required by subsection (b)(4)(A).
The Commission shall reimburse the general fund of the Treasury, without interest, for any amounts borrowed under subparagraph (A) as funds are deposited into the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund.
The Commission may not complete more than one reverse auction under subsection (a)(1) or more than one reorganization of the broadcast television spectrum under subsection (b).
The Commission may conduct the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1), any reassignments or reallocations under subsection (b)(1)(B), and the forward auction under subsection (c)(1) on a contemporaneous basis.
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), no reassignments or reallocations under subsection (b)(1)(B) shall become effective until the completion of the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1) and the forward auction under subsection (c)(1), and, to the extent practicable, all such reassignments and reallocations shall become effective simultaneously.
The Commission may not conduct the reverse auction under subsection (a)(1) or the forward auction under subsection (c)(1) after the end of fiscal year 2022.
Section 309(j)(15)(A) of this title shall not apply in the case of an auction conducted under this section.
The right of a licensee to protest a proposed order of modification of its license under section 316 of this title shall not apply in the case of a modification made under this section.
The certification described in this subparagraph is a certification from the Commission to the Secretary of the Treasury that the funds available prior to
Notwithstanding subsection (b)(4)(D), the Commission may make payments pursuant to subsection (b)(4)(A)(i) or (b)(4)(A)(ii) from amounts made available to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund by paragraph (1) after
Amounts made available to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund by paragraph (1) shall not be available to the Commission to make payments required by subsection (k) after
Amounts made available to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund by paragraph (1) shall not be available to the Commission to make payments required by subsection (l) after
If any unobligated amounts made available to the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund by paragraph (1) remain in the Fund after the date described in subparagraph (B), such amounts shall be rescinded and deposited into the general fund of the Treasury, where such amounts shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.
If all reimbursements pursuant to subsections (b)(4)(A)(i) and (b)(4)(A)(ii) and all reimbursements pursuant to subsections (k) and (l) have been made before
The amount of auction proceeds that the salaries and expenses account of the Commission is required to retain under section 309(j)(8)(B) of this title, including from the proceeds of the forward auction under this section, shall be sufficient to cover the administrative costs incurred by the Commission in making any reimbursements out of the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund from amounts made available to that Fund by paragraph (1).
From amounts made available under subsection (j)(2), the Commission shall reimburse costs reasonably incurred by a television translator station or low power television station on or after
The Commission may not make reimbursements under paragraph (1) for lost revenues.
The Commission may not make reimbursement under paragraph (1) for costs incurred to resolve mutually exclusive applications, including costs incurred in any auction of available channels.
The term “low power television station” means a low power TV station (as defined in section 74.701 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations) that was licensed and transmitting for at least 9 of the 12 months prior to
The term “television translator station” means a television broadcast translator station (as defined in section 74.701 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations) that was licensed and transmitting for at least 9 of the 12 months prior to
From amounts made available under subsection (j)(2), the Commission shall reimburse costs reasonably incurred by an FM broadcast station for facilities necessary for such station to reasonably minimize disruption of service as a result of the reorganization of broadcast television spectrum under subsection (b).
The Commission may not make reimbursements under subparagraph (A) for lost revenues.
If an FM broadcast station has received a payment for interim facilities from the licensee of a television broadcast station that was reimbursed for such payment under subsection (b)(4)(A)(i) (including from amounts made available under subsection (j)(2)(A)(i)), or from any other source, such FM broadcast station may not receive any reimbursements under subparagraph (A).
In this subsection, the term ‘FM broadcast station’ has the meaning given such term in section 73.310 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, and includes an FM translator, which has the meaning given the term “FM translator” in section 74.1201 of such title.
Not later than 1 year after
The rulemaking completed under paragraph (1) shall include the development of lists of reasonable eligible costs to be reimbursed by the Commission pursuant to subsections (k) and (l), and procedures for the submission and review of cost estimates and other materials related to those costs consistent with the regulations developed by the Commission pursuant to subsection (b)(4).
2018—Subsecs. (j) to (n). Pub. L. 115–141 added subsecs. (j) to (n).
Subject to paragraph (2), not later than 1 year after
The Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Department of Defense and other impacted agencies, shall conduct a study evaluating known and proposed spectrum-sharing technologies and the risk to Federal users if unlicensed U–NII devices were allowed to operate in the 5350–5470 MHz band and in the 5850–5925 MHz band.
The term “5350–5470 MHz band” means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 5350 megahertz to 5470 megahertz.
The term “5850–5925 MHz band” means the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 5850 megahertz to 5925 megahertz.
Nothing in subparagraph (G) of section 309(j)(8) of this title or in section 1452 of this title shall be construed to prevent the Commission from using relinquished or other spectrum to implement band plans with guard bands.
Such guard bands shall be no larger than is technically reasonable to prevent harmful interference between licensed services outside the guard bands.
The Commission may permit the use of such guard bands for unlicensed use.
Unlicensed use shall rely on a database or subsequent methodology as determined by the Commission.
The Commission may not permit any use of a guard band that the Commission determines would cause harmful interference to licensed services.
Notwithstanding section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–104) or any other provision of law, a State or local government may not deny, and shall approve, any eligible facilities request for a modification of an existing wireless tower or base station that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such tower or base station.
Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to relieve the Commission from the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act 1
If an executive agency, a State, a political subdivision or agency of a State, or a person, firm, or organization applies for the grant of an easement, right-of-way, or lease to, in, over, or on a building or other property owned by the Federal Government for the right to install, construct, modify, or maintain a communications facility installation, the executive agency having control of the building or other property may grant to the applicant, on behalf of the Federal Government, subject to paragraph (3), an easement, right-of-way, or lease to perform such installation, construction, modification, or maintenance.
The Administrator of General Services shall develop a common form for applications for easements, rights-of-way, and leases under paragraph (1) for all executive agencies that, except as provided in subparagraph (B), shall be used by all executive agencies and applicants with respect to the buildings or other property of each such agency.
The requirement under subparagraph (A) for an executive agency to use the common form developed by the Administrator of General Services shall not apply to an executive agency if the head of an executive agency notifies the Administrator that the executive agency uses a substantially similar application.
If an executive agency denies an application under subparagraph (A), the executive agency shall notify the applicant in writing, including a clear statement of the reasons for the denial.
Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to relieve an executive agency of the requirements of division A of subtitle III of title 54 or the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
Upon receiving an application under subparagraph (A), an executive agency shall designate one or more appropriate individuals within the executive agency to act as a point of contact with the applicant.
The master contract or contracts developed by the Administrator of General Services under paragraph (1) shall apply to all publicly accessible buildings and other property owned by the Federal Government, unless the Administrator of General Services decides that issues with respect to the siting of a communications facility installation on a specific building or other property warrant nonstandard treatment of such building or other property.
The Administrator of General Services shall develop a common form or set of forms for communications facility installation siting applications that, except as provided in subparagraph (B), shall be used by all executive agencies and applicants with respect to the buildings and other property of each such agency.
The requirement under subparagraph (A) for an executive agency to use the common form or set of forms developed by the Administrator of General Services shall not apply to an executive agency if the head of the executive agency notifies the Administrator that the executive agency uses a substantially similar application.
The term “executive agency” has the meaning given such term in section 102 of title 40.
Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (c)(1), is section 704 of Pub. L. 104–104, title VII,
The National Historic Preservation Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), is Pub. L. 89–665,
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsecs. (a)(3) and (b)(3)(C), is Pub. L. 91–190,
2018—Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 115–141 added subsecs. (b) to (d) and struck out former subsecs. (b) to (d) which related to Federal easements and rights-of-way, master contracts for wireless facility sitings, and definition of executive agency, respectively.
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title VI, § 606(b),
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title VI, § 606(d),
Not later than 6 months after
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Public Safety Trust Fund.
Amounts deposited in the Public Safety Trust Fund shall remain available through fiscal year 2022. Any amounts remaining in the Fund after the end of such fiscal year shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, where such amounts shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.
An amount not to exceed $2,000,000,000 shall be available to the NTIA to reimburse the general fund of the Treasury for any amounts borrowed under section 1427 of this title.
$135,000,000 shall be deposited in the State and Local Implementation Fund established by section 1441 of this title.
$7,000,000,000, reduced by the amount borrowed under section 1427 of this title, shall be deposited in the Network Construction Fund established by section 1426 of this title.
$100,000,000 shall be available to the Director of NIST to carry out section 1443 of this title.
$20,400,000,000 shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, where such amount shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.
$115,000,000 shall be available to the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to carry out the grant program under section 942 of this title.
$200,000,000 shall be available to the Director of NIST to carry out section 1443 of this title.
Any remaining amounts deposited in the Public Safety Trust Fund shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, where such amounts shall be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction.
Amounts in the Public Safety Trust Fund shall be invested in accordance with section 9702 of title 31, and any interest on, and proceeds from, any such investment shall be credited to, and become a part of, the Fund.
The terms “9–1–1 services” and “E9–1–1 services” shall have the meaning given those terms in section 942 of this title.
The term “multi-line telephone system” or “MLTS” means a system comprised of common control units, telephone sets, control hardware and software and adjunct systems, including network and premises based systems, such as Centrex and VoIP, as well as PBX, Hybrid, and Key Telephone Systems (as classified by the Commission under part 68 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations), and includes systems owned or leased by governmental agencies and non-profit entities, as well as for profit businesses.
The term “Office” means the 9–1–1 Implementation Coordination Office established under section 942 of this title.
The scope and extent of the immunity and protection from liability afforded under subsection (a) shall be the same as that provided under section 615a of this title to wireless carriers, public safety answering points, and users of wireless 9–1–1 service (as defined in paragraphs (4), (3), and (6), respectively, of section 615b of this title 1
Section 615b of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original a reference to section 6 of the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999, Pub. L. 106–81, and was translated as if it had been a reference to section 7 of Pub. L. 106–81, which is classified to section 615b of this title, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the renumbering of section 6 of Pub. L. 106–81 as section 7 by Pub. L. 110–283, title I, § 101(1),
Not later than 90 days after
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “Federal entity” has the meaning given the term in section 923(l) of this title.
The term “NTIA” means the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce.
The term “OMB” means the Office of Management and Budget.
The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Commerce.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this title”, meaning title VI of div. P of Pub. L. 115–141,
Pub. L. 115–141, div. P, title VI, § 601,
Not later than
Spectrum identified pursuant to this section may include eligible spectrum, if any, identified after
Any spectrum that has been made available for licensed or unlicensed use on and after
This section shall be carried out in accordance with section 923(j) of this title.
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, referred to in subsec. (a)(4), is Pub. L. 114–74,
Section 156 of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act, as added by section 1062(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is section 156 of title I of Pub. L. 102–538, as added by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, § 1062(a),
Not later than 2 years after
Any spectrum that has been made available for licensed or unlicensed use on or after
The term “appropriate State agency” means a State governmental agency that is recognized by the executive branch of the State as having the experience necessary to evaluate and carry out projects relating to the proper and effective installation and operation of broadband infrastructure.
The term “broadband infrastructure” means any buried, underground, or aerial facility, and any wireless or wireline connection, that enables users to send and receive voice, video, data, graphics, or any combination thereof.
If a State chooses to provide for the installation of broadband infrastructure in the right-of-way of an applicable Federal-aid highway project under this subsection, the State department of transportation shall carry out any appropriate measures to ensure that any existing broadband infrastructure entities are not disadvantaged, as compared to other broadband infrastructure entities, with respect to the program under this subsection.
This section applies only to activities for which Federal obligations or expenditures are initially approved on or after the date regulations under subsection (b) become effective. Nothing in this section establishes a mandate or requirement that a State install or allow the installation of broadband infrastructure in a highway right-of-way. Nothing in this section authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to withhold or reserve funds or approval of a project under title 23.
After public notice and comment, and in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and the head of each affected Federal agency (or a designee thereof), with respect to frequencies allocated for Federal use, the Commission shall adopt rules that permit unlicensed services where feasible to use any frequencies that are designated as guard bands to protect frequencies allocated after
The Commission may not permit any use of a guard band under this section that would cause harmful interference to a licensed service or a Federal service.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the Commission or the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information from otherwise making spectrum available for licensed or unlicensed use in any frequency band in addition to guard bands, including under section 1502 of this title, consistent with their statutory jurisdictions.
If a party fails to meet any build out requirements set by the Commission for any spectrum sold or leased under this section, the right to the spectrum shall be forfeited to the Commission unless the Commission finds that there is good cause for the failure of the party.
The Commission may offer a licensee incentives or reduced performance requirements under this section only if the Commission finds that doing so would likely result in increased availability of advanced telecommunications services in a rural area.
Nothing in this section confers any additional rights on unlicensed users or users licensed by rule under part 96 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, to protection from harmful interference.
The term “Spectrum Relocation Fund” means the Fund established under section 928 of this title.
Not later than 18 months after
Not later than 18 months after
Not later than the date on which the Commission submits the report under paragraph (1), the Commission shall make the report publicly available on the website of the Commission.
Nothing in this section confers any additional rights on unlicensed users or users licensed by rule under part 96 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, to protection from harmful interference.
This section may be cited as the “Spectrum Challenge Prize Act”.
In this section, the term “prize competition” means a prize competition conducted by the Secretary under subsection (c)(1).
Not later than 180 days after the date on which funds for prize competitions are made available pursuant to this section, the Commission shall publish a technical paper on spectrum efficiency providing criteria that may be used for the design of the prize competitions.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
This section may be cited as the “Wireless Telecommunications Tax and Fee Collection Fairness Act”.
The term “financial transaction” means a transaction in which the purchaser or user of a wireless telecommunications service upon whom a tax, fee, or surcharge is imposed gives cash, credit, or any other exchange of monetary value or consideration to the person who is required to collect or remit the tax, fee, or surcharge.
The term “local jurisdiction” means a political subdivision of a State.
The term “State” means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, and any territory or possession of the United States.
The term “State or local jurisdiction” includes any governmental entity or person acting on behalf of a State or local jurisdiction that has the authority to assess, impose, levy, or collect taxes or fees.
The term “wireless telecommunications service” means a commercial mobile radio service, as defined in section 20.3 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto.
A State, or a local jurisdiction of a State, may not require a person who is neither a resident of such State or local jurisdiction nor an entity having its principal place of business in such State or local jurisdiction to collect from, or remit on behalf of, any other person a State or local tax, fee, or surcharge imposed on a purchaser or user with respect to the purchase or use of any wireless telecommunications service within the State unless the collection or remittance is in connection with a financial transaction.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect the right of a State or local jurisdiction to require the collection of any tax, fee, or surcharge in connection with a financial transaction.
Any person aggrieved by a violation of subsection (c) may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court of the United States for equitable relief in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection.
Notwithstanding section 1341 of title 28, or the constitution or laws of any State, the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in controversy or citizenship of the parties, to grant such mandatory or prohibitive injunctive relief, interim equitable relief, and declaratory judgments as may be necessary to prevent, restrain, or terminate any acts in violation of subsection (c).
Each range of frequencies described in this chapter shall be construed to be inclusive of the upper and lower frequencies in the range.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect any requirement under section 156 of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 921 note), as added by section 1062(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000.
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this title”, meaning title VI of div. P of Pub. L. 115–141,
Section 156 of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act, as added by section 1062(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, referred to in subsec. (b), is section 156 of title I of Pub. L. 102–538, as added by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, § 1062(a),
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit, restrict, or circumvent in any way the implementation of the nationwide public safety broadband network defined in section 6001 of title VI of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 1401) or any rules implementing that network under title VI of that Act (47 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.).
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this title”, meaning title VI of div. P of Pub. L. 115–141,
The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 112–96,
No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter, or the amendments made by this title.1
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this title”, meaning title VI of div. P of Pub. L. 115–141,
This title, referred to in text, means title VI of div. P of Pub. L. 115–141. See note above.
Not later than 1 year after
The Commission shall periodically update the list published under subsection (a) to address changes in the determinations described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (c).
The Commission shall monitor the making or reversing of the determinations described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (c) in order to place additional communications equipment or services on the list published under subsection (a) or to remove communications equipment or services from such list. If a determination described in any such paragraph that provided the basis for a determination by the Commission under subsection (b)(1) with respect to any communications equipment or service is reversed, the Commission shall remove such equipment or service from such list, except that the Commission may not remove such equipment or service from such list if any other determination described in any such paragraph provides a basis for inclusion on such list by the Commission under subsection (b)(1) with respect to such equipment or service.
For each 12-month period during which the list published under subsection (a) is not updated, the Commission shall notify the public that no updates were necessary during such period to protect national security or to address changes in the determinations described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (c).
Executive Order No. 13873, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), is Ex. Ord. No. 13873,
Section 889(f)(3) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, referred to in subsec. (c)(3), is section 889(f)(3) of Pub. L. 115–232, which is set out in a note preceding section 3901 of Title 41, Public Contracts.
Pub. L. 116–124, § 1,
Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title XVII, § 1709,
Pub. L. 117–55, “This Act may be cited as the ‘Secure Equipment Act of 2021’.
Paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to any covered communications equipment or service beginning on the date that is 60 days after the date on which the Commission places such equipment or service on the list required by section 1601(a) of this title. In the case of any covered communications equipment or service that is on the initial list published under such section, such equipment or service shall be treated as being placed on the list on the date on which such list is published.
Not later than 180 days after
The Commission shall establish a reimbursement program, to be known as the “Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program”, to make reimbursements to providers of advanced communications service to replace covered communications equipment or services.
The Commission shall develop a list of suggested replacements of both physical and virtual communications equipment, application and management software, and services or categories of replacements of both physical and virtual communications equipment, application and management software and services.
The list developed under subparagraph (A) shall be technology neutral and may not advantage the use of reimbursement funds for capital expenditures over operational expenditures, to the extent that the Commission determines that communications services can serve as an adequate substitute for the installation of communications equipment.
The Commission shall develop an application process and related forms and materials for the Program.
The Commission shall require an applicant to provide an initial reimbursement cost estimate at the time of application, with supporting materials substantiating the costs.
In developing the application process under this paragraph, the Commission shall take reasonable steps to mitigate the administrative burdens and costs associated with the application process, while taking into account the need to avoid waste, fraud, and abuse in the Program.
Except as provided in clause (ii) and subparagraph (B), the Commission shall approve or deny an application for a reimbursement under the Program not later than 90 days after the date of the submission of the application.
If the Commission determines that, because an excessive number of applications have been filed at one time, the Commission needs additional time for employees of the Commission to process the applications, the Commission may extend the deadline described in clause (i) for not more than 45 days.
If the Commission determines that an application is materially deficient (including by lacking an adequate cost estimate or adequate supporting materials), the Commission shall provide the applicant a 15-day period to cure the defect before denying the application. If such period would extend beyond the deadline under subparagraph (A) for approving or denying the application, such deadline shall be extended through the end of such period.
Denial of an application for a reimbursement under the Program shall not preclude the applicant from resubmitting the application or submitting a new application for a reimbursement under the Program at a later date.
Subject to subparagraph (C), the Commission shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that reimbursement funds are distributed equitably among all applicants for reimbursements under the Program according to the needs of the applicants, as identified by the applications of the applicants.
Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), the permanent removal, replacement, and disposal of any covered communications equipment or services identified under paragraph (4)(A)(i) shall be completed not later than 1 year after the date on which the Commission distributes reimbursement funds to the recipient.
A recipient of a reimbursement under the Program may petition the Commission for an extension for such recipient of the deadline described in subparagraph (A) or, if the Commission has granted an extension of such deadline under subparagraph (B), such deadline as so extended.
The Commission may grant a petition filed under clause (i) by extending, for the recipient that filed the petition, the deadline described in subparagraph (A) or, if the Commission has granted an extension of such deadline under subparagraph (B), such deadline as so extended, for a period of not more than 6 months if the Commission finds that, due to no fault of such recipient, such recipient is unable to complete the permanent removal, replacement, and disposal described in subparagraph (A).
The Commission shall include in the regulations promulgated under subsection (g) requirements for the disposal by a recipient of a reimbursement under the Program of covered communications equipment or services identified under paragraph (4)(A)(i) and removed from the network of the recipient in order to prevent such equipment or services from being used in the networks of providers of advanced communications service.
Not less frequently than once every 90 days beginning on the date on which the Commission approves an application for a reimbursement under the Program, the recipient of the reimbursement shall submit to the Commission a status update on the work of the recipient to permanently remove, replace, and dispose of the covered communications equipment or services identified under paragraph (4)(A)(i).
Not earlier than 30 days after the date on which the Commission receives a status update under subparagraph (A), the Commission shall make such status update public on the website of the Commission.
The Commission shall take all necessary steps to avoid waste, fraud, and abuse with respect to the Program.
The Commission shall require recipients of reimbursements under the Program to submit to the Commission on a regular basis reports regarding how reimbursement funds have been spent, including detailed accounting of the covered communications equipment or services permanently removed and disposed of, and the replacement equipment or services purchased, rented, leased, or otherwise obtained, using reimbursement funds.
If, at the time when a recipient of a reimbursement under the Program submits a certification under subparagraph (A), the recipient has not fully complied as described in clause (i), (ii), or (iv) of such subparagraph or has not completed the permanent removal, replacement, and disposal described in clause (iii) of such subparagraph, the Commission shall require the recipient to file an updated certification when the recipient has fully complied as described in such clause (i), (ii), or (iv) or completed such permanent removal, replacement, and disposal.
In the case of an assurance relating to the removal, replacement, or disposal of any equipment or service with respect to which the recipient returns to the Commission reimbursement funds under paragraph (1)(A), such assurance may be satisfied by making an assurance that such funds have been returned.
Not later than 90 days after
The Commission shall complete the rulemaking under paragraph (1) not later than 1 year after
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Commission from making a reimbursement under the Program to a provider of advanced communications service before the provider incurs the cost of the permanent removal, replacement, and disposal of the covered communications equipment or service for which the application of the provider has been approved under this section.
The Program shall be separate from any Federal universal service program established under section 254 of this title.
In carrying out this section, the Commission may not expend more than $4,980,000,000.
2024—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 118–159 substituted “$4,980,000,000” for “$1,900,000,000”.
2020—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 116–260, § 901(1)(A), substituted “10,000,000” for “2,000,000”.
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 116–260, § 901(1)(B)(i)(I), struck out “before” after “otherwise obtained” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i). Pub. L. 116–260, § 901(1)(B)(i)(II), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (i) read as follows: “in the case of any covered communications equipment or services that are on the initial list published under section 1601(a) of this title,
Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 116–260, § 901(1)(B)(i)(III), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: “in the case of any covered communications equipment or services that are not on the initial list published under section 1601(a) of this title, the date that is 60 days after the date on which the Commission places such equipment or services on the list required by such section;”.
Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(i), (ii). Pub. L. 116–260, § 901(1)(B)(ii), amended cls. (i) and (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cls. (i) and (ii) read as follows:
“(i) in the case of any covered communications equipment or service that is on the initial list published under section 1601(a) of this title,
“(ii) in the case of any covered communications equipment or service that is not on the initial list published under section 1601(a) of this title, the date that is 60 days after the date on which the Commission places such equipment or service on the list required by such section; or”.
Subsec. (d)(5)(A). Pub. L. 116–260, § 901(1)(C)(i), substituted “Subject to subparagraph (C), the Commission” for “The Commission”.
Subsec. (d)(5)(C). Pub. L. 116–260, § 901(1)(C)(ii), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 116–260, § 901(1)(D), added subsec. (k).
If a provider of advanced communications service certifies to the Commission that such provider does not have any covered communications equipment or service in the network of such provider, such provider is not required to submit a report under subsection (a) after making such certification, unless such provider later purchases, rents, leases, or otherwise obtains any covered communications equipment or service.
The Commission shall implement this section as part of the rulemaking required by section 1603(g) of this title.
In the case of a person who is a winner of the Connect America Fund Phase II auction, has not yet been authorized to receive Connect America Fund Phase II support, and demonstrates an inability to reasonably meet the build-out and service obligations of such person under Connect America Fund Phase II without using equipment or services prohibited under this chapter, such person may withdraw the application of such person for Connect America Fund Phase II support without being found in default or subject to forfeiture. The Commission may set a deadline to make such a withdrawal that is not earlier than the date that is 60 days after
A violation of this chapter or a regulation promulgated under this chapter shall be treated as a violation of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) or a regulation promulgated under such Act, respectively. The Commission shall enforce this chapter and the regulations promulgated under this chapter in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 were incorporated into and made a part of this chapter.
The Commission shall immediately take action to recover all reimbursement funds awarded to a recipient of a reimbursement under the Program in any case in which such recipient is required to repay reimbursement funds under subsection (b)(1)(A).
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(1), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to chapter 5 (§ 151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Not later than 120 days after
The program established under paragraph (1) shall involve only the sharing of information regarding supply chain security risks by the Federal Government to trusted providers of advanced communications service and trusted suppliers of communications equipment or services, and not the sharing of such information by such providers and suppliers to the Federal Government.
The Commission shall appoint to the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (or any successor thereof), and to each subcommittee, workgroup, or other subdivision of the Council (or any such successor), at least one member to represent the interests of the public and consumers.
The Commission shall make the initial appointments required by paragraph (1) not later than 180 days after
The term “Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
The term “foreign adversary” means any foreign government or foreign nongovernment person engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to the national security of the United States or security and safety of United States persons.
The term “supply chain security risk” includes specific risk and vulnerability information related to equipment and software.
The term “trusted” means, with respect to a provider of advanced communications service or a supplier of communications equipment or service, that the Assistant Secretary has determined that such provider or supplier is not owned by, controlled by, or subject to the influence of a foreign adversary.
The term “advanced communications service” has the meaning given the term “advanced telecommunications capability” in section 1302 of this title.
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “communications equipment or service” means any equipment or service that is essential to the provision of advanced communications service.
The term “covered communications equipment or service” means any communications equipment or service that is on the list published by the Commission under section 1601(a) of this title.
The term “executive branch interagency body” means an interagency body established in the executive branch.
The term “person” means an individual or entity.
The term “Program” means the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program established under section 1603(a) of this title.
The term “recipient” means any provider of advanced communications service the application of which for a reimbursement under the Program has been approved by the Commission, regardless of whether the provider has received reimbursement funds.
The term “reimbursement funds” means any reimbursement received under the Program.
2020—Par. (10). Pub. L. 116–260 amended par. (10) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The term ‘provider of advanced communications service’ means a person who provides advanced communications service to United States customers.”
If any provision of this chapter, or the application of such a provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remaining provisions of this chapter, and the application of such provisions to any person or circumstance, shall not be affected thereby.
Pub. L. 117–58, div. F, title III, § 60301,
The term “unserved service project” means a project in which not less than 80 percent of broadband-serviceable locations served by the project are unserved locations.
The term “underserved service project” means a project in which not less than 80 percent of broadband-serviceable locations served by the project are unserved locations or underserved locations.
The term “eligible community anchor institution” means a community anchor institution that lacks access to gigabit-level broadband service.
The term “Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
The term “broadband” or “broadband service” has the meaning given the term “broadband internet access service” in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
The term “broadband DATA maps” means the maps created under section 802(c)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(c)(1)).
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “community anchor institution” means an entity such as a school, library, health clinic, health center, hospital or other medical provider, public safety entity, institution of higher education, public housing organization, or community support organization that facilitates greater use of broadband service by vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals, unemployed individuals, and aged individuals.
The term “eligible entity” means a State.
For purposes of clause (i), the term “unserved area” means an area in which not less than 80 percent of broadband-serviceable locations are unserved locations.
The terms “location” and “broadband-serviceable location” have the meanings given those terms by the Commission under rules and guidance that are in effect, as of
The term “Program” means the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program established under subsection (b)(1).
The term “project” means an undertaking by a subgrantee under this section to construct and deploy infrastructure for the provision of broadband service.
The term “reliable broadband service” means broadband service that meets performance criteria for service availability, adaptability to changing end-user requirements, length of serviceable life, or other criteria, other than upload and download speeds, as determined by the Assistant Secretary in coordination with the Commission.
The term “State” has the meaning given the term in section 942 of this title, except that that definition shall be applied by striking “, and any other territory or possession of the United States”.
The term “subgrantee” means an entity that receives grant funds from an eligible entity to carry out activities under subsection (f).
Not later than 180 days after
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Assistant Secretary to carry out the Program $42,450,000,000.
The Assistant Secretary shall obligate all amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (2) in an expedient manner after the Assistant Secretary issues the notice of funding opportunity under subsection (e)(1).
On or after the date on which the broadband DATA maps are made public, the Assistant Secretary shall allocate to eligible entities, in accordance with subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, 10 percent of the amount appropriated pursuant to subsection (b)(2).
On or after the date on which the broadband DATA maps are made public, of the amount appropriated pursuant to subsection (b)(2), the Assistant Secretary shall allocate to eligible entities, in accordance with subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the amount remaining after compliance with paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection.
The availability of amounts allocated under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) to an eligible entity shall be subject to approval by the Assistant Secretary of the letter of intent, initial proposal, or final proposal of the eligible entity, as applicable, under subsection (e).
In this paragraph, the term “covered application” means a letter of intent, initial proposal, or final proposal under this section.
The Assistant Secretary, in carrying out the Program, shall provide that if an eligible entity fails to submit a covered application by the applicable deadline, or a covered application submitted by an eligible entity is not approved by the applicable deadline, a political subdivision or consortium of political subdivisions of the eligible entity may submit the applicable type of covered application in place of the eligible entity.
The Assistant Secretary may use not more than 2 percent of amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection (b) for administrative purposes.
An eligible entity may use not more than 5 percent of the amount allocated to the eligible entity under subsection (c)(2) for the planning and pre-deployment activities under subsection (e)(1)(C).
An eligible entity may use not more than 2 percent of the grant amounts made available to the eligible entity under subsection (e) for expenses relating (directly or indirectly) to administration of the grant.
An eligible entity that wishes to participate in the Program shall file a letter of intent to participate in the Program consistent with this subparagraph.
The Assistant Secretary shall establish a process through which an eligible entity, in submitting a letter of intent under subparagraph (B), may request access to not more than 5 percent of the amount allocated to the eligible entity under subsection (c)(2) for use consistent with this subparagraph.
If the Assistant Secretary approves a request from an eligible entity under clause (i), the Assistant Secretary shall make available to the eligible entity an amount, as determined appropriate by the Assistant Secretary, that is not more than 5 percent of the amount allocated to the eligible entity under subsection (c)(2).
The Assistant Secretary shall establish local coordination requirements for eligible entities to follow, to the greatest extent practicable.
An eligible entity may submit only 1 initial proposal under this paragraph.
The Assistant Secretary may accept corrections to the initial proposal of an eligible entity after the initial proposal has been submitted.
The Assistant Secretary shall establish local coordination requirements for eligible entities to follow, to the greatest extent practicable.
To ensure efficient and effective use of taxpayer funds, an eligible entity shall, to the greatest extent practicable, align the use of grant funds proposed in the final proposal under clause (i) with funds available from other Federal programs that support broadband deployment and access.
An eligible entity may submit only 1 final proposal under this paragraph.
The Assistant Secretary may accept corrections to the final proposal of an eligible entity after the final proposal has been submitted.
The Assistant Secretary may provide additional guidance on the prioritization of subgrants awarded for the deployment of a broadband network using grant funds received under this section.
After submitting an initial proposal under subsection (e)(3) and before allocating grant funds received under this section for the deployment of broadband networks, an eligible entity shall ensure a transparent, evidence-based, and expeditious challenge process under which a unit of local government, nonprofit organization, or other broadband service provider can challenge a determination made by the eligible entity in the initial proposal as to whether a particular location or community anchor institution within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity is eligible for the grant funds, including whether a particular location is unserved or underserved.
After resolving each challenge under subparagraph (A), and not later than 60 days before allocating grant funds received under this section for the deployment of broadband networks, an eligible entity shall provide public notice of the final classification of each unserved location, underserved location, or eligible community anchor institution within the jurisdiction of the eligible entity.
An eligible entity shall notify the Assistant Secretary of any modification to the initial proposal of the eligible entity submitted under subsection (e)(3) that is necessitated by a successful challenge under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
The Commission shall implement the amendments made by this subparagraph as soon as possible after
In allocating grant funds received under this section for deployment of broadband networks, an eligible entity shall provide, or require a subgrantee to provide, a contribution, derived from non-Federal funds (or funds from a Federal regional commission or authority), except in high-cost areas or as otherwise provided by this Act, of not less than 25 percent of project costs.
Upon request by an eligible entity or a subgrantee, the Assistant Secretary may reduce or waive the required matching contribution under clause (i).
An eligible entity shall submit to the Assistant Secretary for approval, in the final proposal of the eligible entity submitted under subsection (e)(4), a proposed definition of “low-cost broadband service option” that shall apply to subgrantees of the eligible entity for purposes of the requirement under paragraph (4)(B) of this subsection.
An eligible entity shall consult with the Assistant Secretary and prospective subgrantees regarding a proposed definition of “low-cost broadband service option” before submitting the proposed definition to the Assistant Secretary under clause (i).
A proposed definition of “low-cost broadband service option” submitted by an eligible entity under clause (i) shall not take effect until the Assistant Secretary approves the final proposal of the eligible entity submitted under subsection (e)(4), including approval of the proposed definition of “low-cost broadband service option”.
After the Assistant Secretary approves the final proposal of an eligible entity under subsection (e)(4), and before the Assistant Secretary disburses any funds to the eligible entity based on that approval, the Assistant Secretary shall publicly disclose the eligible entity’s definition of “low-cost broadband service option”.
Nothing in this subchapter may be construed to authorize the Assistant Secretary or the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to regulate the rates charged for broadband service.
The Assistant Secretary may issue guidance to eligible entities to carry out the purposes of this paragraph.
An entity that receives a subgrant from an eligible entity under subsection (f) and fails to comply with any requirement under this subsection shall return up to the entire amount of the subgrant to the eligible entity, at the discretion of the eligible entity or the Assistant Secretary.
The Assistant Secretary may issue such regulations or other guidance, forms, instructions, and publications as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the programs, projects, or activities authorized under this section, including to ensure that those programs, projects, or activities are completed in a timely and effective manner.
Subject to section 904(b)(2) of division FF of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116–260) [47 U.S.C. 1308(b)(2)] (relating to an interagency agreement), the Assistant Secretary shall coordinate with the Commission and the Department of Agriculture, including providing the final reports received under subparagraph (C) to the Commission and the Department of Agriculture to be used when determining whether to award funds for the deployment of broadband under any program administered by those agencies.
In this subparagraph, the terms “agency” and “Federal broadband support program” have the meanings given those terms in section 903 of division FF of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116–260) [47 U.S.C. 1307] (also known as the “ACCESS BROADBAND Act”).
An agency that offers a Federal broadband support program shall provide data to the Assistant Secretary, in a manner and format prescribed by the Assistant Secretary, to promote coordination of efforts to track construction and use of broadband infrastructure.
The recipient of a subgrant from an eligible entity under this section shall submit to the eligible entity a semiannual report for the duration of the subgrant to track the effectiveness of the use of funds provided.
A Federal entity, State entity receiving Federal funds, or provider of broadband service that offers a subsidy or low-income plan, as applicable, with respect to broadband service shall provide data to the Assistant Secretary in a manner and format as established by the Assistant Secretary as necessary for the Assistant Secretary to carry out subparagraph (A).
Grant funds awarded to an eligible entity under this section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, the amounts that the eligible entity would otherwise make available for the purposes for which the grant funds may be used.
It is the sense of Congress that Federal agencies responsible for supporting broadband deployment, including the Commission, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Agriculture, to the extent possible, should align the goals, application and reporting processes, and project requirements with respect to broadband deployment supported by those agencies.
The United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have exclusive jurisdiction to review a decision of the Assistant Secretary made under this section.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, referred to in subsecs. (e)(1)(B)(ii)(I)(aa)(DD), (h)(3)(B)(iii)(I)(dd), is Pub. L. 117–2,
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (e)(3)(D)(ii)(I)(cc), (E)(ii)(I)(cc), (4)(D)(ii)(I)(cc), (E)(ii)(I)(cc), and (h)(3)(A)(i), means div. F of Pub. L. 117–58,
For the amendments made by this subparagraph, referred to in subsec. (h)(2)(E)(iii), see Codification note below.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(3)(B)(iii)(I)(aa), is Pub. L. 116–127,
The CARES Act, referred to in subsec. (h)(3)(B)(iii)(I)(bb), also known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, is Pub. L. 116–136,
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, referred to in subsec. (h)(3)(B)(iii)(I)(cc), is Pub. L. 116–260,
This subchapter, referred to in subsec. (h)(5)(D), was in the original “this title”, meaning title I of div. F of Pub. L. 117–58, which is classified principally to this subchapter. For complete classification of title I to the Code, see Tables.
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (j)(3)(A), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064. Title VIII of the Act is classified generally to subchapter VII (§ 641 et seq.) of chapter 5 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Section is comprised of section 60102 of Pub. L. 117–58. Subsec. (h)(2)(E)(i) and (ii) of section 60102 of Pub. L. 117–58 amended sections 642 and 646 of this title, respectively.
For definition of “this Act” as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 1 of Title 1, General Provisions.
In this section, the term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064. Title VIII of the Act is classified generally to subchapter VII (§ 641 et seq.) of chapter 5 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Section is comprised of section 60103 of Pub. L. 117–58. Subsecs. (d) and (e) of section 60103 of Pub. L. 117–58 amended section 642 of this title.
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “Deployment Locations Map” means the mapping tool required to be established under subsection (b).
Not later than 18 months after
The Commission shall, in consultation with relevant Federal agencies, ensure the Deployment Locations Map is maintained and up to date on a periodic basis, but not less frequently than once every 180 days.
Each Federal agency providing funding for broadband infrastructure deployment shall report relevant data to the Commission on a periodic basis.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the programmatic missions of Federal agencies providing funding for broadband infrastructure development.
The requirements in this section shall be consistent with and avoid duplication with the provisions of section 903 of division FF of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116–260) [47 U.S.C. 1307].
Of the amounts appropriated to carry out this division under this Act, $10,000,000 shall be made available to carry out this section.
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (d)(1)(A) and (h), means div. F of Pub. L. 117–58,
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(B), also known as the CARES Act, is Pub. L. 116–136,
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(C), is Pub. L. 116–260,
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(D), is Pub. L. 117–2,
For definition of “this Act” as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 1 of Title 1, General Provisions.
The term “Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
The term “broadband” or “broadband service” has the meaning given the term “broadband internet access service” in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “covered broadband project” means a competitively and technologically neutral project for the deployment of fixed broadband service that provides qualifying broadband service in an eligible service area.
The term “Department” means the Department of Commerce.
The term “Native Corporation” has the meaning given the term in section 1602 of title 43.
The term “Native Hawaiian” has the meaning given the term in section 4221 of title 25.
The term “Tribal Government” means the governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native Tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component band, or component reservation, individually recognized (including parenthetically) in the list published most recently as of
From the amounts appropriated under subsection (b)(1), the Assistant Secretary shall award a grant to each eligible entity that submits an application that the Assistant Secretary approves after consultation with the Commission to prevent duplication of funding.
The amounts appropriated under subsection (b)(1) shall be made available to eligible entities on an equitable basis, and not less than 3 percent of those amounts shall be made available for the benefit of Native Hawaiians.
The Assistant Secretary may use not more than 2 percent of amounts appropriated under subsection (b)(1) for administrative purposes, including the provision of technical assistance to Tribal Governments to help those Governments take advantage of the program established under this subsection.
Not later than 18 months after receiving an allocation of funds pursuant to a specific grant award under this subsection, an eligible entity shall commit the funds in accordance with the approved application of the entity.
Any grant funds not committed by an eligible entity by the deadline under clause (i) shall be made available to other eligible entities for the purposes provided in this subsection.
Not later than 4 years after receiving an allocation of funds pursuant to a specific grant award under this subsection, an eligible entity shall expend the grant funds.
The Assistant Secretary may, for good cause shown, extend the period under clause (i) for an eligible entity that proposes to use the grant funds for an eligible use other than construction of broadband infrastructure, based on a detailed showing by the eligible entity of the need for an extension.
Any grant funds not expended by an eligible entity by the deadline under clause (i) shall be made available to other eligible entities for the purposes provided in this subsection.
If the Assistant Secretary awards multiple grants to an eligible entity under this subsection, the deadlines under subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall apply individually to each grant award.
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an eligible entity may use not more than 2 percent of grant funds received under this subsection for administrative purposes.
An eligible entity that proposes to use grant funds for the construction of broadband infrastructure may use an amount of the grant funds equal to not more than 2.5 percent of the total project cost for planning, feasibility, and sustainability studies related to the project.
An eligible entity may enter into a contract with a subgrantee, including a non-Tribal entity, as part of its use of grant funds pursuant to this subsection.
In using grant funds received under this subsection for new construction of broadband infrastructure, an eligible entity shall prioritize projects that deploy broadband infrastructure to unserved households.
The Assistant Secretary shall use the funds made available under subsection (b)(2) to implement a program under which the Assistant Secretary makes grants on a competitive basis to covered partnerships for covered broadband projects.
Not less frequently than annually, the Commission shall, through the process established under section 802(b)(7)) 1
The Assistant Secretary shall rely on the data provided under subparagraph (A) in carrying out this subsection to the greatest extent practicable.
Not later than 1 year after receiving grant funds under this subsection, a covered partnership shall expend the grant funds.
Any grant funds not expended by an covered partnership by the deadline under subparagraph (A) shall be made available to other covered partnerships for the purposes provided in this subsection.
The Assistant Secretary may not require a provider of broadband service that is part of a covered partnership to be designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier pursuant to section 214(e) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 214(e)) to be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection or as a condition of receiving a grant under this subsection.
During the 90-day period beginning on the date on which the Assistant Secretary issues the notice under paragraph (1), an eligible entity or covered partnership may submit an application for a grant under this section.
Not later than 90 days after receiving an application under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall approve or deny the application.
An eligible entity or covered partnership may submit only 1 application under this paragraph.
An application submitted by an eligible entity or a covered partnership under this paragraph shall describe each proposed use of grant funds.
Not later than 14 days after approving an application for a grant under this paragraph, the Assistant Secretary shall allocate the grant funds to the eligible entity or covered partnership.
The Assistant Secretary shall initiate a second notice and application process described in this subsection to reallocate any funds made available to other eligible entities or covered partnerships under clause (i).
An eligible entity or covered partnership may not use grant funds received under this section to purchase or support any covered communications equipment or service (as defined in section 1608 of this title).
To the extent that the Assistant Secretary or the Inspector General of the Department determines that an eligible entity or covered partnership has expended grant funds received under this section in violation of this section, the Assistant Secretary shall recover the amount of funds that were so expended.
The Assistant Secretary shall provide the information collected under subparagraph (A) to the Commission and the Department of Agriculture to be used when determining whether to award funds for the deployment of broadband under any program administered by those agencies.
Not later than 5 days after receiving a report from an eligible entity under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall transmit the report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
Not later than 6 months after the date on which the first grant is awarded under this section, and every 6 months thereafter until all of the grant funds awarded under this section are expended, the Inspector General of the Department and the Comptroller General of the United States shall each submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that reviews the grants awarded under this section during the preceding 6-month period. Each such report shall include recommendations to address waste, fraud, and abuse, if any.
The use of grant funds received under this section by an eligible entity, covered partnership, or subgrantee shall not impact the eligibility of, or otherwise disadvantage, the eligible entity, covered partnership, or subgrantee with respect to participation in any other Federal broadband program.
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(A), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064. Title VIII of the Act is classified generally to subchapter VII (§ 641 et seq.) of chapter 5 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
The Rural Electrification Act of 1936, referred to in subsec. (d)(3)(D)(ii)(I), is act May 20, 1936, ch. 432, 49 Stat. 1363. Title VI of the Act is classified generally to subchapter VI (§ 950bb et seq.) of chapter 31 of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 901 of Title 7 and Tables.
Section 779 of division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, referred to in subsec. (d)(3)(D)(ii)(II), is section 779 of Pub. L. 115–141, div. A, title VII,
The date of enactment of this Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(6)(B), (C), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 117–58, which enacted subsec. (e)(6) of this section and was approved
Section 60201 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(6)(C)(i), is section 60201 of Pub. L. 117–58, which amended this section.
Section was formerly set out as a note under section 1305 of this title.
2021—Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60201(1)(A), struck out “during the COVID–19 pandemic” after “telehealth resources”.
Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(i). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60201(1)(B)(i)(I), substituted “18 months after receiving an allocation of funds pursuant to a specific grant award” for “180 days after receiving grant funds”.
Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60201(1)(B)(i)(II), substituted “be made available to other eligible entities for the purposes provided in this subsection” for “revert to the general fund of the Treasury”.
Subsec. (c)(4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60201(1)(B)(ii)(I), substituted “4 years after receiving an allocation of funds pursuant to a specific grant award” for “1 year after receiving grant funds”.
Subsec. (c)(4)(B)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60201(1)(B)(ii)(II), (III), added cl. (iii) and redesignated former cl. (iii) as (iv).
Subsec. (c)(4)(C). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60201(1)(B)(iii), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60201(1)(C), added par. (6) and struck out former par. (6). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “An eligible entity may use not more than 2 percent of grant funds received under this subsection for administrative purposes.”
Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60201(2), added par. (6).
The term “advanced telecommunications capability” has the meaning given the term in section 1302(d) of this title.
The term “aging individual” has the meaning given the term “older individual” in section 3002 of title 42.
The term “Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
The term “community anchor institution” means a public school, a public or multi-family housing authority, a library, a medical or healthcare provider, a community college or other institution of higher education, a State library agency, and any other nonprofit or governmental community support organization.
The term “covered household” means a household, the income of which for the most recently completed year is not more than 150 percent of an amount equal to the poverty level, as determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census.
The term “covered programs” means the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program established under section 1723 of this title and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program established under section 1724 of this title.
The term “digital equity” means the condition in which individuals and communities have the information technology capacity that is needed for full participation in the society and economy of the United States.
The term “digital literacy” means the skills associated with using technology to enable users to find, evaluate, organize, create, and communicate information.
The term “disability” has the meaning given the term in section 12102 of title 42.
The term “gender identity” has the meaning given the term in section 249(c) of title 18.
The term “Indian Tribe” has the meaning given the term in section 5304(e) of title 25.
The term “local educational agency” has the meaning given the term in section 7801(30) of title 20.
The term “postsecondary vocational institution” has the meaning given the term in section 1002(c) of title 20.
The term “rural area” has the meaning given the term in section 950bb(b)(3) of title 7.
The term “veteran” has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38.
The term “workforce development program” has the meaning given the term in section 3102(66) of title 29.
For short title of this subchapter as the “Digital Equity Act of 2021”, see section 60301 of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 1701 of this title.
The administering entity for a State shall make the State Digital Equity Plan of the State available for public comment for a period of not less than 30 days before the date on which the State submits an application to the Assistant Secretary under subsection (d)(2).
Beginning in the first fiscal year that begins after
A planning grant awarded to an eligible State under this paragraph shall be determined according to the formula under subsection (d)(3)(A)(i).
Except as provided in subclause (II), with respect to a planning grant awarded to an eligible State under this paragraph, the State shall expend the grant funds during the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the State is awarded the grant funds.
The Assistant Secretary may grant an extension of not longer than 180 days with respect to the requirement under subclause (I).
The Assistant Secretary shall ensure that any eligible State to which a planning grant is awarded under this paragraph may appeal or otherwise challenge in a timely fashion the amount of the grant awarded to the State, as determined under clause (i).
The amount of a grant awarded to an eligible State under this subsection in a fiscal year shall be not less than 0.5 percent of the total amount made available to award grants to eligible States for that fiscal year.
If, in a fiscal year, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (referred to in this clause as “Puerto Rico”) is an eligible State and specific data for Puerto Rico is unavailable for a factor described in subclause (I), (II), or (II) of clause (i), the Assistant Secretary shall use the median data point with respect to that factor among all eligible States and assign it to Puerto Rico for the purposes of making any calculation under that clause for that fiscal year.
With respect to a grant awarded to an eligible State under this subsection, the eligible State shall expend the grant funds during the 5-year period beginning on the date on which the eligible State is awarded the grant funds.
The Assistant Secretary shall ensure that any eligible State to which a grant is awarded under this subsection may appeal or otherwise challenge in a timely fashion the amount of the grant awarded to the State, as determined under subparagraph (A).
A grant or subgrant awarded under this section shall supplement, not supplant, other Federal or State funds that have been made available to carry out activities described in this section.
The Assistant Secretary may prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this section.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Assistant Secretary begins awarding grants under section 1723(d) of this title, and not before that date, the Assistant Secretary shall establish in the Department of Commerce the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program (referred to in this section as the “Program”), the purpose of which is to award grants to support efforts to achieve digital equity, promote digital inclusion activities, and spur greater adoption of broadband among covered populations.
An entity to which the Assistant Secretary awards a grant under the Program shall use not more than 10 percent of the grant amounts to measure and evaluate the activities supported with the grant amounts.
An entity to which the Assistant Secretary awards a grant under the Program may use not more than 10 percent of the amount of the grant for administrative costs in carrying out any of the activities described in subparagraph (A).
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal share of any project for which the Assistant Secretary awards a grant under the Program may not exceed 90 percent.
A grant awarded to an entity under the Program shall supplement, not supplant, other Federal or State funds that have been made available to the entity to carry out activities described in this section.
The Assistant Secretary may prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this section.
The Assistant Secretary shall provide technical support and assistance, assistance to entities to prepare the applications of those entities with respect to grants awarded under the covered programs, and other resources, to the extent practicable, to ensure consistency in data reporting and to meet the objectives of this section.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section, which shall remain available until expended.
No individual in the United States may, on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that is funded in whole or in part with funds made available to carry out this subchapter.
The Assistant Secretary shall effectuate paragraph (1) with respect to any program or activity described in that paragraph by issuing regulations and taking actions consistent with section 2000d–1 of title 42.
Judicial review of an action taken by the Assistant Secretary under paragraph (2) shall be available to the extent provided in section 2000d–2 of title 42.
The Assistant Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, carry out this subchapter in a technologically neutral manner.
Beginning in the first fiscal year in which amounts are made available to carry out an activity authorized under this subchapter, and in each of the 4 fiscal years thereafter, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Commerce $1,000,000 for audits and oversight of funds made available to carry out this subchapter, which shall remain available until expended.
The term “anchor institution” means a school, library, medical or healthcare provider, community college or other institution of higher education, or other community support organization or entity.
The term “Assistant Secretary” means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “FCC fixed broadband map” means the map created by the Commission under section 642(c)(1)(B) of this title.
The term “Indian Tribe” has the meaning given the term in section 5304 of title 25.
The term “interconnect” means the physical linking of 2 networks for the mutual exchange of traffic on non-discriminatory terms and conditions.
The term “internet exchange facility” means physical infrastructure through which internet service providers and content delivery networks exchange internet traffic between their networks.
The term “middle mile grant” means a grant awarded under subsection (c).
The term “State” has the meaning given the term in section 153 of this title.
The term “submarine cable landing station” means a cable landing station, as that term is used in section 1.767(a)(5) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation), that can be utilized to land a submarine cable by an entity that has obtained a license under the first section of the Act entitled “An Act relating to the landing and operation of submarine cables in the United States”, approved
The term “Tribal government” means the recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component band, or component reservation, individually identified (including parenthetically) in the list published most recently as of
The term “trust land” has the meaning given the term in section 3765 of title 38.
The Assistant Secretary shall establish a program under which the Assistant Secretary makes grants on a technology-neutral, competitive basis to eligible entities for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure.
The Assistant Secretary shall establish an application process for middle mile grants in accordance with this subsection.
The Assistant Secretary shall include in the application process established under paragraph (1) a requirement that an eligible entity provide evidence that the eligible entity is capable of carrying out a proposed project in a competent manner, including by demonstrating that the eligible entity has the financial, technical, and operational capability to carry out the proposed project and operate the resulting middle mile broadband network.
Subject to paragraph (5), to be eligible to obtain a middle mile grant, an eligible entity shall agree, in the application submitted through the process established under subsection (d), to complete buildout of the middle mile infrastructure described in the application by not later than 5 years after the date on which amounts from the grant are made available to the eligible entity.
A project shall be eligible for a middle mile grant if, at the time of the application, the Assistant Secretary determines that the proposed middle mile broadband network will be capable of supporting retail broadband service.
Subject to subclauses (III) and (IV), an eligible entity that constructs, improves, or acquires middle mile infrastructure using a middle mile grant shall share with each covered recipient the location of all the middle mile broadband infrastructure.
An eligible entity shall provide the information required under subclause (II) to each covered recipient in a uniform format determined by the Assistant Secretary.
The information provided by an eligible entity under subclause (II) may only be used for purposes of carrying out the grant program under subsection (c) and any reporting related thereto.
A covered recipient may not receive information under subclause (II) unless the covered recipient agrees in writing to assert all available legal defenses to the disclosure of the information if a person or entity seeks disclosure from the covered recipient under any Federal, State, or local public disclosure law.
Nothing in subitem (AA) is intended to be or shall be construed as a waiver of Tribal sovereign immunity.
An eligible entity that receives a middle mile grant to build a middle mile project using fiber optic technology shall offer interconnection in perpetuity, where technically feasible without exceeding current or reasonably anticipated capacity limitations, on reasonable rates and terms to be negotiated with requesting parties.
The interconnection required to be offered under clause (i) includes both the ability to connect to the public internet and physical interconnection for the exchange of traffic.
An applicant for a middle mile grant shall disclose the applicant’s proposed interconnection, nondiscrimination, and network management practices in the application submitted through the process established under subsection (d).
If the Assistant Secretary grants an extension under subparagraph (A), the Assistant Secretary shall modify any buildout requirements established under paragraph (4)(B)(i) as necessary.
The amount of a middle mile grant awarded to an eligible entity may not exceed 70 percent of the total project cost.
The Assistant Secretary, in consultation with Tribal governments and Native entities, shall develop a process for designating Tribally unserved areas and Tribally underserved areas for purposes of this section.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
This Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(16)(B)(iii)(II), (17)(B)(ii)(II), means div. F of Pub. L. 117–58,
For definition of “this Act” as used in this section, see section 2 of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 1 of Title 1, General Provisions.
This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original, “this title”, meaning title V of div. F of Pub. L. 117–58, which enacted this section and sections 1753 and 1754 of this title, amended sections 644 and 1752 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 1752 of this title. For complete classification of title V to the Code, see Tables.
The term “broadband internet access service” has the meaning given such term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
The term “broadband provider” means a provider of broadband internet access service.
The term “Commission” means the Federal Communications Commission.
The term “connected device” means a laptop or desktop computer or a tablet.
The term “designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier”, with respect to a broadband provider, means the broadband provider is designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier under section 214(e) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 214(e)).
Subject to subparagraph (B), the term “affordable connectivity benefit” means a monthly discount for an eligible household applied to the actual amount charged to such household, in an amount equal to such amount charged, but not more than $30, or, if an internet service offering is provided to an eligible household on Tribal land, not more than $75.
The Commission shall, by regulation, establish a mechanism by which a participating provider in a high-cost area (as defined in section 1702(a)(2) of this title) may provide an affordable connectivity benefit in an amount up to the amount specified in subparagraph (A) for an internet service offering provided on Tribal land upon a showing that the applicability of the lower limit under subparagraph (A) to the provision of the affordable connectivity benefit by the provider would cause particularized economic hardship to the provider such that the provider may not be able to maintain the operation of part or all of its broadband network.
The term “internet service offering” means, with respect to a broadband provider, broadband internet access service provided by such provider to a household.
The term “National Lifeline Accountability Database” has the meaning given such term in section 54.400 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
The term “National Verifier” has the meaning given such term in section 54.400 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
The Commission shall establish a program, to be known as the “Affordable Connectivity Program”, under which the Commission shall, in accordance with this section, reimburse, using funds from the Affordable Connectivity Fund established in subsection (i), a participating provider for an affordable connectivity benefit, or an affordable connectivity benefit and a connected device, provided to an eligible household.
From the Affordable Connectivity Fund established in subsection (i), the Commission shall reimburse a participating provider in an amount equal to the affordable connectivity benefit with respect to an eligible household that receives such benefit from such participating provider.
A participating provider that, in addition to providing the affordable connectivity benefit to an eligible household, supplies such household with a connected device may be reimbursed up to $100 from the Affordable Connectivity Fund established in subsection (i) for such connected device, if the charge to such eligible household is more than $10 but less than $50 for such connected device, except that a participating provider may receive reimbursement for no more than 1 connected device per eligible household.
Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall prevent a participating provider from terminating the provision of broadband internet access service to a subscriber after 90 days of nonpayment.
When a customer subscribes to, or renews a subscription to, an internet service offering of a participating provider, the participating provider shall notify the customer about the existence of the Affordable Connectivity Program and how to enroll in the Program.
The Commission shall collaborate with relevant Federal agencies, including to ensure relevant Federal agencies update their System of Records Notices, to ensure that a household that participates in any program that qualifies the household for the Affordable Connectivity Program is provided information about the Program, including how to enroll in the Program.
The Commission may conduct outreach efforts to encourage eligible households to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
In complying with this paragraph, the Commission may take advantage of the exceptions set forth in subsections (e) and (f).
Not later than 1 year after
Not later than 7 days after a finding made by the Commission under the requirements of paragraph (12), the Commission shall notify the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate with any information described in such paragraph that the Commission has obtained.
At the conclusion of the Affordable Connectivity Program, any participating eligible households shall be subject to a participating provider’s generally applicable terms and conditions.
Not later than 60 days after
The Commission may not require a broadband provider to be designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier in order to be a participating provider.
The Commission shall establish an expedited process by which the Commission approves as participating providers broadband providers that are not designated as eligible telecommunications carriers and elect to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the Commission shall automatically approve as a participating provider a broadband provider that has an established program as of
Nothing in this section shall affect the collection, distribution, or administration of the Lifeline Assistance Program governed by the rules set forth in subpart E of part 54 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Commission from providing that the regulations in part 54 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, shall apply in whole or in part to the Affordable Connectivity Program, shall not apply in whole or in part to such Program, or shall be modified in whole or in part for purposes of application to such Program.
A violation of this section or a regulation promulgated under this section shall be treated as a violation of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) or a regulation promulgated under such Act. The Commission shall enforce this section and the regulations promulgated under this section in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 were incorporated into and made a part of this section.
Section 553 of title 5 shall not apply to a regulation promulgated under subsection (c) or a rulemaking proceeding to promulgate such a regulation.
A collection of information conducted or sponsored under the regulations required by subsection (c) shall not constitute a collection of information for the purposes of subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44 (commonly referred to as the Paperwork Reduction Act).
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a fund to be known as the Affordable Connectivity Fund.
There is appropriated to the Affordable Connectivity Fund, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $3,200,000,000 for fiscal year 2021, to remain available until expended.
Amounts in the Affordable Connectivity Fund shall be available to the Commission for reimbursements to participating providers under this section, and the Commission may use not more than 2 percent of such amounts to administer the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Reimbursements provided under this section shall be provided from amounts made available under this subsection and not from contributions under section 254(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254(d)).
The Commission shall have the authority to avail itself of the services of the Universal Service Administrative Company to implement the Affordable Connectivity Program, including developing and processing reimbursements and distributing funds to participating providers.
The Commission may not enforce a violation of this section under section 501, 502, or 503 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 501; 502; 503), or any rules of the Commission promulgated under such sections of such Act, if a participating provider demonstrates to the Commission that such provider relied in good faith on information provided to such provider to make the verification required by subsection (b)(2).
The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(6)(B), is act June 4, 1946, ch. 281, 60 Stat. 230, which is classified generally to chapter 13 (§ 1751 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1751 of Title 42 and Tables.
Section 2(d) of the Improper Payments Information Act of 2002, referred to in subsec. (b)(12), is section 2(d) of Pub. L. 107–300,
The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (g), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to chapter 5 (§ 151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of this title and Tables.
Section was formerly set out as a note under section 1301 of this title.
2021—Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(1)(A), struck out “during emergency period relating to COVID–19” after “service” in section catchline.
Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(2)(D)–(F), substituted, wherever appearing in text, “Affordable Connectivity” for “Emergency Broadband Benefit”, “Affordable” for “Emergency Broadband”, and “affordable connectivity” for “emergency broadband”.
Subsec. (a)(6)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(b)(1)(A)(i)(I), inserted before semicolon at end “except that such subsection (a), including for purposes of such subsection (b), shall be applied by substituting ‘200 percent’ for ‘135 percent’ ”.
Subsec. (a)(6)(C). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(b)(1)(A)(i)(II)–(IV), redesignated subpar. (D) as (C), struck out “or” at end, and struck out former subpar. (C) which read as follows: “at least one member of the household has experienced a substantial loss of income since
Subsec. (a)(6)(D). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(b)(1)(A)(i)(III), (V), redesignated subpar. (E) as (D), struck out “or COVID–19” before “program”, and substituted “; or” for period at end. Former subpar. (D) redesignated (C).
Subsec. (a)(6)(E). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(b)(1)(A)(i)(VI), added subpar. (E). Former subpar. (E) redesignated (D).
Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(b)(1)(A)(ii), substituted “$30” for “$50” and struck out “which shall be no more than the standard rate for an internet service offering and associated equipment,” after “such household,”.
Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(3)(A), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted heading, substituted “Subject to subparagraph (B), the term” for “The term”, and added subpar. (B).
Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(2)(A), substituted “Affordable connectivity” for “Emergency broadband” in heading.
Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(b)(1)(A)(iii), struck out at end “, offered in the same manner, and on the same terms, as described in any of such provider’s offerings for broadband internet access service to such household, as on
Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(1)(B), redesignated par. (9) as (8) and struck out former par. (8) which defined “emergency period”.
Subsec. (a)(9) to (11). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(1)(B)(ii), redesignated pars. (10) to (12) as (9) to (11), respectively. Former par. (9) redesignated (8).
Subsec. (a)(12), (13). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(b)(1)(A)(ii), (iv), redesignated par. (13) as (12) and then struck it out. Prior to amendment, par. defined the term “standard rate”. Former par. (12) redesignated (11).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(2)(B), substituted “Affordable Connectivity” for “Emergency Broadband Benefit” in heading.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(1)(C)(i), struck out “during the emergency period” before period at end.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(1)(C)(ii), struck out “during the emergency period” before period at end.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(1)(C)(iii), struck out “during the emergency period,” before “in addition to”.
Subsec. (b)(6)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(b)(1)(B)(ii), (iii), redesignated subpar. (B) as (A) and cls. (ii) to (iv) as (i) to (iii), respectively, and struck out former cl. (i) which read as follows: “has not been and will not be charged—
“(I) for such offering, if the standard rate for such offering is less than or equal to the amount of the affordable connectivity benefit for such household; or
“(II) more for such offering than the difference between the standard rate for such offering and the amount of the affordable connectivity benefit for such household;”.
Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(b)(1)(B)(i), struck out subpar. (A) which read as follows: “That the amount for which the participating provider is seeking reimbursement from the Affordable Connectivity Fund established in subsection (i) for providing an internet service offering to an eligible household is not more than the standard rate.”
Subsec. (b)(6)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(b)(1)(B)(ii), redesignated subpars. (B) to (D) as (A) to (C), respectively.
Subsec. (b)(7) to (15). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(3)(B), added pars. (7) to (11) and redesignated former pars. (7) to (10) as (12) to (15), respectively, and, in par. (14) as redesignated, substituted “paragraph (12)” for “paragraph (7)”.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 117–58, § 60502(a)(2)(C), substituted “Affordable” for “Emergency Broadband” in heading.
Pub. L. 117–58, div. F, title V, § 60502(b)(1),
Pub. L. 117–58, div. F, title V, § 60502(b)(2)–(4),
Pub. L. 117–58, div. F, title V, § 60502(c),
[For definition of “broadband internet access service” as used in section 60502(c) of Pub. L. 117–58, set out above, see section 1751 of this title.]
Pub. L. 117–58, div. F, title V, § 60502(d),
Pub. L. 117–58, div. F, title V, § 60502(e),
Not later than 1 year after
The broadband consumer label required under subsection (a) shall also include information regarding whether the offered price is an introductory rate and, if so, the price the consumer will be required to pay following the introductory period.
The Commission shall rely on the price information displayed on the broadband consumer label required under subsection (a) for any collection of data relating to the price and subscription rates of each covered broadband internet access service under section 60502(c).
Section 60502(c), referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is section 60502(c) of Pub. L. 117–58, which is set out as a note under section 1752 of this title.
The Commission shall develop model policies and best practices that can be adopted by States and localities to ensure that broadband internet access service providers do not engage in digital discrimination.
The Commission shall revise its public complaint process to accept complaints from consumers or other members of the public that relate to digital discrimination.