The Commission encourages parties to attempt to settle or narrow their disputes. To that end, MDRD staff are available to conduct mediations in appropriate cases. Participation in mediation is voluntary. See 47 CFR § 1.737.
Parties may request mediation of a dispute before filing a complaint. After a complaint has been filed, parties may request mediation as long as a proceeding is pending before the Commission. Parties may request mediation by (1) calling the Chief of the Market Disputes Resolution Division at (202) 418-7330; (2) submitting a written request in a letter addressed to the Chief of the Market Disputes Resolution Division and sending the letter to EBMDRD.Division@fcc.gov; or (3) including a mediation request in any pleading in a pending formal or informal complaint proceeding. Any party requesting mediation must verify that it has attempted to contact all other parties to determine whether they are amenable to mediation, and state the response of each party, if any.
Staff will schedule the mediation in consultation with the parties. Staff may request written statements and other information from the parties to assist in the mediation. Confidentiality rules apply to the mediation process. See 47 CFR § 1.737(f).