December 2023 Open Commission Meeting

Dec
13
2023

December 2023 Open Commission Meeting

10:30 am - 12:30 pm EST
Commission Meeting Room, FCC Headquarters, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554

The FCC held this Open Meeting on the subjects listed below:

Public Drafts of Meeting Items – The FCC is publicly releasing the draft text of each item expected to be considered at this Open Commission Meeting with the exception of items involving specific, enforcement-related matters including restricted proceedings and hearing designation orders. One-page cover sheets are included in the public drafts to help summarize each item. Links to these materials are provided below.

  • Protecting Consumers from Early Termination and Billing Cycle Fees
    The Commission considered a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would adopt rules to protect consumers from video service junk fees, including early termination fees and billing cycle fees. (MB Docket No. 23-405)
  • Targeting and Eliminating Unlawful Text Messages
    The Commission considered a Second Report and Order, Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Waiver Order to combat illegal robotexts by facilitating blocking of illegal robotexts, codifying do-not-call rules for texting, and closing a loophole that allows certain callers to inundate consumers with unwanted robocalls and robotexts. The item also seeks comment on further efforts to combat illegal robocalls and robotexts. (CG Docket Nos. 21-402, 02-278, 17-59)
  • Achieving 100% Wireless Handset Model Hearing Aid Compatibility
    The Commission considered a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that tentatively concludes that hearing aid compatibility for 100% of wireless handset models is an achievable objective and seeks comment on proposals to implement this requirement. (WT Docket No. 23-388)
  • Faster Pole Attachment Processes for Broadband Deployment
    The Commission considered a Fourth Report and Order, Declaratory Ruling, and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to promote the deployment of broadband infrastructure by making the pole attachment process faster, more transparent, and more cost-effective by adopting rules allowing for faster resolution of pole attachment disputes and providing pole attachers with more detailed information about the poles they plan to use as part of their broadband buildouts. The Commission will also seek comment on ways to further facilitate the approval process for pole attachment applications and make ready to enable quicker broadband deployment. (WC Docket No. 17-84)
  • Improving the Rural Health Care Program
    The Commission considered a Third Report and Order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Rural Health Care Program. The improvements under consideration would reduce burdens on, and enhance flexibility for, program participants, simplify existing program rules, and free up for other uses unclaimed program support. (WC Docket No. 17-310)
  • Data Breach Notification Rules
    The Commission considered a Report and Order to update the Commission’s data breach notification rules in order to ensure that providers are held accountable in their obligations to safeguard sensitive customer information, and provide customers with the tools needed to protect themselves in the event that their data is compromised. (WC Docket No. 22-21)
  • Implementing the Low Power Protection Act*
    The Commission considered a Report and Order to implement the Low Power Protection Act by providing eligible low-power television stations with an opportunity to apply for primary status and protect their ability to deliver local programming. (MB Docket No. 23-126)
  • Sound Around Proposed Fine*
    The Commission adopted a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture proposing a $1,202,454 fine against Sound Around for selling of unauthorized, noncompliant devices.

*NOTE: These items were adopted prior to the Open Meeting teleconference and thus deleted from the agenda of the meeting itself.

Meeting Documents

FCC Acts Against Video Service Junk Fees

FCC Closes ‘Lead Generator’ Robocall Loophole & Adopts Robotexts Rules

FCC Proposes 100% Of Mobile Phones Be Hearing Aid Compatible

FCC Seeks to Improve Pole Attachment Process

FCC Adopts Further Improvements to Rural Health Care Program

FCC Adopts Updated Data Breach Notification Rules to Protect Consumers

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