February 2024 Open Meeting Agenda

Tomorrow, the Commission will convene its first open meeting of the new year. We already have plans to build on this forward momentum for 2024. Here’s what’s on the agenda for our February open meeting.

• We’re making emergency alerts more accessible. If you are watching or listening to a program when an emergency alert is issued, you want that potentially life-saving information delivered in a language that you will understand. The Commission will consider of proposal to facilitate multilingual alerting so more viewers and listeners will receive public safety alerts in the language that corresponds with the content they are consuming. We will also seek comment on making alerts accessible for users of American Sign Language.
• We’re empowering consumers to block robocalls and robotexts. The Commission is constantly looking for new ways to stop to illegal robocalls and robotexts. In three weeks, we will consider new rules to strengthen the ability of consumers to decide which robocalls and robotexts they wish to receive. We will also be voting on a proposal to close loopholes that allow wireless providers to make robocalls and robotexts without the ability for the subscriber to opt out.
• We’re unleashing space-based innovation. More than 100 companies have already undertaken projects or research to pursue new space-based activities like satellite refueling, inspecting and repairing in-orbit spacecraft, and capturing and removing debris. The Commission will vote on a proposal to create a new framework for licensing space stations engaged in these types of in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing—or “ISAM.” If we can do these things at scale, we can build new industries that expand our scientific frontiers, create economic opportunities, and advance our national security priorities.
• We’re expanding opportunities for wireless microphone users. New wireless microphone technologies use spectrum more efficiently, meaning more microphones can used without allocating more airwaves. The Commission will vote to allow this new wireless microphone system to operate on a licensed or unlicensed basis, while preserving the existing spectrum rights of others that share those frequencies.
• We will consider an adjudicatory matter from our Media Bureau.
• We will also consider an item from our Enforcement Bureau.

—Jessica