Digging Out and Digging In

After an unprecedented government shutdown, the FCC is back and open for business.  Staff is digging out from under a lot of emails (inbox zero? not so much), and we are all digging in for a final sprint before the New Year.

It is great to be back at full strength here in the building.  This place was not the same without each and every one of the agency’s talented public servants.  So to the FCC team, I want to say thank you again for your professionalism and dedication during these times.  Hopefully we won’t be going through that again anytime soon!

Now as we head into Thanksgiving, we’ve kept progress on the table—serving up a handful of items for our December meeting while on the side our many bureaus and offices continue advancing a cornucopia of items. (end of bad puns)

First, we’re continuing to step up the fight against illegal robocalls.  The Commission will vote on an order that requires all providers with direct access to phone numbers to certify and disclose information about robocall compliance, public safety, and national security.  Until now, these requirements have only applied to new applicants under a 2023 order, creating a gap in our protections.  This new action ensures every provider is subject to the same rules to protect consumers.

Next, we’re taking another step towards advancing the future of local broadcasting by voting on an order that delivers LPTV broadcasters added regulatory clarity to put their licenses to work.  LPTV stations deliver free, over-the-air television services to millions of viewers nationwide, often serving small towns, rural communities, and the unique, hyper-local interests of niche viewers.  This action updates our rules to reflect the changes in the broadcast industry since the LPTV service was established more than forty years ago and help LPTV broadcasters serve their communities effectively.

No holiday season is complete without a little cleanup. (I said end of bad puns, not all puns.)   So, we’ll be voting on an In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete action that will sweep away 38 rules that regulate outdated technologies—from analog cable receivers to long‑gone cordless phones.

As you enjoy a big Thanksgiving meal with your families, know that we’re not letting the tryptophan get to us.  We’re going to keep working hard.