On July 18, 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that there will be a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on September 28, 2016, at 2:20pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). All EAS Participants are required to participate during the National EAS Test, and they must register with the FCC’s new EAS reporting system by August 26, 2016. Continue reading EAS National Test Deadlines Announced
Category Archives: Deadlines
FCC Gives Advance Notice To Displaced Low Power TV and TV Translator Stations
On May 26, 2016, the FCC’s Media Bureau issued a Public Notice with the stated purpose of providing advance notice of the eligibility standards for Low Power television (“LPTV”) and TV Translator licensees seeking to file displacement applications in a future filing window. With the commencement of the Incentive Auction, the Media Bureau sought to provide permittees sufficient time to construct their authorized facilities if they wish to participate in the first displacement filing window to be opened shortly after the end of the Incentive Auction.
Continue reading FCC Gives Advance Notice To Displaced Low Power TV and TV Translator Stations
FCC Proposes Further Modifications To Broadcaster And Cable Public File Rules
On May 25, 2016, the FCC released a Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) seeking comment on two proposed modifications to the local public file requirements for commercial broadcast stations and cable operators. The proposed changes come on the heels of the FCC’s decision in January 2016 to implement the Online Public Inspection File system for radio broadcast stations and cable operators with more than 1,000 subscribers, as well as DBS and satellite radio licensees.
Continue reading FCC Proposes Further Modifications To Broadcaster And Cable Public File Rules
Transition to New Online Public File Database Announced
In an earlier post, we discussed the adoption of rules requiring all radio stations, cable systems, and satellite radio and television licensees to transition their public inspection file onto an online database to be maintained by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
On May 12, 2016, the FCC announced the timeline for the migration for the affected parties. In particular, the following parties will need to commence using the new database on June 24, 2016: Continue reading Transition to New Online Public File Database Announced
FirstNet Issues its Long Awaited RFP to Build and Operate a Nationwide Broadband Public Safety Network
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) on January 13, 2016, issued its Request for Proposals (RFP) to deploy and operate a nationwide public safety broadband network, marking a major step forward in a decades-long effort to modernize communications for first responders and other public safety personnel. The release follows extensive dialogue with public safety and potential vendors in the technology and communications industry on the objectives and scope of the RFP for the FirstNet network, including a consultation and outreach program to engage with the states, territories, federal agencies, tribal governments, among others.
Reminder – CPNI Annual Certification Filings Due March 1
Starting out the New Year with its first “enforcement advisory,” the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau on February 5, 2016 issued a Public Notice reminding telecommunications carriers and interconnected VoIP providers that they have until March 1, 2016 to file annual Customer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI) certifications with the FCC. Continue reading Reminder – CPNI Annual Certification Filings Due March 1
FCC Reforms Broadcast Ownership Reports and Filing Procedures
On January 20, 2016, the FCC released a Report and Order adopting new broadcast ownership reporting forms in a bid to improve demographic information available to the FCC. The order (1) imposed a requirement for a new Restricted Use FCC Reporting Number (“RUFRN”); (2) increased reporting obligations for noncommercial education broadcasters; (3) limited the availability of Special Use FRNs; and (4) revised the relevant reporting forms for improved efficiency. Continue reading FCC Reforms Broadcast Ownership Reports and Filing Procedures