FCC Open Meeting (March 2011)

FCC Open Meeting

Thursday, March 3
The Commission will hear Item Nos. 1 thru 3 in a morning session from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
An afternoon session featuring Item Nos. 4 thru 7 will commence at 2:00 pm.
http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0224/DOC-304835A...

Here's the agenda; the FCC will consider:

  1. an Order to revise rules or establish waiver standards that will make it easier for Native Nations to provide radio service to areas that are the functional equivalent of Tribal Lands and to Tribal Lands that are small or irregularly shaped; and to adjust policies for determining whether proposed new radio stations or station moves constitute an equitable distribution of radio service under Section 307(b) of the Communications Act. A Further Notice seeks comment on adopting a Tribal eligibility requirement or a tribal bidding credit to foster radio service by Native Nations on their lands.
  2. a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to explore a range of recommendations to help close the wireless gap on Tribal Lands.
  3. a Notice of Inquiry that explores ways to overcome the barriers to deployment of communications services to Native Nations communities, and to improve consultation and coordination with Native Nations.
  4. a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on changes to rules governing or affecting retransmission consent negotiations between broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors.
  5. a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to reform and modernize the universal service Lifeline and Link Up programs by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse; improving program administration, accountability, and fiscal responsibility; and updating the program in light of market and technology changes, including to support pilot programs for broadband adoption.
  6. a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to reinstate the video description rules adopted by the Commission in 2000, as directed in the CVAA.

This item has been removed from the agenda as it has already been adopted by the Commission:

  • a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on rules implementing provisions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA). The NPRM proposes rules requiring providers of advanced communications services and manufacturers of equipment used for those services to make their products accessible to people with disabilities.