With tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires and the like already upon us -- and many more likely to come -- the FCC has reminded video providers of their obligation to make accessible to viewers with disabilities ALL crisis-related information. This obligation can extend well beyond the immediate geographic impact area of the crisis.… Continue Reading
As aircraft became increasingly computerized and electronic displays proliferated in the cockpit, the possible targets of on-board interference have increased. Passengers' equipment has likewise become computerized and proliferated. And passenger complaints have mounted.… Continue Reading
With Hurricane Isaac barreling toward shore, the FCC has activated its Disaster Information Reporting System. Communications providers (including broadcasters) in the affected areas are asked to log into the system and keep the FCC advised of developments as the storm hits.… Continue Reading
The Second Circuit has affirmed an injunction preventing ivi TV, the would-be online "cable system", from carrying over-the-air content.… Continue Reading
With the reg fee deadline approaching, here's a tip for tax exempt licensees: Despite the fact that your tax exempt - and, therefore, reg fee exempt - status may have previously been demonstrated to and accepted by the FCC, the Commission's records may still not reflect that.… Continue Reading
Ever wonder how the FCC comes up with the precise reg fees it charges? Here's your chance to find out, and maybe even help the Commission move away from reliance on data that the FCC acknowledges are "subjective" and "unreliable".… Continue Reading
The Communications Act imposes complex limits on alien ownership. The FCC's historical interpretation of those limits has made them even more complex. The Commission has now revisited that interpretation - with mixed results.… Continue Reading
Universities, hospitals, hotels, apartment complexes, office buildings, even prisons. Don't look now, but you might have signal leakage problems that could get you into serious trouble with the FCC.… Continue Reading
Suppose you receive a Forfeiture Order from the FCC demanding a large check for violating FCC rules. And suppose you want to raise a challenge. When and where do you do that? We're not longer sure, especially if you happen to be in Texas, Louisiana, or Mississippi.… Continue Reading
FilmOn.com, the upstart service that purported to be enough like a cable service to be entitled to retransmit broadcast programming without the broadcasters' permission, appears to be gone. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, "BarryDriller.com" has emerged to take its place.… Continue Reading
The FCC expands on last summer's rule changes by authorizing smaller antennas and wider channels for fixed microwave, and also updates efficiency standards to reflect the current predominance of IP networks.… Continue Reading
The Tenth Circuit has upheld the FCC's 2010 denial of regulatory forbearance to Qwest Corporation. In doing so it has given the FCC some leeway when the agency changes its mind.… Continue Reading
New FCC rules on 76-77 GHz radar, used for vehicle braking systems, airport runway safety, and the monitoring of aircraft and airport service vehicles, will take effect on September 12.… Continue Reading
If you have a Verizon phone that uses C Block frequencies, tethering should be free. Still, three days after release of the consent decree, a limited spot check indicated that Verizon was still demanding $20 per month to tether a C Block phone.… Continue Reading
Here's a report on last night's demonstration of the new online public file system. And heads up -- if you didn't make it to last night's demo, the FCC has scheduled another for today, August 1, at 12 Noon (ET). Since the new public file rule takes effect tomorrow, August 2, there's no time like the present.… Continue Reading
