Federal Communications Commission

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) mission is to ensure that the American people have available—at reasonable costs and without discrimination—rapid, efficient, nationwide, and worldwide communication services whether by radio, television, wire, wireless, satellite, or cable. FCC is responsible for ensuring that an orderly framework exists within which communications products and services can be quickly and reasonably provided to consumers and businesses. FCC also addresses the communications aspects of public safety, health, and emergency operations; universal availability of basic telecommunications service; accessibility of communications services to all people; and consumer protection.

• FCC regulates industries that touch the lives of every American, including radio, television, telephone, the Internet, and satellite. In recent years, FCC’s regulatory function has become more complex as what were once separate communications networks providing distinct services, sometimes in a monopoly environment, have increasingly converged to provide similar bundled services. FCC faces the challenge of ensuring robust competition in this environment.

  Highlights of GAO-07-80 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-06-426 (PDF)

• FCC manages use of the radio-frequency spectrum by all nonfederal entities, such as commercial enterprises, state and local governments, and public safety organizations. FCC faces the challenge of balancing competing demands for limited spectrum, protecting existing users of spectrum while facilitating new services, and ensuring adequate spectrum for critical public safety services.

  Highlights of GAO-06-526T (PDF), Highlights of GAO-06-236 (PDF)

• FCC oversees the Universal Service Fund, which helps ensure the diffusion of communications services to a variety of communities and entities. The cost of the Universal Service Fund has increased dramatically to about $7 billion in 2007, imposing greater burdens on consumers. At the same time, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the United States has fallen from fourth in 2001 to 15th in 2007 in the world rankings of broadband adoption, as measured by the percentage of the population with broadband service.

  Highlights of GAO-08-633 (PDF), Highlights of GAO-05-151 (PDF)