Background
The Federal Communications (FCC) was
established by the Communications Act of 1934 as an independent
U.S. government agency and is directly responsible to Congress.
The FCC regulates interstate (between states) and international
communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in
all of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S.
possessions.
Five Commissioners direct the FCC. They are
appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Only three
Commissioners can be of the same political party at any given time
and none can have a financial interest in any Commission-related
business. The President selects one of the Commissioners to serve
as Chairperson. All Commissioners, including the Chairperson, have
five-year terms, except when filling an unexpired term.
Organization
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The FCC's staff is organized by function.
There are seven Bureaus and ten Offices. The Bureaus and the
Office of Engineering and Technology process applications for
licenses and other filings, analyze complaints, conduct
investigations, develop and implement regulatory programs, and
participate in hearings, among other things. Generally, the
Offices provide specialized support services. Bureaus and
Offices regularly join forces and share expertise in
addressing FCC-related issues.
The Bureaus
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The Consumer & Governmental Affairs
Bureau (CGB) develops and implements the FCC's consumer
policies, including disability access. The Bureau serves as the
public face of the Commission through outreach and education, as
well as through the Consumer Center, which is responsible for
responding to consumer inquiries and complaints. CGB also
maintains collaborative partnerships with state, local, and
tribal governments in such critical areas as emergency
preparedness and implementation of new technologies.
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The Enforcement Bureau (EB) enforces
the Communications Act and the FCC's rules. The Enforcement
Bureau protects consumers, fosters efficient use of the
spectrum, furthers public safety, and promotes competition.
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The International Bureau (IB)
administers the FCC's international telecommunications and
satellite programs and policies, including licensing and
regulatory functions. The Bureau also has a unique role in
promoting pro-competitive policies abroad, coordinating the
Commission's global spectrum activities, and advocating U.S.
interests in international communications and competition. The
Bureau works to promote a high quality, reliable, globally
interconnected, and interoperable communications infrastructure.
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The Media Bureau (MB) recommends,
develops, and administers the policy and licensing programs
relating to electronic media, including radio and broadcast,
cable, and satellite television in the United States and its
territories.
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The Public Safety & Homeland
Security Bureau (PSHS) supports initiatives that strengthen
public safety and emergency response capabilities to better
enable the FCC to assist the public, law enforcement, hospitals,
the communications industry, and all levels of government in the
event of a natural disaster, pandemic, or terrorist attack.
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The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
(WTB) regulates all FCC domestic wireless telecommunications
programs and policies, including licensing. Wireless
communications services include cellular, paging, personal
communications, public safety, and other commercial and private
radio services. The Bureau also implements competitive bidding
for spectrum auctions.
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The Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB)
develops and recommends policy goals, objectives, programs, and
plans for matters concerning wireline telecommunications, such
as universal service and the deployment of advanced
telecommunications services.
The Offices
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The Office of Administrative Law
Judges is composed of judges who preside over hearings
and issue decisions.
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The Office of Communication
Business Opportunities promotes competition and
innovation in the provision and ownership of
telecommunications and information services by supporting
opportunities for small, women, and minority-owned
communications businesses.
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The Office of Engineering and
Technology (OET) advises the FCC on technical and
engineering matters. OET develops and administers FCC
decisions regarding spectrum allocations, and grants
equipment authorizations, experimental licenses, and
special temporary authority to operate.
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The Office of the General Counsel
(OGC) serves as the FCC's chief legal advisor.
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The Office of the Inspector
General conducts and supervises audits and
investigations relating to FCC programs and operations.
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The Office of Legislative Affairs
serves as the liaison between the FCC and Congress, as
well as other federal agencies.
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The Office of the Managing
Director administers and manages the FCC.
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The Office of Media Relations
informs the media of FCC decisions and serves as the FCC's
main point of contact with the media.
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The Office of Strategic Planning
and Policy Analysis works with the Chairman,
Commissioners, Bureaus, and Offices to develop a strategic
plan and identify policy objectives for the agency. It
also provides research, advice, and analysis of advanced,
novel, and non-traditional communications issues.
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The Office of Workplace Diversity
ensures that the FCC provides employment opportunities for
all persons regardless of race, color, sex, national
origin, religion, age, disability, or sexual preference.
For More Information
For information about
telecommunications issues, visit the FCC's Consumer
& Governmental Affairs Bureau Web site at www.fcc.gov/cgb,
or contact the FCC's Consumer Center by e-mailing fccinfo@fcc.gov;
calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or
1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing
1-8666-418-0232; or writing to:
Federal Communications Commission Consumer &
Governmental Affairs Bureau Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division 445 12th Street, SW Washington, DC 20554.
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