Media & Marketplace Topics
Auctions
The FCC uses auctions (competitive bidding) as one of the primary means of choosing among two or more mutually exclusive applications for an initial license for most commercial services, including wireless, television and radio. In a spectrum auction, parties apply to become qualified bidders for one or more spectrum licenses and take part in an online auction for those licenses.
Complaints
The Federal Communications Commission regularly receives complaints from consumers on a wide variety of issues. Consumers are encouraged to always try to resolve the problem first with the company whose products, services or billing are at issue.
Ex Parte
At the FCC, “ex parte” describes a communication directed to the merits or outcome of a proceeding that, if written, is not served on all of the parties to the proceeding and, if oral, is made without giving all the parties to the proceeding advance notice and an opportunity to be present. Our ex parte rules play an important role in protecting the fairness of the FCC's proceedings by assuring that FCC decisions are not influenced by impermissible off-the-record communications between decision-makers and others.
Forms
If you need assistance completing a form or filing information, contact the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 1-888-CALL-FCC. If you wish to order a form or know the form you need, but do not see it listed below please call our Forms Distribution Center at 1-800-418-3676 to order the form.
Licensing
The FCC is responsible for managing and licensing the electromagnetic spectrum for commercial users and for non-commercial users including: state, county and local governments. This includes public safety, commercial and non-commercial fixed and mobile wireless services, broadcast television and radio, satellite and other services.
Mergers & Acquisitions
The FCC reviews applications for the transfer of control and assignment of licenses and authorizations to ensure that the public interest would be served by approving the transaction.The commission's goal is a faster and more consistent review and analysis of applications.
Online Filing
The FCC maintains several online systems that allow the public to submit and access different types of filings regarding FCC proceedings, rulemakings, licensing, authorizations, complaints, tariffs and other official forms.Go to the Contact Information & Support Hours page for information about FCC’s customer support and helpdesk facilities for electronic filing and licensing systems.
Auctions
The FCC uses auctions (competitive bidding) as one of the primary means of choosing among two or more mutually exclusive applications for an initial license for most commercial services, including wireless, television and radio. In a spectrum auction, parties apply to become qualified bidders for one or more spectrum licenses and take part in an online auction for those licenses.
Competition
The competitive framework for communications services should foster innovation and offer consumers reliable, meaningful selections in affordable services. The FCC pursues removing regulatory, economic and operational barriers throughout the telecommunications sector.
International Telecommunications
The FCC has responsibility to initiate and direct, in coordination with other U.S government agencies, the development of international telecommunications policies reflecting the commission’s priorities. Areas include promoting the vital interests of the American public in international commerce, national defense and foreign policy areas.
Licensing
The FCC is responsible for managing and licensing the electromagnetic spectrum for commercial users and for non-commercial users including: state, county and local governments. This includes public safety, commercial and non-commercial fixed and mobile wireless services, broadcast television and radio, satellite and other services.
Mergers & Acquisitions
The FCC reviews applications for the transfer of control and assignment of licenses and authorizations to ensure that the public interest would be served by approving the transaction.The commission's goal is a faster and more consistent review and analysis of applications.
Ownership
The FCC reviews applicants’ eligibility to ensure compliance with applicable ownership rules for licenses, including media licenses and other authorizations. For example, parties must disclose ownership structures when applying for a license or authorization.
Small Business
The FCC aims to craft rules and guidelines that enable small businesses and the spirit of entreprenuership to blossom. Much of the FCC’s mission directly impacts the small business community.
Universal Service
The Universal Service Fund program -- or USF-- has helped connect virtually every American to our 20th century communications grid, first bringing basic telephone service to places where there was no economic case for service, and then extending the benefits of mobile phone service to rural and underserved areas. The FCC is pursuing initiatives that will modernize and streamline the Universal Service Fund program, preparing it for 21st century telecommunications and technologies.
Advertising
Advertising arises in a number of contexts at the FCC. Consumers submit a a variety of complaints about broadcast advertising, the nature of the products advertised, the timing of certain ads, and loud commercials or commercials that they believe are indecent or in poor taste. The FCC also administers rules about junk fax advertising.
Competition
The competitive framework for communications services should foster innovation and offer consumers reliable, meaningful selections in affordable services. The FCC pursues removing regulatory, economic and operational barriers throughout the telecommunications sector.
Enforcement
The FCC enforces provisions of the Communications Act and the commission's rules, orders and terms and conditions relating to licenses. Areas of responsibility include broadcast, cable, satellite and wireless services, as well as common carrier services.
Equipment Authorization
The FCC oversees the authorization of equipment using the radio frequency spectrum. These devices may not be imported and/or marketed until they have shown compliance with the technical standards specified by the commission.
Fraud
Cellular fraud, or cell fraud, is the unauthorized use, tampering or manipulation of a cellular phone or service. Currently, the primary type of cell fraud is subscriber fraud. The cellular industry estimates that carriers lose more than $150 million per year due to subscriber fraud.
Indecency & Obscenity
Congress gives the FCC responsibility for administratively enforcing laws prohibiting the airing of obscene programming at any time and the airing of indecent programming or profane language during certain hours. In response to a complaint, the FCC may revoke a station license, impose a monetary forfeiture or issue a warning if a station airs obscene, indecent or profane material.
Interference
Interference is any unwanted radio frequency signal that prevents you from watching television, listening to your radio or stereo or talking on your cordless telephone. Interference may prevent reception altogether, cause only a temporary loss of a signal, or affect the quality of the sound or picture produced by your equipment.
Measurement Procedures
The FCC provides a non-exclusive list of measurement procedures that may be used when testing equipment to determine its compliance with FCC rules. The list is provided as a reference tool to aid interested parties in locating measurement procedures.
Mergers & Acquisitions
The FCC reviews applications for the transfer of control and assignment of licenses and authorizations to ensure that the public interest would be served by approving the transaction.The commission's goal is a faster and more consistent review and analysis of applications.
Online Privacy
Online privacy is a growing concern for consumers as more day-to-day transactions take place electronically. The FCC urges consumers to take basic steps to protect themselves and their private information online.
Ownership
The FCC reviews applicants’ eligibility to ensure compliance with applicable ownership rules for licenses, including media licenses and other authorizations. For example, parties must disclose ownership structures when applying for a license or authorization.
Broadband
Broadband technology enables transmission of wide ranging information contributing to safety, health and economic well-being. Broadband is a platform for opportunity and innovation in health care, education, energy, job training, civic engagement, commercial transactions, government performance, public safety and other areas.
Broadcast Television
The FCC licenses and regulates U.S. television broadcast stations. Stations are either full power or low power stations. Low power television stations, which include Class A and television translators, provide locally-oriented television service in small communities.
Cable Television
Cable television is a video delivery service provided by a cable operator to subscribers via a coaxial or fiber optic cable. Other subscription video service distributors include direct broadcast satellite providers, home satellite dishes and local telephone companies.
Radio
The FCC administers and maintains licenses for AM, FM, LPFM, FM translator and FM booster radio stations. FM radio licenses are available for operators of full power commercial stations, as well as full and low power, noncommercial education stations.
Satellite
Satellite technology provides telecommunications service throughout the nation and the world. Because satellites orbit far above the Earth, their footprint, or service area, covers nearly every part of the United States, providing instant, ubiquitous and reliable coverage.
Smart Grid
Congress directed the FCC, in its development of a National Broadband Plan, to include “a plan for the use of broadband infrastructure and services in advancing... energy independence and efficiency.” Smart Grid technology is a promising way to use broadband and other advanced communications to promote energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage energy independence. Smart Grid applications are being deployed using a variety of public and private communications networks.
Telephone
Charges, services, The FCC aims to make telephone service available and accessible to all consumers. We offer information to aid in common consumer questions and services, including eliminating unwanted telephone communications; changing phone services; number portability; understanding consumer phone bills; and more.number portability.
White Space
Unused spectrum between TV stations -- called white spaces -- represents a valuable opportunity for our changing wireless mobile landscape. Sometimes called “wi-fi on steroids,” this block of spectrum is ripe for innovation and experimental use, holding rich potential for research and commercial purposes. The FCC is moving forward with plans to unlock this spectrum in order to maximize white spaces’ value for consumers and businesses.
Wireless
Wireless communications services include cellular telephone, paging, personal communications services, public safety, and commercial and private radio services. Cultivating growth and encouraging innovation in the wireless arena is a key FCC goal.
9-1-1 & E9-1-1
9-1-1 is the telephone number used nationwide for callers to report emergencies. Dialing 9-1-1 for non-emergency calls is against the law. 9-1-1 service is a vital part of the nation's emergency response and disaster preparedness system.