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The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) was established in 1934 by the US Congress to regulate interstate and international communications. This includes technology and services within radio, television, wireline and satellite markets.

The Commission is directed by five Commissioners, who are appointed by the President. One of these Commissioners acts as the Chairman and is responsible for the management of the Commissioners and their staff.Only three of these Commissioners can be from the same political party. All serve 5-year terms.The Commission has seven bureaus:

Cable Services Bureau - resolution of cable-related issues.

Common Carrier Bureau - policy development for telephone companies, mostly interstate, although sometimes intrastate as well.

Consumer Information Bureau - handles communication with the public.

Enforcement Bureau - handles the enforcement of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as well as the Commission's orders and rules.

International Bureau - responsible for satellite and international matters.

Mass Media Bureau - regulates radio and television broadcasting along with fixed wireless services (multipoint distribution and ITFS).

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau - responsible for cellular and PCS, pagers and two-way radio regulation. Also handles spectrum allocation.

Current Commissioners

Chairman: Michael Powell
Commissioner: Kathleen Abernathy
Commissioner: Michael Copps
Commissioner: Kevin Martin
Commissioner: Currently unfilled

The Telecom Act was signed into law by President Clinton on February 8, 1996. The act was passed in an effort to deregulate the telecommunications market, by:

Telephone
Opening up local phone markets and increasing competition in the long distance markets - while at the same time, ensuring that all Americans have access to these services.

Television
Ensuring the continued success of over-the-air broadcasting (television) while lifting regulation on rates and ownership abilities in the cable market.

Advanced Services
Encourage the development of advanced services (technology neutral) for all Americans - especially educational facilities.

Debates have ensued since the Act's debut about its effectiveness (see The Broadband Economy - WAVE0147 for examples). Consequently, Congress has become increasingly involved. This year, Representatives W.J. "Billy" Tauzin, R-La., and John Dingell, D-Mich., have introduced a bill that would relax certain provisions of the Telecom Act to allow local phone companies into the long distance market without meeting the FCC requirements mandated in the Act. This bill will likely be deferred to 2002.

Additional sources of information*

FCC Web site
Summary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996
Benton Foundation Telecom Act of 1996 Page




*The WAVE Report is not responsible for content on additional sites

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Page updated 1/24/07
Copyright 4th Wave Inc, 2007