FCC announces December agenda

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FCCWe haven’t even had the November FCC Open Meeting yet and the FCC has released the planks that will be part of the December session. Broadcasters will not have a thing to worry about when the commissioners gather for this one.


Not that there isn’t stuff to worry about – on Friday 11/30/12, the commissioners will take up the issue of propagating the LPFM service while at the same time clearing thousands of applications for FM translators, either by granting CPs or dismissing requests for same.

And the ownership issues that are part of the FCC’s Quadrennial Review are now pending on circulation on the 8th Floor and could be released at any moment.

But the December meeting, scheduled on the numerologically-significant date of Wednesday, 12/12/12, there is nothing of specific interest to broadcasters whatsoever.

From the FCC, here’s what will be on the table:

* Enabling Spectrum Sharing and Small Cell Wireless Broadband Services in the 3.5 GHz Band: The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to broaden its initiatives in unleashing broadband spectrum, promoting technological innovation, and encouraging investment via the creation of a shared access broadband service in the 3550-3650 MHz band for small cell use.

* Facilitating the Deployment of Text-to-911 and Other Next Generation 911 Initiatives: The Commission will consider a Report, Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on developing the capability for Americans to contact 911 emergency services via text messaging. This would be a first step toward additional next generation services offering wider access to 911 responders.

* Reforming Rural Health Care Support: The Commission will consider a Report and Order on reforming the FCC’s universal service support programs for healthcare that would expand healthcare providers’ access to broadband, especially in rural areas, while increasing overall efficiency and accountability in the programs.