FCC announces tentative March agenda

• Native Nations Spectrum NPRM: a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to explore a range of recommendations to help close the wireless gap on Tribal Lands.

•  Tribal and Rural Radio Orders and FNPRM: orders revising rules or establishing waiver standards that will make it easier for Native Nations to provide radio service to areas that are the functional equivalent of Tribal Lands and to Tribal Lands that are small or irregularly shaped. A further notice invites additional comment on adopting a Tribal Bidding Credit and alternative ways to foster radio service by Native Nations on their lands. Also, an order adjusting policies for determining whether proposed new radio stations or station moves constitute an equitable distribution of radio service under Section 307(b) of the Communications Act.

• Omnibus NOI on Improving Communications Services for Native Nations: a Notice of Inquiry that explores ways to overcome the barriers to deployment of communications services to Native Nations communities, and to improve consultation and coordination with Native Nations.

• NPRM to Streamline and Clarify the Commission’s Rules Governing Retransmission Consent: an NPRM that seeks comment on changes to rules governing or affecting retransmission consent negotiations between broadcasters and multichannel video programming distributors.

• Lifeline/Link Up Reform and Modernization NPRM: an NPRM proposing to reform the Universal Service Fund’s Lifeline and Link Up programs to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse; improve program administration, accountability and fiscal responsibility; and modernize the program in light of market and technology changes, including to support pilot programs for broadband adoption.

• Advanced Communications Services NPRM: an NPRM that seeks comment on rules implementing provisions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA). The NPRM proposes rules requiring providers of advanced communications services and manufacturers of equipment used for those services to make their products accessible to people with disabilities.

•  Video Description NPRM: also implementing the CVAA, this NPRM proposes to reinstate the video description rules adopted by the commission in 2000, as directed by Congress.