[United States Government Manual]
[May 30, 1997]
[Pages 523-529]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M Street NW., Washington, DC 20554
Phone, 202-418-0200; 888-225-5322 (toll-free). TDD, 202-632-6999; 888-
835-5322 (toll-free)
Chairman Reed E. Hundt
Commissioners Rachelle B. Chong,
Susan Ness,
James H.
Quello,
(vacancy)
Managing Director Andrew S. Fishel
General Counsel William E. Kennard
Director, Office of Public Affairs Susan Lewis Sallet
Director, Office of Legislative and Karen Kornbluh
Intergovernmental Affairs
Chief, International Bureau Peter Cowhey
Inspector General H. Walker Feaster III
Chief, Office of Plans and Policy Robert M. Pepper
Chief, Office of Administrative Law Judges Joseph Stirmer
Chief, Mass Media Bureau Roy J. Stewart
Chief, Common Carrier Bureau Regina Keeney
Chief, Compliance and Information Bureau Beverly G. Baker
Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Michele Farquhar
Chief, Cable Services Bureau Meredith Jones
Director, Office of Communications Business Catherine Sandoval
Opportunities
Director, Office of Workplace Diversity Jack W. Gravely
Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology Richard M. Smith
[For the Federal Communications Commission statement of organization,
see the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Part 0]
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The Federal Communications Commission regulates interstate and foreign
communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. It is
responsible for
[[Page 524]]
the orderly development and operation of broadcast services and the
provision of rapid, efficient nationwide and worldwide telephone and
telegraph services at reasonable rates. Its responsibilities also
include the use of communications for promoting safety of life and
property and for strengthening the national defense.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was created by the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) to regulate
interstate and foreign communications by wire and radio in the public
interest. The Commission was assigned additional regulatory jurisdiction
under the provisions of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962 (47
U.S.C. 701-744), and a major overhaul of the Communications Act of 1934
was enacted with passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Public
Law 104-104, 110 Stat. 56). The scope of FCC regulation includes radio
and television broadcasting; telephone, telegraph, and cable television
operation; two-way radio and radio operators; and satellite
communication.
The Commission is composed of five members, who are appointed by the
President with the advice and consent of the Senate. One of the members
is designated by the President as Chairman.
The Commission's Office of the General Counsel reviews initial
decisions, writes decisions, and assists the Commission and individual
Commissioners in the disposition of matters arising in cases of
adjudication, as defined in the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.
note prec. 551), that have been designated for hearings. The
Commission's administrative law judges, qualified and appointed pursuant
to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, conduct
evidentiary adjudicatory hearings and write initial decisions.
Activities
Mass Media The Mass Media Bureau administers the regulatory program for
amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), television, low-
power TV, translators, multipoint distribution service (MDS),
instructional TV, and auxiliary services. The Bureau issues construction
permits, operating licenses, and renewals or transfers of such broadcast
licenses except for broadcast auxiliary services. It also oversees
compliance by broadcasters with statutes and Commission policies.
For further information, contact the Mass Media Bureau. Phone, 202-418-
2600.
Common Carrier Communications The Common Carrier Bureau administers the
regulatory program for interstate common carrier communications by
telephone. Common carriers include companies, organizations, or
individuals providing communications services to the public for hire,
who must serve all who wish to use them at established rates. In
providing interstate communications services, common carriers may employ
landline wire or electrical or optical cable facilities.
For further information, contact the Common Carrier Bureau. Phone, 202-
418-1500.
Wireless Telecommunications The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
administers all domestic commercial and private wireless
telecommunications programs and rules. The commercial wireless services
include cellular, paging, personal communications, specialized mobile
radio, air-ground, and basic exchange telecommunications services. The
private wireless services generally serve the specialized internal
communications needs of eligible users, and include the public safety,
microwave, aviation, and marine services. Additionally, the Bureau
serves as FCC's principal policy and administrative resource with regard
to all spectrum auctions. It also implements the compulsory provisions
of laws and treaties covering the use of radio for the safety of life
and property at sea and in the air. The commercial and amateur
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[[Page 526]]
radio operator programs are also administered by the Bureau.
For further information, contact the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau.
Phone, 202-418-0600.
International Bureau The International Bureau manages all FCC
international telecommunications and satellite programs and policies,
and has the principal representational role on behalf of the Commission
at international conferences, meetings, and negotiations. The Bureau
consists of three divisions: Telecommunications, Satellite and
Radiocommunication, and Planning and Negotiations.
The Telecommunications Division develops and administers policy,
rules, and procedures for the regulations of telecommunications
facilities and services under section 214 of the Communications Act and
Cable Landing License Act. In addition, the Division develops and
administers regulatory assistance and training programs in conjunction
with the administration's global information infrastructure (GII)
initiative.
The Satellite and Radiocommunication Division develops and
administers policy, rules, standards, and procedures for licensing and
regulation of satellite and earth station facilities, both international
and domestic, and oversight of Comsat as the U.S. Signatory to INTELSAT
and Inmarsat.
The Planning and Negotiations Division represents the Commission in
negotiations of international agreements with Mexico, Canada, and other
countries on the coordination and notification of domestic radio
frequency assignments and resolution of international radio interference
involving U.S. licensees. The Division processes license applications
and conducts international coordination for high frequency (HF)
international broadcast stations and acts on applications for delivery
of broadcast programs to foreign stations.
For further information, contact the International Bureau. Phone, 202-
418-0420, or 888-225-5322 (toll-free).
Cable Services Communications The Cable Services Bureau develops,
recommends, and administers policies and programs for the regulation of
cable television systems. The Bureau advises and recommends to the
Commission, or acts for the Commission under delegated authority, in
matters pertaining to the regulation and development of cable
television. The Bureau is responsible for:
--investigating complaints and answering general inquiries from the
public;
--planing and developing proposed rulemakings and conducting
comprehensive studies and analyses (legal, social, and economic) of
various petitions for policy or rule changes;
--processing applications for authorizations in the cable television
relay service;
--participating in hearings before Administrative Law Judges and the
Commission;
--conducting studies and compiling data relating to the cable
industry for the Commission to develop and maintain an adequate
regulatory program;
--collaborating and coordinating with State and local authorities in
matters involving cable television systems; and
--advising and assisting the public, other Government agencies, and
industry groups on cable television regulation and related matters.
Engineering and Technology The Office of Engineering and Technology
administers the Table of Frequency Allocations which specifies the
frequency ranges that can be utilized by various radio services. The
Office also administers the Experimental Radio Service and the Equipment
Authorization Program. The Experimental Radio Service permits the public
to experiment with new uses of radio frequencies. This allows
development of radio equipment and exploration of new radio techniques
prior to licensing under other regulatory programs. The Equipment
Authorization Program includes several specific procedures by which the
agency approves radio equipment as a prerequisite to importation,
marketing, or use. The procedures range from Commission testing of
equipment
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samples for compliance with applicable standards, through FCC review of
applications and accompanying test reports submitted by the applicants,
to a self-authorization procedure whereby a manufacturer certifies that
the product complies with the standards.
For further information, contact the Office of Engineering and
Technology. Phone, 202-418-2470, or 888-225-5322 (toll-free).
Compliance Much of the investigative and enforcement work of the
Commission is carried out by its field staff. The Compliance and
Information Bureau has 3 regional offices and 35 field offices, as well
as resident agents in 9 additional cities. It also operates a nationwide
fleet of mobile radio direction-finding vehicles for technical
enforcement purposes. The field staff, in effect, are the Commission's
``eyes and ears'' in detecting problems in the telecommunications
environment and enforcing communications legislation and Commission
rules.
For further information, contact the Compliance and Information Bureau.
Phone, 888-225-5322 (toll-free).
Compliance and Information Bureau
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Office Address Director
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Regional Offices
Kansas City, MO......................... Rm. 320, 8800 E. 63d St., 64133. Dennis P. Carlton
Park Ridge, IL.......................... Rm. 306, 1550 Northwest Hwy., Russell D. Monie
60068-1460.
San Francisco, CA....................... Rm. 420, 3777 Depot Rd., Serge Marti-Volkoff
Hayward, CA 94545-2756.
Field Offices
Allegan, MI............................. P.O. Box 89, 49010-9437......... James M. Roop
Anchorage, AK........................... 6721 W. Raspberry Rd., 99502- Marlene Windel
1896.
Atlanta, GA............................. Rm. 320, 3575 Koger Blvd., Fred L. Broce
Duluth, GA, 30136-4958.
Belfast, ME............................. P.O. Box 470, 04915-0470........ Barry A. Bohac
Buffalo, NY............................. Rm. 1307, 111 W. Huron St., David A. Viglione
14202-2398.
Cerritos, CA............................ Rm. 660, 1800 Studebaker Rd., James R. Zoulek
90701-3684.
Columbia, MD............................ P.O. Box 250, 21045-9998........ (Vacancy)
Custer, WA.............................. 1330 Loomis Trail Rd., 98240- (Vacancy)
9303.
Dallas, TX.............................. Rm. 1170, 9330 LBJ Fwy., 75243- James D. Wells
3429.
Denver, CO.............................. Rm. 860, 165 S. Union Blvd., Leo E. Cirbo
80228-2213.
Douglas, AZ............................. P.O. Box 6, 85608............... Stephen Y. Tsuya
Farmington Hills, MI.................... 24897 Hathaway St., 48335-1552.. James A. Bridgewater
Grand Island, NE........................ P.O. Box 1588, 68802-1588....... James H. Berrie, Jr.
Hato Rey, PR............................ Rm. 747, Federal Bldg., 00918- William C. Berry
1713.
Hayward, CA............................. Rm. 420, 3777 Depot Rd., 94545- David Doon
2756.
Houston, TX............................. Rm. 900, 1225 N. Loop West, Loyd P. Perry
77008-1775.
Kansas City, MO......................... Rm. 320, 8800 E. 63d St., 64133- James A. Dailey
4895.
Kingsville, TX.......................... P.O. Box 632, 78363-0632........ Oliver K. Long
Kirkland, WA............................ Rm. 312, 11410 NE. 122d Way, Gary P. Soulsby
98034-6927.
Langhorne, PA........................... Rm. 404, 2300 E. Lincoln Hwy., John Rahtes
19047-1859.
Livermore, CA........................... P.O. Box 311, 94551-0311........ Thomas N. Stavern
Miami, FL............................... Rm. 310, 8390 NW. 53d St., 33166- John L. Theimer
4668.
New Orleans, LA......................... Rm. 505, 800 W. Commerce Rd., James C. Hawkins
70123-3333.
New York, NY............................ 201 Varick St., 10014-4870...... Alexander J. Zimney
Park Ridge, IL.......................... Rm. 306, 1550 Northwest Hwy., George M. Moffitt
60068-1460.
Portland, OR............................ Rm. 1782, 1220 SW. 3d Ave., Charles W. Craig
97204-2898.
Powder Springs, GA...................... P.O. Box 85, 30073-0085......... Donald E. Taylor
Quincy, MA.............................. 1 Batterymarch Pk., 02169-7495.. Vincent F. Kajunski
St. Paul, MN............................ Suite 31, 2025 Sloan Pl., Albert S. Jarratt
Maplewood, MN 55117-2058.
San Diego, CA........................... Rm. 370, 4542 Ruffner St., 92111- William H. Grisby
2216.
Tampa, FL............................... Rm. 1215, 2203 N. Lois Ave., Ralph M. Barlow
33607-2356.
Vero Beach, FL.......................... P.O. Box 1730, 32961-1730....... Robert C. McKinney
Virginia Beach, VA...................... 1200 Communications Cir., 23455- Joseph P. Husnay
3725.
Waipahu, HI............................. P.O. Box 1030, 96797-1030....... Jack Shedletsky
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Sources of Information
Inquiries for information on the special subjects listed in the
following paragraphs and those concerning licensing/grant requirements
in the various services may be directed to the person or office
specified or to the Chief of the Bureau or Office listed below as having
responsibility for the service: Federal Communications Commission, 1919
M Street NW., Washington, DC 20554.
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Licensing/Grant Responsibility--Federal Communications Commission
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Service Bureau or Office
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All broadcasting (except broadcast auxiliary services) Mass Media
and multipoint distribution services Bureau
Cable television relay radio Cable Services
Bureau
Cable TV rate regulation
Cable TV relay services (CARS)
Cable signal leakage
Cable television questions
Registration of cable systems
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Common carrier radio Common Carrier
Bureau
Section 214 of FCC Act
Experimental radio Office of
Engineering and
Technology
Equipment approval services: Office of
Engineering and
Technology
Certification
Type acceptance
Type approval
Notification
Verification
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Amateur radio Wireless
Telecommunicati
ons Bureau
Auxiliary broadcast services
Aviation radio
Commercial radio operators
Common carrier microwave services
Interactive video and data services
Land mobile radio
Marine radio
Private microwave radio
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International Section 214 International
Bureau
International high frequency broadcast stations
Satellite Earth stations
Satellite space stations
Section 325-C applications
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Advisory Committee Management Direct inquiries to the Associate
Managing Director for Program Analysis. Phone, 202-418-0442.
Consumer Assistance Inquiries concerning general information on
Commission operations and public participation in the decisionmaking
process should be addressed to the Public Service Division, Room 254,
1919 M Street NW., Washington, DC 20554. Phone, 202-418-0200, or 888-
2250-5322 (toll-free).
Contracts and Procurement Direct inquiries to the Chief, Acquisitions
Branch. Phone, 202-418-0930.
Electronic Access Information regarding the Commission is also
available electronically through the Internet, at http://www.fcc.gov/.
Employment and Recruitment The Commission's programs require attorneys,
electronics engineers, economists, accountants, administrative
management and computer specialists, and clerical personnel. Requests
for employment information should be directed to the Chief, Staffing and
Recruitment Service Center. Phone, 202-418-0130.
Equal Employment Practices by Industry Direct inquiries to the Chief,
Public Service Division. Phone, 202-418-1799.
Internal Equal Employment Practices Direct Inquiries to the Director,
Office of Workplace Diversity. Phone, 888-225-5322 (toll-free).
Ex-Parte Presentations Information concerning ex-parte presentations
should be directed to the Commission's Office of General Counsel. Phone,
202-418-1720.
Fees Inquiries concerning the Commission's Fee Program should be
addressed to the Public Service Division, Room 254, 1919 M Street NW.,
Washington, DC 20554. Phone, 888-225-5322 (toll-free).
Information Available for Public Inspection At the Commission's
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headquarters office in Washington, DC, dockets concerning rulemaking and
adjudicatory matters, copies of applications for licenses and grants,
and reports required to be filed by licensees and cable system operators
are maintained in the public reference rooms (some reports are by law
held confidential). General information is also available through the
Commission fax-on-demand (phone, 202-418-2830). In addition to the
information available at the Commission, each broadcasting station makes
available for public reference certain information pertaining to the
operation of the station, a current copy of the application filed for
license, and nonconfidential reports filed with the Commission. Special
requests for inspection of records at the Commission's offices should be
directed to the Managing Director. Phone, 202-418-1919. The Library has
on file Commission rules and regulations. Phone, 202-418-0450. The
Office of Public Affairs distributes publications, public notices, and
press releases. Phone, 202-418-0500.
For further information, contact the Public Service Division, Federal
Communications Commission, 1919 M Street NW., Washington, DC 20554.
Phone, 202-418-0200, or 888-522-5322. TDD, 202-632-6999, or 888-835-
5322.
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