FCC To Consider Wireless Rules, Video Distribution Market

WASHINGTON, December 30, 2009 – The Federal Communications Commission plans to soon consider whether rules are needed to address terrestrially delivered cable-affiliated programming in order to promote competition in the video distribution market, the agency said Wednesday.

FCC Julius Genachowski said the agency plans to consider regulations related to wireless devices and robocalls during a January 20 meeting. The FCC plans to weigh “An Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to complete an important component of the DTV transition by prohibiting the further distribution and sale of devices that operate in the 700 MHz frequency and setting a date by which existing devices must clear the band to enable the rollout of public safety services and the deployment of next generation wireless devices for consumers,” according to an agency statement.

The FCC also plans to consider a notice of proposed rulemaking that seeks to harmonize the commission’s rules on prerecorded telemarketing calls with a Federal Trade Commission rule on telemarketing sales.

Genachowski said FCC staff will provide an update on the National Broadband Plan Status Report during the meeting. The FCC plans to provide further information on the meeting in the coming weeks.